Digital Commons Network^™

Short Episodes But Fast Friends: Examining The Effects Of Parasocial Relationship Quality On Mediated Intergenerational Contact In Grace And Frankie, Alysse C. Baker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Building on the foundations of intergroup contact theory (Allport, 1954), the parasocial contact hypothesis (Schiappa et al., 2005), and Harwood’s Contact Space (2010), this dissertation advances the existing literature on how intergenerational contact with media characters can improve young adults’ willingness to engage with older adults. Specifically, this study examines the effects of intergroup contact quality on the parasocial contact process. Episodes of the TV sitcom about older adult women, Grace and Frankie, were edited to create both a high contact quality condition and a low contact quality condition. The high contact quality condition was a montage that showed viewers …

Fluid-Rock And Fluid-Steel Interaction In Geothermal Energy Development In The Appalachain Basin, Samuel H. Bowman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The ever-increasing demand for clean energy requires creative solutions. In the United States, unconventional energy sources such as geothermal are conventionally limited to the western half of the country. The Appalachian Basin in the Eastern United States is one such possible creative solution, although the comparatively low temperature gradient presents a significant challenge to delivering economically feasible geothermal energy. An emerging technology is enhanced geothermal systems, these are engineered reservoirs where a working fluid (typically water) is cycled between the subsurface energy source and the energy collection facility at the surface. The liquid water interacts with the geothermal reservoir rock …

Measuring And Modeling Riparian Wetland Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity, Nutrient Concentrations And Shallow Groundwater Dynamics In An Appalachian Mixed Land Use Catchment, Bidisha Faruque Abesh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The paucity of research on accurate predictions of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), spatiotemporal analysis of nutrient concentrations relative to water source types (stream and shallow groundwater (SGW)), water flow directions, and land use in riparian wetlands of Appalachian mixed land use catchments underscored the need for this study. Additionally, the lack of SGW flow simulations and stream-SGW interactions using three-dimensional (3D) numerical models (i.e., MODFLOW) in these riparian wetlands further highlighted the research gap. Observed data including soil properties, Ksat, surface water (SW) and SGW levels, and nutrient concentrations, including nitrate (NO3-N), nitrite (NO2-N), ammonium (NH4-N), orthophosphate (PO43-P), total nitrogen …

Machine Learning-Driven Quantification Of Co₂ Plume Dynamics At Ibdp Sites Using Microseismic Data, Ikponmwosa Bright Iyegbekedo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis delves into the utilization of machine learning methodologies to quantify the spatial extent of CO₂ plumes by leveraging microseismic data obtained from the Illinois Basin Decatur Project (IBDP) site spanning November 2011 to June 2018. This initiative, focused on the geological sequestration of carbon dioxide, furnishes a unique and comprehensive dataset comprising well logs, microseismic activity records, and CO₂ injection metrics, all crucial for quantifying the subsurface CO₂ saturation plume dynamics. The primary objective is to forecast the temporal evolution of CO₂ saturation plumes in the subsurface, a critical undertaking for ensuring both the environmental integrity and operational …

Something From Nothing: Reimaginings, A Resource Guide For The Horn Sonata By Frank Gulino, Albert J. Houde Iii

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Since publishing his first work in 2006, American composer Frank Gulino has been the driving force behind some seventy new pieces of music. With music commissioned and performed by top professionals around the world, Gulino’s star has risen quickly backed by his prowess for writing music for brass instruments in solo works and chamber music. The subject of this document is a sonata for horn and piano entitled Reimaginings, a work commissioned by the author in 2020. This document presents a biographical sketch of the composer, an interpretation for performing the work, and suggestions for learning key skills needed …

Characterizing 4,4’-Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate Exposure In Primary Human Epidermal Keratinocytes: A Multi-Omics Approach, Brandon F. Law

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Exploring the routes of exposure and biological fate of 4,4’-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) has been a challenge for many years. Occupational exposure to MDI can result in the development of occupational asthma (MDI-OA) which results in loss of productivity, large economic costs, and costs to the individual worker. Initially, it was thought that respiratory exposure to MDI was the most likely route leading to MDI-OA. Industries utilizing MDI have been successful at controlling airborne concentrations according to industrial hygiene assessment and newly diagnosed cases of MDI-OA decreased and plateaued. New research suggests that dermal exposures to MDI may explain this …

