Digital Commons Network^™

Floodfriend, Lauren Watson

College of Computing and Digital Media Dissertations

Floodfriend is a two-dimensional puzzle-platformer game with two main characters that are trying to navigate their way out of a cave system. The player controls both the human and the monster of the duo: the hiker responds to direct arrow key input, while the monster can only be persuaded by using the hiker’s flashlight to swim and climb to otherwise inaccessible areas. The game is equal parts a simulation and a toy, encouraging the player to try different methods of interaction to garner the results they want to see. From a design perspective, the game is centered on the push …

Ex Libris, Spring 2025, West Virginia University Libraries

Ex Libris: The WVU Libraries Magazine

The West Virginia University Libraries magazine, Ex Libris, is produced and printed through the support of library donors.

AOTUS SPENDS DAY WITH WVRHC The Archivist of the United States visited WVU Morgantown for a series of visits and tours, and chatted with WVU Libraries in an exclusive Q & A interview.

RISING TO MEET RESEARCH NEEDS WVU Libraries and the WVU Research Office are empowering University researchers, paving the way to advances in research and science.

CENTERING STUDENT SUCCESS AMIDST CHANGE The hybrid introduction to Library Research course isn't your average college course. WVU librarians are innovating to make information …

Enhanced Vapour Detection Through Electrospun Metal-Oxide Nanofibers, Sri Varshini K Ms

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this work is to fabricate metal oxide-based nanofibers, which helps in monitoring indoor air quality, which is deteriorating due to VOCs like Formaldehyde, Toluene, and Ammonia, commonly found in paints, plywood, and adhesives. Prolonged exposure to these VOCs can affect the respiratory and nervous system. They are classified as carcinogens by the IARC.

Based on the analysis, this work was framed to deposit Fe2O3, NiO, and ZnO/Fe2O3 as well ZnO/NiO and Fe2O3/NiO nanofibers on the glass substrate through horizontal electrospinning method. The obtained nanofibers are vacuum annealed at 50 ℃ for 30 mins to remove the water …

Domino Effect: A Case Study On The Impact Of Education Legislation On The Emotions, Self-Efficacy, Job Satisfaction, And Retention Of English Language Arts Teachers In A Rural Middle School, Melinda Palmer

Dissertations

This multiple case study uses the appraisal theory of emotions to examine how Georgia education legislation, the Georgia Parents’ Bill of Rights and Senate Bill 226, impacted the emotional experiences, self-efficacy, and job satisfaction of ELA teachers in a rural middle school. This study also examines how this legislation impacted the retention of ELA teachers at the site school. The study highlights the experiences of 3 veteran teachers who were teaching ELA during the year immediately following the passage of the legislation. The findings indicate that the subsequent procedural changes initiated unpleasant emotional experiences: anger associated with the loss of …

Transfer Learning In Junction With A Light Use Efficiency Model For Estimating Grassland Gross Primary Production, Ruiyang Yu, Yunjun Yao, Qingxin Tang, Xueyi Zhang, Changliang Shao, Joshua B. Fisher, Jiquan Chen, Xiaotong Zhang, Yufu Li, Jia Xu, Lu Liu, Zijing Xie, Jing Ning, Jiahui Fan, Luna Zhang

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

It is significant to simulate grassland gross primary production (GPP) to understand the terrestrial carbon budget over Inner Mongolia (IMG), China. Nevertheless, there is not sufficient in situ GPP data over this region. In this study, we proposed a novel model-based transfer learning (MTL) approach with generative adversarial networks-long short-term memory (GAN-LSTM) and light use efficiency (LUE) models to derive grassland GPP over IMG, China. We first used 25 grassland eddy covariance sites over the conterminous United States to establish the GAN-LSTM model and then fine-tuned it with six sites over IMG to estimate water constraints that were embedded into …

Synthesis Of A Series Of Rare-Earth-Based Multi-Anion Chalcogenide Iodides Re3Si2SeXS8-XI (Re = La, Ce, Pr, And Nd) Using The Flux-Assisted Boron-Chalcogen Mixture Method, Gopabandhu Panigrahi, Habiba Binte Kashem, Gregory Morrison, Hans Conrad Zur Loye

