Digital Commons Network^™

Examining Correlations Of Historical Trauma And Ethnic Identification With Symptoms Of Depression In Native American College Students, Nerissa Dolney

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of how historical trauma and one’s degree of ethnic identity relate to symptoms of depression, due to controversy in the literature about such variables. Participants in this study self-identified as Native American, were over the age of 18, and were currently enrolled or have been previously enrolled at the University of North Dakota (UND). Participants completed a survey online via Qualtrics to gather information about their ethnic identity, frequency of historical loss thinking, and symptoms of depression. Historical loss thinking was found to be very prevalent among this sample, and …

A Thematic Analysis: A Lived Experience Raising A Child Diagnosed With A Neurodevelopmental Disability In A Rural Community, Matthew Kettelhake

Theses and Dissertations

In the United States, about 17% of children between the age of 3 and 18 are diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disability (Zablowsky et al; 2019). About 14% of the population lives in a rural community (USDA, 2020). Being part of a rural community has additional challenges urban areas may not face (Sharpley et al., 1997; Hasting &Taunt, 2002; Gerstein et al.,2009; Dabrokska & Pisula, 2010). Parents of children diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disability also face additional challenges than raising a neurotypical child. This study explored the themes and commonalities that arise from raising a child diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disability …

Verification And Validation Of Software System Class Models, Kruti Shah

Theses and Dissertations

The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a foundation in software development, providing standardized notation for visualizing, specifying, constructing, and documenting software systems. UML class models, in particular, offer a static view of a system's structure, capturing essential elements such as classes, attributes, operations, and relationships. Despite the widespread adoption of UML and its class modeling capabilities, challenges persist in ensuring the models' correctness, reliability, and effectiveness. This research presents a comprehensive study of UML's role in software development, delving into existing literature to examine the development of UML class models, its significance in various stages of the software development lifecycle, …

Promoting Athletic Training Careers Among American Indian And Alaska Native Communities, Wyatt Whitegoat

Theses and Dissertations

Athletic training, recognized for its role in providing specialized healthcare services focused on prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries for the athletic population, represents a growing profession within the healthcare field. As the need and value of athletic training services continues to grow, it is imperative for academic and Federal institutions to adapt programs and policies that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.

Despite ongoing efforts, which should not be minimized, to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the athletic training profession, significant progress remains limited, particularly in increasing representation of American Indian and Alaska Natives (AIANs). …

Unveiling Facilitators And Barriers Of Breastfeeding Initiation And Continuation And Designing Culturally Tailored Intervention For African American Mothers, Nadia Boahemaa Kyeremeh

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the determinants of breastfeeding initiation and continuation among African American women in the United States and evaluates the effectiveness of an intervention using WordPress to disseminate culturally relevant breastfeeding information to African American women. First, secondary data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) was used to test factors influencing breastfeeding initiation and continuation among White and Black women. The results showed that the foreign-born (vs. US-born) status, residing (vs. non-residing) with grandparents, and strong (vs. weak) cultural identity were positively associated with breastfeeding initiation and continuation across racial groups. Based on the secondary …

Examining Tele-Mental Health Utilization In North American Indigenous Communities, Elleh A. Driscoll

Theses and Dissertations

Tele-mental health delivery reported by clinicians in Indigenous communities before, during, and after the pandemic has largely remained unexplored across psychology literature. Tele-mental health (TMH) is the utilization of technology tools to communicate and treat clients (Riding-Malon, 2014). TMH (i.e. mental health services accessed via zoom, telephone, etc.) is associated in recent research with effective rates for mental health care treatment comparable to in-person rates for both immediate and long-term outcomes (McCord, 2020; Lin, 2021). The current study examined self-reported mental health clinicians (n=104) serving North American Indigenous clients on a variety of TMH factors during and after the COVID-19 …

Reimagining Non-Credit Higher Education: The Impact Of Non-Credit Short-Term Accelerated Postsecondary Workforce Training At Santa Fe Community College, Monique Anair

