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Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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Estimation Of Striped Bass (Morone Saxatilis) Diets Using Fatty Acid Signature Analysis, Edward J. Mcginley Aug 2012

Estimation Of Striped Bass (Morone Saxatilis) Diets Using Fatty Acid Signature Analysis, Edward J. Mcginley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Accurate estimates of diets are essential for the management of fisheries, especially when this information is used to construct food webs for a system. Traditionally, these studies have relied on examining the stomachs contents through direct observation of sacrificed fish, or using instruments to "flush" the items from the stomach. These methods only provide information on the recent feeding history. Fatty acid analysis is a biochemical technique that offers promise for examining diets in fish over a longer time scale than just the last few prey species consumed. The goal of this dissertation was to examine the feasibility and efficacy …


Driving Cycle Properties And Their Influence On Fuel Consumption And Emissions, Oscar Francisco Delgado-Neira Aug 2012

Driving Cycle Properties And Their Influence On Fuel Consumption And Emissions, Oscar Francisco Delgado-Neira

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

When developing regulations or preparing emissions inventory models for on-road mobile sources, it is of critical importance to obtain representative values of fuel consumption and emissions rates that accurately represent the vehicle behavior for varying vehicle operation. Unfortunately, fuel consumption and emissions are often only known for a few test cycles which generally represent limited types of vehicle activity. It is known that distance-specific emissions and vehicle fuel consumption strongly depend on the vehicle activity and this dependency causes difficulties when trying to estimate fuel consumption and emissions over different vehicle activity than the original test cycle(s). The central hypothesis …


New Abutment Angle Concept For Underground Coal Mining, Ihsan Berk Tulu Aug 2012

New Abutment Angle Concept For Underground Coal Mining, Ihsan Berk Tulu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the Analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability (ARMPS), Analysis of Longwall Pillar Stability (ALPS) and LaModel programs, the magnitude of the abutment loading adjacent to a gob area is calculated using an "abutment angle" concept, and the extent of the abutment loading is determined as solely a function of depth from an empirically derived equation. However, the latest in-situ stress measurements of abutment loading performed in the United States and Australia have shown that there can be significant deviations in the measured abutment magnitude and extent as compared to the predicted values from the empirical formulas used in ARMPS, …


Insertion Loss Of A Simple Plywood Noise Enclosure, Justin Lamper Aug 2012

Insertion Loss Of A Simple Plywood Noise Enclosure, Justin Lamper

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Noise enclosures are used to reduce noise exposures to the employee. Some problems with commercial noise enclosures is they tend to be expensive and often provide much more insertion loss (IL) than is truly needed. The two studies described here tested the effectiveness of a simple plywood noise enclosure with a size of 75 cm x 75 cm x 75 cm. To determine the IL of the enclosure an OROS OR 38 noise analyzer was used in conjunction with eight PCB piezotronic microphones located at four and eight feet from the source perpendicular to each vertical side of the enclosure.;Study …


Comparison Of Three Machine Vision Pose Estimation Systems Based On Corner, Line, And Ellipse Extraction For Satellite Grasping, Jeremy A. Luckett Aug 2012

Comparison Of Three Machine Vision Pose Estimation Systems Based On Corner, Line, And Ellipse Extraction For Satellite Grasping, Jeremy A. Luckett

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The primary objective of this research was to use three different types of features (corners, lines, and ellipses) for the purpose of satellite grasping with a machine vision-based pose estimation system. The corner system is used to track sharp corners or small features (holes or bolt) in the satellite; the lines system tracks sharp edges while the ellipse system tracks circular features in the satellite. The corner and line system provided 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) pose (rotation matrix and translation vector) of the satellite with respect to the camera frame, while the ellipse system provided 5 DOF pose (normal …


Factors Affecting Orthodontic Adherence In Appalachia, Breana M. Phillips Aug 2012

Factors Affecting Orthodontic Adherence In Appalachia, Breana M. Phillips

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Orthodontic intervention enhances not only esthetics and psychosocial health, but also improves the function of the human dentition. Many insurance programs now offer orthodontic coverage; however, proper adherence and good oral hygiene habits are poor among those Appalachian individuals undergoing orthodontic care. This research study was conducted to determine the contributing factors in poor orthodontic compliance in Appalachia. Investigators completed a retrospective chart review, assessing inactive orthodontic patients from 2007-2012 at a private practice in North Central West Virginia. The general dentist at this rural office practices both general dentistry, as well as, orthodontics. Information regarding demographics, form of payment, …


