Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating Real-World Idle Emissions From Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles, Abm Siddiqur Rahman Khan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Long haul trucks in the USA idle for extended periods at truck stops and at pickup and drop-off points. The idling consumes fuel, contributes to engine wear and reduces atmospheric quality, but it cannot simply be proscribed because in many cases cab heat or air-conditioning provides essential driver comfort. As an example, there are nearly 1.5 million interstate trucks that operate in California, where climate control is essential. A comprehensive tailpipe emissions database to describe idling impacts is not available at present, although studies have been conducted to quantify idle emissions and to project the advantages of idle reduction technologies …

Validating A Neural Network-Based Online Adaptive System, Yan Liu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Neural networks are popular models used for online adaptation to accommodate system faults and recuperate against environmental changes in real-time automation and control applications. However, the adaptivity limits the applicability of conventional verification and validation (V&V) techniques to such systems. We investigated the V&V of neural network-based online adaptive systems and developed a novel validation approach consisting of two important methods. (1) An independent novelty detector at the system input layer detects failure conditions and tracks abnormal events/data that may cause unstable learning behavior. (2) At the system output layer, we perform a validity check on the network predictions to …

Comparison Of Numerical Simulation To Existing Experimental Data Involving Downwash Wake Reduction For The V-22 Osprey, Brian O'Hara

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

It is of interest to develop numerical techniques to simulate the implementation of blowing slots on a V-22 Osprey airfoil in order to alleviate downwash. In order to develop these techniques, two separate experiments were simulated and the numerical results were compared with the experimental data. The first experiment used in comparison was performed by Fort F. Felker at the NASA's AMES Research Center in 1990. The second experiment was done by Chad Riba and Gerald M. Angle at West Virginia University in 2003.;The commercially available RNG k-e turbulence model with enhanced wall treatment found in Fluent 6.1 was used …

Adaptive Edge-Based Prediction For Lossless Image Compression, Rahul G. Parthe

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Many lossless image compression methods have been suggested with established results hard to surpass. However there are some aspects that can be considered to improve the performance further. This research focuses on two-phase prediction-encoding method, separately studying each and suggesting new techniques.;In the prediction module, proposed Edge-Based-Predictor (EBP) and Least-Squares-Edge-Based-Predictor (LS-EBP) emphasizes on image edges and make predictions accordingly. EBP is a gradient based nonlinear adaptive predictor. EBP switches between prediction-rules based on few threshold parameters automatically determined by a pre-analysis procedure, which makes a first pass. The LS-EBP also uses these parameters, but optimizes the prediction for each pre-analysis …

Data Mining Framework, Hemambika Payyappillil

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this document is building a framework for working with clinical data. Vast amounts of clinical records, stored in health repositories, contain information that can be used to improve the quality of health care. However, the information generated from these records depends vastly on the manner, in which the data is arranged. A number of factors need to be considered, before information can be extracted from the patient records. This document deals with the preparation of a framework for the data, before it can be mined.;One of the issues to deal with is information about the patient contained …

The Effect Of Adding Multiple Triangular Vortex Generators On The Leading Edge Of A Wing, Francisco Adolfo Pino Romainville

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The goal of this research was to investigate preliminary test data obtained by Professor Robert E. Bond at the University of Tennessee in the year 2001. Dr. Bond added triangular horizontal flat plates (vortex generators) to the leading edge of a wing, to delay flow separation at high angles of attack. The present approach was both experimental and computational. The experimental method was used to determine, with the aid of smoke, the angle of attack at which the wing stalled. For this qualitative method a wing (airfoil NACA 0015) was used. It had a 32 inch span and attached to …

Multi-Layer Feed Forward Neural Networks For Foreign Exchange Time Series Forecasting, Bina R. Setyawati

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation examines the forecasting performance of multi-layer feed forward neural networks in modeling five weekly foreign exchange rates: Australian Dollars/U.S. Dollars (AUS/USD), Euro/U.S. Dollar (EUR/USD), Swiss Franc/U.S. Dollar (CHF/USD), British Pound sterling/U.S. Dollars (GBP/USD), and Japanese Yen/U.S. Dollars (JPY/USD). There are five objectives to accomplish. The first is to determine the key modeling factors that should be considered in topology determination. The second is to compare the performances of Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Modified Tabu Search (TS) in choosing the topology for Neural Networks (NN) implementation. The third is to investigate the suitable learning algorithm for NNs for time …

Determination Of Rx Expression In The Adult Mouse Retina And Delineation Of The Rx Mediated Gene Regulation, Supriya A. Shah

