Integrating Art Therapy And Emerging Technologies For Enhanced Neuroplasticity And Ptsd Intervention, Piper Hutson, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains resistant to many conventional treatments, underscoring the need for integrative approaches that harness neuroplasticity. Art therapy, with its capacity to facilitate nonverbal trauma processing and multisensory engagement, has shown distinctive advantages over verbal and pharmacological interventions. Recent innovations, including virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and biofeedback have amplified the therapeutic efficacy of art-based interventions by enabling adaptive, real-time modulation of emotional and physiological states. This review synthesizes current research on technologically enhanced art therapy, comparing it to established treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Findings indicate …

The Future Research Direction Of Cgiar: Lessons Learned From One Cgiar, Katie Loethen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Since its founding in 1971, CGIAR (formerly the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation, credited with launching the Green Revolution and delivering 1.78 trillion USD in net present value (NPV) benefits globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite these accomplishments, CGIAR now faces internal and external pressures that threaten its future impact. The 2019 reorganization into “One CGIAR” aimed to enhance coordination but has been criticized for adding bureaucracy and reducing scientific autonomy. Simultaneously, public funding for agricultural research is shrinking, while private sector investment often overlooks low-margin, high-need areas central …

Development Of A Homogenized Material Model For Carbon Fiber–Aluminum Transition Joints Using Fea And Optimization, Nicholas M. Couch

All Theses

The integration of metals and composites in automotive structures improves manufacturability and overall structural performance. The proposed Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing (UAM) joint provides a promising solution for joining aluminum and carbon fiber; however, modeling its behavior across an entire vehicle can be computationally expensive. To address this challenge, a homogenized material card is developed to efficiently capture the joint’s mechanical response while maintaining computational efficiency. A novel characterization method is implemented, employing implicit simulations and optimization techniques to determine the effective material properties of the UAM transition joint. This approach enables rapid iteration of material parameters, facilitating the efficient evaluation …

Impact Of Activated Carbon On In-Situ Reductive Dechlorination Of Chlorinated Ethenes In The Presence Of Perfluoroalykl Substances, Katie Motta

All Theses

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and chlorinated ethenes are frequently co-detected at contaminated sites, yet little is know about how PFAS influence the performance of in-situ reductive dechlorination processes, particularly in systems amended with activated carbon.

The objective of this research was to study the impact of PFAS on in-situ reductive dechlorination of chlorinated ethenes using activated carbon. This research aims to characterize the sorption behavior of PCE and TCE (and its daughter products) and PFAS (PFOS and PFOA) onto activated carbon, and to assess how this sorption influences PCE and TCE removal from contaminated media in the presence of activated carbon. …

Evaluating (Bio)Degradation Of Carbon Tetrachloride In Fe(Iii)-Reducing Environments, Adam Rogers

All Theses

Understanding degradation of carbon tetrachloride in-situ is vital for many remediation projects across the world, yet conclusive evidence of its feasibility is lacking in previous studies.

The main objective of this research is to assess the potential for carbon tetrachloride attenuation by biological, abiotic, and combined processes in a Fe(III)-reducing aquifer. In doing so, it assesses the effect of pH and stoichiometric ratio on abiotic degradation of carbon tetrachloride using various reducing agents, evaluates iron-mediated versus direct biotic degradation of carbon tetrachloride using pure cultures under resting and growth conditions, and characterizes the effects of culture strain, electron acceptors and …

Machine Learning Based Medical Ultrasound Image Classification And Grad-Cam Interpretation, Victoria C. Hemphill

All Theses

This work takes a step in creating a diagnostic tool for the classification decision process of Achilles tendinopathy using ultrasound images. An attention-based multiple instance learning model is developed to classify the images. Typically, doctors capture multiple ultrasound images of the Achilles tendon during a study to determine a complete diagnosis. Multiple instance models adopt this behavior by providing a single label for a set of instances (images). The images are grouped into ”bags” at the study level and passed into the model. The MIL model then uses its attention property to assign an importance score to each image to …

Visor-Zt: A Visibility, Simulation, And Operational Resilience Framework For Zero Trust Security In Ros 2, Noah Tinker

