Floral Alchemy: Decorative Porcelain Tableware, Stacy Lynn Larson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This written thesis accompanies and addresses work shown in my Master of Fine Arts thesis exhibition, Floral Alchemy: Decorative Porcelain Tableware, at West Virginia University. Within this document, I address my research, inspiration, and process as I created the body of work shown in my thesis exhibition. My personal fascination with plants and flowers stimulates my research in the relationship between flora and humankind. Throughout history, plants have consistently had a deep impact on human culture as seen in mythology, language, ritual, art, and medicine. With an understanding of this historical context, I analyze my personal connection with flowers in …

Characterization And Evaluation Of Various Biochar Types As Green Adsorbents For Rare Earth Element Recovery From Aqueous Solutions, Oluwaseun Victor Famobuwa

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Rare earth elements (REEs) are members of the lanthanide family (atomic number 57 – 71). They are significantly important to the global economy due to their applications in renewable energy, defense, and medical industries. REEs are primarily derived from bastnaesite and monazite but may also be present in xenotime, cerite, alanite, and many other types of mineralization in lesser amounts. Due to the increasing demand for REEs and their criticality in the supply chain, the need to explore secondary sources of REEs has gained tremendous importance.

Secondary sources of REEs include but are not limited to acid mine drainage (AMD), …

Effects Of Commission Errors On Behavior Intervention Plan Outcomes, Olivia Brianne Harvey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

When implemented well (with fidelity), behavior intervention plans (BIP) improve student outcomes. Teachers tend to implement BIPs with poor overall fidelity, but little is known about the specific errors occurring during BIP implementation or the subsequent impacts these errors have on student outcomes. One possibility is that teachers learn what strategies suppress challenging behavior and implement those strategies regardless of what is written in the formal BIP. These added intervention components, termed commission errors, have not yet been evaluated in the context of BIP implementation. The proposed studies will begin to address these gaps. During Study 1, we …

Scenic Design For Molière’S The Misanthrope, Alina Michelle Cannon

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This document is an account of the design process from the initial reading of the script, design, and production meetings with the director and the production team, through to the execution of the design for The Misanthrope by Molière. This production was produced by West Virginia University’s School of Theatre & Dance during the Fall 2023 semester, presented in the Gladys G. Davis Theater at the Canady Creative Arts Center in Morgantown, WV.

An Observational Census Of Post-Merger Galaxies And Supermassive Black Hole Pair Evolution, Gregory Walsh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Massive galaxy mergers are a fundamental consequence of the dynamic evolution of the Universe and play a central role in the evolution of galaxies. Because all massive galaxies harbor a central supermassive black hole (SMBH; M ≥ 10⁶ M_⊙), studying these merging systems with electromagnetic (EM) techniques constrains galaxy evolution models and provides a systematic means to examine the astrophysical mechanisms that facilitate the growth of SMBHs. These growing SMBHs are observable across the EM spectrum as Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). Massive galaxy mergers are a natural formation mechanism for an SMBH pair, eventually evolving into an …

A Mixed Methods Approach To Evaluation And Modeling Of Ergonomic Stressors Due To Mass Decedent Handling, Vaishakhi Suresh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Work-related injuries, illnesses, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) significantly impact the U.S. healthcare industry, leading to lost working days, high medical costs, and increased turnover rates among healthcare workers (HCWs). Increased physical and mental health risks due to the handling of deceased during COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues. While the ergonomic risks of patient handling are well-studied, limited research exists on the ergonomic risks of manual handling of the deceased. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to explore the challenges associated with decedent handling so that effective safety interventions to reduce the risk of injury and mental distress …

Synthetic Elaboration Of Β-Carbonyl Alkylboronic Esters, Mason D. Hamilton Ph.D.

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Organoboron compounds are some of the most synthetically versatile compounds in organic chemistry due to the many valuable transformations of the C-B bond. This synthetic versatility combined with the pharmacophoric nature of carboxylic acids has led to an increased interest in the one-pot difunctionalization of vinyl arenes using CO₂ and pinacol boranes. Recently, much progress has been made to improve the scope and versatility of boracarboxylation reactions to now include electron-deficient and α-methyl substituted vinyl arenes. However, the potential transformations of boracarboxylated products have remained unexplored. Here, methodologies to transform the β-aryl alkylboronic ester into new C-C, C-N, and …

