Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Investigation Of Wireless Communication Sub-Optimizing Factors And Ai-Based Optimization For Ber Reduction, Lalan Jee Mishra

Theses and Dissertations

The increasing demand for high-throughput, low-latency, and reliable wireless communication has led to significant advancements of cellular wireless technologies since the early ‘80s. However, in dynamic and interference-prone environments—particularly those involving Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)—signal degradation due to pathloss, multipath propagation, co-channel interference, and weather-induced attenuation continues to undermine performance. These factors contribute to elevated bit error rates (BER), inefficient spectrum usage, and unreliable communication links, thereby limiting the practical utility of wireless systems in aerial applications. Traditional mitigation techniques, while effective under certain conditions, often fail to adapt to rapidly changing wireless environments. This shortcoming underscores the need for …

Flight Instructor Enhanced Qualification Training Program, Brendan Aug

Aviation Student Publications

Due to December 2024 regulatory changes made to 14 CFR Part 61.195(h)— Qualifications to provide ground or flight training to initial flight instructor applicants—a new training program, titled the Flight Instructor Enhanced Qualification Training Program (FIEQTP), must be developed under 61.195(h)(3).

The purpose of this packet is, in response to regulatory changes, to conduct a thorough training needs analysis, and utilizing its conclusions, develop a new 14 CFR Part 141 course and assessment plan that meets the requirements of Part 61.195(h)(3) Flight instructor enhanced qualification training program.

Potential Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On The Practice And Profession Of Speech-Language Pathology: A Working Paper, Manish Rami

Communication Sciences & Disorders Faculty Publications

This paper explores the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the profession of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP). AI is widely recognized as a transformative force, presenting opportunities across both service delivery and professional practice in SLP. This paper examines how AI may partially or fully automate and augment key tasks such as screening, assessment, and treatment. It also addresses associated challenges, including data bias and the “black box” problem while advocating for proactive engagement with AI technologies. Finally, the paper posits that AI will reshape the field, serving as a collaborative partner for SLPs, enhancing efficiency, and expanding access to …

Und Connect: A Preliminary Overview Of Courtroom Observations And Interviews With Gfdvc Professionals And Representatives, Adam K. Matz, Ashley Fansher, Roni Mayzer, Jackson Archbold, Kambrya Stephenson, Sierra Schartz

Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

This research brief summarizes about half a dozen courtroom observations and a dozen interviews conducted with practitioners and court representatives affiliated with the Grand Forks Domestic Violence Court (GFDVC). About 43% of women and 31% of men in the state of North Dakota have experienced some form of sexual, physical, or stalking violence in their lifetime (Smith et al., 2023). Rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women in the state generally matches that of the broader nation, though the state ranks as one of the lowest in terms of violence against men.

Explaining The Feedback Effect In Stuttering: A New Thesis, Manish Rami

Communication Sciences & Disorders Faculty Publications

Conditions such as choral reading, delayed or frequency altered auditory feedback, and masking with noise decrease the frequency of stuttering in people who stutter. This effect is known as the feedback effect. This paper proposes that the speech module mediates these effects. When speech stimuli -as feedback, actively engages the speech module in perceptual processes while the module is in the act of producing speech, the speech module enhances fluency in people who stutter. The characteristics of modules and their implications are considered and some suggestions for investigations are made.

In Vitro Analysis Of Abemaciclib Treatment On Epithelial Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation And Sequencing Of Cfdna Released, Paige Bonnet, Sakuntha Gunarathna, Motoki Takaku

Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Showcase

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors, such as abemaciclib, are approved for hormone receptor–positive (HR+) breast cancer, where they inhibit tumor cell cycle progression. While their antiproliferative effects are established, less is known about how they may reflect molecular changes and using cfDNA as a biomarker of treatment response. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of abemaciclib on breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro and characterize cfDNA released during treatment using next-generation sequencing. Abemaciclib treatment significantly reduced cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. cfDNA release correlated with treatment intensity, and sequencing revealed upregulation of a gene in p21 …

Understanding And Managing Parent–Child Well Interactions In The Bakken, Kyoung Min, Xue Yu, Nicholas A. Azzolina, Darren D. Schmidt, Bethany A. Kurz, James A. Sorensen

EERC Publications, Papers, & Presentations

This study proposes actionable strategies to mitigate parent–child interactions and negative production impacts. Key approaches, including wider well spacing, optimized stimulation designs, and refracturing, minimize interference while enhancing recovery efficiency.

Why Bips Mattered In The Past & Will In The Future, Chase Steinbach

Undergraduate Theses and Senior Projects

No abstract provided.

