Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of Interleukin-12 And Exosomes In The Dynamic Interplay Of Cancer And The Immune System, Christina Nicole Nikki Byrne-Hoffman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Melanoma and breast cancers account for a large number of cancer diagnoses and deaths, with 1 in 28 and 1 in 8 developing melanoma or breast cancer, respectively, in their lifetime. T Lymphocytes play a pivotal role in the immune system response to cancers and are known to evade the immune system by a variety of mechanisms, including modulation of cytokine function. A cytokine important for the function of T lymphocytes, Interleukin-12, and modulation of its Janus Kinase and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway, plays a role in the immune response to tumors, especially melanoma. We examined the role …

Comparison Of Emissions Measurement Between A Sensor-Based Compact Emissions Meter And A Standard Pems, Jordan Matthew Leatherman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The emissions produced by diesel engines are detrimental to human health, and the environment. To reduce these harmful emissions, engine manufacturers have used exhaust after treatment systems. The main objective of these after-treatment systems is to reduce exhaust emissions with minimal impact on an engines performance. The increase in emission regulations resulted in the need for a portable device to measure emissions. Portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS) are used to ensure engines comply with regulations in the real world. Although these systems are portable and can be installed on a vehicle they are bulky, expensive and time consuming to install. …

Three Essays On Tourism Demand And Economic Development In The United States, David Naab Aratuo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The global tourism industry has experienced sustained growth over the years even in the face of economic shocks. International travel for tourism purposes continues to grow albeit at different rates in developed and developing countries. The trend is suggestive of the significant impact of tourism on the global economy and social phenomena since the last century. A similar trend is observed in the United States as tourism contributes to the economy by generating revenues and creating jobs. The United States is a significant player in global tourism, being the largest exporter and the second largest importer of tourism. It is …

Development Of Oxide-Dispersion-Strengthened Nickel-Based Super Alloy Powders For Additive Manufacturing, Sizhe Huang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Oxide-Dispersion-Strengthened (ODS) Nickel-Based superalloy has been drawn a huge attention and developed with good oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance and high creep strength. It has been considered as critical materials for Additive Manufacturing (AM). The quality and the efficiency of fabrication methods of ODS limits the performance of itself on AM. The development of new type of ODS, new methodologies and evaluation techniques are required if the enhanced quality of ODS and enhanced efficiency of fabrication are to be achieved. Of the current fabrication techniques for AM, Gas Atomization (GA) is widely used since they can generate spherical powders with high …

An Experimental Investigation Of The Cooling System For A Free Piston Stirling Engine, Akshay Milind Gupte

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Free-Piston Stirling Engine (FPSE) has been identified as a good candidate for combined heat and power application (CHP). FPSE being highly efficient and environmentally friendly promises to facilitate the increasing demand in waste heat energy recovery systems. FPSE system consists of three important components: (1) hot side heat exchanger; (2) regenerator; and (3) cold side heat exchanger. The cold side heat exchanger is a crucial part as it enables to maintain an optimal temperature of the working fluid by rejecting heat.

This research contributes to the design of heat exchanger test rig and experimental measurement of cooling heat exchanger. The …

Arl2bp, A Novel Ciliopathy Protein, Is Required For Cilia Microtubule Formation, Abigail Ruth Moye

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Cilia are specialized organelles essential for cellular function. Not surprisingly, mutations in cilia- related genes are linked to multi-syndromic diseases termed ciliopathies. These include blinding diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). One such novel gene is ARL2BP (ARL2-binding protein) and is linked to RP and situs inversus (organ reversal) in humans, a phenotype produced by defects in the nodal cilia of developing embryos. Defects in photoreceptor cilia, as well as situs inversus in human patients, suggest that ARL2BP plays an invaluable role in the structure and function of cilia. However little is known about the role for this protein in …

Characteristics Of Activated Carbons Produced From Herbaceous Biomass Feedstock, Oluwatosin Jerry Oginni

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Energy security and environmental protection are at the forefront of research due to the forecasted depletion of fossil fuel reserves and the growing concern of its adverse environmental impacts. The use of renewable sources for energy applications has centered on the use of biomass feedstocks and this include from herbaceous, woody, agricultural waste, forest residues and municipal wastes. The thermochemical conversion (pyrolysis) of these biomass feedstocks has potential to produce liquid fuel, a solid residue (biochar) and non-condensable gas. The biochar is primarily composed of renewable porous carbon and other inorganic compounds. The biochar is used for soil amendment, adsorption …

Detection Of Buried Non-Metallic (Plastic And Frp Composite) Pipes Using Gpr And Irt, Jonas Kavi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research investigated alternative strategies for making buried non-metallic pipes (CFRP, GFRP, and PVC) easily locatable using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). Pipe diameters up to 12" and buried with up to 4 ft. of soil cover were investigated. The findings of this study will help address the detection problem of non-metallic pipelines and speed the adoption of composite pipes by the petroleum and natural gas industry. The research also investigated the possibility of locating buried pipes transporting hot fluids using Infrared Thermography (IRT).

