Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

On Confidence And Sense Of Belonging In Cybersecurity Students: Analysis & Prediction, Sadaf Amna Sarwari

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In recent years, there has been a rapid expansion of cybersecurity programs across higher education institutions in response to the widening skills gap in the cybersecurity job market. This study adopts quantitative and qualitative approaches to identify factors influencing West Virginia University (WVU)’s LANE Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering (LCSEE) students’ confidence and sense of belonging in the cybersecurity field. The results are based on data collected from surveys administered to LCSEE students in April 2022 and April 2023. The responses were analyzed using descriptive & inferential statistics and logistic regression techniques. Additionally, the 2023 data was utilized …

Executive Compensation And Competitive Behavior Of The Firm: A Behavioral Agency Perspective, Oleksandr Tsaruk

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation attempts to address the research question: how does the CEO’s compensation structure affect the firm’s competitive actions in the context of rivalry with competitors? Prior research has systematically examined antecedents of firms’ competitive actions, such as TMT characteristics, industry structure, exogenous shocks, competitive attacks and counterattacks. However, there is a lack of systemic research on how CEO compensation structure serves as a motivational factor of the firm’s competitive actions. The influence of the CEO on a firm’s competitive behavior has long interested scholars in strategy research. Thus, filling this gap in the literature is of significant importance.

This …

How Virtual Reality Simulations Prepare Teachers In Teacher Preparation Programs For Inclusive Classrooms, Lorilei G. Thompson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Teacher preparation programs are ever evolving based on research and student needs. The use of technology, such as virtual reality (VR), is at the forefront of education to help provide opportunities for teacher candidates to practice teaching in a semi-authentic classroom environment of students with and without exceptionalities. VR is a way for teacher candidates to practice teaching in a structured and conceivably less stressful environment in comparison to a real brick and mortar inclusive classroom. This qualitative study utilizes interviewing with video cuing for two novice teacher participants who went through the same inclusive education course at a major …

Three Essays In Urban And Regional Economics, Bryan Khoo Wyng Wai

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation "Three Essays in Urban and Regional Economics" contains three chapters which explore urban and regional economics. The first chapters focuses on examining the effect of stadiums on congestion; the second chapter on the effect of military base closures on the housing market; and the third chapter is a meta-analysis on historical instrumental variables.

The first chapter examines the effect of National Football League games on traffic congestion in Cincinnati, Ohio; Seattle, Washington; and Santa Clara, California during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. By linking sporting events to traffic congestion, this paper provides the mechanism for stadiums generating additional …

Implementation Of A Pilot Quality Improvement Project To Guide The Administration Of Intraoperative Dexamethasone For Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting Prophylaxis In Patients With Diabetes Undergoing Orthopedic Procedures, Brittany W. Hall

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: At a local tertiary care hospital, there was no recommendation to guide anesthesia providers in the administration of intraoperative dexamethasone to patients with diabetes. While dexamethasone is a highly effective antiemetic, it may promote hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to guide and educate about current recommendations for the administration of dexamethasone for PONV prophylaxis in patients with diabetes.

Intervention: 1) Examined pre-intervention practices of dexamethasone administration. 2) Educated about current and best practices to anesthesia staff. 3) Developed badge buddy cards outlining the guideline. 4) Examined post-intervention practices. 5) Evaluated the effect …

Ethics In Action: Exploring B Corporation Certification, Value Congruence, And Empathy Within Organizations, Jiahui Lu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation is comprised of three studies. It explores ethical practices within organizational settings from three different perspectives: a macro perspective, an individual perspective, and a micro-level interaction perspective. The first study examines the earnings management behavior of B Corporation managers, providing a macro view of how an external corporate certification may address the broader issue of business ethics. The findings of this study contribute to the legitimacy of B Corporations and our understanding of the relationship between corporate social responsibility and earnings management. The second study investigates the effect of value congruence on employee whistleblowing at for-profit social mission …

Sexual Identity And Homophily: The Powerful Role Of Sexual Identity For Romantic Partner Selection, Lee Thorpe Jr

