Digital Commons Network^™

Metabolic Syndrome Risk In Young Adults Attending West Virginia University, Amanda M. Dent

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is increasing throughout the United States across age groups. The purpose of this study was to collect descriptive baseline anthropometric and biochemical data to determine MetS prevalence in 18 to 24 year olds and to assess change in MetS risk after a 10 week web-based intervention. MetS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program's Third Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP III) definition. Blood pressure, anthropometric and biochemical measures were obtained at baseline, post-intervention and 15 months. The overall prevalence of MetS at baseline was 15.1% (n = 14). The prevalence of one or …

An Economic Examination Of State Legal Regimes Within The U.S. System Of Federalism, John A. Dove

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation is a collection of essays, each of which studies certain aspects of and differences between state legal frameworks within the U.S. Specifically, I analyze how even marginal differences between laws across the states can lead to radically different outcomes and incentives for both public and private actors. The first chapter explores state antitrust enforcement, as carried out by each state's attorney general, to empirically test the potential policy business cycle that is created during elections for that office and for those sitting attorneys general that simultaneously pursue a gubernatorial position within their respective state. The second chapter applies …

Adolescent Autonomy Development And Problematic Eating Patterns, Kaitlyn A. Ferris

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Adolescence is a developmental time period associated with increased autonomy from parents and more independent decision-making. Adolescents strive to control areas of their life once solely controlled by parents, and food and eating decisions are two areas over which adolescents may want to have sole control. In addition, there may be heterogeneity in adolescents' beliefs about food-related behavior as well as adolescents' actual eating patterns. The current study examined parents' and adolescents' domain beliefs about food and whether adolescents' domain beliefs about such behaviors were associated with problematic eating patterns. Participants included 102 female caregiver-adolescent dyads with children between the …

Between Frontier And Factory: Growth And Development In Washington, Pennsylvania, 1810--1870, Eric D. Duchess

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation examines the small town of Washington, Pennsylvania from its post-frontier period to the eve of industrialization. Two primary areas are covered in the study: the Market Revolution's growing influence on the local economy and society, and the Civil War's local impact. This study contributed to the field of urban and town history by providing a case study from a relatively under-examined region, the Upper Ohio Valley and southwestern Pennsylvania, by studying the relationship between its economic development and its social and political characteristics.;Washington was in many ways a typical small western Pennsylvania town, surrounded by farmland and serving …

For The Hope Of Humanity: Gov. Andrew G. Curtin & The Union's Civil War, Jared Frederick

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis examines the ideology and politics of Andrew Gregg Curtin throughout his entire career, specifically during his time as the governor of Pennsylvania in the American Civil War. As a self-described liberal, Curtin's vision for his state and nation was emblematic of broader Whig and Republican mentalities before and during the Civil War. Central to his ideas were notions of contractual theory, a harmony of interests between workers and industrialists, free labor, the right to property, and the rights of the individual to seek autonomy and agency in a democratic society. The outbreak of war expanded his sense of …

Investigation Of Coal Syngas Impurity Tolerance Of Alternative Cermet Sofc Anodes, Phil Gansor

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC's) have the potential for producing highly efficient energy through conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy at high temperatures (>600°C). Until recently, pure hydrogen fuel (H2) is the prime fuel used within these devices. However, the high processing costs associated with clean hydrogen production combined with the abundance of available fossil fuels within the United States has opened the door for research on alternative fuels to power these cells. Among the biggest obstacles associated with this concept are the contaminants that are present in raw fuels such as natural gas or coal. While gas-cleanup …

Simplified Interior Ballistics Analysis Of A Tube Launched Uav Prototype, Edward R. Jackson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Structural analysis is a critical aspect in the successful design of tube launched projectiles, such as mortar rounds. Ongoing research conducted at West Virginia University has focused on a tube-launched, folding-wing UAV design inspired by mortars. This has driven the necessity of a structural analysis of the prototype design to provide vital feedback to designers to ensure that the UAV is likely to survive the act of launching. Due to the extreme accelerations during the launching phase, a typical mortar round experiences dramatic impulse loads for an extremely brief duration of time. Such loads are the result of the propellant …