Results from the study have shown that, using carbon fabric and aluminum tape overlay on non‑metallic pipes …

Wintering American Black Duck Ecology Of Central Appalachia, Sara E. Yannuzzi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The American black duck (Anas rubripes) is a species of dabbling duck found only in the northeastern part of North America, and widely hunted until its decline. Since the 1950s, the total population has decreased by 53%. Habitat degradation and decline of wintering and breeding wetlands, historic overharvest, and interactions with the mallard (A. platyrhynchos) are attributed as some of the main causes of the black duck population’s decrease. Many policies and taxa- and habitat-specific joint ventures have since been created to aid in studying and improving North American wetlands and black duck populations throughout both their breeding and wintering …

Unequal Influence: The Impact Of Inequality On Trade Policy, Brian William Fitzpatrick

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Trade was a central issue in the 2016 US presidential election, with both major party candidates debating how trade impacts American workers. However, the current literature on trade policy outcomes and inequality has insufficient measures of public opinion on trade. I examine the varying roles the public and interest groups play in the trade policy formation process as inequality changes in democratic societies. I expect, as inequality increases, the public and mass based interest groups will have less resources to expend on influencing policymakers. Also, as inequality increases economic elites’ and business interest groups’ resources will increase, and they will …

Qualitative And Quantitative Analysis Of Carbonate Waters In The Peters Mountain Region Of Monroe County, Wv, Emily A. Bausher

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Water in Monroe County, WV is used extensively for public and private supply and requires quantification, chemical analysis, and assessment for contamination susceptibility. Over 250 springs were previously identified in the eastern side of Monroe County on or near Peters Mountain; 14 were continuously monitored in this study. Springs were grouped based on geologic and spatial distribution: interbedded clastic-rock springs on the mountain flanks, carbonate springs in the valley, and a thermal spring associated with the St. Clair thrust fault. Clastic and carbonate springs have calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate chemistries, neutral pHs and high alkalinities; the thermal spring has calcium-magnesium-sulfate-carbonate chemistry, low pH, …

Analysis Of The Gas Production From Marcellus Shale Horizontal Wells Using Decline Curves, Dalal Alsaadoun

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Many challenges present themselves when production is being forecasted in ultra-low permeability unconventional reservoir systems. Some of the major challenges are the lack of understanding of the interaction among the fluid flow, the hydraulic fracturing, the reservoir characteristics in these complex systems, and the limited production history. Therefore, the production performance of the shale gas wells over the longer time periods has not been established. A familiar technique for predicting the future production rates, when the only available data are past production rates, is Decline Curve Analysis (DCA). Several DCA methods have been proposed for shale wells, but their application …

Using Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning To Develop Synthetic Well Logs, Marwan Mohammed Alnuaimi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There has been an increase in the need for energy in the recent past. Oil and gas stand as the source of energy that are widely used. The oil and gas reservoirs are targeted for the purposes of field development. The conventional methods of reservoir characteristics require computing techniques that are unique and complex, some of which are labor and time intensive. Mohaghegh argues that all efforts must be tried and made possible to apply Petroleum Data analytics in production and management of reservoir so as to earn a maximum return (Mohaghegh, Shale Analytics, 2017). Different methodologies have been applied …

The Life And Work Of Barbara Nissman, Giuliana Paola Contreras Ampuero

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research paper focuses on the life and work of American concert pianist Barbara Nissman (b. 1944). Her extensive work as a performer, writer, lecturer and guest clinician makes Nissman one of the most accomplished artists of our time. This paper is the first comprehensive look at Nissman’s career and her diverse contributions to piano study and performance as a leading expert on the piano music of Alberto Ginastera (1916-1983), Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953), Béla Bartók (1881-1945), and Franz Liszt (1811-1886). As an overview of Nissman’s life and career, this paper provides both a thorough presentation of Nissman’s contributions and serves …

