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The Effect Of Student Self -Described Learning Styles Within Two Models Of Teaching In An Introductory Data Mining Course, Matthew A. North
The Effect Of Student Self -Described Learning Styles Within Two Models Of Teaching In An Introductory Data Mining Course, Matthew A. North
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
This dissertation examines the roles of learning styles and teaching methodologies within a data mining educational program designed for non-Computer Science undergraduate college students. The experimental design is framed by a discussion of the history and development of data mining and education, as well as a vision for its future.;Data mining is a relatively new discipline which has grown out of the fields of database management and data warehousing, statistics, logic, and decision sciences. Over the course of its approximately 15 year history, data mining has emerged from its genesis within the academic and commercial research and development arenas to …
Quantifying Effects Of Vehicle Weight And Terrain On Emissions, Fuel Economy, And Engine Behavior, Corey M. Strimer
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 …
Exploring High-Quality Student Affairs Learning Outcomes Assessment Practices At Three American Research Universities, Adam S. Green
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 …
An Intelligent Portfolio Management Approach To Gas Storage Field Deliverability Maintenance And Enhancement, Kazim A. Malik
An Intelligent Portfolio Management Approach To Gas Storage Field Deliverability Maintenance And Enhancement, Kazim A. Malik
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The main goal of this thesis is to modify and apply the state-of-the-art intelligent, optimum portfolio management to the gas storage field in order to optimize the return on investment associated with well remedial operations. It continues the development of a methodology for candidate selection and stimulation design and optimization using Artificial Intelligence techniques. The project used the data of an actual gas storage field to test the results.;The project data include Well-bore, Completion, Perforation, Stimulation, Well-test and Reservoir Data. The software developed in parallel with this selection methodology includes an easy to use interface that allows the user to …
An Evaluation Of The Bailey Method To Predict Voids In The Mineral Aggregate, Craig Mason
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 …
Model-Based Risk Assessment, Walid M. Abdelmoez
Model-Based Risk Assessment, Walid M. Abdelmoez
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
In this research effort, we focus on model-based risk assessment. Risk assessment is essential in any plan intended to manage software development or maintenance process. Subjective techniques are human intensive and error-prone. Risk assessment should be based on architectural attributes that we can quantitatively measure using architectural level metrics. Software architectures are emerging as an important concept in the study and practice of software engineering nowadays, due to their emphasis on large-scale composition of software product, and to their support for emerging software engineering paradigms, such as product line engineering, component based software engineering, and software evolution.;In this dissertation, we …
Intense Training In Sport: Monitoring The Effects On Immune Function And Mood State, Michelle Bartlett
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 …
Enhanced Iris Recognition: Algorithms For Segmentation, Matching And Synthesis, Samir Shah
Enhanced Iris Recognition: Algorithms For Segmentation, Matching And Synthesis, Samir Shah
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
This thesis addresses the issues of segmentation, matching, fusion and synthesis in the context of irises and makes a four-fold contribution. The first contribution of this thesis is a post matching algorithm that observes the structure of the differences in feature templates to enhance recognition accuracy. The significance of the scheme is its robustness to inaccuracies in the iris segmentation process. Experimental results on the CASIA database indicate the efficacy of the proposed technique. The second contribution of this thesis is a novel iris segmentation scheme that employs Geodesic Active Contours to extract the iris from the surrounding structures. The …
Analysis Of The West Virginia Child Abuse And Neglect 2005 Court Improvement Program's Re-Evaluation, Kathryn Alexandra Rood
Analysis Of The West Virginia Child Abuse And Neglect 2005 Court Improvement Program's Re-Evaluation, Kathryn Alexandra Rood
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
This is a secondary Analysis of the West Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Circuit Courtroom system based on the 1995 and 2005 Court Improvement Programs State Evaluations. This article focuses on the West Virginia child abuse and neglect court in relation to Reasonable Efforts Policy. The Evaluations gathered responses from the Judges, Prosecutors and Caseworkers. We reviewed the responses using Jacob and Eisenstein's courtroom workgroup model. Our analysis reveals that policy as an ideal and in practice enacts power over the courtroom workgroups ability to comply with federal standards. These standards and policy requirements create tension and precedence for an …
Dynamic Model Of Circulating Fluidized Bed, Yue Huang
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 …