Theses and Dissertations

An estimated five million Americans participate in non-credit college and university classes annually. The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) does not require the reporting of non-credit student postsecondary enrollment, which means there is a lack of data about non-credit higher education. This qualitative case study provides a deeper understanding of 14 student experiences at Santa Fe Community College who participated in non-credit, short-term, accelerated workforce training programs. The findings reveal that students who engage in Santa Fe Community College’s non-credit postsecondary opportunities, are low-wage or unemployed working age adults who value short-term non-credit programs because they lead to higher …

The Experience Of Caregiving Among Males Caring For A Family Member With Alzhimer’S Disease: A Descriptive Phenomenology Study, Randy John-Chapin Huard

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe the phenomenon of caregiving among men caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease. Historically, most Alzheimer’s disease caregivers were women, and research has generally focused on female caregivers, usually the spouse. However, more men are now assuming the caregiver role. A limited number of studies have focused on male caregivers and revealed multiple inconsistencies in findings. Further, limited studies have specifically included rural male caregivers, who may experience caregiving differently due to the lack of resources and increased disparities that exist in rural populations. The knowledge gained from this research study …

Echo: A Graphical User Interface Designed To Simulate, Study, And Mitigate Effects Of Interplanetary Communication Delays In Analog Missions, Dario Gabriel Schor

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the vast distances between Earth and other planets, future human interplanetary missions will experience significant communication delays. The literature suggests that a combination of training, protocols, procedures, and tools is required to mitigate the negative impact that the communication delay has on both stress and performance. This research introduces a tool called ECHO that combines known and novel features designed to make users cognizant of the delay and avoid misunderstandings. ECHO was tested as part of a mixed-methods study over the course of three analog missions at the University of North Dakota's Integrated Lunar/Mars Habitat where a total …

The Impact Of Upper-Elementary C3wp Resources On First Draft Student Writing Samples: A Study Of Lexical Cohesion, Semantic Overlap, Grammar And Mechanics, Lisa Fricke Gusewelle

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the impact of the College, Career, and Community Writers Program (C3WP) on upper-elementary students' first draft writing quality, addressing the challenges teachers face in providing timely and effective feedback on extensive student writing, particularly in spelling, grammar, mechanics, and cohesion. The hypothesis posits that C3WP resources will improve students' writing by enhancing lexical cohesion and reducing surface-level errors. Four 6th-grade students with varying reading proficiency levels participated in two C3WP mini-units over a two-month period. First drafts were analyzed using the Tool for the Automatic Analysis of Text Cohesion (TAACO) to measure semantic overlap and lexical cohesion, …

High Performance Simulation Of Astrocyte Morphology And Dynamics For Brain Imaging, Lun Zhao

Theses and Dissertations

The brain is a complex organ composed of neurons and glial cells. Historically, glial cells were often overlooked in neuroscience research, but their significance has gained increasing recognition in recent years due to mounting evidence demonstrating their pivotal roles in brain function and disease. Notably, a growing body of research highlights the active involvement of astrocytes, the most abundant type of glial cells, in numerous neurological diseases. With the development of microscopy technology, our understanding of astrocytes is becoming more and more abundant. Due to the characteristics of microscopy, tissue scattering and environmental noise, there is a high demand for …

Transcriptional Landscape Of Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells Under Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress: Implications For Inflammaging, Jappreet Singh Gill

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the intricate relationship between mitochondrial oxidative stress and the function of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), highlighting their essential roles in the aging immune system and the development of age-related diseases. The study delves into how mitochondrial impairments within Tregs contribute to widespread inflammation leading to pathological aging. One key analysis shows that mitochondrial oxidative stress undermines Treg functionality, intensifying inflammatory responses and increasing frailty in older adults. This dysfunction is associated with elevated inflammatory markers and presents a potential target for therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring mitochondrial health to alleviate these impacts. Another significant discovery connects …

Insights From Teachers And Students On Literacy Strategy Integration In A Rural North Dakota High School, Margaret Hilbers

