Digital Commons Network^™

Dipl 3104 Public International Law, Philip Moremen Ph.D.

Diplomacy Syllabi

This course explores the nature and content of the law governing relations between states and relations between states and non-state actors. The first part of the course examines the building blocks of international law; the second part applies this knowledge to particular topics, such as the use of force, human rights and international humanitarian law. By the end of the course, students will possess an understanding of the operation of the international legal system and the role of international law in international affairs.

Students will also develop their critical thinking skills and gain an introduction to legal reasoning and to …

Dipl 6104 Aa The Art And Science Of Negotiation, Zheng Wang Phd

Diplomacy Syllabi

The ability to negotiate and manage conflicts effectively has become an essential skill in international diplomacy, as well as in our organizational and personal settings. Negotiation is the art and science of securing an agreement between two or more independent parties. This course is an introduction to the wide variety of approaches to the analysis and practice of negotiation and is intended to provide a solid foundation for further inquiry and application. Students will learn the history of thinking about negotiation, frameworks for analyzing negotiation, and the roles of various factors (influences and contexts, tactics and strategies) on the negotiation …

Dipl 4108 International Political Economy, Robert Shaver Ph.D.

Diplomacy Syllabi

This course is a comprehensive introduction to the study of international political economy (IPE). Over the course of the semester, we will take an interdisciplinary approach to examine IPE theory, history, trade, development, multinational corporations, the international monetary system, and finance. Primary source readings are paired with the textbook so that students may understand ideas in their original formulation.

Towards Understanding The Relationship Between Hearing Loss And Cognition In Healthy Aging, Samaneh Nemati

Theses and Dissertations

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) has been increasingly linked to cognitive decline, both directly and through structural brain changes. This study utilized data from the Aging Brain Cohort project at the University of South Carolina (ABC@UofSC) to investigate the relationships between hearing impairments, cognitive performance, and gray matter volume across key brain regions. Specifically, the study aimed to: (i) examine the mediating role of gray matter volume in the relationship between ARHL and cognitive impairments; (ii) investigate the role of regional brain age gap in mediating the relationship between ARHL and cognitive decline; and (iii) delineate the distinctive impact of ARHL …

Augmented Reality Based Maintenance Operations And Training, Victor Scott Gadow

Theses and Dissertations

Augmented Reality (AR) is the process of superimposing virtual information on top of objects or other structures in the real-world environment. It is considered one of many paradigms included in the idea of smart manufacturing and can enable a mixture of the other technologies involved. A large increase in research on AR has been seen in the past decade as technologies have begun to evolve to become more robust and reliable. It has been implemented into several key areas of manufacturing such as maintenance, assembly, training, and quality control. The rise of industry 4.0 is changing how data is used …

A Process Planning Software For Modeling Parameter Behavior In Automated Fiber Placement, Benjamin Jeffrey Francis

Theses and Dissertations

The manufacturing of large-scale, geometrically complex composite structures is often accomplished today using the Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) process. AFP utilizes a fiber placement end effector and a gantry or robotic kinematic system to lay up groups of composite tows, iteratively building the complete structure. The reduced width of each tow allows the deployment of AFP for builds with significant curvature, unlike other automated methods such as automated tape laying. Despite its proven track record and widespread use, the current AFP process contains inefficiencies and suffers from workflow bottlenecks that significantly increase cycle time, material wastage, and overall cost. A …

Characterizing Mechanical Behaviors Of Railroad Ballast Based On Large-Scale Triaxial Tests, Shihao Huang

Theses and Dissertations

Ballast, typically composed of large unbound aggregates with uniform gradation, is essential for the structural integrity of railroad tracks, facilitating load transfer, drainage, and ensuring stability and resilience. The mechanical behaviors of ballast, including shear resistance, resilient modulus, and permanent deformation, are critical for effective railroad design and maintenance, directly impacting track geometry. Degradation of these mechanical properties can lead to significant track-related issues, such as excessive settlement and train derailments, resulting in substantial property damage, injuries, and fatalities. This dissertation aims to characterize mechanical behaviors of railroad ballast from perspectives of aggregate interaction, cyclic loading pulses and climatic conditions, …

