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Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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Spins In Thin Films And Nanodevices, Phillip Tabor Aug 2012

Spins In Thin Films And Nanodevices, Phillip Tabor

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The central theme of this work is the engineering of devices and materials that exhibit spin dependent phenomena. In particular, the spin orientation of charge carriers can play a central role in transport, especially in magnetic or other spin correlated media. Propagation of charge carriers with net spin results in a transfer of angular momentum that can excite static and dynamical states in active device elements. To utilize such phenomena in practical devices, new mew means of device characterization and optimization must be developed. To that end, we have performed experiments which elucidate some of the mechanisms underlying spin dependent …

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C-Peptide Improves Hyperglycemia-Induced Endothelial Redox Balance By Preventing Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress And Enhancing Nadph Synthesis, Himani Vejandla Aug 2012

C-Peptide Improves Hyperglycemia-Induced Endothelial Redox Balance By Preventing Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress And Enhancing Nadph Synthesis, Himani Vejandla

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

C-peptide, a by-product of insulin biosynthesis, has been shown to ameliorate diabetes-induced renal impairment. Yet, the mechanisms underlying this protective benefit remain unclear. Our studies have shown that C-peptide improved renal peritubular capillary blood flow and reduced vascular oxidants. NADPH (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), appears to be critical to this effect via the actions of numerous vasoprotective systems. Further, our experiments in type I diabetic mice resulted in a significant reduction in renal endothelial NADPH that is subsequently restored with C-peptide. We hypothesized that C-peptide provides protection to renal cortical endothelial cells during type I diabetes by restoring the …

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Vending Vice: The Rise And Fall Of West Virginia State Prohibition, 1852--1934, Michael J. Buseman Aug 2012

Vending Vice: The Rise And Fall Of West Virginia State Prohibition, 1852--1934, Michael J. Buseman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

West Virginia imposed state prohibition on its citizens on July 1, 1914. While the transition to a dry society was relatively quiet in the days leading up to July 1, this tranquility belied the sixty-year battle waged between Mountain State "wets" and "drys" over liquor proscription. Beginning in the 1850s among evangelical Protestants, the anti-liquor movement pushed for different levels of alcohol proscription. By the 1880s, drys were pushing for a state prohibitory amendment to the West Virginia Constitution. The legislative efforts of these pre-progressive agitators failed on multiple occasions. This political disappointment peaked with the statewide rejection of a …

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Combining Language---A Study Of English-Chinese Bilingual Typography, Yan Zhao Aug 2012

Combining Language---A Study Of English-Chinese Bilingual Typography, Yan Zhao

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Due to increased globalization, English and Chinese typographies have been used together and have come to characterize many publications and educational materials, commonly appearing in airports, museums and city shopping districts. This MFA thesis is inspired by this realization and is geared toward enhancing new methods for balancing English-Chinese bilingual typography in print.;Key Words: English, Chinese, Bilingual, Typography, Print Publication.

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

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

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

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

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Calculating The Surface Seismic Signal From A Trapped Miner, Adeniyi A. Adebisi May 2012

Calculating The Surface Seismic Signal From A Trapped Miner, Adeniyi A. Adebisi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The recent Sago mine disaster has highlighted the need to fundamentally analyze the practical detection limitations of a mine rescue seismic system (Heasley, 2006). In various field tests, it was discovered that the surface peak particle velocity resulting from the trapped miner who pounds on the mine roof becomes undetectable past a certain distance from the surface geophones. In order to provide the mine rescuer the understanding of the exact extent of this distance; and the foreknowledge about the excepted magnitude of the surface peak particle movement in terms of: depth, geology and offset angle, this study was performed.;To achieve …

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Effect Of Sediment Composition On The Uniformity Of Experimentally-Formed Methane Hydrate, Terrence R. Ryan May 2012

Effect Of Sediment Composition On The Uniformity Of Experimentally-Formed Methane Hydrate, Terrence R. Ryan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Experimentalists that try to duplicate the methane hydrate found in natural systems have regularly made non-uniform hydrate in packed sediments. Some element of the natural system is missing from the experimental procedure. The goal of this research was to discover what role sediment composition and grain size play in the uniformity of experimentally-formed methane hydrate. The discoveries were quite surprising.;The motivation for this research lies in the analysis of sediment samples and well-log data from the 2010 Mount Elbert, AK Stratigraphic Test Well. Sedimentological analysis of core samples from this well indicated that a thin section within the methane hydrate …

