Digital Commons Network^™

A Paleobiological And Paleoecological Analysis Of Mississippian Trilobites With Segmentation Abnormalities, April Catherine Cerami

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Trilobites are a well-preserved group of arthropods, with a fossil record extending from the Cambrian to the end of the Permian. Abnormalities, such as injuries or teratological defects, have been observed and described in multiple individuals, although investigating how these abnormalities occur in populations has been largely overlooked.

One possible cause of abnormalities in marine arthropods is heavy metal pollution. Such metals can leave individuals more susceptible to teratological deformities and injuries, interfering with the molting and healing process. Here, methods for analyzing elemental composition and preservation of the trilobite cuticle were refined, finding that 30 μm thin sections are …

Genomic Differences And Parentage In West Virginia's Reintroduced Elk (Cervus Canadensis), Adam A.V. Cook

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Elk (Cervus canadensis) reintroductions have been common in the 20th and 21st centuries, yet 40% have failed to establish self-sustaining elk populations due to a lack of post-reintroduction demographic monitoring. Elk were reintroduced to West Virginia in 2016 following more than a century of absence after the species was extirpated in 1875. Elk were translocated to West Virginia from Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) in eastern Kentucky and from Arizona. The two groups of elk differ in their subspecies, physiology, reintroduction history, connectivity, and habitat. Reintroductions create genetic risks such as the founder effect and …

Late Ordovician Evolution Of Sea Scorpions: Eurypterids Of The Big Hill Lagerstätte, Joseph Donaldson Bingham Jr.

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Eurypterids are a group of diverse chelicerates that first appeared during the Middle Ordovician (467.3 Ma) and went extinct at the end of the Permian (251.9 Ma). The fossil record of eurypterids during the Ordovician is relatively sparce, comprising only 12 species representing the Megalograptidae, a ‘waeringopterid’ clade, Rhenopteridae, Onychopterellidae, Adelophthalmoidea, and Eurypteroidea clades. This study describes early eurypterids from the Katian aged (~452 Ma) Big Hill Lagerstätte of Michigan. The described material represents two new species, herein named Machipterus margaritae sp. nov. (based on 21 specimens preserving the ventral prosoma and prosomal appendages, and opisthosoma) and Dikranopterus lysinae sp. …

When The Empires Strike Again: The Effects Of An Imperial Past On The Post-Cold War International Order, Begum Wolfe

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Although on the surface empires appear to be ancient and irrelevant political constructs from a distant past, I argue in this dissertation that even after the empire officially dissolves, the core of the bygone empire continues its political existence in the mindsets of the empire-bearing people. This is mainly explained through certain imperial memories, glories and traumas, that have permeated into these states’ identities. In these so-called post-imperial states, then, such a unique experience of having functioned as an empire translates into foreign policy behavior that is patterned, predictable, but also puzzling especially regarding certain issues with an imperial baggage. …

Autonomous Vehicle Supported Mobility Services For Rural Areas, Alvira Ahmed Tasnim

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) are emerging as a promising mobility solution to address growing transportation demands, particularly unmet traffic demand in rural areas where conventional transit systems often fall short. Rural areas face unique mobility challenges due to dispersed populations, limited infrastructure, and low/no transit coverage. Existing transit services tend to concentrate around dense urban cores, leaving low-demand areas outside underserved. This spatial undercoverage leads to significant mobility gaps for rural residents. This study examines the potential of AV-based ride-sharing services to address these mobility needs by providing flexible, demand-responsive mobility services where fixed-route transit services are either economically or operationally …

Global China In Pakistan: Mixed-Methods Analysis Of Symbolic Domination, Social Media Geopolitics, And Security Corridors, Davide Giacomo Zoppolato

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation explores the discursive and material dimensions of China’s global rise through a case study of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Pakistan. As China becomes a leading provider of development finance, its infrastructure-led approach is reshaping geographies across the Global South. Focusing on the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—the BRI’s flagship project—I examine how Chinese and Pakistani actors co-produce development through discourses, infrastructures, and security regimes. Structured around three articles, the dissertation analyzes: (1) the official diplomatic discourses of Chinese state institutions and their reception by Pakistani media outlets; (2) the curated geopolitical discourses of Chinese social media …