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation investigates the role of sexual identity on homophily, and its effects on romantic partner selection. The principle of homophily states that individuals tend to befriend and seek romantic partners who are most similar to themselves based on certain social characteristics (i.e., birds of a feather flock together). The majority of the homophily literature focuses on heterosexual friendships and coupling. Recently, homophily research has included sexual identity in their analyses. However, recent studies have only investigated friendship formation/bonds for lesbians and describing certain racial coupling types for individuals based on their sexual identity. I fill the lacuna in research …

Are Two Heads Better Than One? Investigating The Influence Of Collaboration On Creativity, Alexander Knopps

Psychology

Creativity and collaboration are considered fundamental skills for student success in STEM Education (Karimi & Pina, 2021) and are consistently among the top-ranked skills for employers (Flaherty, 2021). To assess creativity, the Remote Association Task (RAT) is an increasingly used tool to measure creative problem-solving (Wu et al., 2021). However, no research has systematically investigated the effectiveness of working collaboratively versus individually using this measure. The current research evaluates how collaboration impacts creative problem-solving using the RAT. Participants worked collaboratively or individually to solve 20 RAT problems (Experiments 1-2) and completed a later, individual test that involved the same 20 …

A Quality Improvement Initiative To Reduce Preanalytical Blood Gas Errors, Layla Haver Newbrough

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Introduction: Laboratory testing is one of the most commonly performed procedures in healthcare and resulting data are paramount to clinical decision making. Background: Preanalytical blood gas laboratory errors often stem from the incorrect recording of a patient’s fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) within the laboratory collection application. Incorrect FiO2 may cause erroneous results or delays in reporting results that have the potential to negatively impact patient safety and medical management.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to reduce the occurrence of preanalytical blood gas laboratory errors. Methods/Interventions: This initiative combined modification of the laboratory collection application …

Embarking On The Analytical Odyssey: A Phenomenological Exploration Of The Psychoanalytic Journey Of Formation, Steven Giddens

Psychology

This Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) study explored the lived experiences of Lacanian psychoanalysts undergoing formation. The research aimed to elucidate the subjective dimensions of the psychoanalytic journey by addressing three primary questions: (a) What are psychoanalysts’ fundamental experiences and challenges during their formation and training? (b) How do psychoanalysts perceive the impact of their formation on their professional development? (c) What roles do supervision, personal analysis, and organizational support play in the formation of psychoanalysts? Three participants affiliated with the Colorado Analytic Forum were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analyzed using IPA’s six-step process, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

On Uncertainty For Ill-Posed Robot Decision Problems, Jared Joseph Beard

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As robots adopt more real world responsibilities, they will be expected to solve more complicated problems. In some cases limited prior knowledge will result in unmodelled environmental conditions; in others, multiple users may have competing perspectives on how to frame a decision problem. Many existing frameworks, namely Markov decision processes (MDP) presuppose users have identified a specific problem with models sufficient to solve or learn a problem. If we wish to extend MDPs to novel problems or those heavily dependent on user feedback, autonomous decision makers must be able to identify limitations in how a given problem is framed and …

School Counselors' Use Of Movement In Small Group And Individual Counseling Sessions, Amy Geinert

Psychology

Although there is a research base for incorporating movement into teaching and classroom lessons, there currently is a lack of research on incorporating movement into school counseling practices. The present mixed methods exploratory study aimed to identify school counselor attitudes, beliefs, and practices regarding the use of movement in individual and small group counseling sessions. A concurrent embedded strategy was utilized to survey practicing school counselors in the United States. By sharing requests through the ASCA Member Community and state school counselor association communications, study participants were invited to complete an anonymous survey online. Study participants indicated they find incorporating …

History Of Federal International Education Policy (1900-2024): A Four-Dimensional View In Action, Winda Wastu Melati

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation examines the history of the evolution of United States international education policy from 1900 to 2024, employing document analysis methodology to explore key themes that have shaped its trajectory. The study utilizes Cooper et al.'s (2004) Four-Dimensional View of Policy theory (normative, structural, constituentive, and technical) to analyze the complex interplay between diplomatic objectives, economic considerations, national security concerns, immigration, internationalization of higher education, and international students in the United States. The research traces major policy shifts from early initiatives like the Boxer Indemnity Scholarship Program to post-9/11 security measures and recent administrative changes by examining primary sources …

Evaluation Of Fungicide Sensitivity And Forms Of Resistance Of Selected Diaporthe Species In Soybean (Glycine Max L.), Bijula Mankara Sureshbabu

