Digital Commons Network^™

Faculty And Program Predictors Of Pass Rates Of Graduates Of Nursing Programs In West Virginia On The National Council Licensure Examination For Registered Nurses 1991 To 2000, Lynda F. Skinner Turner

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mean student program scores on standardized pre-graduation nursing tests, program attendance policies, grading scales, policies on repeating nursing courses, faculty turnover, degree, teaching experience, clinical nursing experience, part-time faculty, national certification, and NCLEX-RN success in West Virginia nursing programs from 1991-2000. A causal comparative and correlational design was used to investigate the relationship between the dependent variable of NCLEX-RN pass rates and the independent variables. The population of this study consisted of 19 undergraduate nursing programs preparing graduates for entry into practice as registered nurses. Data collection tools utilized …

A Historical Review Of Secondary School Athletic Training Coverage In West Virginia, Brian W. Potter

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this research is to review the history of athletic training in the secondary schools of West Virginia, as well as to determine how appropriate the current level of athletic healthcare is for West Virginia’s secondary school athletes. Participation surveys from the WVSSAC, membership statistics from the NATA, Friday night football game reports, and documents from the WVDE were used to gather data. Since 1988 the total number of high schools with football and number of football athletes has decreased, while the total number of certified athletic trainers (ATCs) in West Virginia has increased. The number of ATCs …

Capers Island, A Novel, Jennifer J. Cavender

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Capers Island is a creative thesis about a woman named Delaney who has been having problems sleepwalking ever since her grandparents passed away. She decides to spend the summer on Capers Island, visiting an old college friend. While there, she visits a hypnotist to uncover repressed memories from her childhood. She begins the novel alone in West Virginia, and in the end, winds up on Capers Island in a tightly knit community. The novel contains elements of magical realism, the supernatural, and the psychological.

Factors That Most Influence Job Satisfaction Among Cardiac Nurses In An Acute Care Setting, Lashonda Leigh Bare

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study is to determine cardiac nurses’ level of job satisfaction through an examination of the relationship between Herzberg’s motivation and hygiene factors and job satisfaction. The study used a non-experimental, quantitative design with a theoretical framework based on Herzberg’s Motivation Versus Hygiene theory. The independent variables were motivation and hygiene factors and the dependent variable was nurse job satisfaction. The Work Quality Index and a demographic survey were given to approximately 32 registered nurses at a medical center in southwestern, West Virginia. The data was collected over three weeks and was analyzed using descriptive and correlational …

Identifying At Risk Youth For Delinquency In Southern West Virginia, Roderick Q. Neal

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Juvenile delinquency has been an important area of study. Academics, practitioners, politicians, and legal scholars have devoted their attention to basic questions about the nature of youth crime. This report was designed to identify which psychological and social variables are statistically reliable predictors of significant juvenile delinquency in southern West Virginia. In an effort to identify at risk youth, 200 subjects were administered a 16-question survey. This survey had a mixture of continuous and categorical psychological and social variables and the data was analyzed using Logistic Regression strategies. One hundred of the subjects had been referred to a juvenile probation …

Spatial Heterogeneity Of Soil Nutrients, Nitrogen Dynamics, And Vegetation In A 3rd Order Stream Floodplain In Southwestern West Virginia, David Allen Dick

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Soil processes often exhibit spatial heterogeneity within ecosystems and this heterogeneity may influence community structure. This study was conducted to determine spatial patterns and variability of soil nutrients and plant communities within different vegetation types in a stream floodplain in southwestern West Virginia. One 5-m × 5-m site was established in each of three vegetation/drainage types: pasture (PA), old field (OF), and wetland scar (SC). Pasture and SC sites were located ~25 m apart on flat bottomland; the OF site was located on a moderate slope 6.3 m above bottomland, ~200 m from PA and SC. A 10-m × 1-m …

Developing Methods For The Rapid Molecular Assessment Of Aquatic Microbial Communities, Traci D. Hudson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Molecular investigations of microbial community structure and dynamics involve costly and time-consuming methods. This approach is limiting when rapid assessment and detection of microbial organisms are needed. In aquatic environments, especially freshwater environments which may be used as a water source, rapid detection of pathogenic microbes is essential. Likewise, monitoring for the presence or absence of various functional genes can be used to indicate the type of microbial community present in the environment of interest. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and optimize methods necessary for the rapid assessment of freshwater microbial community structure and dynamics. Primers …

The Effectiveness Of Probation In West Virginia: A Study Examining The Practices And Views Of Probation Officers In West Virginia, Jennifer Tricia Waller

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Probation across America is in turmoil and its effectiveness is under scrutiny. In this paper, probation will be examined, more specifically the effectiveness of probation and the opinions of probation officers in West Virginia and the techniques they utilize in supervising offenders. Research will be presented from various experts across the country that have examined probation in America. Some of these experts report that probation is failing; however, judges have not given up hope on the effectiveness of probation and are willing to look at alternatives to traditional practices. To determine the efficiency of probation in West Virginia surveys were …