Genetic Knowledge And Causal Beliefs: Implications For Health Behavior In Clinical And Non-Clinical Samples, Jamey T. Brumbaugh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Objective: As the genomic era in healthcare continues to surge, it is vital to examine genetically-related psychological concepts, such as genetic knowledge and genetic causal beliefs, in genetically relevant clinical groups. Parents /caregivers of children born with cleft lip and/or palate represent a population whose knowledge and beliefs about genetics may be influenced by their frequent utilization of genetically-related healthcare services (e.g., genetic testing and genetic counseling). To date, little is known about how such beliefs vary across disease types. Even less is known regarding how disease-specific genetic causal beliefs relate to perceived behavioral control for disease development. Method: A …

Taking The Red Pill: A Content Analysis Of Ambivalent Sexism And Precarious Manhood In Alpha Male Podcasts, Madalen Lea Fields

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Podcasts have become increasingly popular across various platforms (e.g., Spotify or Apple podcasts). A more recent trend is the emergence of “alpha male” podcasts. The goal of these podcasts is to instruct young men how to stop being “betas” and on achieving “alpha male” status. These podcasts are a subset of the manosphere, a term used to describe media focused especially on hegemonic masculinity, which is characterized by their promotion of misogynistic beliefs and sexist rhetoric. Drawing upon social science research, three forms of sexism (i.e., ambivalent sexism, precarious manhood and violence against women) serve as analytical frameworks for understanding …

Guiseppe De Nittis's Cityscapes Of Paris: Images Of Modernity 1875-1875, Catherine W. Jones

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The artist Guiseppe De Nittis (1846-1884) created paintings between 1874-1875 reflecting his own experiences while living in and around the sixteenth arrondissment in Paris, France. De Nittis produced a distinctive perspective of Paris as it was being shaped by modernity and populated by the growing bourgeoisie. De Nittis’ interpreted fleeting views of Paris undergoing renovations. For example, De Nittis’ depicted freshly widened streets, public parks, and landmarks shrouded in scaffolding. De Nittis’ transient subject matter was further characterized by the portrayal of bourgeois figures in temporary Parisian moments. In summation, De Nittis’ compositions are a distinctive representation of Paris’s evolution …

Examination Of The Time Course Effects Of Electronic Cigarettes On The Thoracic Aorta, Madison Robinson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Endothelial dysfunction is a critical early marker of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and a pathological biomarker in cigarette smokers. Emerging evidence finds similar cardiovascular risks resulting from electronic cigarettes (E-cig) as that seen from smoking. Logically, the time or length of exposure to E-cigs will likely influence the development of vascular dysfunction, however, the length of exposure that causes permanent damage is unknown. The goal of this study was to determine the potential window of chronic E-cig exposure that results in vascular dysfunction, which is marked by endothelial dysfunction, microvascular dysfunction, and stiffening of arteries. Based on prior chronic …

Lgbtq+ Clothing Habits In Appalachia, Kirstyn Korte

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study investigated clothing preferences among cisgender queer women within Appalachia and whether they used these preferences to identify their own peers. It also further investigated whether they use clothing as a tool to conceal or reveal their own LGBTQ+ identity. Participants were invited for two interviews each. Between interviews, there was a one-week rumination period for each woman. The women reported themes of using clothing to blend in with their hetero-normative surroundings as they grew up and now lean into a more alternative style and less narrow-minded view of clothing. Perspectives gained from interviewees lined up with current knowledge …

Studies In Nonlinear Chemical Dynamics Of Propagating Precipitation Waves, Md Boshir Ahmed

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation explores the intricate dynamics of pattern formation in nonlinear chemical systems, specifically focusing on the phenomena of propagating waves and Liesegang patterns in aluminum and zinc hydroxide systems. Through a combination of experimental setups and theoretical models, the study delves into the mechanisms driving these patterns, providing insights into their formation, evolution, and underlying principles.

