Digital Commons Network^™

An Evaluation Of The Relationships Between Resilient Safety Culture, Safety Risk Parameters, And Mindfulness In The International Air Show Community, Emmanouil "Manolis" Karachalios

Theses and Dissertations

A convergent mixed-methods approach with data triangulation was utilized to assess the strength of relationships between operational risk factors, hazardous attitude, and resilient safety culture when mediated by mindfulness in the international air show community. An anonymous online survey of respondents’ perceptions, semi-structured interviews of air show experts, focus-group on air show performers, field observation at an air show, and a documentary analysis of air show safety event data was used to collect data. The quantitative findings suggest a good fit of a hypothesized structural model showing the relationships between study variables using structural equation modeling (SEM). Mindfulness (MF) significantly …

A Novel Numerical Model For Transient Mixed-Flow Analysis In Pipe And Conduit Systems, David B. Khani

Theses and Dissertations

While responding to a wet weather flow event, stormwater pipe systems experience complex transient flow in which both open channel and pressurized flow regimes may coexist. The resulting transient flows may induce significant positive and negative pressure surges that can be intense enough to compromise the integrity of the system such as pipe rupture or flooding the streets and damage to properties. Unfortunately, available off-the-shelf software such as InfoWorks, Mike Urban, etc. are not comprehensive enough to capture all features of the resulting transient flows. When the elastic feature of the flow system becomes of significant importance, these models fail …

The Architecture And Dynamics Of Gene Regulatory Networks Directing Cell-Fate Choice During Murine Hematopoiesis, Joanna Handzlik

Theses and Dissertations

Mammals produce hundreds of billions of new blood cells every day througha process known as hematopoiesis. Hematopoiesis starts with stem cells that develop into all the different types of cells found in blood by changing their genome-wide gene expression. The remodeling of genome-wide gene expression can be primarily attributed to a special class of proteins called transcription factors (TFs) that can activate or repress other genes, including genes encoding TFs. TFs and their targets therefore form recurrent networks called gene regulatory networks (GRNs). GRNs are crucial during physiological developmental processes, such as hematopoiesis, while abnormalities in the regulatory interactions of …

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between The Use Of Modern Digital Technologies, Language Learning Strategies, And Development Of Second Language Skills, Volodymyr Lazar

Theses and Dissertations

Like many other areas of human knowledge, the field of language learning has undergone changes as a consequence of the application of digital technologies. Extensive exposure and anytime and anywhere access availability to data in a second or foreign language (L2) bring almost unlimited learning opportunities for digital age students, which affects their learning behaviors also known as language learning strategies (LLS). The purpose of the present study is to define preferred LLS patterns of digitally native L2 learners and to establish relationships between types of existing digital technologies, learners’ demographic characteristics, and the use of learning strategies to support …

Suitability Analysis Of Snow And Ice Changes For Ice Patch Archaeology: A Case Study In The Crazy Mountains, Montana, Christine Kay Lidenberg

Theses and Dissertations

As technology advances over the years there has been a growing interest in the application of using remote sensing for conveying the detection of alpine archaeological sites. As climate changes and global temperatures rise across the globe perennial snow/ ice patches are melting and disappearing in alpine areas. These alpine archaeological sites are being immensely affected and, in some cases, destroyed. The research was conducted to determine if using both remote sensing imagery and suitability models could detect the extent of perennial snow/ice patch loss and determine the ice patches most vulnerable to melting in the Crazy Mountains of Montana. …

Higher Education Faculty Members’ Experiences In Designing A Quality Syllabus For Online Education, Yusuf Adam Marafa

Theses and Dissertations

Higher education is rapidly changing, and instructors are striving to match the needs of 21st-century digital learners. There is a growing demand and shift from traditional classes to the online mode of instruction for most post-secondary learning institutions. Additionally, with the recent pandemic (COVID-19), post-secondary institutions had to transform and revise their courses to online and hybrid models. Higher education institutions struggled with limited knowledge, skills, and resources to design syllabi and implement online education courses to meet the needs of their students to attain quality education.

