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Articles 31 - 60 of 430
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Woody Encroachment Mechanisms Of A Symbiotic N-Fixing Shrub: Ecophysiology, Facilitation, And Resource Use Efficiency, Jaclyn Vick
Woody Encroachment Mechanisms Of A Symbiotic N-Fixing Shrub: Ecophysiology, Facilitation, And Resource Use Efficiency, Jaclyn Vick
Theses and Dissertations
Causes and consequences of woody encroachment into grass dominated systems have been widely studied, however functional mechanisms which promote encroachment are largely unknown. Many expansive woody species are shrubs with rhizobial or actinorhizal N-fixing symbiotic associations. Morella cerifera L. (Myricaceae) is an actinorhizal N-fixing shrub which rapidly expands into grasslands on the barrier islands off the coast of Virginia, USA. The objective of this research was to determine physiological drivers of woody encroachment resulting in increased woody cover of M. cerifera on Southeastern, US barrier islands. Variations in physiology and resource use efficiencies (RUE) of M. cerifera and co-occurring shrubs …
Factors Controlling Dissolved Organic Carbon Lability And Ecological Fate In The East Branch Swift River, Massachusettes, Hall Eric
Theses and Dissertations
Fluvial systems have been estimated to transform, transport, or store 2.75 petagrams (Pg) of Organic Carbon (OC) per year. Although approximately 1Pg per year of terrestrial carbon is fluxed to the atmosphere through inland waters, little is known about the factors regulating its eventual ecological fate. 28 day lability incubations were conducted concurrent with the measurement of several environmental parameters including discharge, nutrient concentration, DO13C, and DOC:DON at several sites along Bigelow Brook and the East Branch of the Swift River, Massachusetts. Temporal and spatial variation of DOC, DOC:DON and DO13C were explored. Two distinct DOC consumption rates, short and …
Life's Texture: Depth And Breadth, Susan Wynn-Trent Musselman
Life's Texture: Depth And Breadth, Susan Wynn-Trent Musselman
Theses and Dissertations
Our world has a wonderful and intriguing tension in the balance between stress and calm, joy and sadness, and organization and chaos. As a sentient being, I must steadily adapt and accommodate the changing world surrounding me. In doing so, I create a dance to a rhythm that changes with every bar of music heard only by my own ear. My process is a reflection of this integral dance and I visualize the rhythm in form. My work is the result of the integration of my life with my creativity. I maneuver through this creative labyrinth using multiple materials to …
Understanding Mothers Of Late Preterm Infants, Brenda Baker
Understanding Mothers Of Late Preterm Infants, Brenda Baker
Theses and Dissertations
The experience of becoming a mother is a personal and social experience influenced by individual characteristics, friends and family, and the infant. The journey to become a mother encompasses concepts of maternal competence and responsiveness. The purpose of this study was to examine maternal competence and responsiveness to the infant in mothers of late preterm infants compared to mothers of full term infants. The conceptual model for this work was based on the work of Reva Rubin describing maternal identity and role development. Maternal competence and responsiveness are components of maternal role and are influenced by social support, maternal self-esteem, …
Cognitive Origins Of The “Bimby” Effect: A Mixed Methods Exploration Of Survey Ratings Regarding The Quality Of Public Schools, James Ellis Jr.
