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Piano Wisdom From Two Great Masters: Heinrich Neuhaus And Walter Gieseking, Xiaohan Hu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation explores the pedagogical insights and piano techniques of Heinrich Neuhaus (1888-1964) and Walter Gieseking (1895-1956), two iconic figures in 20th-century piano performance and education. Through a detailed analysis of their writings and teaching methods, the research highlights their shared focus on the foundational principles of piano technique, as well as their unique contributions to interpretation and musical expression.

Neuhaus’s The Art of Piano Playing provides an in-depth discussion on the importance of artistic imagery, posture, sound production, and emotional depth in performance. Gieseking, along with his former teacher Karl Leimer, emphasizes ear training, mental visualization, and technical precision …

Celluloid Shakespeare: An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Film And Theatre Through Edgar In Shakespeare’S King Lear, Liam Michael Holton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This document explores the actor‘s process and performance of Edgar in the 2021 WVU/WVPB production of William Shakespeare‘s King Lear. This production was directed by Professor Jerry McGonigle and was filmed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in partnership with West Virginia Public Broadcasting. This experimental project would go on to receive national distribution by the National Educational Television Association (NETA) and was also in consideration for a NETA award, in addition to receiving an Ohio Valley regional Emmy Award nomination as a finalist in the category of Arts/Entertainment – Short Form or Long Form Content. The following text …

Experimental Verification And Time-Resolved Bispectral Analysis Of Nonlinear Coupling In The Toroidicity-Induced Alfv´En Eigenmode Spectrum, Gregory Allen Riggs

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In magnetically-confined fusion devices, the toroidicity-induced Alfv´en eigenmode (TAE) is a well-studied, weakly stable solution of the linearized ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations. Due to intrinsic coupling of poloidal harmonics of the shear Alfv´en wave (SAW) in toroidal geometry, the rotational transform of magnetic field lines modulates the effective index of refraction, ensuring gaps in the so-called “Alfv´en continuum.” Experimental verification of theoretical predictions for various parameters of interest (i.e., frequency, mode structure, instability threshold, etc.) is established in the literature.

We present the first systematic study of TAE-TAE phase coherence in an experimental device, using the DIII-D tokamak. Crucially, nonlinear …

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 …

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 …

The Search, The Localization, And The Characterization: Fast Radio Transients, Reshma Anna Thomas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Fast radio transients are energetic bursts in centimeter or meter wave-lengths, lasting only milliseconds, and originating from both Galactic and extra-Galactic sources. In our Galaxy, these transients primarily originate from pulsars, which are rotating neutron stars. The more energetic extra-galactic transients, known as fast radio bursts (FRBs), have unknown origins. This thesis explores various techniques, including single dish and interferometric observations, to detect and accurately localize fast radio transients. It also investigates how the propagation effects of radio waves can reveal characteristics of the local environment and potential FRB sources. Furthermore, it demonstrates how FRBs can be used to study …

A Grounded Theory Investigation Of Basic Psychological Needs Theory As A Framework For Effective Mental Health Referrals In Collegiate Sport, Luna Ugrenović

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Using a grounded theory approach, this study explored collegiate athletes’ mental health referral experiences and identified mechanisms explaining those experiences based upon perceptions of psychological need fulfillment and thwarting according to Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT). Interviews were conducted with a purposive, maximum variation sample of 14 current and former collegiate athletes who were referred to mental health services by support personnel or other athletes. Analyses yielded three overarching theoretical categories/properties: pre-referral factors, proactive and reactive referral conversations, and referral outcomes. Referral is often understood as an isolated conversation in which athletes are provided mental health resources in response to …

Weighted Effect Of Concentrated Cracking On The Structural Integrity Of Concrete Bridge Decks, Md Ala Uddin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Concrete bridge decks are vital components of transportation infrastructure, yet their deterioration due to aging, environmental, and operational factors poses significant challenges to maintenance and safety. In the United States, approximately 9.1% of bridges require improvement, with millions of daily trips relying on structurally deficient bridges. Cracking is one of the most frequently observed defects on concrete bridge structures. Traditional bridge inspections evaluate cracks based on severity (crack width) and extent (crack area), combining these values with other performance indicators to assess overall bridge health. However, the effect of concentrated cracking in localized areas on bridge integrity remains largely unexplored. …

Benchmarking The Global Warming Potential Of Asphalt Pavements In West Virginia, Md Reasad Samrat

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

With the rising focus on sustainable infrastructure, interest in environmentally friendly paving practices has grown significantly. This thesis investigates the environmental impacts of asphalt mixtures in West Virginia from a sustainable asphalt mix design perspective, with a particular emphasis on the utilization of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The research aligns with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Climate Challenge, which aims to encourage state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to implement low-carbon materials and consider the ecological effects of their paving activities. This study establishes the initial benchmark values for greenhouse gas emissions associated with asphalt pavements in West Virginia. The …

