Digital Commons Network^™

Gardens As Pathways To Environmental Education For All Ages, Lacey Anderson

The Cicadian

Gardens provide hands-on opportunities for environmental education that extend beyond food production, encompassing ecological literacy, sustainability practices, experiential learning, and community engagement. This article uses a creative nonfiction approach to examine the author’s personal journey from reluctant gardener to advocate for learning gardens. Through narrative reflection of her own family’s gardening experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, the author illustrates how gardening fosters intergenerational learning, socio-emotional development, and curiosity-driven exploration of ecological systems. The article highlights how gardens function as accessible entry points for lifelong learners of all ages, demonstrating that environmental literacy can emerge outside of traditional scientific expertise. Ultimately, …

“Grow Your Plants, But Most Importantly, Grow Yourself”: Women, Resilience, And Cultural Continuity In Jamaican And Diaspora Gardens, Giovanni Whyte

The Cicadian

This essay explores the cultural, personal, and transformative power of gardening through the stories of four women—Brenda, Linda, Keisha, and Janice—whose lives span Jamaica and its diaspora. Their narratives reveal gardening as more than food cultivation but the practice of resilience, healing, and cultural continuity. Brenda honors her ancestral legacy in St. Elizabeth; Linda finds solace after loss; Keisha fosters socioemotional growth among urban students; and Janice embraces sustainability in suburban America. Together, their experiences illustrate how gardening nurtures identity, strengthens communities, and connects people to land, memory, and future generations.

Anishinaabe Nibiing: Anishinaabe Waterscapes And Canoe Building As Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Jeremy Kingsbury

The Cicadian

This paper explores the cultural, ecological, and technological significance of birch bark canoe (wiigwaasi-jiimaan) building among the Anishinaabe people, emphasizing their identity as an inland maritime society. Drawing on historical accounts, oral traditions, and personal experience as a park ranger, the author examines the intricate process of harvesting materials and constructing canoes, highlighting the deep environmental knowledge and gendered labor involved. The canoe served not only as a vital means of transportation and subsistence—facilitating fishing, wild rice harvesting, and seasonal migration—but also as a symbol of familial and spiritual connection. Through detailed descriptions of material selection and craftsmanship, …

Introduction To Our Inaugural Issue, Lacey Anderson, Mary Moroney-Fernandez, Giovanni E. Whyte

The Cicadian

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet On Ldl Cholesterol: A Scoping Literature Review, Joel Gregory Mueller

Nursing Capstones

Background: The whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet includes whole grains, whole plants, unrefined sugars, beans, and legumes. The diet excludes meat, dairy, and added fats. The diet has been popularized by documentaries .The diet claims to lower total and LDL cholesterol to a safe level as both a primary and secondary mode of prevention.

Purpose: Review existing studies to see whether the WFPB diet will lower LDL cholesterol in adult males over a 14 day or more duration.

Methods: A scoping literature review was completed of the University of North Dakota’s library system for keyword combinations. The returned 102 studies were …

Efficacy Of Probiotic Use In Allergic Rhinitis And Asthma In Children And Adolescents, Mary Janke

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are chronic conditions affecting children and adults, often impairing quality of life. Conventional treatments, including allergen avoidance, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and bronchodilators, manage symptoms but may also have limitations and side effects. Recent studies have explored the efficacy of probiotics as a potential adjunct therapy to alleviate AR symptoms, decrease asthma severity, and reduce the dependence on these conventional treatments. This literature review aims to determine the efficacy of probiotics in treating asthma and allergic rhinitis. It includes studies using probiotics to treat asthma and/or allergic rhinitis, as found using Embase and PubMed. Only studies involving pediatric …

Analysis Of Pre-Procedural Intranasal Anxiolytic Use In The Emergency Treatment Of Pediatric Laceration Repair, Mackenzie Weis

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Pediatric laceration repair is a common, yet anxiety-inducing procedure for patients who must undergo them, with limited research analyzing the different types of pre-procedural anxiolytic medications. The purpose of this research and literature review was to analyze two different, but commonly used intranasal anxiolytics, dexmedetomidine and midazolam, and to compare the efficacy, adverse effects, and overall pediatric anxiety and parental satisfaction. Only articles including clinical trials and pediatric participants were included. A combination of keywords and MeSH phrases included, but were not limited to “pediatric”, “laceration repair”, “anxiolytic”, “administration intranasal”, “intranasal midazolam”, “intranasal dexmedetomidine”, and “parent satisfaction” were used to …

