Digital Commons Network^™

Are Fair Weather Fans Affected By Weather? Rainfall, Habit Formation And Live Game Attendance, Qi Ge, Brad Humphreys, Kun Zhou

Economics Faculty Working Papers Series

We analyze habit formation in sports attendance utilizing rainfall as an unexpected, transitory shock to attendance costs. Using attendance data from Major League Baseball (MLB) and NOAA weather data, we analyze the impact of variation in game day weather conditions on current and future MLB attendance. The empirical strategy permits identification of both the formation and persistence of habit from exogenous weather shocks. Past adverse weather shocks increase future attendance by about 200 fans per game. Our study contributes to the literature developing empirical evidence of habit formation in the field and provides policy implications for optimal ticket pricing strategies.

Bobcat Population Ecology In West Virginia, Stephanie Michelle Landry

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are a popular furbearer and game species throughout their range in North America, where they serve as a top predator in many of their ecosystems. However, bobcat populations across their range declined during the 1800s and early 1900s due to overharvest. Overharvest and habitat loss in Europe also affected the Iberian lynx ( L. pardinus), resulting in the listing of all Lynx spp. under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in 1977. Bobcats were listed under Appendix II, which required that state management agencies monitor their bobcat populations for stability. Since their listing, bobcat populations …

Microbial Quality And Pathogen Decontamination Strategies For Locally-Grown, Fresh Produce From West Virginia And Kentucky, Ka Wang Li

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality/safety of fresh produce from farmers' markets (FM) and assess the post-harvest washing practice with antimicrobials to inactivate Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes on fresh produce. In study I, 212 produce samples were tested for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria spp. using modified FDA-BAM methods. Aerobic plate counts (APCs), total coliforms (TCCs), and yeast/molds were analyzed on petri-films. Among the 212 samples, the APCs, TCCs, and yeast/molds were 3.72-5.63, 3.67-5.47, and 3.07-4.13 log CFU/g, respectively, with spinach containing the highest (P<0.05) populations. Among all tested samples, Salmonella enterica spp. enterica was detected on 18.6% of spinach, 10.9% of tomatoes, 18.5% of peppers, and 56.3% of cantaloupes, which is much higher than previous reported. Only 3.78% of the samples were confirmed for Listeria spp., and 50% of them were identified as L. monocytogenes, based on multiplex PCR results. Due to the high percentage of pathogens detected on the farmers' marker produce, an evaluation of post-harvest produce washing with various antimicrobials was conducted in study II. Specifically, spinach, tomatoes, green peppers and cucumbers were inoculated with S. Typhimurium and Tennessee or L. monocytogenes and washed in tap water, vinegar water (10%), lactic acid (5%), a lactic and citric acid blend (2.5%), and sodium hypochlorite (200 ppm) for 30 sec or unwashed. Vinegar water (10%) showed better (P<0.05) reduction of S. Typhimurium and Tennessee on tomatoes and cucumbers, and L. monocytogenes on tomatoes and peppers than tap water. The three antimicrobials reached an additional reduction level of 0.9 to 2.7 (S. Typhimurium and Tennessee) and 0.2 to 1.4 log CFU/g ( L. monocytogenes) compared to tap water. Lactic acid caused the greatest (P<0.05) reduction of S. Typhimurium and Tennessee on spinach and green peppers, and sodium hypochlorite showed the great (P<0.05) reduction of L. monocytogenes on cucumbers. The results supplied important information for FM vendors to develop post-harvest protocols to control foodborne pathogens.

Examining The Relationship Between Modifiable Risk Factors And Levels Of Functioning Among Appalachian Patients With Heart Failure, Trisha M. Petitte

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Heart failure is becoming more prevalent in the United States due to our aging population. More than 10% of people over the age of 70 have heart failure. Risk factors include coronary artery disease (CAD), which includes myocardial infarction and angina. Hypertension precedes heart failure in 75% of cases. Risk factors for CAD include obesity, high glycemic intake, high dietary sodium intake, sedentary lifestyle, and cigarette smoking. In West Virginia, the heart failure death rate is 32.6 per 100,000 population, accounting for 3% of all deaths. The highest rates of hospitalization for heart failure in the nation are found …

