Digital Commons Network^™

Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter, June 12, 2025, Jeremy K. Greene

Clemson University Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter, June 12, 2025, Jeremy K. Greene

Clemson University Cotton/Soybean Insect Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Associations Between 24-Hour Movement Compositions And Cardiometabolic Health In Children And Adolescents: A Five-Part Compositional Analysis Using Data From The International Children’S Accelerometery Database (Icad), Zoë A. Marshall, Adam Runacres, Pedro Curi Hallal, Russ Jago, Soyang Kwon, Kate Northstone, Russell R. Pate, Jardena Puder, John J. Reilly, Luis B. Sardinha, Niels Wedderkopp, Ester Van Slujis

Faculty Publications

Objectives The benefits of physical activity (PA) and the negative impacts of sedentary time (SED) on health in youth are well established. However, uncertainty remains surrounding how PA and SED jointly influence cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors. The aim of this study was to determine the joint influence of SED, light-, moderate- and vigorous-intensity PA (LPA, MPA and VPA), and sleep on CMR factors using five-part compositional analyses.

Methods Data were pooled from 16 cohort studies comprising 22 474 children and adolescents from the International Children’s Accelerometery Database. PA was measured using hip-mounted accelerometers with sleep self-reported. CMRs included body mass …

The Relative Strength Of Help-Seeker Stereotype, Help-Seeking Self-Stigma, And Self-Esteem In Predicting Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Help, Souad Torjani Azim

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The increasing prevalence of mental health issues among college students is a critical concern. Disorders such as depression and anxiety are becoming more common, with depression notably a major risk factor for suicide—the second leading cause of death in this age group. Despite this troubling trend, significant barriers to accessing mental health services remain. While research has explored various factors contributing to students’ reluctance, such as stigma, distrust in the mental health system, lack of social support, and mental health literacy, none to date has examined the relative strength of help-seeker stereotype, help-seeking self-stigma, and self-esteem in predicting attitudes toward …

Small Business Leaders’ Strategies To Improve Employee Retention By Increasing Flexible Work Arrangements, Allen M. Looney

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Employee retention is a critical challenge for small business leaders in the finance and insurance sector. These leaders are concerned with identifying effective strategies to retain employees to avoid turnover costs and maintain operational stability. Grounded in transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry study was to identify and explore effective flexible-work-arrangement (FWA) strategies that small business leaders in the finance and insurance sector used to retain employees. The participants included six small business leaders in the finance and insurance sector in the Southeast United States with successful experiences using such strategies. Data were collected from semistructured …

Ekolohikal Na Palatandaan Ng Pagsama Ng Panahon At Mga Katutubong Paghahanda Sa Kalamidad Ng Malalayo At Tabing-Dagat Na Mga Komunidad Sa Partido Erya, Bikol, Darwin P. Plaza, Vasil A. Victoria

Dalumat: Multikultural at Multidisiplinaryong E-Journal sa Araling Filipino

Gamit ang pagmamapang kultural ay kinalap at inilarawan ng pag-aral na ito ang mga ekolohikal na palatandaan ng pagsama ng panahon at mga katutubong paghahandang ginagawa ukol dito ng malalayo at tabing-dagat na mga komunidad sa Partido Erya, Bikol. Palarawan ang disenyo at pagpamamapang pangkultural na ginabayan ng katutubong pamamaraan sa pananaliksik ang ginamit ng mga mananaliksik sa pangangalap ng mga datos. Ang mga tekstuwal na transkrip ng interbyu mula sa mga impormante ay sinuri gamit ang thematic at content analysis. Natuklasang may kaugnayan sa heograpikal na lokasyon at pamumuhay ng dalawang sangkot na komunidad ang mga ekolohikal na palatandaan …

Enzymatic Characterization Of Bacterial Enzymes And Inhibitors As Potential Antibiotics With New Mechanisms Of Action, Emma Helene Kelley

