Digital Commons Network^™

Finding Myself: The Maturation Of Spirituality And Its Influence On Behavior During Late Adolescence, Deanna M. Mason

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to develop a theoretical model describing the influence of spirituality and/or religiosity on late adolescent behavior. Multiple quantitative research studies have linked spirituality and/or religiosity with both decreased health-risk behaviors and increased health-promotion behaviors during adolescence. However, as reductionist methods have not revealed underlying reasons for these relationships, the ability to apply this knowledge to practice is limited. Additionally, there is a lack of clear definitions for spirituality and/or religiosity firm enough to bridge disciplinary boundaries. A qualitative research perspective, which takes into account the embodied experience and development of individuals during …

Google Earth In The Middle School Geography Classroom: Its Impact On Spatial Literacy And Place Geography Understanding Of Students, Kerri S.W. Westgard

Theses and Dissertations

Success in today's globalized, multi-dimensional, and connected world requires individuals to have a variety of skill sets – i.e. oracy, numeracy, literacy, as well as the ability to think spatially. Student's spatial literacy, based on various national and international assessment results, indicates that even though there have been gains in U.S. scores over the past decade, overall performance, including those specific to spatial skills, are still below proficiency. Existing studies focused on the potential of virtual learning environment technology to reach students in a variety of academic areas, but a need still exists to study specifically the phenomenon of using …

Clinical Decision Making Of Rural Novice Nurses, Teresa J. Seright

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop substantive theory regarding decision making by the novice nurse in a rural hospital setting. Interviews were guided by the following research questions: What cues were used by novice rural registered nurses in order to make clinical decisions? What were the sources of feedback which influenced subsequent decision making for processing of cues?

Theory development was based on an in-depth investigation of 12 novice nurses practicing in rural critical access hospitals in a North Central State. This study consisted of face to face interviews with 12 registered nurses, nine of whom were observed …

Air Traffic Controllers: Flying In The Face Of Danger? A Look Into The Effects Of The Time Of Day, Jason Boergerhoff

Theses and Dissertations

Since the events of September 11, this country has continued to grow and its commercial air travel along with it. As the number of passengers and planes increase, so must the skill and etermination of the air traffic controllers. They must be at their peak performance levels to ensure the flying public is handled safely and expeditiously. This study looks at the possible effects of the time of day. After defining time of day effects and giving some of the consequences of these effects, a look into the task of a controller was necessary. This study broke the task down …

Effects Of Fatigue And Self-Reported Countermeasures Used By Regional Airline Pilots Conducting Continuous Duty Overnight, Andrew Laventure

Theses and Dissertations

Fatigue poses a significant risk to commercial aviation. When pilots become fatigued they are more likely to make errors and in some instances those errors have been causal factors in accidents. Research not only tells us how the human body is affected by fatigue but also what can be done to temporarily reduce its negative impact on performance. However, relatively little data is available pertaining to one specific type of flight operation, the Continuous Duty Overnight (CDO). They are frequently conducted by regional airlines within the United States and typically resemble schedules for workers on a 3rd shift, otherwise known …

Job Satisfaction Among Minnesota High School Principals, Steven Duwayne Heyd

Theses and Dissertations

It has been reported the demands of the high school principalship in the United States has deterred qualified candidates from accepting the position. The purpose of this study was to investigate levels of job satisfaction among Minnesota high school principals within a potentially dwindling supply of qualified candidates as reported in other studies.

Data were gathered fall 2010 using the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) short-form to answer the following research questions: 1. What is the level of intrinsic job satisfaction, extrinsic job satisfaction, and general job satisfaction among current Minnesota high school principals; 2. What is the relationship, as perceived …

Five Songs Of Northeastern Brazilian Folklore By Ernani Braga, Harmonized For Voice And Piano: A Performance Guide, Sergio A. De Moura Miranda

Theses and Dissertations

This paper provides a performance analysis of one of Ernani Braga's most well-regarded compositions, Cinco Cancoes Nordestinas do Folclore Brasileiro (Five Songs of Northeastern Brazilian Folklore). I include a biography of the composer, a complete catalogue of his songs, and an analysis of the music construction and technical performance challenges of his folk song cycle. By doing so, I also hope to draw attention to Braga's compositional output for voice and piano, and to raise awareness of his importance as great Brazilian musician and accomplished composer.

