Digital Commons Network^™

Stability Analysis Of Bleeder Entries In Underground Coal Mines Using The Displacement-Discontinuity And Finite-Difference Programs, Xu Tang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The stability of bleeder entries is essential for both mine ventilation and personnel travelling through the entries. Therefore, it is imperative that bleeder pillars remain stable and bleeder entries safe during their service life. Surprisingly, there are few published investigations on ground control issues in the bleeder entries. This thesis is an attempt to analyze the ground control problems in bleeder entries especially, the structural integrity of the bleeder entry. Two numerical programs (a) displacement discontinuity program-LaModel and (b) the finite difference program-FLAC were used to investigate these problems. Modeling results from the LaModel program indicated that the vertical stresses …

Analysis And Comparison Of Clothoid And Dubins Algorithms For Uav Trajectory Generation, Mohanad Al Nuaimi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The differences between two types of pose-based UAV path generation methods clothoid and Dubins are analyzed in this thesis. The Dubins path is a combination of circular arcs and straight line segments; therefore its curvature will exhibit sudden jumps between constant values. The resulting path will have a minimum length if turns are performed at the minimum possible turn radius. The clothoid path consists of a similar combination of arcs and segments but the difference is that the clothoid arcs have a linearly variable curvature and are generated based on Fresnel integrals. Geometrically, the generation of the clothoid arc starts …

Development Of A Portable Mass Spectrometer For Operation At 1 Torr, Feng Jin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Portable mass spectrometers have obtained increased interests because they show great potential in different fields such as the industrial process analysis, forensics, environmental monitoring, space exploration and homeland security. Current major standard laboratory mass spectrometers have been miniaturized and their characteristics were investigated. The advantages and disadvantage of these different types of mass analyzers are also compared and examined.;Loeb-Eiber mass filter was proposed and reexamined as an alternate portable mass analyzer. Its unique paradigm makes it very suitable for development for portable mass spectrometers. The second generation Loeb-Eiber mass analyzer uses an array of short wires attached on the base …

Statistical Methods For Detection And Mitigation Of The Effect Of Different Types Of Cyber-Attacks And Inconsistencies In Electrical Design Parameters In A Real World Distribution System, Vivek Joshi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the present grid real time control systems are the energy management systems and distribution management systems that utilize measurements from real-time units (RTUs) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). The SCADA systems are designed to operate on isolated, private networks without even basic security features which are now being migrated to modern IP-based communications providing near real time information from measuring and controlling units. To function "brain" (SCADA) properly "heart" (RTUs) should provide necessary response thereby creating a coupling which makes SCADA systems as targets for cyber-attacks to cripple either part of the electric transmission grid or fully …

Raising Soviets On Imported Goods. Socialist Realism In Estonian Secondary Education, Helen Saask

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis examines how the political leadership of the Soviet Union tried to cultivate its desired values and principles among the people of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic. It illuminates one aspect of all the ideologically charged activities, and looks at Soviet Estonian schools through the lens of compulsory reading --- how were socialist realist cultural goods used to promote Sovietization in Estonian secondary schools? Moreover, the study tries to evaluate to what degree the propagandistic intention was realized in literature lessons. Emphasis lies on exploring traces of the so-called 'double-thinking,' the notion that Estonians had the tendency to separate …

Alfven Wave Propagation In Inhomogeneous Plasmas, Stephanie Sears

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Damping of Alfven waves is one of the most likely mechanisms for ion heating in the solar corona. Density gradients have significant but poorly-understood effects on energy transfer and Alfven wave propagation in partially ionized plasmas, such as those found in the solar chromosphere. Reflection of Alfven waves at density and magnetic field gradients can give rise to turbulence which sustains particle heating. The density profile in the Hot hELIcon eXperiment (HELIX) varies strongly with radius, giving access to a wide range of Alfven dynamics across the plasma column and providing an ideal environment to observe Alfven wave-driven particle heating.;A …

