A Model of Understanding Choice of University by International Students: A Two-case Study

Jiang, Shuiping ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Clemson University 2020 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

Students from all over the world who study in the United States contribute to the economy, participate in scientific and technical research, foster a diverse campus environment, enrich the learning environment with cultural perspectives, and help prepare domestic students for global careers, which often lead to long-term business relationships. However, in the United States, higher education institutions are facing ever-increasing challenges in enrolling international students. In the past three years, many universities faced difficulties in increasing or maintaining international student enrollment, forcing colleges and universities to search for the most effective ways to attract international students with limited resources. This is particularly true for those Master’s colleges and universities with limited marketing funding for international student enrollment. By conducting surveys and interviews at two universities, the study examined university administrators’ perceptions of university-related strategies of international student enrollment, the most influential factors in international student college choice based on student perceptions, and the degree to which student and administrator perceptions converge and diverge in relation to enrollment strategies and student college choice. This study is expected to provide a tool and knowledge for university policy makers and administrators to adjust appropriate recruiting strategies under limited budget in order to optimize resource outputs.

Using a Bayesian Framework to Develop 3D Gestural Input Systems Based on Expertise and Exposure in Anesthesia

Jurewicz, Katherina ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Clemson University 2020 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

Interactions with a keyboard and mouse fall short of human capabilities and what is lacking in the technological revolution is a surge of new and natural ways of interacting with computers. In-air gestures are a promising input modality as they are expressive, easy to use, quick to use, and natural for users. It is known that gestural systems should be developed within a particular context as gesture choice is dependent on the context; however, there is little research investigating other individual factors which may influence gesture choice such as expertise and exposure. Anesthesia providers’ hands have been linked to bacterial transmission; therefore, this research investigates the context of gestural technology for anesthetic task. The objective of this research is to understand how expertise and exposure influence gestural behavior and to develop Bayesian statistical models that can accurately predict how users would choose intuitive gestures in anesthesia based on expertise and exposure. Expertise and exposure may influence gesture responses for individuals; however, there is limited to no work investigating how these factors influence intuitive gesture choice and how to use this information to predict intuitive gestures to be used in system design. If researchers can capture users’ gesture variability within a particular context based on expertise and exposure, then statistical models can be developed to predict how users may gesturally respond to a computer system and use those predictions to design a gestural system which anticipates a user’s response and thus affords intuitiveness to multiple user groups. This allows designers to more completely understand the end user and implement intuitive gesture systems that are based on expected natural responses. Ultimately, this dissertation seeks to investigate the human factors challenges associated with gestural system development within a specific context and to offer statistical approaches to understanding and predicting human behavior in a gestural system. Two experimental studies and two Bayesian analyses were completed in this dissertation. The first experimental study investigated the effect of expertise within the context of anesthesiology. The main finding of this study was that domain expertise is influential when developing 3D gestural systems as novices and experts differ in terms of intuitive gesture-function mappings as well as reaction times to generate an intuitive mapping. The second study investigated the effect of exposure for controlling a computer-based presentation and found that there is a learning effect of gestural control in that participants were significantly faster at generating intuitive mappings as they gained exposure with the system. The two Bayesian analyses were in the form of Bayesian multinomial logistic regression models where intuitive gesture choice was predicted based on the contextual task and either expertise or exposure. The Bayesian analyses generated posterior predictive probabilities for all combinations of task, expertise level, and exposure level and showed that gesture choice can be predicted to some degree. This work provides further insights into how 3D gestural input systems should be designed and how Bayesian statistics can be used to model human behavior.

