Digital Commons Network^™

‘Never Disobey’: How Confucian Filial Piety Is Counterproductive To Its Goals For Society?, Bruce Crosby

Armstrong Undergraduate Journal of History

The paper presents a contentious aspect in Confucius’s teachings. In the Analects, there is a contradiction regarding the philosopher’s stance on filial piety and its importance to society. Such a contradiction has the potential to unravel much of his philosophy and represents an inconsistency particularly when taking into account Confucius’s goal of creating a harmonious society.

The United States In The Great War And The Alternate History Of The Twentieth Century, Matthew Anstatt

Armstrong Undergraduate Journal of History

The events of the twentieth century were undoubtedly some of the most significant in human history. Exponentially increasing levels of military technology combined with antiquated methods of peacekeeping and archaic systems of government in Europe meant that by the middle of the century the world would see international conflict on an unprecedented scale. This paper aims to examine the role of United States in these events and to question, with the benefit of hindsight, whether the path taken by the Wilson administration was the most prudent.

Linguistic Isolation: Ferdinand De Saussure’S Linguistic Theory And The Implications For Historiography, Luke Neilson

Armstrong Undergraduate Journal of History

“Linguistic Isolation” concerns the confluence of historical description and language. This essay explores the influence of Ferdinand de Saussure on facticity and description in historiography, arguing that de Saussure’s linguistic theory of significant, signifie, and difference pose problems for any historical account which attempts to describe the past as it actually occurred. Specifically, if we grant de Saussure’s linguistic theory for historical narratives, we are forced to abandon meta-historical entities and concepts, to impose non-empirical interpretive categories on data-sets, limit historical evidences to extremely small data sets, and, perhaps, to abandon the discipline of history altogether. Finally, the essay suggests …

Unethical Pro-Organizational Behavior And Organizational Identification: Exploring The Moderating Effects Of Conscientiousness And Neuroticism, Conrad Niederhauser

Theses and Dissertations

Little research in the field of industrial and organizational psychology has focused on unethical behavior intended to help the organizations and its members or the factors that may predict the prevalence of these behaviors. The purpose of this study was to further this research and examine possible moderating effects of conscientiousness and neuroticism on the relationship between organizational identification (OID) and unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB). While no support was found to suggest higher levels of neuroticism or conscientiousness moderate the relationship between UPB and OID. This study contributed to the literature through investigating the role of individual-level differences on the …

Disney World, The Mythic Space, And The Disney Company Mythology, Logan Sean Spence

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, I examine previous literature about Disney, his life, and his company to dissect and illustrate how he functioned as a mythical tale. Disney’s life story is a point of pride for those close to him and his family because it reflected the success of a man in a dire situation. However, once this claim is established, I use it, as well as other academic literature, to assert that the Walt Disney Myth eventually expanded into a broader Disney Company Mythology. The mythology, as I later establish, is less about Disney and more about the ideas he represents …

Sovereignty In Islamist Political Thought: Continuity And Change, Md Mizanur Rahman

Theses and Dissertations

Sovereignty is a contested issue in Islamist political thought. Although Islamists practically accepted liberal democracy in various forms across the world, they are yet to solve the normative paradox: how to reconcile Islam’s divine sovereignty to nation-state’s popular sovereignty. Normatively, Islamists advocating the divine sovereignty reject any human-constructed system that intervenes in the divine order and distorts God’s divine design. Some Islamists, however, attempt to move away from this interpretation of absolute sovereignty of God and consequently reinterpret Islamic thoughts and practices in a manner that is compatible with the ethos of liberal democracy. This study examines this shifting concept …

Interpenetration Of Powers: Channels And Obstacles For Populist Impulses, Anya Bernstein

Faculty Scholarship

Discussions of populism often focus on the most visible points of executive power: individual leaders. Yet individual leaders only accomplish things through administrative apparatuses that enable and support their power. Rejecting a political theology that imagines sovereignty as inhering in a single decision-maker, this article turns to political pragmatics focused on the people who populate the government. I draw on interviews with administrators in the government of two successful but quite different democracies. The first is the United States, an old, flagship democratic state. The second is Taiwan, which transitioned from a four-decade military dictatorship to a vibrant democracy in …

The Pharmabiotic For Phenylketonuria: Development Of A Novel Therapeutic, Chloé Elizabeth Lebegue

Senior Theses

Phenylketonuria, now known as phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency, is a genetic disorder of metabolism affecting approximately one in every 15,000 infants born in the United States. Patients have nonfunctional PAH enzyme secondary to one or more genetic mutations. The enzyme deficit results in destructive supraphysiologic blood phenylalanine levels upon consumption of the essential dietary amino acid phenylalanine. Current standards of care mitigate signs and symptoms of the disorder, but do not approach a cure. The methods for creating a prototype pharmabiotic as an innovative treatment strategy for PAH deficiency are described herein.