It's Written All Over Your Face: A Cultural And Gender History Of The Face In The Middle Ages, 1170-1500, Lacey N. Bonar Hull

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

At a time of vast social and cultural shifts, people living in western Europe from the late twelfth to the late fifteenth centuries developed and employed methods to “read” the faces of others. This practice promoted the interpretation of inner qualities from external appearances, often used to communicate adherence to or deviation from boundaries of gendered behaviors. My project explores medieval understandings concerning this particular feature of the human body, analyzing discourses concerning the face as a site of symbolism for inner character. While scholars have studied understandings of the self and the “Other” during this period, the role of …

Improving Awareness And Identifying Risks For Emergence Delirium In Military Veterans, Hannah E. Pino

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Emergence delirium (ED) is an acute state of confusion during the recovery phase from anesthesia that may be life-threatening, especially in the veteran population. Military veteran status may be explored by the Have You Ever Served questionnaire that was developed by the American Academy of Nursing to identify veterans upon admission to the hospital and thus be able to better care for them during their stay. This campaign has been in effect at the hospital site of this project for nearly 10 years. The questionnaire identifies military history risk factors such as combat history or a diagnosis of post-traumatic …

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) …

The Influence Of Faculty Mentorship On Graduate Student Development Through The Lens Of Self-Efficacy, Connor Lynn Ferguson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This exploratory sequential mixed-methods case study explores the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and faculty mentorship with biomedical sciences graduate students. The intent of the study was to understand the extent at which faculty mentorship contributes to self-efficacy development in the population of biomedical sciences doctoral students enrolled at a mid-Atlantic R1 institution. Data collected consisted of a survey assessing perceived self-efficacy and mentoring, interviews and documents. Data analysis explored themes related to the perceived academic and professional development of the students through their responses. The research highlights the significance of the mentor-mentee relationship and influence of the mentor on the …

Forest Management Alters The Quantity And Apparent Stability Of Soil Carbon, Dominick Cifelli

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Forest carbon (C) credit markets have emerged as a tool to mitigate climate change by offsetting C emissions through improved forest management. However, the models used to estimate C gains in response to shifts in forest management focus on aboveground C pools while neglecting the role of changes in soil organic matter (SOM) pool. This absence of SOM dynamics in forest C markets is concerning given that soil holds nearly double the amount of C compared to vegetation. In addition, most research on the impacts of forest management on soil C has focused on bulk SOM concentrations. This focus overlooks …

Does It Sound Like I'M Talking?, Justin E. Borak

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, better known by his stage name, Molière, was widely known as one of the greatest writers in France. His biting satirical thoughts on French hypocrisy, as well as the brilliance in his verse, will be investigated through one of his most popular plays, The Misanthrope. Throughout these pages, I will explore this by diving into the character of Philinte, the trusted best friend of Alceste, the misanthrope, and take a deeper look into the empathetic character who is desperately trying to walk the line of truth and bootlicking. I will accomplish this by researching Molière himself, his specific …

Ready Oer Not: Engaging Teachers With Student Identity Through Open Pedagogy, Emily Helton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research project centers on in-service K-12 teachers’ experiences of a continuing education course about open education resources (OER) and how to use them in ways that support students’ ability to use identity resources while engaging with disciplinary learning experiences. Using a qualitative design-based research approach, I sought to both improve the course and examine how teachers took up the ideas from the course in their planning and teaching. While OER are valuable resources for K-12 teachers in and of themselves because they are free and often available in easily adapted formats, their licensing typically allows edited versions to be …

Eating Concerns And Self-Injury Among Collegiate Populations: A Comparison Of Sexual Orientation Groups, Matthew Kasopsky

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examined the prevalence of eating concerns and nonsuicidal self-injurious behaviors (NSSIB) in college students seeking services at college and university counseling centers (UCCs), focusing on whether sexual minority students experience these issues at higher rates than their heterosexual peers. Eating concerns and NSSIB are understudied among sexual minority individuals. Previous research has demonstrated that through prejudice, stigma, and social stress, sexual minority individuals may be at a higher risk of developing mental health concerns and conditions than their heterosexual counterparts. The present study used a cross-sectional design to examine data from a sample of collegiate clients nationwide. Data …

An Inquiry Into The Accessibility Of Campus Recreation For College Students With Disabilities, Kayla B. Abrahamson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