4d Epr Oximetry Imaging For 4d Bioprinting And Tissue Engineering, Sajad Sarvari

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Bioprinting, akin to 3D printing, employs cell-laden hydrogels such as GelMA (Gelatine Methacrylate) and Alginate instead of plastic or resin to create biological structures. The printing process followed by subsequent tissue maturation is known as 4D bioprinting, where the fourth dimension is time. Ensuring adequate and consistent oxygen, O2, supply within 3D bioprint volume over the entire maturation period process is crucial, as even transient hypoxia can impact cellular behavior and phenotypes. However, printing of fully developed vasculature remains an unresolved technical challenge. Several approaches to chemically (peroxides) or biologically (photosynthesis) generate oxygen during bioprint maturation have been proposed. However, …

Enhancing Pipeline Simulations Through Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning: A Smart Proxy Modelling Approach, Afeez Shittu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Enhancing pipeline simulations is essential for improving operational efficiencies and effectively managing risks in the oil and gas industry. Traditional pipeline simulators, relying heavily on mathematical modeling assumptions, often face limitations due to their high energy and computational demands. This thesis addresses these challenges by introducing an innovative approach that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) through a smart proxy model, offering a more efficient, cost-effective, and flexible alternative to conventional full-physics models used in pipeline simulation software.

The primary aim of this research is to develop and implement a smart proxy model capable of accurately predicting …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of Crime Scene Measuring Techniques, Lauren M. Fagan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Crime scene mapping is the process of measuring and fixing items present in the crime scene to obtain a detailed to-scale map of the scene as found by the crime scene investigators. When bloodstain patterns are present, investigators must analyze the bloodstains to assist in determining where the blood-shedding event occurred. The volume of origin is determined through a manual stringing method that is labor-intensive and destructive.

Technological advancements have been made in other fields, such as land surveying, and were adopted by law enforcement-related fields. These advancements include electronic terrestrial scanners, like the total station, and three-dimensional scanners, like …

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 …

Subjective Cognitive Decline: Examining The Contributions Of Adverse Childhood Experiences And Social Determinants Of Health, Amber Victoria Rusch

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Subjective cognitive decline is one’s awareness of their own consistent memory loss or confusion that interrupts their day-to-day activities (CDC, 2022; Roehr et al., 2017). Several risk factors for subjective cognitive decline, such as demographic social determinants of health (SDOH) and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been identified through previous research (Alzheimer’s Association, 2016; Dening & Sandilyan, 2015); however, less is known about the interaction between demographic SDOH and ACEs on subjective cognitive decline. The current study sought to examine how demographic SDOH (i.e., age, sex, race, and education) (research question 1) and ACEs (i.e., physical abuse, sexual abuse, and …

Modeling, Control, And Fault Detection Of Energy Systems Under Limited High-Confidence Data Scenarios, Selorme K. Agbleze

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Modeling, Control, and Fault Detection of Energy Systems under Limited High-Confidence Data Scenarios

Selorme K. Agbleze

Utilizing process measurements for fault detection is an established approach for processes with adequate datasets. For systems with limited high-confidence data representing fault cases and some amount of low-confidence data, few quantitative hybrid techniques exist for performing fault detection. In real systems, it is time-consuming, expensive, and sometimes not productive to generate enough high-confidence data with fault characteristics of a specific process. The problem of limited high-confidence data scenarios may also arise due to process novelty, the need for new operating conditions, or …

Implementation Of The Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership In Research And Education (Aaspire)-Based Guidelines To Improve Perioperative Care Of Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kayleigh Brink

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Implementation of the Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE)-based Guidelines to Improve Perioperative Care of Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Kayleigh Brink

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is becoming more prevalent with an increasing need to identify and eliminate barriers to care. Healthcare Providers (HCP) have shown limited knowledge and confidence when managing patients with ASD. The inability to provide specialized care and recognize symptoms of pain or discomfort could result in behavioral difficulties.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to improve confidence among HCPs to identify ASD characteristics and to improve the use of …

Parental Socialization Of General And Domain-Specific Self-Control In Adolescents, Matty Johnston

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Adolescent self-control appears to be an important competency to develop. It has pervasive links with various outcomes (e.g., educational, financial, and interpersonal) both during adolescence and into adulthood (Allemand et al., 2019, Moffitt et al., 2011). Adolescents often report lower self-control compared to adults, although individual levels of self-control vary widely between adolescents (Allemand et al., 2019, Romer et al., 2010). Despite its importance, very little is known about how self-control develops. Thus, the current study aims to examine the relationship between parents’ self-control and that of their teen children. To further understand how adolescents' self-control may be socialized by …

Isometric Force-Time Characteristics Of Different Positions In The Clean In Weightlifters, Kyle G. Rochau

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the sport of weightlifting, the ability to produce force known as strength is of great importance. Coaches can implement strategies to help their weightlifters increase their maximal strength levels such as performing full lifts like the snatch and clean & jerk or performing derivatives of those movements such as a clean pull from the knee or a mid-thigh pull. Performing weightlifting derivatives helps strengthen key technical positions in the full lifts, aiding their success. Having muscular weakness in these positions may be detrimental to the success of a lift. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the weightlifting …