Data-Driven Discovery Of Extreme Thermal Materials By High-Throughput Computation And Machine Learning, Joshua Ojih

Theses and Dissertations

The quest for materials with extraordinary properties has been a longstanding endeavor in material science and engineering, driving future technological advancement. However, the discovery of such materials is non-trivial. Recent advancements in computational methods, particularly the integration of machine learning (ML) techniques with density functional theory (DFT), have opened new avenues for accelerating the discovery of materials with exceptional and extreme properties. This dissertation focuses on developing a synergistic approach and workflow combining ML and DFT to identify materials with properties that are pushed beyond current limits, using lattice thermal conductivity (LTC) as a case study of the workflow.

We …

Evaluation Of Settlement In Poorly Graded Sand With Gravel Under Strain-Controlled Cyclic Triaxial And Dynamic Centrifuge Model Testing Conditions, Elise Jones

Theses and Dissertations

This research evaluates the dynamic behavior and volume change of sand with gravel subjected to cyclic loading. Historically, research on the dynamic behavior of cohesionless soils has primarily focused on the study of liquefaction due to its known implications on soil shear strength loss. Gravelly soil is generally assumed to be less susceptible to liquefaction since its large particle size facilitates drainage during cyclic loading. Gravel’s particle size also makes it difficult to test using standard cyclic shearing laboratory equipment. Thus, there is a lack of widespread research and predictive methods for the dynamic behavior of gravelly soil. Determining the …

Factors Affecting The Transition From Pediatric To Adult Care Among Culturally Deaf Young Adults And Young Adults Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing, Anna Strickland Kell

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Adolescence to adulthood is marked by many transitions, including the transition from a pediatric to an adult medical home, also referred to as a health home. For young adults who are culturally Deaf, deaf, or hard of hearing, this transition may be complicated by population-specific needs related to language, literacy, and accessibility. Prior research with transition-age adolescents and young adults who are culturally Deaf, deaf, or hard of hearing has primarily focused on education or hearing health exclusively. The purpose of this research was to investigate the transition of health care from pediatric to adult services among culturally Deaf …

Feasibility Study Of Perovskite Solid Electrolyte For Electrochemical Lithium-Ion Cells, Danyi Sun

Theses and Dissertations

To achieve a high energy density in lithium-ion batteries (LIB), replacing the graphite anode with lithium metal is essential, as it offers a theoretical capacity of 3840 mAh/g.(Q. Wang et al. 2021) However, the use of lithium metal anodes is restricted by the formation of lithium dendrites, which can cause short circuits.(Wood et al. 2016) Solid-state electrolytes present a viable alternative to conventional liquid electrolytes by potentially mitigating dendrite growth. Among these, the perovskite-type Li3/8Sr7/16Ta3/4Zr1/4O3 (LSTH) stands out due to its excellent ambient stability, although its synthesis, properties, and applications remain underexplored.(Y. Li et al. 2018) In this study, I …

Harvesting Health: The Role Of City Policy In Urban Agriculture And The Downstream Effects On Youth, Lesley Leake

Theses and Dissertations

Contextualizing environmental health within the socio-ecological framework, acknowledges the diverse factors at play in the environment-human dynamic. The research design, methods, and study populations of each chapter vary to match the socio-ecological level(s) of focus and reinforce the translational and interdisciplinary nature of this research. Chapter 2 examines the policy-supports for urban agriculture using a mixed-methods case-study of the City of Charleston, SC to understand how municipal policy (societal) impacts urban agriculture implementation (community) and what impact this has on residents (relationship and individual). Chapter 3 centers on the potential impact of urban farms (community) and their programming (community and …

Innovative Strategies For Healthcare Data Integration: Enhancing Etl Efficiency Through Containerization And Parallel Computing, Ehsan Soltanmohammadi