Afferent Regulation Of A15 Dopamine Neurons In The Ewe, Adrienne L. Bogusz
Afferent Regulation Of A15 Dopamine Neurons In The Ewe, Adrienne L. Bogusz
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Ovine reproduction is characterized by a breeding season and an anestrous season. Seasonal anestrus is induced by increased responsiveness of the GnRH neurosecretory system to estrogen (E) negative feedback. Previous studies have shown that inhibitory A15 dopamine neurons mediate this increased sensitivity to E, however, these neurons lack E receptors. In this thesis we performed three experiments. For experiment 1 we looked at the specific sites of actions that thyroid hormones act to cause neuronal plasticity of A15 DA neurons, utilizing dual-labeled immunocytochemistry. The results of this study demonstrated no change in dendrite morphology or the number of close contacts …
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 …
Phytoformations Of Silver And Gold Nanoparticles, Brooke A. Fridley
Phytoformations Of Silver And Gold Nanoparticles, Brooke A. Fridley
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Stevia and red beet suspension cultures were examined for uptake of silver from AgNO3 solution. Alfalfa and mung bean sprouts were also studied for silver accumulation when grown in AgNO3 solution. AA analysis confirmed the presence of silver in both sprouts and suspension cultures after exposure to AgNO3 solution, despite the toxic effects of silver on the living matter.;Extract from Pelargonium graveolens underwent reaction with both AgNO3 and KAuCl4 to form silver or gold nanoparticles. For the reaction with AgNO3, light was required to initiate the reaction. In contrast, reactions producing gold nanoparticles did not require light to react. Oxygen …
Sexual Objectification, Self-Objectification, Self-Efficacy, And Female Identity Development: A Preliminary Study, Kathleen Reilly Coffers
Sexual Objectification, Self-Objectification, Self-Efficacy, And Female Identity Development: A Preliminary Study, Kathleen Reilly Coffers
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Sexual and self-objectification, self-efficacy and identity status were investigated using data collected from undergraduate and graduate classes from West Virginia University. Subjects were 267 females, ages 18--23. The four variables were measured as follows: (a) Cultural Sexual Objectification Questionnaire, (b) Self-Objectification Questionnaire, (c) Self-Efficacy Scale and (d) Extended Version of the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status. Cronbach's Alphas were performed on all measures with good to adequate reliabilities (.69 through .89), with the exception of the identity diffusion subscale which resulted in marginal reliability (.57). Chi-square analyses performed for sexual and self-objectification in each of the four identity statuses …
The Effects Of Social Bond And Neutralization On Juvenile Drug Usage, Adam Shields
The Effects Of Social Bond And Neutralization On Juvenile Drug Usage, Adam Shields
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of social bond and neutralization on juvenile drug usage. Part I of the Evaluation of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program in the United States (1995-1999) was used for the data analysis. When controlling for other variables, the data revealed that juveniles who accept neutralization of stealing and juveniles who are involved with other delinquent peers are more likely to use illegal drugs. In addition, the data revealed that an adolescent's gender was significant in determining drug usage. The results generally support Hirschi's (1969) Social Bond Theory, and …
Nondestructive Evaluation Of Frp Wrapped Concrete Cylinders Using Infrared Thermography And Ground Penetrating Radar, Shasanka Shekhar Dutta
Nondestructive Evaluation Of Frp Wrapped Concrete Cylinders Using Infrared Thermography And Ground Penetrating Radar, Shasanka Shekhar Dutta
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The objectives of this research are: (a) to investigate the feasibility of using Infrared Thermography (IRT) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for detecting debonds in Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) wrapped columns, and (b) to study the effect of the debonds on reduction in compressive strength of FRP wrapped columns.;All laboratory tests were conducted on concrete cylinders of size 6" x 12" (152.4 mm x 304.8 mm) in which air-filled and water-filled debonds of various sizes were inserted. Air-filled debonds were made by cutting plastic sheets into the desired sizes whereas water-filled debonds were made by injecting water in custom made …
Finite Element Analysis Of Long-Term Performance Of Buried High Density Polyethylene Pipes, Raj Kumar Gondle
Finite Element Analysis Of Long-Term Performance Of Buried High Density Polyethylene Pipes, Raj Kumar Gondle
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Buried pipes are utilized for various applications such as sewers, water conveyance, and highway drainage systems. Advantages such as lightweight, ease of installation, low cost, higher impact strength and durability have resulted in the extensive use of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes during the past few years. Time dependent properties such as creep associated with HDPE material may reduce the expected design life of high density polyethylene pipes under field conditions. The objective of this research work was to investigate the time dependent nature of buried high density polyethylene pipes using the finite element analysis. The influence of trench width …