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Rules Of The Game: Effects Of A Game-Based Metaphor On Instructional Activity Design And The Use Of Student Mentors On Learning Outcomes In A Middle School General Science Class, Angie Dowling May 2012

Rules Of The Game: Effects Of A Game-Based Metaphor On Instructional Activity Design And The Use Of Student Mentors On Learning Outcomes In A Middle School General Science Class, Angie Dowling

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study investigated the effects of a game-like environment on instructional activity design and the use of student mentors on learning outcomes in a middle school general science class. The participants for this study were 165 students, ages 13-14 years old, who were enrolled in 8th grade at a mid-Atlantic middle school. Two research questions were used to conduct the research:;1. Can science content be designed and successfully delivered instructionally using a game-like learning environment?;2. Does the use of student mentors/assistants help direct and maintain the flow of the class away from the technological issues toward the necessary learning outcomes …

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Rhetorical Bridges: How Rhetoric Affects The Gap Between Knowledge And Behavior Change, Allison Matlack Pranger May 2012

Rhetorical Bridges: How Rhetoric Affects The Gap Between Knowledge And Behavior Change, Allison Matlack Pranger

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Health-communication campaigns have long operated according to the belief that individuals can be persuaded to change hazardous health practices through education about the risks or benefits of certain behaviors. Health-communication scholars and practitioners have ascribed to a theory of behavior change that posits acquiring knowledge about certain health issues leads to changes in attitudes and, ultimately, changes in personal health practices. Over the past decade, however, scholars have identified a KAP-gap, as they often see a wide gulf between an individual's Knowledge and Attitudes and his or her health Practice. Recently, rhetorical scholars have begun to view this KAP-gap through …

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

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

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Ap Relationship Of The Maxillary Central Incisors To The Forehead In Adult Korean Females, Jung Mee Kim May 2012

Ap Relationship Of The Maxillary Central Incisors To The Forehead In Adult Korean Females, Jung Mee Kim

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the anteroposterior relationship of the maxillary central incisors to the forehead in adult Korean females with harmonious profiles and in adult Korean female orthodontic patients. Methods: Ninety five photographic images of adult Korean females with good facial harmony (control group) were compared with 95 photographs of adult Korean females seeking orthodontic treatment (study group). All images were of the face in profile with the maxillary central incisors and the forehead in full view. The images were imported into Adobe Photoshop(TM) and resized and rotated to the upright head position. Reference lines were constructed to assess …

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Metonymic, Thomas Stollar May 2012

Metonymic, Thomas Stollar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis intends to support and describe Metonymic, a Masters of Fine Arts exhibition. The exhibition was the result of recorded introspection during the month of January 2012. Metonymic (Image 1)* aimed to highlight the importance of seemingly meaningless everyday occurrences, feelings, and emotions on the growth of one's personality. Ultimately the exhibition emphasizes the abstract nature of human personality, and its unimaginable complexities. *Please refer to dissertation for diagrams.

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Agenda Building In Health Communication: How The Cdc Is Using Traditional And Social Media Tactics In Public Relations, Kristen Wishon May 2012

Agenda Building In Health Communication: How The Cdc Is Using Traditional And Social Media Tactics In Public Relations, Kristen Wishon

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Emerging Internet technologies, such as social networking websites and blogs, are influencing how public relations practitioners choose to disseminate health content to their constituents. Using the agenda-building theory as a guide, this exploratory study used both qualitative and quantitative methods to examine the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) social media and traditional media health messages, as well as to explore if these messages had any agenda-building effect on mainstream media placement (i.e., the Associated Press).;Personal interviews with CDC health communication specialists and three content analyses were conducted. Two significant correlations were found between the health topics in the …

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Impact Of Relative Permeability On The Outcomes Of Natural Gas Production From Low Permeability Reservoir, Melaine Edouard Kolimedje May 2012

Impact Of Relative Permeability On The Outcomes Of Natural Gas Production From Low Permeability Reservoir, Melaine Edouard Kolimedje