The research begins with an introduction to nonlinear dynamics and pattern formation, emphasizing the significance of these concepts in understanding complex natural systems. It then moves into a detailed examination of Liesegang bands, discussing classical and reverse systems, and introducing the redissolution process …

Historical Evolution Of The Late 20th-Century Maritime Claims, The Concept Of The Nine-Dash Line, And The Dispute In The South China Sea, Kamil Nowak

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study discusses the origins and development of the South China Sea dispute. It briefly analyzes the overlapping maritime claims, their justifications and legal aspects, and key clashes between the actors across the second half of the 20th century. It uses a historical perspective to assess the present-day conflict. The study discusses the impact of international agreements, national policies, claimants' domestic factors, and external influences connected to the geopolitical situation of the period to determine how they influenced the dispute. The analysis reveals that amidst more pressing global events, the South China Sea issue was frequently overlooked by the international …

How Does Locality Impact The Sales And Purchases Of Textiles And Apparel? Exploring Retailers' And Consumers' Perspectives In The U.S., Md Rokibul Hasan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The revival of U.S. textile and apparel (T&A) manufacturing is largely attributed to rising consumer interest in locally-produced goods, the pursuit of economic sustainability, and the need to mitigate environmental impacts. This study aims to fill a critical research gap by examining the perceptions and behaviors of both U.S. retailers and consumers regarding locally-made T&A products. Utilizing the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a theoretical framework, the research explores the constructs of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control to elucidate the factors affecting local T&A sales and purchases. The study employs semi-structured interviews with nine U.S. retailers and …

Extracting Meaning: Museums, Power, And Shaping The Story Of Coal, Danielle Marie Petrak

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Organized into four case studies, this dissertation investigates how longstanding power relationships in the Central Appalachian coalfields have shaped the preservation and presentation of mining history at museums and historic sites. It contributes to scholarship in the fields of public history and Appalachian history by exploring how apolitical, noncritical, and biased narratives at mining history sites have obstructed the public’s acknowledgement of larger forces and systems that govern Appalachian society and often bring harm and misinformation to coalfield residents. To present more exhaustive, nuanced, and innovative interpretations of bituminous coal mining’s past and present, museums and historic sites must redirect …

Incorporating Keyboard Literature In The Undergraduate And Graduate Piano Performance Curriculums, Yangyang Cao

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research paper presents suggestions for the incorporation of piano literature and performance practice courses into university curricula. The prevalence of piano literature in American universities is examined, highlighting the necessity to promote its inclusion in Chinese universities. The significance of piano literature and performance practice courses for piano performance students is explored for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Included are selected readings and detailed sample syllabi of potential courses to be offered by college and university music programs.

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach’S Sonata In C Minor, Wq. 65/31: A Study Of Performance Practice, Weiyang Sun

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation discusses concepts of performance practice in Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's keyboard works, including historical instruments, fingering, articulation, ornamentation, dynamics, rhythm, and other related topics. It provides an interpretive analysis of C. P. E. Bach's Sonata in C Minor, Wq. 65/31, for keyboard, as a way to discuss the application of these issues. Additionally, this dissertation includes a brief biography of C. P. E. Bach, a list of his keyboard works, and a discography of current and historical recordings of the Sonata in C Minor, Wq. 65/31.

The Identification And Characterization Of Novel And Improved Antigens For Next-Generation Pertussis Vaccines, Gage Michael Pyles

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by infection with the Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis affects all age groups and populations; however, it is most severe in infants who are too young to receive vaccinations and remains a global health concern with more than­­­­ 200,000 cases reported globally in 2023. Vaccines against pertussis have been available in the United States since the 1940’s with the development and widespread use of whole cell pertussis vaccines. Following their introduction, the incidence of pertussis was controlled and limited to fewer than 5,000 cases per year. Despite …

