Digital Commons Network^™

Spacesuit Hard Upper Torso Assembly: Development Of Fit Metrics And Customized Design Frameworks, Will J. Green

Theses and Dissertations

The Hard Upper Torso (HUT) of the spacesuit pressure garment is a central component of a spacesuit, enclosing the upper body and connecting with the shoulder joints, bearings, helmet, hatch, and waist-brief-hip components. The shape and positioning of the HUT and its connected components are critical for ensuring comfort, range of motion, field of view, and minimizing astronaut injury risk.This dissertation aims to build upon previous work on spacesuit sizing and develop new spacesuit fit metrics. Motion-tracking technology has been utilized to define the reach envelope and range of motion for test subjects wearing a HUT. Subjective surveys have also …

Intergenerational Continuity Of Sexual Violence Victimization: A Socio-Ecological Examination Of Risk, Angela Hunter Minnich

Theses and Dissertations

The present study examined intergenerational continuity of sexual violence victimization across the lifespan within mother-daughter dyads. Because increased risk for sexual violence in daughters is not the fault of the mother, this study examined risk factors across socio-ecological levels (i.e., individual, familial, and community risk factors) and the interplay across risk levels. Undergraduate and community dwelling mother-daughter dyads (N=202) completed self-report measures of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA), adolescent/adult sexual violence victimization (ASV), demographics, psychopathology, parenting, abuse and abuser characteristics, intimate partner violence (IPV), rape culture, and sexual education characteristics. Multiple mediation, moderation, and DYADIC analyses were implemented to test study …

Analysis Of Albedo As A Predictor Of Snow And Glacier Ice Changes Over Time: A Case Study Of The Wind River Range, Wyoming, Nana Yaw Owusu-Amponsah

Theses and Dissertations

Changes that are occurring on glaciers have received immense attention globally as well as in the Wind River Range, Wyoming. Glaciers in the Wind River Range have experienced accelerated thinning which has been mostly attributed to increased local and global temperatures by a number of authors. This research seeks to examine the impacts of albedo on glacier thinning and shrinkage in the Wind River Range since there has been little research done in that regard. The study used the green and the near infrared bands of the 30m resolution Landsat imagery to calculate albedo. Temperature and precipitation data were also …

Assessing Neuropsychological Changes Post Covid-19 Infection Using The Global Neuropsychological Assessment, Jeremy M. Raines

Theses and Dissertations

COVID-19 is characterized by a respiratory syndrome with severity ranging from mild upper respiratory tract illness to severe interstitial pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Although physical symptoms are most common in those infected with COVID-19, patients may present with several neuropsychiatric sequelae caused by direct central nervous system infection, neuroinflammation, and/or prolonged hypoxia encephalitis. Though extent literature on COVID-19 related cognitive decline is still in its infancy, it has been suggested neurological impairment is most common in those with severe symptom presentation, requiring hospitalization and among those who have experienced hypoxic events. In the current study, sixty-two healthy controls …

Parental Involvement For Spanish-Speaking English Learners: Teachers’ Perspectives, Olawumi Oluranti Salako

Theses and Dissertations

The benefit of parental involvement (PI) cannot be underestimated, most specifically, the PI that operates on mutual trust and respect, and balancing of power between homes and schools. It is particularly beneficial to students who are learning English as a second language because their parents can partner with educators to close the achievement gap. However, literature has revealed that most schools have operated using the unidirectional approach in which parents and family members are being alienated from their children’s education due to several factors like an imbalance of power between home and school (Cooper, 2009; Ishimaru et al., 2016). Hence, …

Application Of Artificial Intelligence And Multi-Omics To Understand The Effect Of Heavy Metals Exposure On Human Health, Sonalika Singhal

Theses and Dissertations

IARC classified arsenic (iAs) as “carcinogenic to humans”, but despite the health consequences, there is no molecular signature available yet to predict when exposure may lead to the disease development. In this study, a three-step analysis was employed: (1) the gene expression profiles obtained from diverse arsenic-exposed populations were utilized to identify differentially expressed genes associated with arsenic exposure in human subjects, (2) the gene expression profiles induced by arsenic exposure in different myeloma cancer cell lines were used to define common genes and pathways altered by arsenic exposure,(3) the genetic profiles of human bladder cancer studies were used to …

