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West Virginia University

2006

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Checklist And Atlas Of The Vascular Flora Of West Virginia, Donna I. Ford-Werntz, Paul J. Harmon, William Grafton Dec 2006

Checklist And Atlas Of The Vascular Flora Of West Virginia, Donna I. Ford-Werntz, Paul J. Harmon, William Grafton

WV Flora Datasets

No abstract provided.

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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 Dec 2006

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 …

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Use Of Data Mining For Investigation Of Crime Patterns, Manoday D. Padhye Dec 2006

Use Of Data Mining For Investigation Of Crime Patterns, Manoday D. Padhye

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Lot of research is being done to improve the utilization of crime data. This thesis deals with the design and implementation of a crime database and associated search methods to identify crime patterns from the database. The database was created in Microsoft SQL Server (back end). The user interface (front end) and the crime pattern identification software (middle tier) were implemented in ASP.NET. Such a web based approach enables the user to utilize the database from anywhere and at anytime. A general ARFF file can also be generated, for the user in Windows based format to use other Data Mining …

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Efficient Simulation Of Communication Systems On A Desktop Grid, Raja Sekhar Katuri Dec 2006

Efficient Simulation Of Communication Systems On A Desktop Grid, Raja Sekhar Katuri

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Simulation is an important part of the design cycle of modern communication systems. As communication systems grow more sophisticated, the computational burden of these simulations can become excessive. The need to rapidly bring systems to market generally precludes the use of a single computer, and drives a demand for parallel computation. While this demand could be satisfied by the development of dedicated infrastructure, a more efficient option is to harness the unused computational cycles of underutilized desktop computers located throughout the organization.;In this thesis, a new paradigm for parallelizing communication simulations is proposed and developed. A desktop grid is created …

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Enhanced Iris Recognition: Algorithms For Segmentation, Matching And Synthesis, Samir Shah Dec 2006

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 …

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Child Distress During Immunization: The Influence Of Child And Parent Individual Difference Variables, Melissa Demore Dec 2006

Child Distress During Immunization: The Influence Of Child And Parent Individual Difference Variables, Melissa Demore

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Routine childhood immunization injections result child distress, which may have lasting negative effects on children, parents, and staff, and impact adherence to schedules of immunization. Aims of the current study were to (a) examine the role of child and parent individual difference variables in relation to child immunization distress, and (b) determine whether child distress predicts future immunization schedule adherence.;Parents of 50 children (aged 12--18 months) attending a visit to a pediatric medical clinic for purposes of immunization completed measures of child temperament, parent psychopathology, immunization beliefs, and prior medical distress of the child. Child distress during the immunization injection …

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The Effects Of Age, Instructions, And Problem Content On Everyday Problem -Solving Outcome Using Two Scoring Procedures, Tara L. Neely Dec 2006

The Effects Of Age, Instructions, And Problem Content On Everyday Problem -Solving Outcome Using Two Scoring Procedures, Tara L. Neely

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Prior literature has relied on varied methodology to infer conclusions about adult problem solvers; possibly leading to erroneous assumptions about everyday problem-solving performance in adulthood. The present study examined everyday problem-solving performance of 133 younger, middle-aged, and older adults. The goal of the study was to investigate whether different scoring procedures (number vs. strategy type) or participant instructions (self target vs. others target) affected how adults performed on two types of open-ended problem-solving vignettes (home vs. friend problem domains). Differential age patterns were found when comparing the number and types of strategies reported. When assessing total number of solutions generated, …

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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 …

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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 …

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Using Hydraulics As A Scale On The Farm, Craig W. Yohn Dec 2006

Using Hydraulics As A Scale On The Farm, Craig W. Yohn

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

WVU-Extension fact sheet

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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 …

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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 …

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Gas Turbine Control And Load Sharing Of A Shipboard Power System, Anisha M. C. Fernandes Dec 2006

Gas Turbine Control And Load Sharing Of A Shipboard Power System, Anisha M. C. Fernandes

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The objective of this research is to design a controller for a gas turbine of an Electric Shipboard Power System (ESPS) and to develop a load sharing strategy for its energy management. A suitable model for the gas turbine is selected and the effects of the dynamics are investigated for the different loads of the ESPS. The gas turbine controller is a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller, whose parameters are tuned using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique. The load on the system has three components: a propulsion load, a pulsed load to simulate a high energy weapon system and …

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Impact Of Optimally Placed Var Support On Electricity Spot Pricing, Ramesh Kumar V. Khajjayam Dec 2006

Impact Of Optimally Placed Var Support On Electricity Spot Pricing, Ramesh Kumar V. Khajjayam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

In view of deregulation and privatization processes, electricity pricing becomes one of the most important issues. The increases in power flows and environmental constraints are forcing electricity utilities to install new VAR equipment to enhance network operation. In this thesis a nonlinear multi-objective optimization problem has been formulated to maximize both social welfare and the maximum distance to collapse point in an open power market using reactive support like Static Var Compensator (SVC). The production and consumption costs of reactive power are intended to provide proper market signals to the electricity market agents. They are included in the multi-objective Optimal …

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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.