Cognitive Origins Of The “Bimby” Effect: A Mixed Methods Exploration Of Survey Ratings Regarding The Quality Of Public Schools, James Ellis Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
Abstract COGNITIVE ORIGINS OF THE “BIMBY” EFFECT: A MIXED METHODS EXPLORATION OF SURVEY RATINGS REGARDING THE QUALITY OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS By James M. Ellis, Jr., Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011. Director: James H. McMillan, Ph.D. Professor of Education, School of Education Public education and public opinion are pillars of democracy. In surveys about education, respondents in aggregate almost always rate schools attended by their children highest, schools in their communities moderately, and schools in the nation poorly. …
Obsessions Of My Affections, Deborah Fitzgerald
Obsessions Of My Affections, Deborah Fitzgerald
Theses and Dissertations
Artist Statement I am an ardent artist. I am always creating, even in my sleep. The ideas, images, and visions awake me from my dreams. I have been creating in various media since I was a very small child. The materials beckoned that child to play, as a grown up I can’t resist it. I am driven to play, explore, and experience with my all emotions and senses. My work has revolved around the exploration of objects or obsessions of my affections. They give an insight to how I feel about love and being in love. They depict objects I …
Fast Parallel Machine Learning Algorithms For Large Datasets Using Graphic Processing Unit, Qi Li
Fast Parallel Machine Learning Algorithms For Large Datasets Using Graphic Processing Unit, Qi Li
Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation deals with developing parallel processing algorithms for Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) in order to solve machine learning problems for large datasets. In particular, it contributes to the development of fast GPU based algorithms for calculating distance (i.e. similarity, affinity, closeness) matrix. It also presents the algorithm and implementation of a fast parallel Support Vector Machine (SVM) using GPU. These application tools are developed using Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA), which is a popular software framework for General Purpose Computing using GPU (GPGPU). Distance calculation is the core part of all machine learning algorithms because the closer the query …
Circumpunct, Kristin Epperson
Circumpunct, Kristin Epperson
Theses and Dissertations
I experimented with different imagery until I found a symbol that reflected my interpretation of my subconscious. This symbol is referred to as a circumpunct, or a circle with a dot in the middle. The dot in the middle is called a void. The circumpunct acts as emotional restraint, while the void acts as a challenge that is on the horizon. Process and meditation are what allow me to create from this subconscious labyrinth. By hand, I either paint or sculpt circumpuncts. By creating these circumpuncts and their voids, I have transformed a subconscious emotion into something visual. I started …
Examining Criminal Justice Professionals’ Attitudes And Responsiveness Towards Intimidated Witnesses On The Local Level: An Exploratory Analysis, Moon Michon
Theses and Dissertations
Abstract EXAMINING CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROFESSIONALS’ ATTITUDES AND RESPONSIVENESS TOWARDS INTIMIDATED WITNESSES ON THE LOCAL LEVEL: AN EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS By Michon J. Moon, Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011 Major Director: Laura J. Moriarty, Ph. D, Professor and Vice Provost of Academic and Faculty Affairs L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs The study explored criminal justice professionals’ attitudes and responsiveness toward witness intimidation on the local level based on their occupation and region of employment. Intimidated witnesses are vulnerable …
Sensory Modulation Disorder In Puerto Rican Preschoolers: Associated Risk Factors, Rosa L. Roman-Oyola
Sensory Modulation Disorder In Puerto Rican Preschoolers: Associated Risk Factors, Rosa L. Roman-Oyola
Theses and Dissertations
Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD) reduces a child’s ability to respond to sensory stimuli in the environment in a manner that corresponds to the nature or intensity of the stimulus; this disorder therefore significantly can impact participation in developmentally appropriate play and functional activities. More studies are needed to enhance research in the field of SMD and aid the general community in understanding the disorder and its causes. The purpose of this study was to characterize the prevalence of SMD among Puerto Rican preschoolers and examine the relationship between specific risk factors (socioeconomic status, pre-natal alcohol exposure, low birth weight, preterm …
Use Of Historic Tax Credits For School Construction In Virginia: Costs, Benefits, Administrative Implications, And Public Policy Issues, Paola Brooks
Theses and Dissertations
A number of studies show that school facilities in the United States are deteriorating and that a substantial outlay of financial capital is required to bring school facilities to good overall condition. The current economic environment, marked by slow growth, high unemployment, and low tax revenues has highlighted widespread issues with the financial condition and fiscal sustainability of local governments. While studies show that the success of the educational process is related to the condition of school facilities, providing a safe and effective educational environment for students and teachers is a great challenge for local governments. Alternative sources of funding …
The Effectiveness Of Religion-Affiliated Nonprofit Organizations In Social Services: A Survey Study Of Nursing Homes In Virginia, Bulent Ucar