Preparing Special Educators And Team Members To Support Students With Severe Behaviors In Schools, Tamara Ann Hoffer

Theses and Dissertations

The critical nationwide teacher shortage (Billingsley et al., 2019), puts increasing pressure on educator preparation programs to train candidates in less time. Special education personnel are more likely to leave the field when they feel inadequately prepared for service (Mason-Williams et al., 2020), and are less likely to leave the field when they feel connected with schools that promote inclusion, multi-disciplinary teaming, and collective responsibility for all students (Billingsley et al., 2019). Educators perceive their training inadequate for supporting children who demonstrate disruptive and destructive behaviors in the classroom (Mason-Williams et al., 2020). Despite significant research for evidence-based methods for …

Application Of Blockchain Technology And Integration Of Differential Privacy: Issues In E-Health Domains, David Isie

Theses and Dissertations

A systematic and comprehensive review of critical applications of Blockchain Technology with Differential Privacy integration lies within privacy and security enhancement. This paper aims to highlight the research issues in the e-Health domain (e.g., EMR) and to review the current research directions in Differential Privacy integration with Blockchain Technology.Firstly, the current state of concerns in the e-Health domain are identified as follows: (a) healthcare information poses a high level of security and privacy concerns due to its sensitivity; (b) due to vulnerabilities surrounding the healthcare system, a data breach is common and poses a risk for attack by an adversary; …

Conducting Fog Research And Abatement Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Uas), Michael Douglas Willette

Theses and Dissertations

The tremendous safety and monetary impacts of long-duration fog events continue to spur interest in its anthropogenic dissipation. With the emergence of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) platform and the development of miniaturized atmospheric sensors, more efficient methods of fog research and anthropogenic fog dispersal may be achieved. The feasibility of a supercooled fog dispersal project in the Red River Valley and the efficacy of using the UAS platform to acquire in-situ fog microphysical data are explored. A 30-year climatology of the Red River Valley indicates increased supercooled fog potential between early November through early April, peaking in March. Five …

Obtaining The Transfer Function Of A Camera Mount Using Ansys And Matlab, Ikechukwu Stanley Nwade

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, the transfer function of a camera mount is obtained using ANSYS and MATLAB. In a heads-up display (HUD) application, achieving precise image registration requires careful consideration of the camera's position relative to the vehicle. Vibrations can alter the camera's position, with tilt being the most impactful due to its increased displacement effect as objects are further away. This research tackles vibration by predicting the position of the camera using transfer function. To determine the transfer function for complex structures, such as camera mounts, this study aims to first establish a transfer function for a simpler model, like …

The Mysterious Mu Wave: The Effects Of Tdcs On Visuomotor Integration And Processing, Jessica Lynn Van Bree

Theses and Dissertations

Visuomotor integration is the coordination of neuronal activity between the motor- and vision-related parts of the brain that influence behavior and perception, resulting in a motor reaction (Shin et al. 2016). Previous studies have demonstrated that longitudinal training of oculomotor, visual, attentional, and motor skills produce significant improvements of visuomotor integration and control in healthy subjects. Within healthy populations, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been found to facilitate visuomotor learning, motion processing, and the coordination and accuracy of motor movement (Antal et al., 2004; Coffmann et al., 2014). As such, tDCS may be an appropriate addition to the rehabilitation …

Application Of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry In Lignin Model Compound Degradation And Forensic Determination Of Clonazepam And Flunitrazepam In Necrophagous Insect And Liver, Zeinab Rabiei Taemeh

Theses and Dissertations

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS) is a versatile technique that has vast applications in analytical chemistry, specifically for the identification, quantitation, and mass analysis of components. This study outlines an exploration of HPLC-MS applications, focusing on its utilization in two distinct areas: lignin degradation studies and forensic investigations.Lignin degradation: Most of the previous studies on lignin degradation, employed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for product characterization. Most lignin model compounds, which are widely used in lignin valorization studies, are either not GC-elutable or have low thermal stability. In this work we investigated HPLC-MS as an alternative method, which offers a simultaneous …