Pilot Skills And Aerodynamic Knowledge For Operating Smaller Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Barbara Adams

Theses and Dissertations

Controversy continues regarding the pilot skills and aerodynamic knowledge necessary to operate smaller unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Unmanned aircraft (UA) have been utilized successfully in the U.S. military for more than 20 years. Currently there is significant interest in integrating UAs into the National Airspace System (NAS) for government and civilian applications. There are no operating or certification rules or regulations specific to UAS, only policy and guidance, therefore they need to be developed. Understanding what UAs are, how they operate, what relevant human factors issues need to be addressed, and directing effective research will be necessary for successful integration …

African American/Black Undergraduate Students: Perceptions Of Their Experiences Attending An Upper Midwest University, Deola Y. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain an understanding of the perceptions held by African American/"black" undergraduate students of their experiences attending a predominately white institution (PWI) of higher education in the Upper Midwest. Participants consisted of a sample of six African American/black juniors during the 2009–2010 academic school year. Social Identity Development Theory and Critical Race Theory were used as a guide in designing interview questions. Participants were interviewed and the audio recorded interviews were transcribed and then analyzed for codes, categories, and themes.

Four themes emerged from analysis of the data. Theme One: When students were …

Integrative Health And Healing: An Appraisal Of Research For An Evidence-Based Public Health Nursing Practice, Raeann E. Mayer

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Diabetes Education: Supporting The Pre-Adolescent Child, Janet M. Mattson

Theses and Dissertations

A diagnosis of Type I diabetes impacts every aspect of life for the pre-adolescent child. ln order to successfully manage Type J diabetes, the child must learn the complex regimen of its ca re. The responsibility for diabetes se lf-ca re begins to transfer to the child at pre-adolescence. Controlling diabetes is difficult for the pre-adolescent, however, clue to the lack of understanding the complex concepts of this disease and the unique developmental tasks associated with this age group. Diabetes educat ion must support the cogniti ve level and developmental needs of the pre-adolescent. Literature emphasizes the need for age …

Out Of The Blue: A Mother's Memoir Of Our Family's Transgender Experience, Roxanne Moore

Theses and Dissertations

OUT OF THE BLUE: A MOTHER'S MEMOIR OF OUR FAMILY'S TRANSGENDER EXPERIENCE is a memoir about what it has been like to discover that the baby girl I gave birth to almost forty years ago, now identifies as a female to male transgender person. He began his transformation both physically and legally over five years ago. Though it is a story about our entire family's transformation, it focuses mainly on what this has been like for me as a mother and the relationship I have with my first-born child.

Noted psychologist, Arlene Ishtar Lev states in Transgender Emergence: Therapeutic Guidelines …

Transition: The Journey From Tribal Colleges To Four-Year Institutions, Jeanette R. Gravdahl

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the transfer journey transition faced by Native American students transferring from a tribal college to a four-year institution. This qualitative study sought to find out what could be done by tribal colleges, receiving four-year institutions, family, and tribes to make the path smoother.

Fourteen former Little Hawk tribal college students participated in the study. They had earned at least 30 credits at Little Hawk tribal college, and transferred to one of two four-year institutions. The participants were all non-traditional students but their experiences differed depending on the institution they …

Perceptions Of Male Versus Female Students Enrolled In Science, Technology, Engineering And Mathematics Courses Regarding Peer Tutoring, A Component For Student Retention, Cheryl D. Kingsbury

Theses and Dissertations

Academic departments in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, strive to develop in students the ability to problem solve, analyze, and to critically think about solutions to problems. Academic departments are committed to success, yet retention rates are lower than would be expected for females in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields of study, where female students are underrepresented.

The purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions of male and female traditional and nontraditional students who participated in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics STEM course during the spring 2010 semester regarding peer tutoring, and to …

Native American Students: Perceptions Of Lived Experiences Attending A Small Predominantly White University In The Upper Midwest, Dennis Richard Simons

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand the lived experiences of Native American students when studying on a predominantly white campus at a small university in the Upper Midwest. Using a phenomenological approach, the researcher interviewed each of the eight participants for one hour, although there were two interviews that took longer. Two participants agreed to meet for a second interview and, again, the time taken was approximately one hour. The resulting audio-recorded interviews were then transcribed, coded, and analyzed.

