Digital Commons Network^™

Communicating To Resolve The "Mommy Wars": Testing Communicated Stereotypes And The Common Ingroup Identity Model With Stay-At-Home And Working Mothers, Kelly G. Odenweller

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Toward empirically validating motherhood as an intergroup context and uncovering communicative solutions to resolving the cultural "mommy wars," the goal of this dissertation was to test foundational intergroup communication theories with stay-at-home mothers (SAHMs) and working mothers (WMs) across two independent experiments. In Study One, participant SAHMs and WMs (N = 529) reported on their outgroup attitudes, affective responses (i.e., contempt, admiration, envy, and pity), behavioral responses (i.e., active/passive facilitation, active/passive harm), intergroup anxiety, and willingness to communicate after viewing a description of a target SAHM or WM designed in accordance with the most prevalent stereotypes of SAHMs and WMs …

First Year Sprouting And Growth Dynamics Of Northern Red Oak, Yellow-Poplar, Red Maple, And Sweet Birch On A Mesic Site Following A Release Burn During A "Shelterwood-Burn" Sequence, Maria Adele Fenwick

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Oak regeneration challenges are a widespread issue across the mixed oak and mixed mesophytic forests of the eastern United States. Following disturbance on many mesic and sub-mesic sites oaks are being replaced by faster growing or shade tolerant species. There are many contributing factors, but one thought to have the strongest influence is attributed to the effects of 20th century fire suppression. For millennia fire was an integral part of oak dominated ecosystems and is thought to have contributed to and perpetuated oak's importance in these forests. During the 20th century the frequency and spatial scale of fire was severely …

Sports Investment, Beliefs About Food-Related Behaviors, And Engagement In Problematic Eating Behaviors During Adolescence, Kaitlyn A. Ferris

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Involvement in sport is the most widely reported organized activity among children and adolescents. To date, organized sports also represent the only organized activity examined in conjunction with youths' eating behaviors. Organized sports serve as contexts where messages about healthy eating and body image are communicated, and adolescents' beliefs about food and their bodies' degree of thinness and muscularity has the potential to be amplified in such settings as youth strive to perform at high levels during athletic competitions. However, inconsistency in the measurement of both organized sports participation and adolescents' engagement in problematic under- and over-eating behaviors has resulted …

A Content Analysis Of The Portrayals Of Female Journalists Before And After The Second-Wave Feminist Movement, Zachary King

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this master's thesis is to investigate the possibility of a correlation between the portrayals of female journalists portrayed in films before and after the second-wave feminist movement. The study uses real-world factors to compare the characteristics of the portrayals of the female journalists. Two coders viewed eight films to determine possible correlations in the following: relationships status, whether the characters had children, whether the "sob sister" persona was portrayed, and the characters' career advancement (if any).

The Persuasive Effects Of Entertainment-Education Programming In Nonfictional Television And Its Impact On The Efficacy Of Breast Cancer Screening Messages, Jennifer Maria Knight

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study has taken a preliminary step toward determining whether education-entertainment messages have the same persuasive effects in a nonfictional talk show format as they traditionally do in a fictional narrative format. To test the various hypotheses which propose that persuasive effects of entertainment-education can occur in a non-fictional format, data was collected from 82 female students across two large lecture classes. Results of two independent samples t-tests did not support hypothesis one and two, as participants' self-efficacy and attitudes toward breast cancer screening were not significantly different as a result of which media clip was viewed. Hypothesis three and …

Biomechanical Evaluation Of Surgical Loupes, Marsha Chapman Holcomb

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Cervical musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a known occupational hazard in micro surgeons who use loupes (telescopes mounted on glasses) to operate, with over 80% having neck pain related to performing surgery. Despite this known occupational risk, the cause, prevention, and treatment of cervical MSDs have been largely ignored in this population. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of loupe use on cervical spine load and characterize the impact of loupe mount angle. In the study, loupes were systematically altered during surgical tasks simulated by twelve healthy individuals (6 male and 6 female) in a laboratory setting. …

Mh17 Tragedy: A Comparative Analysis Of Cold War And Post-Cold War Media Framing Of Aviation Disasters, Abu Daud Mohammad Isa

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research builds on similar studies that examined newspaper coverage of airline disasters during the Cold War in the 1980s. It explores "new Cold War" frames in The New York Times and The Moscow Times coverage of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17, which was shot down over Ukraine in 2014. The research reveals an absence of hostile Cold War assertions, but found frames were consistent with the respective U.S. and Russian diplomatic positions.

