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Mechanistic Insight Into Maternal Electronic Cigarette Exposure And Its Effect On Offspring Cerebrovascular And Neurocognitive Health, Amber Victoria Mills

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Electronic cigarettes (Ecigs) have replaced smoking within the last decade as the preferred nicotine delivery system because of their advertising to the younger populations. Marketing has sold the idea that use of Ecigs are safer than smoking and this messaging has resonated with youth and other vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. Despite over 2.8 million children under 18 (Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey) deciding to vape, there is little information about what this will do to the next generation. Further, it is that same population that will soon reach an age when they will want to have children. There …

Formulation, Sensory Evaluation, And Physicochemical Assessment Of And Consumer Behavior Toward Novel Energy Bars, Ian Phillip Israelsen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objectives of this study were to 1) formulate a novel energy bar containing significant macronutrients and calories per serving with favorable ratings from consumers; 2) analyze responses to a consumer preference survey and sensory evaluation of novel energy bars compared to a commercially available energy bar. For the first study, fourteen iterations of an energy bar were synthesized with differing protein sources (whey, soy, pea, hemp), and characteristic variations (nougat, chocolate truffle, peanut butter, double-date caramel). A shortbread base, date caramel, and chocolate coating were included in every bar. Sensory evaluations determined that the most liked variation overall was …

Implementing Best Practice Methods Of Endotracheal Tube Cuff Inflation In The Operating Room, Katherine Zeiger Brown

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Use of manometers, inflating the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff with a 5-mL syringe, displaying the pressure-volume loop (PV-L) on anesthesia machines, and auscultating with a stethoscope over the trachea have been shown effective in preventing ETT cuff overinflation in the operating room (OR). Purpose: The aims of this project were to implement and evaluate a best practice guideline for ETT cuff inflation in the OR. Methods: This project was conducted in several ORs at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, in Morgantown, West Virginia. Participants included anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), student registered nurse anesthetists, residents, and medics. The ETT …

Regulation Of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Through Mitochondrial Import Of Long Non-Coding Rnas, Andrew Dodge Taylor

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: The leading cause of mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus is heart failure. When mitochondrial health and function is disrupted, cardiac contractile function is compromised. Therefore, understanding mitochondrial regulation may benefit predicting and countering diabetic cardiomyopathy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in diabetic cardiac mitochondrial protein expression. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to regulate miRNAs, but not in the mitochondrion. Additionally, it has yet to be confirmed if lncRNAs utilize the same mechanisms for mitochondrial import that miRNAs use, or if lncRNA presence in the mitochondrion fluctuates in diabetic mitochondria like miRNA presence does. The …

History Of Federal International Education Policy (1900-2024): A Four-Dimensional View In Action, Winda Wastu Melati

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation examines the history of the evolution of United States international education policy from 1900 to 2024, employing document analysis methodology to explore key themes that have shaped its trajectory. The study utilizes Cooper et al.'s (2004) Four-Dimensional View of Policy theory (normative, structural, constituentive, and technical) to analyze the complex interplay between diplomatic objectives, economic considerations, national security concerns, immigration, internationalization of higher education, and international students in the United States. The research traces major policy shifts from early initiatives like the Boxer Indemnity Scholarship Program to post-9/11 security measures and recent administrative changes by examining primary sources …

Cellular Level Changes Induced In Cancer Cells Due To Microgravity, Sai Deepika Reddy Yaram

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The increase in human activity in space has revealed several kinds of physiological challenges brought on by the absence of Earth's gravitational pull. NASA observed that during spaceflight, astronauts experience a 1-1.5% monthly loss in the mineral density of weight-bearing bones, with rehabilitation efforts on Earth often proving ineffective. This issue extends to muscles, the neuro vestibular system, the cardiovascular system, and vision. Cancer has emerged as a significant cause of mortality among astronauts, with studies up to 2017 showing that 41.3% of natural cause deaths among U.S. astronauts were due to cancer, primarily due to space radiation exposure. Cancer …

A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Group Telehealth Workshops Based On Parent-Child Interaction Therapy For Caregivers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Erinn J. Victory

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with various symptoms that interfere with functioning requiring intensive early intervention; however, many families experience barriers to accessing behavioral services due to provider shortages, cost of treatment, and lack of transportation. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) has demonstrated effectiveness as a supplemental treatment for disruptive behaviors in children on the autism spectrum. The current study aims to determine the efficacy of a 2-day group telehealth parent-only workshop based on PCIT for improving caregivers’ use of positive parenting skills, child disruptive behavior, compliance to caregiver commands, and child psychosocial functioning. Thirty-three caregivers and …

The Perceived Effects Of Peer-Assisted Learning In A Collegiate Instrumental Pedagogy Classroom, Hannah Wagoner