Exploring Concentration And Duration Dependence In Hormesis, Maren S. Prediger

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The phenomenon of hormesis, characterized by beneficial low-exposure stress-protective effects, has experienced increasing interest by the scientific community. Elucidating the underlying cellular signaling pathways that lead to a new homeostatic state can provide crucial information about new therapeutic targets to prevent and treat diseases. Commonly investigated for hormetic behavior are plant-based substances (phytochemicals), such as quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate, curcumin, and resveratrol. The polyphenol resveratrol, found in peanuts, grapes, and subsequently in wine, is known for a variety of effects---beneficial and detrimental---depending on the investigated cell type and concentration. In HepG2 cells, an increase in proliferation has been observed previously at …

The Use Of Concentration Of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (Amh) As An Indicator Of Reproductive Performance In Livestock Species, Adam Karl Russell Redhead

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Reproductive success is essential for high levels of animal productivity. Low fertility has been identified as one of the main constraints hindering the productivity of livestock systems. To address this problem, several tools such as genomic selection and assisted reproductive techniques (ART) have been implemented. Two of the more common ART used to improve reproductive performance are artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET). The success of these methods is highly dependent on individual animal characteristics; therefore the ability to select animals that provide high levels of reproductive success is essential. The size of the ovarian antral follicular population (AFP) …

Growing Community Gardens In The Mountain State, Mary Ryan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Community gardening is being used to address food inequality as an alternative food network. Most literature looks at community gardening in urban contexts. Less is known about community gardening in rural areas. My research was able to address how community gardening contributes to food sovereignty in WV and how garden leaders help contribute to this access to food sovereignty. Through a survey of 19 community gardens across West Virginia I show the organization and use of these gardens. Through interviews with 11 of those gardens, I was able to learn about how garden leaders' frame their gardens' goals and importance …

Characterizing The Mechanisms Of Insulin Resistance In Dairy Cattle, Amanda Nicole Davis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Dairy cows transitioning from gestation to lactation experience insulin resistance as maternal adaptation to partition nutrients toward the mammary gland to support milk production. Insulin resistance causes increased lipolysis and free fatty acid (FFA) release into circulation. Unfortunately, this metabolic adaptation occurs during a time when energy demands are heightened and cows are already experiencing negative energy balance. As a result, accelerated hepatic FFA influx promotes hepatic triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation and ketogenesis, which can cause postpartum metabolic disease. In diabetic monogastrics, mechanisms that mediate insulin resistance involve the sphingolipid ceramide. The role of ceramide in insulin signaling in dairy cows …

Using Telephone Education To Decrease Fasting Blood Glucose Prior To Surgery, Christine Mott

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Uncontrolled diabetes during the perioperative period can result in increased postoperative infections, increased length of stay, increased ICU admissions, increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and mortality. In addition, mortality rates of patients with diabetes are likely to be up to five times higher than patients without diabetes. Postoperative infections account for 66% of complications and one quarter of perioperative deaths. As a result of these findings, it is imperative that patients with diabetes maintain glycemic control in order to minimize infection, postoperative complications, and improve surgical outcomes.;Objective: The objective of the pilot project was to determine if an …

Relationship Between Diet Quality And Cardiovascular Risk Among Middle-Aged West Virginians, Paige Starrett

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Cardiovascular disease is prevalent in the United States and West Virginians have the highest rates of many CVD risk factors; however, limited research on the relationship between diet quality and risk factors exists in this high risk middle-aged (45-64 years old) population.;Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the diet quality of middle-aged West Virginians and to determine the associations between diet quality, body mass index, lifestyle factors, health-related quality of life and cardiovascular risk.;Design; Cross sectional study, convenience sample.;Participants/Setting: Data were collected from 96 participants aged 45-64 years old residing in North Central West Virginia. Data …

Fish, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (Pcbs) And Natural Resource Injury, Daniel W. Sparks

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) program is authorized by the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Oil Pollution Act (OPA) to pursue compensation for injury to, or destruction and loss of, natural resources. Fish are an important "natural resource" present in almost all aquatic ecosystems. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a hazardous substance and have been shown to cause harm to fish (and fish-eating animals). A series of investigations were conducted to determine if "injury" had occurred to creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) and in one study, the fish community that creek chubs were a part of, …