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American Standard, John A. Pascarella Dec 2006

American Standard, John A. Pascarella

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The work included in my MFA thesis exhibition entitled " American Standard" examines our role as narrative-based individuals within the American culture. In this current body of work I use the photographic image as a director uses the medium of film (moving image). Location scouting, casting, lighting, directing, editing, and processing all become intricate parts of the work, all to lead to a single solitary frozen moment in time that I believe creates a story. Story as created not in a fictional sense, but more in the vein of creative non-fiction, as the stories I tell come from a personal …

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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, …

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Analysis Of Photonic Crystal Defects For Biosensing Applications, Naveen Kumar Paturi Dec 2006

Analysis Of Photonic Crystal Defects For Biosensing Applications, Naveen Kumar Paturi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Photonic Crystals (PCs) have been the subject of intense study from their inception. These structures provide precise control of optical transmission properties through the choice of their periodic lattice parameters and materials with which they are fabricated. The sensitivity of optical properties of photonic crystals to the changes in refractive index at one or more lattice sites makes these structures potentially very attractive devices for developing a biosensor. Very small changes in the refractive index of one or more defect sites can be sensed accurately using these nano size structures. This work deals with the modeling and theoretical evaluation of …

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Hygrothermal Effects On Free Vibration Characteristics Of Rotating Composite Beams, Sandeep Vennam Dec 2006

Hygrothermal Effects On Free Vibration Characteristics Of Rotating Composite Beams, Sandeep Vennam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Free vibration characteristics of a rotating composite cantilever beams subjected to a hygrothermal environment is studied using the finite element analysis. The problem is formulated using a First Order Shear Deformation theory (FSDT) for composite materials. The finite element formulation is based on variational principles and the equations are solved by a code generated using MATLAB. Hygrothermal effects are incorporated using empirical relations degrading the material stiffness property of the matrix depending on the temperature and moisture concentration. The dynamic analysis of a rotating composite beam are validated by comparing with that available in literature and the hygrothermal incorporation is …

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Statistical Estimation Of Strain Energy Release Rate Of Delaminated Composites, Rajesh Vijayaraghavan Dec 2006

Statistical Estimation Of Strain Energy Release Rate Of Delaminated Composites, Rajesh Vijayaraghavan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

An improved two-sublaminate model based on first-order shear deformation theory is implemented in a general-purpose finite element software (ANSYS) to study delaminated composite plates. Double cantilever beam and end-notched flexure models of unidirectional and multidirectional composite plates with mid-plane and offset delaminations are analyzed. The total strain energy release rate and the mode-I, mode-II and mode-III components are evaluated using a plate-theory-based crack-closure technique.;The effects of variation of material properties, ply thickness, fiber orientation, coefficient of friction between the crack surfaces, finite element mesh density and virtual crack-closure length and applied load on the mixed-mode strain energy release rates are …

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Phytoformations Of Silver And Gold Nanoparticles, Brooke A. Fridley Dec 2006

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 …

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Manufacturing, Testing, And Evaluation Of Structural Products With Recycled Polymers, Santosh Amarnath Varthakavi Dec 2006

Manufacturing, Testing, And Evaluation Of Structural Products With Recycled Polymers, Santosh Amarnath Varthakavi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Use of recycled plastics started gaining momentum in the U.S. in 1980s due to growing environmental concerns and decreasing landfill capacities. Thermoplastics make up to 80% of the plastics produced today and are widely used in consumer, automotive, and electronic industries. Recycled plastics are being researched and employed for several non-structural and limited structural applications. However, their widespread usage will depend on developing mass manufacturing techniques, value added structural products, and cost effective processing methods. This study focuses on developing and evaluating several structural products such as rectangular grids, rectangular ribbed panels, hexagonal ribbed panels, signposts, signboards, and window panels …

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Afferent Regulation Of A15 Dopamine Neurons In The Ewe, Adrienne L. Bogusz Dec 2006

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 …

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Evaluation Of A Tube Feeding Decision Aid For Substitute Decision Makers, Emily H. Bower Dec 2006

Evaluation Of A Tube Feeding Decision Aid For Substitute Decision Makers, Emily H. Bower

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Substitute decision makers may be in a position to make "preference-sensitive" decisions for their patient, including whether to approve tube feeding. The present study evaluated the only known tube feeding decision aid for substitute decision makers (Mitchell, Tetroe, & O'Conner, 2001). Sixty adults completed a pre-questionnaire, read an active control brochure (control group) or decision aid (experimental group), and completed a post-questionnaire. Both groups demonstrated increased knowledge and decisional conflict at post-test, although the experimental group had higher scores in both. Participants who were either in favor or against tube feeding at pre-test rarely changed their decision at post-test. Control …