Integrating Technology Into Wildlife Surveys, Sally E. Yannuzzi

Theses and Dissertations

Technology is rapidly improving and being incorporated into field biology, with survey methods such as machine learning and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) headlining efforts. UAS paired with machine learning algorithms have been used to detect caribou, nesting waterfowl and seabirds, marine mammals, white-tailed deer, and more in over 19 studies within the last decade alone. Simultaneously, UAS and machine learning have also been implemented for infrastructure monitoring at wind energy facilities as wind energy construction and use has skyrocketed globally. As part of both pre-construction and regulatory compliance of newly constructed wind energy facilities, monitoring of impacts to wildlife is …

Distracted, Bored, And Disengaged: How To Reengage Gen Z Learners In The Secondary School Classroom, Sharon Kay Stout

Theses and Dissertations

With a plethora of digital tools at their disposal and knowledge at their fingertips, Generation Z students must be engaged in ways that differ from previous generations of students. Using Ryan and Deci’s (2000, 2020) self-determination theory and the Student Engagement Core model proposed by Bundick et al. (2014), this qualitative research study used semi-structured interviews and focus groups to research the best ways to engage Gen Z students in a classroom setting. Data was coded using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006), with the self-determination theory’s three tenets, relatedness, autonomy, and competence, serving as the initial coding framework. Results …

Use Of Lidar And Synthetic Bathymetry To Develop Stream Cross Sections For Alternative Modeling Of Streamflow In North Dakota Using Hec-Ras: A Case Study On The Tongue River In North Dakota, James Brennan Sullivan

Theses and Dissertations

Analysis of streamflow levels is critical to flood protection and management. Computer modeling software such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hydraulic Engineering Center River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) is used to calculate water surface elevations for statistical or historical flows. A key element of modeling river hydraulics is the development of one-dimensional (1-D) cross sections or two-dimensional (2-D) terrain from elevation data. Airborne LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is now commonly used to collect high-density digital elevation model (DEM) data. Models developed from near-infrared LiDAR DEMs alone however, do not have bathymetry since the LiDAR pulses are adversely affected …

Performance Analysis Of Data-Driven Algorithms In Detecting Intrusions On Smart Grid, Tala Talaei Khoei

Theses and Dissertations

The traditional power grid is no longer a practical solution for power delivery due to several shortcomings, including chronic blackouts, energy storage issues, high cost of assets, and high carbon emissions. Therefore, there is a serious need for better, cheaper, and cleaner power grid technology that addresses the limitations of traditional power grids. A smart grid is a holistic solution to these issues that consists of a variety of operations and energy measures. This technology can deliver energy to end-users through a two-way flow of communication. It is expected to generate reliable, efficient, and clean power by integrating multiple technologies. …

Applying Human Error Framework To Explore Prevention Strategies For Wrong Surface Events, William Bowers

Theses and Dissertations

Wrong surface events are a serious and ongoing risk to aviation safety in the United States National Airspace System. A wrong surface event occurs when an aircraft lands, departs or attempts to land or depart from a surface other than the intended landing or takeoff, also including aircraft landing at the wrong airport. This research examined the contextual factors that contributed to human error ultimately leading to wrong surface events, assessed the efficacy of technology that can be used to prevent, and aviation professional’s awareness of wrong surface events in order to determine prevention strategies that can reduce occurrences in …

Evaluating The Potential Of Wrought And Additively Manufactured Co-Cr Alloy For Prosthodontic Applications, Sudip Saha

Theses and Dissertations

Tribological analysis of metallic implants for orthodontics applications is a long-studied topic of research. The study covers human mouth anatomy, implant types, and major wear mechanisms, materials, and manufacturing techniques commonly used for dental implant materials. Common contributing factors to evaluate the mechanical performance of metal implants includes tribological behavior analysis in varying physiological conditions, material properties, corrosive responsiveness and manufacturing techniques. By conducting systematic experiments to cover these areas, this study aims to evaluate the performance of wrought and additively manufactured Co-Cr alloy for metallic implants for orthodontics applications.For the tribological test and corrosion experiments laboratory prepared artificial saliva …

Effect Of Deicing Chemicals And Fly Ash On Durability And Mechanical Properties Of Concrete, Joseph M. Useldinger-Hoefs