Faculty Publications

Single crystals and polycrystalline powders of rare earth mixed chalcogenide iodides La3Si2Se1.21S6.79I, Ce3Si2Se1.39S6.61I, Pr3Si2Se1.22S6.78I, and Nd3Si2Se1.18S6.82I were prepared using the reactive flux-assisted boron-chalcogen mixture (BCM) method at 850 °C. All compounds crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system, space group C2/c (space group number 15). The series adopts the La3Si2O8Cl structure type, containing isolated SiQ4 tetrahedra connected by REQ8 (RE = La, Ce, Pr and Nd) polyhedra; this arrangement creates tunnels that are filled by I atoms. The partial substitution of S by Se was carried out to modulate the optical properties. Phase pure samples and uniform solid solutions were obtained …

General Biology 2 Laboratory Manual: In Person Edition, Dmitry Y. Brogun, Azure N. Faucette, Farshad Tamari, Kristin Polizzotto

Open Educational Resources

The completed project is an in-person teaching version of the General Biology II OER (Open Educational Resource) lab manual. This lab manual was initially written by the four of us during the pandemic when all courses were online, but it is now has been adapted for in-person lab activities. We also ensured it aligns with UDL (Universal Design for Learning) and accessibility principles. This adaptation aims to make the lab manual suitable for traditional classroom settings while incorporating diverse teaching practices to accommodate diverse learners.

The Binding Of Cu2+ To Lipid Membranes Is Not Substantially Influenced By Electrostatic Screening, Christopher M. Reynolds, Olivia C. Fiebig, Alexa Marroquin, Andrew J. Glaid, Kushaal Chokhany, Ryan G. Zdenek, Maria Laura Da Cruz Garcia, Paul S. Cremer

Chemistry: Faculty Publications

Gouy-Chapman theory predicts that salt screening and modulating the interfacial charge density should strongly influence the apparent dissociation constant, Kd,app, between Cu²⁺ and negatively charged phosphatidylserine (PS) lipids in supported lipid bilayers (SLBs). Specifically, Kd,app would be expected to increase (weaken binding) by a factor of 40 when 100 mM NaCl is introduced into the solution because of electrostatic screening between the membrane and Cu²⁺ cations. Surprisingly, however, fluorescence quenching measurements demonstrate that Kd,app increases by less than a factor of 2 when increasing the salt concentration in the presence of standard buffers, such as tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris). Moreover, …

Breaking Binaries: Gender Non-Conforming Lesbians And The Undercurrent Of Biopower On Dating Apps, Lily M. Connolly

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how gender nonconforming lesbians experience and navigate algorithmic constraints, commodification, and self-expression on dating apps. Drawing on Michel Foucault’s concept of biopower, this study analyzes focus group discussions to argue that dating apps encode and enforce traditional gender norms. However, rather than acting solely as sites of constraint, dating apps also provide spaces where gender nonconforming lesbians creatively resist these limitations and subvert platform design to assert their politicized queer identities. This research highlights how biopower operates within digital dating platforms while also illuminating the subversive strategies users employ to reclaim agency. By situating gender nonconforming lesbian …

Impact Of Changes In Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Diagnostic Criteria During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jessica Neville, Kelly Foley, Seán Lacey, Antoinette Tuthill, Oratile Kgosidialwa, Mairead O’Riordan, Fiona O’Halloran, Seán J. Costelloe

Department of Biological Sciences Publications

Background/Aims

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) recommended fasting and random plasma glucose (FPG/RPG) alongside glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) to replace the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for diagnosing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).

Methods

The study compared testing patterns and diagnostic rates for GDM before and after implementing the RCOG guidelines (01/05/2020) in pregnancies beginning 01/11/2018 to 31/03/2021. Trends were inspected using Cochrane-Armitage tests. Differences between General Practice (GP) and Secondary Care (SCare) were assessed by chi-square analysis. A significance level of p <  0.05 was used for all analyses. Information on maternal and pregnancy characteristics was accessed where available.

