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Semi Analytical Approach For Binary Mixture Conductivity In Hydraulic Fracturing, Vuong V. Pham

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In hydraulic fracturing, a proppant injection schedule practice typically applies a binary proppant mixture (for example: 100 Mesh sand following by 40/70 Mesh sand in well MIP-3H, Marcellus Shale). The former injection agent is finer in size or less resistant to stress, whereas the latter injection agent is coarser in size or more resistant to stress. This practice creates a special region inside the fracture, in which two injected proppant types co-exist and is defined as the mixture zone. This research concentrates on the variability of the mixture zone under impact of different factors, introduces novel semi-analytical modelling approach to …

Circuits And Cycles In Graphs And Matroids, Yang Wu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation mainly focuses on characterizing cycles and circuits in graphs, line graphs and matroids. We obtain the following advances.

1. Results in graphs and line graphs. For a connected graph G not isomorphic to a path, a cycle or a K1,3, let pc(G) denote the smallest integer n such that the nth iterated line graph Ln(G) is panconnected. A path P is a divalent path of G if the internal vertices of P are of degree 2 in G. If every edge of P is a cut edge of G, then P is a bridge divalent path of G; …

Impact Of The West Virginia University Mountaineer Success Academy Program From 2012-2015, Ashley D. Watts

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As state funding for universities decline and funding becomes based more on outcomes like retention and graduation rates, universities must focus their efforts on assessment and delve deeper into uncovering issues that prevent students from graduating. Once issues are identified, it is in the best interest of the university to develop, implement, and assess support services that may provide students with resources that could lead to their success, thus improving graduation rates. At West Virginia University, the Mountaineer Success Academy (MSA) was created to serve eligible students who were undecided or did not meet the requirements for their desired major. …

Interpretations Of Bicoherence In Space & Lab Plasma Dynamics, Gregory Allen Riggs

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The application of bicoherence analysis to plasma research, particularly in non-linear, coupled-wave regimes, has thus far been significantly belied by poor resolution in time, and/or outright destruction of frequency information. Though the typical power spectrum cloaks the phase-coherency between frequencies, Fourier transforms of higher-order convolutions provide an n-dimensional spectrum which is adept at elucidating n-wave phase coherence. As such, this investigation focuses on the utility of the normalized bispectrum for detection of wave-wave coupling in general, with emphasis on distinct implications within the scope of non-linear plasma physics. Interpretations of bicoherent features are given for time series from …

An In-Depth Investigation Of The Effects Of Work-Related Factors On The Development Of Knee Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Construction Roofers, Amrita Dutta

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Construction roofers have the uppermost likelihood of developing knee musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Roofers spend more than 75% of their total working time being restricted to awkward kneeling postures and repetitive motions in a sloped roof setting. However, the combined effect of knee-straining posture, roof slope and their association to knee MSDs among roofers are still unknown. This dissertation aimed to provide empirical evidence of the effects of two roofing work-related factors namely, roof slope and kneeling working posture, on the development of knee MSDs among construction roofers. These two factors were assessed as potential to increase knee MSD risks in …

Physical And Chemical Properties Of Clastic Sediments From Two Caves In The Northern Karst Region Of Puerto Rico, Autum R. Downey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Geochemical properties and organic characteristics are essential to understanding the general depositional dynamics of a cave. Most work on clastic cave sediments focuses on physical properties of sediments. Little work has been done on bulk organic matter and geochemical properties.

This project reports physical and geochemical characterization of cave sediments from two caves in the northern karst region of Puerto Rico: El Tallonal Cave and Cueva Clara. Core and grab samples were collected and analyzed for particle size, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, organic matter characteristics using fluorescence spectroscopy, and major and minor elements using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The sediments …

Theory And Techniques Of Convergence Of Topological Transformation Group Actions, Murtadha Jaber Sarray

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

n this dissertation, we present new set functions called strongly limit and strongly prolongation limit sets. We show the new sets, especially strongly prolongation limit sets, characterize proper action under an arbitrary setting. That is, we characterize proper action for wider class of proper ܩ-spaces. Also, we show the new version of the sets could be derived from strongly exceptional sets which have been used as a good technique for the characterization of a proper maps. Moreover, we review properties of well-known limit sets and prolongations and properties for the new version of limit sets under an arbitrary setting on …

Dendroclimatic Analysis And Site Index Modeling Of Central Appalachian Red Spruce, Eric L. Yetter

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Red spruce (Picea rubens) was historically an important and dominant timber species in the central Appalachian mountain range. The tree species is now found in a small fraction of its original home range. Threatened and endangered organisms such as the Cheat Mountain Salamander (Plethodon nettingi) rely on red spruce associated forests for survival. Recent concerns including air pollution and climate change may threaten the health of remaining red spruce populations.

