Transition Readiness, Coping, And Psychological Risk And Protective Factors In Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes, Jennifer Kelleher

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Many adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) find the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare stressful, reporting high levels of diabetes distress and burnout. Although promoting positive coping strategies (primary control, secondary control), and inhibiting negative coping (disengagement) improves health outcomes in youth of transition age, little research has examined how different types of coping relate to transition readiness in T1D. Additionally, it remains unknown what psychological factors predict disengagement coping in adolescents with T1D. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) examine which coping styles predict transition readiness in adolescents with T1D, (2) determine whether diabetes distress mediates …

Sexual Identity And Homophily: The Powerful Role Of Sexual Identity For Romantic Partner Selection, Lee Thorpe Jr

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation investigates the role of sexual identity on homophily, and its effects on romantic partner selection. The principle of homophily states that individuals tend to befriend and seek romantic partners who are most similar to themselves based on certain social characteristics (i.e., birds of a feather flock together). The majority of the homophily literature focuses on heterosexual friendships and coupling. Recently, homophily research has included sexual identity in their analyses. However, recent studies have only investigated friendship formation/bonds for lesbians and describing certain racial coupling types for individuals based on their sexual identity. I fill the lacuna in research …

Implementation Of Provider In Triage Guidelines To Improve Emergency Department Throughput: A Quality Improvement Project, Benjamin Adam Klos

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction/Background

Emergency department overcrowding is a national problem that causes adverse effects on patients, providers, and healthcare systems. Locally, wait times can be up to six hours. Emergency department census increases yearly without an increase in physical space.

Purpose

The project aimed to improve throughput and provide quality care to patients in an emergency department waiting room.

Intervention

A provider in triage guideline was written to improve emergency department throughout metrics and guide care.

Methods

Pre- and post-implementation statistics were compared. The Logic model was used to guide project implementation.

Results

Door to provider and arrival to discharge times decreased …

Short Episodes But Fast Friends: Examining The Effects Of Parasocial Relationship Quality On Mediated Intergenerational Contact In Grace And Frankie, Alysse C. Baker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Building on the foundations of intergroup contact theory (Allport, 1954), the parasocial contact hypothesis (Schiappa et al., 2005), and Harwood’s Contact Space (2010), this dissertation advances the existing literature on how intergenerational contact with media characters can improve young adults’ willingness to engage with older adults. Specifically, this study examines the effects of intergroup contact quality on the parasocial contact process. Episodes of the TV sitcom about older adult women, Grace and Frankie, were edited to create both a high contact quality condition and a low contact quality condition. The high contact quality condition was a montage that showed viewers …

Cleaning And Characterization Of Chemical Vapor Deposited Graphene For Nanoelectronic Device Development, Sakib Ishraq

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Nanoelectronic devices based on graphene are a promising technology that combines the sensitivity and specificity of ion and element recognition with the accuracy and precision of electronics. The detection principle is based on the interaction of the target molecules with the nanodevice surface, which generates a measurable electrical signal. In the current study, graphene and its derivatives, synthesis and fabrication of high quality, good uniformity, and low defects graphene have been investigated as they are critical for high-performance and highly sensitive devices. Among many synthesis methods, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), have been used that needs to be transferred from the …

Fluid-Rock And Fluid-Steel Interaction In Geothermal Energy Development In The Appalachain Basin, Samuel H. Bowman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The ever-increasing demand for clean energy requires creative solutions. In the United States, unconventional energy sources such as geothermal are conventionally limited to the western half of the country. The Appalachian Basin in the Eastern United States is one such possible creative solution, although the comparatively low temperature gradient presents a significant challenge to delivering economically feasible geothermal energy. An emerging technology is enhanced geothermal systems, these are engineered reservoirs where a working fluid (typically water) is cycled between the subsurface energy source and the energy collection facility at the surface. The liquid water interacts with the geothermal reservoir rock …

