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A Comparison Of Dental And Skeletal Changes Between Rapid Palatal Expansion And Nickel Titanium Palatal Expansion., Christopher Ciambotti

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Expansion of the maxilla is used to correct skeletal and dental transverse discrepancies between the maxilla and mandible. These discrepancies are corrected through a combination of skeletal expansion (separation of the maxillary midpalatal suture) and dental expansion ( lateral tipping of the maxillary posterior teeth). A recently introduced temperature-activated, nickel titanium (NITI) palatal expander is claimed to produce a light, continuous force which is capable of expanding the maxilla and correcting molar rotations. The skeletal and dental effects of the NITI expander on the maxilla have not been scientifically evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare …

A Gis Design For Honeybee Management Prototype And Assessment., Jesse Peter Bellavance

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objective of this thesis project is to design and develop a Geographic Information System (GIS) operation for the primary purpose of managing apiary site information by the state honeybee inspector for West Virginia. Presently, information related to each apiary site is recorded through the use of registration forms, which are mailed and later stored in file cabinets. At this point the flow of information concerning the practice of beekeeping is stymied. Using these filed registration forms as a useful database of information is unwieldy, if not impossible. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a GIS system …

The Development Of A Benchtop Composting Reactor For Bioremediation Of Pesticides., Christopher Edward Prigge

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There has been an increased interest in composting because of the benefits provided to both farmer and industry. These benefits include reductions in pesticides, water pollutants such as nitrogen in water runoff, volume reductions of manure and other waste products, a reduction in harmful pathogens, and cost reductions associated with normal disposal methods. With local, state, and national regulations becoming stricter on how waste is disposed of, it is obvious that composting is the best and most cost effective alternative. Once the compost is completely cured it can be sold to cover expenses of equipment, and laborers. Often, if done …

The Effects Of Thinning Intensity On Snag And Cavity Tree Abundance In An Appalachian Hardwood Stand., Aaron T. Graves

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Traditional silvicultural practices focus on manipulating forest vegetation structure for commodity production. Structural features important to wildlife, such as snags, trees with decay, and cavity trees are also affected by forest management, but these effects are often not quantified. This study measured the effects of different thinning intensities (45, 60, 75% residual relative densities, and uncut controls), heartwood decay resistance (resistant, slight), and time of formation (pre or post-treatment) on the density, basal area, and volume of snags and decayed wood in an Appalachian hardwood stand. Cavity trees considered useful to local woodpecker species were also measured. Results indicated that …

Uneven Development Of Nature: An Historical Geography Of Ohiopyle State Park., Richard James Hoch

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis examines the use of nature in the uneven development of Ohiopyle State Park, located sixty miles to the southeast of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The production of this park resulted from a complex system of socio-spatial relationships that existed between Ohiopyle and Pittsburgh during the city's industrialization. The thesis has two objectives: (1) to demonstrate that the park is a space of produced nature, resulting from decades of human activity; and (2) to illustrate the various ways in which the production of this park is an extension of the production of the Pittsburgh industrial space. The thesis addresses these objectives …

Pulmonary Response To Silica: Role Of Apoptosis., Fernando Antonio Suarez

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Occupational exposure to crystalline silica has been associated with lung damage and fibrosis. Although previous studies have demonstrated that silica induces apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo, its role in the pathogenesis of silicosis remains unknown. The purpose of the present study was to: 1) characterize silica-induced apoptosis in vitro; 2) establish a temporal relationship between silica exposure, the induction of apoptosis, and lung inflammation/damage; and 3) investigate the role of apoptosis in the differential susceptibilities of two mouse strains to silica. First, experiments were undertaken to characterize the apoptotic response of rat alveolar macrophages in vitro. Primary alveolar …

Gene Expression Of Components Of The Calpain System: M-Calpain, μ-Calpain And Calpastatin In Male And Female Broiler Skeletal Muscle., Anitha Cholayil Janardhanan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Muscle growth is regulated by the balance between the two opposing processes of protein synthesis and protein degradation. The calpain system consisting of two ubiquitous proteolytic enzymes m-calpain, µ-calpain and calpastatin (their endogenous inhibitor) is considered to be the major proteolytic system that catalyzes the initiation of myofibrillar protein degradation in muscle. Gene expression studies of the calpain system were carried out in male and female broiler skeletal muscle from breast (pectoralis), leg (semitendinosus) and wing (brachi) in chickens one week through six weeks of age. The RNA isolated from these tissues was used as template for reverse-transcription to synthesize …