Characterization and control of Ophiosphaerella spp. Causing spring dead spot of bermudagrass in South Carolina, USA and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Canegallo, Alejandro L ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Clemson University 2016 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

Spring dead spot (SDS) disease is an important root disease of bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) in transition zone habitats around the world. Causal agents have been identified in the U.S. as Ophiosphaerella korrae (OK), O. herpotricha (OH), and O. narmari, but they have not been identified in Argentina (ARG). Pure cultures were obtained from symptomatic roots from six different bermudagrass cultivars from 24 different golf courses in SC (a total of 274 samples). In ARG, a total of 188 samples were collected from 17 different locations in the Buenos Aires province (BA), including golf courses, polo fields and a sod farm. 50 more samples were collected from three golf courses outside BA and one golf course in Uruguay. SDS pathogens were isolated from 78.5% of all soil cores collected in SC and 60.9% in ARG. The ITS region of genomic ribosomal DNA extracted from mycelia was amplified using the primers specific for OK: OKITS1/OKITS2, OH: OHITS1/OHITS2, and ON: ONITS1/ONITS2 to identify the causal agents of SDS of bermudagrass in SC and ARG. In SC, OKITS primers amplified a 454-bp fragment from 203 cultures out of 212. The amplification produced with OKITS primer set confirmed O. korrae as the causal agent of SDS in SC. 131 PCR products were successfully sequenced for phylogenetic analysis and 10 polymorphic sites were identified when they were compared with each other. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was used to compare variation by location or origin of isolates or by bermudagrass cultivar as the isolate source. Results of AMOVA showed that grouping populations by geographical regions better explained genetic diversity among O. korrae isolates: 43.27% of the genetic variation was due to geographical regions, while percentage of genetic diversity due to bermudagrass cultivar isolate source was 21.33%. In ARG, OHITS primers amplified a 454-bp fragment from all 145 cultures. This is the first report of O. herpotricha as the causal agent of SDS in ARG. 85 consensus sequences were obtained and 23 polymorphic sites identified. AMOVA analysis showed that 49.75% of the genetic variation was due to geographical regions. Grouped by cultivars, percentage of genetic variability due to bermudagrass cultivar isolate source was 24.17%. Pairwise FST showed no significant differences between BA and outside BA isolates but significant differences when compared them to isolates from the Midwest USA (Missouri and Oklahoma). Using another approach to compare SDS fungi, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was performed with 2 samples from each location where isolates where collected, both in SC and ARG. Isolates from Oklahoma, Missouri, North Carolina, and California were also included in this study. 53 genotypes corresponding to O. korrae and 59 to O. herpotricha were successfully amplified. A total of 256 fragments ranging in size from 50 to 500 bp were scored using two primer combination sets. Results of both molecular approaches support the conclusion that genetic variability of Ophiosphaerella spp. is due to geographical regions and it is not dependent on the host bermudagrass cultivar. Some management practices influential in reducing SDS in the USA were examined in Argentina. A split-split plot randomized complete block design, 4 block experiment was conducted with nitrogen source as the whole plot, with aerification or no aerification (subplot), and no fungicide or fungicides as sub subplots. The experiment was placed on a 'Tifway' practice tee at Pilara Golf Club, Pilar, BA (Argentina) in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Ammonium sulfate reduced soil pH at root zone depths. There were no differences between ammonium sulfate vs. calcium nitrate on DS ant TQ in 2012 and 2014 while calcium nitrate reduced DS and improved TQ in 2013. Aerification did not reduce DS or improve TQ. DS was best reduced by two fall applications of tebuconazole at 0.0875 gr/m2. Two applications of fenarimol at 0.144 gr/m2 also suppressed SDS in 2013. Both fungicides reduced SDS but did not differ in 2014. Ammonium sulfate best reduced Din in 2012, calcium nitrate was best in 2013 while no significant differences were found in 2014. Ammonium sulfate was the best source of nitrogen to reduce DIt both in 2013 and 2014. Hollow tine aerification reduced DIt in 2013 but no significant differences were found in 2014. DIn was reduced by the use of every fungicide applied when compared with the untreated control during the three years of the study, but no significant differences were found among fungicides. DIt was best reduced by two applications of tebuconazole at 0.175 gr/m2 followed by two applications of fenarimol at 0.144 gr/m2 and two applications of tebuconazole at 0.0875 gr/m2. Based on this experiment, acceptable reduction of SDS requires fungicide treatment. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

Bacteriophage treatment of hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria and Salmonella biofilms in rendering processing environment

Gong, Chao ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Clemson University 2016 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