Artificial Intelligence Assisted History Matching -- Proof Of Concept, Alireza Shahkarami Aug 2012

Artificial Intelligence Assisted History Matching -- Proof Of Concept, Alireza Shahkarami

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

History matching is the process of adjusting uncertain reservoir parameters until an acceptable match with the measured production data is obtained. Complexity and sub-optimal knowledge of reservoir characteristics makes this process time-consuming with high computational cost. In the past, computer-assisted history matching has attempted to make this process faster; however, the degree of success of these techniques continues to be a subject for debate.;In this study, the objective is to prove and examine the application of a relatively new Artificial Intelligence based technology (Surrogate Reservoir Model -- SRM) to assist the history match process. SRM is a prototype of full-field …


Hot Mix Asphalt Concrete Density, Bulk Specific Gravity, And Permeability, Yu Yan Aug 2012

Hot Mix Asphalt Concrete Density, Bulk Specific Gravity, And Permeability, Yu Yan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Field permeability test using NCAT Permeameter were conducted at four project sites before and after the application of fog seal. Due to the fact that it is difficult to estimate the thickness of pavement tested, instead of permeability, the infiltration rate is calculated to estimate the effectiveness of fog seal on reducing the permeability of pavement.;Cores from I-79, I-64 and Route-19 projects were collected and sent to the WVUATL for bulk specific gravity (Gmb) measurements. According to AASHTO T 166, when the percent of water absorbed by the specimen exceeds 2%, AASHTO T 275 or T 331 should be used …


Market Perceptions For Expanded Opportunities Of Central Appalachian Hardwoods, Liberty Olea Moya Aug 2012

Market Perceptions For Expanded Opportunities Of Central Appalachian Hardwoods, Liberty Olea Moya

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study investigated how to improve the market potentials of Appalachian hardwoods, specifically within West Virginia. Some Appalachian hardwoods could serve as alternative species for producing various value-added wood-based products. Efficient utilization of these species can lead to reduced manufacturing and consumer costs of major hardwood products. The main objectives of the study included: identifying the major products derived from Appalachian hardwoods, evaluating current and future market trends, and identifying the potential for using hickory as a substitute material in wood products. Additionally, factors that influence both local and international community's wood product purchasing decisions (e.g. price, eco-label certifications, image, …


Effect Of Seat Orientation On Ingress/Egress Joint Kinematics And Reach Envelope, Christopher W. Moore Aug 2012

Effect Of Seat Orientation On Ingress/Egress Joint Kinematics And Reach Envelope, Christopher W. Moore

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Crew modules use recumbent seats to sustain increased acceleration in the upright direction. Entry (ingress) and exit (egress) of such seats require different techniques. Most of the existing research on ingress and egress biomechanics was done using vertically mounted automobile seats. In this study, ingress and egress and planar reach motions performed using seats mounted in vertical and horizontal orientations were evaluated. An eight camera (MX-13 series) optical motion analysis system (Vicon, Nexus, UK) was used to record the 3D kinematic data. Ten healthy male participants performed ingress and egress motions using the following three seat orientations, while reach tasks …


Expanding Training Opportunities For Parents Of Children With Autism, Jennifer Lee Suppo Aug 2012

Expanding Training Opportunities For Parents Of Children With Autism, Jennifer Lee Suppo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that parents who have children diagnosed with autism can obtain and apply knowledge of a research-based support for their children by utilizing a prescribed, self-directed, online program, giving families another possible method of obtaining training to help meet the discrepancy that exists between need and service. The design was a quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group, pretest-posttest design that was used to test knowledge obtained from treatment. Additionally, the researcher examined parents' application of knowledge and perceptions regarding the treatment. The results demonstrate that parents who receive training using this method can obtain and …


Receiver Operating Characteristics Of The Cap Lie Scale And Correlates Of Impression Management In Parenting Capacity Evaluations, Ryan J. Anderson Aug 2012

Receiver Operating Characteristics Of The Cap Lie Scale And Correlates Of Impression Management In Parenting Capacity Evaluations, Ryan J. Anderson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Child Abuse Potential L scale with a heterogeneous sample of caregivers referred for parenting capacity evaluations. One aim of the study was to assess the measurement properties of the L scale. A second aim was to evaluate the discriminative validity of the L scale by way of its receiver operating characteristics. A third aim of the study was to examine potential correlates of desirable responding on the L scale. The findings from this study provide new information about the psychometric properties of the CAP L …


The Social Context Of Smoking: Measuring Social Capital Among College Students, Traci Dawn Jarrett Aug 2012