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Development Of An Animal Model Of Choice Between Aversive Events, James W. Diller Dec 2006

Development Of An Animal Model Of Choice Between Aversive Events, James W. Diller

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The present study examined variables controlling choice between aversive events using pigeons as subjects. Initially, a titration procedure using variable-interval (VI) schedules of food and shock delivery contingent on keypecking was conducted to determine a moderately aversive shock intensity and duration. Subjects were then presented with a choice between food delivery followed by either a single shock or three shocks in a discrete-trials procedure. The change in context affected the aversiveness of the shock. In the VI condition, shock presentation resulted in 40-60% decrease in response rates. In the discrete-trials procedure, however, responding was "all-or-none." Thus, an attempt to redetermine …

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Supplemental Forages For Grazing Beef Cattle In Appalachia, Evans Abenga Basweti Dec 2006

Supplemental Forages For Grazing Beef Cattle In Appalachia, Evans Abenga Basweti

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

growth and availability of forages. Cool-season perennial grasses are the basic source of feed for cow-calf production. Producers require information about incorporating annual forages into grazing systems during months of low productivity of the cool-season species. An experiment was conducted for two years (2004 and 2005) at Reedsville Experimental Farm, West Virginia University, to determine growth rate, herbage accumulation and quality of sudangrass, and pearl millet grown in summer and triticale and a mixture of annual ryegrass and turnips grown in the fall on the same land. Two methods of herbage control, burning and glyphosate, were used to kill existing …

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Clinically Relevant And Economic Outcomes Of Maintenance Pharmacotherapy In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Copd), Anna O. D'Souza Dec 2006

Clinically Relevant And Economic Outcomes Of Maintenance Pharmacotherapy In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Copd), Anna O. D'Souza

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

COPD is ranked as the fourth leading cause of death with an estimated cost of {dollar}37.2 billion in the U.S. primarily due to exacerbations. Therefore, the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) committee has identified a need for assessing the effect of drug therapies on outcomes of exacerbations, costs, and mortality. This study used Medicaid data from West Virginia and Kentucky, and involved three phases. Phase I assessed the costs incurred due to COPD, and the additional cost burden imposed by a concomitant diagnosis of asthma. Phase II compared the risk and frequency of exacerbations and COPD-related costs of …

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Multiple Message Broadcasting And Gossiping In The Dynamically Orientable Graphs, Gayane R. Goltukhchyan Dec 2006

Multiple Message Broadcasting And Gossiping In The Dynamically Orientable Graphs, Gayane R. Goltukhchyan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

This research investigates the problems of gossiping and multiple message broadcasting in dynamically orientable graphs of different network topologies. These are new problems never attempted before. Dynamically orientable graphs and six different network topologies are considered: paths, cycles, stars, binary trees, complete trees and two-dimensional grids. Information dissemination in graphs that are dynamically orientable requires that number of messages sent in each direction along an edge be balanced and therefore necessitates a different approach in gossiping and multiple message broadcasting.;The obvious upper bound for gossiping and multiple message broadcasting in dynamically orientable graphs is twice the best known time for …

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Differential Binding Of Hnrnp K, L And A2/B1 To An Exonic Splicing Silencer Element Located Within Exon 12 Of Glucose -6 -Phosphate Dehydrogenase Mrna, Brian Nelson Griffith Dec 2006

Differential Binding Of Hnrnp K, L And A2/B1 To An Exonic Splicing Silencer Element Located Within Exon 12 Of Glucose -6 -Phosphate Dehydrogenase Mrna, Brian Nelson Griffith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The expression of most lipogenic enzymes is regulated through the effects of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids on transcription. However, we have observed that the regulation of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) by polyunsaturated fatty acids occurs through a novel posttranscriptional mechanism. RNA reporter assays were used to map the cis-acting element by measuring the regulation of each RNA reporter construct transfected into primary rat hepatocytes. All RNA reporter constructs were regulated by polyunsaturated fatty acids with the exception of RNA reporter constructs lacking exon 12. Therefore, polyunsaturated fatty acids regulate the constitutive splicing of G6PD mRNA through a cis-acting element located within …

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Three Essays On Banks' Relative Efficiency, Jorge Guillen Dec 2006

Three Essays On Banks' Relative Efficiency, Jorge Guillen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Three separate studies are conducted regarding banks' relative efficiency. Previous to start with the development of the studies, we review the situation before and after the enactment of the Riegle Neal's. This act restricts banks from opening branches in another state. The Riegle Neal act ended up the era of state branching deregulation which started in 1970. A discussion between proponents and opponents of branching deregulation is presented. A debate between bank's efficiency and concentration before Riegle Neal is introduced in the chapter.;The first essay found in chapter 2, develops a theoretical model of spatial competition between banks. Two different …

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