Theses and Dissertations

The healthcare industry is rapidly transforming due to technology adoption, resulting in an explosion of data. Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes are crucial for integrating and analyzing this data to support decision-making and enhance patient care. However, ETL processes face significant challenges, including data diversity, quality issues, security and compliance, and scalability. Opportunities exist to optimize ETL processes through advanced technologies like big data analytics, containerization, and parallel computing, improving data quality, and enhancing security. This literature review examines current ETL processes in healthcare, highlighting challenges and opportunities for future improvement, ultimately aiming to enhance healthcare outcomes and patient experiences. …

Information Exchange Through Social Networks Links To Adoption Of Child Feeding Practices In Nepal, Mohammad Masudur Rahman

Theses and Dissertations

While there have been notable decreases in child undernutrition (i.e., stunting) over the past few decades, it remains a major concern in Nepal, with 25% of children under the age of five experiencing chronic undernourishment. There is considerable scope for improving nutrition-related behaviors to address this ongoing issue. In Nepal, knowledge regarding appropriate child feeding practices is often inadequate, and thus additional sources of accurate information are required. Information through multiple sources (i.e., interpersonal communication, mass media, and mobile SMS) provides opportunity to reach households who inadequately practice childcare. Information improves knowledge and information exchange (i.e., receiving or sharing) usually …

Intention Or Perception? Signaling Theory In The Online World, Mohona Mandal

Theses and Dissertations

Backlash on social media in response to online behaviors is swift and often decisive with significant consequences. One possible reason for this is that online actions are perceived as reflective of a person’s true self. Signaling theory provides support for this argument and suggests that people intentionally display information about themselves to communicate their beliefs to others. While existing work suggests that social media posts are intentional, social media interactions such as likes, comments, and reposts might also function similarly (i.e., as a signal of beliefs). Two studies were conducted to explore whether interacting with online content is perceived as …

Leveraging The Usage Of Blockchain Towards Trust-Dominated Manufacturing Systems, Philip Joseph Samaha

Theses and Dissertations

Smart Manufacturing has elevated manufacturing processes, transitioning from automated systems to autonomous ones. This evolution has heightened the significance of data within manufacturing facilities. The role of data has evolved from solely monitoring processes to both monitoring and extracting insights from these processes, facilitating precise control. In this context, the data infrastructure plays a critical role, encompassing both internal data circulating within the facility—such as information exchanged between controllers and actuators—and external data transmitted to and from outside entities. When the factory's cyber infrastructure is connected to the internet, security concerns escalate significantly, amplifying associated risks. Therefore, the integration of …

Mechanics Based Characterization Of Elastic Metamaterials, Mamdudur Rahman

Theses and Dissertations

In bandgap engineering there is a shortage of systematic design approach which enables one to select design variables to achieve bandgap in desired frequency range. Tools that can address this can open new areas of interest, especially since phononic crystals with low frequency bandgaps have multitude of applications in attenuation of structural vibration. Furthermore, mechanics-based characterization of phononic crystals had not seen much progress in the recent years while a lot of applied research had been conducted on phononic materials with material phase periodicity and other factors taken into consideration. This work aims to propose a systematic characterization approach of …

Perception Of Recreational Water Quality In The Scholarly Literature: Where Have We Been & Where Should We Go, Xavier Alberto Basurto Cendeno

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores existing literature and research themes between water quality and recreational participation through use of a bibliometric analysis with content analysis. It identifies key researchers, institutions, and themes that have shaped the field. Despite the growing body of research, gaps remain in understanding the state of the research on this important topic. By analyzing trends and how these trends have changed over time, this study aims to offer insights for future research agendas. Ultimately, the findings will inform strategies for improving water quality management and fostering more resilient, timely water-based recreational research.