Results

Data indicated a significant reduction in …

Towards A Vacuum Birefringence Experiment At The Helmholtz International Beamline For Extreme Fields: Letter Of Intent Of The Biref@Hibef Collaboration, James Edwards, Tom Heinzl, B. King

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Quantum field theory predicts a nonlinear response of the vacuum to strong electromagnetic fields of macroscopicextent. This fundamental tenet has remained experimentally challenging and is yet to be tested in the laboratory. Aparticularly distinct signature of the resulting optical activity of the quantum vacuum is vacuum birefringence. Thisoffers an excellent opportunity for a precision test of nonlinear quantum electrodynamics in an uncharted parameterregime. Recently, the operation of the high-intensity Relativistic Laser at the X-ray Free Electron Laser provided bythe Helmholtz International Beamline for Extreme Fields has been inaugurated at the High Energy Density scientificinstrument of the European X-ray Free Electron …

The Ittecf And Educational Research: The Next Version Of A Flawed Vision?, Jim Hordern, Clare Brooks

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

In this article we discuss the view of educational research outlined in the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) document, published in 2024 by the UK Department for Education, in the context of debates about the relationship between educational knowledge and teacher education. Through an elementary bibliometric analysis of the changes made to the reference lists in the document since its predecessor documents (the Core Content Framework and the Early Career Framework), we show how the previous UK Conservative government sought to embed a scientistic approach to educational knowledge for teacher education in England, with research sponsored by …

A Comparison Of Unconventional Microwave And Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Methods Used For Flavonoids, Istiqomah Rahmawati, Daffa Hafiziaulhaq Azizi, Jihan Nafila Wibowo, Muhammad Reza, Boy Arief Fachri, Bekti Palupi, Meta Fitri Rizkiana, Helda Wika Amini, Ifan Ramadana, Felix Arie Setiawan

Makara Journal of Science

Cocoa pods (Theobroma cacao L.) are a rich source of flavonoids, which are natural antioxidants known for their health benefits. This study investigated the use of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted ex-traction (UAE) to extract the maximum flavonoids and antioxidants from cocoa pods. MAE and UAE are efficient and sustainable methods for extracting bioactive compounds like flavonoids and antioxidants from cocoa pods, offer-ing faster extraction, reduced solvent use, and better compound preservation compared to conventional methods. These technologies unlock the untapped potential of cocoa pods for applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuti-cals. The effects of extraction time (2–10 min), microwave …

Overexpression And Biophysical And Functional Characterization Of A Recombinant Fgf21, Phuc Phan, Jason Hoang, Thallapuranam Krishnaswamy Suresh Kumar

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an endocrine FGF that plays a vital role in regulating essential metabolic pathways. FGF21 increases glucose uptake by cells, promotes fatty acid oxidation, reduces blood glucose levels, and alleviates metabolic diseases. However, detailed studies on its stability and biophysical characteristics have not been reported. Herein, we present the overexpression, biophysical characterization, and metabolic activity of a soluble recombinant FGF21 (rFGF21). The far-UV circular dichroism spectra of rFGF21 show a negative trough at 215 nm, indicating that the protein's backbone predominantly adopts a 13 sheet conformation. rFGF21 shows intrinsic tyrosine fluorescence at 305 nm. Thermal …

Quantization Dimensions For Inhomogeneous Bi-Lipschitz Iterated Function Systems, Amit Priyadarshi, Mrinal Kanti Roychowdhury, Manuj Verma

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Let ν be a Borel probability measure on a d-dimensional Euclidean space R d , d ≥ 1 , with a compact support, and let ( p 0 , p 1 , p 2 , … , p N ) be a probability vector with p j > 0 for 0 ≤ j ≤ N . Let { S j : 1 ≤ j ≤ N } be a set of contractive mappings on R d . Then, a Borel probability measure μ on R d such that μ = ∑ N j = 1 p j μ ∘ S − …

Bayesian Nonparametric Hypothesis Testing Methods On Multiple Comparisons, Qiuchen Hai, Zhuanzhuan Ma

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

In this paper, we introduce Bayesian testing procedures based on the Bayes factor to compare the means across multiple populations in classical nonparametric contexts. The proposed Bayesian methods are designed to maximize the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when the Bayes factor exceeds a specified evidence threshold. It is shown that these procedures have straightforward closed-form expressions based on classical nonparametric test statistics and their corresponding critical values, allowing for easy computation. We also demonstrate that they effectively control Type I error and enable researchers to make consistent decisions aligned with both frequentist and Bayesian approaches, provided that the …

Next Arrival And Destination Prediction Via Spatiotemporal Embedding With Urban Geography And Human Mobility Data, Pengjiang Li, Zaitian Wang, Xinhao Zhang, Pengfei Wang, Kunpeng Liu

