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Predictors Of Student Success In Distance Education Courses, Rhonda Suzanne Shepperd
Predictors Of Student Success In Distance Education Courses, Rhonda Suzanne Shepperd
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
This study investigated the relationship between faculty-student communication, student time management, student expectations, and quality of instruction and the level of student success in distance courses. The population of the study consisted of undergraduate students enrolled in Independent Study courses at Mountain State University (N = 1007) during the summer and fall 2001 terms. The sample consisted of 500 students randomly selected from the population. Participants completed the Distance Education Satisfaction Survey developed by the researcher. Data analyses indicated that statistically significant differences existed within faculty-student communication, student time management, student expectations and quality of instruction based on the level …
Harvested Log Damage And Value Loss Associated With Two Ground-Based Harvesting Systems In Central Appalachia, Michael R. Vanderberg
Harvested Log Damage And Value Loss Associated With Two Ground-Based Harvesting Systems In Central Appalachia, Michael R. Vanderberg
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Damage is often seen as an important consideration when conducting partial harvests in hardwood stands, as excessive damage to residual trees will significantly reduce the potential value of the residual stand. Damage to harvested logs, especially hardwood saw and veneer logs can be an even more important concern relative to value loss associated with log degrade. The log damage and value loss were examined by harvesting system, felling function, species, and damage type in central Appalachia. Observations were made of all grade logs during the felling, skidding, decking/sorting, and loading functions of the harvesting operations. Saw logs or veneer logs …
Electron Transfer Kinetic Studies Of 1-Electron, 1-Proton Redox Couples Attached To Electrodes, Robert M. Haddox
Electron Transfer Kinetic Studies Of 1-Electron, 1-Proton Redox Couples Attached To Electrodes, Robert M. Haddox
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Proton Coupled Electron Transfer (PCET) reactions play a vital rote in a variety of biological and chemical processes. Prior work by E. Laviron developed the theory of proton coupled electron transfer kinetics based on a stepwise mechanism with the transfer coefficient for electron transfer remaining constant at all overpotentials. The present work explores the consequences of a potential-dependent transfer coefficient as applied to redox couples attached to electrodes. Specifically, this work focuses on the 1-electron, 1-proton (1e1H) system. Derivation of the potential-dependence of the transfer coefficient comes from the Marcus density-of-states model of heterogeneous electron transfer. Two 1e1H systems are …
Automation Of The Superpave Mix Design Process For The West Virginia Division Of Highways, Martin Felix Padula
Automation Of The Superpave Mix Design Process For The West Virginia Division Of Highways, Martin Felix Padula
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
During the fifty years between 1940 and 1990, the nation's bituminous roadways were predominantly designed using either the Marshall or Hveem method. The Superior Performing Asphalt Pavements (Superpave)(TM) method was later developed to address the issues of increased traffic volumes and heavier loads on the nation's roadways. This new mix design process relies on volumetric calculations and graphs, which are cumbersome to perform by hand. There is no current public domain Superpave software package available which is independent of any commercial laboratory product and available to an asphalt mix designer. A component of this research project consisted of creating a …
Operating Market Based Regulation Service Using Software Agents Compliant With Nerc's Control Performance Standards, Ramanujam Srinivasan
Operating Market Based Regulation Service Using Software Agents Compliant With Nerc's Control Performance Standards, Ramanujam Srinivasan
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
With the changing scenario for procurement of energy it becomes necessary to understand the process of obtaining energy from a diverse set of suppliers capable of providing substantial amounts of electric power at competitive prices. Sufficient insight has been gained in the energy brokerage system design and planning owing to experiences in the recently established markets especially the California market. It becomes contextual to analyze and understand the procurement of ancillary services, which are generally bundled as part of the wholesale energy supply chain, using a similarly competitive environment having a number of players that provide electric power for such …
Effects Of Response-Independent Stimulus Delivery And Functional Communication Training, Shannon S. Haag
Effects Of Response-Independent Stimulus Delivery And Functional Communication Training, Shannon S. Haag
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Two individuals with developmental delays with a history of problem behavior participated in this study. Its purpose was to examine the efficacy of combining two treatments demonstrated to reduce problem behavior: response-independent stimulus delivery and differential reinforcement of an alternative behavior. This study examined whether the response-independent delivery of an alternative preferred stimulus and differential reinforcement of manding resulted in increases in manding and suppression of problem behavior prior to and during the fading of the schedule of response-independent stimulus delivery. The study also examined the necessity of extinction to obtain suppression of problem behavior. The response-independent delivery of an …
