A Generalized Coherence Framework For Quantifying Input Contributions In Multi-Input Systems With Correlated Or Uncorrelated Inputs, Nolan H. Howes, Matthew S. Allen, Dario Farina, Steven Knight Charles

Faculty Publications

In multi-input systems, it is often necessary to quantify the contribution of each input to an output. Such contribution analysis is frequently performed using coherence. However, when correlation is present between inputs, existing coherence measures do not accurately quantify the contribution of individual inputs, except in special cases. Here we propose an expanded coherence framework that enables contribution analysis in any multi-input system, regardless of input correlation. We bridged the gap by defining three new coherence measures: component, excluded, and isolated coherence. Component coherence is an intermediate measure that decomposes measured output power into components attributable to inputs directly vs …

A Learning History Of Online Portfolio Development In Kinesiology: Academic Innovation From Pilot To Powerhouse, Lyndsay M. Burneisen Phd

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examines the phased development of an online kinesiology education program, tracing its evolution from inception to institutionalization through Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory. Using a learning history methodology, this research synthesizes document analysis, stakeholder interviews, and focus groups, and historical program data to explore how strategic leadership, faculty engagement, student support, and technological advancements influenced the program’s growth and sustainability. The research is structured around three critical phases: inception, maturation, and institutionalization, highlighting key adaptations in curriculum design, administrative structures, and quality assurance. Findings reveal a transition from a decentralized, experimental model to a structured, integrated online …

Sensory Evaluation And Consumer Acceptance Of A Protein Enriched Energy Bar, Brennah T. Groves

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Sensory Evaluation and Consumer Acceptance of a Protein Enriched Energy Bar

Brennah Groves

This study evaluated the sensory properties and consumer acceptance of a protein enriched energy bar. The objectives of this study were to 1) formulate a high-protein energy bar containing at least 20 g of protein per 100 g serving, and 2) determine whether increasing the protein content in an energy bar would enhance the sensory evaluation and improve consumer acceptance among collegiate athletes. The control energy bar featured a shortbread base, date caramel with whey protein, a nougat layer, and a chocolate coating. Additional collagen protein …

Enhancing Vocational Services Through Support Of Direct Care Staff For Adults With Intellectual Disabilities, Katelyn D. Cardwell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This mixed-method cohort study focused on supporting direct support professionals through burnout education modules. Burnout is a psychological phenomenon characterized by mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion in response to chronic stress in the workplace. Direct support professionals (DSP) provide services that include independent living and vocational skill education to adults with intellectual disabilities. Burnout has negative impacts on work quality, efficiency, and can led to high turnover rates. This project aimed to provide DSP’s with resources to mitigate the risk of burnout. The study utilized semi-structured interviews to help guide the development of education modules for staff. Based on findings …

Flower Cluster Matching Utilizing The Unscented Transform For Robotic Pollination, Andy Chu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The use of automated systems for agriculture is integral to keeping the food supply secure. Both industry and academia are exploring and applying methods to increase the yield of plants in environments ranging from outdoor fields to greenhouses. Specifically, many automated systems use continuous monitoring of plants to track plant health and yield. The use of computer vision is necessary when it comes to precision operations that use robotics. Today, robots are trained to weed, harvest, and pollinate. To accomplish these tasks autonomously, a lot of data is needed, which is where spatial-temporal observations of the plants are being recorded …

Design And Simulation Of An Ai-Powered Autonomous Quadrotor Framework For Search And Rescue Operations, James J. Shope

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly quadrotor platforms, have proven to be indispensable tools for search and rescue (SAR) teams due to their maneuverability, rapid deployment, and affordable operation. The current SAR use cases of quadrotors span from aerial surveillance to mission planning and strategic deliveries. However, most SAR applications remain passive or semi-autonomous, such that they rely on human-operated control or data assessment. Advancements in autonomous control strategies bring about a future where a single SAR operator can program and deploy several UAVs. This thesis details the development and simulation of a fully autonomous, AI-powered quadrotor framework capable of detecting …

Development And Application Of Computational Tools For Data-Driven Materials Science., Logan L. Lang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Modern materials science generates vast amounts of data from computational simulations and experiments, creating significant challenges for data processing and analysis. This thesis addresses these challenges through the development and application of computational tools within the framework of Material Data Science (MDS). Contributions span the four pillars of MDS: Material/Molecular Data, Algorithms, Databases, and High-Throughput Processes—with a primary focus on the Algorithm, Data, Database pillars.