Plant Pathology

In U.S, Diaporthe species caused yield losses of 0.2 million metric tons in soybean in 2022. Quinone outside inhibitor fungicides carry high risk of fungicide resistance and may use for managing Diaporthe. In this study, isolates of D.aspalathi, D.caulivora and D.longicolla from 16 U.S. states were tested for their sensitivity to azoxystrobin. Significant effect of isolates (P<0.05) was observed on effective concentration at which mycelial growth was inhibited by 50% (EC50). The results showed the presence of sensitive Diaporthe isolates in soybean to azoxystrobin. Moreover, resistance to stem and seed infection by D.longicolla was evaluated in 39 soybean accessions. Significant effect of genotypes was observed on disease severity of stem and seed infection (P<0.05). Correlation between disease severity of stem and seed infection was non-significant. Results indicate defense mechanism against D.longicolla during stem and seed infection may differ. These findings indicate need to determine alternative fungicide chemistries and develop Diaporthe-resistant soybean varieties.

Effects Of Synonymous And Nonsynonymous Cyp51 Mutations On Dmi Resistance In Cercospora Beticola, Isaac Courneya

Plant Pathology

Cercospora beticola is the most devastating foliar pathogen of sugar beet. This pathogen is primarily managed by the application of fungicides, including demethylation inhibitors (DMIs). Given the broad use of DMIs in managing Cercospora leaf spot, resistance has developed. Recently, five haplotypes of CbCyp51 have been correlated with DMI resistance. To improve our understanding of these haplotypes, this study has evaluated CbCyp51 expression across haplotypes with and without DMI exposure using RT-qPCR. Significant differences were found between haplotypes in control and difenoconazole groups, but the broader implications were unclear. This study also produced mutant C. beticola strains with replaced CbCyp51 …

Two Essays To Encourage Agritourism Cluster Development In The Appalachian Region: An Analysis Of Agritourism Operation Regarding Clustering And Toolkit Curriculum For Cluster Development, Oluwatoyin Adebisi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study focused on encouraging agritourism operators in the study area to engage in clustering. Collaboration within networks and clusters is strongly encouraged as a catalyst for accelerating industrial transformation, developing regional competitive advantages, and boosting company and job creation. All these factors ultimately contribute to economic progress and prosperity. A snowball sampling method was used to survey 192 agritourism operators, with 145 responses meeting the inclusion criteria for analysis. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to identify factors contributing to agritourism business development in the selected six states. Based on a linear regression model, the findings reveal that net income …

Active Uncertainty Representation Learning: Toward More Label Efficiency In Deep Learning, Salman Mohamadi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The primary goal of this dissertation is to investigate and improve the efficiency of deep learning algorithms, especially within computer vision problem domains, from the perspective of label-efficiency. This investigation showed that deep learning algorithms are mostly notorious for the lack of uncertainty representation. Accordingly, we aimed to develop an array of deep learning frameworks rich with uncertainty representation. These frameworks are mainly within two current pillars of machine learning, deep active learning and self-supervised learning. These frameworks include deep active ensemble sampling for efficient sample selection within deep active learning, a two-stage ensemble-based general self-training approach for existing visual …

Foreign Policy Reorientation: From Globalization To Nationalism, Abdullah A. Asiri

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation explores the foreign policy implications of the post-2010 resurgence of nationalism in the U.S., Europe, and other parts of the world. It explores the reorientation of foreign policy away from globalization and the post-Cold War expectations that include a rules-based order, the spread of democracy and human rights, and the free movement of capital, products, people, and information. Instead, the emerging nationalist foreign policies emphasize independence and national sovereignty, economic self-sufficiency and protectionism, and anti-democracy and universal values. These policies are also characterized in terms of limited and unilateral engagement and proneness to conflict and confrontation. This dissertation …

A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Group Telehealth Workshops Based On Parent-Child Interaction Therapy For Caregivers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Erinn J. Victory

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with various symptoms that interfere with functioning requiring intensive early intervention; however, many families experience barriers to accessing behavioral services due to provider shortages, cost of treatment, and lack of transportation. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) has demonstrated effectiveness as a supplemental treatment for disruptive behaviors in children on the autism spectrum. The current study aims to determine the efficacy of a 2-day group telehealth parent-only workshop based on PCIT for improving caregivers’ use of positive parenting skills, child disruptive behavior, compliance to caregiver commands, and child psychosocial functioning. Thirty-three caregivers and …