Politics Of Memory With Regard To The Ukrainian Minority In Poland After 1989, Joanna Klimczak

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The present thesis discusses the nature of majority- minority relations in Poland after 1989. Among other things, democratic and geopolitical changes after 1989 have been associated with protection of minority rights. In order to implement respect for minorities into Polish reality, the state had to guarantee the rights of minorities. One of the key elements in the process of official recognition and integration of minorities in the Polish state was the emergence of a particular attitude and forms of cultural awareness in relation to the past. The subject of this thesis is to analyze the politics of memory and the …

A Feasibility Assessment Of Water Quality Trading In The Greenbrier River Watershed, West Virginia, Arun Khatri-Chhetri

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The main goal of this dissertation was to assess the physical and economic feasibility of a water quality trading (WQT) program in the Greenbrier River watershed in West Virginia which can reduce the nutrient related water pollution. The focus of this dissertation is the feasibility of nutrient trading between wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and farmers in the watershed. This dissertation compares 12 WQT scenarios that include different market design parameters of trading ratios (1:1 and 2:1), effluent limitations for point sources (WWTPs), and baseline requirements for agricultural non-point sources. The physical feasibility analysis includes the estimation of nutrient reduction requirements …

Exploring The Effects Of Implementation Intentions And Goal Formation On Anxiety And Communication Effectiveness When Discussing Difficult Interpersonal Topics, Colleen C. Malachowski

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study addressed the effects of two specific types of planning (i.e., goal intention and implementation intention formation) on interpersonal discussions of difficult topics (e.g., discussing the future of a relationship, discussing past romantic partners, discussing the current status of a relationship). Goal intentions specify a certain end point (e.g., "I intend to reach x"), and implementation intentions (Gollwitzer, 1999) specify when, where, and how a goal will be achieved (e.g., "If x, then y"). In addition, four personality traits (i.e., need for cognition, cognitive flexibility, self-efficacy, and trait dyadic communication apprehension) were examined in order to further understand the …

The Role Of Src-Homology 2 Domain-Containing Tyrosine Phosphatase 2 In Signaling And Tumorigenesis Of Basal Type/Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Fatimah Kh. Matalkah

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Basal type/triple negative breast cancer (BTBC) represents a distinct tumor group that is characterized by an aggressive disease phenotype and poor clinical outcome. Patients with this subtype cannot benefit from the available anti-hormone and anti-HER2 targeted therapies (e.g. tamoxifen and herceptin). Therefore, characterizing potential therapeutic targets is urgently needed. We reasoned that the Src-homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) could serve as a therapeutic target in BTBC, because of its critical regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) which is overexpressed in BTBC. Here, we demonstrated that SHP2 knockdown in BTBC cell lines suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and transformation. …

Habitat Use By Northern Dusky Salamanders In Riparian Corridors Of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Robert Joseph Michalow

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Amphibian populations have decreased in many parts of the world and the rate of decline has increased over the past 25 years. Much of the population decline can be attributed to habitat fragmentation, thus, possibly forming metapopulations. The semi-aquatic northern dusky salamander belongs to the family Plethodontidae and the genus Desmognathus. Amphibians, such as salamanders, may occupy undisturbed forest floors with biomass equal to, or exceeding, the biomass of other vertebrate groups and they can achieve their highest densities in ancient or undisturbed forests. Salamander densities can be estimated using cover items and this method has become a more common …

Ambient Geochemical And Isotopic Variations In Groundwaters Across An Area Of Accelerating Shale Gas Development, Michon L. Mulder

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

One of the main challenges associated with Marcellus Formation shale gas development is to ensure proper management and disposal of flowback water produced as a result of hydraulic fracturing of gas wells. The flowback water consists of a mixture of returned frac'ing fluids and highly saline formation brines. As a result, improper management or disposal of this flowback can potentially contaminate the fresh surface waters and groundwaters of the area. To better assess any detrimental effect on water quality, there is need to understand the natural geochemical variations prior to the rapid expansion of gas drilling in the area.;This study …