Burden Of Breast Cancer And Associated Health And Economic Outcomes In Elderly Women In West Virginia: Comparison With National Estimates, Ami Maulik Vyas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

West Virginia (WV) which is the only state which lies entirely in Appalachia and which is predominantly rural and medically underserved region, has lower incidence of breast cancer (BC) but a higher BC-related mortality as compared to the national averages in elderly women age 65 and above. This may be due to lower mammography utilization in these rural elderly women, limited physical access to services, shortage of healthcare professionals and services, and untimely and/or inappropriate care. This is dearth of epidemiological studies that have focused on understanding the factors associated with these disparities among these rural and underserved population such …

Electroplating Of Cr-Ni Alloy And Ni-Cr/Ni Multilayer Coatings, Liaowang Liu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The major interests of developing Ni-Cr alloy plating lie in the possible formation of a passive film by chromium and its good chemical and mechanical properties. And nano scale multilayer coatings exhibit improved properties due to nano scale effects (e.g.: high hardness and strength) and they combine and enhance different properties from individual components. Thus, electroplating of Ni-Cr multilayer coatings could have high potential for numerous engineering applications. Electroplating in aqueous and in organic solution by direct current were studied for Ni-Cr alloy coatings, and Ni-Cr multilayer coatings were prepared by pulse current electroplating in single bath.

Traditionally, chromium or …

Pitting Corrosion And Corrosion Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior Of Oil-Grade Alloy 718 In Sodium Chloride Solution, Ting Chen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Oil-grade nickel-base alloy 718 has been recently used in the oil and gas industry for downhole drilling components especially for the parts of the bottom hole assembly (BHA) due to its superior mechanical properties, good corrosion resistance, non-magnetic properties and ability to be heat treated to various strength levels. As the modern oil and gas industry explored into coastal and marine locations, deeper and deeper wells have been drilled with high pressure high temperature, making the demand for increased strength and good toughness super critical for alloys used in ultra-deep wells drilling. Moreover, the existence of high concentrations of chloride …

Design, Fabrication, And Control Of An Upper Arm Exoskeleton Assistive Robot, Reza Shisheie

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Stroke is the primary cause of permanent impairment and neurological damage in the United States and Europe. Annually, about fifteen million individuals worldwide suffer from stroke, which kills about one third of them. For many years, it was believed that major recovery can be achieved only in the first six months after a stroke. More recent research has demonstrated that even many years after a stroke, significant improvement is not out of reach. However, economic pressures, the aging population, and lack of specialists and available human resources can interrupt therapy, which impedes full recovery of patients after being discharged from …

Immunity-Based Accommodation Of Aircraft Subsystem Failures, Adil Togayev

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis presents the design, development, and flight-simulation testing of an artificial immune system (AIS) based approach for accommodation of different aircraft subsystem failures.;Failure accommodation is considered as part of a complex integrated AIS scheme that contains four major components: failure detection, identification, evaluation, and accommodation. The accommodation part consists of providing compensatory commands to the aircraft under specific abnormal conditions based on previous experience. In this research effort, the possibility of building an AIS allowing the extraction of pilot commands is investigated.;The proposed approach is based on structuring the self (nominal conditions) and the non-self (abnormal conditions) within the …

Effects Of Paired Housing And Acute D-Amphetamine On Delay Discounting In Lewis And Fischer 344 Rats, Marissa Turturici

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Lewis (LEW) and Fischer 344 (F344) rats are two genetically different strains that differ in impulsive choices made in a delay-discounting task. An operational definition of impulsive choice is a choice of a smaller-sooner reinforcer over a larger-later reinforcer. Research using LEW and F344 rats has housed rats singly. Studies have shown that paired housing influences impulsive choice, but it is not known if paired housing affects impulsive choice in the LEW and F344 strains specifically. The present study compared impulsive choice in pair-housed LEW and F344 rats to archival data from singly housed LEW and F344 rats. Impulsive choices …