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Peer-assisted learning (PAL) is an approach that teachers can use in the classroom to increase students’ ownership of their learning. Besides increased autonomy, PAL can provide several other academic and social benefits, such as increased achievement and fostering a sense of community. This study aimed to examine the effects of PAL on college students’ performance on a secondary instrument. Five students in a collegiate instrumental pedagogy course experienced PAL activities in class while learning secondary instruments. After a statistical and content analysis of all the data, results showed that 1) all but one of the participants improved in their performance …

The Sex Chromosome Complement And Gut Microbiome Act Independently And Collaboratively To Impart Sex Dimorphisms In Humoral Immunity, Carly J. Amato-Menker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Sex dimorphisms in immunity are well-documented and have significant clinical implications. While the immunomodulatory effects of sex hormones have been extensively documented, recent recognition of the nuanced contributions of the sex chromosome complement (XX vs. XY) and the gut microbiome to immune sex dimorphisms underscores the need for a more comprehensive understanding. Within this context, the work herein focuses on unraveling the individual and collaborative impacts of the sex chromosome complement and gut microbiota on humoral immune activation. We assessed humoral immune responses to immunization with heat-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae (HKSP) in Four Core Genotype (FCG) mice and found elevated IgM-secreting …

The Influence Of Faculty Mentorship On Graduate Student Development Through The Lens Of Self-Efficacy, Connor Lynn Ferguson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This exploratory sequential mixed-methods case study explores the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and faculty mentorship with biomedical sciences graduate students. The intent of the study was to understand the extent at which faculty mentorship contributes to self-efficacy development in the population of biomedical sciences doctoral students enrolled at a mid-Atlantic R1 institution. Data collected consisted of a survey assessing perceived self-efficacy and mentoring, interviews and documents. Data analysis explored themes related to the perceived academic and professional development of the students through their responses. The research highlights the significance of the mentor-mentee relationship and influence of the mentor on the …

The Experiences Of Women College Presidents While Leading Through An Institutional Crisis: The Perceived Successes And Failures Of Crisis Communication Strategies, Madison Marie Speck

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This multi-site case study explored the uncommonly discussed yet organic intersection between the study of crisis communication and the study of crisis leadership and in turn, what it means in the context of a college presidency. This study has a unique focus on women presidents at small, private colleges and the ways in which they communicate with various stakeholders during a crisis environment. The research is guided by Boin’s Model of Crisis Leadership which guides and assesses crisis leadership performance; however this study introduces nuances to the framework that are suggested as a result of the findings; most of which …

Abuse Liability Of Electronic Cigarettes In Non-Smoking Electronic Cigarette Users, Andrea Renee Milstred

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) are devices designed to aerosolize nicotine and are increasing in popularity among both former cigarette smokers and naïve tobacco users. Extant research has shown the dependence potential of ECIGs, though there is not a consensus on the severity of nicotine dependence caused by ECIG use. As a result of becoming dependent on nicotine, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms (i.e., irritable, craving, depressed mood) when abstaining from nicotine. The majority of previous research on ECIG use has included samples of ECIG users who are former or current smokers. The present study evaluated ECIG withdrawal suppression among a population …

Associations Among Psychosocial Factors, Health-Related Quality Of Life, And Adherence In Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Cecelia I. Nelson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a prevalent disorder among youth in the United States. IBD is one of the leading causes of chronic pain in adolescence and symptoms can lead to reduced quality of life, social embarrassment, and lower self-esteem. Adherence to medical regimens for IBD is incredibly important to prevent morbidity, mortality, and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, adolescents struggle generally with adherence and the regimen for IBD can be complicated and include aversive side effects. Psychological factors, such as depressive symptoms, are key factors associated with non-adherence. Nevertheless, gut-specific anxiety (GSA) is a psychological factor that …

Prevalence Of Depression And Suicidal Ideation In First-Generation College Students As Compared To Their Non-First-Generation Peers, Abigail A. Wellings

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

First-generation college students face numerous challenges and barriers in academia and related areas that impact their mental health in a manner that their non-first-generation peers may not experience. This population reports higher incidences of stress and distress, depression, and anxiety. However, little is known about the prevalence of suicidal ideation in this population. The current study hypothesized a difference between first-generation students and non-first-generation students on depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Participant data was gathered from the Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH) 2015-2016 data set. Primary analyses will be independent samples t-tests and hierarchical linear regression. Results showed a …

