Digital Commons Network^™

A Normal Accident Theory-Based Complexity Assessment Methodology For Safety-Related Embedded Computer Systems., John J. Sammarco

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Computer-related accidents have caused injuries and fatalities in numerous applications. Normal Accident Theory (NAT) explains that these accidents are inevitable because of system complexity. Complex systems, such as computer-based systems, are highly interconnected, highly interactive, and tightly coupled. We do not have a scientific methodology to identify and quantify these complexities; specifically, NAT has not been operationalized for computer-based systems. Our research addressed this by operationalizing NAT for the system requirements of safety-related computer systems. It was theorized that there are two types of system complexity: external and internal. External complexity was characterized by three variables: system predictability, observability, and …

Distributional Ecology Of Bay Anchovy (Anchoa Mitchilli) In The Hudson River Estuary, United States., Ronald Clifton Tipton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

We used hydroacoustics to seasonally estimate regional density and combined river region total abundance of larvae, juvenile, and adult bay anchovy in the Hudson River Estuary from May 1996 through September 1998. During the fine scale power plant study, pelagic fish abundance and distribution was determined acoustically in the vicinity of Bowline and Indian Point power plants on the Hudson River, New York during July, August, and September 1996, in a study designed to determine size specific spatial and temporal fish abundance and distribution with respect to environmental classifications in the vicinity of the two power plants. August yielded the …

Cumulative Review: Effects Of Random Alternation Of Review Items On Mathematics Problem Solving., Christine Kim

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The present study evaluated the differences between three methods of reviewing basic algebra skills. Five component rules were trained: the use of four laws of exponents and a combination rule that included simplifying mathematical expressions (i.e., “order of operations”) and perfect squares. All methods used the same procedures to teach the rules and included review sessions interspersed among the training of the individual rules. The differences among methods involved the kinds of practice provided during the review sessions. The simple review group (n = 12) received extra questions on each rule learned. The nonrandom cumulative review group (n = 12) …

The Impact Of Student Discourse And Journal Writing On The Mathematics Achievement Of Fifth-Grade Students., Lesley A. Klishis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In its Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics called for a new vision of what is means to be mathematically literate (NCTM, 2000). A major goal of this reform movement has been to provide students with opportunities to develop "mathematical habits of the mind to not only know the signs, symbols, and terms of mathematics, but to read, write, and discuss mathematics. This study investigated the relationship between instructional strategies and student understanding in mathematics. Specifically, the study explored whether student discourse is a desirable prerequisite of journal writing, and whether the …

Three Essays On The Estimations Of Price Elasticity Of Demand In The United States Cigarette Industry And World Crude Oil Market., Jian-Fa Li

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Essay I presents a set of more refined estimates of demand for cigarettes in the U.S. It was found that the dynamic fixed estimator (DFE) outperforms the pool mean group estimator (PMG) and the mean group estimator (MG) in the U.S. cigarette market from 1961 to 1997. The short-run price elasticity is −0.122, and the long run price elasticity is −0.716. Additionally, there is ample room for cigarette firms to raise revenue to pay for the settlement costs as long as the demand for cigarettes remains in the inelastic range. In essay II, Based on our empirical estimates, the gap …

The Future Of Electronic Editing: Theory And Practice., Hilary M. Attfield

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation investigates the theory and practice of editing as it moves into the electronic era. As an example of the type of material which scholars may now be interested in working with, it centers on an edition of a lecture given by the West Virginia artist-journalist David Hunter Strother on John Brown nine years after the insurrection at Harper's Ferry. This material was chosen because it was locally available, unpublished, both locally and nationally important, and of the dimension which would have formerly placed it on the margin of paper publication. Chapter one shows how the theory of editing …

Fictions Of Nature: Ecology, Science, And Culture In Twentieth-Century British Literature., Neal Bukeavich

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation examines twentieth-century British fiction concerned with humankind's interactions with the nonhuman world. I analyze a range of literary works, including H. G. Wells's The Food of the Gods (1903), D. H. Lawrence's The Rainbow (1915), Women in Love (1920), and Lady Chatterley's Lover (1928), John Brunner's Stand on Zanzibar (1968), Graham Swift's Waterland (1983), and J. G. Ballard's Rushing to Paradise (1994). This body of literature remains largely unexamined for its treatments of ecological issues and belongs to a national history deeply implicated in local and global environmental change. Moreover, my consideration of this literary tradition marks a …

The Smoking/Drinking Connection: Smoking Reduces The Effects Of Alcohol On Postural Reflexes, John W. Rohrbaugh, Andrei B. Vedeniapin, Erik J. Sirevaag, Tracy L. Goldenberg, Rachel G. Sandy, Caroline Ryan, Molly M. Rauscher, Kenneth J. Sher, Andrew C. Heath

Posters

No abstract provided.