For the Algorithm pillar, two Python libraries were developed to streamline common analysis tasks. PyProcar simplifies the post-processing and visualization of electronic structure data (band structures, density of states, Fermi surfaces) obtained from various Density …

Adminstrative And Programmatic Supports To Enhance Veteran-Service Dog Programming, Madison Davisson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Service dogs have long served as a valuable resource to assist veterans in overcoming challenges such as transitioning to post-military life, re-engaging in life roles, and navigating the community. There is substantial research on the benefits and impacts that service dogs have on the lives of veterans. Because of this, the number of service dog-veteran partnerships is on the rise, and each service dog program has its individualized programmatic method to enhance its offerings. However, there is limited information on administrative and programmatic support for service dog training programs intended for veterans and staff members. The veteran perspective is …

Sensory Integration In The Intensive Care Unit Environment, Kara M. Lee

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Those admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) commonly experience deficits in areas linked with cognition, mental health, and physical functioning (Rapolthy-Beck et al., 2023). Delirium is the most common complication among individuals who are mechanically ventilated, which can be associated with adverse outcomes, including increased mortality, cognitive decline, and decreased functional outcomes (Martinez et al., 2017). The primary purpose of the capstone project was to create a sensory-based program for patients admitted into the ICU. The program aimed to enhance the quality and consistency of care, ultimately reducing the prevalence of delirium. By doing so, it seeks to improve …

Genomic Differences And Parentage In West Virginia's Reintroduced Elk (Cervus Canadensis), Adam A.V. Cook

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Elk (Cervus canadensis) reintroductions have been common in the 20th and 21st centuries, yet 40% have failed to establish self-sustaining elk populations due to a lack of post-reintroduction demographic monitoring. Elk were reintroduced to West Virginia in 2016 following more than a century of absence after the species was extirpated in 1875. Elk were translocated to West Virginia from Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) in eastern Kentucky and from Arizona. The two groups of elk differ in their subspecies, physiology, reintroduction history, connectivity, and habitat. Reintroductions create genetic risks such as the founder effect and …

Delineating Underground Geological Formations: An Integrated Lidar And Camera-Based Approach For Enhanced Feature Identification In Poorly Lit Mining Environments, Timothy James Batchler

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Underground mining environments present challenges in accurately identifying geological formations and potential hazards due to poor lighting conditions and confined spaces. Traditional imaging methods often fall short, making it difficult to detect critical geological features such as limestone, shale, and other rock formations. This research addresses these challenges by integrating camera imagery with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data to improve geological formation detection in poorly lit mining settings.

LiDAR, with its ability to generate high-resolution three-dimensional models in low-light or dark conditions, offers a promising solution to these limitations. By combining LiDAR’s precise 3D models with camera imagery, the …

Enhancing Pillar Stability Assessment In Underground Limestone Mines Using Lamodel: Integrating Empirical Strength Equations For Improved Ground Control, Alim Elibol

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Underground stone mining accounts for approximately 21% of all underground mining operations in the United States, with more than 2,000 workers employed in this sector as of 2019. Ground control failures, particularly those involving massive pillar collapses and roof falls, pose significant safety hazards, contributing to 40% of fatalities and 15% of lost workdays since 2006. Several massive pillar collapses have occurred in active limestone mines from 2015 to 2021, and a fatal incident was reported in January 2022 in a mine operating within the Loyalhanna formation. Given these risks, accurate stability assessment tools are essential for improving mine safety. …

Mechanisms Of Neurovascular Dysfunction In Chronic Ischemic Stroke: Insights From Sex And Aging, Briana L. Clary

