National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Papers
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under
Grant No. 9300445. Any opinions,
findings, and conclusions or recommendations
expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily
reflect
the views of the National Science Foundation.
Click here for a description of the REU Program
|
|
- Impacts of Deregulation on the West Virginia Power and Coal Industries, by
Michael Alfred
Research Paper #2001-23 view paper with Acrobat Reader (pp. 24, 189K)
Abstract: The U.S. electricity industry has been monopolistic in structure until recently. After the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order 888 in 1996, West Virginia, along with the other forty-nine states, began the deregulation process at the wholesale market level. This paper focuses on the effects of wholesale market deregulation on the fourteen coal burning power plants in West Virginia. The methods implemented in this research paper include a regression to determine what effect deregulation has had on the utilization rates of these power plants. The paper also discusses changes in consumption of coal, total expenditures on coal, and net generation in the 14 coal-burning power plants in West Virginia. The paper concludes that since deregulation coal plants are being utilized more, and the more efficient plants are being used more often.
|
- Women and Education in Eritrea: Society and Development, by Charles M. Smith
Research Paper #2001-22 view paper with Acrobat Reader (pp. 24, 175K)
Abstract: Many countries in the world, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, work towards developing modern industrialized economies. Much of the discussion in this area revolves around investment in natural resources and physical, human, and financial capitals. This paper examines human capital development, specifically education, in the context of post-independence Eritrea. It focuses upon female enrollment in formal educational systems and the societal roles that shape their participation.
|
- Forestry: Environmental Savior or Scourge?WVU's Student Response to "Forestry as it Affects the Individual: An Opinion Survey"
- by Karen Hixson Cox
Research Paper #2001-21 view paper with Acrobat Reader (pp. 46, 362K)
Abstract: This survey gathered opinions of West Virginia University students regarding the forest industry as well as what factors most influenced those opinions. The most important aspects of forestry determined in the ranking process, and their regional distribution help focus the directions of public relations and educational campaigns. By comparing this study to preceding studies from other areas, we can ascertain whether current educational programs are affecting the public's opinions.
|
- An Internet Spatial Multimedia Approach to Recording and Exploring the Urban Historical Geography of the Wharf District, Morgantown, by Audrey Dawson
Visit the Web site at: http://ark.geo.wvu.edu/wharf/index.html
Abstract: This research focused on two main objectives. First, it recorded the Wharf District's historical geography, including its late nineteenth century origins, industrial development, (1880-1927), post-industrial decline, and subsequent gentrification. The study undertook an extensive archival search, created an oral history, and prepared a photographic record of the area's present state. The research also explored the factors leading to the district's current gentrification program. The second objective encompassed using the Internet and spatial multimedia tools to publicly display this information. This medium contains a history, spoken dialogue, photographs, historic maps, and virtual tours of the area.
|
Basic Examination of the Correlation between Crime Rates and Income Inequality, by J. Travis Parsley
Research Paper #2001-19
view paper with Acrobat Reader (pp. 13, 316K)
Abstract: This paper analyzes the significance of income inequality in determining crime rate. Researchers have frequently investigated this topic, albeit with inconsistent results. Guiding myself with previous research, I have attempted to conduct my analysis with simple, unambiguous techniques. I used county-level crime data and various census data to estimate the correlation between crime rates and several explanatory variables including income inequality. My results show that income inequality, as measured by the Gini coefficient, has a statistically significant effect on property crime rates as well as violent offense rates. |
Analysis of the Economic Viability of SmartWood Certification on NIPFs in West Virginia, by
Jeffrey S. Huff
Research Paper #2001-18
view paper with Acrobat Reader (pp. 43, 576K)
Abstract: This paper reports a systematic assessment of the economic viability of a forest certification program for non-industrial private forest (NIPF) landowners in West Virginia. NIPF landowner decisions to enroll in a certification program are modeled using a profit function approach. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify the conditions under which NIPF landowners would have an economic incentive to enroll in a certification program. A general indication is that the smaller the property, the lower the likelihood the landowner would enroll. Policy initiatives are discussed that could be used to increase the likelihood of small property owners' likelihood of enrollment. |
next page . . .
|
|