The purpose of this study was to explore higher education faculty members' experiences …

Landscape Ecology Influence On Population Dynamics And Gene Flow: A Muskrat’S Tale, Ayla A. Morehouse

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding movement patterns across a landscape is an essential tool for wildlife managers to understand and predict population dynamics, interactions, and susceptibility to disease and environmental changes. Part of this is due to population spatial synchrony being driven by three primary factors: dispersal, the “Moran Effect”, and trophic interactions. We seek to understand if dispersal may play a larger role in population synchrony and, if so, what landscape features may hinder the movement of muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus), a small semiaquatic mammal that relies on ditches and shallow wetlands for habitat and local movement. In this study we genotyped eleven microsatellite …

An Examination Of The Effects Of Body Mapping Instruction On Singers’ Static Standing Posture And Posture While Singing, Amanda Moreno

Theses and Dissertations

Physical posture is one of the fundamental aspects of vocal technique, and voice pedagogues suggest that effective alignment is necessary for healthy vocal production. Body Mapping (BMG) is a somatic method that focuses on the understanding and correction of errors in a person’s body map to facilitate effective movement for musical activity. Because this method has balance, physical alignment, and posture as foundational, it may be an effective way to begin to instruct students. This study investigated whether the use of the BMG method, which teaches posture through movement, scientific pictures, and anatomical models, would result in a significant difference …

Systems Modeling As A Means Of Building Accuate Mental Models Of Physiology Core Concepts In Undergraduate And Graduate Health Sciences Students, Michelle Murphy

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate medical and health sciences problem solving relies upon a solid foundation of basic sciences content knowledge, primarily physiology. Yet, due to its nature as a dynamic system of interconnected, networked, concepts, physiology is often difficult for students to master. The three studies in this dissertation explore the use of a cognitive tool, systems modeling, to facilitate the development of an accurate mental model of physiology content knowledge in undergraduate and graduate physiology students. In the first study, undergraduate physiology student participation within online asynchronous peer group systems modeling activities was associated with progressive improvement on multiple choice question answer …

The Relationship Between Growth Mindset, Perceptions Of Academic Stress, And Substance Use In First-Year Law Students, Bradley Parrish

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this non-experimental correlational study was to examine the relationship between growth mindset, perceptions of academic stress, alcohol use, and drug use in first-year law students during their first semester of study. Previous researchers found law students reported levels of mental distress during the first semester of law school that were significantly higher than those reported before starting law school. Some commentators have theorized that the stressful nature of law school contributes to – if not creates – this mental distress. This study sought to explore that relationship. Among its 205 participants, this study found a significant positive …

Behavioral Responses Of Breeding Ducks To Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Surveys And Best Practices For Breeding Waterfowl Surveys Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Mason Ryckman

Theses and Dissertations

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become a popular wildlife survey tool. As such, biologists are exploring the use of UAVs for surveying waterfowl. The most cited benefit of using UAVs over traditional methods is the idea of reduced disturbance, but this has had limited formal evaluation across species. We conducted UAV surveys with associated behavioral observations of ducks on wetlands and on nests during the 2019 – 2020 breeding seasons. We found species-specific behaviors among blue-winged teal (Spatula discors), northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata), and gadwall (Mareca strepera) including ducks noticing the aircraft, but reactions were generally less than traditional ground …

Effects Of Fractional Gravity On Human Gait, Elizabeth Nicole Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Only twelve humans have stepped on the Moon for a mere 80 hours. Further, noneof that Lunar exposure has been within the last 50 years. NASA’s Artemis Program recently announced that the next manned missions to the Moon will be scheduled for 2024 and 2025. With only a few years to prepare, it is pertinent that training for prospective astronauts reflects current scientific knowledge to ensure safety. In this study, the coordinative gait structures under 1.0g (Earth), as well as simulated 0.38g (Martian) and 0.17g (Lunar), were analyzed to discover critical changes in gait that may occur in these environments. …