Developed A Remote Technique To Assess The Effectiveness Of Thermal Insulation In Households In West Virginia, Prateek Vaish

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Physical energy audits and interventional methods cannot sustain the increasing demand of assessing the effectiveness of existing thermal insulation in households. As for now, there does not exist a sufficiently accurate remote technology or method to assess the efficiency of a thermal envelope. Usually, the energy bills and the age of the furnace are good indicators of the performance of insulation in houses. To overcome the lack of availability of a proper framework to calculate the effectiveness of the thermal envelope, a standard methodology using multiple linear regression and temperature data acquired from a house has been developed. The major …

Head And Neck Cancer Invasion: Contributions Of Actin Regulatory Proteins And The Microenvironment, Elyse Lindsey Walk

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Metastasis of primary tumor lesions is the leading cause of cancer-related death. In head and neck cancer, a local-regional disease, metastasis is achieved mainly through invasion into surrounding tissue and spreads to cervical lymph nodes. Movement from the initial tumor site requires dynamic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, which utilizes the coordinated action of many actin regulatory proteins. However, there is increasing evidence that the tumor microenvironment is also a driver of invasion. This work aims to determine the contributions of proteins which regulate the actin cytoskeleton during head and neck cancer invasion both in vitro and in vivo, and …

Effects Of Ethanol On Pigeons' Near-Win Responding In A Slot-Machine Analog, Alexander A. Ward

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In slot machine play, near wins are losses that are visually similarity to wins and increase gambling persistence, but provide no reinforcer. To measure effects of ethanol on near-win responding, pigeons pecked for food in a slot-machine analog following ethanol administration. In any given trial, one of four outcomes was signaled by consecutive presentations of red or green key lights, followed by a white "collect key." Three red lights signaled a win and three green lights signaled a loss. Two red lights followed by a green light signaled a near win. On winning trials, food was delivered 5 s after …

Ion Current Rectification In Nanomicro-Fluidic Interfaces And Pulsed Glow Discharge Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometric Chemical Speciation, Han Wang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Microfluidics continues to be of interest for analyzing chemical and biological samples because of the disposability, portability, low sample consumption, fast analysis time, and parallel analysis potential for multiple samples in a single device. To improve microfluidic device functionality, integrated systems-nanofluidic/microfluidic interfaces (NMIs) have been fabricated for concentrating samples and performing as molecular gates. Ion current rectification has been confirmed in NMI with an asymmetric system. In chapter 2, the asymmetry of the NMI is systematically altered by varying the inner diameter of the nanocapillary membrane (NCM) reservoir, and the current rectification factor is observed to increase as the inner …

A New Gaussian Process Method For Modeling And Design Of Multi-Source Data In Exposure-Response Toxicology Studies, Kai Wang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

One of the most fundamental steps in risk assessment is to quantify the exposure-response relationship for the material/chemical of interest. This work develops a new statistical method, referred to as SKQ (stochastic kriging with qualitative factors), to synergistically model exposure-response data, which often arise from multiple sources (e.g., laboratories, animal providers, and shapes of nanomaterials) in toxicology studies. Compared to the existing methods, SKQ has several distinct features. First of all, SKQ integrates data across multiple sources, and allows for the derivation of more accurate information from limited data. Second, SKQ is highly flexible and able to model practically any …

The Utilization Of Adventure Based Programming To Foster Posttraumatic Growth Within A Veteran Population: A Mixed Methods Study, Joseph A. Wassif

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There is a lack of research exploring interventions that promote posttraumatic growth with veterans. The current project represents a first attempt to explore posttraumatic growth among veterans who participate in a strength-based program specifically designed for the healthy reintegration and socialization of returning members of the armed services. Through the use of a mixed methods approach, I hoped to show that veterans would report increases in posttraumatic growth following participation in an Outward Bound Veterans Program. Veterans that completed the program were compared to a waitlist control, which consisted of other military personnel that had signed up for, but had …