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Retinal homeobox gene, Rx, is expressed in the anterior neural plate and the optic vesicle shows Rx expression throughout development. Rx is required for the proliferation of retinal progenitor cells during eye development.;Our expression studies of the Rx gene in the adult mouse retina show Rx expression in the Photoreceptor and inner nuclear layer of the adult neural retina and ciliarybody. The cotransfection assays indicate that Rx supports the transcription of neural retinal markers, as well as the RPE-markers. Therefore we characterize Rx as a proliferation marker for the entire optic vesicle region.;To determine the mechanism of Rx-mediated regulation …

Detecting Malingered Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Using The Morel Emotional Numbing Test-Revised (Ment-R) And The Miller Forensic Assessment Of Symptoms Test (M-Fast), Julia M. Strunk

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

From feigning psychosis to avoid prosecution to claiming an anxiety disorder to receive disability insurance, people from all socioeconomic and educational backgrounds have been suspected of or found to be malingering (Rogers, 1997). The present study investigated the utility of two assessment measures in detecting malingered PTSD: the Morel Emotional Numbing Test-Revised (MENT-R) and Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST). The Detailed Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress (DAPS) was used as the criterion variable for the following groups: clinical PTSD, subclinical PTSD, honest responders, and coached malingerers. Total scores on the MENT-R distinguished among the four groups of participants. The …

The Relation Of Psychopathic Characteristics And Malingering Of Ptsd, Elizabeth Ann Tyner

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Clinical lore suggests that psychopaths should be successful malingers, yet empirical evidence is inconclusive. To further investigate the relation of psychopathy and malingering, 56 undergraduate males were classified into three groups based on responses to one trauma screener (Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale; PDS, Foa, Cashman, Jaycox & Perry, 1997) and one psychopathy screener (Psychopathic Personality Inventory: Short Form; PPI: SF, Lilienfeld & Andrews, 1996). This multimodal simulation study examined the ability of participants high and low in psychopathic characteristics to successfully malinger PTSD. Contrary to predictions, results indicated that individuals high in psychopathic characteristics were not better at convincing raters …

Predicting Treatment Completion: A Study Of The Federal Bureau Of Prisons' Residential Drug Abuse Program, Y. Tami Yanez

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Substance abuse and criminal behavior are two commonly associated social concerns. It is not surprising that substance abuse treatment also has demonstrated a reduction not only substance abuse, as well as criminal behavior. The Federal Bureau of Prisons' Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) has demonstrated wide-reaching benefits. Understanding the 33% non-completion rate of RDAP, then, is an important component of the treatment process. This study, therefore, sought to identify factors present prior to RDAP participation that may predict program completion, which may also guide efforts to reduce relapse and recidivism rates. RDAP completers were slightly more likely to have fewer …

Integrated Stability Mapping System For Mines, Quanxi Wang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Integrated Stability Mapping System (ISMS) was developed as an engineering tool to quantify the geologic and geo-mechanical information of mines, and to integrate the critical stability influence factors into an overall stability index for use in mine planning and support design. It is generally understood that the inherent underground roof stability is determined by the interaction of both the given geologic characteristics and the local stress influences. Form this perspective, in this dissertation, the need for an integrated stability mapping system is established through investigating the traditional and current hazard mapping practices. In order to fulfill this need, computer …

A Study Of Assessment Policies And Practices Of Directors In Pre-Kindergarten Programs In West Virginia., Janet Dozier

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As education for young children becomes more standards-based there has been a cry for more assessments. Developmentally appropriate assessment for young children has been defined by the twelve guidelines developed by the National Association for Young Children. The purpose of this study was done by surveying the 440 pre-kindergarten program directors in West Virginia regarding his/her perception of importance and implementation of those national assessment guidelines and followed by ten structured interviews of directors across the program descriptions. The study found the implementations of guidelines to be positively correlated to the director's perception of importance. Further it found that all …

Lift Every Voice: African American Students' Beliefs Of Their School Climate., Constinia Charbonnette

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The general purposes of this study were three-fold. The first purpose was to gain an in-depth understanding of West Virginia African American students’ beliefs of their overall school climate. The second purpose of this study was to examine African American students’ beliefs of factors that may positively and negatively affect their academic achievement. Last, the third purpose was to examine participants’ beliefs of high and low achieving African American students. A purposeful sample of 151 secondary students (grades 9-12); in eight West Virginia counties were surveyed and interviewed, using the Generalized Belief Measurement instrument and focus group interviews. Findings from …

A Study On The Impact Of Visual Stimuli On Initial Saccades., Sruti Ramnath

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The ballistic movement of the human eye to comprehend a scene is known as saccades. Saccadic eye movements have been studied by researchers to understand their role in visual cognition. These eye movements are key to providing the brain with visual information that aids in the interpretation and perception of the scene being viewed. Though saccades are primarily task driven, it has been theorized that the first few saccades are triggered by low-level image properties that are inherent in a scene. Determining and evaluating these properties would enhance the understanding of visual cognition and, thus, benefit the development of “eye-friendly” …