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability world-wide. These disabilities can include both cognitive impairment and sensorimotor deficits. Due to the prevalence of post-stroke functional deficits, it is imperative to identify novel therapeutic targets and develop new treatments. These cognitive deficits are a result of damage to the neurovascular unit (NVU), a term used to describe the relationship between the cerebral vasculature and other cell types within the brain. Cognitive impairment as a result of damage to the NVU is referred to as vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID), and it is estimated that between 25-30% …

A Comparison Of The Strategies And Methods Influencing Success Among Formally Trained Artists V. Outsider, Naive, Or Self-Taught Artists, Anna Stolina

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis examines the contrasting strategies and methods formally trained artists, self- taught artists, naive artists, and outsider artists used to influence their success in their chosen field. The study explored each of their educational backgrounds, available resources, and unique expertises that allowed them to achieve a successful art career. Every pathway has unique advantages and challenges (Langley, 2024). Formally trained artists and exhibiting artists typically have degrees in art from a university or post-secondary art school. My research highlighted the benefits of having a formal art education, a structured learning environment, access to resources, networking opportunities, and professional mentorship. …

Microbiological Examination Of Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor) Larvae Under Various Processing And Storage Conditions As Potential For Human Consumption, Rachel Midkiff

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae have gained attention as a sustainable and nutritionally balanced food source, yet their high natural bacterial load raises food safety concerns. This study investigates the impact of pre-processing, processing, and storage conditions on microbial load and diversity in mealworms, comparing thermal (hot) and non-thermal (cold) treatments. These treatments include freeze-drying, wet heat treatments, dry heat treatments, and the combination of wet and dry heat treatments against untreated controls. Microbial loads were quantified by plate counts after day 0, day 10, and day 28 of vacuum-sealed refrigerated (4°C) storage. Water activity (Aw), pH, and moisture content …

Mathematical Contributions To The Study Of Chemotaxis And Cell Signaling, Hajr Zam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation presents results from two mathematical projects concerned with the biology of cells. Chapter 1 provides biological background and places the two mathematical problems in the context of cell signaling. The larger project, with Prof. H. Hattori on a chemotaxis model is presented in Chapters 3 and 4. Work with Prof. \'{A}. Hal\'{a}sz on a chemical reaction network system with linear multimers and two types of labels is presented in Chapter 2. The chemotaxis system describes the one-dimensional dynamics of a species of cells with two chemical species, a chemo-attractant and chemo-repellent. The goal is to analyze the behavior …

Facilitating Independence: Developing A Hands-On Life Skills Program For Youth In Residential Treatment, Shayna Rexrode

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Life skills competency in adolescence can be an important predictor of success in adulthood. Educational and training programs focused on life skills can help youth develop the skills that they need to live independently. Though occupational therapy literature surrounding these types of programs is limited, occupational therapy practitioners are qualified to provide intervention in life skills based on the profession’s scope of practice.

This capstone project focused on the development and evaluation of a new life skills program, the Life Skills Practice Program, at a residential treatment facility for youth with substance use and behavioral diagnoses. Stakeholders at the facility …

Three Essays On Education And Health Economics, Kalvin Mudrow

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The first chapter explores the impact of online education on student outcomes by comparing students pre-2020 school closures to students post-2020 school closures. Using student-level panel data from a large U.S. school district spanning 2017-2023 and two outcome variables, reading tests and end-of-level exams, I estimate the effects on different demographic groups, the dynamics of these effects over time, and how these effects differ across students ages. I find a significant decline in student performance after the move to online learning, with additional adverse effects on students who are classified as low-income, female, special education, or ELL. Mechanisms contributing to …

The Origin And Properties Of Ionized Gas In The Inner Milky Way Disk, Dylan J. Linville

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The interstellar medium (ISM) plays a crucial role in the evolution of the Milky Way and other spiral galaxies, but numerous gaps remain in our collective understanding of its properties. The now-complete Green Bank Telescope (GBT) Diffuse Ionized Gas Survey (GDIGS) and the ongoing extension, the GBT Diffuse Ionized Gas Survey at Low Frequencies (GDIGS-Low), offer the opportunity to study the ionized component of the ISM at unmatched sensitivity and resolution. In this dissertation I will utilize GDIGS and GDIGS-Low data to improve our understanding of discrete regions of ionized gas. I first use GDIGS to provide improved measurements of …

Late Ordovician Evolution Of Sea Scorpions: Eurypterids Of The Big Hill Lagerstätte, Joseph Donaldson Bingham Jr.