Theses and Dissertations

Deicing chemicals, such as Sodium Chloride (NaCl), lowers the freezing point of water, resulting in less skidding, less hydroplaning, and more friction on roadways. NaCl has limitations regarding its deicing capabilities; therefore, a supplement should be used to decrease corrosion and aid in lowering the freezing point of water. Incorporating AMP in NaCl brine aids in bonding to the road’s surface and further lowers the water’s freezing point. This study was conducted to explore the optimum solution of AMP and Sodium Nitrite (NaNO2) and the impact 20% fly ash has on durability. Hardened properties were used to compare the impact …

Evaluating The Size Distribution Of Submicron Particles In Seawater, Yuanheng Xiong

Theses and Dissertations

Particles of sizes < 1 µm or submicron particles in seawater can contribute up to 60% of optical backscattering that reflect sunlight measured by remote sensors. Better understanding of their optical effect in ocean color requires the knowledge of their particle size distributions (PSDs). However, data on PSDs of submicron particles is limited. We examined an instrument, ViewSizer 3000, for its capability of measuring PSDs of submicron particles. The working theory of the instrument is to track the Brownian motion of particles and relate the diffusivity of each particle to its size. A Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to prove that the instrument can be used to quantify PSDs of naturally occurring particles. Calibrations in the lab using NIST-traceable microbeads indicates two corrections are needed: (1) the sample volume varies with the size of particles and (2) particles of sizes <250 nm cannot be estimated reliably due to their low signal-to-noise ratio. With the corrections, the instrument can resolve submicron particles of sizes >250 nm with a mean absolute error of 3.9% in size and 38% in concentration. The ViewSizer 3000 was deployed in two NASA EXPORTS field campaigns in the North Pacific Ocean in August 2018 and the North Atlantic Ocean in May 2021. A total of 373 water samples were collected from 5 m to 500 m and measured in the ship’s lab for their PSDs. The PSDs of submicron particles at different depths and waters exhibit up to 3 orders of magnitude variations at each size bin, with the mean concentration in NA 30% greater than that …

Disordered Eating Differences Among Male And Female Sorority And Fraternity Members, Sky Gabel

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into factors that may affect the rates of disordered eating in undergraduates and to expand the limited research in the area of fraternity/sorority life (FSL) membership and gender. These areas were compared using rates of disordered eating symptoms, anxiety levels, perfectionism, and body image differences, gathered from approximately 451 undergraduates using the EDE-Q, STAI, PSPS, and OBCS and demographic questionnaires. A two-way ANOVA was used to analyze effects of gender and FSL membership on EDE-Q scores. A linear regression was used to investigate associations between PSPS, OBCS, and STAIT scores and …

Community College Faculty Perceptions Of Open Educational Resources, Heather Ann Leavitt

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined Open Educational Resources (OER) through a community college faculty perspective. Specifically, this study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of faculty motivations surrounding OER, faculty perceptions of OER’s influences on students, and pedagogical changes that faculty have made in response to OER. A qualitative research methodology was chosen, including semi-structured phenomenological interviews conducted with community college faculty members. The methodology was guided by activity theory. Faculty discussed their use of the 5 Rs (retain, reuse, revise, remix, redistribute) in practice, with revise being the most commonly used of the 5 Rs. Notably, the eight participants had mixed …

Kinesio Tape Effect On Vertical Jump, Jalen L. Morrison

Theses and Dissertations

KinesioTape is used throughout sports at all levels of competition. This study aims at augmenting vertical jump performance with the use of KinesioTape. Vertical jumping ability is a crucial skill and advantage in various sports, as it impacts an individual’s ability to achieve height, power, and efficiency during the jumping phase. Though training methods have proven to improve vertical jump, the potential of a Kinesiotape design remains somewhat unanswered in this context. This test aims to determine whether our tape design is significantly effective in countermovement and squat jumps. The research includes a comprehensive literature review to understand today's KinesioTape …

Cognitive Decay And Memory Recall During Long Duration Spaceflight, Terry E. Rector

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation aims to advance the efficacy of Long-Duration Space Flight (LDSF) pre-flight and in-flight training programs, acknowledging existing knowledge gaps in NASA's methodologies. The research's objective is to optimize the cognitive workload of LDSF crew members, enhance their neurocognitive functionality, and provide more meaningful work experiences, particularly for Mars missions.The study addresses identified shortcomings in current training and learning strategies and simulation-based training systems, focusing on areas requiring quantitative measures for astronaut proficiency and training effectiveness assessment. The project centers on understanding cognitive decay and memory loss under LDSF-related stressors, seeking to establish when such cognitive decline exceeds acceptable …

