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Intense Training In Sport: Monitoring The Effects On Immune Function And Mood State, Michelle Bartlett Dec 2006

Intense Training In Sport: Monitoring The Effects On Immune Function And Mood State, Michelle Bartlett

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

To enhance and optimize sport performance, athletes are training at increasingly higher levels of intensity, volume and frequency. When increases in any of these areas of training are not accompanied by adequate recovery, over time, decrements in performance and physical/psychological maladies can result. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to monitor five competitive swimmers during a swimming season in two of the potential areas in which an adverse response to training may appear: the immunological parameter of mucosal immune function and the psychological parameter of mood state. Each parameter was assessed once per week over the seven weeks of …


Determining Low Permeability Formation Properties From Absolute Open Flow Potential, Fatemeh Belyadi Dec 2006

Determining Low Permeability Formation Properties From Absolute Open Flow Potential, Fatemeh Belyadi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Absolute Open Flow Potential (AOFP) is often the only productivity information available from low permeability gas formations particularly in the Appalachian Basin. Absolute Open Flow Potential (AOFP) is commonly evaluated through a single point test due to its cost effectiveness. In low permeability reservoirs, the time required for obtaining stabilized flow rate is often very long. Therefore, stabilized AOFP may not be achieved in short tests. Furthermore, most low permeability gas wells are hydraulically fractured to improve their productivity. Therefore, the post-fracture measured AOFP could be significantly influenced by fracture properties.;The objective of this was to develop a methodology to …


Analysis Of Single-Point Test To Determine Skin Factor, Abbas Belyadi Dec 2006

Analysis Of Single-Point Test To Determine Skin Factor, Abbas Belyadi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Single-point test results can be used to obtain information regarding the degree of damage in gas wells in the gas storage reservoirs. Single-point test is neither time-consuming nor costly to determine the productivity of a well. Furthermore, flow stabilization times would be short in high permeability gas storage reservoirs. Generally, a four-point test is conducted first to establish the deliverability relation. After some period of time, namely one year, a single-point test could be conducted. The results of the single-point and four-point tests can then be compared in order to identify any alteration in well performance.;The objective of this research …


Forecasting Truck Traffic Growth At West Virginia Non-Interstate Highways, Sundeep Gopisetty Dec 2006

Forecasting Truck Traffic Growth At West Virginia Non-Interstate Highways, Sundeep Gopisetty

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Reliable estimates of truck volumes are important in transportation planning and design applications, such as pavement design and management. This study evaluates different statistical methods based on their accuracy and data requirements, to calculate the truck growth rates by developing statistical models. Nine years of data from 1995 to 2003 was used to develop these models for calculating the truck growth rates at non-interstate highways of West Virginia. The literature review and the current practices for the state DOT was conducted to better understand and select the different forecasting methods that could be applicable to the given data. As a …


Application Of A Statistical Zonation Technique To Granny Creek Field In West Virginia, Venkata Kristamsetty Dec 2006

Application Of A Statistical Zonation Technique To Granny Creek Field In West Virginia, Venkata Kristamsetty

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The significance of dividing the sedimentary intervals into flow units reflects groups of rocks that has similar geologic, physical properties and depositional environment that affect fluid flow. Variations in rock properties result from depositional, diagenetic and post-depositional changes. A flow unit is a volume of a reservoir rock that is continuous laterally and vertically and has similar averages of those rock properties that affect fluid flow.;In this study, a statistical zonation technique developed by Testerman to identify and describe naturally occurring zones in a reservoir is applied to Granny Creek field in West Virginia. This technique is particularly useful in …


Effectiveness Of Aquatic Phytoremediation Of Nutrients Via Watercress (Nasturtium Officinale), Basil (Ocimum Basilicum), Dill (Anethum Graveolens) And Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa) From Effluent Of A Flow-Through Aquaculture Operation, Derek J. Dyer Dec 2006

Effectiveness Of Aquatic Phytoremediation Of Nutrients Via Watercress (Nasturtium Officinale), Basil (Ocimum Basilicum), Dill (Anethum Graveolens) And Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa) From Effluent Of A Flow-Through Aquaculture Operation, Derek J. Dyer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Effluent from the aquaculture industry is a source of nutrient loading upon water bodies nationwide. Aquaponics, the simultaneous cultivation of fish and plants, has the potential to effectively reduce nutrient concentrations through phytoremediation, with the added benefit of producing a valuable crop. The purpose of this preliminary research was to determine if watercress ( Nasturtium officinale) could be used to reduce nutrients from aquaculture effluent in sufficient concentrations to be functional as a remediation technique. Additionally, basil (Ocimum basilicum), dill (Anethum graveolens) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) were correspondingly examined. Conditions which affected plant growth versus nutrient remediation were also to …