Safety And Efficacy Of Combined Glucosamine And Chondroitin Supplementation In Osteoarthritis, Klayton Johnson

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

According to the CDC, over 30 million adults in the United States have osteoarthritis, many of whom experience pain, stiffness, and swelling that hinder daily activities. Typical treatment consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are associated with gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular risks. This literature review examines key research on glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation to provide a comprehensive understanding of its impact on adults with osteoarthritis. A literature search was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Keywords and MeSH terms were used to identify studies discussing the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin as a potential alternative, effective, …

Efficacy Of Stem Cell Therapy Versus Standard Drug Therapy In Adults With Heart Failure, Evie Reynolds

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Myocardial infarction (MI) or other damage to the heart tissue may result in ischemia, and because cardiomyocytes have limited regenerative capacity, this often leads to the development of heart failure (HF). Typical symptoms of HF include dyspnea, edema, cough, fatigue, and chest pain, which arises from fluid overload and congestion. Current medical treatments focus on alleviating these symptoms through loop diuretics, which reduce fluid accumulation but do not treat the underlying ischemic damage. Recent studies have shifted focus towards stem cell therapy, which have shown potential to differentiate into cardiomyocytes and regenerate ischemic heart tissue. A comprehensive search of databases …

Cannabidiol: Anxiety Relief Or Fool’S Gold?, Jase Bakker

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Anxiety disorders affect millions of Americans each year and the interest in alternative therapies is growing. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) as a therapeutic intervention for anxiety in adults and adolescents. In this review, three databases including PubMed, PsychInfo, and EMBASE were searched using key terms. Out of 775 articles initially identified, 11 met the inclusion criteria, focusing exclusively on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating CBD's effects compared to placebo in human subjects. Trials prior to 2011 were excluded, along with subjects who had psychiatric comorbidities or adjunctive therapies, were less …

Efficacy Of Stem Cell Therapy Versus Standard Drug Therapy In Adults With Heart Failure, Evie Reynolds

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Myocardial infarction (MI) or other damage to the heart tissue may result in ischemia, and because cardiomyocytes have limited regenerative capacity, this often leads to the development of heart failure (HF). Typical symptoms of HF include dyspnea, edema, cough, fatigue, and chest pain, which arises from fluid overload and congestion. Current medical treatments focus on alleviating these symptoms through loop diuretics, which reduce fluid accumulation but do not treat the underlying ischemic damage. Recent studies have shifted focus towards stem cell therapy, which have shown potential to differentiate into cardiomyocytes and regenerate ischemic heart tissue. A comprehensive search of databases …

Pre-Procedural Anxiolytic Use In Pediatric Laceration Repair, Mackenzie Weis

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Pediatric laceration repair is a common, yet anxiety-inducing procedure for those who must undergo them. With limited research analyzing the different types of pre-procedural anxiolytic medications, the purpose of this research and literature review was to explore two distinct but commonly used intranasal (IN) anxiolytics, dexmedetomidine and midazolam, and to compare their efficacy, adverse effects, and overall pediatric anxiety and parental satisfaction. Databases including PubMed, GoogleScholar, and ClinicalKey were searched to find articles investigating clinical trials using pediatric participants. Meta-analyses, animal studies, dental procedures, imaging procedures, full sedation procedures, and ongoing studies were excluded. In terms of effective anxiolysis, intranasal …

Effects Of Nsaids On Bone Healing Time In Orthopedic Patients, Alayne Brekke

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Use of NSAIDs in adults recovering from orthopedic injury or surgery has been found to be largely inconclusive when it comes to determining significance in delay of bone healing. The purpose of this review is to determine whether use of NSAIDs is detrimental to bone healing after orthopedic injury or surgery. A literature review was performed using electronic databases PubMed and SportsDiscus from May to July of 2024. There were fifteen studies that met final inclusion criteria. Research overwhelmingly acknowledged that selective COX-2 inhibitors are not recommended in a post injury or post operative state. However, when it comes to …

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Therapy And Substance Use Disorders, Rachel J. Brunsell

Nursing Capstones

Background: Treatment options for SUDs fail to address the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction. Recent studies suggest that GLP-1s, including semaglutide, liraglutide, and exenatide, offer therapeutic benefits by reducing cravings, improving treatment adherence, and decreasing relapse rates across a range of SUDs, including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, nicotine, and opioid use disorders.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to explore studies that highlight the potential benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing substance cravings, improving treatment adherence, and decreasing relapse rates for patients with various SUDs.