College Students' Sleep Quality, Yahya Ahmed Alamir

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Poor sleep quality among college students increases the risk for lower grade point averages, compromised learning, impaired mood, and motor vehicle accidents; and associated with several unhealthy behaviors and outcomes including substances /drugs use (alcohol and medications), and weight gain. Therefore, we assessed college sleep quality in relation to the NMUPD and BMI among a large sample of college students using the fall 2010-spring 2011 national survey data (American College Health Association - National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA)). In addition, we used theoretical model integrating HBM perception constructs and behavioral intention to describe and predict college students' sleep quality among …

Impact Of Incident Cancer On Coronary Artery Disease-Related Concomitant Medication Adherence, Short-Term Health And Economic Outcomes Among Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries With Coronary Artery Diseas, Ishveen Kaur Chopra

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most burdensome chronic conditions in the elderly. The two key goals of long-term management of CAD are (i) to reduce symptoms and ischemia and (ii) prevent myocardial infarction and death, by lowering lipids and blood pressure. Of all the risk reduction strategies, use and adherence to concomitant pharmacotherapy with statins and beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) have been shown to be highly effective and has become the cornerstone of CAD management. However, adherence to concomitant pharmacotherapy can be influenced by many factors including the development of …

Diversity And Function Of Fungi Associated With The Fungivorous Millipede, Brachycybe Lecontii, Angie M. Macias

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Brachycybe (Wood) is a genus of fungivorous millipedes. To date, the fungal associates of these millipedes have never been characterized. In an attempt to resolve these relationships, culture-based approaches combined with DNA barcode sequencing were used. Sampling of 313 individuals collected from three of four B. lecontii clades and 20 sites across seven states uncovered at least 183 genera in 40 orders from four fungal phyla. At least seven putative new species were recovered in this study, despite the use of more classical culture-based approaches. Three of these fungi were phylogenetically resolved using ITS + LSU and include two new …

A Literature Review Of The Effects Of Home And Commercial Processing Methods On Nutritional And Sensory Properties Of Green Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris), Emily Hope Bauman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A comprehensive review of current literature was conducted to investigate nutrient retention, texture and color during processing and storage of green beans. Consumers do not take into consideration of the effects of processing and storage on the nutritional and sensory quality of the green beans. Freezing and canning are the main processing methods used to extend the shelf-life of green beans. Both frozen and canned green beans are blanched during processing. Green beans are either frozen after blanching or for canning undergo additional thermal processing. Ascorbic acid was found to remain stable after steam blanching at 90°C for 3.5 minutes. …

A Multidimensional Approach To Understanding Gender And Health Among Middle-Aged And Older Adults, Rebecca K. Delaney

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

"Women get sicker, men die quicker," is a statement used to describe how women suffer from more chronic health conditions, greater physical limitations, and report poorer health compared to men (Crimmins, Kim, & Sole -Auro, 2011; Lochner & Cox, 2010), whereas men have a shorter life expectancy compared to women (CDC, 2013). Although biological sex differences offer some explanation for why men and women differ in health and mortality, there is much left unexplained (Miller, 2014). Gender, a psychosocial construct that reflects attitudes, feelings, and behaviors prescribed by cultural expectations for men and women (Unger, 1979) has been highlighted as …

Enhancement Of Growth And Grain Yield Of Rice In Nutrient Deficient Soils By Rice Probiotic Bacteria, Mohibul A. Khan, Effi Haque, Narayan C. Paul, Abdul Khaleque, Saleh M S Al-Garni, Mahfuzur Rahman, Tofazzal Islam

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Plant associated bacteria are promising alternatives to chemical fertilizers for plant growth and yield improvement in an eco-friendly manner. In this study, rice associated bacteria were isolated and assessed for mineral phosphate solubilizationand indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production activity in vitro. Six promising strains, which were tentatively identified as phylotaxon Pseudochrobactrum sp. (BRRh-1), Burkholderia sp. (BRRh-2), Burkholderia sp. (BRRh-3), Burkholderia sp. (BRRh-4), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (BRRh-5 and BRRh-6) based on their 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, exhibited significant phosphate solubilizing activity in National Botanical Research Institute phosphate growth medium, and BRRh-4 displayed the highest phosphate solubilizing activity, followed by BRRh-5. …

Modified Lipid Extraction Methods For Deep Subsurface Shale, Rawlings N. Akondi, Ryan V. Trexler, Susan M. Pfiffner, Paula J. Mouser, Shikha Sharma