A Qualitative Study Of A Capacity -Building Professional Development Experience., Theodora R. Cox

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Capacity building in schools is of great interest to educators and policy makers who see an ongoing need for improvement in schools. This qualitative study investigates a professional development program provided in a school system to determine: (1) the dynamics of the experience that inspired participants to want to change practices to better facilitate student learning; (2) how selected educators exemplified that inspiration in their daily professional experience; and (3) how the training has impacted classrooms, schools, and the school system. The study took the shape of a funnel. Wiersma (1995) explains that the funnel approach begins with a general …

Epr And Endor Studies Of Point Defects In Lithium Triborate And Beta-Barium Borate., Wei Hong

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electron-nuclear double resonance (EN-DOR) have been used to identify and characterize point defects in nonlinear optical crystals of lithium triborate (LiB3O5) and beta barium borate (β-BaB2O4). Two similar hole centers, one (Hole Center A) stable below approximately 130 K and the other one (Hole Center B) stable below approximately 170 K, were observed in LiB3O 5. For both centers, there is a major hyperfine interaction with only one 11B nucleus. The g matrix and the 11B hyperfine and nuclear quadrupole matrices have been determined for each hole center. I suggest Hole Center A is a …

Interaction Of Disparity And Accommodative Vergence, Michele Liu Kung

Theses

To fixate on a target that moves from far to near, changes in blur and disparity activate accommodation and disparity vergence. The goal of this study was to experimentally obtain eye movement data from four subjects, and analyze this data using through a new signal processing algorithm known as independent component analysis (ICA). Preliminary data suggest that three underlying neural subcomponents are present where the two components of disparity vergence initiate the movement and the accommodative portion is activated to facilitate the steady state portion of the response.

ICA was used as a blind source separation technique to analyze experimental …

Physical Activity Perceptions In Adolescents: A Qualitative Analysis., Lindsey M. Parker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this research was to investigate adolescent perceptions of overweight and physical activity. Focus groups were used to collect information. Eight age- and gender- specific focus groups consisting of 48 participants (10 middle school males, 10 middle school females, 15 high school males, and 13 high school females). Perceptions of overweight, benefits, barriers and facilitators to being physically active were gathered among the groups and compared using age and gender. Males and females were found to differ in their overweight perceptions, perceived benefits of physical activity, their activity preferences, and barriers to physical activity. High school aged adolescents …

Predictors Of Physical Abuse History And Abuse Potential: An Observation Of Parenting Style In Mother-Child Dyads Referred For Child Disruptive Behavior Problems., Lisa M. Ware

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examined the relation between parental behaviors (i.e., amount of interaction, positive behavior, aversive behavior, controlling behavior), child abuse potential (as measured by the Child Abuse Potential Inventory), documented history of child physical abuse, and demographic variables (e.g., socioeconomic status) among mothers of children with disruptive behavior problems. Results indicated that socio-economic status and child abuse potential were significant predictors of substantiated history of abuse. Further, only the presence of a documented history of abuse was significantly related to child abuse potential scores. Although the hypotheses that positive, aversive, and controlling behavior would be predictive of child abuse potential …

Evaluating Municipal Replacement Trees: Assessing Health And Survival Factors., Scott L. Kilbourn

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Tree characteristics and environmental factors were evaluated to determine their effect on the health and survival of low-maturing street trees. A total of 271 trees were sampled in 13 West Virginia communities participating in the Municipal Tree Restoration Program (MTRP). Trees were assigned a crown rating on a scale of 0-7, 0 being excellent and 7 being very poor. Crown ratings were based on estimates of crown density, foliage transparency, and crown dieback percentages. Using logistic regression, a model was developed to predict the initial survival. Seven variables were found to have a significant relationship with crown rating: diameter above …