Mode-I Fatigue Fracture Of Interface For Fiber -Reinforced Polymer Composite Bonded To Wood, Junhui Jia
Mode-I Fatigue Fracture Of Interface For Fiber -Reinforced Polymer Composite Bonded To Wood, Junhui Jia
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
For applications in civil infrastructure rehabilitation and new construction, wood is being reinforced with externally bonded laminates and fabrics of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. The potential benefits of external reinforcement with bonded FRP composites have been demonstrated through several studies, and the field implementation of this technology has been successfully proven in numerous projects. However, there is a concern with the long-term performance of the interface bond, since an inadequate bond strength and integrity can render the reinforcement ineffective and lead to premature failure of the structure. The performance of FRP-wood bonded interfaces under static and environmental loads have been …
Measurement Of Total Hydrocarbon Emissions With Mems Using A Portable Fid And A Novel Exhaust Flow Meter, Jared Gregory Knight
Measurement Of Total Hydrocarbon Emissions With Mems Using A Portable Fid And A Novel Exhaust Flow Meter, Jared Gregory Knight
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The objective of this study was to evaluate tools for in-field, on-board engine emissions measurements, namely, a Signal Model 3030PM hydrocarbon analyzer and McCrometer's V-Cone flow meter. The Signal Model 3030PM analyzer uses a heated flame ionizing detection scheme to measure hydrocarbons. The V-Cone is an obstructive, differential pressure flow meter that reshapes the flow profile, therefore conditioning the flow.;The Signal Model 3030PM analyzer was found to perform as well or better than the HC analyzers currently used in the FTP test cell. Besides the portability feature, the Signal Model 3030PM demonstrated better response, being able to capture the high …
Evaluations Of Concrete Overlays For Bridge Deck Applications, Shiwei Luo
Evaluations Of Concrete Overlays For Bridge Deck Applications, Shiwei Luo
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Protective concrete deck overlays have been successfully used by WVDOH in a number of old and new concrete bridge decks to extend their service life, but in several cases delamination and failures have been observed. A comprehensive study has been recently defined to investigate overlays performance and delamination, culminating eventually in the development of specifications in collaboration with WVDOH and the Contractors and Building Supplies Associations of WV.;The present study is an exploratory research concerned with evaluations of four types of overlays for bridge deck applications, and include: latex modified concrete (LMC), microsilica modified concrete (MMC), microsilica modified concrete with …
Impact Of Early Childhood Perceptions And Experiences On Oral Health Practices In Later Life, Johnna Marie Guzzi
Impact Of Early Childhood Perceptions And Experiences On Oral Health Practices In Later Life, Johnna Marie Guzzi
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Older adults are at a higher risk for numerous oral and systemic diseases. Oral conditions experienced by the elderly are believed to be cumulative. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between early childhood dental care practices/experiences and perceived oral health needs of persons 60 years of age and older who are participants of three West Virginia facilities for the elderly (N = 90). Individuals were interviewed utilizing a two-part 21-item survey. Data analyses, including analysis of variance and tests of chi square, were conducted using the JMP program. Although individuals felt dental health was …
Mode I Fracture And Durability Of The Cfrp -Concrete Interface Bond, David Moses Boyajian
Mode I Fracture And Durability Of The Cfrp -Concrete Interface Bond, David Moses Boyajian
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The continual degradation of civil infrastructures worldwide has prompted the need for effective solutions, posing major challenges to those involved with reinforced concrete structures. Externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have proven to be an efficient means of rehabilitation and enhancement to both existing and new structures alike. An important issue regarding this technology that needs further exploration, however, is the strength and integrity of the interface bond---the inadequacy of which can result in premature failure of the reinforced member.;Until now, there were no available methods to rigorously evaluate the interface bond strength and integrity for concrete structures externally …
Students' Perceptions Of Nonnative Esl Teachers, Etelvo Ramos Filho
Students' Perceptions Of Nonnative Esl Teachers, Etelvo Ramos Filho
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
There has been a lot of research on native speaker and nonnative speaker teachers of English as a second language. Authors have addressed negative and positive aspects of these two classes. However, there has not been much research on how students of English as a second language see their nonnative instructors. This qualitative study addresses this issue. In this study I investigated how learners perceive their nonnative speaker teachers. The data were collected through a questionnaire, class observations, and audio-taped interviews with the 16 participants. Two nonnative instructors, who taught the participants, were interviewed also. Overall, despite some negative perceptions, …