Validation Of The Calgary Symptoms Of Stress Inventory (C-Sosi) For Predicting Adherence To A Stress Reduction Technique, Lauren M. Penwell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Stress is a ubiquitous aspect of modern life that has serious effects on mental and physical health. Many stress reduction techniques are currently available to help combat these effects but non-adherence to them is a significant barrier to their overall effectiveness. The aims of the current study were to: 1) validate the Calgary Symptoms of Stress Inventory (C-SOSI), an instrument that classifies one's stress response profile, using traditional psychometric procedures as well as for predicting responses to a laboratory stress situation, and 2) explore the utility of this instrument for predicting adherence following training in a single stress reduction session …

Comprehensive Model Of Lung Cancer Prediction And Prognosis, Joseph J. Putila

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Two unresolved issues in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer are the assessment of risk of recurrence beyond the use of tumor stage alone, and the selection of an effective chemotherapeutic agent for patients with similar tumor morphology. A prognostic model able to identify high or low-risk patients with a high degree of accuracy can be used to inform clinicians on potential improvements to the current clinical practice. Clinical presentation, pathology, demographics, and genomics have been independently verified as influencing survival. A comprehensive model capable of incorporating multiple predictors into a unified measure has the potential to simplify risk …

Health Literacy And Self-Efficacy As Correlates Of Self-Management Of Type 2 Diabetes In Middle-Aged And Older Adults, Tomorrow D. Wilson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing with middle-aged and older adults being those at highest risk for developing this disease. Additionally, the demands of type 2 diabetes self-management can become difficult with age, which can result in poorer glycemic control. The current study examined the relations of health literacy, diabetes-related distress, and diabetes self-efficacy on diabetes self-management among 65 adults aged 40-66 with type 2 diabetes. Age was found to be positively associated with health literacy, but negatively associated with diabetes self-care activities. Additionally, only diabetes self-efficacy was found to be a unique contributor to diabetes self-care activities …

Early Postpartum Awakenings, Neurocognitive Performance, And Feeding Methods, Michael A. Winser

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study investigated memory for brief nocturnal awakenings, characteristics of those awakenings in women during the early and late postpartum period, and how these awakenings were related to neurocognitive performance in exclusively breastfeeding and exclusively formula-feeding mothers.;The median duration of a nocturnal awakening necessary for morning recall was four minutes and 30 seconds, which closely resembles the current five-minute rule of thumb. There was normal variability in thresholds, indicating that other factors may influence memory for awakenings. During the postpartum period, women generally under-reported the number of awakenings experienced each night, but did increase in accuracy by week 12. Average …

Cocos Can Drive Markets Cuckoo, Hilary Allen

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

Bank-issued contingent-convertible capital instruments (known colloquially as "cocos ") are assumed to be a less costly substitute for common equity that will improve the stability of banks in a crisis situation. However, cocos are new and untested instruments. In a future financial crisis they are likely to incentivize behaviors and trading strategies (notably panic selling short selling, and the use of credit default swaps) that have the potential to harm confidence in banks. Without confidence, banks will have difficulty funding themselves and the likely consequences of bank difficulties (credit crunches and possible bailouts) will be felt by society at large. …

Forensic, Archaeological And Related Application Of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Xinya Zhang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a powerful analytical instrument that can be applied to multiple disciplines for trace elements detection. In the first stage of this research, ICP-MS was used to group archaeological pottery sherds based on the compositional information obtained. Provenience of the pottery was evaluated using multivariate analysis. Results were compared with those obtained on the same data set using neutron activation analysis (NAA). It was found that the groups generated in this study were comparable to the previous ones, and more details within groups were observed. In the second stage of this research, ICP-MS was applied …

The Forgotten History Of Foreign Official Immunity, Chimene Keitner

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Motivational Climate In Physical Education And Youth Sport, Alison Leigh Prichard

Health Nutrition and Exercise Science

The purpose of this paper was to gain an understanding of how the motivational climate can affect children in the context of Physical Education (PE) and youth sport. In an effort to combat the increase in overweight and obesity rates, creating an environment in which children enjoy and develop positive habits related to physical activity has become a priority. The constructs of PE and youth sport have been identified as opportunities to reach children and instill healthy habits and attitudes regarding exercise that extend into adulthood. The motivational climate is a key structure for the proper facilitation and development of …