Exchange Bias In The Manganese-Platinum-Cobalt System., Erie Hector Morales Leal

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

MnxPt1-x/Co antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic (AF/F) bilayers were grown via dc magnetron sputtering at room temperature on Si(111) and glass substrates. Samples were annealed in vacuum in a 1200 Oe magnetic field at various temperatures TA after growth. The Mn concentration x was determined from the MnPt lattice parameters and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. The maximum exchange bias (HE) was observed for x ~ 0.50 in agreement with previous work. Annealing caused the MnPt to form an ordered face-centered-tetragonal CuAu ordered structure which is necessary to observe HE. X-ray reflectivity indicates that an interdiffusion region exists at the MnPt/Co interface. The interdiffusion increases with …

Forgiveness Of Interpersonal Betrayal: The Effects Of Empathy And Trauma Symptomology., Benjamin T. Parker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study investigated the relations among forgiveness, empathy, trauma symptomology, and relationship characteristics. Participants included 116 female and 113 male undergraduates. Forgiveness was measured by the Acts of Forgiveness Scale, empathy by the Batson Empathy Scale, and trauma symptomology by the PTSD Checklist. The Relationship Rating Form and the Commitment Inventory measured relationship characteristics. Results indicated a significant positive relation between forgiveness and empathy (r = .215) and a significant inverse relation between forgiveness and trauma symptomology (r = -.307). No significant direct associations were observed between forgiveness and relationship characteristics. Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that forgiveness was significantly predicted …

The History Of Presque Isle And The City Of Erie, Pennsylvania: A Remote Sensing Case Study., Christopher Schaney

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Geomorphology of the Presque Isle peninsula in Erie, Pennsylvania is inherently unstable. Since its initial development 3,500 years before present, long shore drift has caused the peninsula to migrate east across the Long Point-Erie moraine. Erosion on the western shoreline has breached the connection of the peninsula to the mainland 4 times in the past 200 years. The harbor, created by Presque Isle, has been paramount in the development and sustained existence of industry in Erie. The natural shallow entrance to the bay was bypassed in 1827 by the construction of a deep entrance to the harbor. Success of the …

Section 1983 Litigation: Supreme Court Review, Erwin Chemerinsky, Martin A. Schwartz

Touro Law Review

No abstract provided.

Wrongful Death Actions Under Section 1983, Martin A. Schwartz, Steven Steinglass, Richard Emery, Ilann Margalit Maazel

Touro Law Review

No abstract provided.

Essays On The Predictability Of Equity Returns: The Roles Of Profit Income And Intangible Assets., Duo Zhang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

My dissertation considers, in one theoretical essay and two empirical essays, the implications of an unequal distribution of wealth and of firms' intangible assets for the predictability of the returns on stocks. The first two essays are concerned with the effect of wealth distribution on the stock market. Essay I shows how to conceptualize the wealth distribution effect on stock returns. It starts with the assumption that some individuals are, and some are not, liquidity-constrained in their consumption; hence some save in the stock market and some do not. Then it is derived that stock returns depend on two factors: …

A Geological And Geophysical Investigation Of Ice Mountain Algific Talus, Hampshire County, West Virginia, Kevin M. Andrews

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ice Mountain is an algific talus slope located in Hampshire County, West Virginia, protected for its status as a biological refugium. Both the origin of the slope and the mechanism by which cold air is produced from the base of the slope have remained mysteries to local residents and tourists for many years. This research effort takes a scientific approach to exploring the mysteries of Ice Mountain. Bedrock and surficial geologic mapping provides an understanding of the physical environment of the slope area, while geophysical survey data provide clues to the subsurface of the slope. The algific talus consists of …

Evidence Of Acclimatization In Persons With Severe-To-Profound Hearing Loss, Francis K. Kuk, Lisa G. Potts, Lidia Lee, Michael Valente, Jay Picirrillo

Publications

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Nerve Growth Factor In Neuropeptide Up-Regulation In Trigeminal Ganglia Neurons Following Irritant Exposure., Erin R. Wilfong

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Workers exposed to occupational irritants often develop symptoms of airway inflammation by unknown mechanisms. In laboratory animals, occupational irritants activate sensory nerves located in airway walls. Sensory nerves respond by increasing neuropeptide production. The neuropeptide, substance P (SP), is produced in trigeminal ganglia (TG) cell bodies and released from nasal mucosa nerve endings. Neurogenic inflammation results from the release of neuropeptides and is characterized by vasodilation, plasma extravasation, mucous secretion and neutrophil chemotaxis. The purpose of these studies was to characterize the regulation of neuropeptides in the upper airway after irritant exposure. Nasal irritation to asphalt fumes is a commonly …

The Comparative Effects Of Four-Week Core Stabilization And Balance-Training Programs On Semidynamic And Dynamic Balance., Anthony, B. Piegaro Jr.