Esl Students' Perceptions Of Role-Play Activities, Flavia Bonella Ribeiro Ramos
Esl Students' Perceptions Of Role-Play Activities, Flavia Bonella Ribeiro Ramos
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
There has been significant discussion on the use of role-play activities. Proponents of role-play believe that the activity provides learners with opportunities to communicate freely and spontaneously in different situations. However, researchers have also identified issues that may jeopardize the effectiveness of role-plays. Despite the debate, few studies have focused on the students' point of view. The current qualitative study investigated ESL students' perceptions of role-play activities drawing on observations, questionnaires, and interviews. The results showed that the participants recognized several benefits (e.g., improving oral proficiency, acquiring vocabulary, and rehearsing for real-life communication) while also acknowledging some limitations such as …
Zinc Pot Bearing Material Wear Rate As A Function Of Contact Pressure And Velocity, James M. Snider Ii
Zinc Pot Bearing Material Wear Rate As A Function Of Contact Pressure And Velocity, James M. Snider Ii
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
There are currently over 50 galvanizing lines in operation in the United States producing approximately 50 million tons per year of galvanized sheet. Frequently zinc-pot hardware fails which causes production delay, resulting in an economic loss. It takes approximately 3 hours to change the zinc-pot bearings at a downtime cost of {dollar}400/h.;To predict the performance of the submerged bearings, a large number of variables must be considered. These variables include pot chemistry, temperature, line speed and line tension. With these variables it is possible to develop a design guide for sheet mill operators to determine the most cost-effective selection of …
Kinematics Of Detachment Folding, Appalachian Valley And Ridge, West Virginia, Matthew N. Giffels
Kinematics Of Detachment Folding, Appalachian Valley And Ridge, West Virginia, Matthew N. Giffels
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
This study assesses the geometry and kinematics of a fold at the east edge of the Nittany Anticlinorium, Appalachian Valley and Ridge Province, West Virginia. Regional deformation consists of minor to major folds within two vertically stacked thrust sheets. Geometric analysis of a first-order fold in the upper, Silurian-Devonian sheet indicates it is a detachment fold with a detachment depth of up to four kilometers. The estimated detachment depth indicates involvement of the underlying, thrusted Cambrian-Ordovician sheet in the folding. Kinematic analysis of uplifted fold area relative to measured shortening amounts does not indicate a clear relationship. Finite strain measurements …
Opportunities And Occupations In Animal And Veterinary Sciences Based On The Current Careers Of West Virginia University Alumni, Stacey Michelle Hawkins
Opportunities And Occupations In Animal And Veterinary Sciences Based On The Current Careers Of West Virginia University Alumni, Stacey Michelle Hawkins
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The primary purpose of this study was to examine the career opportunities for graduates completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences at West Virginia University as measured by the first and current careers of alumni. The target population consisted of all alumni that graduated between the years 1991 and 2001. Over 61.6% of the West Virginia University Animal and Veterinary Science graduates were satisfied with both their first career selection as well as their current career. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree two-thirds of the graduates decided to pursue a post-graduate degree. Professional careers, …
Geospatial And Statistical Foundations For Streamflow Synthesis In West Virginia, Annie J. Morris
Geospatial And Statistical Foundations For Streamflow Synthesis In West Virginia, Annie J. Morris
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Streamflow values must be synthesized for locations where flow measurement stations, in applications such as the West Virginia SWAP program, are lacking or where only intermittent measurements are available (West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, 1999). This research describes an effort to improve upon the current synthetic streamflow model by incorporating geomorphic, geologic, and hydrogeologic measurements. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to derive a set of master variables that characterize stream flow in West Virginia based on historical data from 29 watersheds. The relationships between variables affecting stream flow were also analyzed using cluster and correlation analysis …
Characterization Of Metallothionein Expression In Response To Cadmium In The 267-B1, Normal Prostate Cell Line, Madhuri G. Neriyanuri
Characterization Of Metallothionein Expression In Response To Cadmium In The 267-B1, Normal Prostate Cell Line, Madhuri G. Neriyanuri
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The objective of the study was to characterize the mRNA and protein expression of the MT gene in response to Cd2+ exposure in the 267-B1 immortalized normal human neonatal prostate cell line. The cells were exposed to 18muM Cd2+ for 4hr and rescued for 48hr in P4-8F normal medium. Samples were obtained at 0, 1, 2, 4hr exposure and 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, and 48hr recovery. Basal levels of mRNA for MT-1E, MT-1X, and MT-2A genes in 267-B1 cells were similar to the expression of the G3PDH where as MT-3 had a low basal level expression. Exposure to …