Developing Critical Consciousness: Representations Of Race And Gender In Two Afro-German Works., Maren Knebel

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Eva Demski and Ika Hügel-Marshall are two contemporary women writers whose works contribute significantly to the Afro-German culture. Demski is a “white” German author who depicts in her novel the life of an Afro-German woman, Afra, as well as the life of her “white” daughter, Nivea. Hügel-Marshall, who was born in 1947 as the daughter of a German mother and an African-American father, depicts in her autobiography her own development from object to subject. This thesis demonstrates that both authors encourage a development of critical consciousness by creating written evidence of a shared Afro-German identity and by expressing the problems …

The Effect Of Diet Dilution With Lactose On The Performance Of Turkeys., Melvin Fungayi Simoyi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An experiment involving 96 turkeys was carried out in conventional battery cages. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect of lactose on the productive performance of turkeys. Another objective was to establish the optimum level of inclusion in the diet. Birds were housed two per cage from day-old to six weeks old. Diets, containing 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8% lactose, and water were offered ad libitum throughout the trial. The highest average weight gain per cage (3.79Kg) was recorded in birds on the 4% lactose diet. There was significant difference (p < 0.01) in weight gain per cage between birds on the 4% and those on the 0% lactose diet (control). All birds on lactose diets were more feed efficient than those on the control diet. Diet did not affect fecal DM but caused high fecal DAPA content (p < 0.05) in 4% lactose birds.

The Evolution Of Adult Literacy For Learners With Special Needs., Susie A. Huggins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis looks at the evolution of adult education over the last 340 years and includes a discussion on Moonlight Schools and Operation Alphabet. The educational abilities of men and women are discussed. The evolution of adult education is reviewed through the legislation that effected the school system. The history of Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA) and the role of the Monongalia County LVA affiliate are reviewed. A survey of the MCLVA is conducted to research educational attainment of parents, adult learners and children of adult learners. Finally, the WV driver’s license exam process is reviewed. Many adult learners have …

I. Steroid Hormone Enrichment Of Brine Shrimp (Artemia Salina) Nauplii. Ii. Factors Associated With Acute Bacterial Infection That Limit Fertility., Amanda R. Barker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of incubation of Artemia nauplii with steroids prior to the first feeding instar II stage of Artemia development. Decapsulated Artemia cysts were incubated at a concentration of 3 g cysts/L in hatching media (1 L seawater at 1.030 SG, 0.08 g highly unsaturated fatty acid supplement) and either 20 mg 17β-estradiol (E2) or 17 αmethyldihydrotestosterone (MDHT) dissolved in 3 mL 70% ethyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol alone (control). Cysts were cultivated at 18-20° C for 24h. Nauplii were collected by filtering culture media, and were rinsed in 1 L fresh water. Artemia …

Characterization Of Neurotensin’S Bipolar Effects On Nociceptive Modulation Using Sr 142948a And Sr 48692, Two Non-Peptide Neurotensin Receptor Antagonists, Jeffrey P. Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Results from the current study confirmed that neurotensin has a dose-dependent bipolar effects on nociception within the RVM. Microinjection of low (picomolar) doses of neurotensin into the RVM resulted in a facilitation of nociception and resolved the anti-analgesic properties (tail flick test) of the peptide in models where basal analgesia is established by stressing rats or following PAG administration of opioids (morphine). Whereas microinjection of higher (nanomolar) doses of neurotensin into the RVM produced antinociception. Furthermore, these same pain facilitatory and inhibitory effects of neurotensin were observed following i.c.v. administration.;Direct evaluation and comparisions of the two non-peptide neurotensin receptor antagonists, …

The Effects Of The Malaysian Department Of Wildlife And National Parks' Environmental Education Program On The Environmental Knowledge And Attitudes Of 13-17 Year Old Students., Ebil Yusof