Religious Worship Music In The United House Of Prayer For All People: A Brief Examination Of The Shout Band Tradition And Its Use Of The Trombone, Joseph Lee Jefferson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This document investigates the cultural and historical significance of the use of the trombone in the shout band of the United House of Prayer for All People the Church on the Rock of the Apostolic Faith, a predominately African-American religious institution founded by Marcelino da Graca (also referred to as Bishop Charles M. Grace). Specific attention will be placed on the use of the trombone as a pillar of musical expression in the shout band tradition. Research has been limited to the most prominent House of Prayer houses located in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Sources for this document …

Antimicrobial Effectiveness Of Citrus Essential Oils And Organic Acids Against Salmonella And Listeria Monocytogenes, Karina Walker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The development of natural antimicrobials for foods is of increasing interest as consumers' desire for more natural foods continues to rise. Organic acids and citrus essential oils (EOs) are natural, generally regarded as safe substances that are known to possess antimicrobial properties. In-vitro tests of natural antimicrobials against a range of bacteria are required in order to determine their feasibility for food applications. The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of citrus essential oils and organic acids against Salmonella Baildon, Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC 14028) and three strains of Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19115, ATCC 15313, …

An Actor's Process In Performing The Role Of Oberon In William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", Kyle Walter

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

I was actually fortunate enough to choose the role I could use to write my thesis on during my last year of graduate school here at West Virginia University. I played the role of Martin in Theresa Rebeck's Seminar in the production of the WVU School of Theatre and Dance season; however I chose to use Oberon for multiple reasons.;I was originally going to use both roles and write a sort of compare and contrast document. I realize that would have been a "Midsummer Nightmare." So this decision led me here, taking on Oberon. I wanted to attempt to put …

Evaluating Work-Related Risk Factors Associated With Low Back Disorders In The Roofing Industry, Di Wang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Roofers have long suffered from low back disorders (LBDs), which is a primary non-fatal injury in construction. The harsh work environment exposes the roofers to a diversity of physical exposures which may cause severe LBD injuries. Until now, most of research on roofing safety has been mainly focused on fatal injury risks, such as falls from height, leaving much to be desired in the risk assessment of non-fatal, cumulative musculoskeletal disorders among this population. Existing ergonomics studies have identified several physical risk factors associated with LBDs in workplaces and developed predictive models for general LBD risk assessments. However, these models …

Facial Image Analysis For Body Mass Index, Makeup And Identity, Lingyun Wen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The principal aim of facial image analysis in computer vision is to extract valuable information(e.g., age, gender, ethnicity, and identity) by interpreting perceived electronic signals from face images. In this dissertation, we develop facial image analysis systems for body mass index (BMI) prediction, makeup detection, as well as facial identity with makeup changes and BMI variations.;BMI is a commonly used measure of body fatness. In the first part of this thesis, we study BMI related topics. At first, we develop a computational method to predict BMI information from face images automatically. We formulate the BMI prediction from facial features as …

Investigating College Evolution Instruction: Current Practices And How They Can Be Improved To Overcome Student Barriers To Acceptance, Nicholas Adam Wilbur

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The United States is ranked very low in acceptance of evolution when compared to other countries of similar socioeconomic status. The resistance to evolution extends to high school students and teachers, where much research has been performed on the topic of evolution education and the context is well understood. The initial goal of my thesis research was to establish a context for evolution education at the post-secondary level, which was accomplished by performing a national survey of evolution instructors. Although there was great variation among high school teachers, college instructors were surprisingly consistent in their training, methodology and personal views. …

Factors Affecting Turnover As Perceived By County Agents Who Voluntarily Left The West Virginia University Extension Service, Michael B. Withrow

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This descriptive survey study sought to identify factors that influenced West Virginia University County Extension Agents to voluntarily leave the organization. The population consisted of 31 individuals who had left the Extension Service from 2009-2014. A survey which was composed of four main question sets was mailed to the identified population.;Questions focused on the constructs of organizational factors, job related factors, personal factors, and demographics. Data were collected and analyzed to identify contributing factors in each of the constructs. The study found that a major factor that contributes to agents leaving Extension was having other priorities in the individuals' life. …

Pedagogical Thoughts On Liszt's Six Concert Etudes, Zhiwei Zheng

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This paper focuses on suggestions for learning or teaching each of these concert etudes, dealing with the structure of themes, keys, dynamics, programmatic interpretation, and specific technical issues. Several performing elements are discussed in detail, including melody and bass lines, musical phrasing, rhythmic pulse, tempo rubato, layered dynamics, and pedaling.