Roles Of Nitric Oxide And Shear Stress In The Regulation Of Microvessel Permeability In Intact Rat Mesenteric Venules, Sulei Xu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Mechanical forces have been indicated to play important roles in the regulation of inflammatory cell interaction with endothelium resulting in localized leakage formation and contributing to many disease-associated microvascular dysfunctions. However, most of the mechanical force related studies were conducted in vitro. The underlying mechanisms are still controversial. There is a need to investigate how shear stress regulates the endothelial cell (EC) signaling and related vascular barrier function using intact microvessels with experimental conditions closely replicating in vivo situations. The overall aim of my dissertation is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms of how shear stress and nitric oxide …

Human Recognition From Video Sequences And Off-Angle Face Images Supported By Respiration Signatures, Xue Yang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In this work, we study the problem of human identity recognition using human respiratory waveforms extracted from videos combined with component-based off- angle human facial images. Our proposed system is composed of (i) a physiology- based human clustering module and (ii) an identification module based on facial features (nose, mouth, etc.) fetched from face videos. In our proposed methodology we, first, manage to passively extract an important vital sign (breath), cluster human subjects into nostril motion vs. nostril non-motion groups, and, then, localize a set of facial features, before we apply feature extraction and matching.;Our novel human identity recognition system …

Analysis Of Haul Truck- Related Fatalities And Injuries In Surface Coal Mining In West Virginia, Meng Zhang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Trucks are the primary means of haulage in surface coal, metal, and nonmetal mining operations. The number of fatal accidents involving trucks is higher when compared to all other mining equipment. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reports that 137 fatalities were haul truck- related in the United States between 1995 and 2011. A total of 12 truck-related accidents, including 13 fatalities, were recorded in surface coal mining operations in West Virginia (WV) during this period. The objectives of this research were to (i) analyze the root causes of these accidents, and (ii) develop effective intervention strategies to eliminate …

Plasmonic Gold Nanohole Arrays For Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering, Peng Zheng

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Localized and periodic optical modes co-exist in plasmonic nanohole arrays leading to a unique mix of optical properties. In this thesis, a simultaneous experimental and theoretical investigation is used to investigate the origin of each optical mode, explaining the mix between extraordinary optical transmission, enhanced absorption, and local electromagnetic field concentration. Additionally, the hole array diameter, film thickness, and periodicity are systematically varied to explore the tuning and cross over between the multiple optical modes. The nanohole array to nanotriangle array transition is investigated, showing how the localized surface plasmon resonance evolves into the periodic surface plasmon polariton mode. These …

Resource-Based Destination Competitiveness Evaluation Using Analytic Hierarchy Process (Ahp): The Case Study Of West Virginia, Yanhong Zhou

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study aimed to evaluate West Virginia's resource-based tourism competitiveness in relation to its neighboring competitors using analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The study also sought to investigate the utility of AHP in destination competitiveness evaluation. Ten executive directors from West Virginia's Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) and 891 visitors to West Virginia participated in this study. Findings revealed that West Virginia performed well on availability of adventure-based activities, nature-based activities, and had a competitive edge on hospitality and friendliness of residents, safety and security, and value for money in shopping items in relation to competing destinations. AHP was shown to …

Long Exposure: Environmental Racism And Activism In Institute, West Virginia, Allyssa Sobey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

On December 2, 1984 a lethal cloud of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) - a key chemical ingredient used to manufacture agricultural pesticides- leaked from a Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, India. The release covered approximately nine miles and consisted of 40 tons of MIC, causing an estimated 2500 immediate fatalities and more than 10,000 deaths within a week of the event. While the Bhopal disaster captured global headlines and sparked transnational anti-toxics and environmental justice movements, the largest production and storage facility for MIC in the world was located in the Institute Industrial Park- just a few miles west of Charleston, …