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The study focused on the effects of the Malaysian Department of Wildlife and National Park's (DWNP) environmental education program on the environmental knowledge and attitudes of the secondary school students. Conducted between May 11, 1998 and August 11, 1998, this study was designed to reflect three objectives: (1) to determine the effect of participation in the DWNP's environmental education program on environmental knowledge and attitudes of 13-17 year old Malaysian students, (2) to identify demographic factors that contribute to the change of environmental knowledge and attitudes, and (3) to establish base line data for future evaluation of the effectiveness of …

An Application Of The Delphi Method Of Forecasting To The Future Of Public Education In West Virginia, Carl H. Friebel Jr.

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study investigated the nature and types of events that will affect the future of public education in West Virginia. A three round modified Delphi design was used to identify the events, estimate when each might occur, and determine their level of impact and desirability.

In Round 1, surveys were mailed to forty-seven educational leaders representing various educational agencies and constituencies in West Virginia. In response to the first survey, panelists generated a total of one hundred thirty-four events which had at least a 50 percent probability of occurrence between the present and the year 2020. In Round 2, panelists …

Mixed-Mesophytic Forest Understory Communities And Edge Effect: The Role Of Canopy Gaps In Edge Composition And Structure., Cedric Edwin Landenberger

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Temperate forest canopy gaps are generally characterized as spatially discrete patches whose biophysical properties are a function of gap size and age acting in conjunction with subcanopy composition and structure. The surrounding gap environment is rarely considered, although there are reasons to suggest that gaps may be influenced by adjacent canopy openings such as agricultural fields, roads, and timber harvests. Experimental canopy gaps (∼75 m 2) were created adjacent to silvicultural clearcuts (∼5 ha.) in second-growth mixed-mesophytic forest to better understand the effect of clearcutting on adjacent canopy gap understones. Gaps were created on west- and south-facing edges at 15 …

The Relationship Of Leadership Frame Use Of Departmental Chairs To Faculty Job Satisfaction As Perceived By Selected Departmental Faculty Members., Saralyn Grenga Mathis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study was designed to examine the relationship between faculty job satisfaction and the leadership frame use of that faculty member's immediate superior, usually the departmental chair, as perceived by the faculty member. One hundred and seventy-two faculty members who had no administrative title and who held a full-time position as a professor, associate professor, or assistant professor at any of the five West Virginia public, Southern Regional Education Board four-year VI institutions of higher education completed The Mohrman-Cooke-Mohrman Job Satisfaction Scale and Bolman and Deal's Leadership Orientations Instrument (other version). Descriptive statistics and one-way analyses of variance were used …

The Effect Of Plant Uv-B Absorbing Compounds On Life History Traits And Reproductive Performance In Variable Uv-B Environments., Susan Jill Cooke

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Plants often respond to elevated UV-B by increasing the concentration of UV-B absorbing compounds in their tissues. However, evidence that UV-B absorbing compounds confer an adaptive advantage to plants in elevated UV-B environments has not been produced. Three of four experiments utilized an Arabidopsis mutant deficient in the ability to produce flavonoids (a set of UV-B absorbing compounds) to address this question. Results from a life history experiment showed that the wild type out-performed the mutant plants under both UV-B environments, indicating that flavonoids may confer an adaptive advantage across UV-B environments. Germination results were the exception with UV-B initially …

The Identification Of Criteria And Indicators For The Sustainable Management Of Ecotourism In Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia: A Delphi Consensus., Zaaba Zainol Abidin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to identify sustainability criteria and indicators for evaluating sustainable ecotourism development in Taman Negara National Park (TNNP), Malaysia. This was an attempt to develop sustainability measurements for the evaluation of ecotourism from the theoretical concept of sustainable development. The Delphi method and public survey were used to solicit opinions from an interdisciplinary panel of Malaysian experts and public groups regarding suitable criteria and indicators of sustainability for TNNP. The objectives were to develop a methodology for identifying criteria and indicators, generating criteria and indicators most important for measuring sustainable ecotourism. development and initiating development …

The Immunology And Infection Of The Cystic Fibrosis Lung., Andrea Rene Drummond Massengale