Validating A Reading Comprehension Assessment For College Students: Preliminary Findings, Sarah E. Carlson, Virginia Clinton-Lisell, Terrill Taylor, Heather Ness-Maddox, Amanda Dahl, Mark L. Davison, Ben Seipel

Education, Health & Behavior Studies Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to validate a novel reading comprehension assessment for college students named MOCCA-College. A random sample of college students (N = 63, average age of 22.5) were recruited from various education programs (e.g., first-year courses, TRIO, SONA) and completed MOCCA-College Online and were later recruited to complete face-to-face think-aloud and recall tasks, as well as standardized assessments such as the Nelson-Denny Reading Test (NDRT) and the Test of Word Reading Efficiency (TOWRE-2). Based on the think-aloud findings, correct answers on MOCCA-College were associated with meaningful connections to background knowledge. Incorrect answers were associated with …

Oral Nsaids Vs. Topical Anesthetics For Pain Management During Iud Insertion: A More Effective Standard Of Care, Hannah Ulven

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective, long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) option for patients from menarche until menopause. Pain associated with IUD insertion remains a significant barrier to IUD insertion use. Unrelieved pain during the procedure may lead to serious complications, such as vasovagal shock and cardiac arrhythmias, which may negatively impact patient experience and adherence to contraceptive methods. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most recommended medication for pain management; however, IUD insertional pain is unrelated to prostaglandin synthesis which is the primary target of NSAIDs. This literature review is to compare the efficacy of oral NSAIDs …

Treatment Of Adult Adhd, Megan Bryn

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Pharmaceutical therapy, particularly stimulants, is the mainstay treatment for ADHD • The systematic literature review focuses on nonpharmaceutical therapies (cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, mindfulness behavioral therapy) as potential alternatives for the management of adult ADHD • Nonpharmaceutical treatments could be beneficial for patients where pharmaceutical therapy is not preferred or contraindicated • Research supports the use of pharmaceutical therapy for adult ADHD in combination with nonpharmaceutical therapies • Future research could explore nonpharmaceutical therapies along as a long-term management option for adult ADHD

Quality Improvement Of Technical Training Program For Mls/Mlt Hires, Bethany E. Johnson, Allison Waswick, Heather Langerud

Medical Laboratory Science Independent Study Projects

As a pinnacle of clinical support services, the laboratory department plays a crucial role in diagnostic medicine. Given the highly technical and regulated nature of clinical laboratories, training, education and competency are important. Meta analysis was conducted to review several important aspects of a quality training program. These aspects include barriers to effective training and competency programs, laboratory regulatory requirements, current processes for clinical training, continuing education and good laboratory practices. Research into these aspects will help learn how to improve the overall initial training and competency for new laboratory professionals. There is a need to reduce patient safety errors …

Benefits Of Succession Planning In Medical Laboratories, Christina Jones, Samantha Peterson, Robert Porter

Medical Laboratory Science Independent Study Projects

This discussion examines the potential impact of implementing a succession plan in the laboratory to reduce survey deficiencies. It highlights the importance of understanding the determinants of quality in the lab, addressing staffing shortages and turnover, and the role of succession plans in improving workplace quality. Quality encompasses various aspects from quality control to quality management. Accreditation and inspection processes, such as those required by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ‘88), play a crucial role in ensuring quality laboratories.

However, frequent turnover, including leadership changes, poses challenges to maintaining quality. The laboratory workforce faces high turnover rates …

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Versus Oral Immunotherapy In Food Allergies, Kendra Bohm

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Food allergies are classified as an immune hyperreaction that leads to various symptoms that can range from mild to severe and even result in death. Often, management of food allergies includes avoidance of triggering substances or rescue treatment after exposure has occurred. This literature review aims to examine preventative management options for food allergies, including oral immunotherapy, and recent medications, including monoclonal antibodies. The databases searched for this literature review include PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Additional references were also selected from reference lists in those studies as they pertained. This review explores the success in reaching desensitization following treatment …

Efficacy Of Menstrual Cycle Awareness In The Identification Of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Rachel Brothers

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is characterized by identifiable psychological and physical symptoms that are present in the week before menses and is estimated to affect 3-8% of women of reproductive age globally. The identification of women who meet criteria for PMDD is important both clinically, to provide proper support and treatment, and for advancing research by identifying appropriate study participants. This literature review aims to investigate the efficacy of current and prospective tools to screen for symptoms of PMDD by comparing a common depression screening tool, the PHQ-9, to tools that enhance menstrual cycle awareness. A literature review was conducted …