Transsynaptic Delineation Of The Rabbit Eyeblink Premotor Pathway: Identifying Anterior Interpositus Neurons And Their Synaptic Changes As A Function Of Learning, Jimena Gonzalez-Joekes

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The main goal of this dissertation was to identify eyeblink projection neurons of the anterior interpositus nucleus (AIN) and to examine learning-specific changes in excitatory and inhibitory somatic synapses after eyeblink conditioning (EBC). In order to identify the specific subset of AIN neurons involved in EBC, a retrograde transneuronal viral tracer was injected into the eyelid (orbicularis oculi muscle) of the rabbit to reveal hierarchical chains of synaptically connected neurons involved in the eyeblink response. Experiment 1 was designed to provide a complete delineation of the rabbit eyeblink premotor pathway and to characterize the multiple neuronal types in the AIN …

Monitoring The Integrity Of Co2 Storage Sites Using Smart Field Technology, Seyed Alireza Haghighat

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Capability of underground carbon dioxide storage to confine and sustain injected CO2 for a very long time is the main concern for geologic CO2 sequestration. If a leakage from a geological sink occurs, it is crucial to find the approximate amount and location of the leak in order to implement proper remediation activity.;An overwhelming majority of research and development for storage site monitoring has been concentrated on atmospheric, surface or near surface monitoring of the sequestered CO2. This study is different it aims to monitor the integrity of CO2 storage at the reservoir level. This work proposes developing in-situ CO2 …

Socio-Demographic And Behavioral Factors Associated With Hiv Testing And Hiv Seropositivity Among Women And Children In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Population-Based Multilevel Analysis, Zelalem T. Haile

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV/AIDS is one of the leading causes of mortality that disproportionately affects women and children. In this sub-region, 57% of those living with HIV are women and is home for 90% of children under the age of 15 that are living with HIV. This study examined socio-demographic and behavioral factors associated with HIV testing and HIV seropositivity among women and children using nationally representative data.;Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional study design using data from Demographic and Health Survey and AIDS Indicator Survey, conducted between the years 2006 and 2012 from 25 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. …

Modeling And Optimization Of Woody Biomass Harvest And Logistics In The Northeastern United States, Damon S. Hartley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

World energy consumption is at an all-time high and is projected to continue growing for the foreseeable future. Currently, much of the energy that is produced comes from non-renewable fossil energy sources, which includes the burden of increased greenhouse gas emissions and the fear of energy insecurity. Woody biomass is being considered as a material that can be utilized to reduce the burden caused by fossil energy. While the technical capability to convert woody biomass to energy has been known for a long period of time, the cost of the feedstock has been considered too costly to be implemented in …

Relation Of Distress Tolerance And Dental Care-Related Fear And Anxiety, Sarah E. Hayes

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Distress tolerance can be defined as the degree to which one is able to cope with and endure negative emotional states. This study examined possible differences in levels of distress tolerance between adults with dental phobia and age-, sex-, and income-matched adults without dental phobia. Using 42 volunteers who responded to advertisements (n = 21, dental phobia group; n = 21, healthy comparison group), this investigation utilized self-report measures of distress tolerance, fear of pain, anxiety sensitivity, dental care-related fear and anxiety,, and depression. All participants were assessed with the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS-IV); for the dental phobia group, …

An Experimental Investigation On The Effects Of Freestream Turbulence Intensity On Film Cooling Effectiveness And Heat Transfer Coefficient For An Anti-Vortex Hole, Stephen Andrew Hayes

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Film cooling is used to thermally protect combustor and turbine components by creating a layer of relatively cooler air than the freestream air to insulate the components from the hot freestream gases. This relatively cooler air is taken from upstream in the high-pressure compressor section at a loss to the engine efficiency, and therefore must be used as effectively as possible. The efficiency gained from increasing the turbine inlet temperature outweighs the loss due to extracting air from the compressor section if the cooling air is used effectively. A novel anti-vortex hole (AVH) geometry has been investigated experimentally through a …