Three themes emerged from the analysis of the data. Theme One: Participants depended on the support of …

Modeling A Longitudinal Relational Research Data System, Michelle D. Hunt Olsen

Theses and Dissertations

A study was conducted to propose a research-based model for a longitudinal data research system that addressed recommendations from a synthesis of literature related to: (1) needs reported by the U.S. Department of Education, (2) the twelve mandatory elements that define federally approved state longitudinal data systems (SLDS), (3) the constraints experienced by seven Midwestern states toward providing access to essential educational and employment data, and (4) constraints reported by experts in data warehousing systems.

The review of literature investigated U.S. government legislation related to SLDS and protection of personally identifiable information, SLDS design and complexity, repurposing business data warehouse …

Using The Hazus-Mh Flood Model To Assess The Physical And Economic Damages At The City Of Minnewaukan, North Dakota, Due To The Expansion Of Devils Lake, Christina A. Cummings

Theses and Dissertations

Flood hazards in the U.S. cause billions of dollars in property damage and disrupt the lives of thousands of people each year. Increased numbers of people continue to move into hazardous zones and the associated increase in capital investment in these zones lead to an escalation in flood losses over time (Cutter and Emrich 2005). Despite local efforts to mitigate flood hazards and federal mandates to regulate development in flood-prone areas, flood damages continue to increase nationally. Terminal lakes have surface water sourc es such as from rivers and streams, but have no surface water outlets (Newton 2003). Devils Lake, …

Placing İsmayıllı Lezgi Among The Lezgi Dialects, Jessica Smith

Theses and Dissertations

There is a cluster of three Lezgi villages in the İsmayıllı district of Azerbaijan that is separated by the Caucasus Mountains from the three main Lezgi dialects—Standard (SL), Axti (AL), and Quba (QL) Lezgi. This study places İsmayıllı Lezgi (IL) among the other dialects by comparing many of the varieties' attributes.

Five approaches are taken in this comparison: 1) comparing the similarities and differences of IL's phonological inventory to that of SL and AL; 2) contrasting the noun case system of IL versus that of SL; 3) comparing their verbal morphology; 4) looking for lexical similarities between IL and SL/AL/QL …

Student Perceptions Of A Dropout Prevention Academy, Dale Edward Miller

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the Academy Program of Fargo North High School helped students reach graduation, and to identify the respondents’ perceptions of the Academy Program of Fargo North High School. This study examined the relationship between respondents’ participation in the Academy Program in 9th grade and 10th grade and the Average Freshman Graduation Rate (AFGR) of their 9th grade cohort, respondents’ perceptions of the Academy Program, and the transition to their 11th grade year.

The research questions which guided this study were:

1. What is the graduation rate of students in the Academy Program of …

Postoperative Vision Loss In The Phone Position: Awarness And Prevention Strategies, Paula Lundell

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

System Development And Integration Of An Airborne Laser Communications Payload For Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Mariusz Czarnomski

Theses and Dissertations

Free space laser communications provides wide bandwidth and high security capabilities to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in order to successfully accomplish Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (IST AR) missions. A practical implementation of a laser-based video communications payload flown by a small U AS aircraft is described as a proof-of-concept. The two-axis gimbal pointing control algorithm calculates the line-of-sight vector in real-time by using Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) information gathered from the UAS vehicle's autopilot so that the laser transmitter in the airborne payload can accurately track a ground-based photodiode array receiver with …

Examining The Cognitive And Somatic Manifestation Of Competitive State Anxiety In Special Olympics Athletes, Emilia Sue Boeschen

Theses and Dissertations

The experiences of cognitive and somatic competitive state anxiety in Special Olympics athletes and their family members or significant others was explored. This study used a multimethod approach to examining this construct to learn how performance anxiety is best understood in these athletes, who were identified on the basis of their eligibility to participate in the Special Olympics as determined by the inclusion criteria set by the state in which the research was conducted. Two methods were used including: completion of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory by both athletes and parents, coaches, volunteers, or significant others prior to competition: and …

