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Impacts Of Community Food Outreach Programs On Low-Income Families: St. Ursula’S Food Outreach Program In Pursglove Monongalia, West Virginia, United States As A Case Study, Oluwafunke Abeleje

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Impacts Of Community Food Outreach Programs on Low-Income Families: St. Ursula’s Food Outreach Program in Pursglove Monongalia, West Virginia as A Case Study

Abeleje Oluwafunke Rebecca

According to previous research studies as stated by Fatka (2023), in 2014, 14% of households in the United States had levels of food insecurity. Also, as noted by Pitts, 2020, food insecurity rates rose across the board in the United States during the early COVID-19 epidemic and tripled among families with children. Compared to other industrialized countries, the United States had very high rates of food insecurity before the outbreak (Poblacion et al., …

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 …

The Sex Chromosome Complement And Gut Microbiome Act Independently And Collaboratively To Impart Sex Dimorphisms In Humoral Immunity, Carly J. Amato-Menker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Sex dimorphisms in immunity are well-documented and have significant clinical implications. While the immunomodulatory effects of sex hormones have been extensively documented, recent recognition of the nuanced contributions of the sex chromosome complement (XX vs. XY) and the gut microbiome to immune sex dimorphisms underscores the need for a more comprehensive understanding. Within this context, the work herein focuses on unraveling the individual and collaborative impacts of the sex chromosome complement and gut microbiota on humoral immune activation. We assessed humoral immune responses to immunization with heat-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae (HKSP) in Four Core Genotype (FCG) mice and found elevated IgM-secreting …

A Test Of The Extended Theoretical Model Of Communal Coping Among Graduate Students: Investigating The Influence Of Communal Coping On Graduate Students’ Psychological Well-Being, Rebekah M. Chiasson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this dissertation was to test the extended theoretical model of communal coping (T. Afifi et al., 2020) in a graduate student sample by exploring predictors and outcomes of communal coping processes among 554 graduate students. The extended theoretical model of communal coping specifies that communal coping occurs when individuals within a community—such as graduate students within an academic program—perceive stressors as shared and are willing to take joint action to overcome those stressors. Results of this dissertation provided evidence that graduate students’ academic stress and the severity of individual academic stressors negatively impacted their psychological well-being. The …

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 …

Mental Health: Implementation Of The Smhat-1 Tool To Screen For Mental Health Concerns Among Collegiate Athletes Attending A Midwestern University, Chrisann Richter

Nursing

College athletes experience increased prevalence of anxiety, depression, sleep disorder, substance misuse, and eating disorders when compared to general college student population. When suffering from mental illness, signs and symptoms that elite, or professional athletes portray may mimic behaviors that are normative for dedicated athletes with demanding schedules and high-performance expectations. Early identification by athletic staff, coaches, and healthcare professionals is the key to facilitating early intervention. Routine screening for mental health has been proven effective in identifying athletes who are at risk for, or currently suffering from mental health disorders. Early identification, intervention and treatment offer athletes a better …

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 …

Theorizing Mathematical Proof As Becoming: A Deleuzio-Guattarian Investigation, Joshua P. Case

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In this dissertation, I utilize the post-structural philosophy of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari as a lens for investigating the proof process. Deleuze and Guattari were both post- structural philosophers who, like many in this tradition, troubled traditional notions related to stable identities, meaning, language, and mathematics. For Deleuze, sense and meaning is not the result of a sterile, transcendent effect or condition that is associated with propositions and states of affairs. Rather, it is the result of a material production that emerges from the world and that has independence from language and the mind. I apply this framework to …