The Picture Of (Mental) Health: A Photovoice, Narrative Inquiry, And Critical Participatory Action Approach To Music Major Mental Wellness, Paige Zalman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Higher education is experiencing a mental health epidemic (Venit, 2022). There is unprecedented student demand for psychological services that colleges are unable to meet (Lipson et al., 2019a), leading to high rates of mental illness-related attrition (Koch et al., 2018). Two groups of students at particularly high risk of mental illness-related attrition are students with historically marginalized identities, whether by race, gender, income, or another factor (Eisenberg et al., 2013), and music majors, a group that has been shown to have greater rates of mental illness than students in other majors (Lipson et al., 2016; Spahn et al., 2004). While …

Success Beyond Access: Examining Institutional Barriers To Persistence And The Supports Needed By Nontraditional Students Participating In A Tuition-Free Community College Program, Amanda K. Roeher

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research study examined the experiences of nontraditional community college students attending through a tuition-free grant. The intent of the study was to explore the student identified barriers to degree persistence and the student support services nontraditional students recognize as being beneficial towards their academic journey. This qualitative case study was guided by three research questions and utilized Bean and Metzner’s (1985) Nontraditional Student Attrition Model as a guide for study design and analysis. Data collection consisted of student interviews and institutional document collection. Data analysis explored themes related to nontraditional student motivations for attendance, persistence factors, and student support …

A Critical Event Narrative Analysis Of African Women Immigrant Entrepreneurs In The United States: Impacts Before, During, And After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Damilola T. Fasinu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This doctoral research presents a qualitative critical event narrative study focused on African Women Immigrant Entrepreneurs (AWIE) in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to explore the unique challenges, coping mechanisms, and resilience strategies of AWIE by examining their experiences before, during, and after the pandemic. The research is driven by three guiding questions: (1) How do AWIE describe their experience before the pandemic? (2) During the pandemic? (3) After the pandemic? This inquiry provides a comprehensive narrative, capturing the challenges and successes experienced in the pre-pandemic environment, documenting the immediate impacts of the pandemic on …

Implant Overdenture Abutment Loosening Under Hyperbaric Conditions, Zana Jamal Al-Saloum

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Objectives: To investigate the effect of various hyperbaric air pressures on the loosening of LOCATOR® (ZEST Anchors, LLC, Escondido, CA USA) overdenture abutments.

The pressure conditions tested are meant to simulate scuba diving conditions in edentulous patients that are restored with implant-retained tissue-supported overdentures. Another sub-goal of this study is to determine whether or not there is a difference in LOCATOR® loosening when the sample is exposed to six cycles/dives as opposed to one cycle/dive.

Methods: 36 ZimVie Tapered Screw Vent Implants with a 3.5mm diameter implant platform, and a 2.5mm diameter (and 1.5mm deep) internal hexagon were …

Traumatic Brain Injury Induces Cerebrovascular Dysfunction: Consequences For Ischemia And Cerebral Hypoperfusion, Bailey J. Whitehead

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant health concern across the United States as well as the broader globe, affecting millions of individuals on an annual basis. While most recover from their TBI and resume their lives normally, some subsets of TBI survivors continue to experience impairments and increased risk for future diseases like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and aging related disease like Alzheimer’s Disease or VCID.

TBI remains a fundamentally difficult neurological injury to pin down mechanistically, due to the variability in severity, timing, and age of patient, among other factors. One significant factor in the pathology has consistently been …

Passive Wireless Corrosion And Temperature Detection In High-Temperature Environments, Noah Lane Strader

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This work focuses on the theory and development of LC sensors for high temperature and corrosion measurement for stainless steel and copper surfaces with power industry and general corrosion detection applications. The LC resonators were fabricated via screen printing an Ag inductor on an alumina substrate. The LC design was modeled using the ANSYS HFSS modeling package. The LC passive wireless sensors operate with resonant frequencies centered at 85-110 MHz. The wireless response of the LC sensor was interrogated and received by a radio frequency signal generator and spectrum analyzer at temperatures from 50-800 °C for copper ground planes and …

Evaluating Land Cover Change And Opportunities For Bioenergy Crop Development On Surface Mine Sites In West Virginia, U.S.A., Kenzie D. Kohrs

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Surface mining can impact land cover, forests, and water quality. Current reclamation strategies include revegetation with herbaceous species due to the ease and speed of cover establishment. Herbaceous and woody biomass crops have been used in various studies to reclaim surface mines and act as an alternative to nonrenewable energy sources. The objectives of this study were to quantify the state of vegetation growth on former surface mines in West Virginia over a 9-year period and identify suitable acreage for bioenergy production. During 2011 to 2020, we found that over 40,000 acres had been converted to forest and 40,000 acres …