Methods: A comprehensive review of recent studies examining the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including …

The Impact Of Sensory Sensitivity On Nutritional Outcomes In Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Rachel M. Qualley

Theses and Dissertations

Background/Objective: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are at increased risk of malnutrition due to restrictive dietary patterns and behavioral difficulties at mealtimes. Research suggests that heightened sensory sensitivity, a characteristic accompanying several of these disorders, may be a contributing factor. However, the effects of sensory sensitivity on nutritional outcomes across distinct NDDs have not been fully explored. This review aims to examine the relationship between sensory sensitivity and nutritional status, food preferences, and eating behaviors in children with NDDs, specifically investigating how atypical sensory processing might influence dietary intake.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, …

Dietary Patterns And Their Effects On C-Reactive Protein Regarding Female Reproductive Disorders, Mckenzie Moe

Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: Chronic inflammation, as indicated by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), plays a critical role in women’s reproductive health disorders. CRP is one of the most common biomarkers of inflammation. Dietary components, lifestyle factors, and women’s reproductive health disorders are major components that influence the levels of CRP within the body. Other influential factors include injury, infection, and illness. The purpose of this review is to explore the findings of literature available on nutrition interventions for CRP levels in consideration of women's reproductive disorders.

Methods: This narrative review examines the works of 15 articles, including 10 cross-sectional and five longitudinal designs. …

Social Media's Effect On Our Health, Isabel Engelhard

Psychology Student Publications

This paper tells us about the complex relationship between social media use and the mental health of young people. It addresses the negative effects of social media, such as increased suicide rates, addiction, and cyberbullying, while also bringing up the positive aspects, like personal connections. The study emphasizes the need for a healthier online environment to support mental health in young people.

Roundtable: Issue 4, Matthew Egdorf, Srinath Kandooru, Vincente Otero, Jacob Stanley, Shinnosuke Tao

Roundtable: Journal of the UND Honors Program

No abstract provided.

Report: Evaluation Of Seal!Nd: School Year 2021-2022, Shawnda Schroeder, Tonya Connor

Indigenous Health Faculty Publications

This comprehensive report provides evaluation data on the reach and impact of the North Dakota Oral Health Program’s school-based sealant program through the 2021-2022 school year. Data are presented longitudinally and identify inequities in care provision by race, grade level, and self-reported gender.

Report: North Dakota Department Of Health Oral Health Program: Full Evaluation Of The Oral Health Program’S Activities Under Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (Cdc) Grant, State Actions To Improve Oral Health Outcomes (Year Four), Shawnda Schroeder

Indigenous Health Faculty Publications

The North Dakota Oral Health Program is situated within the Healthy and Safe Communities Section of the ND Department of Health and Human Services. Funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) State Actions to Improve Oral Health Outcomes enables the Oral Health Program to strengthen (1) a school-based dental sealant program (SEAL!ND); (2) efforts to promote and sustain optimal levels of CWF; (3) oral health surveillance; and (4) a pilot program to facilitate medical dental integration though blood pressure screening at dental offices. This report highlights programmatic work and presents the results of the formative evaluation for …

Air Traffic Trends And Uav Safety: Leveraging Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast Data For Predictive Risk Mitigation, Prasad Pothana, Paul Snyder, Sreejith Vidhyadharan, Michael Ullrich, Jack Thornby

Petroleum Engineering Student Publications

With the significant potential of Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAVs) extending throughout various fields and industries, their proliferation raises concerns regarding potential risks within the national airspace system (NAS). To enhance the safe and efficient integration of UAVs into airport environments, this paper presents an analysis of temporal statistical patterns in flight traffic, the predictive modeling of future traffic trends using machine learning, and the identification of optimal time windows for UAV operations within airports. The framework was developed using historical Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) data obtained from the OpenSky Network. Historical flight data from Class B, C, and D airports …

Land Of Confusion, Adam Steers

Pandemic Time Capsules

No abstract provided.