Raw animal by-products destined for rendering process may contain high population of harmful microorganisms including hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria (SPB) and Salmonella. SPB are the spoilage bacteria that can utilize sulfur-containing compounds of raw animal by-products to produce hazardous gas-hydrogen sulfide (H2S) which is toxic. Salmonella may contaminate the rendered animal meals resulting in an introduction of human pathogens into the food chain. Furthermore, both SPB and Salmonella are likely to form biofilms on the various surfaces in rendering processing environment, serving as the source of recontamination and causing persistent microbiological safety problems. Therefore, novel and practical strategies to control these harmful bacteria need to be explored. Bacteriophages are bacterial viruses that only infect specific species of bacteria without harming animals, plants and human, thus bacteriophage treatment has been explored as a novel biological method to control biofilms formed by persistent bacteria due to their high specificity and effectiveness. Therefore, the objectives of this study were: 1) to identify the sources of Salmonella contamination in rendering processing environment; 2) to optimize a scale-up production of Salmonella-specific bacteriophages; 3) to determine the effectiveness of bacteriophage treatment on reducing Salmonella and SPB attachment/biofilms on the surfaces under laboratory and greenhouse conditions; and 4) to apply bacteriophage treatment to reduce Salmonella and SPB attachment/biofilms on the surfaces in rendering processing environment. For the first objective, a microbiological analysis of Salmonella contamination was conducted in two rendering plants in order to investigate the potential cross-contamination of Salmonella in rendering processing environment. Sampling locations were pre-determined at the potential areas where Salmonella contamination may occur including raw materials receiving, crax grinding and the finished meal loading-out areas. For the second objective, a mixed bacteriophage production in a single batch was developed. To scale up the production of Salmonella-specific bacteriophages with low cost for field study (fourth objective). Bacteriophage titer of mixed bacteriophage production yielded 10.3 log PFU/ml with optimized conditions of multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.01, agitation speed of 200 rpm, nalidixic acid at concentration of 0.06 mug/ml and incubation time of 8 h at 37°C. Additionally, final titer of bacteriophage production could reach up to 11.5 log PFU/ml with a PEG-6000 precipitation at concentration of 8% and sodium chloride at concentration of 3%. In the third objective, three SPB strains of Citrobacter freundii (n = 1) and Hafnia alvei (n = 2) were separately determined as strong biofilm formers using a 96-well microplate method. Application of 9 SPB-specific bacteriophages (107 PFU/mL) from families of Siphoviridae and Myoviridae resulted in 33-70% reduction of biofilm formation by each SPB strain. On stainless steel and plastic templates, bacteriophage treatment (108 PFU/mL) reduced the attached cells of a mixed SPB culture (no biofilm) by 2.3 and 2.7 log CFU/cm2 within 6 h at 30°C, respectively, as compared to 2 and 1.5 log CFU/cm 2 reductions of SPB biofilms within 6 h at 30°C. For the fourth objective, our research on bacteriophage treatment of SPB and Salmonella was conducted in a rendering plant. For SPB application, indigenous SPB were allowed to form biofilms on the environmental surface, stainless steel, HDPE plastic, and rubber templates in a rendering plant for 7 days. A total of two trials were conducted for each season. With bacteriophage treatment (109 PFU/mL) for 6 h at room temperature, SPB biofilms were reduced by 0.7-1.4, 0.3-0.6 and 0.2-0.6 log CFU/cm 2 in spring, summer and fall trials, respectively. In summary, our study examined the current contamination rates of Salmonella in rendered animal meals and rendering processing environment, and indicated the high potential of finished meals being recontaminated with Salmonella biofilms during the post-rendering process. We also optimized a scale-up production of mixed bacteriophages in a single batch with reduced cost for field application. Moreover, our study demonstrated that bacteriophages could reduce the selected SPB and Salmonella attachment/biofilms formed on various surfaces effectively, suggesting that the use of bacteriophages on the hard surfaces in rendering processing environment could control H 2S produced by SPB and Salmonella recontamination in rendered meals. Furthermore, the results of field study demonstrated the effectiveness of bacteriophage treatments in reducing indigenous SPB and Salmonella attachment/biofilms formed on the surfaces in rendering processing environment. Overall, our research findings validated bacteriophage treatment as an effective, non-corrosive and environmentally friendly biological control method to reduce SPB and Salmonella attachment/biofilms in rendering processing environment, thereby, helping the rendering industry to have a safe working environment for workers and produce high quality rendered animal meals free from Salmonella contamination. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