Dissertations

Bacteria have become increasingly resistant to antibiotics, therefore there is an urgent need for new drug classes of antibiotics to help fight antibiotic infections. To this end, our research is focused on inhibitors of dizinc metalloenzymes N-succinyl-L,L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase (DapE), an enzyme in the lysine biosynthesis pathway, N-acetyl-L-ornithine deacetylase enzyme (ArgE), an enzyme in the arginine biosynthesis pathway, and sodium-dependent NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) enzyme, a respiratory complex enzyme as promising drug targets. DapE, ArgE, and Na+-NQR and are only present in bacteria, including ESKAPE pathogens that can cause potentially deadly infections, thus inhibitors of DapE, ArgE, and Na+-NQR offer …

A Matter Of Public Concern: Wright V. Dorsey And The Need For Speech Protections Beyond Anti-Slapp Law, Henry Valentine

Duke Journal of Constitutional Law & Public Policy Sidebar

Wright v. Dorsey, a recent defamation case, demonstrates the limitations of anti-SLAPP ("Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation") law and the need for supplemental speech protections. Joshua Wright, an antitrust law practitioner and former professor, sued Elyse Dorsey and Angela Landry for defamation. Dorsey and Landry had claimed that Wright used his position as their professor (and later employer) to pressure them into non-consensual sexual relationships; Wright acknowledged their relationships but claimed they were fully consensual, and that stating otherwise was defamatory. Anti-SLAPP law failed to protect Dorsey and Landry even though Wright's lawsuit was ultimately a SLAPP. To better protect …

A Spatial Modeling Framework For Identifying Multidimensional Risk Factors Of Colorectal Cancer, Johnna K. Berryhill

Student Theses and Dissertations

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and preventable cancers, yet significant disparities in screening, incidence, and late-stage diagnosis persist across different geographic and socioeconomic contexts. This thesis presents a spatial modeling framework for identifying multidimensional risk factors associated with CRC outcomes across various geographic scales. Using county- and census-tract-level data from national and state sources, the study integrates demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, built environment, and behavioral predictors to analyze geographic variability in CRC risk factors. Advanced spatial modeling techniques, including Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) and Geographically Weighted Random Forest (GW-RF), are employed to capture spatial heterogeneity in these …

Building A Collaborative Culture Among A Remote Staff In K-12 Virtual Schools, Jamie L. Droegemeier

Student Theses and Dissertations

The rise of full-time virtual K-12 schools presents unique challenges for administrators in cultivating a collaborative staff culture among remote staff members. Collaboration among educators is essential for trust, professional development, and student achievement; however, existing research primarily focuses on traditional school settings. The problem addressed in this study is the difficulty K-12 virtual school administrators face in fostering collaboration among staff who work in different locations, potentially affecting instructional quality, job satisfaction, and student outcomes. The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to identify the best practices K-12 virtual school administrators had implemented to build a collaborative culture …

Utilizing Creative Writing Techniques In First-Year Composition, Brett Moss

Student Theses and Dissertations

One common issue found in first-year composition courses is a lack of emphasis on creative style and writing about writing (WAW) concerns. This thesis is concerned primarily with explaining how creative writing skills can benefit students in first-year composition courses, as well as advocating for more WAW ideas. I argue that by allowing students the chance to write with a more creative mindset in an environment which consciously considers writing as a skill, not just in the English department but across disciplines, a greater understanding of the importance of writing can be gained, along with more transfer skills.

Impact Of A Dance Education For Secondary School Students, Kimeka T. Williams

Student Theses and Dissertations

As the education system has grown, so has arts education, but not with great ease (Fegley, 2010). Dance education and associated curriculums are designed to allow students an opportunity to express themselves through creative movement. The Kennedy Center stated that arts integration is “an approach to teaching in which students construct and demonstrate learning through an art form. Students engage in a creative process which connects an art form and another subject area meeting evolving objectives in both” (Silverstein & Layne, 2014). Kassing (2013) states that today, the dance scene is quite different from how it was a century ago. …

Ai And Affective Polarization: The Ethos, Pathos, And Logos Of Political Rhetoric, Odette A. Henry

