Digital Commons Network^™

Enabling Cybersecure And Resilient Smart Distribution Grid With Edge Devices, Partha Sarathi Sarker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The smart distribution grid achieves enhanced efficiency and flexibility through the utilization of advanced communication infrastructure, digital devices, and robust computation and control capabilities. Grid-edge devices including distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar photovoltaics (PV), battery storage systems, and intelligent electric loads like electric vehicles and smart appliances, are contributing to the growth of the smart distribution grid. This evolution is transforming the grid into a multifaceted network of interconnected devices and systems, enabling bidirectional data communication and power flows. However, these new layers of data integration and control in the smart grid introduce vulnerabilities to cyberattacks and accidental failures, …

Rumen And Urine Amine/Phenol-Metabolome Of Beef Steers With Divergent Residual Feed Intake, Taylor S. Sidney

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Cattle production is one of the most important agricultural industries in the United States. Despite its overall production efficiency, the industry is facing considerable adversities to its long-term sustainability due to population growth, decreased land availability, and the increase in global warming. Since feed efficiency imposes an immense influence on the cost of production for animals and is a major cost determinant for profitability, the improvement of feed utilization through the understanding of animal-to-animal variation in feed efficiency is pertinent to increase farm productivity and profitability. Residual feed intake (RFI) is a measure of feed efficiency and is defined as …

Finite Element Modeling And Analysis Of Breech Face Impressions, James A. Hamilton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a technique which has not been widely used in Forensic Science in general and firearms examination in particular. The general utility of FEA was assessed by the simulation of scenarios commonly encountered during the investigation of firearm related crimes. As a test, simulations included the perforation of a windshield and sheet metal with a 9 mm projectile, the development of pseudo subclass characteristics during the manufacturing of a breech face, and the impact of a projectile with another projectile in air and with a solid body. Results from the simulations were compared to projectiles and …

Wvu Core Arboretum User Motivations, Demographics, And Satisfaction: A Snapshot From Summer Of 2022 To Spring Of 2023, Bennett F. Phillips

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This paper presents a comprehensive examination of user motivations, demographics, and satisfaction levels at the West Virginia University (WVU) Core Arboretum during the period spanning from the summer of 2022 to the spring of 2023. Green spaces across the United States have seen an increase in public attention in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and are actively seeking to capitalize on the renewed interest. Seeking to aid the WVU Core Arboretum in garnering renewed public interest, this study utilized a survey comprising sections on user perceptions, demographics, satisfaction, and usage that garnered 182 responses.

Demographic analysis of the survey …

Biologically – Plausible Load Feedback From Dynamically Scaled Robotic Model Insect Legs, William Zyhowski

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Researchers have been studying the mechanisms underlying animal motor control for many years using computational models and biomimetic robots. Since testing some theories in animals can be challenging, this approach can enable unique contributions to the field. An example of a system that benefits from this modeling and robotics approach is the campaniform sensillum (CS), a kind of sensory organ used to detect the loads exerted on an insect's legs. The CS on the leg are found in groups on high-stress areas of the exoskeleton and have a major influence on the adaptation of walking behavior. The challenge for studying …

Investigation Of Regulator Of G Protein Signaling-12 (Rgs12) As A Modulator Of Monoamine Transporters And Behavioral Responses To Cocaine, Allison Noel White

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Stimulant use disorder is a psychiatric illness that is characterized by repeated use of stimulant drugs despite harm to the user. There are currently no Federal Drug Administration (FDA)- approved medications for stimulant use disorder, and the number of stimulant use-associated deaths have increased over the past decade. Given the prevalence of and lack of treatments for stimulant use disorder, there is an urgent need to identify new drug targets and treatments for this illness. Our group is investigating Regulator of G protein Signaling-12 (RGS12) as one such potential drug target for stimulant use disorder. Mice lacking RGS12 are insensitive …

Ai-Driven Security Constrained Unit Commitment Using Predictive Modeling And Eigen Decomposition, Talha Iqbal