Theses and Dissertations
The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether being a church affiliated nursing home influences performance. Performance is measured based on criterion put in place by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The secondary purpose is, regardless of ownership type - religiously affiliated or secular- to investigate if more religiously involved nursing homes perform better than their less religiously involved counterparts. These two purposes are hypothesized with six different hypotheses each of which are tested by utilizing OLS regression analysis. This study extensively discusses the arguments surrounding the Charitable Choice Initiative, which allowed faith-based organizations (FBOs) …
Comparing The Efficacy Of Two Cognitive Dissonance Interventions For Eating Pathology: Are Online And Face-To-Face Interventions Equally Effective?, Kasey Serdar
Theses and Dissertations
Clinical and subclinical eating pathology are common, especially among female undergraduates. Such problems are often chronic and associated with a range of negative medical and psychological outcomes. Thus, it is important to develop effective prevention programs to reduce eating disorder risk. Numerous studies suggest that dissonance-based prevention programs are the most successful in reducing eating disorder risk factors, however, such programs might not be convenient for students limited by scheduling restraints or geographic proximity. Further, some students may be reluctant to attend such groups due to lack of anonymity. One way to address these potential barriers is to adapt dissonance-based …
The Decision-Making Process Of Finding Students With Significant Intellectual Disabilities Eligible For Participation In The Virginia Alternate Assessment Program, Karren Streagle
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to understand the decision-making process used by IEP teams and case managers for students with significant intellectual disabilities who participate in alternate assessments based on aligned academic achievement standards (AA-AAS). Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with case managers for students participating in the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) from school divisions in central Virginia. Traditional inductive data analysis techniques were used to analyze data collected from the in-depth interviews, the researcher’s reflexive field notes and observations, and a review of VAAP training and guidance documents provided by study participants. Findings illuminated the decision-making process …
Utilization Of Structural And Biochemical Cues To Enhance Peripheral Nerve Regeneration, Balendu Shekhar Jha
Utilization Of Structural And Biochemical Cues To Enhance Peripheral Nerve Regeneration, Balendu Shekhar Jha
Theses and Dissertations
This study examines the prospects of using the electrospinning process to fabricate tissue engineering scaffolds targeting a variety of regenerative applications, with a primary focus on the production of nerve guides for the treatment of long-defect nerve injuries in the peripheral nervous system. A basic overview of the conventional electrospinning process is provided, and the utility of this fabrication scheme in the production of collagen-based tissue engineering scaffolds is demonstrated. Next, a novel modification of the basic electrospinning process is presented. This process, called two pole air gap electrospinning, was developed to produce nerve guides that exhibit an anisotropic structure …
A Time-Efficient Method For Accurate T1 Mapping Of The Human Brain, Yung-Yeh Chang
A Time-Efficient Method For Accurate T1 Mapping Of The Human Brain, Yung-Yeh Chang
Theses and Dissertations
The signal resulting from the IR-FSE sequence has been thoroughly analyzed in order to improve the accuracy of quantitative T1 mapping of the human brain. Several optimized post-processing algorithms have been studied and compared in terms of their T1 mapping accuracy. The modified multipoint two-parameter fitting method was found to produce less underestimation compared to the traditional multipoint three-parameter fitting method, and therefore, to result in a smaller T1 estimation error. Two correction methods were proposed to reduce the underestimation problem which is commonly seen in IR-FSE sequences used for measuring T1, especially when a large turbo factor is used. …
The Effect Of Oxidation And Support On Tio2(110)-Supported Pdn (N=1-7) Clusters, S. Vincent Ong
The Effect Of Oxidation And Support On Tio2(110)-Supported Pdn (N=1-7) Clusters, S. Vincent Ong
Theses and Dissertations
First principles theoretical studies based on a gradient-corrected density functional approach have been carried out on the atomic and electronic properties and oxidation of Pdn (n=1-7) clusters supported on the TiO2(110) surface. The studies are aimed to address some of the fundamental issues related to the properties of supported Pdn clusters used as catalysts in oxidation reactions. Of those issues are the following: What are the atomic structures of Pdn clusters on the TiO2 surface? Upon oxidation, do O atoms from a dissociated O2 molecule spill over onto the underlying TiO2 sup- port? How strongly does spillover oxygen bind? What …
Evaluating The Incremental Validity Of The Mmpi-2-Rc Scales For Custody Litigants, Elizabeth Wheeler
Evaluating The Incremental Validity Of The Mmpi-2-Rc Scales For Custody Litigants, Elizabeth Wheeler
Theses and Dissertations
The use of psychological testing in child custody assessments has become more common and important as psychologists are increasingly used as expert witnesses in contested child custody and visitation cases. Currently, the MMPI-2 is the most commonly used psychological test in child custody cases, but there is no research indicating which version of the measure (K-corrected, non-K-corrected, or the RC scales) provides the most accurate picture of the custody litigant in terms of substantial correlations with external variables. This study represents the first examination of the convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity of the MMPI-2 K-corrected Basic Clinical Scales, the MMPI-2 …