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Growing interest in the utilization of black shales for hydrocarbon development and environmental applications has spurred investigations of microbial functional diversity in the deep subsurface shale ecosystem. Lipid biomarker analyses including phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and diglyceride fatty acids (DGFAs) represent sensitive tools for estimating biomass and characterizing the diversity of microbial communities. However, complex shale matrix properties create immense challenges for microbial lipid extraction procedures. Here, we test three different lipid extraction methods: modified Bligh and Dyer (mBD), Folch (FOL), and microwave assisted extraction (MAE), to examine their ability in the recovery and reproducibility of lipid biomarkers in deeply …

Patient Characteristics Of The Accident And Emergency Department Of Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional, Prospective Analysis, Justin Guy Myers, Katherine M. Hunold, Karen Ekernas, Ali Wangara, Alice Maingi, Vincent Mutiso, Stephen Dunlop, Ian B K Martin

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background Resource-limited settings are increasingly experiencing a ‘triple burden’ of disease, composed of trauma, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and known communicable disease patterns. However, the epidemiology of acute and emergency care is not well characterised and this limits efforts to further develop emergency care capacity.

Objective To define the burden of disease by describing the patient population presenting to the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Kenya.

Methods We completed a prospective descriptive assessment of patients in KNH’s A&E obtained via systematic sampling over 3 months. Research assistants collected data directly from patients and their charts. …

Intimate Partner Violence-Related Hospitalizations In Appalachia And The Non- Appalachian United States, Danielle M. Davidov, Stephen M. Davis, Motao Zhu, Tracie O. Afifi, Melissa Kimber, Abby L. Goldstein, Nicole Pitre, Kelly K. Gurka, Carol Stocks

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The highly rural region of Appalachia faces considerable socioeconomic disadvantage and health disparities that are recognized risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV). The objective of this study was to estimate the rate of IPV-related hospitalizations in Appalachia and the non-Appalachian United States for 2007–2011 and compare hospitalizations in each region by clinical and sociodemographic factors. Data on IPV-related hospitalizations were extracted from the State Inpatient Databases, which are part of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Hospitalization day, year, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, average and total hospital charges, sex, age, payer, urban-rural location, income, diagnoses and procedures were …

Using A Multi-Omic Approach To Investigate A Diet Intervention In Young Adults At Risk Of Disease, Oluremi Ariel Famodu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Poor dietary behaviors are widely recognized in the role of development and course of a variety of illnesses, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. Young adults have increased risk due to poor dietary behaviors, especially as they transition into a college setting. The evidence demonstrates an urgency for developing treatment and prevention through dietary intervention approaches in this population. In addition to improper diet, investigators have connected abnormal gut microbiome (i.e. the collection of genes from our intestinal microbiota) to inflammation and obesity, therefore momentum has gained in treating the altered gut microbiome with dietary …

Characterization Of Insulin Sensitivity And The Plasma Lipidome In Periparturient Dairy Cows, Sina Saed Samii

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

During the transition from gestation to lactation, dairy cows experience negative energy balance due to an increased demand for energy to support milk production coupled with inadequate energy intake. Energy deficit during the peripartum is associated with the development of insulin resistance which contributes to adipose tissue lipolysis. In turn, elevated free fatty acids (FFA) in circulation increase triacylglycerol (TAG) deposition in liver. This metabolic impairment is known to cause postpartum metabolic diseases including fatty liver and ketosis. Consequently, postpartum metabolic disease can lead to reduced milk production in early lactation, impaired reproductive performance, and increased culling rates. Moreover, cows …

Phosphorus Determination In Forage And Manure Using Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy To Support Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning, Yadav Sapkota

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Phosphorus (P) runoff from agricultural fields is a major cause of water quality degradation problems. A P mass balance across the farm could maintain profitability and sustainability of animal-based farms and minimize water quality problems. Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs) require mineral composition, especially P, data on soil, forage, and manure samples for accurate planning. However, traditional wet chemical methods of P determination are costly, time-consuming, and generate hazardous waste. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) could overcome many of these disadvantages and allow rapid determination of P concentrations. Portable XRF (PXRF) units are Energy Dispersive (ED) systems with low power X-ray tubes …

Time Perspective, Health Behaviors, And Wellbeing In Adults, Jonathan J. K. Stoltman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An important component of health behavior engagement is time perspective. Previous research has demonstrated that individuals with a more expansive temporal perspective tend to engage in more positive and fewer negative health behaviors. Depression, the leading mood disorder, has diverse symptomatology and is associated with reduced positive future thinking. This study seeks to identify whether positive or negative health behaviors differentially effect the association between time perspective and depressive symptomatology. Participants (n = 106; Mage = 35.2, SD = 12.7, range 18-65; 71.7% female; 87.7% white) were drawn from a community sample recruited via digital message boards. The study took …