Clinical Significance Of Gutta Percha Variability, Alex R. Pancake

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: The production of gutta percha points as root canal therapy filling materials vary from hand processing to machine processing with a range of acceptable levels of error (tolerance). Similarly, endodontic files manufactured to complement corresponding gutta percha points exhibit specified levels of tolerance. Investigations into the consistency among manufacturers of files and gutta percha points is limited. The aim of this study is to see how variability in apical gauge and taper of gutta percha points affected the clinical performance during cone try in. The null hypothesis of this study is that there is no difference in two gutta …

Dentin-Sealer Bond Strength. A Review: An In-Vitro Comparison Between Guttaflow 2 ®, Endosequence Bc High Flow ®, Tubli-Seal ®, Sealapex ®, And Ah Plus Jet ® Sealers., Zied Diab

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: One objective of non-surgical endodontic therapy is the formation of a hermetic seal with elimination of any portal of entry of bacteria and their byproducts into the root canal space from periapical tissue. Extensive research has been conducted to determine ideal endodontic sealers. Bioceramic sealers have risen to prominence due to reported decreased shrinkage, less toxicity, and superior bond strength to root dentin compared to zinc oxide eugenol, calcium hydroxide, and resin-based sealers. GuttaFlow2®, a new sealer on the market, is composed of calcium silicate in combination with gutta-percha particles. Researchers from Coltene (Altstätten, Switzerland), the manufacturer of GuttaFlow2® …

Measuring And Modeling Riparian Wetland Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity, Nutrient Concentrations And Shallow Groundwater Dynamics In An Appalachian Mixed Land Use Catchment, Bidisha Faruque Abesh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The paucity of research on accurate predictions of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), spatiotemporal analysis of nutrient concentrations relative to water source types (stream and shallow groundwater (SGW)), water flow directions, and land use in riparian wetlands of Appalachian mixed land use catchments underscored the need for this study. Additionally, the lack of SGW flow simulations and stream-SGW interactions using three-dimensional (3D) numerical models (i.e., MODFLOW) in these riparian wetlands further highlighted the research gap. Observed data including soil properties, Ksat, surface water (SW) and SGW levels, and nutrient concentrations, including nitrate (NO3-N), nitrite (NO2-N), ammonium (NH4-N), orthophosphate (PO43-P), total nitrogen …

Machine Learning-Driven Quantification Of Co₂ Plume Dynamics At Ibdp Sites Using Microseismic Data, Ikponmwosa Bright Iyegbekedo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis delves into the utilization of machine learning methodologies to quantify the spatial extent of CO₂ plumes by leveraging microseismic data obtained from the Illinois Basin Decatur Project (IBDP) site spanning November 2011 to June 2018. This initiative, focused on the geological sequestration of carbon dioxide, furnishes a unique and comprehensive dataset comprising well logs, microseismic activity records, and CO₂ injection metrics, all crucial for quantifying the subsurface CO₂ saturation plume dynamics. The primary objective is to forecast the temporal evolution of CO₂ saturation plumes in the subsurface, a critical undertaking for ensuring both the environmental integrity and operational …

Slope Stability Below Historic Pre-Law Mine Benches In The Northern Coalfields Of West Virginia, Muhammad Ali

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Slope stability below historic pre-law mine benches in the northern coalfields of West Virginia

Muhammad Ali

Slope failures and landslides are commonly occurring geohazards in the state of West Virginia and in the Appalachian region due to weak geologic strata, steep slopes, a humid climate, geologically recent river incision, and human landscape modifications. Historic surface mining has resulted in large-scale landscape alterations. Surface mining conducted before the Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977 did not require reclamation to approximate original contour; as a result, remnant highwalls and mine benches are common throughout the state and region. …