Empowering Inclusive Mobility: Addressing Team Challenges And Advancing Solutions For Deaf Communities In Rural West Virginia Through Innovative Engineering And Collaborative Initiatives, Morgan Elaine Bartley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This report provides an overview of the strategic initiatives, challenges, and future considerations encountered by the West Virginia University (WVU) EcoCAR Team in their mission to enhance accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in rural West Virginia, with a specific focus on improving the Cadillac LYRIQ's features. The report delves into the stakeholder profile, encompassing demographic characteristics and mobility challenges unique to the target population, while also highlighting the team's SMART goals, key challenges faced, and forward-looking strategies to better the team.

The WVU EcoCAR Team's mission revolves around addressing mobility barriers for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in rural …

The Names Of All Wild Things: Field Guides And Environmental Thinking, Frank Izaguirre Phd

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The project first traces the earliest origins of natural history writing, surveying how natural history writing from antiquity presented and categorized the living world, and then how the rise of print culture and growing popularity of natural history writing would facilitate the rise of European empires. Values and conventions emerged that would later feed into the field guide, like the pairing of text and illustration to aid identification and the decontextualizing of plants and animals from their environments.

Near the end of the nineteenth century, the field guide genre emerged. Some wildly popular books, mostly written by women, emphasized the …

Life After Sport: A Program Development Plan For Student-Athletes, Loryn Shawn Frame

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

College athletics stakeholders have had growing concerns regarding student-athletes’ transition out of collegiate athletics. Research specific to student-athletes following college athletics has explored mental health, role identity, and occupational participation. This program development plan addresses occupational therapy’s role in assisting student-athletes transition out of collegiate athletics. The needs assessment conducted with West Virginia University athletic staff revealed two gaps in programming: athletic identity including leisure exploration, and a program to help student-athletes who want to enter health professional programs. Life After Sport comprises two programs, one to help student-athletes transition into a health professional program, titled Athletes in Medicine (AIM), …

The Line Between Man And Monster: A Theatrical Costume Design Of Caryl Churchill's The Skriker, Katrina Anne Lundquist

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Produced at West Virginia University, this is a record of the costume design process for The Skriker by Caryl Churchill. As a play about vicious folkloric faerie creatures in modern day England, there was a heavy emphasis on showcasing the difference between the human and fae characters. With such a fantastical script, there is a potential to take the design down any number of creative paths. Finding a way to cohesively costume the cast while not losing the intricacies of their individual stories became a personal priority. After coming to an agreement with the director and the rest of the …

On Confidence And Sense Of Belonging In Cybersecurity Students: Analysis & Prediction, Sadaf Amna Sarwari

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In recent years, there has been a rapid expansion of cybersecurity programs across higher education institutions in response to the widening skills gap in the cybersecurity job market. This study adopts quantitative and qualitative approaches to identify factors influencing West Virginia University (WVU)’s LANE Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering (LCSEE) students’ confidence and sense of belonging in the cybersecurity field. The results are based on data collected from surveys administered to LCSEE students in April 2022 and April 2023. The responses were analyzed using descriptive & inferential statistics and logistic regression techniques. Additionally, the 2023 data was utilized …

Burnout Among West Virginia Art Teachers In A Post-Pandemic World, Kevin Richard Trautwein

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Addressing the issue of teacher burnout is crucial for maintaining a healthy and effective educational environment for both teachers and students. Millions of teachers in the United States feel the negative effects of burnout, especially art educators. Teacher burnout is a significant issue because it can have serious negative impacts on both teachers and students. The art education field is unique in that their style of teaching looks different compared to other subject areas. The art classroom is commonly viewed as a place to decompress, play with art materials, and bring out one's own creativity. It is also viewed as …

Factors Related To Adolescent Anger In Appalachia: Implications For Violence Prevention, Rosalina Mills

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background. Adolescent health outcomes are vitally important for public health. One such outcome includes adolescent violence, a persistent and prevalent public health issue in the United States. Adolescent violence in rural areas is particularly understudied and some measures of rural violence are underreported compared to violence metrics in urban areas. A key risk factor for adolescent violence, is anger. By examining known key risk factors for adolescent anger through a primary prevention and socioecological perspective, it may be possible to reduce or prevent downstream violence in adolescence and later adulthood. Identifying specific systemic, environmental, and interpersonal factors related to anger …

Social Coordination Maintained By Progressive Delay Of Coordination-Dependent Reinforcement, Firdavs Khaydarov