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Security Constrained Unit Commitment (SC-UC) is a complex large scale mix integer constrained optimization problem solved by Independent System Operators (ISOs) in the daily planning of the electricity markets. After receiving offers and bids, ISOs have only few hours to clear the day-ahead electricity market. It requires a lot of computational effort and a reasonable time to solve a large-scale SC-UC problem. However, exploiting the fact that a UC problem is solved several times a day with only minor changes in the system data, the computational effort can be reduced by learning from the historical data and identifying the patterns …

Toward A Reconceptualization Of Gentrification: Assessing Neighborhood Variation By Socioeconomic And Economic Processes, Annette M. Mackay

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The core conceptualization of gentrification is social class ascension. Researchers and the public have often disagreed about how, when, where, and why gentrification occurs. When there is agreement, researchers often add specifications, such as displacement, that further confuse the concept. Reasons for the confusion include non-integrating theoretical dimensions, methods that assume independent effects, and the context of place. The objective of this study is to conceptualize gentrification in a case study city using two key dimensions, socioeconomic and economic processes, in a spatial context. Using principal component analysis to identify the latent constructs that account for change in Pittsburgh, PA, …

Missile Modeling And Simulation Of Nominal And Abnormal Scenarios Resulting From External Damage, James Manuel Floyd Iii

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis presents the development of a six-degree-of-freedom flight simulation environment for missiles and the application thereof to investigate the flight performance of missiles when exposed to external damage. The simulation environment was designed to provide a realistic representation of missile flight dynamics including aerodynamic effects, flight control systems, and self-guidance. The simulation environment was designed to be modular, expandable, and include realistic models of external damage to the missile body obtained by adversarial counteraction.

The primary objective of this research was to examine missile flight performance when subjected to unspecified external damage, including changes in trajectory, stability, and controllability, …

Evaluation Of The Dynamic Indicators Of Basic Early Literacy Skills (Dibels 8th Edition) Measures For Use With The Energy Express Summer Literacy Program, Maria Boki

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The present study examines the suitability of the DIBELS 8^th edition assessment for use within the scope and context of the Energy Express summer literacy program. The 6-week summer program helps children in grades K-5 from rural and low-income West Virginia communities improve or maintain their reading levels over the summer months. Standard, grade-appropriate DIBELS 8^th subtests were administered to 1,065 participants at the beginning and end of Summer 2022. The resulting pre- and post-scores were cross-referenced with demographic data and attendance rates from 20 counties and 35 sites in West Virginia. They were then analyzed for correlations …

Long-Term Prescription Opioid Use, Cancer Stage, And Economic Burden Among Older Cancer Survivors With Non-Cancer Chronic Pain Conditions, Rudi Safarudin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Opioids are commonly prescribed to treat pain conditions, which are highly prevalent among older adults (≥65 years). Recent evidence shows that opioids may have carcinogenic effects through immunosuppression and free-radical pathways, which could promote cancer growth. Two population-based studies have reported an association of opioid use with incident cancer. Many individuals with non-cancer chronic pain conditions (NCPCs) may use opioids for a long term. However, the association of long-term prescription opioid (LPO) use with cancer stage at diagnosis is still unknown. Furthermore, evidence suggests that individuals with cancer and pre-existing NCPCs may persistently use opioids, even in the absence of …

Response Of Running Buffalo Clover (Trifolium Stoloniferum Muhl Ex. A. Eaton) To Herbaceous Competition And Transplanting In Monongahela National Forest, Ruben E. Sabella

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Running buffalo clover (RBC) is a rare perennial plant that grows throughout the American Midwest and the Appalachian Mountains. It requires disturbed forests to establish and proliferate. It has been suggested that, in the past, these conditions were created by buffalo; now logging operations maintain RBC populations. However, forest managers have been looking for ways to create suitable habitat for RBC that do not involve harvesting practices. This could help create new populations in areas that cannot be logged. Once established, competing vegetation might influence RBC abundance and flowering. This study seeks to quantify this influence by measuring the vegetation …