Factors That Influence Decision-Making In Insanity Cases, Destinye Runions

Theses and Dissertations

The insanity defense has been one of the most hotly debated issues in criminal law for centuries. Jurors are generally hostile to the insanity defense and people with psychological disorders and often fail to find defendants insane even when an insanity verdict is warranted. The current study attempted to determine why jurors are hostile to the insanity defense and people with psychological disorders. Participants read one of two case vignettes depicting a defendant suffering from paranoid schizophrenia who committed murder. The vignettes differed in how sympathetic the defendant is in the vignettes, and how dangerous the defendant is to society. …

The Effects Of Demographic And Nutritional Variables On Anxiety And Depression Symptoms In Usa And Non-Usa Adults, Jonathan Santiago

Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigated the effects of demographic variables (e.g. country of residence and socioeconomic status) and nutritional variables (e.g. dietary diversity and micronutrient content) on anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as subjective health self-rating. Prior research suggests that a variety of demographic and nutritional factors influence chronic stress, which can cause systemic inflammation and lead to various cardiovascular-related diseases. Participants (USA=41; Non-USA= 58) were recruited via an online platform and completed demographic questionnaires and a 24-hour dietary recall. Results indicated that food accessibility emerged as the strongest predictor, and was associated with anxiety, depression, and combined mood symptoms. …

Does Race Matter? An Experimental Vignette Study On Harm Severity, College Student Discipline, And Restorative Justice, Terrill O. Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

Research suggests individuals’ support for harsher sanctions for wrongdoers increase in association with the perceived severity of the harm caused. To date, however, research has focused mostly on retributive modes of punishment and has less often addressed restorative sanctions. Furthermore, research has documented racial disparities in conduct sanctioning, especially within elementary and secondary school-based settings, with research suggesting that students of color (e.g., Black students) are sanctioned harsher than White students. Surprisingly, racial disparities in student conduct sanctions within higher education settings have rarely been examined. The present study therefore sought to fill a void in the literature by examining …

Meteorological Drivers Of Blowing Snow Events At Arm North Slope Alaska Site, Talia Dawn Kurtz

Theses and Dissertations

Blowing snow is common in polar regions. Blowing snow and associated sublimation influence the surface energy budget and surface mass balance. For example, it is believed to play a critical role in the evolution of Arctic sea-thickness by reducing the amount of snow accumulated on the sea-ice surface, which is a pressing issue with the Arctic Amplification. Currently, most models do not include blowing snow as there has not been widespread validation of blowing snow parameterizations. Fortunately, the Atmospheric Radiation Measurements (ARM) North Slope Alaska (NSA) site located in Utqiaġvik, Alaska contains instrumentation that allows for the detection of this …

Valuation Of Potential Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Projects Based On Known Economic And Service Criteria, Seth Lykins

Theses and Dissertations

Clean and sustainable energy sources must comprise a greater share of the global energy portfolio in the future, in order to support a growing population while reducing the anthropogenic effects of traditional energy production. Solar and wind-based generation methods, frontrunners of the energy transition, are intermittent by nature. This presents a challenge in the effort to replace dispatchable fossil fuels with a chiefly renewable energy portfolio. Yet this challenge can be met with appropriate storage, which must be scalable, reliable, sustainable, and financially feasible through implementation of multiple services. Pumped hydro energy storage systems (PHESS), with its colossal scale and …

Understanding How North Dakota Teachers' Knowledge, Beliefs, And Confidence Are Constructed In An Asynchronous Professional Development Course, Mckenzie Rabenn

Theses and Dissertations

Many researchers have argued that teachers are the most important school-related factor to increasing a student’s academic performance. In turn, schools often turn to professional development (PD) to strengthen educators’ performance and knowledge levels. Indeed, PD can be a prime tool to improve school performance. However, its efficacy is determined by how it is perceived by teachers.

This study examines the experiences of North Dakota elementary teachers who, in response to statewide legislation, enrolled in an online PD and how their experiences shape their knowledge, beliefs, and confidence. Research has demonstrated that these three constructs (knowledge, beliefs, and confidence) have …