Chemical And Physical Properties Of Acid Mine Drainage Floc, Catherine M. Bohan
Chemical And Physical Properties Of Acid Mine Drainage Floc, Catherine M. Bohan
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Acid mine drainage is a serious environmental concern in many regions worldwide, but especially in coal and metal mining regions. These acid drainages are often treated with chemicals to raise the pH of the water and to cause neutralization and precipitation of metals. As neutralization occurs, a looser gelatinous material called "floc" is produced. The effects of neutralizing chemical, pH, sulfate to iron molar ratio, and solids concentration on floc settling properties were determined in synthetic acid mine drainage. Sulfate was the important factor affecting floc physicochemical properties, increasing settling times from 25-125% and decreasing settling rates from 24-63%. Neutralization …
Thermodynamic Effects Of Phospholamban On Ca-Atpase Kinetics, Patrick L. Apopa
Thermodynamic Effects Of Phospholamban On Ca-Atpase Kinetics, Patrick L. Apopa
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The Ca-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum removes cytosolic calcium to promote muscle relaxation. In the heart, the Ca-ATPase is regulated by phospholamban, which inhibits the Ca-ATPase by decreasing Ca-ATPase calcium sensitivity. However, the kinetic and thermodynamic mechanisms of inhibition are not understood. The purpose of this research was to test the hypothesis that phospholamban regulates Ca-ATPase kinetics by increasing Ca-ATPase activation energy. The baculovirus-insect cell expression system was used to produce samples containing Ca-ATPase alone or Ca-ATPase with phospholamban. The temperature-dependence of Ca-ATPase activity and catalytic site density was measured in the absence and presence of phospholamban at sub-saturating calcium and …
Off-Line Thai Handwriting Recognition In Legal Amount, Watchara Chatwiriya
Off-Line Thai Handwriting Recognition In Legal Amount, Watchara Chatwiriya
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Thai handwriting in legal amounts is a challenging problem and a new field in the area of handwriting recognition research. The focus of this thesis is to implement Thai handwriting recognition system. A preliminary data set of Thai handwriting in legal amounts is designed. The samples in the data set are characters and words of the Thai legal amounts and a set of legal amounts phrases collected from a number of native Thai volunteers. At the preprocessing and recognition process, techniques are introduced to improve the characters recognition rates. The characters are divided into two smaller subgroups by their writing …
Immunomodulatory Roles Of Endotoxin And Glutaraldehyde In The Development Of Latex Allergy, Michael D. Howell
Immunomodulatory Roles Of Endotoxin And Glutaraldehyde In The Development Of Latex Allergy, Michael D. Howell
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Although much data has been obtained related to the clinical manifestations of latex allergy and the characterization of the protein allergens, little is known regarding the natural history of the disease. These studies were undertaken to demonstrate the immunological relevance of both dermal and respiratory exposure in the development of latex allergy and to investigate the role of co-exposure by these routes to other agents in the health care environment on the development of NRL sensitization.;An initial study in female BALB/c mice demonstrated comparable rates of induction of latex specific IgE following dermal and respiratory latex exposure, demonstrating the importance …
Taxonomic Revision And Paleoecology Of Middle Devonian (Eifelian) Fishes Of The Onondaga, Columbus And Delaware Limestones Of The Eastern United States, Robert Lewis Martin
Taxonomic Revision And Paleoecology Of Middle Devonian (Eifelian) Fishes Of The Onondaga, Columbus And Delaware Limestones Of The Eastern United States, Robert Lewis Martin
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The Eifelian stage of eastern North America has produced the remains of a substantial number of fish taxa, mostly from the Onondaga Limestone of New York and the Columbus and Delaware limestones of Ohio. Fish specimens in rock matrix from the Buffalo Science Museum and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History were compared to rock samples taken from quarries in Cheektowaga, New York and Warrensburg, Ohio, in order to determine the units from which the fish specimens originally came. This method allowed reasonable inference into the provenance of the museum specimens.;The stratigraphy indicates that the seas of New York and …
Three Essays On Data Contaminants, Outliers And Macroeconomic Time Series, Joseph Michael Palardy
Three Essays On Data Contaminants, Outliers And Macroeconomic Time Series, Joseph Michael Palardy
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
This thesis illustrates the effects of outliers on forecasting and on simulated general equilibrium models. The first essay demonstrates that using robust-estimation techniques may greatly improve long-run autoregressive forecasts if the model to be estimated is generated from a heavy-tailed distribution. The second essay continues with a similar theme. It shows that in the context of random contamination models, automatic autoregressive selection criteria may be severely inaccurate. If the estimated model is misspecified, forecasting accuracy may be considerably reduced. Once again, robust-estimation techniques limit the influence of the aberrant data---in this case from the contaminating distribution. The third essay demonstrates …