University recreation centers are identified as the main sources of physical activity for college students. However, an estimated 68% of college students with disabilities (SWD) use their campus recreational facilities less than five times per year (Yoh et al., 2008). Structural and programmatic accessibility barriers may account for low facility use and corresponding low physical activity levels among college SWD. An accessibility assessment of facilities and programming is warranted to identify priority areas for barrier removal. This collective case study evaluates the accessibility of three campus recreation facilities at 4-year public universities in the southeast U.S. Adopting a mixed-method approach, …

Mechanistic Insight Into Maternal Electronic Cigarette Exposure And Its Effect On Offspring Cerebrovascular And Neurocognitive Health, Amber Victoria Mills

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Electronic cigarettes (Ecigs) have replaced smoking within the last decade as the preferred nicotine delivery system because of their advertising to the younger populations. Marketing has sold the idea that use of Ecigs are safer than smoking and this messaging has resonated with youth and other vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. Despite over 2.8 million children under 18 (Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey) deciding to vape, there is little information about what this will do to the next generation. Further, it is that same population that will soon reach an age when they will want to have children. There …

Machine Learning And Rna Bioinformatics, Jason Rafe Miller

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The applied science of bioinformatics encompasses computational analysis of molecular biology data. Advances in genomics and DNA sequencing technology have enabled computational analysis of ribonucleic acids (RNAs), which play diverse and critical roles in most cells. To assist the study of human RNA, we trained machine learning models on RNA nucleotide sequences, devoid of domain knowledge. We built models that distinguish long non-coding lncRNA from protein-coding mRNA, and models that predict the cytoplasmic vs. nuclear preferences of lncRNAs. In a review of published lncRNA subcellular localization classifiers, we show that the commonly used validation protocol generates optimistic performance measures, and …

Contracture Management For Acute Burn Injury Patients, Brianna Paige Pestrosky

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: The Occupational Therapists working within the burn unit at West Penn Hospital assess and treat patients utilizing the biomechanical approach FOR, as well as the support from MOHO and PEOP. The patients seen within the burn unit encompass a variety of injuries and occupational deficits that require an individualized and holistic approach to care.

Purpose: The purpose of the contracture management project is to provide an interdisciplinary approach to improve carryover and patient care within and out of the hospital.

Theoretical framework: The contracture management project is guided using the biomechanical frame of reference as well as supporting constructs …

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 …

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) …

Advances In Machine Learning Aided Seismic Interpretation And Inversion For Subsurface Characterization, Tobi Micheal Ore

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Geophysical data are used to “remotely sense” the subsurface to illuminate structures, stratigraphy, and features that are of interest in the exploration for energy, suitable storage for carbon dioxide, geothermal development, and environmental considerations. The interpretations of these data typically are regarded as partially an art, as it depends on the experience of the interpreter. This is further exacerbated with the big data era as this data is large and takes several days, even longer, to manually interpret. To bridge this gap of speed and subjective bias, machine learning has been successfully applied to automate the geophysical interpretation process. This …

When The Right Man Rings Them?, Alan Wayne Cline

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research aims to outline the suitability of Vaughan Williams’s songs to a broader selection of performers, including singers in academic settings and professional musicians around the globe. The significance of Ralph Vaughan Williams's impact on the music world is difficult to question. Among his considerable accomplishments are the editing of the Anglican English hymnal, the advocation for traditional British folk songs as national works of art, the composition of the same number of symphonies as Beethoven and Dvořák, and, most notably for singers, the writing of song cycles and collections of songs. While these accomplishments are significant, his songs …

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 …

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

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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

Isometric Force-Time Characteristics Of Different Positions In The Clean In Weightlifters, Kyle G. Rochau

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the sport of weightlifting, the ability to produce force known as strength is of great importance. Coaches can implement strategies to help their weightlifters increase their maximal strength levels such as performing full lifts like the snatch and clean & jerk or performing derivatives of those movements such as a clean pull from the knee or a mid-thigh pull. Performing weightlifting derivatives helps strengthen key technical positions in the full lifts, aiding their success. Having muscular weakness in these positions may be detrimental to the success of a lift. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the weightlifting …

The Phylogeny Of Chasmataspidida, B.D. Voss

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Chasmataspidids are a group of Early Paleozoic (Middle Ordovician-Middle Devonian) chelicerates with an unclear phylogenetic placement. Though recent phylogenetic tests that include chasmataspidids support a monophyletic Chasmataspidida as sister to a Sclerophorata (Eurypterida+Arachnida) clade, very few previous phylogenetic analyses have sampled more than three of the fourteen currently recognized species. Without a robustly tested phylogenetic hypothesis, understanding macroevolutionary and biogeographic trends within chasmataspidids is difficult. Chasmataspidids also represent the earliest preserved euchelicerate in the fossil record, with Chasmataspis laurencii Caster and Brooks, 1956, dated to approximately 478 million years ago, and the group’s relationship to other euchelicerates has implications on …

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 …