Exploring Physical Activity Promotion And Implementation Within Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Programs: A Mixed-Methods Design, Shannon P. Zimmerman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) exhibit lower physical activity levels compared to their non-disabled counterparts, with only 23% of U.S. adults with IDD engaging in the recommended 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) programs in the U.S. offer an opportunity to promote physical activity and address the critically low physical activity levels. Few IPSE programs have formalized physical activity courses, warranting an evaluation and development of the national curriculum in this area. This study expands on previous work by examining current physical activity promotion strategies at both the program and course levels. …

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

Hepatic Mrna Expression Of Innate And Adaptive Immune Genes In Beef Steers With Divergent Residual Body Weight Gain, Deborah Ologunagba

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Immune system function is critical to maintaining the health and increasing productivity of cattle, affecting both their growth and their disease resistance. In an efficient immune system, the liver assumes an integral function in detoxification and metabolic processes and contributes substantially to overall production and immunity. In this study, we evaluated the hepatic mRNA expression of genes involved in innate and adaptive immunity in crossbred beef steers with either a positive or negative residual body weight gain (RADG). Positive-RADG beef steers (n = 8; RADG = 0.76 kg/d) and negative-RADG beef steers (n = 8; RADG = -0.64 kg/d) were …

Ung: A Diagnostic Standard C Library, Jakob Knute Kaivo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Undefined behavior in C programs is a major source of unreliable software. Many of the most common exploitable software vulnerabilities can be traced directly to undefined behavior. In the increasingly connected world, a successful attack can cost the victim millions of dollars to recover from. While static program analysis aids in identifying undefined behavior, testing indicates that even the best static analysis tools correctly identifies about 35% of these defects. This dissertation introduces UNG’s Not GNU (UNG), a standard C library designed to mitigate undefined behavior. Where others have seen opportunities for optimization, UNG makes every effort to identify undefined …

Something From Nothing: Reimaginings, A Resource Guide For The Horn Sonata By Frank Gulino, Albert J. Houde Iii

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Since publishing his first work in 2006, American composer Frank Gulino has been the driving force behind some seventy new pieces of music. With music commissioned and performed by top professionals around the world, Gulino’s star has risen quickly backed by his prowess for writing music for brass instruments in solo works and chamber music. The subject of this document is a sonata for horn and piano entitled Reimaginings, a work commissioned by the author in 2020. This document presents a biographical sketch of the composer, an interpretation for performing the work, and suggestions for learning key skills needed …

Inherently Porous Metal Structures With Sufficient Mechanical Properties Through Direct Writing Of Bio-Based Inks, Havva Eda Aysal

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There is currently a burgeoning interest in developing 3D printed metal structures with inherent porosity and sufficient mechanical properties for mass customization in the biomedical field. Current approaches for 3D printing of biocompatible metals rely on powder-bed fusion methods which are energy intensive and utilize large amounts of metal powder that is challenging to recycle. In addition, such methods aim on producing dense parts and porosity generation, within the printed part, is challenging due to the complex physics of the melting pool. Here, a relatively new and promising approach is undertaken to study the 3D printing of inherently porous structures …

Genetic Knowledge And Causal Beliefs: Implications For Health Behavior In Clinical And Non-Clinical Samples, Jamey T. Brumbaugh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Objective: As the genomic era in healthcare continues to surge, it is vital to examine genetically-related psychological concepts, such as genetic knowledge and genetic causal beliefs, in genetically relevant clinical groups. Parents /caregivers of children born with cleft lip and/or palate represent a population whose knowledge and beliefs about genetics may be influenced by their frequent utilization of genetically-related healthcare services (e.g., genetic testing and genetic counseling). To date, little is known about how such beliefs vary across disease types. Even less is known regarding how disease-specific genetic causal beliefs relate to perceived behavioral control for disease development. Method: A …

Low Power Remote Sensing System For Ceramic Thermocouples, Syed Khaleduzzaman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The ceramic thermocouple sensor is a promising alternative to traditional thermocouple due to their corrosion resistance and cost-effective manufacturing. Currently, no electronic Interface or Integrated Circuit solution is commercially available which can be used to interface these thermocouples at low-cost and low power for accurate temperature measurement. An electronic system is needed to use these ceramic sensors which consumes less amount of power for an extensive period of time with remote monitoring option.