Computer Simulation For Feature Extraction In Pattern Recognition And Geobiophysical Modeling In Mountaineous Wetland Delineation, Natalie Ripsher

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Delineation of wetlands is an important aspect of protecting of these ecologically diverse and biocomplex habitats. Selected image-processing techniques are applied to remotely sensed imagery of Canaan Valley, in order to determine the best method of extracting wetland features for habitat delineation. Remotely sensed data from April 1997 and September 1999 were compared to determine the accuracy of feature extraction, and the effect of seasonal and long term climate change on wetland delineation. Pattern recognition for feature extraction was used to identify vegetation associations and changes in habitats. Computer simulation of the infrared band was performed using ER Mapper so …

Natural History Of The Marbled Salamander, Ambystoma Opacum (Gravenhorst), In West Virginia, With Special Notes On Reproduction And Larval Development, Jason J. Watkins

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study observed a population of Ambystoma opacum in Kanawha State Forest, Kanawha County, five miles south of Charleston, West Virginia. Data were collected from September 1995 to November 1997. Reproductive biology and salamander development were examined. Predation of A. opacum and potential predators were also noted. Like other species in the genus Ambystoma, adult A. opacum are mostly fossorial and rarely seen above ground outside of the breeding season. During the breeding season, adults make their way to the breeding pools. Males ventured to the breeding pool first in early September and ranged in size from 49 to 75mm …

Natural History Of The Four-Toed Salamander, Hemidactylium Scutatum, In West Virginia, Sandra L. Kilpatrick

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A 2-year study was conducted to determine the reproductive and nesting habits, embryonic and larval development, and tolerance to acid conditions of Hemidactylium scutatum in West Virginia. Five study sites located in or adjacent to the Otter Creek National Wilderness Area, Monongahela National Forest, Randolph County, West Virginia, were monitored to determine nesting habits and length of incubation and larval periods in Hemidactylium Time of breeding was determined by spermatogenic wave analysis and time of egg deposition was determined by examination of ovarian follicles and field observations of gravid females migrating to nest sites. Breeding occurred in autumn and again …

A Study On The Life History And Seasonal Foraging Habits Of The Salamander Desmognathus Quadramaculatus Holbrook, In Wv, Glenn R. Mills

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A study was conducted on Desmognathus quadramaculatus in the northern periphery of its range with some aspects of its life history, surface density, and seasonal foraging habits. The results in this study are compared to studies done on D. quadramaculatus in the southern portion of its range. Female D. quadramaculatus have been found tending egg clutches from June to September in the southern portion of its range and data collected in this study shows that egg deposition also occurs during this period in the northern population. Female size (SVL) at which D. quadramaculatus reach sexual maturity ranged from 57.6- 77.5 …

Reproductive Biology Of The Bowfin, Amia Calva Linnaeus, From The Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area, Cabell County, West Virginia, Katie Lee Mcginn Daniels

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The bowfin, Amia calva Linnaeus, is the only extant species of the family Amiidae. The Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area (GBWMA) is the home of the only known reproducing bowfin population in the state of West Virginia. The GBWMA (38°35' 35" N, 82°14' 55" W) is located along the Ohio River 26 km northeast of Huntington, West Virginia. The area (ca. 364 ha) contains a valuable wetland habitat (ca. 57 ha) in the southwestern portion of the state. A study of the reproductive biology of the bowfin became important when the u.s. Army Corps of Engineers proposed a habitat modification …

A Communication Audit Of The Catholic Diocese Of Wheeling-Charleston, Larry W. Dorsch

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the principal existential task of the Church. "Communicating" and "the Gospel" both are terms loaded with philosophical underpinnings and practical implications that constantly challenge the church to examine its established patterns of ministry and behavior, as well as its priorities and budgets.

The strides in communication practice and technology of the twentieth century have shaken the church's modus operandi in ways that are unparalleled in the previous nineteen centuries of Christian faith. While to be sure the invention of the printing press in the fifteenth century sparked major shifts and realignments in the …

An Appeal For Racial Justice : The Civic Interest Progressives' Confrontation With Huntington, West Virginia And Marshall University, 1963-1965, Bruce A. Thompson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In 1963, the shock waves of the sit-in movement and the growing black unrest throughout the country reached Huntington. This growing discontent with the status quo of segregation and racial discrimination and the impulse from the sit-in movement for direct, non-violent protest combined to mobilize several students at Marshall University who formed the Civic Interest Progressives (CIP), a biracial civil rights group.