Investigating Birds As Dispersal Vectors Of Litylenchus Crenatae Subsp. Mccannii (Anguinidae), The Nematode Associated With Beech Leaf Disease, Spencer Rock Parkinson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Beech leaf disease (BLD) is an emerging forest pathogen primarily affecting American beech (Fagus grandifolia, Ehrh.) in North America and has been attributed to tree mortality of sapling sized trees within five to seven years of infection. Symptoms typically occur in regenerating American beech thickets sprouting from roots of trees killed by beech bark disease. Scientists first observed BLD in Ohio in 2012 and currently has spread to 15 states in the USA and one Canadian province. The nematode Litylenchus crenatae subsp. mccannii (Lcm) is highly associated with BLD symptoms, interveinal chlorosis and defoliation of leaves, and is currently …

Usage Of Peer Mentoring Workbooks: Enhancing The Transition Of College Students With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Taylor Nicole Grout

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This doctoral capstone project assesses the impact and effectiveness of using peer mentoring workbooks as a tool to enhance the transition of college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A peer mentoring workbook was developed using theoretical frameworks to guide its design and identification of primary occupations, roles, and routines of college students. From here, four domains of college student life (dorm living, college social life, classroom management and participation, and community engagement and transportation) were developed to act as a framework for the workbook. Through the usage of Participatory Action Research, key stakeholders provided essential feedback that allowed for …

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 …

Limb Speed Perception Accuracy In Neurodegenerative Disease, Brandmeir Lynn Cheryl

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Movement is a fundamental human activity, enabling us to engage with our surroundings. Consequently, a well-operating neuromuscular system is essential for maintaining quality of life. Motion is not only integral for the basic function of daily living, but also plays a significant role in enhancing our physical, mental, and emotional health. The importance of this system becomes abundantly clear when it is compromised, such as with neurodegenerative disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), followed by Parkinson’s disease (PD) are the two most common neurodegenerative diseases that profoundly affect millions of individuals worldwide (Lamptey et al., 2022). Characterized by distinct but sometimes overlapping …

From Class To Craft: An Investigation Into The Practice Of Acting Techniques Applied To Angelo In Shakespeare’S Measure For Measure, Charles Wesley Meeks

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This document examines the character development and performance process of Angelo in Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare. This production was directed by Professor Jerry McGonigle and performed in the mainstage season of 2022-2023 School of Theatre & Dance at West Virginia University. The ensuing text will outline the production process from the actor’s point of view including preparations, auditions, casting, rehearsals, performances, and final reflection. This text will include historical research, personal and directorial notes, textual analysis, table work and discussion, acting techniques, training, and education applied throughout the production period, and reflections of these experiences and discoveries.

An Investigation Into Secondary Transfer Of Trace Dna To Evidentiary Items Via Nitrile Gloves During Crime Scene Examination, Molly G. Younker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An investigation into secondary transfer of trace DNA to evidentiary items via nitrile gloves during crime scene examination

Molly G. Younker, B.S.

The introduction of highly sensitive DNA profiling kits has led to an increase in success with samples containing sub-nanogram amounts of DNA such as touched or handled objects including doorknobs, tools, steering wheels, etc. Such trace DNA is easily transferred between individuals and objects. Studies have shown that in addition to primary transfer due to direct contact, trace DNA can also be indirectly transferred in secondary and tertiary transfer steps which do not require direct contact. Nitrile gloves …

Three Essays In Urban, Health And Public Economics, Dinushka Paranavitana

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation “Three Essays in Urban, Health and Public Economics” contains three chapters which explore urban, health and public economics. The first two chapters focus on examining the unexpected consequences of urban and health related policies, while the third chapter explores the nuanced relationships between health policies and religion. The first chapter examines the impact of NFL and NBA games, beyond the reach of stadium walls and arenas, extending to how it affects driver behavior after games. In this paper I analyze how game outcomes for professional level football and basketball games have an impact on affecting the rate of …

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; …

Tragedy Personified: Crafting The Role Of Carol In Alice Birch's Anatomy Of A Suicide, Josey Miller