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 …

Essays On Urban Transportation And Health Economics, Alexander P. Tsiukes

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The first chapter analyzes how Premier League games in London impact demand for the city’s bike-sharing system. Bike-sharing systems affect mode choice for within-city transportation. Using bike rental data from Transport for London, this chapter exploits the plausibly-exogenous timing of Premier League games to identify how proximity to stadiums affects demand for London’s bike-sharing system. Results indicate games at Stamford Bridge (stadium) cause a 24.36% increase in the number of bike trips arriving within 0.5km of the stadium, with effects diminishing as distance increases. In contrast, games at London Stadium decrease nearby bike-sharing use and may actually crowd out would-be …

Impacts Of Community Food Outreach Programs On Low-Income Families: St. Ursula’S Food Outreach Program In Pursglove Monongalia, West Virginia, United States As A Case Study, Oluwafunke Abeleje

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Impacts Of Community Food Outreach Programs on Low-Income Families: St. Ursula’s Food Outreach Program in Pursglove Monongalia, West Virginia as A Case Study

Abeleje Oluwafunke Rebecca

According to previous research studies as stated by Fatka (2023), in 2014, 14% of households in the United States had levels of food insecurity. Also, as noted by Pitts, 2020, food insecurity rates rose across the board in the United States during the early COVID-19 epidemic and tripled among families with children. Compared to other industrialized countries, the United States had very high rates of food insecurity before the outbreak (Poblacion et al., …

Adverse Childhood Experiences Predict Mortality Risk: The Role Of Social Support & Social Strain, Meredith A. Willard

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Childhood adversity has long-lasting negative effects across the lifespan including increased mortality risk. The love and support individuals receive from others, also known as social support, has shown to be a protective factor against ACEs. However, little research has investigated the amplifying effects of social conflict and strain that often accompanies social relationships. Utilizing data from the Midlife Development in the U.S. (MIDUS) study, I tested whether higher levels of social support would buffer the negative effects of adverse childhood experiences on mortality risk, and whether higher levels of social strain would amplify these associations. The sample included 6,150 participants …

Application Of Interpretable Machine Learning Methods To Study The Disease Characteristics And Healthcare Expenditures In Hodgkin’S Lymphoma, Zasim Azhar Dil Hasan Siddiqui

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is a rare malignancy of lymphocytes that predominantly occurs in young adults aged 20-30 years or elderly individuals aged 65-75 years. Despite its low incidence, there were an estimated 223,512 HL survivors in the US in 2020. Hodgkin’s lymphoma shows a favorable prognosis among young adults, with a high cure rate of 85-90%; however, older adults experience poor prognosis, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 40-55% in patients over 60 years. HL survivors incur high total and out-of-pocket (OOP) healthcare expenditures, averaging $78,183 and $4,180 per patient in the first year after diagnosis, highlighting a considerable …

(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 …

Community Resource Programs Impact On Marginalized Communities Access To Health Care Services: A Program Development Project, Alexis N. Foehrkolb

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Caring for children and meeting their needs comes with a variety of considerations regarding temperament, developmental progress, and socioeconomic impact. For children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN), those considerations become more complex. Community resource programs are designed to help families of CSHCN get access to the resources they need regarding general and healthcare services. A program was developed in collaboration with Parents Place of Maryland (PPMD) to create materials effective in educating parents of CSHCN on desired topics of interest, create a virtual environment where parents felt safe asking questions regarding specific topics of interest, and determine the most effective …

Anxiety And Depression In Older Adults Post Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Mickaela R. Reed

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Research has investigated challenges that are created when one experiences a disaster within populations such as older adults and other vulnerable groups of people. However, there is little to no consideration given to how age in combination with trauma history are related to well-being after a disaster. Using two theories, socioemotional selectivity theory (SST, Carstensen, 2006) and the strength and vulnerability integration model (SAVI, Charles, 2010). I compared older adults post disaster vulnerabilty to depression and anxiety to that of younger adults with trauma history as a moderator. The 2,508 participants in the current study were from the Survey of …

Effect Of Haemonchus Contortus Excretory/Secretory Protein On Differences In Host Neutrophil Migration, Hannah Grace Teddleton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An excretory/secretory (E/S) product, common to many helminths, is neutrophil inhibitory factor (NIF) which negatively affects neutrophil migration and activity. Due to differences in neutrophil accumulation between parasite resistant St. Croix STC and parasite susceptible Suffolk (SUF) sheep, we hypothesized that Hc-NIF may inhibit migration of SUF and not STC neutrophils. Previous studies have demonstrated that Hc produces NIF but is not commercially available. To test our hypothesis, neutrophils were cultured from STC and SUF sheep in the presence of Ancylostoma caninum-derived NIF (Ac-NIF) and measure chemotaxis to Interleukin-8 (IL-8), HcLA or H. contortus third-stage excretory/secretory (E/S) products. Neutrophils were …