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 …

Treatment Of Adult Adhd, Megan Bryn

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly considered a childhood disorder diagnosed and treated in adolescents. Options for management of adverse symptoms associated with ADHD are primarily pharmaceutical therapy, most commonly stimulant therapy. There has been significantly less research regarding the management of adult ADHD in contrast with children diagnosed with ADHD. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to determine in adults with ADHD if nonpharmaceutical therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and mindfulness behavioral therapy are effective alternatives to pharmaceutical therapy. Current research provides significant data supporting the use of pharmaceutical therapy for the management of adult ADHD, as …

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 …

Impact Of Altering Gut Microbiota With Multinutrient Supplementation On Neuropsychiatric Symptoms In Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Benjamin Hinkle

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric condition affecting children, often characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Recent evidence suggests a potential link between gut microbiota composition and neuropsychiatric disorders, including ADHD, through the gut-brain axis (GBA). A literature review of studies published between 2017 and 2024 explores the efficacy of multinutrient interventions on influencing gut microbiota to treat the core symptoms of ADHD in children ages 6-12 years old. Findings indicate that multinutrient supplementation may modulate gut microbiota and subsequently impact neuropsychiatric symptoms, offering a promising adjunctive treatment for ADHD. However, variability in study methodologies and small sample sizes …

Oral Nsaids Vs. Topical Anesthetics For Pain Management During Iud Insertion: A More Effective Standard Of Care, Hannah Ulven

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective, long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) option for patients from menarche until menopause. Despite its effectiveness, pain associated with IUD insertion remains a significant barrier to IUD insertion use. Unrelieved pain during the procedure may lead to serious complications, such as vasovagal shock and cardiac arrhythmias, which may negatively impact patient experience and adherence to contraceptive methods. To this day, there is no standard, effective recommendation for pain management during IUD insertion. This literature review aims to compare the efficacy of oral NSAIDs, which are commonly used due to their nonspecific analgesic property, and …

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, …

A Joint Endeavor: Methotrexate Vs. Jak Inhibitors For Joint Inflammation Reduction In Rheumatoid Arthritis, Madeleine Kennedy

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes joint inflammation and damage. This paper investigates the comparative efficacy of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors versus methotrexate (MTX) in reducing joint inflammation in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study addresses the critical research question: In adult patients with RA, does treatment with JAK inhibitors or methotrexate demonstrate superior efficacy in reducing joint inflammation? A literature review was conducted analyzing various clinical trials, including phase II and III studies, that evaluated the effectiveness of JAK inhibitors, both as monotherapy and in combination with MTX. The findings indicate that JAK …

Comparing The Efficacy And Safety Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists Versus Gastric Bypass Surgery In The Treatment Of Obesity And Type 2 Diabetes, Abir Oliver

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are interconnected global health challenges, contributing significantly to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This literature review compares the efficacy, safety, and applicability of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and bariatric surgery as treatment options. A literature search with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria was conducted using PubMed and EBSCOhost from May to July 2024, resulting in 14 randomized controlled trials for evaluation. This literature review supports the efficacy of both GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly semaglutide, and bariatric surgery as effective interventions for weight loss and glycemic control in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. …

Juvenile Treatment: A Systematic Review Of Methadone On Juveniles After Incarceration, Joshua Bortieh

Criminal Justice Scholarly Projects

Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) has emerged as a harm-reduction strategy for addressing opioid use disorder (OUD) among justice-involved juveniles. Despite its growing implementation, there remains limited consensus regarding its effectiveness in reducing recidivism, its ethical and legal implications, and the systemic barriers surrounding its administration. This study employed a systematic literature review (SLR) to examine the therapeutic, ethical, and criminological dimensions of MMT in juvenile justice populations. The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and synthesized 15 peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2010 and 2023. Data were sourced from four major electronic databases PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science using …

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 (6-Year Close Out Report), 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 six years of programmatic work and presents the results of the …

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 …

Domestic Violence Court: A Grand Forks Experiment, Adam K. Matz, Roni Mayzer, Jackson Archbold, Sierra Schartz, Aj Buntrock, Leanne F. Alarid

Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

In late 2018, the Northeast Central Judicial District, in collaboration with the Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) and numerous community stakeholders, implemented the first domestic violence court in North Dakota. Since inception through the end of 2023, the Grand Forks Domestic Violence Court (GFDVC) successfully processed about 250 perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) through their court-ordered programming. A team of researchers from the University of North Dakota, in collaboration with CVIC, examined case records to determine the extent to which the GFDVC was effective in reducing recidivism compared to a sample of IPV perpetrators prior to the court’s implementation. …

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 …

Exploring The Link Between Psychopathy, Antisocial Personality Disorder, And Increased Likelihood Of Incarceration, Gracen Breitbach

Psychology Student Publications

No abstract provided.