Rational Catalyst Synthesis For Sustainable Energy Applications, Alaba Upe Ojo

Theses and Dissertations

Energy accounts for two-thirds of the global climate challenges. Effective utilization of green hydrogen or finding cleaner ways to improve energy generation is necessary to combat climate crisis and allow for a more sustainable future. This work evaluates three heterogeneous catalytic processes which contribute to a sustainable future. In chapter 2, we studied the hydrogenation of toluene to methylcyclohexane; a reaction that can potentially serve as a medium for hydrogen storage and help to overcome the safety challenges of transporting gaseous hydrogen. We found that palladium catalysts on certain carbons exhibited significantly enhanced toluene hydrogenation rates compared to activated carbons …

Securing Memorization In Piano Performance With Continuous Audiation, Jie He

Theses and Dissertations

The study explores how incorporating continuous audiation, a concept introduced by pianist and educator Sarah Croom-Hatch, can be used as a strategy to improve pianists’ music memorization abilities and relief performance-related stress. The study presents a four-stage memorization process that emphasizes preparation, early, middle, and late stages. By integrating aural, kinesthetic, analytical, and visual memory with continuous audiation during the four-stage memorization process, pianists can develop a cohesive and secure “sound stream” that significantly enhances their memory system. The study provides practical guidance for systematically developing continuous audiation within daily practice routines to enhance memorization skills and achieve successful piano …

Redefining Gas Turbine Engine Development: A Digital Twin Framework Informed By Operational Dynamics And Numerical Analysis, Sowmya Raghu

Theses and Dissertations

Gas Turbine Engines (GTEs) serve as primary propulsion systems in aviation and are key for power generation units in various industrial applications. The conventional Gas Turbine Engine Development and Monitoring Lifecycle (EDML) typically encompasses six stages: preliminary design, numerical analysis, prototyping and testing, manufacturing, systems integration, and subsequent systematic monitoring processes. This dissertation redefines the gas turbine engine design and development process by synergistically integrating design capabilities, real-time operational data, and predictive maintenance through the implementation of digital twins. The primary objective is to establish a comprehensive framework for gas turbine engine design by utilizing thermodynamic and aerodynamic modeling, supported …

Systemic Inflammation And Neurocognitive Deficits In School-Age Children With Sickle Cell Disease., Elizabeth A. Gillooly

Theses and Dissertations

Sickle cell disease (SCD) causes inflammation that contributes to poor clinical outcomes, including cerebrovascular disease (CVD). CVD can take several forms in SCD, including neurocognitive deficits without visible cerebral infarction. The role of chronic inflammation in cognitive development in SCD has received little attention to-date. We aimed to study novel markers of systemic inflammation: neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and the systemic inflammation index (SII) to describe developmental trends and relationships to cognitive outcomes in SCD at early elementary school-age. Sixty-one children with SCD and no history of stroke were identified who completed an early elementary school age cognitive …

The Role Of The Physical Therapist In Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Systematic And Qualitative Perspectives, Garrett Matthew Hainline

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) is an effective tool in the management of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). PA recommendations for people with T2D are to achieve at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity PA. This assists to maintain blood glucose control and reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors. Unfortunately, people with T2D are less likely than their normoglycemic peers to meet PA recommendations.

Veterans of the armed forces experience T2D at even greater levels than the general population, with prevalence at about 20%. In addition, T2D and pre-diabetes are elevated among younger veterans, including those of recent conflicts. Reducing rates …

Thermal Management Of Power Electronic Devices Using Single Crystal Aln Heat Spreaders, Md Abdullah-Al Mamun

Theses and Dissertations

Due to high critical electric field and saturation velocity, wide bandgap (WBG) III-Nitride semiconductor materials (AlxGa1-xN) and their heterostructures have gone through extensive research in academia and industry for applications requiring high-voltage, high-current, high-frequency, and high-temperature transistor operation. AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) has been commercialized for 650-V power converters, smartphones, PCs, USB wall power outlets, on-board and off-board EV chargers, and numerous other applications. However, AlGaN/GaN HEMTs grown on low-cost sapphire or Si substrates face significant self-heating issues due to the poor thermal conductivity of the substrate. The high thermal resistance (RTH) and heat capacity of the substrates …