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of the document is to chronicle the character creation of Carol in West Virginia University’s fall 2023 production of Alice Birch’s Anatomy of a Suicide. The following text will provide a detailed look at research on the playwright and my personal textual analysis in tandem with consultations with mental health professionals. It will also describe how those resources in collaboration with imaginative work via the techniques of Sanford Meisner, Fitzmaurice Voicework®, and intentional intimacy choreography were utilized in the rehearsal and performance process. In summation, it will also include post-production evaluations from loved ones and mentors as well …

Machine Learning For Environmental Sustainability, Syeda Nyma Ferdous

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research proposes a comprehensive approach to address pressing challenges in environmental sustainability, agricultural residue management, using machine learning based approaches. Machine learning (ML) techniques have emerged as powerful tools for addressing environmental sustainability challenges by facilitating the analysis and prediction of ecological phenomena, and optimization of resource management strategies. The study explores the synergies between environmental sustainability and machine learning to develop a framework that leverages artificial intelligence techniques covering a wide range of tasks including crop residue management, soil CO2 flux prediction, and forest carbon system prediction for sustainable development. The study analyze various ML models, such as, …

Contentment And Control: The Stonega Coke & Coal Company & Pioneering Welfare Capitalism In Southwest Virginia, Christopher Lloyd Tomlinson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Founded in 1902, the Stonega Coke & Coal Company was the largest coal operator in Virginia throughout the twentieth century, becoming even larger through its merger with the Westmoreland Coal Company in 1964. Over the course of this long history, the company used a brand of welfare capitalism aimed at keeping miners and their families satisfied enough with their living and working conditions that the workers would develop a sense of loyalty to the company. Management at SC&C termed these practices “contentment sociology.” While many coal operators began shifting away from such practices during the New Deal, SC&C maintained and …

Dance Intervention For Stroke Rehabilitation: Restoring Occupational Performance Through Creative Movement, Olivia Paige Allen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Thousands of individuals are affected by cerebral vascular accidents, (CVA), also known as strokes in the United States each year, (CDC, 2023). Cerebral vascular accidents are one of the leading causes of death among the elderly population in the U.S. each year, (NIH et al., 2023). The deficits caused by a CVA can be global, from hemiparetic limbs and sensory loss to psychosocial impacts on an individual and their support system. In occupational therapy, the goal is to regain as much function and independence as possible for the individual who has experienced a CVA. Although many evidence-based intervention tools are …

Analyzing Viability Of Blue Indium Gallium Nitride Leds For Use In Space Missions Using A Low Earth Orbit Cubesa, Bertrand Edward Wieliczko

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The payload capacity of spacecraft is constrained by the weight of the craft itself, including fuel and electronic systems. The protective measures used to shield onboard electronics from the harsh space environment, characterized by high-energy particles and significant temperature fluctuations, can further diminish the available payload capacity. This thesis explores the potential of naturally radiation-hard alternatives to commonly used electronic materials, such as Silicon, to reduce the need for shielding and other protective measures, thereby decreasing the weight and cost of space missions.

III-V semiconductor materials, such as Gallium Nitride (GaN), are known for their inherent resilience to temperature swings …

A Practice Improvement Project Improving Tobacco And Nicotine Dependence Treatment Education In A Doctor Of Nursing Practice Program, Kanchan Bhattarai

Nursing

Tobacco use is a global epidemic and the leading cause of preventable mortality and morbidity in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022h). Approximately 5.4 million people die annually due to tobacco-related illnesses. About 70% of tobacco users visit primary care clinics annually and even brief advice from clinicians can improve cessation rates ( United States Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 2020). However, four out of nine adult smokers who visited healthcare providers did not receive any advice or counseling on quitting smoking. Lack of training and confidence were identified as a barrier among …

Zoo Communication: A Study Of Stewardship With Animal Conservation In Zoos Across The United States, Abby Rachelle Lester

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis investigates the communication strategies employed by zoo professionals to promote engagement and advanec animal conservation education. Through in-depth interviews with zoo experts, the stidy explores the intricate connections between communication practices and stewardship princliples within zoo facilities. Findings from this study contribute to the understanding of effective communication in the realm of animal conservation, with implications for both zoo practitioners and conservation educators. The study delves into the effective strategies for identifying and fostering relationships with environmental stewards, alongside encouraging their involvement in zoo-based animal conservation initiatives. The theoretical implications highlight gaps in existing models, emphasizing the need …