Disclosure And Health: Enhancing The Benefits Of Trauma Writing Through Response Training, Andrea Konig
Disclosure And Health: Enhancing The Benefits Of Trauma Writing Through Response Training, Andrea Konig
Theses and Dissertations
Writing about a personal traumatic event has been found to have psychological and physical health benefits. Focusing on traumatic memories in writing may be a form of exposure. In imagery exposure and trauma writing, greater physiological reactivity was predictive of better outcomes. Given the importance of physiological output in emotional processing, response training was developed and found to be effective in increasing appropriate physiological reactivity in imagery exposure. If response training amplifies physiological reactivity and the benefits of writing, the hypothesis that writing is a form of exposure would be strengthened, and training may be a valuable tool to improve …
Efficacy Of A Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment For Insomnia Among Afghanistan And Iraq (Oef/Oif) Veterans With Ptsd, Margolies Skye Ochsner
Efficacy Of A Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment For Insomnia Among Afghanistan And Iraq (Oef/Oif) Veterans With Ptsd, Margolies Skye Ochsner
Theses and Dissertations
Sleep disturbances are a core and salient feature of PTSD and can maintain or exacerbate associated symptoms. Recent research demonstrates that cognitive-behavioral sleep-focused interventions improve sleep disturbances as well as PTSD symptoms. The present study is a randomized controlled trial comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) to a waitlist control group. Conducted at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the study: 1) compared subjective outcome measures of sleep amongst veterans assigned to either a treatment group (CBT-I) or a waitlist control group; (2) examined the influence of the intervention on measures of PTSD, general mood and daytime functioning, comparing veterans …
Grading Practices: Teachers' Considerations Of Academic And Non-Academic Factors, Diana Yesbeck
Grading Practices: Teachers' Considerations Of Academic And Non-Academic Factors, Diana Yesbeck
Theses and Dissertations
In the current era of student accountability, coupled with high-stakes testing, schools have focused on the alignment of standardized curriculums and assessments. However, developing standardized grading practices are still under examination. Grading serves as an important responsibility, yet many teachers still find the process a challenge of determining which academic and non-academic factors correctly represent student achievement. This qualitative study was designed to examine the grading factors teachers consider when determining student final grades. Middle school language arts teachers from one mid-sized suburban school district in Virginia participated in qualitative interviews. The interviews addressed the following topics: (1) the purposes …
Shrubs As Sentinels Of Ordnance Contamination: Using Plant Physiology And Remote Sensing To Detect Tnt In Soils, Kathryn Rubis
Shrubs As Sentinels Of Ordnance Contamination: Using Plant Physiology And Remote Sensing To Detect Tnt In Soils, Kathryn Rubis
Theses and Dissertations
Methods for rapid, safe and effective detection of unmapped buried ordnance are vital to the protection of humans and environmental quality throughout the world. This study aimed to investigate the use of phytosensing and to understand the physiological response of woody plants to 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) contamination. Baccharis halimifolia were potted in soils containing various concentrations of TNT and physiological responses were observed over a 9-week experimental period. Measurements included the collection of remotely sensed data, such as hyperspectral reflectance and chlorophyll fluorescence, and traditional plant-level physiological data. In accordance with the hypothesis, low levels of TNT improved physiological response in …
Investigation Of Biomolecular Interactions For Development Of Sensors And Diagnostics, Xiaojuan Zhang
Investigation Of Biomolecular Interactions For Development Of Sensors And Diagnostics, Xiaojuan Zhang
Theses and Dissertations
The highly specific recognition processes between biomolecules mediate various crucial biological processes. Uncovering the molecular basis of these interactions is of great fundamental and applied importance. This research work focuses on understanding the interactions of several biomolecular recognition systems and processes that can provide fundamental information to aid in the rational design of sensing and molecular recognition tools. Initially, a reliable and versatile platform was developed to investigate biomolecular interactions at a molecular level. This involved several techniques, including biomolecule functionalization to enable attachment to self-assembled monolayers as well as atomic force microscopy (AFM) based force spectroscopy to uncover the …
Characterization Of The Effect Of Serum And Chelating Agents On Staphylococcus Aureus Biofilm Formation; Chelating Agents Augment Biofilm Formation Through Clumping Factor B, Nabil Mathew Abraham
Characterization Of The Effect Of Serum And Chelating Agents On Staphylococcus Aureus Biofilm Formation; Chelating Agents Augment Biofilm Formation Through Clumping Factor B, Nabil Mathew Abraham
Theses and Dissertations