Recognition Capacity Of Biometric-Based Systems, Francesco P. Nicolo Dec 2006

Recognition Capacity Of Biometric-Based Systems, Francesco P. Nicolo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Performance of biometrics-based recognition systems depends on various factors: database quality, image preprocessing, encoding techniques, etc. Given a biometric database and a selected encoding method, the capability of a recognition system is limited by the relationship between the number of classes that the recognition system can encode and the length of encoded data describing the template at a specific level of distortion. In this work, we evaluate constrained recognition capacity of biometric systems under the constraint of two global encoding techniques: Principal Component Analysis and Independent Component Analysis. The developed methodology is applied to predict capacity of different recognition channels …


Software Application For Emergency Responders, Safer 2.0, Saritha Reddy Potula Dec 2006

Software Application For Emergency Responders, Safer 2.0, Saritha Reddy Potula

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The SAFER 2.0 was developed as a web based information system for the First Responders involved in dealing with the hazardous materials incidents. The software tool enables First Responders to view and identify the substances involved in a hazard via a secure Internet connection. The tool also aids in identifying the unknown substances based on the physical description (color, odor, texture, gas/liquid, etc.), symptoms and other information available at the site of the incident. The system is based on the 2004 North American Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG2004) and NIOSH Pocket Guide (NPG). ERG2004 was developed for use by firefighters, police, …


Quantifying Effects Of Vehicle Weight And Terrain On Emissions, Fuel Economy, And Engine Behavior, Corey M. Strimer Dec 2006

Quantifying Effects Of Vehicle Weight And Terrain On Emissions, Fuel Economy, And Engine Behavior, Corey M. Strimer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

On-board emissions measurement for heavy-duty vehicles has garnered greater significance because 2007 marks the beginning of gaseous emissions monitoring for in-use vehicles in the United States [1]. Emissions compliance must be shown in a "not to exceed" (NTE) zone that emphasizes engine operation at higher power. An over-the-road 1996 Peterbilt tractor was instrumented with the West Virginia University Mobile Emissions Measurement System (MEMS) to determine how often the truck entered the NTE, and the emissions from the vehicle, as it was driven over varying terrain at multiple test weights. Distance-specific NOX emissions increase by approximately X/2% for an X% increase …


Design, Development And Qualification Of Compact Mobile Emissions Measurement System (Cmems) For Real-Time On-Board Emissions Measurement, Aseem Tiwari Dec 2006

Design, Development And Qualification Of Compact Mobile Emissions Measurement System (Cmems) For Real-Time On-Board Emissions Measurement, Aseem Tiwari

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The objective of this study was to design, develop and qualify the Compact Mobile Emissions Measurement System (CMEMS) for real-time on-board measurement of exhaust emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles. This study was aimed at developing a system more compact and lighter with respect to the existing Mobile Emissions Measurement System (MEMS), so that the entire system could be mounted on the tail pipe of the test vehicle in order to reduce installation time, power requirements and manpower requirements. This was achieved by judicious selection of commercially available compact solid-state gas analyzers, and development of a sampling system which was significantly …


Evaluation And Optimization Of Central Vision Compensation Techniques, Ahmed M. El-Sherbeeny Dec 2006

Evaluation And Optimization Of Central Vision Compensation Techniques, Ahmed M. El-Sherbeeny

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Non-costly, non-invasive, safe, and reliable electronic vision enhancement systems (EVES) and their methods have presented a huge medical and industrial demand in the early 21st century. Two unique, vision compensation and enhancement algorithms are reviewed and compared, qualitatively optimizing the view of a restricted (or truncated) image. The first is described as the convex or "fish-eye" technique, and the second is the "cartoon superimposition" or "Peli" technique (after the leading author for this research). The novelty in this dissertation is in presenting and analyzing both of these with a comparison to a novel technique, motivated by characterization of quality vision …


Exploring High-Quality Student Affairs Learning Outcomes Assessment Practices At Three American Research Universities, Adam S. Green Dec 2006

Exploring High-Quality Student Affairs Learning Outcomes Assessment Practices At Three American Research Universities, Adam S. Green

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

This study was conducted because limited research has occurred in the area of co-curricular student learning outcomes assessment, which has resulted in confusion within the student affairs profession on how to develop and implement assessment plans. The purpose of this study was to examine high quality assessment practices of student affairs divisions at three different research institutions in order to advance the value, usefulness, and understanding of learning outcomes assessment within the student affairs profession, so more student affairs divisions may begin assessing the co-curricular. Those student affairs divisions selected for this study represented assessment models with significant experience in …