Genetic Breed Association And Contraceptive Response Gwas Of The Feral Horses (Equus Caballus) Of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Melissa Amy Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) is home to a herd of feral horses (Equus caballus) which were present on the landscape prior to the establishment of the park and are now maintained as a living history demonstration herd. I used genomic analyses to investigate the TRNP horses’ relatedness to other breeds and the genetic basis for variation in response to a contraceptive vaccine. DNA from 118 horses was genotyped for 70k SNPs spread evenly across the genome. To clarify the relationship of this herd with other horses, I used population genomic analyses to compare the TRNP genotypes to a dataset …

An Evaluation Of The Relationships Between Safety Management Systems (Sms), Transformational Safety Leadership, Self-Efficacy, And Safety Performance Metrics In A 14 Code Of Federal Regulation (Cfr) Part 121 Airline: A Mediation Analysis, Robert John Waltz

Theses and Dissertations

A concurrent-embedded mixed-method triangulation design evaluated observed safety outcomes at a U.S. 14 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Part 121 air carrier. A previously validated model that measures Safety Management Systems (SMS process engagement and SMS policy implementation), transformational safety leadership, self-efficacy, safety motivation (mediator), and safety behaviors (safety compliance and safety participation) was assessed using structural equation modeling/path analysis. Semi-structured interviews of SMS subject-matter experts and safety leaders were used to explore the impact of SMS implementation. Factual data from the carrier was examined to provide convergent or divergent information regarding the other portions of the study. The results …

Performance Of The Shortened Liquid Cooling Warming Garment During Simulated Emergency Eva, Sophie Marie Bielawski

Theses and Dissertations

Surface temperatures during extravehicular activity (EVA) in low Earth orbit range from -157°C to 121° C. Although spacesuits shield astronauts from such inhospitable extremes, metabolic heat production due to physical exertion is trapped within the garment, leading to increased internal temperature. Cooling garments are utilized to maintain human thermal equilibrium. NASA’s Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG) has been in use for decades. Koscheyev, Leon, and colleagues developed a physiologically designed Shortened Liquid Cooling Warming Garment (SLCWG) at the University of Minnesota, focused on increasing the efficiency of the garment to support thermal balance. The current study assessed the thermoregulatory …

Factors Associated With New Hospital Nurses' Self-Efficacy In Providing Palliative End-Of-Life Care, Penny Marie Brriese

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Self-efficacy is defined as confidence in one’s competence; the ability to successfully accomplish tasks and achieve favorable outcomes (Bandura, 1997). Many nurses today say they feel their undergraduate education was inadequate for them to feel competent to provide palliative and EOL patient care. (Chiplaskey, 2016; Scherlin & Quinn, 2016; Zheng et al., 2018).). Inadequate EOL preparation also results in nurses experiencing distress, death anxiety, burnout, feeling overwhelmed and leaving practice within just a few years (Friedman et al., 2011; Gaw, 2012; Kovner et al., 2006; Parry, 2008; Silverstein, 2017, November 28; Suzuki et al., 2008; Wilson & Kirshbaum, 2013). …

Pre-Service Teachers' Perceptions Of Self-Efficacy: From Theory To Practice, Yvonne H. Cannon

Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the relationship of pre-service teachers’ perceptions of self-efficacy and functioning to their confidence in their teaching abilities before the student teaching experience. This phenomenological study with a sequential mixed-methods approach seeks to answer the following research question from a sample of pre-service teachers completing the final semester of coursework before student teaching: How do pre-service teachers describe their lived experiences of their relationships between self-perceptions of teaching efficacy and functioning to their confidence in their teaching abilities? Additionally, the study attempts to identify emerging gaps in the transition from coursework to fieldwork to assist Educator Preparation Programs …

Application-Dependent Wavelength Selection For Hyperspectral Imaging Technologies, John Chauvin

Theses and Dissertations

Hyperspectral imaging has proven to provide benefits in numerous application domains, including agriculture, biomedicine, remote sensing, and food quality management. Unlike standard color imagery composed of these broad wavelength bands, hyperspectral images are collected over numerous (possibly hundreds) of narrow wavelength bands, thereby offering vastly more information content than standard imagery. It is this higher information content which enables improved performance in complex classification and regression tasks. However, this successful technology is not without its disadvantages which include high cost, slow data capture, high data storage requirements, and computational complexity. This research seeks to overcome these disadvantages through the development …