Leads Data Insights: Service — February 2025, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

February 2025 Data Insights presentation for the SERVICE core value of UND LEADS. The slides summarize Service-related Activity Inventory items and include data on innovation and economic prosperity, campus events for the general public, demographic trends for employees and students, and retention and advancement trends for faculty and staff.

Leads Data Insights: Service — February 2025, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Implementation Documents

February 2025 Data Insights presentation for the SERVICE core value of UND LEADS. The slides summarize Service-related Activity Inventory items and include data on innovation and economic prosperity, campus events for the general public, demographic trends for employees and students, and retention and advancement trends for faculty and staff.

Volume Viii, Fall 2025, International Anchoritic Society

International Anchoritic Society Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Next-Gen Device For Uniform Cellular Migration Assay Execution, Nicholas M. Bittner

Theses and Dissertations

Cellular migration assays, particularly scratch assays, are pivotal in biomedical research for cell motility, wound healing, and metastasis. However, conventional scratch assays suffer from variability due to operator dependence, non-uniform scratch geometry, and a modified microenvironment that impacts reproducibility. This thesis presents the development and validation of a low-cost, 3D-printed device designed to standardize cellular migration assays. The device utilizes a spring mechanism and a biocompatible elastomer to create a uniform cellular exclusion zone without harming the surrounding cells. Through iterative prototyping and testing with MCF10A cell lines, the device demonstrated a significantly lower average standard deviation of length compared …

An Archaeology Of The Red River Of The North, Michael G. Michlovic

Digital Press Books

An Archaeology of the Red River of the North offers an expansive survey of the indigenous cultures and peoples in the region of the Red River from the recession of Lake Agassiz around 9000 years ago to the intrusion of the Europeans. Beginning with an overview of the practice of regional archaeology and a justification for its pursuit, Michael Michlovic uses a traditional culture-historical sequence as a framework to incorporate archaeological studies from the late nineteenth century to the present time. Relevant research in fields such as ethnohistory, ethnography, radiometric dating, paleoecology, and geomorphology are used throughout the presentation. Dozens …

Benefits Of Nature-Based Play For Children: An Educational Resource For Parents, Kaitlyn Peterson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: In recent years, children’s use of technology has increased, decreasing the time they spend playing in natural contexts and time spent building the parent-child relationship. The lack of time spent in outdoor contexts has negative influences on the child’s overall health and well-being. The time a child spends with their parent is vitally important for a child’s development, view of the world, and sense of belonging. Parents assist children throughout development by supporting their understanding of themselves and the world, along with supporting the child’s ability to communicate with their parents. Interactions with technology, particularly overuse, can influence a …

Virulence Of Emerging Tick-Borne Pathogens, Borrelia Miyamotoi And Borrelia Mayonii, Dawn Cleveland

Theses and Dissertations

As climate change leads to global expansion of tick habitats, tick borne diseases are becoming more prevalent and widespread, and emerging tickborne pathogens Borrelia miyamotoi and Borrelia mayonii warrant increased study. Both B. miyamotoi and B. mayonii are vectored by the same tick species as B. burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, with B. miyamotoi causing a relapsing fever-like disease known as Borrelia miyamotoi disease (BMD), and B. mayonii causing a Lyme disease-like illness with atypical clinical presentations. This dissertation has two aims. The first aim encompasses B. miyamotoi infection and growth, isolation of clonal populations, and characterization of …

Get In The Zone: Utilizing A Food Skills Survey To Assess The Education Needs Of A Blue Zones Project Community, Sophia Kathryn Dunlap

Theses and Dissertations

Under-resourced communities often demonstrate little to basic knowledge and skills regarding food and nutrition-related practices, such as cooking and meal planning, nutrition label reading, and gardening. This can be attributed to various factors such as education level, socioeconomic status, available education programs, and overall interest in these topics. Limited research is available discussing the current knowledge, skills, and interests of nutrition topics and healthy eating patterns within Blue Zones Project (BZP) communities. To explore this gap in the literature, a cross-sectional design was implemented via a food skills survey completed by the residents of a modest-sized college town and site …