Isabella: An Eternal Badass An Actor’S Exploration On Healing, Forgiveness, And Learning To Embrace The Messiness Through Isabella In William Shakespeare’S Measure For Measure, Shelby E. Garrett

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis not only delves into the acting methods used to portray Shakespeare's Isabella in West Virginia University's spring 2023 production of Measure for Measure, but also examines the innovative approach of interpreting the character through the perspective of an older actor. It will examine acting techniques such as Meisner, Fitzmaurice Voicework®, yoga, and chakra work, detailing their influence on character development. From audition to performance, this document will track my journey, capturing personal insights through journal entries, sound bites, and images that helped in shaping a more mature Isabella. Additionally, it explores how actors navigate personal challenges during …

Light-Assisted 3d Printing Of Continuous Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Composites, Md Zahirul Islam

Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics

Polymer 3D printing has become an emerging manufacturing technique, due to its design flexibility, however its application to produce structural components is still limited due to the poor mechanical strength and thermal stability of most 3D printed parts. Because of the superior mechanical strength of carbon fiber, 3D printing of continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoset composites have recently been studied overcome this barrier of mechanical strength and thermal stability. Light- curing based 3D printing of continuous carbon fiber shows a promising potential, however this process also has limitations in making custom object due to fiber loop creation as the nozzle …

An Examination Of Selected Chinese Ethnic Choral Music From Inner Mongolia, Yunnan Province, And Central Plains Area, Kewen Cheng

Music

The landscape of choral music in modern China is characterized by a rich and varied repertoire, despite its relatively brief history within the nation. Diverging from the trajectories of traditionally Christian countries, the evolution of Chinese choral music has been shaped by unique historical, social, religious, and folk music traditions. This paper embarks on an examination of selected Chinese ethnic choral music, commencing with an overview of the development path of Chinese choral music in Chapter One. It then delves into an analysis of choral traditions across three distinct ethnic regions in the following three chapters. Each of them is …

Improving Nitrogen Management, Including The Use Of Cover Crops, In North Dakota Cropping Systems, Brady Goettl

Natural Resources Management

Crop production in North Dakota covers nearly 64 million ha, playing a crucial role in the state’s economy. However, wide-spread agriculture also poses environmental risks resulting from soil erosion and loss of N to ground and surface water. To address these concerns, agriculturists must adopt practices to decrease soil erosion and responsibly manage N. Between 2020 and 2024, several studies in North Dakota focused on improving N management in two-row malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), explored opportunities for cover crop integration, and assessed the rotational impact cover crops on crop productivity and soil factors. Research indicated N recommendations ranging from …

Identification, Investigation, And Spatial Analysis Of Various Contributing Factors To Crash And Injury Severity In Different Crash Types, Ihsan Khan

Transportation Logistics and Finance

This dissertation had three main objectives related to improving road safety by investigating factors that contribute to injury severity in different types of single-vehicle crashes. The first objective was to develop a generalized ordered logit model to examine factors affecting injury severity of occupants in single-vehicle rollover crashes using 5 years of U.S. crash data from 2012-2016. Results showed likelihood of serious/fatal injuries increased in rollovers with occupant ejection, speeding, higher speed limits, roadside/median rollovers, undulating terrain, blacktop surfaces, rural roads, evenings, weekdays, older drivers, lack of occupant protection, previous driver crashes, distracted/aggressive driving, and passenger cars. Airbag deployment reduced …

Graph Two-Sample Test Via Empirical Likelihood, Ting Zou

Statistics

In the past two decades, there has been a notable surge in network data. This proliferation has spurred significant advancements in methods for analyzing networks across various disciplines, including computer science, information sciences, biology, bioinformatics, physics, economics, sociology, and health science. Graph two-sample hypothesis testing, aimed at discerning differences between two populations of networks, arises naturally in diverse scenarios. In this paper, we delve into the essential yet intricate task of testing for equivalence between two networks. There are many testing procedures available. For instance, the t-test based on subgraph counts is one of the methods. In this paper, we …