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Eurypterids are a group of diverse chelicerates that first appeared during the Middle Ordovician (467.3 Ma) and went extinct at the end of the Permian (251.9 Ma). The fossil record of eurypterids during the Ordovician is relatively sparce, comprising only 12 species representing the Megalograptidae, a ‘waeringopterid’ clade, Rhenopteridae, Onychopterellidae, Adelophthalmoidea, and Eurypteroidea clades. This study describes early eurypterids from the Katian aged (~452 Ma) Big Hill Lagerstätte of Michigan. The described material represents two new species, herein named Machipterus margaritae sp. nov. (based on 21 specimens preserving the ventral prosoma and prosomal appendages, and opisthosoma) and Dikranopterus lysinae sp. …

A Multiscale Ai Framework For Forest And Agriculture Health Monitoring: Drone-Based Object Recognition And Segmentation For Automated Ecological Assessment, Sruthi Keerthi Valicharla

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Forest and agricultural ecosystems are increasingly at risk due to invasive species, pests, and diseases, necessitating scalable, automated, and intelligent monitoring solutions. Traditional field based forest and agriculture health assessments are limited by cost, time, and spatial coverage. This dissertation presents a multiscale deep learning framework that automates forest and agriculture health monitoring using drone imagery and computer vision techniques. The system operates across three spatial levels: forest level, tree level, and leaf level, combining object detection, segmentation, and classification models to support large scale ecological assessment.

At the forest level, high-altitude drone imagery is processed using object detection and …

Impact Of Whey And Soy Protein Supplementation On Resistance Training In Young Adults: A Systematic Literature Review And Meta-Analysis, Brandon Eric Davis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Whey protein is a popular supplement in sports nutrition. Soy protein is an alternative to whey protein, often marketed to individuals following a plant-based diet. Evaluating whey and soy protein supplementation's role in resistance exercise is essential for providing evidence-based nutrition guidance.

Objective: The study aim was to conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis on randomized control trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of whey and soy protein supplementation on outcomes of lean body mass (LBM), squat, bench press, and plasma essential plasma amino acid (EAA) levels in young adult men and women.

Methods: The databases …

A Framework For Biomimetic Robot Design Applied To The Development Of A Robotic Model Of Drosophila Melanogaster, Clarissa A. Goldsmith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

For decades, the field of biologically inspired robotics has leveraged insights from animal locomotion to improve the walking ability of legged robots. Recently, “biomimetic” robots have been developed to model how specific animals walk. By prioritizing biological accuracy to the target organism rather than the application of general principles from biology, these robots can be used to develop detailed biological hypotheses for animal experiments, ultimately improving our understanding of the biological control of legs while improving technical solutions. Much of this work involves biologically inspired walking controllers informed by the morphology and dynamics of the insect nervous system, which necessitate …

Do Demographics And Social Determinants Of Health Relate To Current And Anticipated Caregiving Roles?, Sarah Alison Bolling

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In 2021-22, approximately 37.1 million Americans provided care to family or friends who had an illness or disability (U.S. Bureau of Labor, 2024). These informal caregivers experience poorer mental health (Dahlrup et al., 2015) and physical health (Pinquart & Sorensen, 2003) influencing their overall well-being. Experiences in caregiving may differ across age, gender, race (Young et al., 2019). Given the effects of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), such as financial stability, health care, and food resources (Duran & Perez-Stable, 2019), some adults may experience additional threats to health and quality of life before entering into the caregiver role. Little is …