I used dendrochronology data to conduct historic dendroclimatic analyses and construct future growth projections for red spruce throughout the central Appalachians. My research involves the use of tree core data …

Impact Of Particle Injection On Gas Flow At Elevated Pressure: A Numerical Study, Ansan Pokharel

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Modeling of a turbulent two-phase gaseous-solid flow still faces challenges. The present study is devoted to two-phase flow in an annular pipe (hollow cylinder) operating at an elevated pressure of 15 bar and moderate Reynolds numbers of circa 6 x 10³. The influence of the various factors – such as the particle loading, the interaction between the phases, and turbulent dispersion – on the flow dynamics is systematically studied by means of the computational simulation employing the ANSYS FLUENT commercial package. To be specific, particle loading with a volumetric fraction of 1.2 % is defined as high particle …

Doping With Rare Earth Elements And Resultant Nano-Inclusions On The Electrical And Thermal Properties Of The Mis-Fit Layered Thermoelectric Oxide, Geoffroy Gauneau

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Thermoelectric generators produce electricity by directly converting temperature differences into electrical energy through Seebeck effect. Thermoelectric generators possess many unique features, such as having no moving part and being very reliable with a relatively long lifespan once built. They are solid-state waste heat harvesters. With various waste heat available throughout many industries, thermoelectric generators could offer economically competitive renewable energy. The current state of the art thermoelectric materials includes materials with relatively toxic elements and must work under vacuum, making them quite expensive to produce. Among the various thermoelectric materials, ceramic oxides have been proved to be more chemically stable …

Behavior Coaching In Pennsylvania Schools Implementing School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions And Supports At The Universal Tier One Level, Lisa Anderson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) is a multi-tiered system of student support that emphasizes the use of positive behavior strategies for a school’s students. Schools are adopting SWPBIS because it gives staff the opportunity to teach desired behaviors to students and emphasizes the enhancement of instructional time by minimizing disruptions. SWPBIS uses a support framework that includes a building-level behavior coach and a core team made up of an administrator, parent(s), and professional school staff. Staff and student training is bridged with implementation efforts to sustain a positive school climate and prevent student behavior problems. The SWPBIS coach …

A Spatially Distributed Investigation Of Stream Water Temperature In A Contemporary Mixed-Land-Use Watershed, Jason P. Horne

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Stream water temperature is an important physical variable that influences many biological and abiotic water quality processes. The land-use/land-cover (LULC) types and corresponding variability in stream water temperature (Tw) processes in contemporary mixed-land-use watersheds necessitate research to advance management and policy decisions. Water temperature was analyzed from 21 gauging sites using a nested-scale experimental watershed study design. Results showed that forested land use was significantly negatively correlated (α = 0.05) with mean and maximum Tw. Agricultural land use was significantly positively correlated (α = 0.05) with maximum Tw except during the spring season. Mixed development and Tw were significantly correlated …

Production Allocation Of Reservoir Layers Using Data-Driven Reservoir Modeling, Semaa Alessa

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The pros of having a commingled layer scheme would be considered high with successful reservoir management. If not, the cons will impact the production drastically as unfortunate consequences may result in reservoir fluids communication, well integrity issues, and production termination. Although the plane requires optimizing production with minimal capital investments and operating expenses, it is an enormous challenge considering commingled layers frequent surveillance and workover requirements.

As the value of information is a decision tool for the surveillance frequency, the oil industry often uses static assumptions as an economical replacement of dynamic measurements such as KH static modeling. However, the …

Development And Implementation Of A Novel Voltage-Free Interface For Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry Separations Of Proteins, Courtney J. Kristoff

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry is a powerful technique for high-throughput and high efficiency separations combined with structural identification. Electrospray ionization is the primary interface used to couple capillary electrophoresis to mass analyzers; however, improved designs continue to be reported. A new interfacing method based on vibrating sharp-edge spray ionization is presented in this work to overcome the challenges of decoupling applied voltages and to enhance the compatibility with separations performed at near-neutral pH. The versatility and ease of use of this ionization source is demonstrated using β-blockers, peptides, and proteins. The cationic β-blocker pindolol was injected electrokinetically and detected at concentrations …

Understanding Academic Relevancy: Linking Practice To Classroom Through Adventure Stem Education, Alice Morgan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this research paper was to examine the relationship between vocational relevancy and adventure STEM education in the context of a four-day adventure STEM camp. Middle school students participated in a variety of adventure activities designed to teach STEM concepts. Using a concurrent triangulation mixed methods design, 246 students completed pre- and post-surveys that assessed changes in attitudes related to STEM interest, career interest, STEM career knowledge, STEM identity, STEM self-efficacy, and STEM value. Fourteen students and eight teachers participated in semi-structured interviews to further examine the role of vocational relevancy in curricula. Overall, results indicate some support …

Confirmation Of Tdm Capabilities In Modeling Compartmentalized Wag Eor, Anthony William Morrow

