Digital Commons Network^™

S(+)-Propylnorapomorphine Hydrochloride Alters Mutant Huntingtin Aggregation And Membrane Interactions, Gabriella M. Pettipas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder resulting from an abnormally long CAG repeat in the huntingtin gene. This results in an expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) domain in the huntingtin protein (htt) that directly leads to self-assembly of huntingtin (htt) into a variety of aggregate species that underlie cellular toxicity. Interaction of protein aggregates with a variety of lipid membranes has been linked to disease pathology. Here, the ability of a small molecule S(+)-propylnorapomorphine (NM) hydrochloride to modulate htt-exon1(46Q) aggregation and interactions with lipid membranes was determined. ThT assays were performed to quantify fibril formation of htt in the …

C–H Alkylation Of Diol Substrates Using Bifunctional Boronic Acid Catalysts, Matthew Ryan Ross

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Boronic acid catalysts in combination with a Lewis base have been used in previous work to perform site-selective C–H alkylation reactions targeting the α-hydroxy C–H bond of diols through a photoredox activated hydrogen atom transfer. This is done by accessing a tetracoordinate boronic acid – Lewis base complex which then mediates the hydrogen atom transfer. The research hypothesizes that combining the boronic acid and Lewis base into one molecule not only simplifies the reaction but also has the potential to unlock C–H alkylation sites previously inaccessible. This is plausible because the Lewis base portion of the synthesized bifunctional boronic acid …

Kinetic Study Of Oh Radical Reactions With Cyclopentenone Derivatives, Patrick Kipkoech Rutto

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Conjugated a, b-unsaturated carbonyl compounds like cyclopentenone play a significant role in various environmental processes. These compounds are formed in combustion and Earth’s atmosphere from the oxidation of cyclic ketones such as cyclopentanone. Once formed under oxidative conditions, cyclopentenone may react with presence of free radicals like OH in the atmosphere molecules to form vinoxy type resonantly stabilized radicals. The presence of free radicals species like OH, O2 in the atmosphere can react with these molecules resulting into intermediate products that dissociate to give final products. Experimental and theoretical investigations in the reactions of cyclopentenone derivatives with these small free …

Estimating Home Range Size And Density Of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus) In West Virginia, Sarah M. Pesi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Big game hunting is an important source of revenue and recreation in the United States. Of big game species, white-tailed deer (Odocileus virginianus) are the most heavily pursued. White-tailed deer are a widespread generalist species, capable of existing at high densities. Hunting is often used as the primary method of managing deer populations, particularly in the eastern United States, where there is a lack of large predators. When populations reach high densities, there can be negative effects on the environment and conflicts with humans. Managers must consider both creating adequate hunting opportunities and reducing negative impacts when managing …

Site, Seasonality, And Satisfaction: A Tourism Marketing Study In Pocahontas County, West Virginia, Lillian E. Oles

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Tourism in the United States has become a key player in the economy as supported by the National Travel and Tourism Office. Specifically, West Virginia has proven to play its part, with Pocahontas county sitting as one of the top contributors. This rural area, which provides tourism opportunities year-round could fall victim to seasonality, preventing development and growth for the region. The Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau works to stay on top of this, however, even creating the basis for this study by partnering with researchers at West Virginia University to perform a visitor profile and economic impact analysis. …

Development And Implementation Of Occupational Therapy Group Protocols For Individuals In Recovery For Substance Use Disorder: Considering Social Determinants Of Health And Occupational Areas Of Need, Samantha Jane Windisch

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are becoming a more widespread issue globally. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19.7 million adults in the U.S. suffered from an SUD in 2017. (SAMSHA, 2018). Recurrent alcohol and/or drug use that results in significant disability, including health issues, and/or a failure to prioritize obligations like employment, school, or family life are characteristics of SUD (SAMHSA, 2022). Research suggests that healthcare providers must integrate cutting-edge and successful treatments for this population to lower the risk of overdose and relapse rates, given the swift global spread of addictive disorders. In the past, …