A Distributional And Taxonomic Study Of The Adults Of The Family Hydropsychidae (Trichoptera) In West Virginia, Toni Ann Phillips

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A survey of the adult Hydropsychiclae revealed 39 species, 14 of which were state records. The adult hydropsychids were collected from various locations throughout West Virginia. The most common species Hydropsychidae were Hydropsyche morosa, H. sparna, Cheumatopsyche analis, C. campyla, and Diplectrona modesta. Most of the species did not appear to be limited to any one particular drainage basin. Several species exhibited a preference for stream order (headwaters, middlereaches, large rivers). Aphropsyche monticola, Parapsyche apicalis, Cheumatopsvche wrighti, C, gyra, and Hydropsyche alhedra preferred the fast-flowing headwater streams in the higher elevations of the state. Macrostemum zebratum, Potomyia flava, Hydropsyche phalerata, …

A Survey Of The Mussels (Pelecypoda: Unionoidia: Unionacea) Of Twelvepole Creek, West Virginia With A Study Of Commensal Algae Found On Selected Mussels, Kevin Joe Smith

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A survey of the Unionacea of Twelvepole Creek, West Virginia was conducted coupled with a qualitative study of commensal algae found on selected mussel species. The naiads and the algae were found to have diverse populations. Naiads collected during the survey were represented by 23 species, 16 genera and 2 families. Corbicula fluminea was found to be confined largely to the main branch of Twelvepole, with no individuals being collected from the East or West Forks and only limited collections near the mouth of Beechfork Creek. Lampsilis radiata luteola and L. ventricosa were found to have the greatest distribution, being …

The Naiads (Mollusca: Unionidae) From Two Prehistoric Sites Along The Ohio River, Mason County, West Virginia, Beverly Dawn Spurlock

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Archeological naiad valves representing 29 species were recovered from two Late Prehistoric Indian villages along the Ohio River, Mason County, West Virginia. Surface collections and limited excavation provided a total of 1,599 identifiable valves and valve fragments. Dif­ferences in species compositions and relative abundances between the two middens were noted. Samples from the Rolf Lee Farm Site (46MS51) contained 28 species while the Lewis-Old Town Farm Site (46MS57) produced only 23 species. Comparisons were made with other nearby prehistoric shell deposits and also with more recent twentieth century collections from this reach of the river. Nine of the archeological species …

A Taxonomic Study Of The Symphitopsyche Pictet And Hydropsyche Ulmer Larvae Of West Virginia (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae), Charlene Kay Nugen

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A survey of the larval Symphitopsyche and Hydropsyche of West Virginia revealed fifteen species (S. morosa, S. walkeri, S. bronta, S. slossonae, S. macleodi, S. sparna, S. ventura, H. orris, H. phalerata, H. hoffmani, H. scalaris, H. leonardi, H. hageni, H. dicantha, H. simulans) eleven of which were state records (Table 1). Two species groups (S. bifida group, H. depravata group) were also found in the state possibly adding four more species (S. bifida, S.cheilonis, H. depravata,H. betteni) (Table 1). Hydropsyche phalerata, S. walkeri, and H. leonardi were the most scarce in the state and the H. depravata group had …

Hulett C. Smith And His Pursuit Of Excellence, Daniel E. Wright

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this thesis is to trace the early life and political career of West Virginia's twenty-seventh governor, Hulett Carlson Smith. Moreover, it proposes to portray the unqualified commitment of the Smith administration to the field of education. Many of today's educational improvements and innovative educational programs had their beginnings in the Smith administration. It can be concluded that the general public as well as many educators have forgotten the tremendous contributions to this vital need of society by the Smith administration. The time has come when Hulett C. Smith should be given due credit to his innovative and …

The Hand Window Glass Worker In West Virginia: A Study Of His Skill, Union Organization And Life Style, Robert L. Lookabill

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

History of the glass industry in America; as well as specifically the facet of the glass industry in West Virginia.It will be the purpose of this study to delve into the several areas of hand window glass production in West Virginia.

A Survey Of The Snake-Handling Cult Of West Virginia, Kenneth Paul Ambrose

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

For over half a century the snake-handling cult has been active in the United States, especially in the Appalachian area. There has been little scientific information published about this cult. The two major works were mainly confined to a single church in Durham, North Carolina, and a single church in Scrabble Creek, West Virginia. This investigator studied four churches in West Virginia, and one in Durham, North Carolina, for two and a half years to gain a deeper understanding of these people and their religious behavior.

Economic Geography Of Lincoln County, Revada F. Dingess

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Lincoln County has held the interest of the writer for several years. Being a native of this rural county and residing within the county, she has found that information pertaining to the geography of the county is limited.

Educational Development Of Preston County, George P. Ayersman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Preston County 1g ono of the important counties of the State of West Virginia. It borders on two state a, Pennsylvania and Maryland, and four counties of West Virginia, Tucker, Barbour, Taylor and Monongalia. Preston County was formed from Monongalia in 1818. It has an area of seven hundred square miles, being one of the larger counties of the state. It extends along the full eastern Maryland line, thirty-six miles and along the Mason and Dixon line, twenty-two miles. The first efforts to provide education were patterned after the schools in England. Also, included apprenticeships for orphans sent from the …