Forecasting Truck Traffic Growth At West Virginia Non-Interstate Highways, Sundeep Gopisetty
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
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 …
Cooperative Diversity Using Mimo Systems, Ramachandran Rajagopalan
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 …
Alumina Waveguide Characterization And Sparrow Biosensor Modeling, Pavan Kumar Samudrala
Alumina Waveguide Characterization And Sparrow Biosensor Modeling, Pavan Kumar Samudrala
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Sensors based on evanescent wave techniques have the potential to detect minute change in refractive index arising from surface modifications. The biosensor device architecture evaluated in this work is the SPARROW (Stacked Planar Affinity Regulated Resonant Optical Waveguide) structure. This architecture can operate as a biosensor through the change in the coupled optical power resulted from antigen bonding to the bio-layer. Its stacked film arrangement with no lateral patterning offers a potentially less complex structure for fabrication. This thesis describes the process developed to optically characterize the alumina waveguides of the SPARROW device and investigates waveguide film quality as a …
Optimal Bucking Hardwood Species In Central Appalachia, Jingang Liu
Optimal Bucking Hardwood Species In Central Appalachia, Jingang Liu
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
An optimal tree-stem bucking system was developed for central Appalachian hardwood species using 3D modeling techniques. ActiveX Data Objects were implemented via MS Visual C++/OpenGL to manipulate tree data which were supported by a backend relational data model with five data tables for stems, grades and prices, logs, defects and stem shapes. Network analysis was employed to achieve the optimal bucking solution with four different alternative stage intervals under bucking by value principle. Once all the data associated with a tree were retrieved, a 3-D tree stem could be displayed for either optimal or manual bucking based on the user's …
Conduct Disorder And Future Substance Abuse: Factors Affecting Drug Treatment Outcome, Matthew E. Goldfine
Conduct Disorder And Future Substance Abuse: Factors Affecting Drug Treatment Outcome, Matthew E. Goldfine
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Prior research has demonstrated a relation between Conduct Disorder (CD), its severity (total number of symptoms), and substance use disorder (SUD). The current study examined 105 opioid dependent adults for a history of CD and treatment outcome characteristics over a 16 week SUD treatment program. Results demonstrate the effects of CD in regards to poorer improvement of summed Addiction Severity Index composite scores and amphetamine use. Improvement in cocaine use was found to be associated with a CD diagnosis. CD severity was found to lead to poorer improvement as measured by psychiatric impairment and alcohol intoxication. However, participants with increased …
An Interpolation Method For Stream Habitat Assessments With Reference To The Crystal Darter, Kenneth Richard Sheehan
An Interpolation Method For Stream Habitat Assessments With Reference To The Crystal Darter, Kenneth Richard Sheehan
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Crystallaria asprella spp. (Elk River crystal darter) is documented only in Elk River, West Virginia. Little life history detail is known about this lotic, benthic-dependent species. Previous studies have led to a very basic understanding of the use of depth, flow and substrate of the crystal darter (Crystallaria asprella), and less is known about the Elk River crystal darter. Due to substrate-specificity in crystal darters (which reportedly bury in sand), a study concerning benthic stream habitat modeling was undertaken. Substrate and depth modeling using >5% of an area sampled at a resolution of 0.093 m2 square spatial data in a …
Faith, Power, And Conflict: Miner Preachers And The United Mine Workers Of America In The Harlan County Mine Wars, 1931--1939, Carletta A. Bush
Faith, Power, And Conflict: Miner Preachers And The United Mine Workers Of America In The Harlan County Mine Wars, 1931--1939, Carletta A. Bush
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Early accounts of the Harlan County mine wars place the inability of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) to establish a permanent foothold in the county, first at the feet of the Harlan County Coal Operators Association (HCCOA) and secondly at the worn work boots of miners who, when work was plentiful, saw little or no need for a union. The power of the HCCOA is not in question. Its members used their immense wealth and influence to build a million dollar war chest to fight the union and to maintain their iron-clad grip upon the county's political, judicial, …
A Geostatistical Calculation Of The Coal Mine Roof Rating, Matthew A. Petrovich
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 …
An Evaluation Of Current West Virginia Specifications And Construction Methods Regarding The Density Of Hot Mix Asphalt, Andrew Rudolph
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 …
The Study Of Down-Hole Hydro-Cyclone Efficiency In Oil Wells Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, Ahmed A. Yusuf
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 …
Determining Low Permeability Formation Properties From Absolute Open Flow Potential, Fatemeh Belyadi
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
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 …