The Impact Of Low-Skew On The Ultimate Capacity Of Press-Brake-Formed Tub Girders, Madison Lynn Morgan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The development of press-brake-formed tub girders (PBFTGs) has offered innovative solutions for short-span steel bridge applications and helps meet the demand for rapid infrastructure replacement solutions. The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) comprises bridge and buried soil structure industry leaders who aim to provide essential educational information to bridge and highway professionals on the design and construction of short-span steel bridge installations (SSSBA, 2020). The American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) provides design standards, specifications, and guidance for the analysis and construction of PBFTGs. Currently, the AASHTO Load Resistance and Factor Design Bridge Design Specifications (AASHTO …

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

An Integrated Framework For Establishing Long-Term Transportation Management Strategies Promoting Sustainable Urban Growth, M Imtiaz Rahman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Urban land areas are experiencing a more rapid expansion compared to their population growth on a global scale. This phenomenon, known as urban sprawl, is characterized by low-density development in the outskirts of cities. This unplanned urban growth leads to changing urban transportation patterns, posing a threat to sustainable development. In response, government agencies implement growth management practices, with transportation management strategies playing a crucial role in achieving sustainable urban growth. However, developing effective growth management strategies is difficult because of several challenges, including limited understanding of the key influencing factors, the complex interdependencies among these factors, and the uncertainties …

Floral Alchemy: Decorative Porcelain Tableware, Stacy Lynn Larson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

Women In Extension Persevering In Leadership Roles, Lexis Danielle Trickett

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Over the last several decades, the rates at which women have been pursuing higher levels of education have steadily increased. However, there is a discrepancy between the number of women graduating, and the amount entering the workforce, specifically in leadership roles. The purpose of this study was to share a current profile of women in the West Virginia Cooperative Extension Service by allowing them to describe their career journeys, supports and barriers they may or may not have faced, and mentoring experiences. By using a non-experimental quantitative methodology, a population of male and female Extension Agents and Specialists were surveyed …

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

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

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

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

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

Anamnesis, Kristian Thacker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

My work examines the duality of living in Appalachia and cherishing its picturesque environment; while being complicit in its ongoing destruction via industry and resource extraction. Composed of my own photographs and selections from the Farm Security Administration archives, this body of work presents a vision of the region that’s purpose extends beyond value judgments. Rather, it considers the manmade and natural environments of Appalachia holistically, each one integral to the experience and understanding of the other. Following the same aesthetic choices I make in my professional practice as a photojournalist, I blur the boundary between art and documentation. In …

Characterization Of Host Cell Specific Interactions During Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae Infection, Emerson Towey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Vector-borne diseases have been increasing over the past few years due to changes in climate and disturbances in the vectors’ natural environment. To mitigate the risks of these diseases, it is necessary to understand pathogen biology and how it interacts with a host to cause disease. Here we focus our attention on the tick-borne pathogen, Rickettsia rickettsii. R. rickettsii is a member of the spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsiae and is the etiological agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a fatal human disease that is lacking an effective vaccine. Members of the bacterial genus Rickettsia are obligate intracellular endoparasites …

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

Implementing Best Practice Methods Of Endotracheal Tube Cuff Inflation In The Operating Room, Katherine Zeiger Brown

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Use of manometers, inflating the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff with a 5-mL syringe, displaying the pressure-volume loop (PV-L) on anesthesia machines, and auscultating with a stethoscope over the trachea have been shown effective in preventing ETT cuff overinflation in the operating room (OR). Purpose: The aims of this project were to implement and evaluate a best practice guideline for ETT cuff inflation in the OR. Methods: This project was conducted in several ORs at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, in Morgantown, West Virginia. Participants included anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), student registered nurse anesthetists, residents, and medics. The ETT …

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

Evaluating Outcomes Post-Adoption Of Reck Solution For Total Shoulder Arthroplasties: A Retrospective Quality Analysis, Benjamin Levi Tillis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Evaluating Outcomes Post-adoption of RECK Solution for Total Shoulder Arthroplasties: A Retrospective Quality Analysis