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Data-Driven Reservoir Modeling (DDRM), commonly referred to as Top-Down Modeling (TDM), is a relatively new and cutting-edge approach to the traditional numerical reservoir modeling and simulation techniques. DDRM uses artificial intelligence and machine learning in tandem to construct full-field models using measured data instead of calculations that refer to equations derived from averaged values and type curves. TDM allows all of the measured data from a field to be combined and used towards generating predictions of the production on a well by well basis for a specific field. Due to TDM not using the traditional physics-based approach, it is subjected …

Study On The Thermal Properties Of Concrete Containing Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag, Fly Ash And Steel Reinforcement, Bekir Erdem Bas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In this study, the thermal and mechanical properties of two types of concrete were measured. The first type contained ground granulated blast furnace slag, and the second type contained Class F fly ash. The compressive and splitting tensile strength, static elastic modulus, thermal conductivity, adiabatic temperature rise, shrinkage, and compressive creep of the two concretes were measured. Then, the experimental shrinkage and compressive creep results were compared to ACI 209.2R-08 using the material properties of each mix design. Additionally, two semi-adiabatic designs were made and compared with the adiabatic calorimetry measurements. Also, in this study, the thermal conductivity of concrete …

Assessment Of Heat Stress For Outdoor Work Conditions In Saudi Arabia, Jamal Alanazi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Outdoor workers have an increased risk of heat stress in Saudi Arabia since it is one of the hottest places in the Middle East. Recently, the government decided to limit outdoor work hours during the months of June, July, and August every year, and banned working under the direct sunlight from 12:00 to 03:00 p.m., although outdoor workers in the petroleum, natural gas, or emergency maintenance work industries are exempt from this prohibition. Traditionally, the efforts by safety and health professionals to mitigate work-related heat injury has been directed toward the assessment of environmental heat stress (e.g., wet-bulb globe temperature), …

Modeling Of Rotary Packed Beds For Reactive And Non-Reactive Systems, Chinyere Evangeline Ezeobinwune

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Rotary packed beds (RPBs) are used in a wide range of reactive and non-reactive applications. In this research, a 2-d, first-principles, dynamic model of a non-reactive RPB that is used for heat exchange between the outgoing flue gas from a power plant and the incoming air to the boiler/pulverizer of the power plant is developed. A 2-d, first-principles model of a reactive RPB is developed where a functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF) is used for CO₂ capture.

For the non-reactive system, a Ljungstrom-type air preheater (APH) is considered. Existing models for these rotating heat exchangers are typically 1-d. There are …

Knickzones In Southwest Pennsylvania Streams Indicate Accelerated Pleistocene Landscape Evolution, Mark D. Swift

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A set of 22 southwestern Pennsylvania streams flowing into the Monongahela and Ohio rivers with drainage areas ranging from 8 km² to >512 km² exhibit knickzones, when compared to Mackin’s (1948) idealized graded stream profile. Watersheds delineated from LiDAR-derived 1 m DEMs were processed using Esri’s ArcGIS for Desktop 10.6 to extract stream elevation data used to create stream profiles. These data were exported to MS Excel, where gradients were calculated and compared. This study used a new methodology in which gradient was calculated using incremental measurement distances (d) at every meter along the length of …

Process Based Analysis Of Fluvial Stratigraphic Record: Middle Pennsylvanian Allegheny Formation, North-Central Wv, Oluwasegun O. Abatan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Fluvial deposits represent some of the best hydrocarbon reservoirs, but the quality of fluvial reservoirs varies depending on the reservoir architecture, which is controlled by allogenic and autogenic processes. Allogenic controls, including paleoclimate, tectonics, and glacio-eustasy, have long been debated as dominant controls in the deposition of fluvial strata. However, recent research has questioned the validity of this cyclicity and may indicate major influence from autogenic controls. To further investigate allogenic controls on stratal order, I analyzed the facies architecture, geomorphology, paleohydrology, and the stratigraphic framework of the Middle Pennsylvanian Allegheny Formation (MPAF), a fluvial depositional system in the Appalachian …

The Influence Of Spatial Variance On Rock Strength And Mechanism Of Failure, Danqing Gao

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The heterogeneity in the rock formation affects both rock behavior and the strength. The effect of heterogeneity is observed both at the laboratory scale and at the rockmass level. The mechanical properties of intact rock vary considerably at laboratory scale and often an average value is used for design purposes. Similarly, the values are arbitrarily scaled when used at rockmass level. In underground coal mines, the effect of variability of properties is often observed with the erratic roof failure events that occur throughout the mine. The approach often was to use the deterministic values from limited site data to estimate …

Using Ai And Machine Learning To Indicate Shale Anisotropy And Assist In Completions Design, Cole E. Palmer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Operating companies in the unconventional Marcellus shale play have all faced a similar and problematic issue, while attempting to produce natural gas over the last decade. Companies have quickly realized that not every perforation along their horizontal wells are producing gas. In fact, producing perforations are only ranging from 15%-70% of the total perforations along the horizontal wellbore [1]. This unexplained issue results in millions of dollars in lost revenue per well, in addition to the sunk cost of paying for completions that are not actually yielding any produced gas.