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The leading cause of death among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is progressive lung disease characterized by an early, sustained inflammation, chronic infection by mucoid strains of P. aeruginosa, and subsequent bronchiectasis. The connection between defective CFTR and the apparent pathophysiology of the CF lung remains unclear. Understanding this connection is of critical importance in developing strategies that temper the respiratory inflammation in CF and prevent P. aeruginosa colonization of the airways. The goal of this dissertation was to provide new insight concerning the immunology and infection of the CF lung by investigating the following: (1) the effect of alginate on …

The Relationship Of Job Congruence, Job Satisfaction, And Social Support On The Mental And Physical Health Of Sport Officials., Paul James Sundell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to expand the research associated with the effects of stress on sport officials. The study examined the impact that job congruence, job satisfaction, and social support may have on health among sport officials by testing a mediational model of relationships in a system developed through theory and previous research. Data were collected from 125 sport officials sanctioned to officiate in the state of Iowa. They responded to the Vocational Preference Inventory, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, Social Support Questionnaire, Symptom Checklist-90R, and a demographic data sheet. Statistically significant correlations were found between job congruence and positive …

Gerald Finzi's Songs For Baritone On Texts By Thomas Hardy: An Historical And Literary Analysis And Its Effect On Their Interpretation., Curtis Alan Scheib

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research document examines twenty-six of the forty-nine songs composed by Gerald Finzi (1901–1956) to texts by Thomas Hardy (1840–1928). The songs were written for baritone and are found in the sets; Earth and Air and Rain, Before and After Summer, and I Said to Love. The study views the songs within the context of Finzi's life and compositional style as well as in relation to his affinity with the poetry and outlook of Thomas Hardy. It examines in some detail the lives of both composer and poet, and also looks at song composition in Britain during the first half …

A Comparison Of Cardiovascular Reactivity To Laboratory Stressors And Day-Night Blood Pressure Differences Assessed By 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring., Scott Lee Schauss

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) to laboratory stressors and sleep-related blood pressure changes were compared in mild hypertensive (n = 23) and normotensive (n = 30) Caucasian men and women ranging from 30 to 67 years old. None of the participants had a history of cardiovascular disease and hypertensive patients were medication free at the time of cardiovascular reactivity assessment and 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure recording. Cardiovascular reactivity to mental arithmetic and a modified Digit Symbol task and sleep-related attenuations in blood pressure and heart rate were compared using standardized residual change scores. In general, correlations between laboratory assessed CVR and sleep-related …

Real-Time Multimedia-Based Education Through The Internet, Abhay Arun Bakshi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The rapid advances in computer and communications technologies are challenging the American education systems to provide increased educational opportunities beyond the traditional geographic boundaries at a reasonable cost. Many educational institutions are answering this challenge by developing distance education programs. Distance education provides effective learning environment. An important requirement for effective distance education is the availability of continuous interactivity and immediate feedback. Over the Internet, synchronous sharing of multimedia content introduces unacceptable delays as network bandwidth is limited. In this thesis, the issue of Internet bandwidth is minimized and a novel system is developed for distance education using multimedia course …

Productive Performance And Fertility Of Broiler Breeders Maintained In Commercial Colony Cages And On The Conventional Floors, Kitogho J. Mwashighadi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A trial with four replicates was conducted to compare performance and fertility of naturally mated broiler breeders maintained on litter floor versus their counterparts maintained in two tiered colony cages. Cage maintained hens with restricted feeding weighed less (P 0.05) was found in egg weights among treatments. No difference (P > 0.01) was found in feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs produced by hens maintained in cages and those on the conventional floors. A higher (P < 0.05) hen-day production was observed from 29 to 35 weeks of age in broilers maintained in cages than those on the conventional floors, but after this period no difference (P > 0.05) occurred. There were more (P < 0.05) eggs collected with cracks from cages than from the litter floors. The fertility rate was different (P 0.05) difference in mortality rate occurred between hens maintained on the fitter floors versus those in cages. When the breeders were 41 weeks of age, eggs from each treatment group were randomly collected, weighed, and incubated. Offspring from these treatments were randomly allocated to litter floor pens. Progeny were spaced at 23 CM.2 and were reared to 42 days. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in growth rate and feed conversion ratio in offspring from hens maintained on the litter floors versus …