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to determine the comparative effects of four-week core stabilization and balance-training programs on semidynamic and dynamic balance. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of four groups using stratified randomization for gender and activity. These groups included a control group and three experimental groups. Subjects in the three experimental groups performed their training program two days per week for four-weeks. The Biodex Stability System Test (semidynamic balance) and Star Excursion Balance Test (dynamic balance) were used for pre-test and post-test. There were no significant differences for the Biodex Stability System Test. There were significant main …

A Study Of Classic Films And Their Portrayal Of The Mentally Ill., Allison Marie Plants

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The media have an enormous influence on the way the public views mental illness. Their frequent and often flawed portrayals of the mentally ill cause negative feelings to develop. Media framing plays a powerful role in the portrayal of the mentally ill. The way the media portray the mentally ill directly affects how they are viewed in real life.

A Comparison Of Soft Tissue Prediction Tracings Using The Andrews And Ricketts Diagnostic Techniques., Bryan Keith Roos

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in soft tissue profiles using the Andrews and Ricketts diagnoses, as judged by professionals and laypersons. 25 patients were selected from the WVU Department of Orthodontics. Quick Ceph ProTM software was used to create simulated profiles according to the Andrews and Ricketts diagnoses. Profiles were rated at Time 1 and Time 2 by each group. Using t tests and correlation means to compare groups, it was found that there was a statistically significant preference by the professionals towards the Andrews profiles, M = 2.4, t (25) = …

The Effects Of The Gifted Program Screening Process On The Self-Concept And Academic Achievement Of Students., Mark Andrew Barney

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Little has been written concerning the effects of student testing for participation in gifted programs. Moreover, few studies have sought to apply a sociological perspective to the understanding of student testing. This research examines the academic achievement and selfconcept of high-achieving students in two West Virginia counties who were targeted for testing for the gifted program. Three subgroups are examined; 1) students tested for gifted programs and accepted; 2) students tested for the gifted program who were not accepted; and 3) students who were not tested but meet the criteria for initial screening. This examination consists of comparing classroom academic …

Consumer Preferences For Genetically Modified Fish And Seafood: An Econometric Approach., Brian S. Bennett

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Genetic modification (GM) is a rapidly growing technology that can improve productivity and profitability for producers; however consumer acceptance of this technology is not fully understood, particularly as it relates to fish and seafood. The purpose of this study is to evaluate consumer perceptions of GM foods in general, and fresh fish and seafood in particular. A phone survey of a random sample of US households was conducted. A qualitative choice (Logit) model was used for estimation. LIMDEP was the computer package used to analyze the data. The marginal effects were also estimated. Results show that older, higher income, non …

Using The Internet To Collect Data On Psychological Symptoms: An Investigation Of Psychometric Properties., Beverly Lynn Fortson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The reliability and validity of internet-based questionnaires was assessed in a large sample of undergraduates (n = 411) by comparing data collected via the internet with data collected in a more traditional format, that is with paper and pencil questionnaires. Ninety percent of participants reported using the internet on a daily basis, with 22% of those participants meeting criteria for internet abuse. Number of traumatic events experienced by participants, rates of depression, and rates of PTSD were similar to rates found in other studies with college students. Statistical analyses demonstrated that the psychometric properties of internet-based questionnaires are similar to …

The Evolving Process Of The Technical Direction Of West Virginia University's Division Of Theatre And Dance's Production Of Strindberg's "The Ghost Sonata"., Joshua John Frachiseur

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This document is a written record of the process used in the technical direction of West Virginia University’s production of August Strindberg’s The Ghost Sonata. The role of technical director was assigned as partial fulfillment of the requirements of a Master of Fine Arts thesis in theatrical design, specifically theatrical production. This document includes a description of the process used, which is supported with visual documents of plans, schedules, photographs, and other various paperwork that was used to complete this project.