All Theses

Robotic systems are becoming more and more prevalent in modern society, with Robot Operating System 2 (ROS 2) being the dominant operating system for these implementations. Its popularity can be attributed to its design, which is purpose-built for distributed systems and asynchronous communications. However, ROS 2 security is static and therefore less capable of responding to contemporary threats and network behavior. This becomes a greater issue when considering its applications in the military and defense sectors, where security is of the highest importance. In recent years, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has implemented zero trust (ZT) security based on …

A Generalizable And Privacy-Preserving Framework For Anomaly Detection In Heterogeneous Iot Environments, Mahshid Rezakhani

All Theses

With the rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices across various sectors, detecting anomalies in such systems has become increasingly challenging. IoT environments produce diverse and evolving data streams, often lacking labeled examples, which limits the effectiveness of traditional machine learning models. These models typically require frequent retraining and struggle to adapt to new deployment conditions. This thesis proposes a flexible, privacy-aware framework for anomaly detection in multivariate time series data generated by heterogeneous IoT systems. The approach integrates a long short-term memory variational autoencoder (LSTM-VAE) with contrastive learning and adversarial adaptation, enabling the model to generalize across domains, …

Polyphenols For The Mitigation Of Vascular Calcification; In Vitro And In Vivo Studies, Abdullah Altuhami

All Theses

Globally, cardiovascular diseases, in most cases associated with calcification, are the main cause of death. However, currently, the only effective cure is to undergo surgery to augment or receive a healthy donor heart, which could be very difficult due to the long waiting list and the associated risks. The possibility of body rejection of the foreign organs is attributed to immunoreaction or the risk of infection, since the donor must be on immunosuppressant drugs that lower the body's immunity and facilitate the body's acceptance of the new organ as one of its own. Taking that into consideration, using tissue-engineered vascular …

Grain Boundary Migration And Radiation Induced Segregation In Fe-Cr Alloys, Mohit Dhoriya

All Theses

Radiation-induced segregation (RIS) is a significant phenomenon that occurs in alloys subjected to irradiation, particularly in environments such as nuclear reactors. This thesis investigates RIS in ferritic Fe- Cr alloys through the use of Atomic Kinetic Monte Carlo (AKMC) simulations, focusing on the interaction between solute atoms and migrating grain boundaries. The study explores the influence of temperature, solute concentration, and grain boundary velocity on solute drag, a critical process driving RIS. The results show that solute migration is strongly influenced by the presence of vacancies and interstitials generated under irradiation, which are absorbed by grain boundaries and other defect …

Effect Of Cigarette Smoke Extract And Nutrient Deficiency On Energy Metabolism And Biosynthesis: An In Vitro Intervertebral Disc Explant Culture Study, Avery E. Madden

All Theses

Low back pain consistently ranks among the leading causes of disability worldwide, with degenerative changes in spinal intervertebral discs (IVDs) recognized as a key contributor. Degeneration arises from the disruption of mechanical and biological cues within the disc’s cartilaginous tissue, often exacerbated by aging or injury. In recent decades, cigarette smoking has also been identified as a significant risk factor, as IVD degeneration is more prevalent among individuals with a history of smoking. Smoke inhalation is thought to promote degeneration both directly, by exposing cells to water-soluble toxic chemicals in smoke; and indirectly, through nutrient deficiency resulting from vasoconstriction and …

Effects Of Variation In Altitude And Temperature On The Restraining Force And Internal Gauge Pressure Of Constrained Dunnage Airbags, Charles R. Weaver

All Theses

Dunnage airbags are an increasingly popular choice for securing cargo. During transit, changes in ambient temperature and pressure can cause airbags to expand generating damaging horizontal compressive forces in the trailer or container. Previous studies have developed numerical models for the behavior of Kraft paper and woven polypropylene fabric dunnage airbags under standard conditions but do not account for the behavior of airbags under varied altitudes and temperatures. This study provides empirical data on the internal gauge pressure and restraining force dynamics of 4-ply Kraft, woven polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride airbags under simulated altitude and temperature conditions. Tensile testing characterizes …

Determining The Impact Of Surface Roughness On Disinfection Efficacy Of Commercial Products Against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa And Staphylococcus Aureus Wet Surface Biofilms, Kayley Stallings

