Digital Commons Network^™

An Inhibitory Recurrent Network In The Olfactory System, Farzaan Salman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Neuromodulatory circuits are a necessary component of neural flexibility as they are able to act differentially depending on the receptors expressed by their downstream targets. Identifying the synaptic partners of modulatory neurons and determining the neurotransmitter and receptor content of these partners is necessary to identify the rules governing neuromodulatory circuits. In this study, I characterized the circuit of the contralaterally projecting, serotonin-immunoreactive deutocerebral neurons (CSDns), the sole synaptic source of the neuromodulator serotonin in the olfactory circuit of Drosophila melanogaster, by identifying the strongest synaptic partners of the CSDns, and the expression of genes encoding neurotransmitters and receptors of …

Relationships Among The Concepts Of Organizational Theory And Nurse Burnout Before And After Covid-19, Bridget M. Webb

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Nurse burnout is a global health priority that has been compounded by Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Organizational theory states that nurse burnout is directly impacted by operant mechanisms (nurse characteristics, nurse specialization) and hospital-wide models. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between hospital wide models (evidence-based care, team-based care, discharge planning, care coordination), operant mechanisms (nurse characteristics, nurse specialization), and outcomes (nurse burnout) before and after COVID-19.

Research Question: The specific aim of this study is to determine the relationship between hospital wide models (evidence-based care, team-based care, discharge planning, care coordination) and operant mechanisms (nurse …

Project Quiet: A Quality Improvement Initiative To Reduce Noise Pollution During Anesthesia Induction And Emergence, James Christopher Woods

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Problem: Excessive intraoperative noise puts anesthesia providers at risk for errors that could negatively impact patient morbidity and mortality. Distractions from excessive noise experienced during the “critical phases” of anesthesia present a risk to patient safety and need to be reduced or eliminated. Anecdotally, reports from anesthesia staff at a large academic medical center confirmed that noise pollution during induction and emergence significantly impacted the performance of critical anesthesia tasks. Objective: The goal of this quality improvement (QI) project was to implement a series of interventions designed to reduce noise pollution during induction and emergence, and to reduce …

A Rainy Day For Cancer: The Characterization And Utilization Of The Long Non-Coding Rna Lnc-Rainy In The Radiation Response Of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Emily S. Rice

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Lung Cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While important improvements have been made to the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), treatment resistance is a critical issue facing the majority of patients. Previously, our lab identified a group of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) known as linc-SPRY3 RNAs, expressed on the Y-chromosome, that play a role in radiation sensitivity by decreasing tumor burden in vitro and in vivo after radiation. Through molecular cloning methods and further functional characterization, here we present evidence that the linc-SPRY3 RNAs were originally mischaracterized as individual linc-RNAs but are in fact parts …

The Relationship Between Metacognition, Study Strategies, And Students’ Performances In General Chemistry And Organic Chemistry Courses, Nghiem Uy Tieu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Many students find General Chemistry challenging, and studies have shown a link between students’ grades in chemistry and a decrease in interest in STEM fields. Similarly, Organic Chemistry has also been typically identified as a difficult course for many undergraduate students and has a notoriously high failure rate. Numerous studies have explored various methods to enhance students’ performance and experience in both General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, but there hasn’t been much focus on students’ study strategies. In addition, metacognition, the skill of thinking about one’s thinking, had been proven in studies as a vital role in enhancing students’ achievements. …

The Sociology Of Bail Reform: Crime, Social Interaction, And Offender Experiences In Rurality., Scott Kevin Turner

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The study sought to explore the impact of the New York State “Bail Reform Act of 2019,” in rurality. It examined some of the legislative goals of the law, the claim that it caused crime, and offender experiences in rurality. Secondary data was used to map the rural crime landscape and primary data was collected from offenders during face to face interviews. The study was framed using deterrence and opportunity approaches and situated within the broader field environments; legislative, courtroom, and community. The research failed to find support for the claim that bail reform caused crime. Instead, it revealed that …