The Social Context Of Smoking: Measuring Social Capital Among College Students, Traci Dawn Jarrett

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Social capital is an ecological theory that explains access to resources as a result of social relationships between individuals and communities. The appeal of social capital across scientific disciplines, including public health, lies in its ability to account for multiple individual and ecological factors in relation to health outcomes, economic and social disparity, and social empowerment as a result of social connections. However, scientists do not agree on the most appropriate indicators of social capital, and a panel of experts tasked with developing a methodological approach to measure social capital indicate that measurement should be context specific. Currently, there are …


Instructional Leadership For Middle School Students With Disabilities In The General Education Classroom: The Role Of The Principal, Jeremy M. Lynch Aug 2012

Instructional Leadership For Middle School Students With Disabilities In The General Education Classroom: The Role Of The Principal, Jeremy M. Lynch

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Instructional leadership is the most important responsibility of today's principal, and no other group of students is in need of an effective instructional leader more than students with disabilities. Effective instructional leaders, especially for students with disabilities, create a supportive learning environment and school culture that promotes the education of all students. Furthermore, effective instructional leaders are knowledgeable of effective instructional strategies and promote the use of such strategies by communicating with and supervising educators. The purpose of this multiple case study was to provide a detailed description of instructional leadership for students with disabilities in an average school system …


Tinkering At The Edges Of Public Education Teacher And Parent Perceptions Of West Virginia Universal Pre-Kindergarten, Bethanie Morris Stiles Aug 2012

Tinkering At The Edges Of Public Education Teacher And Parent Perceptions Of West Virginia Universal Pre-Kindergarten, Bethanie Morris Stiles

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

West Virginia commenced the state universal pre-kindergarten program in 2002, being one of the first states to implement a universal early childhood education program for all fouryear- olds. Ten years later the program is approaching the goal year of full implementation. Research in the field was examined to identify past and current conditions of UPK in WV and throughout the nation. In this study, key informants---teachers and parents---were interviewed and asked to share their perceptions on elements of the program that they encountered to be challenging and successful. Participants in this qualitative study allowed the researcher to gain rich insights …


Age, Expertise, And The Sunk-Cost Fallacy, Tara E. Karns May 2012

Age, Expertise, And The Sunk-Cost Fallacy, Tara E. Karns

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The present study is an investigation of age and expertise differences in the sunk-cost fallacy (SCF), the phenomenon of basing one's decision on past investments rather than the future consequences and/or benefits. The current study used a procedure which required participants to answer sunk-cost vignettes and to justify their answers to the vignettes. Results revealed that demonstration of the SCF decreased with age: young adults demonstrated the fallacy the most frequently and older adults demonstrated it the least frequently. An age by expertise interaction was identified for normatively correct decisions: expert young adults made more normatively correct decisions than naive …


Etude Books For Horn Published From 1985 To 2011: An Annotated Guide, Joseph David Johnson May 2012

Etude Books For Horn Published From 1985 To 2011: An Annotated Guide, Joseph David Johnson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this project is to provide an annotated guide of etude books for the horn that were newly written or published between 1985 and 2011. This document lists sixty-eight different etude books written for the horn, and provides annotations for fifty-six of these publications. The annotations include the following information: publisher, publication date, range, transposition, number of etudes, and difficulty rating. In addition, the annotations describe performance problems that may be encountered, such as extended techniques and issues concerning technical facility or flexibility. Since the goal of this document is to promote the use and acceptance of new …


Homogeneous And Heterogeneous Face Recognition: Enhancing, Encoding And Matching For Practical Applications, Francesco Nicolo May 2012

Homogeneous And Heterogeneous Face Recognition: Enhancing, Encoding And Matching For Practical Applications, Francesco Nicolo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Face Recognition is the automatic processing of face images with the purpose to recognize individuals. Recognition task becomes especially challenging in surveillance applications, where images are acquired from a long range in the presence of difficult environments. Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) is an emerging imaging modality that is able to produce clear long range images in difficult environments or during night time. Despite the benefits of the SWIR technology, matching SWIR images against a gallery of visible images presents a challenge, since the photometric properties of the images in the two spectral bands are highly distinct.;In this dissertation, we describe …


The Use Of Controls In The Music Of Lou Harrison: An Analytical Study, Christopher Jason Koontz May 2012

The Use Of Controls In The Music Of Lou Harrison: An Analytical Study, Christopher Jason Koontz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research project provides insight into composer Lou Harrison's formative years, with particular attention given to events that would prove influential upon his later development as a composer. An overview of Harrison's compositional training with both Henry Cowell and Arnold Schoenberg serves as a means of understanding how some of his atonal compositional techniques developed.;Theoretical analyses of two compositions from Harrison's early catalogue illustrate a synthesis of atonal procedures he used to unify the formal, intervallic, serial, melodic, and harmonic content of the selected works.