Application Of Radio Imaging Method (Rim-Iv) In Detecting Geological Anomalies: Two Case Studies., Hua Zhao

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

RIM-IV technology is the most promising geophysical method to identify and locate geological anomalies in advance of mining. In order to make this technology successful, ground-truth works are needed to explore its potentials and limitations in application. Two cases in which the RIM-IV technology has been applied to detecting various geological anomalies have been presented in this research. In the first case, the RIM-IV survey was conducted in a section of the longwall panel where sandstone intrusions, seam thinning and severe seam undulations were expected. In the second case, the RIM-IV survey was performed in a section of the longwall …

The Effects Of A Five-Week Core Stabilization-Training Program On Dynamic Balance In Tennis Athletes., Kimberly M. Samson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There is a lack of studies in the literature pertaining to tennis athletes, core stabilization and dynamic balance. Core stabilization and dynamic balance are important components to the sport of tennis. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of a five-week core stabilizationtraining program on dynamic balance. The study was a 2x2 factorial design with an experimental and control group. This study included 13 healthy physically active collegiate level tennis athletes and 15 subjects in the control group of aged matched activity cohorts.The five-week protocol for the core stabilization-training program was conducted as follows: subjects followed the …

The Effects Of Wrist Proprioception On Joint Stability For Forward Falls., Patricia L. Hatches

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Inherent feedforward and feedback reactions to falls diminish with age and changes in daily acitivity making injuries more likely with falling. Research on the wrist and proprioceptive exercises for stability during falls is lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine if wrist proprioceptive training could enhance neuromuscular control aiding in wrist stability when falling. This was a 2 x 3 factorial design. Thirty healthy subjects free of upper extremity injuries were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The groups were tested on a Biodex Stability System over four levels as a pre and posttest. Between testing subjects …

Geospatial Framework For Water Quality Impact Assessment: Corridor H., Jennifer R. Mcgee

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

West Virginia University’s Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering has been collecting water quality samples from streams that are anticipated to be impacted by the construction of Corridor H. With four active watersheds totaling 43 sites and 20 parameters being monitored, a large amount of data has been collected. In order to easily and quickly understand the general trends in the water quality, bar graphs were generated to represent the yearly averages of each parameter for each site. In order to understand the geospatial correlation between sites within a watershed, maps of each watershed were generated utilizing Geographic Information Systems …

Lighting Design For Steven Dykes's "Kolonists"., Colin Mckeen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This document is a record of the process involved in creating the lighting for West Virginia University’s 2004 production of Kolonists, by Stephen Dykes. The project was assigned to serve as partial fulfillment of the requirements of a Master of Fine Arts in Design and Theatre Technology, and this document completes the requirements for that degree. This thesis explains the progress of the design from its research and conceptualization to its synopsis, criticism and history of the original production, and a self-evaluation of the work. Research examples, drawings and production photos are included for visual references.

Comparison Of 9.5 Mm Superpave And Marshall Wearing I Mixes In West Virginia., Jason W. Nelson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

West Virginia currently uses the Superpave mix design method for high traffic volume roads and the Marshall method for other highways. This research evaluated the differences between these methods for asphalt concrete wearing course materials; Marshall Wearing I and Superpave 9.5 mm. Mixes were developed for light, medium and heavy traffic using 100 percent limestone and a blend of limestone and natural sand aggregates. Asphalt Pavement Analyzer evaluation demonstrated the mixes developed under either method have similar rutting potential. The optimum asphalt content of the mixes varied between the Marshall and Superpave methods. There was not a consistent trend that …

Russia And Chechnya: The Path To War., Jason A. Roberts

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis examines the causes of the 1994-1996 Chechen War by analyzing the policies of the Russian and Chechen governments between 1991 and 1994. The development of Chechen separatism in the late 1980s and the creation of a secessionist Chechen government in 1990-1991 are extensively examined. Through the use of Russian and Chechen government documents as well as contemporary reports in the Russian press, I present in detail the negotiation process between Moscow and Grozny in 1992-1994 and I examine why these negotiations failed to reach a peaceful settlement. Ultimately, I argue that the 1994-1996 Chechen War resulted from Moscow’s …

Microstructure Evaluations And Thermomechanical Properties Of Spinel (Magnesium Aluminum Oxide) Dispersed Molybdenum Alloys., Chee Kiat Lee

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Molybdenum based alloys are ductilized by dispersing MgAl2O4 or NiAl2O4 spinel particle. These additions of spinel particles getter impurities, such as Nitrogen, from the base alloys which render its ductility. The introduction of fine dispersions has also been postulated to improve ductility in body centered cubic (BCC) metals such as Mo, by acting as a dislocation source or reducing dislocation pile ups at grain boundaries. The spinel particles, on the other hand, would also act as local notches, crack initiation sites, which are detrimental to the ductilization. Further improvement of material processing, therefore, is very important. The objective of this …

A Study In Nineteenth-Century American Costumes Based On Mary Todd Lincoln And Thomas "Tad" Lincoln., Sheila A. Wise

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An interest in nineteenth century history led to a desire to study the construction of American garments during this period. The historical figures, Mary Todd Lincoln, and Thomas “Tad” Lincoln, her son were selected as the basis of a study of mid-Victorian costume pattern-making and construction.