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine coordination maintained by the progressive delay of coordination-dependent reinforcement and to compare the effects of unsignaled and signaled delays on coordination maintenance. In Experiment 1, coordination was examined using two multiple schedules in which two components alternated daily. One of the multiple schedules included progressive-delay (Component 1) and a yoked-interval (Component 2) schedule of coordination-dependent reinforcement in the two components. The other multiple schedule contained a progressive-delay (Component 1) and a yoked-interval (Component 2) schedule of coordination-independent reinforcement in the two components. Component 1 always preceded Component 2, and interreinforcer intervals …

How Virtual Reality Simulations Prepare Teachers In Teacher Preparation Programs For Inclusive Classrooms, Lorilei G. Thompson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Teacher preparation programs are ever evolving based on research and student needs. The use of technology, such as virtual reality (VR), is at the forefront of education to help provide opportunities for teacher candidates to practice teaching in a semi-authentic classroom environment of students with and without exceptionalities. VR is a way for teacher candidates to practice teaching in a structured and conceivably less stressful environment in comparison to a real brick and mortar inclusive classroom. This qualitative study utilizes interviewing with video cuing for two novice teacher participants who went through the same inclusive education course at a major …

Childhood Adversity And Sexual Risk Taking In College: Pathways Through Alcohol Use, Sarah Josephine Miller

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is associated with a host of negative outcomes throughout the lifespan including engagement in health-risk behaviors such as sexual risk taking and alcohol consumption (Dube et al., 2006; Negriff et al., 2015; Zaso et al., 2021). Additionally, sexual risk-taking and alcohol use commonly co-occur (Certain et al., 2009; Downing-Matibag & Geisinger, 2009). This may be especially true during the transition to college, in which many young adults have increased access to substances, increased autonomy, and an expanded network of peers. Thus, the present study examined the relationship between ACEs, alcohol use, and sexual risk …

Use Of Interlaboratory Studies For The Development Of Consensus-Based Criteria For The Elemental Analysis Of Electrical Tapes, Lacey M. Leatherland

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Tape evidence is often used in criminal cases involving violent crimes, kidnappings, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and drug trafficking. This evidence can reveal potential links between suspects, items, or scenes. The forensic examination of electrical tape can provide investigative leads or offer support to alternative hypotheses evaluated in the courtroom. A conventional analytical scheme includes microscopic examination, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM-EDS), and Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Elemental analysis of electrical tapes is commonly achieved using SEM-EDS; however, recent scientific literature suggests that this analysis can evolve from using SEM-EDS to …

Far-Field Passive Wireless Sensors Composed Of Electroceramic Materials For Harsh Environment Applications, Kevin M. Tennant

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The demand for high temperature sensing technologies in industrial applications has been steadily increasing, driven by the need for precise monitoring and control in extreme environments. This thesis presents an investigation into the development and optimization of passive wireless sensors for high temperature sensing applications. The research focuses on overcoming the challenges associated with traditional sensing methods by leveraging passive wireless sensor technology, offering advantages such as reduced complexity, improved reliability, and enhanced flexibility.

A passive wireless high temperature sensor for far-field applications was developed for stable temperature sensing up to 1000 °C. The goal is to leverage the properties …

Evaluating The Impact Of Ergonomic Interventions On Reducing Knee Musculoskeletal Disorder Risks During Residential Roof Shingle Installation: A Phase-Level Analysis, Nazia Zerin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The prevalence of knee musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among roofers due to awkward kneeling postures during shingle installation is a well-recognized concern. While knee-saving interventions like knee savers (KSs) and knee pads (KPs) have shown the potential to reduce MSD risks, their effectiveness across different phases of shingle installation remains unknown. The objective of this study is to assess how interventions of KSs and KPs alleviate the risks of MSDs in the knees during various phases of shingle installation. These phases include (1) reaching for shingles, (2) placing shingles, (3) grabbing a nail gun, (4) moving to the first nailing position, …

Implementation Of A Pilot Quality Improvement Project To Guide The Administration Of Intraoperative Dexamethasone For Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting Prophylaxis In Patients With Diabetes Undergoing Orthopedic Procedures, Brittany W. Hall

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: At a local tertiary care hospital, there was no recommendation to guide anesthesia providers in the administration of intraoperative dexamethasone to patients with diabetes. While dexamethasone is a highly effective antiemetic, it may promote hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to guide and educate about current recommendations for the administration of dexamethasone for PONV prophylaxis in patients with diabetes.

Intervention: 1) Examined pre-intervention practices of dexamethasone administration. 2) Educated about current and best practices to anesthesia staff. 3) Developed badge buddy cards outlining the guideline. 4) Examined post-intervention practices. 5) Evaluated the effect …