Demonstrating The Potential Of Biophilic Design, Sustainable Site Initiatives, And Regenerative Landscape Design To Transform Neglected And Underutilized Spaces Into Vibrant, Eco-Friendly Hubs In Mckeesport Pennsylvania., Chinweuba Stephen Kikanme

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

McKeesport is a city located along Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, about 13 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. It is part of the River metropolitan area. McKeesport, once a thriving center of steel production, is now facing significant challenges associated with industrial decline, urban blight, flood hazard, population decline, brownfield sites and environmental degradation. However, the transformation of neglected spaces within the city into sustainable and vibrant urban hubs offers a powerful opportunity for revitalization. By incorporating natural elements such as green roofs, urban agriculture, and native plant restoration, this project seeks to create spaces that not only …

White Paper And Black Water: Environmental Control Of Labor In Appalachian Paper Mill Communities, Matthew C. Powell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In several small Appalachian communities, the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company dominated the local landscape. The company stripped the mountainsides of spruce trees for pulpwood and used rivers for industrial processes and waste disposal. The small towns along these rivers and between these mountains relied on paper mills for employment. Corporate control over the natural environment, and water more specifically, was a necessary requirement for paper production, but also acted as a source of power over employees and their communities. When paper workers sought to organize, the company responded by leveraging their control over the environment against them to …

Toward A University-Led Community Indicator Project For West Virginia, Daniel Carson Eades

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Rural communities across the United States are experiencing profound social and economic transitions that demand innovative, asset-based approaches to community development (CD). This study responds to calls from West Virginia (WV) community development practitioners, funders, and university leaders for a standardized, contextually relevant framework to assess and track community well-being. The objective of this study was to develop a university-led community indicator project in West Virginia (WV CIP) that incorporates best practices recognized by the literature as critical to successful community-based indicator projects, specifically, the identification of scientifically and normatively grounded indicators rooted in a conceptual framework (the Community Capital …

A Durability Evaluation Of Class B Concrete Bridge Substructures Under West Virginia Freeze–Thaw Conditions, Nathaniel Wayne Dunbar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study evaluates whether the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) Class B concrete specification for bridge substructures remains adequate under modern durability and design-life expectations. The current specification, which permits a minimum compressive strength of 3,000 psi, reflects practices established when shorter service lives were generally assumed. Modern AASHTO LRFD provisions are based on a 75-year design life, raising concern that this lower-strength concrete may not provide sufficient durability under West Virginia’s climatic conditions.

To address this issue, bridge inspection data, regional climate mapping, and durability modeling were used to assess the condition and performance of concrete substructures across …

Effects Of Environmental And Anthropogenic Gradients On Fish Beta Diversity In Central Appalachian Streams, Alanna Kaylee Lowther Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Understanding the environmental and spatial drivers of community composition is essential for conserving freshwater biodiversity. We examined how environmental gradients, land cover, and spatial structure influence fish beta diversity in wadeable streams across West Virginia, USA. We quantified total beta diversity and partitioned it into species replacement and richness difference components and used local contributions to beta diversity (LCBD) to identify compositionally unique sites. Community–environment relationships were evaluated with distance-based redundancy analysis (dbRDA), and a beta regression GLMM was used to test how elevation, slope, land cover, and stream order (factor) predicted LCBD while accounting for spatial structure (dbMEMs) and …

Trauma-Informed Yoga As An Adjunct To Treatment As Usual Within Inpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Feasibility Trial., Suzanne Vogler