All Theses

Biofilms are resistant to many stressors including disinfectant treatments. Disinfection may be further complicated by biofilms formed on damaged surfaces, as the damaged parts provide bacteria a better place to attach and grow. To better understand the risks, a new method to standardize surface scratching, to emulate worn surfaces via surface roughness changes was developed. These surfaces were used to grow biofilms with an adapted standardized EPA method to determine disinfection efficacy differences on scratched and non-scratched high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and stainless steel (SS) coupons treated with commercial disinfectants [hypochlorite (CL)-based, hydrogen peroxide (HP)-based, and quaternary ammonium (QA)-based]. Post-80 grit …

Cultivation Of Botryococcus Braunii For The Production Of Hydrocarbons Suitable For Fuel Use, Bryan C. Carroll

All Theses

Energy security, rural poverty, and climate change are pressing issues of our time. Biofuels provide a solution to these issues, with a focus on sustainable aviation fuel, SAF, due to compatibility with aircraft infrastructure and energy density. This research aims to review and produce knowledge about a specific microalga, Botryococcus braunii, for its potential for SAF. First a literature review on the process was conducted followed by an experimental study on the impact of aqueous media and inorganic carbon its growth and hydrocarbon content. The literature review found the process consists of cultivation followed by lipid extraction or hydrothermal …

Quantifying The Effect Of Initial Molecular Weight Distribution On The Degradation Of Linear Polyethylene At High Temperatures Using Dissipative Particle Dynamics, Cassandra L. Simpson

All Theses

Polyolefins are the primary contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and supply chain energy requirements with respect to other commodity polymers. In order to explore more efficient methods for recycling and upcycling these plastics, it is important to consider the kinetics of polymer fragments during the degradation process to more accurately reflect experimental outcomes. The molecular weight distribution of synthetic polymers is an important factor to consider when synthesizing, processing, and manufacturing industrial plastics. The breadth of this distribution, or dispersity, is determined by the ratio of the weight average molecular weight to the number average molecular weight, and is correlated …

A Comparative Study Of Land Use Regulations And Impact On Coastal Estuaries, Mabel W. Dadzie

All Theses

The study presents a mixed method and longitudinal assessment of land cover change, estuarine land loss, and policy implemented to address the past and anticipated estuarine losses in the Cooper River and North and South Santee watershed over the past twenty years. This study uses National Land Cover Dataset from 2001 to 2021, NOAA’s SLR projection data and planning documents from 1990 to 2025 to examine policy evolution among ten major themes. The results illustrate significant changes in land cover, notably the transition of wetlands, agriculture, and forests to developed land, as well as an evident spike in the integration …

Impact Of Cysteine And Tyrosine Dipeptides On Cho Cell Performance In A Perfusion Mimic, Corrin L. Pruitt

All Theses

Perfusion cell cultures typically achieve higher cell densities and generate higher volumetric productivities than fed-batch cultures due to continuous nutrient supply and spent media removal. Despite these advantages, perfusion cell cultures remain underutilized for licensed product manufacturing, primarily due to the lack of small-scale perfusion models for high-throughput process development and the complexities involved in media formulation capable of supporting high cell densities during long-term continuous operation. To avoid nutrient limitation at high cell densities, current perfusion processes rely on using higher perfusion rates, which results in significant media wastage and downstream product dilution. Therefore, there has been an effort …

Exploring Commuter Cyclists' Experiences Commuting In And Around Clemson University, Trevor S. Romans

All Theses

Climate change is a global issue, and high rates of automobile usage contribute to substantial social, environmental, and economic issues. One potential partial solution is creating bicycle-friendly communities. Research suggests that bicycle use leads to benefits in physical health, environmental sustainability, economic savings, and social justice. Research supports the roles of infrastructure development, safety policies, and other transportation planning initiatives in increasing bicycling, but less research has been completed about what is needed to develop bicycle-friendly communities. While physical infrastructure affects willingness to commute by bicycle, research suggests that understanding psychological factors and other behavioral aspects is also important for …

Life Cycle Assessment Of Sustainable Wastewater Systems - Algae-Based Wastewater Treatment, Harish Lakshmi Srinivasan

All Theses

This thesis studies the integration of an algae-based membrane bioreactor (MBR) and photobioreactor system into a domestic wastewater treatment facility, using the Clemson University WWTP as a reference plant. The proposed system replaces the conventional sequencing batch reactor and aerobic digester with a microalgae-bacteria symbiosis process, coupled with submerged ceramic membranes, an algal photobioreactor and anaerobic digestion for enhanced nutrient and energy recovery, which paves the way for water reuse and increased biological capacity in the future.