Examination of infographics-based reusable learning objects (RLO) and Traditional Didactic Lectures (TDL) to improve consumer knowledge and perceptions about the safe use of plastic food containers in a microwave oven

Khateeb, Najla Ahmed ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Clemson University 2016 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

This study was a quasi-experimental trials that compared relative effectiveness of Infographics Based Reusable Learning Objects Educational Intervention (RLO and Traditional Didactic Lectures (TDL). A total of 282 Clemson university students were randomized into four groups -- Control, RLD, TDL and RLO+TDL and changes in their pre-test and post-test scores were compared before and after each interventions. Specific outcomes tracked included the number of correctly recognized symbols identifying a type plastic, the number of correctly answered question about the safety of using plastic food containers in a microwave and the satisfaction with the instruction. The analysis suggests that RLO intervention was more effective than TDL, for improving symbol recognition and for improving health perceptions of plastic food containers. In addition, satisfaction with RLO was higher than with TDL by DeltaM = 1.04 points t (119) = 15.1, p < 0.01.

Factors Influencing Students’ Choice of an Institution of Higher Education

Moody, Michael B ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Clemson University 2020 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

This study examined the following research question: What factors influence student college selection process? The study sought to fill an existing gap in the literature by examining what role technology and other relevant factors have on students’ decision-making as related to college choice. By identifying influencers of college choice, the study’s findings can add to the body of knowledge that admission counselors might use as they develop an appropriate recruiting mix of strategies best suited for today’s college applicants.As the theoretical framework, this research drew on the previous work of Hamrick & Hossler (1996) which combined constructs of both economic and sociologic perspectives with college choice. Additionally, an adaptation of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model (Venkatesh, Morris, & Davis, 2003) was created with key constructs such as Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, and Facilitating Conditions. In addition, the adapted model incorporated two sets of moderators (University Attributes and Individual Attributes) that were hypothesized to influence university or college choice. Socio-demographic information was also collected to better understand how students are being recruited and what methods they perceive as most effective. A convenience sample of students from the freshman class at a major research university in the Southeast were surveyed. Approximately 750 students were selected to receive the main survey, selected with the help of university advisement personnel and university faculty in identifying possible classes to participate. The survey was distributed by e-mail. Over the course of a two-month period, 427 students responded, with 341 surveys completed. Usable surveys were analyzed using the SPSS 25 statistical package. From the data analyzed via multiple regression, Performance Expectancy and Facilitating Conditions were found to be statistically significant whereas Effort Expectancy and Social Influence were found to be insignificant. Individual Attributes as a moderating factor within the model was found to be insignificant. University attributes as a moderating factor within the model was found to be partially confirmed, as only the relationship between social influence (SI) and school of choice behavior (B) was significant, whereas the other hypothesized paths were insignificant. Socio-demographic information from the survey suggested that students were being recruited via email most often, with mail and brochure usage also noted. Social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook were found to be highly used by students but were not effective recruiting tools.The results suggest that performance expectancy and facilitating conditions such as classrooms, athletic facilities, and academic reputation have a significant and positive relationship with behavior (school choice). Conversely, effort expectancy and social influence did not have a significant direct relationship with school of choice behavior. As technology continues to evolve and become a more pervasive influence on students, colleges need to explore if social media might be a useful recruitment tool. The data from this study adds to the body of literature on economic and status-based factors related to school of choice by including the role of technology.

Picture This: Examining the Experiences of Black SGA Presidents at HBCUS Using Photo-elicitation

Smith, Travis C ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Clemson University 2020 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

This phenomenological study examined how peers, administrators, faculty, staff, and meaningful involvement influenced the experiences of Black Student Government (SGA) presidents at Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCU). The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of Black SGA presidents at HBCUs. Eight HBCUs are represented in this study. Photo-elicitation interviews were used to collect date from nine former Black SGA presidents (four women and five men). Hermeneutic thematic analysis (van Manen, 1990) was used to make meaning of the data (interview transcripts, research memos, photographs). The emergent themes were separated into three categories: peer influences (support, developing relationships, conflict), adult influences (lack of support, support), and meaningful involvement (sense of accomplishment, inspiration, building relationships). The implications for practice and future research were discussed for advisors and Black SGA presidents.