Theses and Dissertations

Literacy development is an essential aspect of academic success. Educational institutions have worked to implement various strategies and initiatives to increase students’ literacy skills. Understanding the insights of both students and teachers is important for utilizing these skills effectively and if they have impact. Implementing strategies and initiatives at the secondary level should be strategic and help strengthen teachers’ instruction but also student outcomes. The study aims to understand the insights and experiences of both students and teachers to create more opportunities to enhance literacy instruction and strategies used in secondary content area classes. Research indicates that teachers need more …

Techno Economic Assessment Of Gas Re-Injection To Reduce Gas Flaring In The Bakken Petroleum System Of The Williston Basin In North Dakota, Ala Eddine Aoun

Theses and Dissertations

Flaring of associated gas from oil wells and the excess gas from gas-processing units and oil refineries is one of the most prominent producers of greenhouse gas emissions. Flaring, by definition, is a method used to burn unwanted flammable gas, which produces significant amounts of methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur oxide. The petroleum industry adds millions of tons of CO2 annually into the atmosphere by flaring gas, which presents a serious risk due to the environmental and economic impacts associated with it. In light of the increasing awareness of this threat, the industry is investigating economical means to …

Holistic Advising And Student Success: A Qualitative Study On Student Advising Experiences And Perceptions At The University Of Wisconsin Stout, Camille Peterson Banger

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative, single-case study investigated undergraduate students' perceptions and experiences of the academic advisement approach in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) academic program at the University of Wisconsin Stout. Focusing on holistic advising to address diverse and evolving needs, the study aimed to inform academic advisement practices within the ICT program by creating and implementing an ICT program academic advisement handbook and adding to the field of practice. Data collection involved on-campus and online focus groups with undergraduate ICT program students, questionnaires with ICT program advisors, and documentation analysis to triangulate the findings. Using Merriam’s (1998) approach to data …

A Qualitative Study On The Impact Of Schedule Design On Student Engagement And Behavior And Teacher Professional Satisfaction At A Small Charter Middle School, Kate Clancy

Theses and Dissertations

Examining school-wide factors that can positively influence student and school success is especially crucial after the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a period of online learning that led to a decrease in student achievement scores across the nation. As a result, this study sought to assess how schedule design specifically affected teacher perceptions of engagement and behavior for middle school students as well as the impact of schedule design on teachers’ perceptions of their work environment. The purpose of the research was to explore the teachers’ perceptions of the impact of schedule design in 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 on their work …

The Interconnectedness Of Indigenous Health: Local, National, And International Influences, Courtney Claussen

Theses and Dissertations

Indigenous Peoples have always understood the interconnectedness of health. There are many Indigenous-specific health determinants that positively or negatively impact prevalent health conditions. Each of the products in this three-part portfolio highlight health determinants that directly or indirectly contribute to the health of Indigenous Peoples. Key topics within each product include Cultural Protocol, culturally safe practices, food security and access, type 2 diabetes, and localized health approaches. The products also highlight the historical and current impacts of colonization on Indigenous health. Each product interconnects to consider the variable ways Indigenous-specific health determinants impact Indigenous populations. In the first product, I …

Optimizing Laser-Based Wireless Power Transfer: A Comprehensive Study Of A 4 Quadrant Pv Module System And Its Powering And Tracking Capabilities, Ahmed Elfarran

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates laser-based tracking systems for wireless power transfer (WPT) applications. Beginning with an overview of renewable energy and WPT technologies, the study establishes both theoretical frameworks and practical methodologies for laser-based power transmission. The experimental analyses encompass load testing with a four-quadrant module, examining the impact of laser power, load conditions, and beam diameter on power transfer efficiency, as well as the influence of target movement speed on voltage stability. Notably, we achieved a tracking speed of up to 20 mm/s, ensuring efficient power delivery even with target motion. The results demonstrate clear correlations between laser power levels …

Impacts Of Climatic Variability To Distributed Snow Observations In A Cold Region Agricultural Basin, Tyson L. Jeannotte