The study shows that overall energy consumption is reduced by approximately 18% compared to the existing conventional configuration. Further, methane production from anaerobic …

Advancing Multi-Physics Modeling For Microwave Heating: Application In Micro-Reactor Design And Optimization, Raghav Adhikari

All Theses

Microreactors are a type of small-scale chemical reactors for achieving reduced volume, improved product selectivity and higher reaction rate. It allows precise temperature control, which is crucial for sensitive chemical processes. Microreactors can be employed as key components of conducting small-scale reactions with improved reactor configuration and process efficiency. It is important to identify a localized and precise heating mechanism to trigger and control the corresponding chemical reactions.

In fact, microwave heating has gathered significant attention in recent years due to its ability to deliver efficient, rapid, and localized heating, which can accelerate reaction rates and enhances the reaction selectivity. …

Impact Of Non-Uniform Surface Temperature On The Apparent Radiative Properties Of Cavity Receivers, Ehsan Mofidipour, Matthew R. Jones, Brian D. Iverson

Faculty Publications

Radiative surface properties play a critical role in the design, analysis and optimization of solar–thermal systems. Cavity receivers increase the efficiency of solar–thermal energy systems through the cavity effect. The cavity effect refers to increased absorption of radiation due to multiple reflections within a cavity. Apparent radiative surface properties of a cavity characterize the effective interactions of radiation passing through an imaginary surface covering the cavity aperture. In this study, we investigate the extent to which the apparent emissivity of a cavity with a non-uniform surface temperature profile may be estimated using an isothermal enclosure model. A cylindrical cavity was …

Assessing The Accessibility Of Queer Romance Book Covers As Digital Thumbnails: An Analysis Of Color Contrast, Colorblind Safety, And Typography Legibility, Madelynn Sare

Book Publishing Final Research Papers

This research investigates the digital accessibility of queer romance book covers displayed as thumbnails online, focusing on the balance between creative freedom, genre appeal, and inclusive cover design. Using a dataset of 100 highest-rated queer romance titles from Goodreads (2020–2024), the study evaluates accessibility by examining color contrast ratios against Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards, assessing colorblind safe design with Adobe Color, and measuring typography legibility through a custom-developed scale. Findings reveal that many covers fall short of WCAG color contrast requirements, yet a majority are colorblind safe, indicating that relatively minor design adjustments can significantly improve digital accessibility …

Shifting Instructional Planning Practices: Exploring High School Mathematics Teachers' Perceptions Of Integrating The Do The Math Protocol Into Collaborative Instructional Planning, Lillian M. Gordon

Dissertations

This qualitative case study explores the perceptions of high school mathematics teachers regarding the implementation of the Do the Math protocol during collaborative instructional planning. This study investigates how the use of a structured planning tool can support professional growth and instructional improvement. Over five weeks, participants engaged with the protocol to collaboratively plan instruction. Data was collected through interviews, observation of collaborative instructional planning sessions, and analysis of instructional artifacts. Findings revealed two major themes. First, the protocol contributed to building content and pedagogical knowledge by deepening teachers’ understanding of math standards, promoting intentional collaboration, and encouraging the sharing …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Polymer-Coated Metal Nanostructures And Gelatin-Incorporated Hydrogels For Biomedical Use, Deborah Takyibea Okyere

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The development of advanced materials for disease management and treatment presents a pressing challenge in the health sector. The overall objective of this research is to contribute to the development of advanced materials with tailored properties for biomedical applications, with a focus on cost-effective and robust nanoparticles and biomaterials. The first part of this work focuses on designing and synthesizing earth-abundant copper nanoparticles with desired optical properties. Copper nanoparticles, which provide a more affordable alternative to gold and silver, are being investigated due to their unique plasmonic properties. However, their susceptibility to oxidation limits their application. To address this challenge, …