Determining Perspectives Of Selected Disciplines Concerning The Nature Of Technology Within Classic Literature, Bryan Calvin Maser

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this research was to identify if there was a significant difference between the perspectives of selected disciplines with regard to the nature and history of technology. A content analysis of classic literature from multiple disciplines to determine perspectives concerning the nature of technology served as a basis for the development of a general semantic differential instrument. The instrument was administered to a given population yielding a conceptual scoring of perspectives. Scored concepts were then cross referenced to respective disciplines to determine if the degree of difference between disciplines was statistically significant.

Winter Movements And Habitat Use Of Northern Saw-Whet Owls At Assateague Island, Maryland, John Beaudry Churchill

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ten Northern Saw-whet Owls were radio-tracked over two winters (1996 and 1997) at Assateague Island, Maryland. I used the fixed kernel method to calculate home range estimates for seven owls. Ninety-five percent home range sizes averaged 122.9 ha (range from 39.7--261.9 ha) but varied in size and shape. I also calculated adaptive kernel, harmonic mean, and minimum convex polygon home ranges for comparison of these methods. Habitat composition in 30% home ranges was compared with 95% home ranges and 30% and 95% home ranges were each compared with composition of the entire study area using compositional analysis.;Roost site characteristics were …

Modulation Of Aging Process By Diet And Crosslinking Inhibitor And Their Effects On Production In Poultry, Muhammad Iqbal

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The factors which influence the age-related decline in production performance and increases in meat toughness in broiler breeder hens are poorly understood. We have hypothesized that the elevated plasma concentration of glucose contributes to the nonenzymatic attachment of glucose to proteins, and generates glycoxidation crosslinks in tissues which can ultimately impair function, is responsible for loss of production. One such crosslink, pentosidine, is an established indicator of both glycative and oxidative tissue damage in mammals. Specifically, the role of diet restriction (DR) and a nucleophilic hydrazine compound, aminoguanidine (AG), a crosslinking inhibitor, were examined on tissue crosslinking with the view …

Acquisition Of Observing Responses With Delayed Conditioned Reinforcement, Gregory A. Lieving

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Six pigeons were trained to key peck for 3-s access to mixed grain on a multiple variable-interval 60-s extinction schedule. The schedule then was changed to a mixed variable-interval 60-s extinction schedule. Simultaneously, a treadle was introduced into the chamber. For 3 pigeons, the stimulus correlated previously with the variable-interval schedule could be produced by treadle pressing (i.e., an observing response) on a tandem fixed-ratio 1 differential-reinforcement-of-other-behavior 10-s schedule. For the other 3 pigeons, no contingency was implemented for treadle pressing. Treadle pressing was established equally in the presence and absence of the observing contingency. The results did not extend …

Fixed -Interval Timeout From Avoidance With Humans, Janet L. Emmendorfer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

On fixed-interval (FI) schedules of reinforcement, humans and other animals often have different response patterns. For example, the pattern typically associated with animals is the scallop: a pause followed by a gradual acceleration in responding. Humans generally show terminal-minimum (i.e., pause until the end of the interval, then make 1 or 2 responses) or constant-rate patterns. There have been numerous investigations of the variables that control such different response patterns. The most common variables in those studies are instructions, verbal ability, response cost, concurrent tasks, and food and points as reinforcers. The purpose of the present experiments was to investigate …

Identifying The Type And Appropriateness Of The Evaluations Of Selected Agriculturally Related Science And Technology-Based Usaid Projects Conducted Between 1985 And 1995, Allen E. Bayles

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A review of the literature indicated that baseline data that described how and what were being evaluated at the project level by agencies involved in third world development had not been published. This was a descriptive study using content analysis of the available evaluative reports for the USAID projects involved with the transfer of agriculturally-related technology identified in the National Science Foundation research project, Assessing the Literature on the Benefits of External Science and Technology Aid Assistance to Developing Countries (Pytlik, Vasudevan, Bayles & Spitznogle, 1997).;The research concludes that impact evaluations were not being conducted at the project level. While …