Perceived Levels Of Empowerment In Parish Nursing, Jean C. Bokinskie

Theses and Dissertations

Parish nursing is a community-based subspecialty practice of nursing. The parish nurse (PN) melds spiritual care with nursing practice to wholistically address the needs of parishioners and faith communities. PNs work with other health care providers and organizations, as well as lay and professional church leaders to successfully develop, organize, and lead health promoting and spiritually healing activities. Empowerment of PNs is necessary to achieve positive outcomes of PN directed initiatives. Empowerment occurs through supportive and nurturing environments, as well as access to resources, information and power. However, multiple professional demands, interpersonal conflicts, and lack of adequate resources have created …

A Multi-Site Comparison Of Purging-Type Disorders, Joanna Marino

Theses and Dissertations

The present study compared the behavioral and psychological presentation of bulimia nervosa (BN), anorexia nervosa-binge/purge subtype (AN-B/P), and purging disorder (PD) patients. Data were collected from large multi-site centers in the US. Subjects (N = 2966) included current anorexia-binge/purge subtype (n = 138), current bulimia nervosa (n = 854), and current purging disorder (n = 41) patients. General demographic information from the PD group is provided, along with differences in behavioral symptomatology among the three groups. Results indicated that some PD subjects may have a history of objective binge eating episodes and have comparable or less severe psychopathology and behavioral …

Historical Memory Of Mount Rushmore, Justin J. Mayer

Theses and Dissertations

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the Black Hilis of South Dakota lias differing economic, cultural, political and religious meanings. Particularly, an American or "white" interpretation and the interpretations of the Sioux Nation. These different perspectives of Mount Rushmore reveal more about the history of the Black Hills of South Dakota and how cultures redefine events to meet contemporary needs. This thesis examines the original intentions for the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and traces how the monument was described to others during construction. An examination of presidential speeches and remarks made about Mount Rushmore during construction helps discern one political …

Laptop Education: Impact On Learning And Achievement, Christopher E. Mills

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine how 1:1 Laptop initiatives in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grade affected student achievement and student academic performance over the 2008–2009 school year at a selected small rural, Minnesota high school. The two variables in this study were: perceived student performance skills based on survey results from both student and teacher participants, and pre-existing Minnesota graduation testing results and grade point averages from Fertile-Beltrami School District students. The three questions that were researched in this study were: (1) What effects does a 1:1 Laptop initiative have on student academic performance based on …

Smokers' Responses To Fearful And Disgust-Eliciting Anti-Smoking Media, Mark C. Goetz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to build upon Wakefield and colleagues and Vogeltanz-Holm and colleagues hypotheses that anti-smoking ads are effective by means of eliciting negative emotional states, particularly disgust. In this study, we compared two sets of ads: those high in fear and disgust and those high in only fear. We hypothesized that subjective and physiological responses to ads high in fear and have a disgust component would be greater than for the fear-only ads. We also predicted that the ads high in disgust would have higher rates of recall and engagement. Last, we predicted that participants viewing …

Oxygenation In The Anesthetized Morbidly Obese Patients Population, Summer L. Schauer

Theses and Dissertations

Obesity in America is a known public health epidemic. Not only are more Americans considered obese, many are now classified as morbidly obese based on extreme excesses of Body Mass Index (BMI). As the incidence of obesity continues to climb, the need for enhanced knowledge in caring for this patient population exists. Obesity negatively affects nearly every physiological process and patients with obesity present unique challenges for the healthcare provider including the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Of particular concern to CRNAs arc the changes th, 1. occur to the pulmonmy sys cm. Ventilation and oxygenation of H1ese patients during …

Prevention Of Spinal Anesthesia Induced Hypotension During Elective Cesarean Section, Keith Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

The incidence of cesarean delivery has increased dramatically over the past decade. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), cesarean deliveries accounted for more than 30% of all births in 2005, setting a new United States record. Due to the increased risks, morbidity, and mortality associated with general anesthesia for cesarean sections, regional anesthesia is most often selected for non-emergent cesarean deliveries. Unless a preexisting labor epidural is in place, spinal anesthesia is most often the regional technique of choice for cesarean deliveries due to its immediate onset and dense blockade. Hypotension …

Nursing Simulation: A Literature Review Of Integrating Education Into Clinical Practice, Marco D. Moser

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.