Exclusive Electroproduction Of Two Pions At Hera, H. Abramowicz, I. Abt, L. Adamczyk, M. Adamus, R. Aggarwal, S. Antonelli, P. Antonioli, A. Antonov, M. Arneodo, D. Ashery, V. Aushev, Y. Aushev, O. Bachynska, A. Bamberger, A. N. Barakbaev, G. Barbagli, G. Bari, F. Barreiro, N. Bartosik, D. Bartsch, M. Basile, O. Behnke, J. Behr, U. Behrens, L. Bellagamba, A. Bertolin, S. Bhadra, M. Bindi, C. Blohm, V. Bokhonov, T. Bołd, Margarita C. K. Mattingly

Faculty Publications

The exclusive electroproduction of two pions in the mass range 0.4

The Perils Of Armchair Analysis: Evaluating Merger Enforcement During The Obama Administration, Jonathan Baker, Carl Shapiro

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

This brief comment responds to the analysis of Obama administration merger policy in Daniel A. Crane, Has the Obama Justice Department Reinvigorated Antitrust Enforcement? 65 STAN. L. REV. ONLINE 13 (2012).

Legislating Inclusion, Lia Epperson

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

No abstract provided.

Two Parts Of The Landscape Of Family In America: Maintaining Both Spousal And Domestic Partner Employee Benefits For Both Same-Sex And Different-Sex Couples, Nancy Polikoff

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

No abstract provided.

What Makes A States: Territory, Paul Williams

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

No abstract provided.

Dating The State: The Moral Hazards Of Winning Gay Rights, Katherine M. Franke

Faculty Scholarship

On August 1, 2009, a masked man dressed in black carrying an automatic weapon stormed into Beit Pazi in Tel Aviv, the home of the Aguda, the National Association of GLBT in Israel. He opened fire on a group of gay and lesbian teenagers who were meeting in the basement for "Bar-Noar," or "Youth Bar," killing two people and wounding at least ten others. This terrible act of violence attracted immediate national and international attention and condemnation. President Simon Peres declared the next day:

[T]he shocking murder carried out in Tel Aviv yesterday against youths and young people is a …

The Museum Of Modern Art's "What Is Modern?" Series, 1938-1969, Jennifer Tobias

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Between 1938 and 1969, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) poses the question of What Is Modern? (WIM) in a series of books, traveling exhibitions, and a symposium. This dissertation argues for the WIM project as a sustained if minimally effective effort to influence popular American perceptions of modern art, architecture, and design, at the same time embodying tensions inherent to the museum and its notions of that modernism.

MoMA is an unquestionable influence on modern art history. WIM is a significant component of this influence, yet scholarship on the series is minimal. Hiding in plain sight, the series offers …

The Work Of The Urban Commons: Limited-Equity Cooperatives In Washington, D.C., Amanda Huron

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This research theorizes the work of the urban commons through close examination of a group of ten limited-equity housing cooperatives in Washington, D.C. Limited-equity co-ops, or LECs, are a noncommodified resource that is collectively owned and maintained by their members. I argue that LECs are a manifestation of the commons, and that they represent a specific form of the commons - the urban commons. In this research, I ask: how does the urban commons - as manifested in this case by limited-equity housing cooperatives - function? The commons, as I theorize it, is a space that both provides a basis …

Victim Participation At The International Criminal Court And The Extraordinary Chambers In The Courts Of Cambodia: A Feminist Project?, Susana Sacouto

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

INTRODUCTION: Over the last couple of decades, and particularly since 1998, incredible advances have been made in the effort to end impunity for sexual and gender-based violence committed in the context of war, mass violence, or repression. Before this, crimes committed exclusively or disproportionately against women and girls during conflict or periods of mass violence were either largely ignored, or at most, treated as secondary to other crimes. However, evidence of the large-scale and systematic use of rape in conflicts over the last two decades helped create unprecedented levels of awareness of sexual violence as a method of war and …