Thermal Stability And Decomposition Of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (Pfas) Using Granular Activated Carbon And Other Porous Materials, Pavankumar Challa Sasi

Theses and Dissertations

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic chemicals that have been produced for decades as either processing aids or individual ingredients in many industrial and commercial products, including aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs), non-stick cookware, and fast-food packaging. PFOA and PFOS have been reported in >95% of blood samples collected during multiple U.S. national surveys at concentrations that are a risk to human health. Thermal treatment is routinely used to reactivate the spent granular activated carbon (GAC) from water purification facilities. The aims of this study were: (1) to improve our understanding of the thermal stability of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances; …

Sluggish Cognitive Tempo In A Pediatric Population, Anna Elizabeth Croghan

Theses and Dissertations

Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT), a constellation of symptoms distinguished by daydreaming and lethargy, was previously thought to be characteristic of ADHD. However, it was found that this set of symptoms consistently loaded onto a separate factor. Increased interest in determining the diagnostic validity of SCT has led researchers to study SCT symptoms in relation to other psychological conditions, as well as various functional outcomes. The present study examined the extent to which SCT predicted poorer functioning across measures of cognition, academic achievement, and social problems above and beyond other factors that have been found to co-occur with SCT and independently …

A Development Of A General Heat Transfer Correlation For Boiling Two-Phase Flow Of Pure Ethanol Based On Experimental Datasets And Correlations, Mohamed Elfaham

Theses and Dissertations

Two-phase flow heat transfer has gained an extensive focus over the past decades in many industrial applications and thermal systems. Flow involving phase change due to boiling or condensation exhibits much higher heat transfer coefficient compared to single-phase flow when it is only sensible heat transfer involved. The knowledge of heat transfer coefficients and their parametric behaviors can be utilized to improve the accuracy of models used for designing and optimizing heat transfer equipment for more effective thermal management applications.In two-phase flow boiling heat transfer, the working fluid can a single pure fluid or a binary fluid mixture. In present …

Evaluating Virtual Reality And Artificial Intelligence As Solutions For Delayed Flight Progress In Aviation Pilot Training, Ryan Paul Guthridge

Theses and Dissertations

Three studies in this dissertation examined a topic centered around delayed flight progress in aviation pilot training. Study one explored the impact of nonconcurrent flight laboratory training on the academic outcomes of collegiate aviation students, while studies two and three explored virtual reality and artificial intelligence as potential solutions to help alleviate the strain of delayed flight progress on the flight training organization. In the first study (n = 144), it was found that concurrent enrollment in an aviation classroom ground course and flight training laboratory positively impacts the mean academic block exam scores of students. In study two (n …

Comparative Analysis Of Instructional Strategies To Improve Student Engagement In An Online Introductory Undergraduate French Course, Rachel Beth Dwyer

Theses and Dissertations

In the past decades, online course enrollment has steadily increased in popularity. In 2020, the Covid-19 global pandemic suddenly shifted most teaching and learning into the virtual world. The entire education system tried to quickly learn how to cope in this environment. Given the clear benefits of online learning, such as flexibility and versatility, coupled with instructors being more capable because of the pandemic, it is projected that online learning will continue to remain a popular option for students. Knowing how to best engage students in an online environment is crucial to student success. Their engagement in the course positively …

Incorporating Worker Protections In Collective Bargaining Agreements As A Facilitator For Self-Reporting, Todd Heyne

Theses and Dissertations

The US airline industry relies on the willing participation of frontline employees to self-report safety hazards as part of an effective reporting culture. Current literature suggests fear of punitive actions as a barrier to self-reporting. Using a quantitative method, this study evaluated how employee protections from punitive actions incorporated into collective bargaining agreements (CBA) of Part 121 airline employees facilitates self-reporting. An Exploratory Factor Analysis suggests that Enhanced Reporting, Employee Protections, Roles and Responsibility, and Employee Engagement undergird self-reporting culture. All the factors had acceptable reliabilities and were significantly related to each other. Regression analysis suggested that Employee Protection was …