What is causing these perforations to have no produced gas? …

Light And Shadow In Kaija Saariaho's Maan Varjot, Benjamin M. Cornelius-Bates

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Kaija Saariaho’s work Maan Varjot is a relatively new addition to a set of repertoire that includes the organ as a part of the orchestra. This commission from the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Orchestre National de Lyon, Southbank Centre, and the Philharmonia Orchestra, was premiered in 2014 and features the organ as a timbral enhancement and contrast to the orchestra. The 52nd Stanza from the poem Adonais, written by Percy Shelley and dedicated to John Keats, provide an important insight into the analysis and interpretation of the work. Two lines in particular are important: “The One remains, the many change …

Rational Drilling Control Parameters To Reduce Respirable Dust During Roof Bolting Operations, Hua Jiang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Roof bolting has been the primary means to improve mine safety in the aspect of preventing different types of roof falls in underground mines. However, based on the published researches, underground roof bolting operators exhibit a continued risk for overexposure to high levels of respirable coal and crystalline silica dust from the roof drilling operation. Inhaling these dust can cause coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), also known as black lung. Another job-related lung disease silicosis, a disabling and even fatal and irreversible illness, could be developed through overexposure to quartz-laden dust. A recent NIOSH research shows that the quartz content in …

Knowledge Of Content For Clinical Nursing Educators: An Ethnographic Investigation Of Clinical Experts Who Transition To The Role Of Novice Clinical Nursing Educator, Stacy Wheat Huber

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this research study was to identify and describe the teaching practices and the grounding experiences of the teaching practices novice educators use when teaching undergraduate students in the clinical patient care area. The following research questions guided this investigation: What teaching practices and teacher knowledge do novice clinical nursing educators demonstrate or draw from when teaching undergraduate nursing students in the clinical patient-care area? In what ways do novice clinical nursing educators change or adapt their teaching behaviors as a response to the context of the teaching/learning environment? What grounding educational or professional experiences do novice clinical …

The Effects Of Household Substrates On The Evaporation Of Ignitable Liquids At Temperatures Up To 210℃, Caitlyn Wensel

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In fire debris analysis, ignitable liquid residues are commonly identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The detection and identification of an ignitable liquid can help arson investigators determine whether a fire was intentional or accidental. To assist with the identification of ignitable liquid residues, chromatograms of questioned samples are typically compared to those of known ignitable liquids that have been weathered (evaporated) to different extents. Practitioners typically perform such weathering at room temperature and to a limited number of extents of weathering, so their database of weathered residues is likely to deviate markedly from casework residues. The ultimate goal of …

Time-Dependent Reliability Framework For Durability Design Of Frp Composites, Rajneesh Kumar Bharil

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The life-cycle performance, durability, and aging characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP or Structural Composites) have been of keen interest to the engineers engaged in the FRP design, construction, and manufacturing. Unlike conventional construction materials such as steel and concrete, the design guidelines to account for the aging of FRP are somewhat scattered or not available in an approved or consistent format. Loss of strength over time or aging of any structural material should be of concern to engineers as the in-service lifespan of many engineering structures is expected to exceed 100 years. Use of durability strength-reduction factors or factors …

Cycle Double Covers And Integer Flows, Zhang Zhang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

My research focuses on two famous problems in graph theory, namely the cycle double cover conjecture and the integer flows conjectures. This kind of problem is undoubtedly one of the major catalysts in the tremendous development of graph theory. It was observed by Tutte that the Four color problem can be formulated in terms of integer flows, as well as cycle covers. Since then, the topics of integer flows and cycle covers have always been in the main line of graph theory research. This dissertation provides several partial results on these two classes of problems.

Elucidating The Properties And Mechanism For Cellulose Dissolution In Tetrabutylphosphonium-Based Ionic Liquids Using High Concentrations Of Water, Brad Crawford

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The structural, transport, and thermodynamic properties related to cellulose dissolution by tetrabutylphosphonium chloride (TBPCl) and tetrabutylphosphonium hydroxide (TBPH)-water mixtures have been calculated via molecular dynamics simulations. For both ionic liquid (IL)-water solutions, water veins begin to form between the TBPs interlocking arms at 80 mol % water, opening a pathway for the diffusion of the anions, cations, and water. The water veins allow for a diffusion regime shift in the concentration region from 80 to 92.5 mol % water, providing a higher probability of solvent interaction with the dissolving cellulose strand. The hydrogen bonding was compared between small and large …