Strengthening Of Damaged Structural Members With External Frp, Krishna Tulasi Gadde

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are excellent alternatives to traditional materials for civil infrastructure. Several researchers have worked on the application of FRP composites for construction, repair, and rehabilitation of structures. This research aims at evaluating the use of carbon, glass, basalt, and hybrid FRPs with epoxy and polyurethane resin systems for rehabilitation of damaged structural components. Following evaluations were carried out in this research: (i) tension testing of FRP coupons, (ii) compression testing of concrete cylinders with and without damaged sections/FRP reinforcements, (iii) flexural testing of external-FRP reinforced RC beams with and without damages, (iv) pull-off tests on FRP …

Techno-Economic Analysis And Optimization Of Hydrogen And Mechanical Energy Storage Systems, Pavitra Senthamilselvan Sengalani

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The increasing significance of renewable energy sources is thrusting the load cycling of fossil-fueled power plants (FFPP), designed to operate under nominal-load conditions. Integration of energy storage systems (ESS) with the FFPPs such as hydrogen energy storage (HES) and mechanical energy storage facility such as compressed air energy storage (CAES) shows the potential to minimize the levelized cost of electricity during high demand scenarios and also minimize the negative impacts of off-design FFPP operation. The deployment of energy storage facilities at the FFPP level have considerable potential advantages as they can be exploited within the existing equipment items and facilities …

Negative Forces In Consumption: Their Unpleasant But Undeniable Influence On Consumers, Yumei Mu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An unfortunate reality of consumer behavior is that it has a negative side: Consumers can experience negative emotions (Harrison-Walker, 2019); firm-consumer relationships can grow sour (Do, 2019); and so on. Already quite prevalent, negative forces in consumption have only increased lately because of the COVID-19 pandemic (Gaydos, 2020). Given the pervasiveness of negative forces in consumer behavior, it is very important for consumer psychologists to study them. To that end, the three essays in this dissertation explore wide-ranging facets of negative forces in consumer behavior and, collectively, greatly augment the field’s understanding of the behaviors, processes, and outcomes comprising the …

Mapping Infiltration In An Urbanizing Mixed-Land-Use Watershed With Multi-Temporal Satellite Imagery, Sarah J. Higgins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Digital soil mapping (DSM) is a field of soil science that aims to improve traditional soil maps by producing higher resolution predictive maps of soil properties using spatial environmental data. DSM has historically relied primarily on static environmental covariates—such as slope gradient, slope aspect, and other topographic variables derived from digital terrain models—for predicting static soil properties, like soil texture. Advancements in satellite imagery and statistical modeling improve the accuracy of digital soil maps by incorporating multi-temporal data that can capture landscape-scale change over relatively short periods of time. Adding these dynamic environmental covariates may be especially useful for spatial …

Analytical Heat Transfer Modeling Of The Microwave Heating Process: A Focus On Carbon Black, Craig Offutt

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Electronic waste (e-waste) has become a significant environmental issue due to the rapid advancement of technology, increasing demand for electronic devices, and shorter lifespan of electronics. One critical step in processing the e-waste involves ball milling as a means of preparing the recycling e-waste for the recovery of critical materials. Ball milling is a technique that involves the mechanical crushing and grinding of electronic waste to reduce its size and improve its reactivity during recovery. Our focused recovery technique is based on a microwave recovery technique of these critical materials from e-waste. The size and distribution of the e-waste with …

Synergies Between Residents: Evaluating Support And Concerns Of Recreation And Tourism Economic Development Within The Monongahela National Forest Region, Morgan R. Martin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Tourism has continually been presented as a growing economic sector around the world. Having become an area of increased interest for diversifying rural economies, tourism is an attractive alternative to the declining traditional economic engines of rural communities like agriculture, forestry, and mining. Rural destinations have become increasingly attractive to outside visitors who seek to pursue activities embedded within the local culture and distinctive attractive assets available in rural regions. The USDA has recognized the increasing importance of recreation and tourism economies as an emerging or priority area of national need and an effective means for rural development. Even with …

Development Of A Model Sustainability Management Plan For The City Of Morgantown, West Virginia, Caitlyn Elizabeth Lewis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This report has been prepared to demonstrate the research for a model planning document with a focus on sustainability in Morgantown, WV. It discusses the role of three categories in the context of sustainability and proposes a design solution for selected areas of concern throughout the City of Morgantown in order to demonstrate opportunities for a sustainable approach toward resolution for city officials.