Dynamic Model Of Circulating Fluidized Bed, Yue Huang Dec 2006

Dynamic Model Of Circulating Fluidized Bed, Yue Huang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Circulating fluidized beds (CFBs) are used in many processes in the chemical industry to reduce pollution and increase efficiency. Optimization and control of CFBs are very important and require an accurate, real time, dynamic model to describe and quantify the process.;The present work focuses on modeling the transient behavior of large CFB units, whose flow characteristics were shown to yield C-shaped voidage profiles using cork as the fluidized material and air at ambient conditions.;The riser is modeled in two ways: (1) as a set of well-mixed tanks connected in series; (2) as a 1-D axisymetric cluster flow. The tanks-in-series model …


Applying Stages Of Change Theory To An Acute Pain Situation: Development Of The Childbirth Stages Of Change Questionnaire (Csocq), Rebecca K. Widoe Dec 2006

Applying Stages Of Change Theory To An Acute Pain Situation: Development Of The Childbirth Stages Of Change Questionnaire (Csocq), Rebecca K. Widoe

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Various self-management methods and pharmacological agents are available to relieve childbirth pain. Decisions about pain management during labor have medical, psychological, and sociological ramifications, yet research investigating the selection of childbirth pain management strategies is scarce. The purpose of the current study was to develop a self-report instrument, the Childbirth Stages of Change Questionnaire (CSOCQ), to assess a pregnant woman's readiness to self-manage childbirth pain. Items representative of five levels of readiness were generated by experts. Next, 3 pregnant women evaluated items for content validity. A pilot CSOCQ was administered to 536 undergraduate women. Factor analysis and item-reliabilities were conducted …


Left Arm Of The Republic: The Department Of The Pacific During The Civil War, James Robbins Jewell Dec 2006

Left Arm Of The Republic: The Department Of The Pacific During The Civil War, James Robbins Jewell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Although the Civil War was fought largely in the East it was a transcontinental war. Securing the Far West for the Union played an important, though secondary role in the northern war effort. When most of the Regular Army units were called east, holding the region and confronting the multiple threats to its security fell to the western volunteers. Through their efforts, they maintained a general stability in a vast region where both potential and actualized threats could easily have hampered Union efforts in the main theatres of war. Therefore, by quelling secessionist schemes and activities and attempting to maintain …


Health -Related Quality Of Life In Multiple Sclerosis: Measurement, Predictors And Utilization In Routine Clinical Practice, Vivek S. Pawar Dec 2006

Health -Related Quality Of Life In Multiple Sclerosis: Measurement, Predictors And Utilization In Routine Clinical Practice, Vivek S. Pawar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

There are a large number of patient-reported questionnaires to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In order to make a recommendation for use in clinical practice, a comparison of their psychometric properties is necessary. In addition to accurate assessment, it is also necessary to identify factors that have a significant impact on HRQoL. Further, lack of use of HRQoL information in clinical practice warrants examination of attitudes and behavior of neurologists about HRQoL assessment and their intention to consider incorporating HRQoL information in their decision making. This study collected data from patients with MS …


Forwarding Strategies And Optimal Power Allocation For Coherent And Noncoherent Relay Networks, Somak Datta Gupta Dec 2006

Forwarding Strategies And Optimal Power Allocation For Coherent And Noncoherent Relay Networks, Somak Datta Gupta

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

In fading wireless channels, relays are used with the aim of achieving diversity and thus overall performance gain. In cooperative relay networks, various forwarding techniques like amplify and forward (AF) and decode and forward (DF) are used at the relay for better throughput and improved BER performance than traditional multihop systems. In a power constrained environment, the performance can be further improved by using an optimal power allocation strategy. The relative position of the relay with respect to the source and destination also has an immense effect on the efficacy of the relay.;We position the relay at various positions in …


Development Of A Numerical Model Of A Two-Dimensional Inertial Gas Separator, Henry Z. Graham Iv Dec 2006

Development Of A Numerical Model Of A Two-Dimensional Inertial Gas Separator, Henry Z. Graham Iv

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The separation of gases is required for a variety of applications such as purification for industrial processes, natural gas production, isotope formation, etc. Gas separation is a costly expenditure for businesses, so new and improved methods are being continuously investigated. Separation techniques related to the method in this thesis are diffusion separators such as mechanical centrifuges, vortexes and the use of shock waves to cause the separation based on the molecular weight of the different gases. These methods and others are constantly being investigated and improved to increase their effectiveness.;The purpose of this thesis was to determine if the design …