Cellulose Based Materials As A Template For The Synthesis Of Copper Nanoparticles For Antimicrobial Applications, Tuhua Zhong

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Copper has been used as a broad-spectrum biocide for centuries, showing effective antimicrobial performance against bacteria, fungi and viruses. Among various forms of copper, copper nanoparticles is attracting particular attention because of its high surface area and crystal morphology that will enhance copper antimicrobial properties. However, the high tendency of copper particles to aggregate at a nanoscale remains as a drawback for the development of copper-based nanostructured products. In this research, cellulose-based materials were utilized as a template and stabilizer for copper nanoparticles, and the resulting hybrid material was used as bi-functional material in thermoplastic resins improving the final antimicrobial …

Assessment Of Professional Behavior In Students: Thoughts And Opinions Of Occupational Therapy Faculty, Diana R. Davis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Professionalism and professional behavior of students has been a growing concern in the health professions for the past two decades (Aguilar et al., 2013; Davis, 2009; Swick, 2000). As a result multiple professions have identified core values and the professional behaviors that are a reflection of these in practice; and have begun to integrate assessment of student professional behaviors into educational standards. Occupational therapy has a history of publication dating back to 1995 regarding assessment of the professional behaviors of students but no profession wide expectations have been established.;This study attempted to describe the thoughts and opinions of faculty in …

Russian Soft Power Cultivation In The United States Of America: A Media Content Analysis Of "Russia Beyond The Headlines", David Evans

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The relationship between Russia and the United States of America has been a dominant feature of the international relations landscape for much of the last century. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, this relationship has been significantly altered. Over the last decade, a resurgent Russia has begun to exert its influence on the global stage once again. This effort has been characterized by a mixture of traditional "hard power" and a relatively new form of "soft power." The government of the Russian Federation has developed a broad strategy for engaging the rest of the world with the intention of …

Contemplations Of Otherness And Beauty, Xia Zhang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This written thesis is created in conjunction to a thesis exhibition shown in the Paul Mesaros Gallery at West Virginia University (displayed March 16th to April 3rd). The work presented in the gallery consists of installation, photography, performance, sculpture, and video. I create work based on my personal past influenced by my everyday life in search of my individual identity within my external environment. Being a Chinese female living in predominantly White areas, my interactions often are laden with preconceptions of who I ought to be. My daily life is affected by a global past. I intend to discourse my …

Modeling And Controlling A Hybrid Multi-Agent Based Microgrid In Presence Of Different Physical And Cyber Components, Hessam Keshtkar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation starts with modeling of two different and important parts of the distribution power systems, i.e. distribution line and photovoltaic (PV) systems. Firstly, it studies different approximation methods and develops a new approach for simplification of Carson's equations to model distribution lines for unbalanced power flow and short circuit analysis. The results of applying the proposed method on a three-phase unbalanced distribution system are compared with different existing methods as well as actual impedance values obtained from numerical integration method. Then steady state modeling and optimal placing of multiple PV system are investigated in order to reduce the total …

Igrow: Developing A Curriculum To Increase Gardening Skills, Culinary Competence, And Family Meal Time In Youth And Their Caregiver, Jade Alana White

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Objective: To develop a curriculum using evidence based programs to increase gardening skills, cooking competence, and family mealtime for youth (pre and early adolescent years) and their caregiver (dyad pair) using community-based participatory research.

Methods:

Using the Social Cognitive Theory, an inter-disciplinary team (N=3) including child development, nutrition and horticulture expertise: a curriculum was developed by integrating evidence-based curricula from iCook 4-H, Junior Masters Gardener curriculum Health and Nutrition from the Garden and Essential Elements of 4-H Youth Development Programs, with additional resources from USDA’s My Plate, and garden-based recipes. The community based participatory research approach and process was utilized …

Improving Community College Student Success Through Investment Of A Community Capitals Framework: A Multi-Case Study, Gregory T. Busch

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this dissertation is to understand how community colleges invest in a wide range of resources to achieve student success and how that investment can be better understood through the roles of the constructs found in the Community Capitals Framework. To address these questions, the top two Ohio community colleges demonstrating the greatest positive percent growth in overall student success from 2012 to 2015 were analyzed through case studies. From these inductive inquiries, success initiatives and college interventions to overcome barriers to student success were grouped into strands. The strands reflected a collection of similar themes helpful for …

A Qualitative Study Of Medical Student Perceptions Of The West Virginia University School Of Medicine's Competency-Based Electronic Portfolio System's Design And Implementation, Carrie A. Calloway

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The West Virginia University School of Medicine (WVU SoM) created and implemented medical student electronic portfolios in the 2012-2013 academic year as a means to stimulate self-reflection and life-long learning, document competency attainment using both formative and summative assessments of performance and facilitate career counseling and advising. Though existing research explores the benefits and challenges of electronic portfolios in medical education, few studies investigate them from the medical student perspective. This phenomenological qualitative research study examined medical student perceptions---through their stories of the electronic portfolio system as a tool for documenting and reflecting on performance---in order to better understand how …