The City of Morgantown, West Virginia, is a college town along the Monongahela River with a backstory of industrialism that is echoed by many other places in Appalachia. However, distinctively, in Morgantown 25,000 college students populate the …

Evaluating The Degradation Relationship Between Latent Print Impressions And Touch Dna Under Varying Environmental Conditions, Katrina M. Rupert B.S.

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Latent prints have been processed as a source of touch DNA evidence in the hopes of attaining partial or even full DNA profiles. However, the relationship between the latent quality and the DNA quality has not yet been fully explored, resulting in gaps in understanding how the two are connected. A common source of touch DNA is from latent print evidence, which is typically processed and photographed at a scene, and subsequently processed for DNA in the laboratory. However, there is skepticism in the forensic community around touch DNA as laboratory procedures are often manipulated beyond standard operating procedures to …

Comparison Of Skeletal Class Iii Malocclusion Facial-Shape Subtypes Between Caucasian, African American, And Hispanic Populations, Rachel Katherine Huffman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Comparison of Skeletal Class III Malocclusion Facial-Shape Subtypes Between

Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic Populations

Rachel K. Huffman, DMD

Introduction: The development of a skeletal Class III malocclusion (Cl III) is complex as it can arise from the overgrowth of the mandible, undergrowth of the maxilla, or a combination of the two. To understand the heterogeneity of this trait clinically, studies have been conducted using facial shape analysis (e.g., Geometric morphometrics (GeoMorph)) of Caucasian and Asian populations to learn more about the principal shapes. Little is known, however, about the predominant principal shape components of Cl III within African …

Stability Properties Of A System Of Receptors In The Presence Of Attractive Domains, Basim Mohammed Al-Maliki

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

I use mathematical modeling to understand aspects of molecular processes in living cells. Specifically, we look at the first few steps in cell signaling. Signal initiation requires that receptors located on the cell membrane bind together to form dimers. Microscopic imaging of receptors on the cell membrane revealed that receptors tend to accumulate in small areas (clusters). Studies also show that the membrane has a complex landscape consisting of domains and barriers of various origin.

Here we study the way receptor dimerization is influenced by domains on the cell membrane. Our underlying hypothesis is that the physical and chemical properties …

Strengthening The Interpretation Of Glass And Paint Evidence Through The Study Of Random Frequency Of Occurrence And Analytical Information, Lauryn C. Alexander

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Glass and paint particles are frequently discovered at crime scenes as valuable trace evidence. Often, these fragments are transferred from a crime scene to a victim or person-of-interest, and can subsequently be evaluated, analyzed, and classified according to their physical and optical measurements, and chemical properties, each of which can provide important information to the analyst to assist in the determining if a recovered particle is distinguishable or indistinguishable from a known source. Moreover, these minute materials can provide information about how the events took place, leading to the reconstruction of crime scenes and the identification of valuable clues for …

Hydraulic Fracturing Treatment Optimization Using Machine Learning, Abdullah Johar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Friction reducers are chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing to reduce friction between fracturing fluid and the wellbore walls, helping to overcome tubular drag at high flow rates. High viscosity friction reducers are increasingly used due to operational and economic benefits, but their optimal concentration for each stage of fracturing is not well studied. As a result, oil and gas companies often use more friction reducers than necessary to ensure designed injection rates are achieved and to avoid screening out, resulting in excess use of FR and economic losses. The primary goal of this Thesis is to fully comprehend and quantify …