Changes In Psychiatric Diagnosis Associated With Sars-Cov-2 Infection And Predicting The Development Of New Psychiatric Illness In Covid Patients By Using Machine Learning Approach: A Study Using The Us National Covid Cohort Collaborative (N3c), Asif Rahman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The enduring impact of COVID-19 extends beyond acute illness, with potential long-term psychiatric consequences raising significant concern among healthcare professionals and researchers alike. Emerging evidence suggests a multifaceted relationship between COVID-19 and the development of different psychiatric illnesses like Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorders (SSPD), Depression, Bipolar disorder, Personality disorder, Trauma, and a range of other mental health conditions. Considering these emerging connections, our study endeavors to rigorously assess the associations between COVID-19 and various psychiatric illnesses while simultaneously employing machine learning techniques to predict the development of new psychiatric disorders in individuals affected by the virus. Leveraging the extensive …

Iron Coated Sand: A Sustainable Substrate Amendment For Nutrient Management And Growth Of Floriculture Crops, Savannah Mead

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Acid mine drainage and phosphorus pollution are two of the most pervasive forms of water contamination in Appalachia and globally. The horticultural industry is a contributor to nutrient pollution via leaching from greenhouses, necessitating the adoption of more sustainable practices for container production in controlled environments. In this thesis, an acid mine drainage-based iron-coated sand product was assessed on its effectiveness for phosphate adsorption when used as a sustainable substrate amendment for soilless container production of flowering ornamentals. The first study centered around the amount of iron-coated sand to use for production of petunias, pansies, and chrysanthemums. Iron-coated sand at …

From Risks To Adoption: Unraveling U.S. Consumer Behavior In C2c Online Secondhand Marketplaces, Sudipta Das

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The growth of secondhand product sales has surged in recent years, underscoring the importance of secondhand marketplaces. Consumer-to-consumer (C2C) platforms represent a new era in these marketplaces. This study investigates the factors influencing U.S. consumers' behaviors towards utilizing C2C online marketplaces, employing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) framework, which is widely used to understand the adoption of technology or new innovations. Given the inherent risks associated with sharing personal and financial information, as well as the uncertainties between buyers and sellers, the variable of perceived risk was also included in the study. A comprehensive …

Depicting The Donald: How Framing Of Donald Trump In Media Changed Throughout The Course Of His 2015-2016 United States Presidential Campaign, Jakob O. Janoski

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examined how framing of Donald Trump in online news images may have changed throughout the course of his 2015-2016 United States presidential campaign. Previous research suggests that Republican presidential candidates may get more coverage but not necessarily be framed as more favorable (Moriarty and Popovich, 1988). The content analysis comprised of 18 constructed weeks in which images from various outlets were analyzed in nine categories (e.g., “facial expression” and “posture”) and coded as either “more favorable,” “N/A” or “less favorable.” It was found that image favorability of Trump dipped from the Pre-Primary period to the Primary period then …

A Critical Event Narrative Analysis Of African Women Immigrant Entrepreneurs In The United States: Impacts Before, During, And After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Damilola T. Fasinu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This doctoral research presents a qualitative critical event narrative study focused on African Women Immigrant Entrepreneurs (AWIE) in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to explore the unique challenges, coping mechanisms, and resilience strategies of AWIE by examining their experiences before, during, and after the pandemic. The research is driven by three guiding questions: (1) How do AWIE describe their experience before the pandemic? (2) During the pandemic? (3) After the pandemic? This inquiry provides a comprehensive narrative, capturing the challenges and successes experienced in the pre-pandemic environment, documenting the immediate impacts of the pandemic on …

Anti-Listeria Of H2o2-Peroxyacetic Acid Anti-Listeria Efficacy Of A Hydrogen Peroxide-Peroxyacetic Acid Mixer In Bacterial Buffered Solution And On Bell Peppers, Peighton Denae Foster

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study aims to 1) evaluate the efficacy of H₂O₂-peroxyacetic acid (PAA) mixer to inactivate Listeria monocytogenes in 0.1% buffered-peptone-water; 2) evaluate the reduction and mitigation of cross-contamination on peppers. For the study-1, aliquots of 1.0-ml mixer solutions (0.25, 0.50 and 0.84%) were added to the first 3-well of 8-strip-deep-well microplates. Then, the 0.1 ml of 10-fold dilution the Nalidixic-acid-resistant (NaL) L. monocytogenes was added and mixed immediately with a multichannel pipette. After exposure for 0, 5, 15, 30, and up to 120-s, 1 ml of 2×D/E neutralized solution was added to terminate the reaction followed …