Benjamin Tillis

Introduction: Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) has become an integral part of postoperative pain relief for West Virginia University (WVU) Medicine’s total joint arthroplasty procedures. However, not all LIAs are the same. Liposomal bupivacaine has a unique mechanism of delivery which could potentially lead to longer lasting effects. Ropivacaine, epinephrine, clonidine, and ketorolac (RECK) solution offers a multimodal approach to enhancing the duration of effect for the LIA. In 2022, WVU Medicine switched from liposomal bupivacaine to the RECK solution for total joint …

Impact Of Tiered Implementation Of Clinical Decision Support System For Acute Kidney Injury And Nephrotoxin Exposure In Cardiac Surgery Patients, Christopher M. Justice Ii

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Nephrotoxin exposure may worsen kidney injury and impair kidney recovery if continued in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).

Objective: To determine if tiered implementation of a clinical decision support system (CDSS) would reduce nephrotoxin use in cardiac surgery patients with AKI.

Methods: We assessed patients admitted to the cardiac surgery intensive care unit at a tertiary care center from January 2020 to December 2021, and August 2022 to September 2023. A passive electronic AKI alert was activated in Jul 2020, followed by an electronic nephrotoxin alert in March 2023. In this alert, active nephrotoxic medication orders resulted in …

Ecological Planning And Design For Creating A Thriving Suburban Community In Lumberton, Nc, Maram Moushmoush

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of the project is to propose ecological planning and design techniques to create a thriving and robust suburban community in Lumberton, North Carolina. The project becomes an educational hub on agroforestry, ecological design and stewardship, and flood mitigation through stormwater strategies for Linkhaw’s Mixed Use Community Development plan. Linkhaw Farms is a 540 acre site, in a predominantly Native American community, situated on the north-east boundary of Lumberton in the Coastal Plains region of NC. It was formerly owned by the Linkhaw family for over 70 years, producing tobacco, and later rotation of annual crop production between corn …

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

Light Wavelength Modulates Search Behavior Performance In Zebrafish, Matthew Reid Waalkes

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Long-term internal states drive many behaviors in animals. Zebrafish is a common vertebrate model conducive to finding the neural coding to these behaviors. In the Horstick lab, the larval zebrafish light search behavior is central to our research. This behavior, which is the locomotor response to the loss of light in larval zebrafish, is controlled by multiple neural populations that drive different internal states. The sensory neurons initially responsible for this behavior are photosensitive due to the expression of light-absorbing proteins called opsins. Opsins vary in the ranges of wavelengths of light that they absorb, and are expressed in distinct …

Utilizing Arcgis Storymap To Raise Awareness: Double Dispossession Of The Gullah Geechee On Sapelo Island, Noah A. Moulton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the Sea Islands of the Atlantic Coast, represent a resilient community whose heritage and practices have endured despite centuries of systemic oppression. This research examines the intersection of history, land dispossession, and environmental threats to the Gullah Geechee community, particularly on Sapelo Island. By exploring the enduring agricultural knowledge, language, and practices, this work underscores the significance of the Gullah Geechee's connection to their ancestral lands, which have been essential for the preservation of their identity. The dual forces of gentrification and climate change present pressing challenges, manifesting as both …

Bioenergy Cropping Systems Established On Marginal Lands: Effects Of Land Use, Energy Crop, And Fertility Amendments On Soil Health, Mica M. Keck

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Bioenergy crops offer a promising strategy for renewable energy production, accompanied by carbon (C) storage benefits when managed sustainably. Utilizing marginal lands for energy feedstock production presents an opportunity for bioenergy generation and concurrent climate mitigation without competing with food crops. However, achieving optimal yields requires strategies to restore soil fertility, which require increased understanding of the interactive effects of prior land use, energy crop species, and fertility amendments available. This study, conducted as part of the Mid-Atlantic Sustainable Biomass (MASBio) Consortium, investigated the effects of biochar incorporation—a C-rich charcoal derived from biomass, intended for soil enhancement—on bioenergy cropping systems …