Enantioselective Dearomatization Facilitated By Non-Covalent Interactions Of N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysts And Pyridinium Salts, Jack A. Patterson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Dihydropyridines are a practical organic scaffold commonly used for their pharmaceutical properties. Nucleophilic dearomatization of pyridines has proven to be a useful method in obtaining dihydropyridines. By using N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalysts, dihydropyridines can be synthesized with high regioselectivity of the 1,4 regioisomer over the 1,2- regioisomer but often with low enantioselectivity. By incorporating non-covalent interaction contact points, we hypothesize that enantioselectivity can be enhanced. By synthesizing numerous NHCs, each proposed to exhibit a different type of non-covalent interaction (i.e., hydrogen bonding or ion pairing), an understanding of the secondary interactions within this reaction system can be studied and …

Businesses Supposedly Held The Key To The Ada, But They Dropped The Ball: Can Marketing Be The Shot In The Arm America Needs To Bring The Spirit Of The Ada Back To Life?, Elizabeth T. Gratz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research investigates the historical and current focus of the field of marketing on the disability community and considers whether marketers can positively impact attitudes toward the group through their firm media content. My first essay uses the Rocky Road to Policy Pavers model to discuss the importance of this large and underserved consumer group, and highlights several opportunities for the marketing community to reduce existing barriers to disabled consumers in the marketplace. One way that marketers can reduce stigma and improve attitudes toward the disability community is by strategically portraying individuals with disabilities in their firm media content. My …

Identification Of Rockmass Deformation And Lithological Changes In Underground Mines By Using Slam-Based Lidar Technology, Francisco Eduardo Gil Hurtado

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In mining, hazards causing rib and roof fall accidents generally develop with time. The development of a hazard depends on factors like geology, excavation geometry, overburden stress, and mining-induced stresses. Hazard mapping in an underground mine is essential for roof and rib stability assessment. However, often it is neither practical nor economical to inspect and map vast areas of mine workings with limited personnel. New technologies, recently, have been adopted in the mining industry that can solve this problem. Advances in LiDAR technology and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithms have led to the development of portable and mobile laser …

The Immediate Effects Of The Nunee Patellar Support On Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Nick Linn

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common form of anterior knee pain caused by general overuse, muscular weakness or strength imbalances, and poor movement coordination leading to abnormal alignment or mal-tracking of the patella. Recent guidelines do not recommend the use of a knee orthosis due to a lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. A new patellar support (NuNee, K-Neesio LLC.) which uses distraction force to relieve pressure placed on the patella, has been proposed. The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate effects of the NuNee patellar support on perceived pain, biomechanics, and function in individuals with …

Survival Of Listeria Monocytogenes On Organic Honeycrisp And Fuji Apples During Storage At 5, 12 And 22.5◦C, Connor S. Freed

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study aimed to evaluate and model the survival of Listeria monocytogenes on organic HoneyCrisp (HC) and Fuji (FJ) apples during storage at various temperatures. Fresh organic HC and FJ apples (without wax coating) obtained from a local wholesale market were inoculated with a 2-strain mix of L. monocytogenes followed by storage at 5.0 (22.9% RH), 12.0 (37.0% RH), and 22.5oC (50.4% RH) for 60, 35, 7 days, respectively, and periodically (day-0 to 60) analyzing microbial populations. Surviving L. monocytogenes were spread-plated on Modified-Oxford agar after 10 or 100-fold serial dilution. Data were analyzed using the mixed-model procedure of SAS …

Condition And Modeling Assessment Of Geomorphic Landform Design On Coal Refuse Impoundments, Titus C. Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Coal refuse impoundments are the primary storage facility used in the mining industry for the placement and dewatering of fine coal refuse. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) promulgate prescriptive impoundment closure and requirements for the long-term breach and reclamation of the facilities. Typical impoundment reclamation designs consist of backfilling the impoundment with coarse coal refuse and placing soil cap with a minimum 2% slope to the perimeter drainage ditch. Geomorphic landform design (GLD) promotes long term stability of a regraded structure through simulating local topography. By balancing the hydraulic response of the site, runoff and erosion can …