The Moral Foundations Of Attitudes Toward Mask Wearing, Kristen N. Leighton

Theses and Dissertations

As COVID-19 becomes endemic it is important to understand individual differences in motivation and adherence to mask wearing policies and recommendations. Mask wearing appears to be one way to protect communities, slow the spread, and save lives when COVID-19 rates spike in communities The main study aim was to examine how Moral Foundations Theory and Theory of Planned Behavior, specifically subjective norms, may explain individual differences in mask wearing to slow the spread of COVID-19. Understanding the psychological correlates of why and how often individuals wear a mask to slow the spread of COVID-19 can help community leaders, public health …

Origin Of Red Sequence Barred Spiral Galaxies, Jenica Lesser

Theses and Dissertations

Spiral galaxies contain spiral arms that are sites of ongoing star formation, typically making these galaxies appear blue in color. Several studies, however, have recently found that a small fraction of cluster spiral galaxies (~10%) appear red in color. These studies have proposed several mechanisms to explain the red color of spiral galaxies, including bar instabilities. The research goal of this thesis is to contrast and compare imaging data for a sample of face-on red-sequence (RS) and non-red-sequence (NRS) barred spiral galaxies selected from 67 low-redshift galaxy clusters. These data were collected from observations obtained using the 3.6-meter Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, …

Effects Of Temperature And Feedstock Composition On Product Distribution Of Mixed Plastic Waste Pyrolysis, Zachary William Meduna

Theses and Dissertations

Plastic is one of the most widely used packaging materials; however, there are limited processes in place for recycling at the end of its life, especially for plastics 3-7 including: PVC, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). Pyrolysis, or chemical recycling, has shown to be promising to break plastics down to fuels, monomers, or other chemicals. This has been shown to also make use of mixed plastic. This work studies the interactions during fast pyrolysis between commonly unrecyclable plastics. Chapter II investigates the interaction of PS and PP in fast pyrolysis at temperatures of 450, 500, and 550 …

Characterization Of Vertical Growth Of Fractures In Layered Formations, Vibhas Jagdish Pandey

Theses and Dissertations

Hydraulic fracturing treatments are routinely pumped in oil and gas wells worldwide to enhance production and manage the economic recovery of hydrocarbon reserves. The uplift in the production after a fracture stimulation job depends on several parameters, of which optimal coverage of the payzone by the treatment is one of the more important ones. The vertical growth of hydraulic fractures thus is a topic of great interest amongst researchers because of its ability to influence the outcome of a stimulation treatment.

The modeling and prediction of fracture height, especially in layered formations, is a challenging task given the associated complexities …

The Impact Of Betrayal Trauma On Sexual Assertiveness In Women And The Examination Of Trust And Self-Esteem As Mediating Factors, Alexandra Rehovsky

Theses and Dissertations

There is a significant body of research that links sexual assault to a decrease in sexual assertiveness; however, there is a gap in research exploring how other forms of trauma that involve a violation of trust and security within close relationships (i.e., other forms of betrayal trauma) may also negatively impact sexual assertiveness. In the current study, 310 female participants were assessed for a history of betrayal trauma, as well as self-reported sexual assertiveness. In addition, three potential mediators were included in the study (relational trust, sexual self-esteem, and global self-esteem) to further explore the relationship between betrayal trauma and …

Investigating Gender Diversity, Equity, And Inclusivity And Students’ Experiences Within Collegiate Team-Based Learning Environments, Marissa Elizabeth Saad

Theses and Dissertations

As the United States works towards strengthening and diversifying the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce, many national charges aim to increase the quantity of female participants, while overlooking how systematic barriers affect the quality of female students’ education. Many STEM workforce development programs, such as the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, are committed to improving the nation’s diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) efforts, enabling technical education through hands-on team-based learning (TBL) environments.

The purpose of this study was to take a holistic approach to assess how gender DEI in STEM team environments influence the quality of …