DNA molecular cloning techniques were utilized to engineer …

The Effect Of Professional Sports Success On Youth Participation: Growing The Game Of Women's Ice Hockey, Kiley C. Burns

Senior Theses

In February of 2018, the United States Women’s National Ice Hockey Team (Team USA) won gold at the Winter Olympics for the first time since 1998. The problem surrounds the unique components of the sport of ice hockey and identifying how to capitalize on international success to increase youth participation. The purpose of this study is to 1) identify the components needed to grow the game of female youth ice hockey, and in doing so, 2) identify the main barriers inhibiting the growth of female youth ice hockey. The research relies on semi-structured interviews with ice hockey experts including current …

Justice From The Perspective Of The Poor And Homeless, Jacob Swanstrom

Senior Theses

Justice from the Perspective of the Poor and Homeless is a report that reflects both an academic review of homelessness and qualitative reporting on how the Columbia homeless and poor populations interact with society. The aim of the thesis is to provide a wider look of just what homeless people face as they move through life in Columbia. To do this, I look through the lens of “rule of law” and use qualitative interviewing of homeless/poor and provide the conversations as a foundation to explain how homeless people interact with medical rights, employment rights and other areas of interest. As …

The Role Of Ash1l During Human Neurodevelopment, Anna Bagnell

Senior Theses

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with defects in neuronal connectivity and are highly heritable. A significant proportion of ASD cases are of complex genetic etiology; complexity which might reflect the impact of gene-environment interactions. However, there is a gap in our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the gene-environment interaction in autism complex etiology. Genome wide association studies in large ASD cohorts identified high risk variants associated with autism in genes that regulate histone modifications and remodel chromatin. These findings highlight the relevance of chromatin regulatory mechanisms in the pathology of ASD. Changes in Histone H3 methylation have been …

Hazard And Operability Analysis Of An Ethylene Oxide Production Plant, Samantha Ciricillo

Senior Theses

The purpose of this work was to evaluate potential hazards and failures as part of the design and economic analysis for a chemical plant that would produce 150,000 tons of ethylene oxide per year. The Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) method of analysis was used to accomplish this goal. This method of hazard analysis involves brainstorming potential errors in a system by examining each element of each process unit in full detail. This project was focused on the reactor unit because the reactor has several important parameters that could fail, resulting in safety issues within the system. Input for this analysis …

Guided Alligator Tours Or Raccoon Schooling (Gators), Paul List

Senior Theses

In my two main internships during college, I worked closely with two very different animals: raccoons and alligators. Additionally, I gained experience in presenting educational programs during my internship at Fripp Island, where my most common program was our Gator Walk. For my thesis project, I built upon my experience in interpretive programming, drawing on my experience with alligators and raccoons to develop a unique educational program to present at Congaree National Park. This report will describe the process of developing this program as well as it’s implementation and outcomes. In addition, it includes a review of scholarly literature on …

Estimating Chance For Success In Shale Gas Development Based On The Case Of The United States, Moira Lennon

Senior Theses

Natural gas, commonly extracted through the hydraulic fracturing of shale basins, has the potential to provide an abundant supply of energy that is more sustainable than other fossil fuels. Due to the complicated and risky nature of the hydraulic fracturing process, only the United States has developed the technology on a large scale. However, in the face of increasing global energy demands and vast supplies worldwide in virtually untapped basins, other countries may want to explore the potential development of this industry. Existing literature on Poland, Mexico, and China are analyzed to assess their similarity to the US in regard …

Be Your Best S.E.L.F., Rachel Wood, Casey Hasenbein

Senior Theses

The goal of our thesis was to use our knowledge as Exercise Science students and personal trainers to improve the health of an underserved population in South Carolina. We created a voluntary exercise and self-defense program for the girls residing at Epworth Children’s Home. The program began on October 1, 2018 and concluded on April 29, 2019 with data collecting taking place between October 8th and March 18th. Every other week SASS Defense taught their self-defense program, and on the alternating weeks we facilitated an exercise class. The program also included a mentorship aspect to create a supportive social environment …

The Empty Mill: An Analysis Of A Disappearing Linchpin Of Southern Society And Its Hope For A Preserved Future, Matthew South Bright