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Tight Gas Reservoir (TGR) is one of the primary types of unconventional reservoirs now accounting for about 25% of US gas production. The complexity of the reservoir leads to low productivity issues and thus there is a need to thoroughly understand all the parameters of uncertainty. One of the prime factors affecting productivity is the relative permeability. In this study, the effect of relative permeability on cumulative gas production for gas-water phase was studied in detail using a numerical computer simulation study.;In an effort to comprehend the impact of the relative permeability on gas production over the life of these …

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Dating Anxiety And Paternal Dating Rules, Chad S. Brice May 2012

Dating Anxiety And Paternal Dating Rules, Chad S. Brice

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Dating anxiety is a specific type of social anxiety individuals experience in the presence of dating partners or potential dating partners that disrupts typical romantic development during adolescence. The etiological factors that contribute to dating anxiety have been less researched than other presentations of anxiety so the present research aimed to further explore potential contributors based on etiological factors related to other anxiety disorders. Many parent variables have been associated with anxiety disorders including parental anxiety, overcontrol, and fear-conditioning. In regard to dating, fathers have been shown to be more controlling and restrictive than mothers in their rule use. The …

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A Phase Separation Study Of Biological Polymers In Solid State Films, Jaclyn Nicole Kokx May 2012

A Phase Separation Study Of Biological Polymers In Solid State Films, Jaclyn Nicole Kokx

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A growing need for nanoparticle-polymeric composite materials in the electronics and coatings industries has driven research to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of self-assembled phase separation in polymer thin films and experiment with controlling the phase separation behavior of multicomponent polymer systems. This research proposed that biological polymers have the ability to phase separate into defined structures capable of organizing nanoparticles with unparallel control over the architecture of the molecule compared to synthetic polymers.;This study used recombinant DNA techniques and the expression host E. coli to accurately and repeatedly produce a peptide with a random coil secondary structure. …

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

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

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

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

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Symptoms, Causes, And Coping Strategies For Performance Anxiety In Singers: A Synthesis Of Research, Kristina Driskill May 2012

Symptoms, Causes, And Coping Strategies For Performance Anxiety In Singers: A Synthesis Of Research, Kristina Driskill

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A multitude of studies exists concerning performance anxiety, yet the number specifically focused upon singers is lacking in the literature. This study, intended as a reference guide for singers and singing instructors, discusses the symptoms, possible causes, and currently accepted coping strategies for music performance anxiety (MPA). An analysis of the published scholarship and correspondence from singers and professionals are included, as well as an appendix listing self-help sources and an extensive bibliography for further research. The study serves as an aid to singers and singing instructors seeking concise information on the topic. Specific steps within each coping method are …

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Professional Development School Support Of The Elementary Globe Curriculum A Facilitated Adaptation Of Inquiry Science, Vance D. High May 2012

Professional Development School Support Of The Elementary Globe Curriculum A Facilitated Adaptation Of Inquiry Science, Vance D. High

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This qualitative study focused on identifying barriers and remedies to those barriers found when teaching elementary school science. The Elementary GLOBE Program (2006) was the curriculum selected when doing the 18 month study. The researcher asked what made Elementary GLOBE (EG) easy and/or difficult to use. The researcher also wished to ascertain what impact did the adoption of EG have on the delivery of science instruction in the K-4 grade classrooms participating in this study. Two professional developments schools (PDS), located in a Mid Atlantic state were the sites for the study. Both schools are in an urban setting and …

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Stakeholders' Perceptions Of Special Educator Induction Programs In A Low Attrition District, Jeremy Vittek May 2012

Stakeholders' Perceptions Of Special Educator Induction Programs In A Low Attrition District, Jeremy Vittek

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Special education teacher attrition is a growing problem in the United States (Payne, 2005). Without proper induction for early career special educators, the potential remains for these educators to leave the field at a rate twice that of their general education counterparts (Payne, 2005). The lack of a defined national or state policy on induction programs puts the responsibility on the school district to design and implement an induction program. The goal of the study was to provide empirical insight into the stakeholders' perceptions of the challenges and supports provided for beginning special educators in a low attrition district within …

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A Context Centric Model For Building A Knowledge Advantage Machine Based On Personal Ontology Patterns, Luyi Wang May 2012