The Policy Dynamics Of The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (2000), Samantha E. Godbey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examines the creation and implementation of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act 2000 (TVPA). This research builds on the literature in the area of the policy-making process, specifically focusing on the issue attention cycle, agenda setting, and implementation. This study begins with a focus on the role the media plays in framing the issue, turns to a consideration of Congress and the passage of the TVPA, and concludes with an examination of the implementation of the act through executive branch use of sanctions. I suggest that human trafficking was framed as a criminal justice issue by both the media …

Effect Of Nano-Pore Wall Confinements On Non-Ideal Gas Dynamics In Organic Rich Shale Reservoirs, Nupur Gupta

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The advancements in horizontal well drilling and multistage hydraulic fracturing technology enabled us to unfold major sources of hydrocarbon trapped in ultra-tight formations such as tight sands and organic rich shales. Tremendous gas production from these reservoirs has transformed today's energy landscape. To effectively optimize the hydrocarbon production from these ultra-tight formations, it is essential to study and model the fluid transport and storage sealed in multiscale pore structure of these formations, i.e. micro-, meso- and macro-pores. In shale gas reservoirs, Kerogen, the finely dispersed organic nano-porous material with an average pore size of less than 10 nm holds bulk …

Conquering The Fear: A Journey Of Triumph Through The Exploration Of Creating The Role Of Masha In Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters, Cassandra Noel Hackbart

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis is a documentation of my process for undertaking the role of Masha in Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters, performed in the Gladys G. Davis Theatre at the West Virginia University Creative Arts Center. This document will serve to archive the application of my graduate training while performing a major role; as well as, record my personal growth in a single production. In a reflective tone, I expound on the pressures and fears that I encountered, and the techniques that informed my self-realizations throughout the production process. The production process is composed of the three major sections. The first section …

Creating The Need To Serve: How West Virginia Spontaneous Disaster Relief Volunteers' Motivations And Experiences Influence Their Willingness For Continued Volunteerism*, Erin Hudnall

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Spontaneous volunteerism, or emergent volunteer behavior, is characterized by an individual's actions of impulsively offering volunteer services immediately following the occurrence of a natural disaster or community tragedy, such as a flood or terrorist attack. This type of volunteerism differs from traditional volunteer activities that are usually preplanned and not related to a recent tragedy. It is unclear what types of motivations spur individuals to volunteer after a disaster, whether spontaneous volunteers' experiences lead to willingness for continued volunteerism in the future, and whether motivations and experiences differ significantly by context. To study this phenomenon, spontaneous volunteers who offered help …

Commodity Feminism Today: An Analysis Of The "Always #Likeagirl" Campaign, Cristina Dans

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examined the Procter & Gamble Always #LikeAGirl commercial video for aspects of commodity feminism as defined by Goldman, Heath and Smith in their 1991 journal article "Commodity Feminism." The purpose of this study was to explore the connection between the #LikeAGirl commercial and its viewers. Through this exploration, the study aimed to find any feminist sign values and/or feminine visual signifiers identified in the Goldman et al. (1991) definition of commodity feminism. In addition, this study sought to explore audience connections (positive and/or effective) to identified aspects of commodity feminism in the video. The commercial video was analyzed …

Electrophoretic Characterization Of Carbon Nanotubes: Elucidation Of Surface Functionalization And Interaction, Tyler A. Davis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Carboxylation of multiwall carbon nanotubes is used to enhance physical properties by improving dispersion, increasing compatibility and providing an interface for surface interaction. Accurate characterization of the multiwall carbon nanotubes surface is important as multiple applications depend on controlled functionalization. This dissertation is based on research that led to the adaption, validation and application of a capillary electrophoresis method for characterization of surface modification and interaction of carboxylated multiwall carbon nanotubes. The affinity based method uses electrostatic interaction of a selective peptide probe (WRWWWW) with multiwall carbon nanotubes to determine the degree of carboxylation. A 20% RSD in method reproducibility …

An Analysis Of The Extinction-Induced Response Burst, Brian Katz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Although the extinction burst is a frequently reported generative effect of extinction, there are few experimental analyses of the phenomenon. The purpose of the present series of experiments was to examine the occurrence, time course, and repeatability of extinction bursts. Six experimentally naive pigeons were exposed to at least five cycles of 5-sessions block of baseline followed by 8-session blocks of extinction. Depending on the condition, baseline sessions were either a fixed-ratio (FR) or variable-ratio (VR) schedule, and transitions from the last baseline session in each cycle to the first extinction session were conducted either between or within sessions. Within …