Student Theses and Dissertations

Campaign messages created using artificial intelligence (AI) tools were used in the 2024 Presidential election. AI videos, images, and audio recordings were used for the first time in campaign strategies to influence voters. The purpose of this research is to examine the AI campaign messages to identify rhetorical strategies used to influence voters. A selection of campaign artifacts was analyzed according to Aristotelian rhetorical strategies – ethos, pathos, and logos. Aristotle states that these techniques can be manipulated in the interest of political persuasion. The findings support his position and indicate that most 2024 AI campaign messages are partisan, manipulative, …

Intimate Partner Technology-Facilitated Abuse (Tfa): Technological Tools And Tactics, Rus'sel Sampson

AJiC Fact Sheets

This fact sheet provides a brief overview of the technological tools and associated behavioral tactics used to facilitate abuse against intimate partners, as documented in the research literature.

Remote Sensing Of Seismic Signals Via Enhanced Moiré-Based Apparatus Integrated With Active Convolved Illumination, Adrian A. Moazzam, Anindya Ghoshroy, Durdu Güney, Roohollah Askari

Michigan Tech Publications

The remote sensing of seismic waves in challenging and hazardous environments, such as active volcanic regions, remains a critical yet unresolved challenge. Conventional methods, including laser Doppler interferometry, InSAR, and stereo vision, are often hindered by atmospheric turbulence or necessitate access to observation sites, significantly limiting their applicability. To overcome these constraints, this study introduces a Moiré-based apparatus augmented with active convolved illumination (ACI). The system leverages the displacement-magnifying properties of Moiré patterns to achieve high precision in detecting subtle ground movements. Additionally, ACI effectively mitigates atmospheric fluctuations, reducing the distortion and alteration of measurement signals caused by these fluctuations. …

Gnsi Decision Brief: From Attrition To Asymmetry: A Strategic Assessment Of Recent Developments In The Russia-Ukraine War, Christopher Marsh, Arman Mahmoudian

GNSI Decision Briefs

The Russia-Ukraine war appears to be entering a new and uncertain phase. Over the past several months, both sides have intensified their operations, signaling the likely adoption of new strategies while simultaneously reacting to pressure from the Trump administration to “stop the bloodshed.” In March 2025, Russia launched its largest aerial assault against Ukraine up until that time, unleashing a barrage of 367 drones and missiles against the nation it invaded in February 2022. At the same time, Ukraine has demonstrated an increasing capability to strike deep into Russian territory, targeting military leaders, strategic bombers, and military airfields. Kyiv even …

Exploring Responsible Use Of Generative Ai In Disaster Resilience For Indigenous Communities, Taranum Bano, Chun-Hua Tsai, Srishti Gupta, Yu-Che Chen, Edouardo Zendejas, Sarah Krafka

Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis Faculty Publications

Tribal communities face unique challenges in disaster response, often lacking resources and infrastructure to effectively respond to emergencies. This study explores the potential of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance disaster response within these communities. We designed a multi-modality generative AI system for disaster assessment from user-generated photos and organized reports with community in-kind cost sharing. We introduced the system prototype at the 2024 National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) conference with emergency department professionals from diverse tribal nations and other stakeholders. Through a workshop-focused group discussion, we discussed the perception, ideas, and concerns for introducing generative AI technology to …

Balancing Health Information-Seeking Through Retrieval-Augmented Generation-Based Llm Chatbot, Gargi Nandy, Srishti Gupta, Farhad Mohammad Afzali, Eric Peeples, Betsy Pilon, Chun-Hua Tsai

Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis Faculty Publications

Family caregivers play a vital role in supporting children with chronic health conditions, such as neonates diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). However, navigating complex medical information can be overwhelming due to the quantity and quality of available literature. This study leverages Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)-based Large Language Models (LLMs) to develop a chatbot that integrates peer-reviewed scientific literature and provides personalized, simplified summaries for caregivers. A user study involving six caregivers and five healthcare providers demonstrated the chatbot’s ability to enhance clarity, improve comprehension, and deliver essential medical information concisely. Our findings highlight the potential of RAG-based LLMs to enhance caregivers’ …