Tracking Deposition And Settling Characteristics Of Airborne Metallic Particulate, William Kahale Caspino

Theses and Dissertations

Transport and deposition of metal particles is a source of environmental and public health concern. Understanding how ambient conditions and the properties of the particles interact to influence the dispersal range can provide information on and the possible extent of environmental contamination. Controlled laboratory experiments and modeling were utilized to determine when such particles would deposit. Particle samples containing heavy metals, a Palladium-dominant alloy and a Nickel/Aluminum dominant alloy LANA, were released in a static column, and the vertical displacement was tracked utilizing a Phantom v7.3 camera and a camera lens. Electron microscopy revealed that particles are not spherical and …

Vascular Calcification In A Mouse Model Of Chronic Kidney Disease And In Human Peripheral Arterial Disease, Breanna Pederson

Theses and Dissertations

Vascular calcification is a process in which calcium and phosphate crystallize to form hydroxyapatite in the extracellular matrix of blood vessels. There are two forms of arterial calcification: intimal and medial, which occur via different etiologies. Intimal calcification is associated with atherosclerosis and occurs in the layer of endothelial cells adjacent to the artery lumen. Medial arterial calcification (MAC) is independent of atherosclerosis and occurs in the middle, muscular layer of the artery. MAC is strongly associated with aging, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). MAC is frequently in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Most studies to date …

“They’Re Just Kinda Fun”: Action Research Evaluating The Impact Of Gamification Tools On Secondary Social Studies Students’ Academic Self-Efficacy, Motivation, And Perceptions Of Learning, Anthony Wayne Blair Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study evaluated the implementation of a gamification strategy to improve academic self-efficacy and motivation in social studies students at Azul Mountain High School (a pseudonym). Keeping students engaged in school is a top priority for educators at all levels. However, students’ lack of engagement at the high-school level has become more detrimental. Improving self-efficacy has been linked to increased motivation, academic achievement, and improved learning outcomes. By making the learning experience more engaging for students, gamification may be a viable approach to the challenge of keeping students in high school. This study addressed three research questions: (a) …

“We Don’T Know What We Don’T Know”: Improving The Quality Of Stem Teaching In A British International School By Developing Teachers’ Stem Pedagogical Knowledge And Stem Instructional Practices, Matthew James Fagg

Theses and Dissertations

This research aimed at improving the quality of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching at a British international school in Brunei Darussalam. Evidence from a range of sources suggested that teachers at the school were not employing common STEM instructional practices when giving their pupils STEM problems to solve. The purpose of the two research questions was to identify how STEM lessons were being taught in Grades 2 to 7 in the school, and to measure the influence of STEM-related professional development sessions on teachers’ STEM pedagogical knowledge and STEM instructional practices. The researcher followed an eight-stage action-research cycle …

A Flipped Classroom Approach For Algebra 2 Students Who Have Struggled In Previous Mathematics Courses, Abby Suss

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed method study examined the effect of a flipped classroom approach on the engagement and attitude of Algebra 2 students who had struggled in previous mathematics classes. Videos for students to watch at home were constructed with adherence to the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia. Class time then focused on students working together and with teacher support in accordance with active learning theory. Qualitative sources of data - pre and post intervention interviews, pre and post student questionnaires, and teacher anecdotal notes and quantitative sources of data - the SEMs and the ATMI - were gathered and analyzed. Results showed …

Ashs To As: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Mandatory Athletic Study Hall In Improving High School Athletes’ Academics, Angela Pilson

Theses and Dissertations

During the 2023-2024 academic year, this action research study was conducted at local, mid-sized high school in South Carolina using a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the efficacy and impact of a mandatory athletic study hall (ASH) program on high school athletes’ academic performance. Through this program, during each academic quarter, any in-season athletes with any grades below 69% to either attend after-school study hall sessions or complete tutoring. The study both reviewed the academic performance of athletes and nonathletes and collected qualitative data from stakeholder surveys completed by nonathletes, athletes, teachers, coaches, and parents. The findings revealed a significant difference …