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Yoga interventions have been used more frequently in recent years within health and wellness settings to address both clinical and non-clinical issues. More specifically, yoga interventions and trauma-informed yoga (TIY) interventions are being explored within the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD). Initial research suggests that yoga interventions could be beneficial to the treatment of SUDs as an adjunct to treatment or a stand-alone intervention as part of continued recovery (post-clinical treatment) (Fitzgerald et al., 2021; Mallik et al., 2019). Although initial research is promising, the current quantity and quality of studies specifically exploring the feasibility and potential benefit of …

"She's Such A Nice Girl": Exploring The Literacy And Identity Formation Practices Of Black Girls In White, Appalachian Communities, Tamicah Tierra Owens

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examines the experiences and stories of two Black girls in predominantly White Appalachian communities, focusing on the language and literacy practices they employ to navigate and make sense of their Black feminine identities. It focuses on how literacy and language skills acquired from spending quality time with their mothers, engaging in various spaces with friends, and engaging in interest-driven traditional media and/or social media helped them to analyze their communities’ and the larger landscapes’ discourses around race and gender to create and modify their desired identities. This qualitative study employs narrative case study to center the lived experiences …

Utilizing Suas-Based Remote Sensing For Sustainable Outdoor Recreational Trail Design And Monitoring, Isaac C. Kinder

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study utilizes sUAS-based remote sensing and hydrologic models to analyze and predict locations susceptible to water-based trail erosion. Erosion is frequently cited as the most significant environmental impact of trails and often requires costly design and management considerations. A professionally designed trail totaling 4 km in length was segmented based on presence or absence of water-based erosion for analyses and then flown with sUAS technology. Three Logistic regression (LR) models were generated utilizing several hydrologic terrain models of varying resolutions to determine the effects of spatial resolution on the models’ predictive accuracies. Receiver operator characteristics, kappa, and overall accuracy …

(Non-) Recovery Of An Agricultural Stream From Straightening And Dredging, Aras Anderson Mann

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In recent history, natural, meandering streams have been straightened and dredged to reduce flooding. While this practice can be effective in reducing flooding locally, it often results in the degradation of stream water quality and aquatic ecosystems. A straighter channel inherently increases the stream gradient, which could increase flow velocity, shear stress, and potentially downstream sediment yield. Studies have shown that straightened, channelized streams often begin to return to a meandering pattern 35-50 years post-channelization. Yet cross-sectional surveys and air photo analysis of the stream reach in this study, Deckers Creek, indicate little to no observable trend of the stream …

Characterizing Prescribed Fire With Terrestrial Lidar In The New Jersey Pine Barrens, Samuel Rhule Stockton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Prescribed burning has become a commonly used tool in the mitigation of wildfire, though monitoring the way it changes ecosystems has historically been a time-intensive process. Rapid change across ecosystems has necessitated advancements in remote sensing technologies to quantify the changes taking place. Single-scan terrestrial LiDAR scanning is one such method of monitoring these changes through the quantification of ecosystem structural characteristics. Acute disturbance events such as fire can transform the structure of an ecosystem, and by extension, change the way that ecosystem functions. The purpose of this study is to analyze the changes in vegetation density and distribution following …

Coal As A Resource For Rare Earth Elements In West Virginia, Rachel Elizabeth Yesenchak

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Although rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) are essential for manufacturing technologies vital to economic and national security, the U.S. is heavily reliant on foreign imports of these critical metals. There is significant interest in identifying and developing unconventional REY resources including coal and coal-byproducts to help secure domestic supplies of these elements. Appalachian Basin coals and byproducts are particularly enriched in REY. Coal-producing states within the basin, including West Virginia, can utilize existing infrastructure and legacy coal mining wastes to transition into the production of REY. However, in order to develop these resources, it is critical to understand the …

Geochemical Phase Associations Of Rare Earth Elements And Lithium In Black Shales Of The Usa: A Study In The Appalachian And Haynesville Basins, Shailee Bhattacharya