Sources Of Influence In Marriage And Parenting For Interfaith Couples, William D. Stanford, Justin J. Hendricks, Ted G. Futris, Loren D. Marks, David C. Dollahite

Faculty Publications

Interfaith marriages are increasingly common, yet research on their family dynamics and sources of influence in family functioning remains limited. Relatedly, although research highlights religion’s influence on family processes, most studies only include same-faith couples. Subsequently, we qualitatively explored the experiences of 32 happily married interfaith couples, examining their sources of guidance in marriage and parenting, reasons for rejecting influences, and the role of religion in their family functioning. We identified one theme of rejecting outside influence and five key themes/sources of influence: one another/themselves, family, friends, media/professionals, and spiritual sources. Findings emphasize similarities between interfaith couples and American families …

Manualized Interventions For Individuals Experiencing Or At-Risk For Adverse Life Experiences, Sierra P. Mcnicol

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Occupational practitioners have a role in providing holistic and client-centered care to promote occupational performance, engagement, and satisfaction through occupations. Many individuals are impacted in the engagement of occupations secondary to adverse life experiences that have caused mental distress, difficulties in cognitive processing, limited social support, and disruptions in social determinants that have made accessing services complicated. Purpose: Due to the increased likelihood of individuals who have experienced adverse life experiences experiencing occupational distress and performance limitations, the capstone student aimed to develop an understanding of adverse life experiences, provide insight into the needs of the population, and develop …

Effectiveness Of A Cumulative Pediatric-Based Practical Examination At Increasing Student Perceived Competence And Confidence In Working With Pediatric Populations, Nicholas J. Passarelli

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Current literature highlights the importance of utilizing practical examinations and actual patients and covering vast pediatric content within occupational therapy curricula. The needs assessment conducted within The West Virginia University Division of Occupational Therapy revealed that the division currently employs all three of these factors within their curriculum, however a gap presented in the combination of these three factors together. This project aimed to diminish this gap through the development, implementation, and execution of a pediatric practical examination, utilizing actual pediatric patients, to determine whether the examination is effective in increasing student perceived competence and confidence in working with pediatric …

When The Empires Strike Again: The Effects Of An Imperial Past On The Post-Cold War International Order, Begum Wolfe

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Although on the surface empires appear to be ancient and irrelevant political constructs from a distant past, I argue in this dissertation that even after the empire officially dissolves, the core of the bygone empire continues its political existence in the mindsets of the empire-bearing people. This is mainly explained through certain imperial memories, glories and traumas, that have permeated into these states’ identities. In these so-called post-imperial states, then, such a unique experience of having functioned as an empire translates into foreign policy behavior that is patterned, predictable, but also puzzling especially regarding certain issues with an imperial baggage. …

The Personal, The Political, And The Hope For A Better Future: Disrupting The Traditional Rape Narrative In Young Adult Fiction, Melissa Roberson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation critically examines the current state of young adult rape fiction to explore the ways in which contemporary young adult rape novels engage with different aspects of rape culture and the systems in place that sustain it. Prioritizing issues related to disclosure, hope, healing, and justice, my investigation into these novels demonstrates the importance of attending to both the framing of rape and the challenges associated with narrativizing sexual violence in the context of adolescent literature. Ultimately, I argue that in order to challenge and disrupt the further entrenchment of societal attitudes and (mis)perceptions of rape that perpetuate the …

Refinement Of A Thermodynamic Model To Explain The Weathering Patterns Of Ignitable Liquids On Household Substrates At Elevated Temperatures, Chaney Ashlyn Ganninger

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Refinement of a thermodynamic model to explain the weathering patterns of ignitable liquids on household substrates at elevated temperatures

Chaney A. Ganninger

In 2021, arson caused more than 4,361 deaths in the United States. To aid in the differentiation between arson and accidental or natural causes, investigators often analyze fire debris for the presence of ignitable liquid residues using headspace concentration followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Classification of ignitable liquids can be confounded by weathering, which is the uneven evaporation of compounds in ignitable liquid residues. The Jackson group, among others, has developed a thermodynamic model to help …