Senior Theses

August Kohn’s report, The Cotton Mills of South Carolina, published in The News and Courier in 1907, attempted to document the impact that cotton mills in South Carolina had on its places, people, and growth. Over 100 years since the lists publishing, a comprehensive evaluation of the mills had not been undertaken. This thesis endeavored to evaluate the current status of the South Carolina cotton mills from Kohn's 1907 list. Of the original 141 mills, 120 were successfully located and their status mapped in a Geographic Information System (GIS). Sixty-six were found demolished, twenty-five were standing, and twenty-nine were developed …

The Power Of Apology: How Crisis Communication Practices Impact Brand Reputation, Abigail R. Meister

Senior Theses

During April 2017, Pepsi launched its tone-deaf Kendall Jenner commercial, United Airlines dragged a passenger off of Flight 3411 and the public responded to both incidents with “online firestorm[s]” (Pfeffer, Zorbach, & Carley, 2014). The purpose of this thesis was to use the aforementioned events of April 2017 as a case study for how crisis communication practices impact brand reputation. While there is an abundance of literature written on what the best communication practices are in crisis situations, there is little that depicts the direct, real-life ramifications that these practices have in regard to brand reputation specifically. This thesis aimed …

Absolutist Thinking And Depression, Katherine Cohen

Senior Theses

A key characteristic of depression is the presence of cognitive biases (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). This study added to the growing literature examining absolutist thinking as a potential cognitive bias associated with depression. We used data from a survey conducted at the University of South Carolina Columbia campus which included 116 students to compare the use of absolutist words in participants’ writing with their depressive symptomatology. We further compared the difference in the use of absolutist words in participants’ responses about success versus their responses about failure. Results revealed that there was not a significant relationship between BDI scores ( …

Microstructural-Mechanical Interactions Of Drug Coated Balloons, Jesse Lauber, John M. Warrington, Christopher Wu, Justin Gerow

Senior Theses

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common subset of atherosclerosis characterized by plaque build-up in the arteries of the lower extremities. Drug coated balloons (DCBs) are a promising new therapy for PAD and are made up of angioplasty balloons coated in an antiproliferative drug, usually paclitaxel, and are inserted into the artery via a guide wire. The balloon inflates at the target site, mechanically compressing the plaque and delivering antiproliferative drug into the arterial wall which can prevent restenosis up to 14.5 months after treatment. Previous studies within our lab show that the excipient microstructure of the DCB can modulate …

Bridgr: An Ios Application For Organizing And Discussing Long-Distance Carpooling, Harrison Engoren, Erik Zorn

Senior Theses

Bridgr is an iOS application that facilitates long distance carpooling. This application allows drivers to post destinations on an interactable map so that they can be linked with students that need a ride to a location within close proximity of the posted destination. The riders and driver are linked in a common chat board where they can discuss ride details among themselves. The goal of Bridgr is to allow drivers to utilize extra space in their car in turn for fellowship and/or gas money.

Violence In The Hands Of Women: An Analysis Of Gendered Violence In Life Is Strange And Before The Storm, Mitchi Anne Maja

Senior Theses

This thesis is an analysis of the video games Life is Strange and Before the Storm and how they serve to reflect social expectations and norms placed upon both women and men even today. Cultural studies recently accepted video games as a form of media to study, especially with the prevalence and accessibility of video games in various platforms. Violence in video games is culturally associated with men and the male audience; my analysis focuses on violence in the hands of women. By analyzing the choices I made as a player and how these games present their narratives and characters, …

A Comparison Of The United States And Costa Rican Health Care Systems And Their Influence On Immigrant Women's Maternal And Child Health Outcomes, Tamera R. Sullivan

Senior Theses

Health is a fundamental right for all humans, and every nation has a unique system for health care delivery. While the United States and Costa Rica follow two different welfare state models, there is still value in comparing the two countries. This project was inspired by my public health-based study abroad experience in Costa Rica in May 2018, which sparked a desire to learn more about the structures that form the health care system of each country. The United States has a more privatized and fragmented health care system, while Costa Rica has a public, universal health care system. Although …

Children's Literature As A Catalyst For Social Change, Lyndsey Reynolds

Senior Theses

This thesis is the amalgamation of a creative writing project and an exploration of the ways that children’s literature influences and draws from social justice causes. It started after reading Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and realizing that children’s books are not as simple as I remember them being. This book inspired me to consider the power of children’s literature to push young readers to be aware of and thoughtfully engaged with political, social and cultural conversations. The first phase of my thesis was exploring the relationship between social justice and children’s books by reading scholarly materials. In these …