Staphylococcus aureus is the causative agent of a diverse array of acute and chronic infections, and some these infections, including infective endocarditis, joint infections, and medical device-associated bloodstream infections, depend upon its capacity to form tenacious biofilms on surfaces. Inserted medical devices such as intravenous catheters, pacemakers, and artificial heart valves save lives, but unfortunately, they can also serve as a substrate on which S. aureus can form a biofilm, attributing S. aureus as a leading cause of medical device-related infections. The major aim of this work was take compounds to which S. aureus would be exposed during infection and …
Tissue Engineering An Acellular Bioresorbable Vascular Graft To Promote Regeneration, Patricia Wolfe
Tissue Engineering An Acellular Bioresorbable Vascular Graft To Promote Regeneration, Patricia Wolfe
Theses and Dissertations
Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that aims to restore, maintain, or improve diseased or damaged tissues. Electrospinning has become one of the most popular means to fabricate a scaffold for various tissue engineering applications as the process is extremely versatile and inexpensive. The ability for electrospinning to consistently create nanofibrous structures capable of mimicking the native extracellular matrix (ECM) is the basis behind why this technique is so successful in tissue engineering. Cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for over 100 years, and because of this, the need for coronary artery replacements …
Assessing Budget Delays In The Commonwealth Of Virginia: A Cross State Analysis Of Political And Economic Factors, Emily Newton
Assessing Budget Delays In The Commonwealth Of Virginia: A Cross State Analysis Of Political And Economic Factors, Emily Newton
Theses and Dissertations
This paper assessed factors that delayed the passage of the annual budget bill specifically in Virginia and also in 13 structurally similar states including: Arizona, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Virginia was the core focus of this study, but the variables detailed below were also measured for all thirteen states in an effort to broaden the scope of the study, and determine which political and economic factors affected the budget passage rates in Virginia and the 13 other states. Political and economic explanations were tested to examine their relationship …
Investigations On The Corrosion Resistance Of Metallic Bipolar Plates (Bpp) In Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (Pemfc) - Understanding Of The Effects Of Material, Coating And Manufacturing, Ender Dur
Theses and Dissertations
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) systems are promising technology for contributing to meet the deficiency of world`s clean and sustainable energy requirements in the near future. Metallic bipolar plate (BPP) as one of the most significant components of PEMFC device accounts for the largest part of the fuel cell`s stack. Corrosion for metallic bipolar plates is a critical issue, which influences the performance and durability of PEMFC. Corrosion causes adverse impacts on the PEMFC`s performance jeopardizing commercialization. This research is aimed at determining the corrosion resistance of metallic BPPs, particularly stainless steels, used in PEMFC from different aspects. Material …
Transformation And Renewal, Josephine Stokes
Transformation And Renewal, Josephine Stokes
Theses and Dissertations
Artist Statement My art has a common thread of transformation and renewal. It is often my response to the many different changing cycles in life, whether seasonal, emotional, or the process of aging. In addition, the spiritual connections to my faith and family are embedded into many of the works which tell a story of my life and my ever searching soul. Revelations of myself over time and the transformation of thoughts are visually exposed. However, they are revealed with a keen eye and hand which are meant to reach out to the viewer, so they may be transformed and …
Childhood Maltreatment, Coping, And Coping Self-Efficacy Among Offenders, David Guion
Childhood Maltreatment, Coping, And Coping Self-Efficacy Among Offenders, David Guion
Theses and Dissertations
This study explored the relationship between childhood interpersonal trauma and coping self-efficacy, coping styles, and emotion regulation difficulties among male and female offenders in detention and diversion centers (N = 183). The coping-relapse model of recidivism posits that offenders’ coping ability plays a pivotal role in successful reentry (Zamble & Quinsey, 1997). Past research reveals that childhood maltreatment is associated with avoidant coping and emotion regulation difficulties, which could negatively impact reentry (e.g., Cloitre et al., 2009; Min, Farkas, Minnes, & Singer, 2007). The relationship between childhood maltreatment and coping self-efficacy has not been addressed. This study found that childhood …
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum Remodels Its Host Cell-Derived Vacuole Into A Protective Niche By Redecorating The Vacuolar Membrane With Select Rab Gtpases And Bacterial Proteins, Bernice Huang
Theses and Dissertations
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular bacterium that infects neutrophils to cause the emerging tick-transmitted disease, human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA). Following entry, the pathogen replicates within a host cell-derived vacuole that fails to mature along the endocytic pathway, does not acidify, and does not fuse with lysosomes. Selective fusogenicity is prototypical of many vacuole-adapted pathogens and has been attributed, at least in part, to pathogen modification of the vacuolar inclusion membrane and/or to selective recruitment or exclusion of host trafficking regulators. As a result, the A. phagocytophilum-occupied vacuolar membrane (AVM) provides a unique interface to study the host-pathogen interactions critical …