Gold Nanoparticle-Based Surface Plasmon Mediated Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering And Energy Transfer Platforms For Sensing Applications, Ming Li May 2012

Gold Nanoparticle-Based Surface Plasmon Mediated Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering And Energy Transfer Platforms For Sensing Applications, Ming Li

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) exhibit unique optical properties, depending on the particle size, geometrical shape, and medium refractive index and interparticle interactions, etc. Among these optical properties, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) has significant effects on the electromagnetic field around the GNPs. The LSPR-induced electromagnetic field enhancement is beneficial to the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and energy transfer processes. This dissertation deals with the effects of LSPR on SERS and energy transfer between CdSe/ZnS quantum dots and GNPs. Specifically, the research aims to gain better understanding of (i) the electromagnetic enhancement induced by charge transfer from GNP to molecules, (ii) the …


Factors Affecting Peer Tutoring Programs In Higher Education As Perceived By Administrators, Debbi J. Pariser May 2012

Factors Affecting Peer Tutoring Programs In Higher Education As Perceived By Administrators, Debbi J. Pariser

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examined a) institutional factors that administrators see as facilitating peer tutoring programs and b) institutional factors that administrators see as forming barriers to peer tutoring programs. In addition, a comparison was made of administrators' perceptions based on the following institutional demographic factors: department affiliation, enrollment, highest degree awarded, and Carnegie classification. The data were collected through an electronic survey instrument, Administrative and Faculty Factors that Contribute to the Institutionalization of Peer Tutoring in Higher Education, developed specifically for this study and based on the work of Dr. Anthony Pina (2005, 2008a, 2008b), who studied the institutionalization of distance …


Essays On The Economics Of Student Achievement, Amy F. Higginbotham Godfrey May 2012

Essays On The Economics Of Student Achievement, Amy F. Higginbotham Godfrey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Parents, lawmakers, and economists are all keenly interested in what affects student performance. This dissertation explores factors influencing student achievement in West Virginia with special attention devoted to public education resources and gender. Politicians and many parents of school age children believe increased levels of education funding or resources result in higher student achievement. Chapters 2 and 3 delve into this topic by exploring student achievement at different grade levels in West Virginia. The first public education funding or resource change to be analyzed occurred during a time period when the base for public education financing was expanding and funding …


The Use Of Concept Mapping/Pattern Matching To Determine The Content Domain For Information Literacy In Baccalaureate Education, Eleanor M. Messman-Mandicott May 2012

The Use Of Concept Mapping/Pattern Matching To Determine The Content Domain For Information Literacy In Baccalaureate Education, Eleanor M. Messman-Mandicott

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study assessed the relevance of a national association's standards for developing information literacy competency in undergraduate students at a mid-sized, regional university in Maryland. Key stakeholders responsible for ensuring student success in achieving information literacy competency at the institution were solicited for their expertise to identify the outcomes they consider to indicate information literacy competency. The group of 14 participants included six faculty, three librarians, three student affairs professionals, and two students. Trochim's Concept Mapping/Pattern Matching methodology was used for gathering and analyzing the data to conceptualize the domain of information literacy competencies. The key stakeholders generated 80 student …


The Effects Of Aerobic Exercise Training On Arterial Stiffness In The Metabolic Syndrome, Brian Lee Reger May 2012

The Effects Of Aerobic Exercise Training On Arterial Stiffness In The Metabolic Syndrome, Brian Lee Reger

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Arterial dysfunction, due in part to arterial stiffening, is recognized as a surrogate end point for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and predicts the risk of future CV events. The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of risk factors associated with increased stiffening and carotid artery thickening. Aerobic exercise is a well-established therapy that reduces CV events, and has proven to be an effective intervention against arterial stiffening and pathological wall remodeling in the healthy, hypertensive, and diabetic population.;Aims: The purpose of this thesis was to examine the impact of aerobic exercise training on arterial stiffness and wall remodeling in MetS …


Growth Of Chlorella Vulgaris And Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii For Biodiesel Production And Carbon Dioxide Capture, Mariana T. Farcas May 2012