This thesis proposes a low-power electronic remote sensing system that works for ceramic thermocouples. The system consists of three parts. They are battery-operated sensor node electronic circuit, …

Guiseppe De Nittis's Cityscapes Of Paris: Images Of Modernity 1875-1875, Catherine W. Jones

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The artist Guiseppe De Nittis (1846-1884) created paintings between 1874-1875 reflecting his own experiences while living in and around the sixteenth arrondissment in Paris, France. De Nittis produced a distinctive perspective of Paris as it was being shaped by modernity and populated by the growing bourgeoisie. De Nittis’ interpreted fleeting views of Paris undergoing renovations. For example, De Nittis’ depicted freshly widened streets, public parks, and landmarks shrouded in scaffolding. De Nittis’ transient subject matter was further characterized by the portrayal of bourgeois figures in temporary Parisian moments. In summation, De Nittis’ compositions are a distinctive representation of Paris’s evolution …

Experimental And Chemical Modeling Of Applied Dc Electric Field Induced H2 – Air Axisymmetric Laminar Co-Flow Diffusion Flames With Low Carbon Impurities, Susith Dilshan Pathmasiri Gunamuni Halowitage

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The effect of externally applied DC electric fields on flame structure was investigated in a stationary atmospheric axisymmetric laminar H₂–Air flame with less than 100 ppm carbon equivalent impurities. Flame OH chemiluminescence signals were recorded using a UV-sensitive CCD array as a function of voltage (+10 to -10 kV) applied to a stainless-steel ring electrode placed around the burner nozzle. Changes in chemiluminescence signal are reported as a function of electrode height above the burner, airflow, and fuel composition. Significant changes in OH* distributions were observed for voltages below -5 kV. Under optimum conditions, the height of the …

Development Of Probabilistic Dynamic Model Building And Bayesian Machine Learning Approaches, Samuel Oladayo Adeyemo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Development of Probabilistic Dynamic Model Building and Bayesian Machine Learning Approaches

Samuel Adeyemo

The recent years have seen a tremendous increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for the development of data-driven mathematical models needed for performing real-time optimization, model-based control, performance optimization, dynamic data reconciliation, and process performance monitoring. However, the development of data-driven models is faced with some challenges including lack of model interpretability, sensitivity of algorithm to noise in training data, limited extrapolation capabilities and violation of conservation laws. Drawing motivation from these existing gaps, this work aims to develop robust …

Development Of Dynamic Mass-Energy-Thermodynamics Constrained Hybrid Neural Network Models For Process Systems Applications, Angan Mukherjee

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

First-principles models can provide very good predictions even for cases when there are no data at all, or data are limited in certain range of operating conditions, or for cases where data collection is infeasible. However, the development of accurate first-principles models for complex nonlinear dynamic systems can be time consuming, computationally expensive, and may be infeasible for certain systems due to lack of sufficient knowledge (information). It is also challenging to adapt first-principles models for time-varying systems. Furthermore, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to develop accurate models for some complex phenomena that are poorly understood. On the …

Modeling And Techno-Economic Optimization Of Microwave Assisted Ammonia Synthesis Processes, Opeyemi Aduragbemi Ogunniyan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ammonia, which plays a crucial role in agriculture, chemical production, and energy storage applications, has traditionally been produced using the Haber-Bosch (HB) process. However, this well-established technology has significant drawbacks. The HB process requires extremely high pressures (up to 300 bar) and temperatures (400-500°C), making it feasible only for large-scale operations with substantial capital investment. Additionally, the high energy consumption of the HB process contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, raising concerns about its environmental sustainability. This dissertation extensively explores a new low-pressure microwave-assisted process for synthesizing ammonia, demonstrating its economic viability and potential cost-effectiveness compared to the traditional method, …

Studies In Nonlinear Chemical Dynamics Of Propagating Precipitation Waves, Md Boshir Ahmed

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation explores the intricate dynamics of pattern formation in nonlinear chemical systems, specifically focusing on the phenomena of propagating waves and Liesegang patterns in aluminum and zinc hydroxide systems. Through a combination of experimental setups and theoretical models, the study delves into the mechanisms driving these patterns, providing insights into their formation, evolution, and underlying principles.