The main goal in pursuing this project was to gain a better understanding of the historical zeitgeist of the period and the pattern making and construction of American women’s, and children’s nineteenth century garments. The objectives of the thesis were to: 1) study, organize and research what Americans wore in the mid-Victorian era; 2) …

A National Survey Of College Level Percussion Teachers Regarding The Importance Of Certain Characteristics Of Percussion Materials In Beginning Instrumental Methods., Ronald George Horner

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Teaching percussion instruments in elementary school settings presents unique challenges. Development of reading skills, musicality, technique, and listening skills are often cited as concerns. Materials selected by educators can facilitate or encumber the process. This study examined the characteristics of beginning methods materials from the perspective of college level percussion teachers. 269 teachers participated in a researcher-developed survey as a representative cross-section of institutions of higher learning including community colleges, baccalaureate institutions, and institutions with graduate programs. Results were analyzed from frequency distributions and manually generated stem-and-leaf plots. The survey examined respondent background and teaching experience, institutional information, and professional …

Essays On Macro Factors And Asset Pricing: Theory And Evaluation., Dayong Huang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

My essays deal with macro factors and the cross sectional asset prices. It consists of 4 essays. My first essay consider asset pricing in a monetary economy where liquid assets are held to lower transaction costs. The ensuing model extends the CAPM and the Consumption CAPM by deriving real money growth as an additional factor determining returns and they compare favorably to other theoretical asset pricing models. The paper further introduces a technique that facilitates derivation of dynamic asset pricing results in discrete time by generalizing Stein's Lemma to multivariate cases. My second essay considers asset pricing from the production …

The Effects Of The Reciprocal Teaching Framework On Strategy Acquisition Of Fourth-Grade Struggling Readers., Holly L. Diehl

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Six, fourth-grade struggling readers from Glendale Elementary School participated in this study. Specifically, these students were identified because they could decode words adequately but comprehended text poorly. The main innovation of this study was that it provided insight into the role of strategy acquisition in the comprehension performance of students. Identified students participated in 20 sessions following the reciprocal teaching framework—a reading intervention program that incorporates direct instruction in four comprehension strategies, questioning, predicting, clarifying, and monitoring. Additionally, the reciprocal teaching approach is grounded in dialogue, as the teacher explicitly demonstrates how, when, and why to apply each strategy while …

An Exploration Of The Adjustment Processes Of Freshmen Student-Athletes And Non -Athlete Students., V Paul Downey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to examine the adjustment to college of freshmen student-athletes (n = 78) and students (n = 174) at a Division I university. Participants were surveyed using the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ; Baker & Siryk, 1999). Student-athletes were found to be significantly less committed to earning their undergraduate degrees than non-athletes, during both week seven and week 15 of their first semester. Predictor variables accounted for 24% of the variance in social adjustment with a more positive perceived impact of personal-social factors and an internal locus of control, emerging as significant predictors. Commitment …

Hall Effect And Photoconductivity Lifetime Studies Of Gallium Nitride, Indium Nitride, And Mercury Cadmium Telluride., Craig H. Swartz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A deep understanding of both carrier recombination and transport is necessary for semiconductor engineering, particularly in defining the ultimate limits of performance for a given device before spending the resources to perfect its fabrication. Hall effect measurements utilizing a variable magnetic field are necessary to discriminate between conduction in epitaxial layers and conduction originating at the surface or at an interfacial layer. For thick hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) grown GaN, variable field Hall measurements revealed the presence of small but significant lower mobility surface and interface electrons which would otherwise lead to errors in interpreting the electrical properties. In …

A Transnational Vision: John H. B. Latrobe And Maryland's African Colonization Movement., Eugene S. Van Sickle

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The transnational vision of John H. B. Latrobe, the central figure in this study, was one that sought to tie America’s efforts to overcome the problem of slavery to the future of the West Coast of Africa. The vehicle for his ideas was African colonization, a prominent, long-enduring movement that began in Antebellum America. Latrobe participated in and directed the African colonization efforts of the Maryland State Colonization Society for much of that organization’s existence. The colonization efforts of the Maryland society differed in many ways from the national effort, an aspect this study illustrates. Essentially, Latrobe believed that colonization …