Path Planning And Control Of An Autonomous Quadrotor Testbed In A Cluttered Environment, Trevor W. Caplinger

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A classical problem for robotic navigation is how to efficiently navigate from one point to another and what to do if obstacles are encountered along the way. Many map based path planning algorithms attempt to solve this problem, all with varying levels of optimality and complexity. This work shows a review of selected algorithms, and two of these are selected for simulation and testing using a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a dynamic indoor environment which requires replanning capabilities. The Dynamic A* algorithm, or simply D*, and the Probabilistic Roadmap method (PRM) are used in a scenario designed to …

Dimensions Of The Use Of Volunteered Geographic Information In Mass Crisis Events, Xiannian Chen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Recent studies have suggested that catastrophic events that trigger mass evacuation require surrounding communities to be well-prepared to act as ingress or pass-through areas for potential evacuees; however surrounding rural communities may have insufficient disaster-related logistical resources. In the response phase of disaster management, officials must be able to deploy resources to demand locations in types and quantities based on real-time requirements. Effective cross-jurisdictional disaster management needs real-time information, which is usually unavailable from official, authoritative sources. Conversely, VGI (volunteered geographic information) has the capability to provide real-time and local information in disaster management. This study investigates the possibility of …

A Parallel Programmer For Non-Volatile Analog Memory Arrays, Spencer L. Clites

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Since their introduction in 1967, floating-gate transistors have enjoyed widespread success as non-volatile digital memory elements in EEPROM and flash memory. In recent decades, however, a renewed interest in floating-gate transistors has focused on their viability as non-volatile analog memory, as well as programmable voltage and current sources. They have been used extensively in this capacity to solve traditional problems associated with analog circuit design, such as to correct for fabrication mismatch, to reduce comparator offset, and for amplifier auto-zeroing. They have also been used to implement adaptive circuits, learning systems, and reconfigurable systems. Despite these applications, their proliferation has …

Exploring The Anticipatory Socialization Stage Of Division I Student-Athletes: The Content, Characteristics, And Functions Of Memorable Messages, Gregory A. Cranmer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the socialization of Division I student-athletes prior to their arrival on campus via the framework of organizational socialization and assimilation stage models, and by specifically examining the content, characteristics, and functions of the memorable messages they receive during their anticipatory stage of socialization. Using first cycle, initial coding and second cycle, pattern coding, results indicated that the content of student-athletes' memorable messages include 10 topics that can be categorized as either addressing the characteristics or experiences of collegiate student-athletes. The results of frequency counts regarding the characteristics of memorable messages indicate that …

Parameter Identification Of Induction Motor, Yousef Abdel-Rehim

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Numerous recent techniques of induction motor parameters calculating are hard to be done and expensive. Accurate calculations of the parameters of these motors would allow savings in different prospective like energy and cost. The major problem in calculating induction motor parameters is that it's hard to measure output power precisely and without harm during the operation of the machines. It will be better to find other way to find out the output power with certain amount of inputs like input voltage and current.;Particle swarm optimization (PSO) and genetic algorithms (GAs) are often used to estimate quantities from limited information. They …

Direct Writing Of Aluminum Doped Zinc Oxide For Optoelectronic And Energy Device Applications, Olatunde Ayodeji Abidakun

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Micro scale patterning of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) offers great promise in producing efficient and low cost devices. Most of the major patterning techniques are either complex, expensive, non-scalable, or involve the use of environmentally unfriendly chemicals. Therefore, patterning of Aluminum doped Zinc Oxide (AZO) via sol-gel route, combined with direct writing, in particular, nozzle-based robotic deposition, offers a relatively easy and efficient way to selectively deposit complex features in digitally precise locations, at low cost and without excessive use of harmful chemicals. However, the printing process involves the interplay of various parameters, which need to be properly related, in …

Eco-Town: An Integrated Modeling Framework For Simulating The Effects Of Urban Morphology On Sustainable Development, Ali Abutalebpur

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Spatial structure of a city is a key determinant of its socioeconomic well-being and there is a growing interest in models that investigate the relation between spatial structure and sustainable urban development. This dissertation aims to examine the role of urban spatial structure on social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability through developing an integrated modeling framework. In particular, this modeling framework bridges "design of urban built environment" and "sustainable development" at the city-region level through simulation and measuring the effect of changes in urban spatial structure on the stock of various asset forms including natural, human, and physical capital.;The …