At The Table, Payton Olivia Brown

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This written document is the accompanying thesis for my Master of Fine Arts exhibition, At the Table. This document, as well as my artwork, investigates the profound impact that food has on one’s life by strengthening connections with others, upholding traditions, and cherishing memories. It also elaborates on the inspirations, research, and experimentation utilized in the process of creating the exhibition. Through an array of paintings, mixed media, and sculptural work, this exhibition is intended to depict my own personal experiences and memories in relation to food.

Although I am making autobiographical artwork, I am also trying to portray the …

You Belong With Me: What Communication Professionals Can Learn From Swifties, Rachel Belle Johnson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Pop powerhouse Taylor Swift has managed to create a dedicated fanbase that has the power to disrupt national sporting leagues and boost the American economy. Her Swifties are an exemplar in the world of fandom. Taylor Swift’s online interactions with fans, especially in the early days of her career, are partially responsible for her success in creating and maintaining this fanbase. Using principles of social informational processing theory (SIPT), this research examines what aspects of Taylor Swift’s computer-mediated communication with fans have fostered such intense feelings of community in her fandom of Swifties. Using in-depth interviews to explore the relationships …

Pediatric Preparedness In A Rural Health System, Sarah Nielsen

Nursing

Pediatric emergencies present significant challenges and emotional strain in healthcare settings. In critical access hospitals, the provision of safe, effective, and high-quality emergency response for pediatric cases is especially demanding. Many rural hospitals have infrequent exposure to pediatric emergency care, which can contribute to a lack of confidence when caring for this population. Diminished confidence in pediatric skills and procedures has been linked with a reduction in overall patient safety. Research on pediatric emergency preparedness in rural settings outlines the need for further multi-faceted education to achieve increased provider comfort and preparedness. The practice improvement project aimed to understand health …

Ask The Duke, Why: How Fabrications Can Undermine Impact In Shakespeare’S Measure For Measure, Spencer D. Hansen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The following document recounts the observations and consequences that result from my attempts at justifying the actions of Duke Vincentio in Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure. By following my experience through the duration of West Virginia University’s 2023 production of Measure for Measure, I examine the ramifications of justifying the Duke’s actions and the potentially harmful consequences such justifications could create with regard to the play’s reception. Additionally, this text outlines performance techniques, audience responses, rehearsal strategies, and progressive interpretations for one of Shakespeare’s most challenging characters in one of his most divisive plays.

The Impact Of Occupational Therapy In Lactation Services, Sarah Adrienne Mcaninch

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Many benefits to breastfeeding exist for both mothers and infants, yet exclusive breastfeeding rates remain low across the nation. These benefits include decreased chance of infections for infants, low infant mortality, and decreased chances of breast and ovarian cancers for mothers (Binns et al., 2016; CDC, 2023). Education strategies have recently become imperative for health organizations to help mothers sustain their ability to breastfeed within the recommended six-month timeframe. Current literature on education supports that women who receive education at some point in their lactation journey are more likely to reach the six-month period and have more confidence in their …

Bridging Evolutionary And Bayesian Optimization For Enhanced Safety Verification In Control Systems, Joshua M. Yancosek

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The rigorous safety verification of control systems in critical applications is essential, given their in creasing complexity and integration into everyday life. Simulation-based falsification approaches play a pivotal role in the safety verification of control systems, particularly within critical applications. These methods systematically explore the operational space of systems to identify configurations that result in violations of safety specifications. However, the effectiveness of traditional simulation based falsification is frequently limited by the high dimensionality of the search space and the sub stantial computational resources required for exhaustive exploration. This thesis presents Bayesian Evolutionary Approach for COuNterexample, or BEACON, a novel …