A Multicomponent Microneedle Patch For The Delivery Of Meloxicam For Veterinary Applications, Katherine Alejandra Miranda Munoz

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Veterinary medicine requires innovative drug delivery strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing stress and handling. This dissertation explores the development and application of biodegradable microneedle patches for the transdermal delivery of meloxicam in livestock, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional administration methods. The research investigates the fabrication and characterization of microneedles using polyvinyl alcohol, collagen, and chitosan blends, demonstrating their mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and ability to facilitate sustained drug release. In vitro and in vivo evaluations confirm effective skin penetration, dissolution, and localized drug delivery. Pharmacokinetic studies highlight anatomical site-dependent variations in drug absorption, emphasizing the need for …

Impact Of Three Professional Development Models (Online, Face-To-Face, And Hybrid) On Bhutanese Inservice Science Teachers' Conceptions Of Aspects Of Nature Of Science (Nos) With Reports Of Translation Of Nos Content Into Classroom Teaching Practices, Pabi Maya Das

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Having a scientifically literate citizenry is an asset nationally and globally, and knowledge of the nature of science (NOS) is a crucial element in such literacy. Science teachers are a vital link if students are to understand key elements of the NOS, yet teachers themselves often lack knowledge of NOS and how to integrate NOS content into science lessons. Investigating the impact of a series of inservice professional development experiences using three distinct delivery modes (face-to-face, hybrid, online) for teachers in my home country of Bhutan is the overarching goal of the study reported here. The study used a mixed-methods …

Effect Of Marination And Storage Time On The Properties And Meat Quality Of Broiler Breast, Mayra Mabel Herrera Rivera

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Abstract The poultry industry has implemented numerous methods, as marination and aging, to improve meat quality and satisfy consumer demands. Three experiments were developed to assess the effects of vacuum tumble marination and aging on the proteins of chicken breast. These experiments utilized 0.75 % sodium chloride, 0.45 % phosphate, and water in a marinade. In experiment one, 270 fillets were allocated into six treatment groups, each comprising 45 fillets. Six days of storage time were used, marinating and storing the fillets in each group at a temperature of 4°C. Following each day of storage period, the fillets underwent a …

Modeling U.S. Corn Production Archetypes In The Agricultural Policy/Environmental Extender Model To Generate Life Cycle Assessment Inventory Data, Brandon Taylor

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Corn (Zea mays) is an important crop grown across the US for many uses such as grain for animal feed, bio-ethanol production, food products, and industrial products. Corn is produced in almost every state in the US, but most corn production is concentrated in the Corn Belt Region including Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, and Nebraska. Although technologies and production practices are improving corn production efficiency primarily through increased yields (improved land use), corn production at this scale greatly impacts the environment through emissions from fertilizer and pesticide runoff and leaching, soil degradation due to improper field practices, as well …

Controlling Electroless Deposition On Polymer Interfaces Towards Discrete Functional Particle Synthesis, Grecia Pierina Alvarado Munoz

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Electroless deposition is a process that facilitates the formation of metal layers on surfaces through the reduction of metal ions onto a surface in the presence of a sacrificial reducing agent. This process can be applied to synthesize conductive metal layers on insulators such as glass or polymers. The kinetics of heterogeneous deposition depend on the interfacial surface chemistry, including the presence of added catalyst materials, as well as the bulk chemical environment, such as the concentration of metal ions and sacrificial reductants. Furthermore, the homogeneous formation of metal nanoparticles may compete with the deposition reaction, adversely affecting the control …

Examining Shock Wave Flow Past The Brim Of A Helmet Using Schlieren Imaging, Cody Thomas, Catherine E. Johnson

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Increasing the protection a helmet provides the user from shock waves can help reduce the prevalence of blast induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI). Previous research has shown that air enters and gets trapped in the helmet-head cavity and can increase the overpressure experienced by the wearer. The brim design of the helmet has yet to be studied to understand how shock waves flow into the helmet. By studying a variety of brims, it is possible that the design can be modified to minimize shock wave flow into the helmet. This paper investigated a shock wave impacting interior and exterior facing …