The research begins with an introduction to nonlinear dynamics and pattern formation, emphasizing the significance of these concepts in understanding complex natural systems. It then moves into a detailed examination of Liesegang bands, discussing classical and reverse systems, and introducing the redissolution process …

On Uncertainty For Ill-Posed Robot Decision Problems, Jared Joseph Beard

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As robots adopt more real world responsibilities, they will be expected to solve more complicated problems. In some cases limited prior knowledge will result in unmodelled environmental conditions; in others, multiple users may have competing perspectives on how to frame a decision problem. Many existing frameworks, namely Markov decision processes (MDP) presuppose users have identified a specific problem with models sufficient to solve or learn a problem. If we wish to extend MDPs to novel problems or those heavily dependent on user feedback, autonomous decision makers must be able to identify limitations in how a given problem is framed and …

How Does Locality Impact The Sales And Purchases Of Textiles And Apparel? Exploring Retailers' And Consumers' Perspectives In The U.S., Md Rokibul Hasan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The revival of U.S. textile and apparel (T&A) manufacturing is largely attributed to rising consumer interest in locally-produced goods, the pursuit of economic sustainability, and the need to mitigate environmental impacts. This study aims to fill a critical research gap by examining the perceptions and behaviors of both U.S. retailers and consumers regarding locally-made T&A products. Utilizing the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a theoretical framework, the research explores the constructs of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control to elucidate the factors affecting local T&A sales and purchases. The study employs semi-structured interviews with nine U.S. retailers and …

Extracting Meaning: Museums, Power, And Shaping The Story Of Coal, Danielle Marie Petrak

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Organized into four case studies, this dissertation investigates how longstanding power relationships in the Central Appalachian coalfields have shaped the preservation and presentation of mining history at museums and historic sites. It contributes to scholarship in the fields of public history and Appalachian history by exploring how apolitical, noncritical, and biased narratives at mining history sites have obstructed the public’s acknowledgement of larger forces and systems that govern Appalachian society and often bring harm and misinformation to coalfield residents. To present more exhaustive, nuanced, and innovative interpretations of bituminous coal mining’s past and present, museums and historic sites must redirect …

Demonstrating The Need For Intergenerational Trauma-Specific Substance Use Treatment For Mothers Receiving Substance Use Treatment And Their Children, Brittany Ti-Esha Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

For decades the United States has faced substance use epidemics that have devastating public health consequences, with the most recent epidemic being the opioid epidemic. While the substance that is the center of the epidemic’s changes over time, one factor that has been found to be positively related to substance use has remained consistent, that preventable risk factor is adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Those who experience ACEs are at elevated risk for developing SUD. If the trauma that is a result of experiencing ACE is not treated it can complicate recovery and impact the individuals’ families. The children of individuals …

Advanced Techniques In Time Series Forecasting: From Deterministic Models To Deep Learning, Xue Bai

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation discusses three instances of temporal prediction, applied to population dynamics and deep learning.

In population modeling, dynamic processes are frequently represented by systems of differential equations, allowing for the analysis of various phenomena. The first application explores modeling cloned hematopoiesis in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) via a nonlinear system of differential equations. By tracking the evolution of different cell compartments, including cycling and quiescent stem cells, progenitor cells, differentiated cells, and terminally differentiated cells, the model captures the transition from normal hematopoiesis to the chronic and accelerated-acute phases of CML. Three distinct non-zero steady states are identified, representing …