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

With the development of transportation networks, countless trajectory data are accumulated, and understanding human mobility from traffic data could be helpful for smart cities, urban computing, and urban planning. Extracting valuable insights from traffic data, such as taxi trajectories, can significantly improve residents’ daily lives. There are many studies on spatiotemporal data mining. As we know, arrival prediction or regional function detection encompasses important tasks for traffic management and urban planning. However, trajectory data are often mutilated because of personal privacy and hardware limitations, i.e., we usually can only obtain partial trajectory information. In this paper, we develop an embedding …

The Product Formula Of Multiple Stochastic Integrals With Respect To The Poisson Space Noise, Yuh-Jia Lee, Hsin-Hung Shih

Journal of Stochastic Analysis

No abstract provided.

American Option Pricing Using Generalised Stochastic Hybrid Systems, Evelyn Buckwar, Sascha Desmettre, Agnes Mallinger, Amira Meddah

Journal of Stochastic Analysis

No abstract provided.

About Fixed Points Of Quantum Channels, Raffaella Carbone

Journal of Stochastic Analysis

No abstract provided.

Challenges In Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining: Perspectives And Transformations To Sustainability Along Br-163 In Brazil, Carlos Henrique Xavier Araujo, Irfan Ullah, Giorgio De Tomi

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Artisanal Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) is a sector beset with unique and complex challenges. Recent literature highlights the growing acknowledgment of the critical need for reforms in how the ASGM industry interacts with communities and the environment. Discussions about sustainable transformations go beyond theoretical and conceptual borders, attempting to understand how local transformative events might reflect global developments. Thus, the goal of this article is to give an analysis from the perspective of the actors participating in artisanal gold mining activities. A survey was carried out along BR-163, which runs from Sinop (Mato Grosso) to Santarém (Pará). Fifty-five (55) interviews …

Energy-Aware Clustering Using Intelligent Scheme For Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks, Enaam A. Al-Hussain, Ghaida A. Al-Suhail

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) involve nodes with varying capabilities, such as different energy levels, sensing ranges, and computational abilities, which enable them to execute different tasks professionally. Clustering techniques play a crucial role in improving energy efficiency and reliability in WSNs. The evolution of cluster based WSNs from homogeneous into heterogeneous techniques allowed the deployment of smart devices capable of performing complex operations in in diverse environments. However, the heterogeneity of nodes necessitates more sophisticated and adaptive algorithms to fully exploit these capabilities. This paper proposes a new protocol, referred to as IT2F-HLEACH, which integrates Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Logic …

Comprehensive Review On The Application Of Bio-Immunoinformatics In The Development Of Highly Ef-Fective New Candidate Vaccines Against Tuberculosis, Ahyar Ahmad, Andriansjah Rukmana, Miski A. Khairinisa, Dian A. E. Pitaloka, Rosana Agus, Rusdina B. Ladju, Tarwadi Ahmad, Astutiati Nurhasanah, Carina C. D. Joe, Muhammad N. Massi, Harningsih Karim, Irda Handayani, Siti Roszilawati Binti Ramli

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge worldwide. Currently, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the only vaccine available for TB prophylaxis. However, the efficacy of the BCG vaccine against adult pulmonary TB is considered inconsistent. This condition encourages researchers to look for more effective options, such as subunit vaccines. This condition requires the development of a more effective subunit vaccine to protect active TB in productive and adult ages. There is an urgent need for more effective vaccines, as the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine currently available has inconsistent efficacy and is only partially effective in adults. Bio-immunoinformatics, an interdisciplinary field …

Articulated Robot Path Planning Based On Hybridization Of Adaptive ‎Dimensionality Algorithm And Grey Wolf Optimizer In Dynamic Environments, Noor Kadhim Ayoob‏, Ali Hadi Hasan

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

A new method was developed to plan a path for a robotic articulated vehicle using the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) ‎and Adaptive ‎Dimensionality (AD)‎. Existing studies in robotics path planning ignore the differences between robots in terms of size and flexibility and allocate a single cell to the robot regardless of the mentioned factors. Since the articulated robotic vehicle is longer than obstacles moving in the environment, this study takes into account vehicle size and flexibility in path planning by adapting the number of cells allocated to the robotic vehicle to contain the vehicle parts while performing different movements. Considering …