Experience Qualities Re-examined: Improving the Measurement of Experiential Conditions in Outdoor Recreation

Fefer, Jessica Pearl ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Clemson University 2019 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

Visitor use management (VUM) is the proactive and adaptive process for managing characteristics of visitor use and the natural and managerial setting using a variety of strategies and tools to achieve and maintain desired resource conditions and visitor experiences (IVUMC, 2018). For nearly 40 years, the application and operationalization of visitor use management has relied on a normative approach, which assumes that visitors to parks and recreation areas have shared attitudes and preferences about resource and social conditions. Visitor use management frameworks and the normative approach rely on defining management objectives, identifying indicators and thresholds for the visitor experience, monitoring change in recreation conditions, and adapting management strategies where necessary. This dissertation reexamines some of the scientific methods historically used to inform visitor use management decisions.This dissertation focuses on the development of indicators and associated thresholds, which has historically relied on visitor surveys, on-site interviews, and management expertise. Given the importance of incorporating the provision of quality visitor experiences into park and protected area planning, and the difficulties associated with understanding the nuances involved in shaping an experience, the purpose of this dissertation is to offer and explore unique techniques that may facilitate the development of indicators and associated thresholds. This dissertation first used visitor-employed photography to develop indicators of the wildlife viewing experience, where important visitor experience qualities emerged that were not found from survey or interview questions. This dissertation additionally offered a more efficient and perhaps more valid technique for defining thresholds for the indicator of people at one time (PAOT), which is used as a proxy to indicate use-levels and crowding. Results indicate that a combination of the traditional and novel approach may be appropriate. Lastly, this dissertation explored the phenomenon of displacement, which has historically been treated as a negative outcome of the visitor experience. The results of this suggest that displacement should be operationalized as an indicator of the visitor experience, rather than an outcome. This dissertation overall contributes to the development and application of the normative approach to protected area management and planning.

360-Degree Analysis of the Produce Prescription (Rx) Program

Hamilton, Joel Anthony ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Clemson University 2021 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

Application of Geospatial Technologies for Land Use Analysis and Soil Science Education

Zurqani, Hamdi Abdalkhaliq ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Clemson University 2019 해외박사(DDOD)

소속기관이 구독 중이 아닌 경우 오후 4시부터 익일 오전 9시까지 원문보기가 가능합니다.

This research is composed of three parts: 1) Adaptation of Soil Judging to Libya, 2) Predicting the classes and distribution of salt-affected soils in Northwest Libya, and 3) Geospatial analysis of land use change in the Savannah River Basin using Google Earth.Soil judging (Evaluation) plays an important role in soil science education. Libya has six soil orders according to the U.S. Soil Taxonomy (Entisols, Aridisols, Alfisols, Inceptisols, Vertisols, and Mollisols) and the most common soil orders are Entisols and Aridisols. A Soil judging (Evaluation) scorecard was tested at two different universities in Libya: The University of Tripoli and University of Zawia. Eighty-two percent of Libyan users were not aware of Soil Judging prior to this study. After completing Soil Judging trials in various locations in Libya, ninety-five percent of those surveyed indicated that Soil Judging is useful to the natural science education. Libya is mostly a dry and arid country, where sodicity and salinity problems are often accelerated by the prevailing climatic condition and geographical setting of the area. A framework was identified for classifying and mapping salt-affected soils in northwest Libya using field measurements (ECe, soil pH, and SAR) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The majority of soils in this region of Libya are normal (slight degree of limitation). Twenty percent of the topsoil is saline-sodic (extreme degree of limitation). Land use change and the loss of wildlife habitats are serious issues facing the Southeastern United States. Across the Savannah River basin, the major change of land use was deforestation and reforestation during the entire study period with most of the changes located near lakes and water tributaries.