Rural Student Postsecondary Decision-Making: Navigating Narratives Of The Purpose And Value Of Higher Education, Ashley Renee Leggett-Bradley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The narrative surrounding the purpose and place of higher education has shifted dramatically over the past few decades, despite the persistent perceptions of the necessity of an educated society. With these shifts and conflicting narratives comes the question of how students are influenced by these narratives as they make their postsecondary decisions. This study seeks to illuminate the unique way that rural students receive, understand, and are influenced by these potentially conflicting narratives through a qualitative multi-site case study. All three sites are located within the North Central Appalachian portion of the state of West Virginia, and encompass a range …

Encouraging Equity Through Rural Elementary Professional Learning, Jana K. Stone

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study employed design-based research to explore the efficacy of professional learning materials and approaches in developing social justice advocacy with rural elementary teachers in Appalachia. Bronfenbrenner’s (2005) bioecological theory and Boler’s (1999) pedagogy of discomfort formed the theoretical framework for the design, implementation, and analysis. Mid-way through the study, Allport’s (1954) contact hypothesis was included to inform the revision of intervention approaches. Four elementary teachers attended seven in-person informational discussion meetings over five months. During this time, these teachers also read two books and completed journal responses and surveys. The qualitative data was analyzed using Braun and Clark’s (2006) …

Immune Outcomes Affected By Selection For Parasite Resistance In Katahdin Sheep, Kelsey Lynne Bentley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Our understanding of the complex connection between selection for parasite resistance and the overall health outcomes in livestock is unclear. This study investigates the impact of post-weaning fecal egg count (PFEC) estimated breeding values (EBV) on health outcomes and immune responses in Katahdin sheep. Selection for PFEC, favoring Low-PFEC lambs, not only affects survivability to weaning but also suggests broader implications for immunity beyond parasite resistance. The effect of PFEC EBV on antibody production in response to vaccination against Clostridium perfringens type C&D and tetanus toxoid (CD&T) revealed a stepwise decrease in immunoglobin (IgG) from Low-PFEC to High-PFEC groups upon …

Assessing The Impact Of Olive Oil And Flaxseed Oil Supplementation On Hypertension And Inflammation In Healthy And At-Risk Adults, Tara Bess Mcnabb

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Supplementation of olive oil and flaxseed oil and their impacts on hypertension and inflammation have been reported for healthy and hypertensive adults. However, a comprehensive systematic literature review and meta-analysis on the preventive benefit of plant oil supplementation in healthy adults and adults at risk of inflammation inducing hypertension is lacking.

Objective: to evaluate human clinical trials assessing the impact of olive oil and flaxseed oil capsules on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and select inflammatory markers in non-hypertensive and at-risk adults of hypertension.

Data sources: Four databases were searched in October 2023 …

Implementing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles To Collect Human Gait Data At Distance And Altitude For Identification And Re-Identification, Donn E. Bartram

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Gait patterns are a class of biometric information pertaining to the way a person moves and poses. Gait information is unique to each person and can be used to identify and reidentify people. Historically, this task has been achieved through the use of multiple ground-based imaging sensors. However, as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) advance, they present the opportunity to evolve the process of persons identification and re-identification. Collecting human gait data using UAVs at distances ranging from 20m to 500m and altitudes ranging from 0m to 120m is a challenging task. The current biometric data collection methods, primarily designed for …

Three Essays On Misinformation, Mistrust And Their Influence On Public Health Policy, Eli Kochersperger

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the first chapter I identify the impact of fentanyl exposure misinformation- namely, the erroneous belief that momentary, passive contact with the potent opioid fentanyl can be seriously harmful- on first responder behavior during overdose events, and on overall opioid-related mortality. I examine changes in opioid-related mortality following one particularly well-covered episode involving an Ohio police officer in 2017, wherein the officer appeared to experience an acute opioid overdose after touching what was believed to be fentanyl. Employing a synthetic differences-in-differences identification strategy, I find areas with greater media exposure to this misinformation exhibit marked increases in opioid overdose deaths; …