Middle School Teacher Perceptions Of Digital Game-Based Learning In A 1:1 School District, Brennen Knight

Dissertations

This study examines middle school teachers' perceptions of Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) within a 1:1 school district. In this district, each student is provided with a personal digital device. With the increasing integration of technology in education, DGBL has been recognized as a tool that enhances student engagement, fosters differentiated learning, and improves achievement. However, despite its potential benefits, teacher adoption of DGBL varies widely due to personal beliefs, pedagogical challenges, and institutional barriers. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory, this qualitative multiple-case study explores how middle school teachers perceive, implement, and what …

High School Students' Mathematics Experiences And Mathematics Learner Identities In A Rural Georgia Town: A Qualitative Study Using Autophotography With Photo-Elicitation, Wesley Cooper

Dissertations

This study examines the mathematics experiences (MEs) and mathematics learner identities (MLIs) of high school students in a rural Georgia town, addressing the underrepresentation of rural perspectives in mathematics education through an asset-based lens. Using autophotography with photo-elicitation, ten participants captured images reflecting their MEs, MLIs, and recommendations for improvement. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups along with two mini-cases amplified participant voices, guided by the frameworks of Four Faces of Mathematics Learner Identity (4F), Content Learning and Identity Construction (CLIC), and Critical Rural Theory (CRuT). Findings highlight how rural students’ MEs and MLIs are shaped by both the strengths of …

On Signifiable Computability: Part Ii: An Axiomatization Of Signifiable Computation And Debugger Theorems, Vladimir A. Kulyukin

Computer Science Faculty and Staff Publications

Signifiable computability aims to separate what is theoretically computable from what is computable through performable processes on computers with finite amounts of memory. Mathematical objects are signifiable in a formalism ℒ on an alphabet 𝒜 if they can be written as spatiotemporally finite texts in ℒ on 𝒜. In a previous article, we formalized the signification and reference of real numbers and showed that data structures representable as multidimensional matrices of discretely finite real numbers are signifiable. In this investigation, we continue to formulate our theory of signifiable computability by offering an axiomatization of signifiable computation on discretely finite real …

Extant Life Detection Using Label-Free Video Microscopy In Analog Aquatic Environments, Carl D. Snyder, Manuel Bedrossian, Casey Barr, Jody W. Deming, Chris A. Lindensmith, Christian Stenner, Jay L. Nadeau

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

The ability of microbial active motion, morphology, and optical properties to serve as biosignatures was investigated by in situ video microscopy in a wide range of extreme field sites where such imaging had not been performed previously. These sites allowed for sampling seawater, sea ice brines, cryopeg brines, hypersaline pools and seeps, hyperalkaline springs, and glaciovolcanic cave ice. In all samples except the cryopeg brine, active motion was observed without any sample treatment. Active motion was observed in the cryopeg brines when samples were subjected to a temperature gradient above in situ. In general, levels of motility were low in …

Design And Realization Of Concurrent Cryptosystem For Medical Image Privacy On Reconfigurable Hardware, Vinoth Raj R

Theses and Dissertations

The protection of medical image privacy plays a crucial role in maintaining confidentiality for the secure storage and transmission of patient’s sensitive healthcare data. Medical images are the widely used data type in the e-healthcare sector. Traditional cryptographic algorithms have limitations when applied to large-scale medical image datasets due to their high computational requirements. The primary goal of this research work is to design and implement indigenous algorithms to provide confidentiality for grayscale and color DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) images through an encryption process. The research leverages the benefits of reconfigurable hardware, namely the Field-Programmable Gate Arrays …

Pisa 2022. A Closer Look At Mathematics In Australia, Lisa De Bortoli, Catherine Underwood

OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) Australia

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is an international comparative study that assesses how well 15-year-olds, who have nearly completed compulsory schooling in most participating educational systems, can use their knowledge and skills to meet real-world opportunities and challenges. In each cycle of PISA, students are assessed in the domains of reading, mathematics and science. Each cycle has a domain that is the major focus and for which there is a higher proportion of questions than from the others. Mathematics was the major focus in the 2022 cycle. The mathematics assessment framework includes 2 mathematics subscales that reflect the …