Impulsivity And Friends Who Smoke As Predictors Of Adolescent Smoking, Brady Reynolds
Impulsivity And Friends Who Smoke As Predictors Of Adolescent Smoking, Brady Reynolds
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The present study sought to examine relations between different stages of adolescent cigarette smoking and the variables of impulsivity (delay and probability discounting) and peer friend smoking behavior. Participants were 75 adolescents (40 females) between 14 and 16 years of age. Participants were categorized according to the following patterns of smoking behavior: "never smokers" (n = 19; 10 females) were those who had not tried even one cigarette; "triers" (n = 17; 9 females) were those who had recently tried cigarettes (M = 3.76 cigarettes) for the first time; "past experimenters" (n = 20; 12 females) were those who had …
Essays In International Asset Pricing, Hong Wu
Essays In International Asset Pricing, Hong Wu
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
This dissertation attempts to assess the ability of various international asset pricing models in explaining asset returns across countries. The Introduction discusses the links between the chapters, the contributions I make and states what I have learned from the dissertation. Chapter 1 of the dissertation derives (in a discrete time framework to facilitate the transition from theory to empirical analysis) a consumption based capital asset pricing model with the added feature of a "keeping up with the Joneses" utility function and applies it in an international context to explain return differences across countries. Relying on the Lucas (1978) asset pricing …
Calculation Of Thermal Expansion Of Iron -Aluminides With Transition Metal Additives, Tatiana Seletskaia
Calculation Of Thermal Expansion Of Iron -Aluminides With Transition Metal Additives, Tatiana Seletskaia
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The addition of transition metal elements can significantly modify physical properties of intermetalic compounds. We studied the influence of Mo and V additives on thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of Fe3Al and FeAl over the wide range of temperatures. The site preference of both transition metals was determined by FP-LMTO method. Fe3Al in DO3 structure has three non-equivalent lattice sites: FeI site surrounded by eight iron atoms, FeII site with four iron and four aluminum nearest neighbors and Al site. Our calculations show that Fe, site is energetically more favorable for both Mo and V. The obtained site-selection energies of Mo …
Expression And Regulation Of C-Myb In B-Lymphocyte Development, Candice Lashawn Damiani
Expression And Regulation Of C-Myb In B-Lymphocyte Development, Candice Lashawn Damiani
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
B lymphocytes are continually produced in bone marrow from pluripotential hematopoietic stem cells. Lymphopoiesis is characterized by a series of highly regulated genotypic and phenotypic changes resulting in immunocompetent effector cells which express cell surface immunoglobulin. Our laboratory has focused on defining extracellular signals regulating lymphoid progenitor cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. These studies have demonstrated that pro-B cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation are regulated by interactions with fibroblastic stromal cells in the hematopoietic microenvironment. However, specific molecular mechanisms by which stromal cells regulate B lymphoid development are largely unknown. In an attempt to better understand molecular mechanisms regulating maturation …
Aerodynamic Drag Reduction Of A Racing Motorcycle Through Vortex Generation, Gerald M. Angle Ii
Aerodynamic Drag Reduction Of A Racing Motorcycle Through Vortex Generation, Gerald M. Angle Ii
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The aerodynamic drag of a racing-class motorcycle can be accomplished through either an overall redesign of the surfaces or through some type of flow control mechanism. Due to limitations on the size of the exterior shape the flow control techniques are more practical. Small metal vanes, known as vortex generators were used in this research to mix higher energy freestream air with the lower energy boundary layer, delaying boundary layer growth and separation. In testing performed in the West Virginia University Closed Loop Wind Tunnel a maximum reduction of 118 drag counts (10.1%) was measured. Due to an abnormally high …
Gasmak2 Model For Longwall Gob Gas Emission, Qinghua Jin
Gasmak2 Model For Longwall Gob Gas Emission, Qinghua Jin
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
This thesis discusses the development and improvement of an empirical model---GASMAK2, that describes methane control requirements for the longwalling coal in gassy areas. This is not a theoretical model; it uses an empirically determined gas emission rate as an input. The computer program divides Longwall panels into segments, keeps track of the face advance and generates emission rates and volumes for both the entire panel and for individual zones within the panel. This model is Windows-based, uses the full capabilities of the Windows environment to provide a user-friendly program, and can aid in the determination of the number, size and …