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Critical elements are an indispensable part of the clean energy transition. In the race for alternative energy technologies, lithium and rare earth elements have a proven record of being few of the most sought-after minerals. Limited availability of conventional mineral ores warrants a need to explore, understand and exploit unconventional sources of these elements. To that end, several studies have attempted to understand the rock and mineral assemblages of diverse geological systems. This doctoral thesis focuses on understanding the geochemistry of REE and Li in sedimentary environments, particularly black shale basins in the US. A suite of samples from natural …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Low Vision Throughout The Lifespan, Ka Ki Tse

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Low vision and blindness significantly affect individuals' engagement in occupational performance. While West Virginia (WV) offers low vision rehabilitation programs to enhance occupational performance, several challenges remain unresolved. This doctoral capstone project aimed to collaborate with low vision professionals to deliver comprehensive low vision services and advocate for the integration of occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) in the low vision field. A needs assessment and literature review were conducted to identify gaps and develop strategies for addressing the gaps. A qualitative study design was chosen to explore the perspectives of current low vision providers regarding the role of OTPs. The study …

Global Experiences: How Locality And Space Shape Pedagogical Practices And Experiences Between Western Institutions And Ghanaian Musical Centers, Andrew Patrick Simonette

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Pedagogical research on African music and dance practices have conventionally focused on ways in which styles and traditions are taught including, but not limited to, modes of transmission, curriculum structure, and cultural responsiveness. These investigations, and subsequent applications, have contributed towards a deeper understanding of pedagogical structures as related to cultural context and effective modes of teaching and learning African music. At the same time, the impact that space and locality play within African music and dance instruction, particularly as related to learning experiences have been largely overlooked. Locality and space involve several factors that range from elements attributed to …

Reconstructing Δ14c Production Events Using Tree Rings: Does Tree Physiology Affect Estimates Of Atmospheric Δ14c?, Meagan Rory Walker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Cosmic rays and solar energetic particles (SEP) bombard the Earth’s geomagnetic field, posing a threat to satellites, space stations, and human space exploration. These rays and particles also produce radiocarbon (¹⁴C) in Earth’s atmosphere, thus records of past ¹⁴C concentration in the atmosphere may be indicative of past cosmic and solar activity. Rapid increases in the concentration of atmospheric radiocarbon ¹⁴C, (Miyake events) first identified in tree rings, are thought to be a result of solar eruptive activity triggering the release of solar energetic particles, though the precise nature of past events remains unresolved. The first …

Visit North Carolina: Trail Accessibility, Hannah Caitlyn Guschel

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This paper focuses on the perceived barriers to travel from marketing material for individuals with disabilities compared to those without disabilities and the direct impact on leisurely travel participation, particularly in outdoor spaces. Employing a cross-sectional study design encompassing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, this research investigates the experiences and transparency of trail accessibility in the state of North Carolina. Quantitative data were gathered through trail assessment accessibility checklists, while qualitative insights were obtained via in-depth interviews. The findings reveal an improved understanding of accessibility and the application of an accessibility checklist. Moreover, the study underscores the importance …

Exploring Long-Term Patterns: Black Bass Tournament Fishery And Population Trends In West Virginia's Navigable Rivers, Alex J. Benecke

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Black bass Micropterus spp. are popular sport fish in West Virginia’s navigable rivers. In recent years, anglers have expressed concerns about a potential decline in fishery quality. To investigate these claims, we evaluated whether fishery quality has declined compared to earlier periods and whether population trends correspond to angler catch rates. Specifically, we aimed to (1) examine changes in species catch over time and during key periods, such as tournament and spawning seasons; (2) describe the distribution of black bass species across pools and habitat types; and (3) assess the outcomes of previous stocking efforts. To address these objectives, we …

Utilizing Arcgis Storymap To Raise Awareness: Double Dispossession Of The Gullah Geechee On Sapelo Island, Noah A. Moulton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the Sea Islands of the Atlantic Coast, represent a resilient community whose heritage and practices have endured despite centuries of systemic oppression. This research examines the intersection of history, land dispossession, and environmental threats to the Gullah Geechee community, particularly on Sapelo Island. By exploring the enduring agricultural knowledge, language, and practices, this work underscores the significance of the Gullah Geechee's connection to their ancestral lands, which have been essential for the preservation of their identity. The dual forces of gentrification and climate change present pressing challenges, manifesting as both …