The Response Of Naturally Regenerating Hardwood Seedlings To Post-Harvest Weed Control And Fertilization, Kevin Andrew Tomlinson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Current models to predict post-harvest success rely upon pre-harvest regeneration assessments, which rarely occur. Furthermore, these models lack management recommendations to improve regeneration success of naturally regenerating desired hardwood species following overstory removal. Factorial combinations of weeding and fertilization were randomly assigned to individual naturally regenerating black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), chestnut oak (Quercus montana Willd.), white oak (Quercus alba L.), and red oak (Q. rubra L., Q. velutina Lam., and Q. coccinea Muenchh.) seedlings in the spring of 2015, three growing seasons post-harvest. Factorial ANOVA models with size at treatment application as a covariate were developed and showed species-specific …

Characterization And Shelf-Life Of Soluble Protein Powder Derived From Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys Molitrix), Derek Warren

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Better management of current resources is one method to feed an ever growing population. Currently, sarcoplasmic proteins, water soluble proteins making up 25--30% of total protein in fish, are disposed of through municipal water treatment in surimi waste wash water. There is potential for the development of a simple method to reclaim and repurpose soluble protein from surimi wash water. The objective of this research was to 1) determine if processing temperature impacted protein recovery, 2) characterize the soluble protein powder, and 3) compare shelf stability to that of a similar protein powder (80% whey protein concentrate WPC). Separation temperature …

Exploring The Power Of County-Level Regional Classifications On Predicting Sex-Specific All-Cause Mortality In The United States, Julia Kay Wolf

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Sex-specific mortality rates have been found to differ across regions of the United States; however, these areas are typically the broad Census Bureau regions (i.e., Midwest, Northeast, South, and West) that do not consider sociological factors known to affect health. By testing the predictive capabilities of theoretically driven regional classifications distinguished at county-level, I explore whether there are more accurate ways of assessing mortality differences across the United States. Specifically, I use the US Census Bureau divisions and regional groupings produced by Joel Garreau (1981) and Colin Woodard (2011) to predict sex-specific, age-adjusted, all-cause mortality for 2008-2012 (centered on 2010). …

Early Feeding Experiences Of Families Whose Children Were Born With Cleft Lip Andor Palate: A Rural Perspective, Meghan Snyder

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An initial problem frequently found in children born with cleft palate is difficulty feeding. This problem can be magnified in rural areas where healthcare resources are limited. A 29-item questionnaire was developed and administered to 24 families whose children were born with a cleft palate. Many parents experienced difficulties in both instruction and in feeding their children. It was necessary for them to seek information and assistance from different sources. As a result of the findings, an informational pamphlet was developed and distributed to various rural hospitals located in West Virginia, so that information and sources of instruction for feeding …

Characterization Of The Immune Response To Lipopolysaccharide In Early Pregnant Ewes As A Model To Study Bacterial Infection Induced Embryonic Loss, Jessalyn Marie Hadfield

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An immunological balance has to be established during pregnancy that protects the mother yet tolerates the semi-allogenic fetus. To understand the innate immune response during bacterial infections that may cause early embryonic loss, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treated sheep model was used. Two objectives of this study were to examine if omega-3 PUFAs in the form of supplementary whole flaxseed could reduce the inflammatory response to an LPS challenge and to examine if there is a differential immune response to LPS in Suffolk and Dorset ewes. A total of 3 experiments were conducted; two investigating the effect of supplement and one …

Using Long-Term Records To Investigate Watershed Nitrogen Supply And Demand Dynamics At The Fernow Experimental Forest, West Virginia, Usa, Mark Benjamin Burnham

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Fossil fuel combustion has caused elevated anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition onto forests in the northeastern United States since the middle of the 20th century, and has resulted in the supply of N exceeding the ecosystem N demand in many forests across the region. While the supply-demand imbalance is often attributed to elevated N inputs, a reduction in N demand may also make a significant contribution to diminished levels of N retention. Long-term records of N inputs, outputs, and stand dynamics at the Fernow Experimental Forest (FEF) in Tucker County, WV, provide a unique opportunity to study how changes in ecosystem …