Finite Element Analysis Of Low-Profile Frp Bridge Deck (Prodeck 4), Siva Kumar Boyapati Dec 2006

Finite Element Analysis Of Low-Profile Frp Bridge Deck (Prodeck 4), Siva Kumar Boyapati

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

FRPs (Fiber Reinforced Polymers) are lightweight and an innovative alternative to conventional materials like steel and concrete in Structural engineering. Pultruded FRP bridge decks have many advantages compared to conventional concrete decks especially in bridge engineering. In this study a finite element model of a 4"-thick low profile FRP bridge deck made of E-glass fiber and vinyl ester resin, having a fiber volume fraction of approximately 50% and weighing about 10 lb/ft2 is developed using the finite element software ANSYS. The bridge deck modeled is subjected to a central patch load, and the finite element results such as deflections, strains …


A Comparison Of The Relative Efficiency Of Tracking Signals In Forecast Control, Balasubramanya Krishnamurthy Dec 2006

A Comparison Of The Relative Efficiency Of Tracking Signals In Forecast Control, Balasubramanya Krishnamurthy

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

An important aspect of forecasting system is monitoring the process for forecast accuracy. Tracking signals test is an effective detection method for occurrence of nonrandom changes. In this research, the relative efficiency of Cumulative Sum (CUSUM), Smoothed Error, Backward CUSUM, Autocorrelation and Parabolic CUSUM tracking signals were compared according to ARL1 criterion and percentage of trips detected within N periods. For simulating response to a step, 1,000 series of demands were generated, each covering run-ins of 40 periods and 75 periods after introduction of the step. The response of tracking signals to step sizes of 1sigma, 2sigma, 3sigma and a …


An Evaluation Of The Bailey Method To Predict Voids In The Mineral Aggregate, Craig Mason Dec 2006

An Evaluation Of The Bailey Method To Predict Voids In The Mineral Aggregate, Craig Mason

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The Bailey Method was developed by Robert Bailey of the Illinois State DOT. It was intended to be a tool to predict changes in voids in the mineral aggregate (VMA) resulting from gradation alterations in compacted asphalt concrete samples. This research evaluates the changes in VMA due to gradation alterations of four contractors' mix designs. By providing a tool to predict VMA, a desired gradation for asphalt mixtures can be developed to create a strong aggregate skeleton for rut resistance, durability, and adequate VMA.;The objective of this research was to evaluate the Bailey Method to predict voids in the mineral …


An Evaluation Of Current West Virginia Specifications And Construction Methods Regarding The Density Of Hot Mix Asphalt, Andrew Rudolph Dec 2006

An Evaluation Of Current West Virginia Specifications And Construction Methods Regarding The Density Of Hot Mix Asphalt, Andrew Rudolph

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Pavement performance depends on the quality of the material, the mix design, and construction. The objectives of pavement construction are to place the material with a smooth surface, and compacted to the target density. Inadequate density permits water to enter the pavement leading to premature distress. It also can contribute to rutting as the pavement densify. A surface that is too dense is also prone to rutting.;This research evaluated methods for: measuring density, quality control, and longitudinal joint construction. Density specifications for West Virginia and surrounding states were reviewed to assess the compaction requirements for hot mix asphalt (HMA).;This research …


A Geostatistical Calculation Of The Coal Mine Roof Rating, Matthew A. Petrovich Dec 2006

A Geostatistical Calculation Of The Coal Mine Roof Rating, Matthew A. Petrovich

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

In this thesis, the need for an efficient and easy to use program which calculates a Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR) over a spatial area is established. In response to this need, a program which enables for the geostatistical calculation of the CMRR over a spatial area was developed as an engineering tool to quantify the geo-mechanical stability of the roof rock within the bolted horizon of a coal mine through the utilization of one of the more widely available geologic model data formats.;The CMRR program utilizes the popular AutoCAD/SurvCADD platform and grid data format as a foundation for inputting …


The Study Of Down-Hole Hydro-Cyclone Efficiency In Oil Wells Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, Ahmed A. Yusuf Dec 2006

The Study Of Down-Hole Hydro-Cyclone Efficiency In Oil Wells Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, Ahmed A. Yusuf

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Water is by far the largest waste stream associated with oil and gas production and it is unimaginable to find an oil reservoir absolutely free from connate water. Water management has become an important issue of hydrocarbon production, since the produced water increases as the field grows older and the cost of water handling, such as separation, treatment and repair is dramatically increasing. Down-Hole Separation (DOWS) and re-injection results in the production of oil to the surface, while portions of water are injected to the underground formation without ever being lifted to the surface.;DOWS depends on geological characteristics of the …