Sars-Cov-2 Immunogenicity Models Inform Novel Strategies That Can Improve Mrna Vaccines, Katherine S. Lee

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The onset of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, issued a call to action in the fields of biomedical science and public health to implement strategies to contain and protect against the viral threat. In record times, pharmaceutical companies produced antiviral therapies and novel mRNA vaccines that were approved by the FDA for human use. With time, these vaccines were able to assist in ending the pandemic. However, time also showed the limits of mRNA vaccine induced immunity. Despite antibody responses being initially robust, titers dramatically wane with time and are limited in cross-neutralizing ability. As …

Effects Of Probabilistic Win-Paired-Cue Delivery On Loss Trials On Risky Choice In Rats, Connor M. Lambert

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Problem gambling, or Gambling Disorder, is a behavioral disorder that affects 2.5% of the U.S. population and can result in detriments to physical, mental, and financial well-being. Electronic gambling machines (e.g., slot machines, video poker, pachinko) may be more addictive than other forms of gambling (e.g., table games, sports betting). Electronic gambling machines present a series of audiovisual stimuli concurrently with winning and some losing outcomes. Previous research in human and non-human animals has found increased levels of risky choice when audiovisual stimuli are presented with wins compared to their absence. The present study was arranged to evaluate how a …

Teaching Cultural Humility Practices In Appalachia: The Value Of Conducting Conversations Based In Education, Bailey A. Riggs

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Recent literature highlights the paradigm shift from utilizing cultural competence practices to cultural humility practices within the field of occupational therapy, and health sciences (Fisher- Borne, et al., 2015). The idea of cultural competency suggests that culture is unchanging, and individuals can master cultural knowledge. The perception of knowing culture can be perceived as an unwillingness to learn about culture. In contrast, cultural humility promotes the value of lifelong learning and introspection, encouraging greater self-awareness, reflection of personal biases, and recognition of power imbalances. This approach aims to better integrate educational approaches to serve diverse populations in a culturally affirming …

Developmentally Appropriate Care In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu), Ashten Cenkus

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As specialized healthcare professionals educated in developmental care, occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) have a role in educating, coaching, and assessing the needs of infants, their families, and the staff in the NICU. These high-risk and medically fragile infants require specialized care that considers the incorporation of neurodevelopment, neurobehavioral regulation, sensory stimulation, and motor development through supportive and appropriate interventions. A project addressing these needs across 14 weeks was implemented as part of an Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) capstone experience at WVU Medicine Children’s in Morgantown, West Virginia. This project examined the results of the NICU staff's confidence, knowledge, and awareness …

Machine Learning Maintenance Costs Prediction Model For Heavy-Duty Alternative Fuel And Diesel Vehicles, Esteban Fernandez Villar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles (MHDVs) are essential to global logistics and transportation. Around 77% of these vehicles are diesel-powered due to its powertrain mechanical characteristics that make them reliable and energy efficient. However, the environmental implications of diesel combustion, particularly its direct contribution to air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, have increased the interest in alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). These alternatives include Natural Gas (NG), Propane, Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), each presenting unique benefits and challenges in terms of required fueling infrastructure, energy efficiency, environmental impact, and total cost of operation (TCO). Maintenance costs …

Data-Driven Approaches For Achieving Carbon Neutrality: Predictive Models For Reducing Co2 Emissions And Enhancing Industrial Sustainability, Farzana Islam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In response to the escalating challenges posed by climate change and industrial inefficiency, this thesis presents a comprehensive investigation aimed at advancing the predictive modeling of global CO2 emissions and enhancing operational efficiency in steel manufacturing through Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) temperature optimization. Leveraging a rich dataset sourced from the World Development Indicators database alongside a meticulously curated dataset specific to EAF operations, our study applies an innovative blend of econometric and machine learning techniques, including Pooled Ordinary Least Squares (Pooled OLS), Random Effects (RE), Fixed Effects (FE), and Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with Exogenous Variables (SARIMAX) models. The …