Theses and Dissertations

Seasonal dry and wet periods have been more frequently observed in the Northern Great Plains (NGP). Generally, in the NGP, short-term dry conditions are followed by long-term fluctuating wet periods. A recent NGP drought (1999‐2004) was followed in 2005 by a wet period. The impacts of dry and wet climate on snow processes and streamflow generations are poorly understood due to lack of field-based snow accumulation data. Most studies are limited to remotely sensed snow cover estimates or numerical modeling with very limited snow data. To gain an improved understanding of the hydrological processes to climatic variability in the NGP, …

The Mediating Role Of Emotion Regulation On Attachment Styles, Relationship Quality, And Internalizing Symptoms Among Emerging Adults, Summer Rae Lardy

Theses and Dissertations

Internalizing symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, impact a substantial number of emerging adults each year. Previous literature has examined relationship quality’s impact on internalizing symptoms but has yet to include emotion regulation. Therefore, both intra- and interpersonal emotion regulation’s impact on the well-established association between relationship quality and internalizing symptoms was assessed. Two-hundred and fifty-nine emerging adults were surveyed on the factors of: Relationship Quality, Attachment Style, Relationship Maintenance Behaviors, Intrapersonal Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Emotion Regulation, Depression and Anxiety symptoms. As hypothesized, results found a negative, moderate correlation between relationship quality and internalizing symptoms (r = -.54). Additionally, there …

Christianity In Conversations About Sexuality: Influences Of Parental Communication On Young Women’S Navigation Of Nonconsensual Sexual Experiences, Danielle Piggott

Theses and Dissertations

Women are forced to cope with the reality of sexual violence in multiple ways throughout their young adult life. This study sought to understand the influence of parental messaging on how young women understand consent and their own vulnerability to sexual assault, how they respond to friends who disclose to them about experiencing sexual assault, and how they personally conceptualize and recover from sexual assault. A sample of 384 college-aged women completed an online survey with questionnaires about messages from and relationships with their parents, beliefs about sex and sexual assault, sexual history, and mental health related symptoms. Regression analyses …

The Healing Of Stories: International Teachers’ Lived Experiences Of School Culture Using The Hourglass Model For Mindful Reflections, Vesna Radivojevic

Theses and Dissertations

School culture affects all facets of teaching and learning. Starting from individual international teachers’ perspectives and their accounts relating to school culture, new insights and perspectives on the problem of practice were gained. The research focused on answering the questions: What are teachers’ experiences of school culture in international schools? What are teachers’ perspectives on critical components in developing a positive school culture? What was helpful to teachers when experiencing the positive and negative aspects of a school culture? A qualitative narrative research methodology involved interviewing ten international teachers who taught in K-12 grade schools in Australia, Asia, the Middle …

Pl 93-638: Utilizing The Indian Self Determination And Education Assistance Act (Isdeaa) To Enhance And Improve Oral Health Outcomes In A Tribal Community, Adriann Darlene Ricker

Theses and Dissertations

American Indians and Alaskan Natives experience the worst oral health outcomes. However, we are transitioning to a new era where Indigenous communities are reclaiming the narrative and health. This dissertation in practice was inspired by tribal self-determination and reclamation of health found through the newly established Fort Peck Tribal Health Dental Department utilizing the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act (PL 93-638). The guiding framework for the Fort Peck Tribal Health Dental Department and this dissertation is the Indigenous Primary Health Care Delivery Model which illuminates elements of community, empowerment, and self-determination with culture as center to all healthcare …

Administering Psychological Tele-Assessment: A Delphi Study, Amanda Willyard Walkowiak

Theses and Dissertations

The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak increased demand for telehealth services for mental health providers (Zhou et al., 2020). To our knowledge, conducting psychological assessments through tele-health platforms has limited empirical and ethical support (Wright et al., 2020; Stifel et al., 2020; American Psychological Association [APA], 2020a). Moving from traditional to remote testing administration requires preparation, training, and practice (Joint Task Force for the Development of Telepsychology Guidelines for Psychologists [Telepsychology Task Force], 2013; Wright et al., 2020). Even if psychologists have access to test materials and the necessary technology to conduct tele-assessments, they may not have the training and clinical …