Stratigraphic And Structural Analysis Of The J1 Sandstone, Scotts Bluff Trend, Scotts Bluff And Morrill Counties, Nebraska, Jeremy M. Wolpert Dec 2006

Stratigraphic And Structural Analysis Of The J1 Sandstone, Scotts Bluff Trend, Scotts Bluff And Morrill Counties, Nebraska, Jeremy M. Wolpert

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Scotts Bluff Trend is a group of 10 oil fields that produce from the Cretaceous J Sandstone. Production was previously thought to be aligned along this trend due to structural influence.;For this study well logs were utilized in analyzing structural and stratigraphic elements, as well as hydrocarbon predictability. The Scotts Bluff Trend appears to sit upon a residual structural high. A comprehensive look reveals that stratigraphic influence is superimposed on the structural high.;J1 Sandstone reservoirs were mapped assuming a NW--SE depositional trend. Deposition was in a shallow-marine bar environment. Central-bar, bar-margin and interbar facies are recognized which interfinger laterally into …


Lossless Compression And Neuron Structure Extraction For Fluorescence Microscopy Confocal Neuron Images, Yong Zhang Dec 2006

Lossless Compression And Neuron Structure Extraction For Fluorescence Microscopy Confocal Neuron Images, Yong Zhang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

To study the development of nervous systems, biologists are interested in neurite outgrowth, differentiation, synapse formation, and plasticity. High throughput neuron image processing is an important method for drug screening and quantitative neurobiological studies. The power of high-throughput processing comes from the automated fluorescence microscopy imaging techniques that make it possible and facile to visualize the complicated biological processes on the cellular and molecular levels and allow fast and cheap acquisition of such imaging data. With this method, a huge number of images are generated, with resolutions at length scales that are small enough to resolve neuron structures. Thus, one …


Ground Penetrating Radar (Gpr) Based System For Nondestructive Detection Of Interior Defects In Wooden Logs, Dayakar Devaru Dec 2006

Ground Penetrating Radar (Gpr) Based System For Nondestructive Detection Of Interior Defects In Wooden Logs, Dayakar Devaru

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

A previous study used GPR to scan logs and the scanned data was processed and analyzed using RADAN software. This data processing using RADAN software needs an expert and is time consuming. Also, the output from RADAN software cannot be used to generate manufacturing process instructions since it will be in the form of an image. For online implementation of GPR scanning, a quick automated defect detection system with numerical output is required.;To incorporate automated defect detection system, a MATLAB algorithm has been developed. Validation of the MATLAB algorithm output has been done by comparing with the results of RADAN …


One-Dimensional Computer Modeling Of Electrical Conductivity Through Methane And Synthesis Gas Flames, Jonathan Patrick Lilly Dec 2006

One-Dimensional Computer Modeling Of Electrical Conductivity Through Methane And Synthesis Gas Flames, Jonathan Patrick Lilly

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The purpose of this work has been to produce and test simulation software to accurately model the effects of charged species and applied electric fields on the current conducted through methane and methane-doped synthesis gas flames. Comparison with existing experimental data generated at NETL has been conducted on a variety of published reaction mechanisms.


Cooperative Diversity Using Mimo Systems, Ramachandran Rajagopalan Dec 2006

Cooperative Diversity Using Mimo Systems, Ramachandran Rajagopalan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Multipath fading is one of the primary factors for degrading the performance in a wireless network. Information theoretic and past research suggest the use various diversity techniques to combat fading in wireless networks. Antenna diversity, a form of diversity technique, when incorporated in a wireless transceiver increases the system capacity and is one of the effective methods to combat fading in wireless systems. Also, recent research by Laneman et.al., Sendonaris et.al. suggests that cooperation among users in a wireless networks is an effective approach for a better signal reception in multipath fading environments. The diversity gains obtained by cooperation among …


A Hairy Predicament: The Problem With Long Hair In The 1960s And 1970s, Andrew Robert Herrick Dec 2006

A Hairy Predicament: The Problem With Long Hair In The 1960s And 1970s, Andrew Robert Herrick

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

By the mid-1970s long hair worn by much of the American youth evoked little comment and indeed was considered fashionable. But during much of the previous two decades male hair length was a contentious issue that divided the generations. The struggle over hair in many ways epitomized the sixties generation's challenge to authority and their claim to individual rights. During the era, the meaning of long hair changed dramatically from what it was during the fifties. It began as a symbol of youth culture rebellion linked to music. By the latter part of the sixties, however, it became associated with …