Political Agency In The Occupied House: Reconstructing Memory Through Squatter Resilience At Topf And Sons Historical Museum, Ebony Taylor Martin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

During the Holocaust the company of J.A Topf and Sons refocused their production to produce and improve a design for corpse incineration ovens. Their contributions streamlined the efficiency and performance of the death camps adding to the mounting death toll. Years after these evens the company grounds were abandoned and then given life again by a leftist youth movement. The squatter’s reinterpreted the history, led tours and utilized the grounds to create a third place for community, art and music. When the city decided to recognize the history of the company, the squatters were forcefully removed, and the building transformed …

Autonomous Object Search Planning In Large-Scale Environments, Matthew A. Collins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The advancement of autonomous search holds significant promise for applications ranging from emergency response to planetary exploration. This thesis investigates strategies to enhance autonomous search performance in large-scale environments. The main contribution of this work is its practical application in real-world scenarios, where efficient search methods are essential for managing vast amounts of data, particularly in large environments. Effective search planning requires navigating complexities such as limited prior information and managing large state spaces, necessitating advanced strategies to plan with this limited information. Additionally, balancing exploration and exploitation is crucial for optimizing the search process, as it ensures thorough coverage …

An Investigation Of The Performance Of A 140 Kw Solar Panel In West Virginia, Rumana Subnom

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Solar panels are recognized as a viable technology for producing electricity from sunlight. The performance of a solar panel is influenced by factors such as solar irradiance, tilt angle, orientation, shading, panel age, degradation, and various environmental conditions including ambient air temperature, humidity, dust, soil, and snow.

In this research, a mobile solar panel testing system consisting of a mobile cart, a solar panel, and a portable power station was designed and fabricated to evaluate the performance of a solar panel. The battery is equipped with a thermal management system controlling its temperature and charging and discharging system. The current …

Making Home Here: Young Refugee-Migrant Women And The Work Of Emplacement In A Rural Appalachian Town, Valentina Muraleedharan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation centres young refugee-migrant women’s voices, perspectives, concerns, and actions living in a small, rural Appalachian town called Easton, exploring their social, cultural, and economic experiences. It infers that through their critical participation in family life and labour in making a home in a new place, young refugee-migrant women’s relations to family and place impact how they negotiate their aspirations and future im/mobilities to create pathways to emplacement. Emplacement is an ongoing process that hinges on the efforts of individuals, families, and communities to find a way in a new place by giving meaning to their surroundings. This research …

Between Wages And Wellbeing: Examining The Role Of Employers In Increasing Covid-19 Vaccine Uptake In The State Of West Virginia, Nathaniel Udoh Godwin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) stretched public health systems globally, with millions of cases confirmed across all continents of the world. The United States health systems struggled as the country grappled with emerging variants of the virus, differing levels of vaccine acceptance, misinformation, and disparity in health outcomes. As COVID-19 vaccines emerged, the U.S. Government sought to bolster uptake through myriad measures, including announcing vaccine requirements for federal employees, which was met with mixed reactions. Accordingly, some employers and businesses adopted a “no jab, no job” policy, while others stopped short of mandates but encouraged and incentivized vaccine uptake …

Advances In Machine Learning Aided Seismic Interpretation And Inversion For Subsurface Characterization, Tobi Micheal Ore

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Geophysical data are used to “remotely sense” the subsurface to illuminate structures, stratigraphy, and features that are of interest in the exploration for energy, suitable storage for carbon dioxide, geothermal development, and environmental considerations. The interpretations of these data typically are regarded as partially an art, as it depends on the experience of the interpreter. This is further exacerbated with the big data era as this data is large and takes several days, even longer, to manually interpret. To bridge this gap of speed and subjective bias, machine learning has been successfully applied to automate the geophysical interpretation process. This …