A Context Centric Model For Building A Knowledge Advantage Machine Based On Personal Ontology Patterns, Luyi Wang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Throughout the industrial era societal advancement could be attributed in large part to introduction a plethora of electromechanical machines all of which exploited a key concept known as Mechanical Advantage. In the post-industrial era exploitation of knowledge is emerging as the key enabler for societal advancement. With the advent of the Internet and the Web, while there is no dearth of knowledge, what is lacking is an efficient and practical mechanism for organizing knowledge and presenting it in a comprehensible form appropriate for every context. This is the fundamental problem addressed by my dissertation.;We begin by proposing a novel architecture …

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

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

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

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

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Restoration And Adaptive Use Of A Historic English Country Estate: A Learning History, Anna D. Phoenix May 2012

Restoration And Adaptive Use Of A Historic English Country Estate: A Learning History, Anna D. Phoenix

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Within the field of historic preservation, often a single strategy for preservation is chosen from preservation, restoration, adaptive use or reconstruction. Occasionally it is appropriate to simultaneously implement two or more of those strategies. Adopting multiple strategies requires the involvement of different organizations whose goals and philosophies may clash. Stowe House is an example where restoration and adaptive use have been applied in tandem, forming the partnership of Stowe School, Stowe House Preservation Trust and the English National Trust. In this case forming a symbiotic tripartite partnership has resulted in the long-term survival of the Stowe estate.;The purpose of this …

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Inquiry Into Place-Based Education In Art, Marie L. Drexler May 2012

Inquiry Into Place-Based Education In Art, Marie L. Drexler

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A place-based pedagogy is a call for educators to utilize local environs in content curricula to build upon and enrich instruction for students. This study examines the potential for K-12 schools in West Virginia to reasonably adhere to place-based art education methods in visual arts curricula. Data collection consisted of interviews conducted with three West Virginia public school art educators and three community specialists who work in the fields of art, ecology, and art education. Using qualitative analysis, the open-ended responses from both the teachers and the community specialists were analyzed. The conclusion section reviews limitations to placebased education expressed …

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Eastern Promises: Poland's Role As A Regional Actor In The European Union's Eastern Policy-- The Example Of Belarus, Max David Reinke May 2012

Eastern Promises: Poland's Role As A Regional Actor In The European Union's Eastern Policy-- The Example Of Belarus, Max David Reinke

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The present thesis will analyze Poland's current and potential role as an effective regional actor in mediating the European Union's (EU) relations with its easternmost neighbors. In order to most accurately assess this, this thesis will examine Poland's relationship with Belarus, specifically democratization efforts and forging a strong, resolute association with the European Union. Being a successful post-communist transition state and recent EU Member State, Poland has for some time seen itself to be the most-qualified country to bridge Eastern and Western Europe. Belarus in particular is a country of concern for the Polish government because it is a bordering …

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A Theoretical Relationship Between Guardianship And Techniques Of Neutralization: A Qualitative Analysis Of Digital Piracy, Christopher D. Davies May 2012

A Theoretical Relationship Between Guardianship And Techniques Of Neutralization: A Qualitative Analysis Of Digital Piracy, Christopher D. Davies

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research is a qualitative analysis of digital piracy at the height of Napster in 1999. The findings support the notion that technology has given rise to several new techniques of neutralization. In some cases these techniques are completely new and in others they are 21st century updates to traditional techniques. Furthermore, this research uses forum posts from USENET to determine that guardianship as created by Cohen and Felson's Routine Activities Theory is uniquely connected to neutralization based on two unique guardianship qualities, authority and capacity.

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Differences In Quality Environmental Rating Subscales Between Family Child Care Homes And Facilities In West Virginia, Kaitlin J. Buchanan May 2012

Differences In Quality Environmental Rating Subscales Between Family Child Care Homes And Facilities In West Virginia, Kaitlin J. Buchanan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Quality of family child care homes and facilities in the state of West Virginia was investigated for differences in quality and provider education and training. Data was collected through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources grant titled, "Quality Rating and Improvement for West Virginia Child Care." Quality was measured using the Family Child Care Environmental Rating Scale (FCCERS), which has 38 items across 7 subscales including aspects specific to the family child care setting. Twenty-nine family child care facilities and 55 family child care homes participated in the study. Family child care homes scored lower than facilities …

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