Balancing Health Information-Seeking Through Retrieval-Augmented Generation-Based Llm Chatbot, Gargi Nandy, Srishti Gupta, Farhad Mohammad Afzali, Eric Peeples, Betsy Pilon, Chun-Hua Tsai

Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis Faculty Publications

Family caregivers play a vital role in supporting children with chronic health conditions, such as neonates diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). However, navigating complex medical information can be overwhelming due to the quantity and quality of available literature. This study leverages Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)-based Large Language Models (LLMs) to develop a chatbot that integrates peer-reviewed scientific literature and provides personalized, simplified summaries for caregivers. A user study involving six caregivers and five healthcare providers demonstrated the chatbot’s ability to enhance clarity, improve comprehension, and deliver essential medical information concisely. Our findings highlight the potential of RAG-based LLMs to enhance caregivers’ …

Teacher Perspectives On The Impact Of School-Based Mental Health Services On Academic Performance, Attendance, And Behavior, Carol Ingram

Student Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative instrumental case study explores teacher perspectives on the impact of school-based mental health services on student academic performance, attendance, and behavior in a northern Mississippi school district. Understanding their influence on key student outcomes is crucial given the increasing integration of school-based mental health services in educational settings. Framed by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) five core competencies, this study examines how school-based mental health services support these competencies through teachers' insights. Data were collected using criterion sampling, focusing on eight high school teachers through focus groups, individual interviews, and a review of the …

Scientific Imperialism: Science, Nature, Race, And The U.S. Conquest Of California, Jared Dewight Allinson

Student Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the connections between scientific language, scientific and commercial ventures, and the impact they had on nineteenth century California. Eighteenth century intellectual movements that emerged from the Scientific Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and the Enlightenment, influenced how U.S. intellectuals perceived both nature and other peoples. By the nineteenth century, U.S. politicians began to promote the scientific exploration of the western regions of North America in order to understand how to better utilize and gain power over natural resources and access to commercial markets. Within these scientific expeditions, scientists, military officials, and artists incorporated new verbiage to not only describe …

Examining Teacher Efficacy And Academic Achievement: A Qualitative Exploration Of Middle Schools In A Rural Louisiana School District, Kristin Carriere Percle

Student Theses and Dissertations

The achievement gap among disadvantaged student populations in Louisiana’s public schools highlights the critical need for equitable educational practices for all students to be successful. This qualitative case study explores the relationships between teacher efficacy and student achievement in two low-performing schools servicing grades sixth through eighth in a rural Louisiana school district. Using Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory as a framework, the study explores how teacher self-efficacy impacts instructional quality and student performance. Through semi-constructed interviews with six participants and document analysis of the Louisiana Department of Education’s Compass Observation Rubric and Value-Added Model (VAM) scores, the study collected …

Exploring K-12 Educators Remaining In The Profession In Louisiana Public Schools: A Phenomenological Inquiry, Brittany Benoit

Student Theses and Dissertations

School systems across the United States and worldwide face significant challenges due to a shortage of qualified teachers. These conditions negatively affect student outcomes and place additional financial burdens on school systems. Teacher shortages often lead to larger class sizes and increased workloads for existing educators, further exacerbating the issue. Addressing teacher retention is crucial to improving educational quality and stability within school systems. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the experiences and perceptions of relationships that influenced K-12 Louisiana Public School educators to remain in the profession. Guided by Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, the research emphasized intrinsic factors that contributed to …

Closing The Learning Gaps: When Special Education Students Receive Grade Level Content Through Inclusionary Practices, Shaun Ross

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the academic outcomes of special education students receiving core instruction in an inclusionary model compared to those receiving their instruction in a resource classroom. The research problem addressed the achievement gap between the two instructional approaches and how they impact student academic performance. The findings are relevant to educators, school administrators, and policymakers looking to improve instructional strategies for students with disabilities. The purpose of this quantitative correlational research study was to determine whether inclusionary based instructional practices led to higher academic achievement than the traditional pull-out model. Grounded in the theoretical framework of Positivism, the study …