Perceptions Of Interpersonal Communication Skills In Undergraduate Nursing Students, Raquel Ann Zeidlik

Theses and Dissertations

Healthcare is analogous to a team sport where effective communication is vital for the success of all members of the team. If communication is ineffective – or absent – between members of the healthcare team and their patients, then issues move beyond the concern of patient satisfaction, to matters of life and death. Patients who put their well-being in the hands of a healthcare team deserve to feel safe and to receive high-quality care, delivered by the most compassionate and qualified care team possible. Barriers to effective communication continue to challenge healthcare teams, further compromising the nurse-patient relationship. A total …

Saudi Acceptance Of Digital Communication And Satisfaction With Mobile Government Services (M-Government), Samah Alotaibi

Theses and Dissertations

Governments throughout the world are using developments in mobile technology to enhance electronic governance (e-government) by digitally providing government information and services. This is often known as mobile government (M-government), which caters to the needs of individuals, corporations, and governmental institutions. The main objective of this dissertation is to examine the integration of mobile government services into the government's digital communication revolution. It specifically aims to investigate the level of satisfaction and acceptance among Saudi citizens regarding the mobile applications developed by the government. The dissertation delves into their perspectives and assessments of the digital communication channels offered by the …

The Experiences And College Readiness Of Native American Students Who Participated In Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment And Transitioned To Higher Education, Krystal Marie Caldwell

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research study employed the Diverse Learning Environment Model to examine how dual credit/dual enrollment course participation by Native American students impacts their college readiness and transition to college. Literature shows that students who take dual credit/dual enrollment in high school are more likely to graduate from high school and transition to college and have less time to degree completion. Furthermore, dual credit/dual enrollment course participation also increases students’ college readiness and improve student’s self-efficacy. The guiding notion of this paper are the overwhelming benefits to students who participate in dual credit/dual enrollment coursework in high school and how …

Uas Teaming For Search And Rescue Applications, Conner Carriere

Theses and Dissertations

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations,combined with teaming configurations and optimized path planning algorithms, enhance efficiency in locating and assisting disaster victims. Flooding accounts for 90% of natural disasters in the USA, necessitating rapid scouting and supply drops in affected areas. Current UAS path planning lacks proper start and end point selection and does not use multiple aircraft collaboratively.

This study introduces a UAS teaming strategy with high-altitude leader drones for area coverage and lower-altitude follower drones for detailed data collection and supply drops. The focus is optimizing follower drone path plan- ning using the Open-Loop …

Protective Factors For Suicidal Ideation In Transgender Adults Living In Rural Communities, Genel Gronkowski

Theses and Dissertations

Transgender adults living in rural communities within the USA may be at an increased risk for suicidal ideation compared to their cisgender peers. Meyer’s Minority Stress Model postulates that this may be due to unique stressors that result from a minoritized identity that may lead to poor mental health outcomes, such as suicidal ideation; individual and community level protective factors may buffer or protect from poor health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to identify protective factors that may be unique to transgender adults experiencing suicidal ideation in rural communities. Utilizing a grounded theory approach, a homogenous group of …

Evaluating Pressure Distribution Of Surgical Support Surfaces For Pressure Injury Prevention: Small-Cell Alternating Pressure Mattress, Standard Foam Mattress, And Gel Overlay, Victor Moreno Lozano

Theses and Dissertations

Pressure injuries are a significant problem in the health care system for patients undergoing long surgeries due to the prolonged time they spend on the surface without moving under the anesthesia effect [6]. This can lead to the occurrence of pressure injuries and can negatively affect patient outcomes and the healthcare system [3]. Current methods for preventing pressure injuries in the operating room include repositioning the patient, using sponges or small gel pads at pressure points, and the use of support surfaces [2]. There is not enough conclusive evidence that states that the use of support surfaces is effective in …