Between Wages And Wellbeing: Examining The Role Of Employers In Increasing Covid-19 Vaccine Uptake In The State Of West Virginia, Nathaniel Udoh Godwin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) stretched public health systems globally, with millions of cases confirmed across all continents of the world. The United States health systems struggled as the country grappled with emerging variants of the virus, differing levels of vaccine acceptance, misinformation, and disparity in health outcomes. As COVID-19 vaccines emerged, the U.S. Government sought to bolster uptake through myriad measures, including announcing vaccine requirements for federal employees, which was met with mixed reactions. Accordingly, some employers and businesses adopted a “no jab, no job” policy, while others stopped short of mandates but encouraged and incentivized vaccine uptake …

Assessment Of Instrument Exploring Underwear Preferences Of Incontinent Geriatric Women In Assisted Living, Cassandra M. Stewart

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Urinary incontinence is a urologic condition commonly occurring in geriatric individuals and often results in disability. This affects not only physical functioning, but also psychological and emotional implications. Prior research focused on prevention and using smart technology to improve the current products available to help manage urinary incontinence. Little research has been completed to examine the preferences of geriatric individuals and assess what they are looking for in incontinence products. The purpose of the study was to create an instrument to assess the individual preferences of older adults for these products in a community living environment. Research questions included: (1) …

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 …

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 …

Investigating The Effect Of Using Humorous Threats In Recreation Area Rules Signage To Influence Behavioral Intentions, Jacob Timothy Vargas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Communicating the importance of rules and warnings to visitors of recreational parks through signage can be difficult. However, it is one of the most important things to keep visitors safe. Oftentimes, these signs use fear of punishment or injury to discourage certain behaviors. According to studies following the Extended Parallel Processing Model (EPPM), using threats can backfire and cause visitors to use maladaptive fear responses to counteract a threat message if the content is too extreme or too psychologically close. Humor is a versatile tool that can be used to grab attention, temper perceptions, and influence decision-making. Comedians like Jon …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

The Line Between Man And Monster: A Theatrical Costume Design Of Caryl Churchill's The Skriker, Katrina Anne Lundquist

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Produced at West Virginia University, this is a record of the costume design process for The Skriker by Caryl Churchill. As a play about vicious folkloric faerie creatures in modern day England, there was a heavy emphasis on showcasing the difference between the human and fae characters. With such a fantastical script, there is a potential to take the design down any number of creative paths. Finding a way to cohesively costume the cast while not losing the intricacies of their individual stories became a personal priority. After coming to an agreement with the director and the rest of 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 …

Interactions Between Myeloid Cells And Neutrophil Extracellular Traps In Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Hillary Gabrielle Pratt

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The 5-year-survival rate for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is only 12% due in part to a lack of therapeutic strategies that target the pathophysiology of the disease. The only known curative therapy is surgical resection of the PDAC tumor, but only 20% of patients are eligible at the time of presentation. To improve outcomes for patients, new therapeutic options are needed. The PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME) is uniquely fibrotic and hypoxic, which is in part driven by the immune cell composition in the TME. Myeloid cells are a prominent immune infiltrate within the PDAC TME, so these cells have been …

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 …

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 …

“Population, Proximity, And Promise: A Study Of College Choice And The Competition For Students In Higher Education”, Donielle Maust

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation is an empirical investigation of the relationship between institution and state characteristics and college choice for students enrolling out-of-state, as well as the relationship between Promise programs and college choice. The theoretical framework used in this study draws on both an economic model of human capital investment and sociological concepts of habitus, cultural, and social capital, and organizational context and assumes that an individual’s college choice is shaped by four contextual layers: the individual’s habitus, school and community context, the higher education context, and broader social, economic, and policy context. Public data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data …

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 …