Impact Of Trap-Neuter-Return Programs On Municipal Spending, Natalie Maria Hanna

Student Theses and Dissertations

Trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs are an effective way to reduce the number of free-roaming cats without relying on euthanasia by preventing further reproduction. Despite substantial research into the effectiveness of TNR, few studies explore the financial implications of implementing TNR at the municipal level. The purpose of this research was to identify if there is a relationship between the implementation of TNR and municipal spending on animal services by analyzing annual budgets and financial reports pre- and post- TNR implementation in a single municipality alongside shelter data in the same time period. Findings in this research suggest that implementing a TNR …

Exploring The Elements Contributed By School-Level Administrators That Influence Teacher Retention, Summer Craddock

Student Theses and Dissertations

Teacher shortages and high attrition rates challenge educational systems, impacting instructional quality, school culture, and student outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to examine how school-level administrators influenced teacher retention among K-5 public elementary teachers in a rural South Carolina school district. Guided by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory, the research explored how administrators meet teachers’ needs and how fulfilling these needs motivates them to stay. A qualitative, phenomenological approach was used, with semi-structured interviews conducted with eighteen certified K-5 teachers with at least five years of experience and actively employed in the district. The first research question examined teachers’ experiences …

The Impact Of Supplemental Resources In Title I Schools On Student Achievement In High School Geometry, Jememia Black

Student Theses and Dissertations

Schools receive report card grades to inform the public about how the schools are performing and meeting the demands of their students. State mandated assessments factor into the report card grades for schools. When test scores are low, they negatively impact the report grades for schools. Therefore, there is a need to explore resources that could positively impact students’ test scores. The problem addressed in this study was that over 50% of the geometry students in Title I high schools within the district included in the study were not performing on grade level and demonstrating grade level understanding on state …

Apotheosis, Cameron Eric Simmermon

Student Theses and Dissertations

Occult Detective Fiction (ODF) follows the standard procedures and practices of Detective fiction but throws in the supernatural elements: monsters, aliens, ghosts, and so forth. I dive into the history that led to the development of ODF, along with all the great authors who contributed to it. These greats were the likes of H. P. Lovecraft, Blackwood, Hodgson, and Quinn. Discussing these authors and their participation in ODF gives context to the novella and the choices that led to its development. From Voltaire’s impact on occultism to Poe’s invention of the detective novel, Apotheosis is heavily influenced by the greats …

Examining Teachers’ Perceived Effectiveness Of Marzano’S Teaching Strategies For Enhancing Student Engagement In Secondary Level Ela Classes, Casey Chantel Grinder

Student Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interview questions and a teacher questionnaire to explore 10 secondary ELA teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of Marzano’s strategies on student engagement. Participants included experienced teachers with a minimum of five years of classroom instruction—who had received formal training in the Marzano framework provided by their school district. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, the study examined five central themes: implementation of Marzano’s strategies, impact on student academic competence, student engagement and motivation, challenges and barriers, and support mechanisms used by educators. These themes provided a comprehensive lens to better understand how the Marzano …

Enhancing Student Engagement For African American Students In High School English Through Culturally Responsive Teaching, Dominique Leonardo Woodard

Student Theses and Dissertations

Culturally responsive teaching is essential in ensuring that teaching and learning allows all students to feel seen and heard thus giving them a voice to have in their educational experiences. This qualitative case study aimed to explore teachers’ perceptions of culturally responsive teaching (CRT). In this exploration, the study focused on teacher knowledge of CRT, curriculum and materials that reflect CRT, and instructional strategies teachers perceived engaged CRT. This study lends itself to the theoretical framework of culturally responsive teaching (Geneva Gay) and culturally relevant pedagogy (Gloria Ladson-Billings). These frameworks guided the study in understanding what is needed from teachers …