Innovative And Introverted: How Introverts Function In The Creative Workplace, Rose Needle

Senior Theses

Open office plans have become the dominant style for creative workplaces, designed to encourage constant collaboration and proximity. Little research assesses the validity of that conventional practice, or the impact of open environments on creativity, productivity or employee satisfaction for introverts, who require time alone for highest functioning. Though the “Extrovert Ideal” permeates these industries, nearly 50% of the general population is introverted—and introverted traits correlate positively with creativity. This thesis includes a survey of 143 people working in creative industries, assessing perceptions of productivity and satisfaction along with personality type. A majority of respondents yearned for solitude to complete …

Characterizing Aft1/2-Grx3/4 Interaction And The Role Of Bol2 During Iron Regulation In Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, William Rivers

Senior Theses

Iron dysregulation has been linked to a variety of human diseases, such as anemia, Friedreich’s ataxia, X-linked sideroblastic anemia, sideroblastic-like microcytic anemia, and myopathy. Thus, it is vitally important to understand the mechanisms for regulating intracellular iron. Here, we use fluorescence microscopy techniques in live cells to study interactions of the yeast proteins Grx3/4, Aft1/2, and Bol2, which have been shown to be involved in turning off iron import when the cell has adequate iron. Modified versions of genes encoding these proteins have been incorporated into several yeast backgrounds to use fluorescence to monitor interactions under varying iron levels.

An Example Of Reinterpretation In American Historic House Museums, Victoria Vanzomeren

Senior Theses

Despite their past importance, historic house museums have lost struggle to remain interesting to the general public because of the refusal to tell stories beyond those of wealthy, white men. In their 2018 restoration project on the Hampton-Preston Mansion, the Historic Columbia Foundation demonstrate how historic house museums can update their narratives to include the stories of marginalized people through the reinterpretation of their two Edward Troye paintings. This reinterpretation allowed Historic Columbia to tell a story that is not often told and represents the shift in new expectations for historic house museums in order to provide something meaningful to …

The Word Frequency Effect In English Second Language Students: An Eye Movement Monitoring Study, Chase Alexandria Rathfoot

Senior Theses

Reading has been the subject of hundreds of thousands of studies. Reading is fundamental skill not only to an individual’s education, but to their socialization and an understanding of the behavior is a rapidly expanding area of research. One of the least understood areas of reading behavior can be found is the growing English Second Language (ESL) population – or those who are learning English after demonstrating competence in their native language. As their native language has its own unique set of properties and is presented in its own unique written form, the influence this language has on their reading …

Bringing Truth To The Table: An Evidence Review To Dispell Common Dietary Myths, Madison Pierce

Senior Theses

Background/Significance

Nurses are most directly involved with patient care and are in an excellent position to be patient educators. Patients are more likely to actively listen after establishing rapport, especially for loaded topics such as lifestyle choices. While nurses have general nutrition knowledge, they may lack current, scientifically-based information to help patients implement a healthy diet. Nurses can both educate and be an example of health habits that patients should emulate, and therefore need to be adequately informed about topics like dietary misconceptions.

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to provide current evidence-based information regarding dietary misconceptions to nurses …

Examining The Role Of Socioeconomic Status In Concussion Recovery In A Pediatric Population, Chandler Melton

Senior Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to assess the role of socioeconomic factors in concussion recovery in a pediatric population. We sought to use a composite index (including maternal education, paternal education, household income) and individual factors of maternal education, paternal education, and household income as socioeconomic measures that could be significant components in recovery. We hypothesized that those with lower socioeconomic standing (composite or individual factor) would have greater deficits as evidenced by clinical symptoms, mood disturbances, and cognitive function. 45 subjects who presented to a local concussion clinic are included in this study. For each subject, clinical symptoms, …

Cpu Cooling Pulse Device For Enhanced Heat Transfer, Hannah Farabee, Noémie L. Iñiguez, Hugo Nunez, Wendy Zwanka

Senior Theses

Ice Dragon Cooling is a company which researches thermofluids and heat transfer technologies. The company’s present research focuses on HVAC and computer applications, with an emphasis on nanofluid development. To support Ice Dragon’s mission, the company wants a product that enhances heat transfer efficiency in liquid-cooled CPU systems. The product is to be a pulse device which increases the turbulence of a liquid across a computer CPU cooling block, thereby expediting heat transfer away from the CPU.

The needs for Ice Dragon Cooling were determined based on engineering knowledge and industry consultation. After further analysis, it was determined that increasing …