Growth Of Chlorella Vulgaris And Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii For Biodiesel Production And Carbon Dioxide Capture, Mariana T. Farcas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The growth of two strains of green microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris (UTEX 2714) and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (UTEX 90) was tested in three types of media; Tris Acetate Phosphate (TAP), Bushnell Haas Broth (BHB), and Wright's Cryptophytes (WC buffered with either glycylglycine or Tris-base). Also, initial medium pH is ranging from 4 to 10, light intensity ranging from 100 to 600 micromol photons/m 2s, and CO2 concentrations ranging from 0.038% (ambient) to 12%, were tested. WC medium at pH 8 buffered with glycylglycine sustained the highest yield and best buffering capacity for growth of both C. vulgaris and C. reinhardtii. A light …


Understanding Search-Based Software Engineering, Paul William Mcburney May 2012

Understanding Search-Based Software Engineering, Paul William Mcburney

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Pareto Optimization is a method of finding the space of best solutions possible given multiple class dimensions. In practice, however, it is difficult for users to visualize how solutions are spaced across this multi-dimensional frontier. Existing algorithms like NSGA-II are capable of quickly finding the Pareto frontier. However, users cannot use these algorithms to understand how changes to a solution effect the qualities of that solution.;In response to these issues, this paper presents "HOW". Not only is "HOW" capable of finding the Pareto frontier across multiple dimensions, but HOW can also explain how each point was derived, and compare points …


An Assessment Of Stream Fishing Venues In West Virginia: A Comparison Of Anglers Along A Spectrum Of Access, Radley E. Miller May 2012

An Assessment Of Stream Fishing Venues In West Virginia: A Comparison Of Anglers Along A Spectrum Of Access, Radley E. Miller

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

West Virginia places an emphasis on fishing as a way to increase nature-based tourism. However, heavy fishing pressure on public water and unequal fishing effort at stocking locations can lead to declining catch rates and an increasing number of visitors that experience catch deprivation and dissatisfaction. Controlling access to streams is one approach to dealing with this carrying capacity issue. Both public and private land managers have approached this problem differently using various levels of control. For example, Pipestem State Park managers provided anglers with access to the Bluestone River with few controls via an aerial tramway prior to 2009. …


The Failure Of The Surveillance State: Observation, Narrative And Identity In American Literature And Culture Since The Cold War, Jeremy C. Justus May 2012

The Failure Of The Surveillance State: Observation, Narrative And Identity In American Literature And Culture Since The Cold War, Jeremy C. Justus

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation examines an aporia in Michel Foucault's analysis of ideological panopticism. Foucault would likely suggest that the contemporary widespread use and acceptance of second-generation surveillance technologies exemplifies the discursive circulation of panoptic ideology. To the contrary, there is a great deal of evidence that suggests that such technology can be used for, to borrow Steve Mann's phrase, sousveillance (or, literally, "to watch from below"). By drawing from Niklas Luhmann's and Gregory Bateson's examinations of the inherent "blind spots" of observation systems (both literal and metaphorical), this dissertation suggests that sousveillance posits a challenge to the theoretically "neat" (according to …


The Word And The World: The Activist Spirit In American Literature, 1968-1998, Jason M. Stupp May 2012

The Word And The World: The Activist Spirit In American Literature, 1968-1998, Jason M. Stupp

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In The Word and the World: The Activist Spirit in American Literature , 1968-1998, I argue that some American authors confronted what Audre Lorde calls the "triumphs and errors" of the 1960s by producing literature that conceptualizes methodologies of resistance within sustainable models of community organization. Instead of succumbing to the inherent cynicism of the postmodern era, this literature encourages readers to adopt activist practices and to remain vigilant against oppressive government actions that intrude on civil liberties. Referring to selective works by Thomas Pynchon, Don DeLillo, Norman Mailer, Charles Johnson, Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, and Lorde, among others, I …


Selected Topics In Bayesian Image/Video Processing, Qiang Hao May 2012

Selected Topics In Bayesian Image/Video Processing, Qiang Hao

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In this dissertation, three problems in image deblurring, inpainting and virtual content insertion are solved in a Bayesian framework.;Camera shake, motion or defocus during exposure leads to image blur. Single image deblurring has achieved remarkable results by solving a MAP problem, but there is no perfect solution due to inaccurate image prior and estimator. In the first part, a new non-blind deconvolution algorithm is proposed. The image prior is represented by a Gaussian Scale Mixture(GSM) model, which is estimated from non-blurry images as training data. Our experimental results on a total twelve natural images have shown that more details are …