Psychometric Properties Of The Wake Forest Physician Trust Scale With Young And Older Adults, Emma Katz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Trust is an essential component of any interpersonal relationship, but it is particularly integral to the patient-physician relationship. Patient-physician trust increases willingness to seek treatment, disclose sensitive information, adhere to medical recommendations, and share decision-making authority. While there have been developments in current research on the psychosocial variables associated with patient-physician trust, there continues to be the need for a psychometrically sound measure of trust, as well as a further need for psychometric evaluation of already developed measures. The purpose of the study was to reexamine a measure of patient-physician trust, the Wake Forest Physician Trust Scale (WFPTS), using more …

Signal Fusion And Semantic Similarity Evaluation For Social Media Based Adverse Drug Event Detection, Hameeduddin Irfan Khaja

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Recent advancements in pharmacovigilance tasks have shown the usage of social media as a resource to obtain real-time signals for drug surveillance. Researchers demonstrated a good potential for the detection of Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) using social media much earlier than the traditional reporting systems maintained by official regulatory authorities like the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Existing automated drug surveillance systems have used various types of social media channels and search query logs for monitoring ADE signals.;In this thesis, we address two key performance issues related to automated drug surveillance systems. The first is to improve the …

Involvement Of Two Novel Grf-Type Zinc Finger Nodulins During Rhizobial Symbiotic Establishment In Medicago Truncatula Nodules, Lucas Gontijo Silva Maia

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In legumes, symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) occurs through a cooperative relationship established with rhizobial diazotrophic bacteria. This association triggers the de novo development of a highly specialized organ from root, called nodule. In this dissertation, we explore the molecular functional genetics of nodulation in the model legume Medicago truncatula in the scope of knowledge. Followed by a linearization of the current knowledge about the roles of Transcription Factors in legume nodule symbiosis. In an attempt of understanding the orchestration dynamics of nodulation and processes that generate SNF. Legumes evolved novel genes related with nodule development, symbiosis establishment and nitrogen fixation, …

Applications Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In Petroleum Engineering Problems, Shan E Zehra Lashari

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

For the last few decades multiple business sectors have been influenced by the advancement in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Though the oil and gas sector began to utilize the potential of AI comparatively latter than many other sectors, the appreciable amount of work has been done by researchers to equip the industry with AI tools. This work aims to explore various horizons of petroleum engineering by using different AI tools.;For providing better decision making in reservoir fluid characterization problem, fuzzy logic has been applied, which is an AI method to drive decisions when data is incomplete or unreliable. The second part …

Characterization Of Kndy Neuronal Activity In Gilts: Distribution And Effect Of A Progestin, Ashley Nicollette Lindo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Puberty is a process that incorporates a large array of both external factors and internal signals. The endocrinology of puberty has been studied in a number of mammalian species and typically depends upon an increase in hypothalamic secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). Neural inputs regulating GnRH secretion during the pubertal process are not completely understood. In the past decade, attention has focused on the role for a particular set of neurons located in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus. They have been named KNDy neurons because they coexpress kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB) and dynorphin and have been shown …

Laser And 3-Dimensional Printers: Characterizing Emissions And Occupational Exposures, Alyson R. Johnson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: Toxicology and epidemiology studies have observed an association between ultrafine particles (UFPs) and respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological health effects. While there is a paucity of data in the literature on the potential toxicity and health effects from indoor UFP exposure, more exposure assessment studies and research evaluating the efficacy of controls is merited. An increased demand for efficiency, productivity, and manufacturing has led to conception of laser and 3- dimmensional (3-D) printers in various indoor workplaces. The indoor environment is one of the most important determinants of personal exposure. Introducing laser and 3-D printers to indoor workplaces, introduces a …

Dietary Intake And Body Composition Changes During A 12-Week Weight Loss Trial In Middle-Aged And Older Men, Allison Marie Morris

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Middle-aged adults suffer from the highest rates of obesity in the nation. Obesity is not only a risk factor for cardiovascular-related chronic disease, it is also associated with decreased functional status in aging populations. Depletion of lean mass is a concerning consequence of intentional weight loss. However, efforts to attenuate loss of lean mass with weight loss are often limited to older adults. Understanding body composition changes that occur during intentional weight loss and factors to limit the loss of lean mass during weight loss in middle aged adults are needed reduce and prevent adverse outcomes in old age. The …

Exploratory Longitudinal, Spatial And Spatiotemporal Evaluation Of The Raccoon Variant Rabies Virus In West Virginia, 2000- 2015, Kenneth. B Plants

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

No abstract provided.

Transposable Element Diversity, Divergence, And Contribution To Genome Evolution In Plants, Dhanushya Ramachandran

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

No abstract provided.