Digital Commons Network^™

Development Of Biomass-Derived Nanoparticles For Biological And Medical Applications, Sarah Elizabeth Reagen

Theses and Dissertations

Quantum dots (QDs) are a subset of nanoparticles (NPs) that have several unique optical and electrical properties that make them viable for fluorescent cell labeling applications. However, these QDs in the past were composed of toxic heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, and therefore, graphene-based QDs (GQDs) have been examined as an alternative material for these cell labeling applications for their increased biocompatibility. Furthermore, GQDs can produced singlet oxygen (1O2) for photodynamic therapy (PDT), making them capable of being used as a PS agent for cancer treatment. Additionally, hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (hMSNs) are capable of being an alternative …

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 …

Retired Indigenous And Non-Indigenous College Student Athletes' Mental Health Relating To Athletic Identity, Cultural Identity, And Career Transition, Victoria Williams

Theses and Dissertations

To date, empirical studies have investigated the transition or retirement phase, following the conclusion of a student-athletes’ four-year career as a comparison between student-athletes and non-athletes. Specifically, when investigating these constructs, researchers have failed to thoroughly investigate the role cultural identity may play in mitigating psychological symptoms during the transition phase. As such, this study will seek to investigate both Indigenous and non-Indigenous retired college student- athletes, during the transition phase, in terms of the degree to which they identified with their athletic identity, cultural identity and career transition. It is expected those retired Indigenous and non-Indigenous student- athletes who …

Telehealth Satisfaction Amidst The Covid-19 Pandemic, Hillary Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic caused substantial disruptions and changes in mental health service delivery as community mental health clinics had to scramble to implement telehealth services to provide continuity of care under quarantine. For the current study, I conducted in-depth video interviews with ten clients from a community mental health training clinic who transitioned from in-person services to telehealth services. Twenty-one factors related to clients’ satisfaction with telehealth services and their perceived barriers to the treatment modality using a grounded theory framework. The majority of participants reported they were satisfied with telehealth but preferred to return to in-person therapy sessions with …

Assessing Learning In Simulation Experiences In Graduate Programs For Speech-Language Pathology: A Phenomenological Study, Robyn Walker

Theses and Dissertations

Simulation learning experiences have become an accepted form of andragogy in speech-language pathology following a revision of the 2016 American Speech-Language-HearingAssociation (ASHA) Standards allowing students to count simulation hours towards their required hours for graduation. There is a lack of research in the field of speech-language pathology in assessment of student learning in simulation learning experiences used to meet these clinical hours. The purpose of this study was to use qualitative inquiry to further explore how faculty assess student learning in clinical simulation learning experiences used to demonstrate clinical competence in graduate programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders: Speech-Language Pathology …

Real-Time Machine Learning Models To Detect Cyber And Physical Anomalies In Power Systems, Zakaria El Mrabet

Theses and Dissertations

A Smart Grid is a cyber-physical system (CPS) that tightly integrates computation and networking with physical processes to provide reliable two-way communication between electricity companies and customers. However, the grid availability and integrity are constantly threatened by both physical faults and cyber-attacks which may have a detrimental socio-economic impact. The frequency of the faults and attacks is increasing every year due to the extreme weather events and strong reliance on the open internet architecture that is vulnerable to cyber-attacks. In May 2021, for instance, Colonial Pipeline, one of the largest pipeline operators in the U.S., transports refined gasoline and jet …

Ice Hockey Goaltender Performance: Examining The Role Of Basic Psychological Needs And Self-Determined Motivation, Nathan Dean Speidel

Theses and Dissertations

Ice hockey goaltending is a physically and mentally challenging task within a complex sport. Although goaltending has been shown to contribute more to team success outcomes than any other ice hockey position, goalies are often misunderstood and either under or improperly coached. As a result, goaltenders, coaches, parents, and hockey organizations alike express a need for deeper understanding of the position, especially its mental aspects. Motivation has long been considered a foundational factor for athletic success and continues to be recognized as essential for athlete performance and overall well-being. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze fundamental psychosocial …

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 …

Synthesis And Properties Of Cyclobutane-1,2-Dicarboylic Acids And Their Derivatives From Substituted Cinnamic Acids, Houssein Saeid Amjaour

Theses and Dissertations

Dicarboxylic acids have extensive applications in many different fields such as polymers, metal–organic materials (MOMs), and pharmaceuticals. However, many of the dicarboxylic acids currently in use are derived from nonrenewable petroleum. Recently, cyclobutane-containing dicarboxylic acids CBDAs have shown promise as biomass-derived alternatives to these petroleum-based diacids. They can be readily prepared from a number of commercially available bio-based starting materials using clean, efficient [2+2] photocycloaddition. One group of chemicals which may be utilized in producing CBDAs are the derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acid; these compounds currently have applications ranging from polymers to pharmaceuticals to cosmetics to food additives. They can be …

Campus Climate For Lgbtqia+/Two Spirits At A Midwestern Tribal College, Bridget G. Brooks

Theses and Dissertations

Very little is known regarding campus climate for LGBTQIA+/Two Spirits at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). The first aim of this dissertation research study was to ascertain if there was a population of LGBTQIA+/Two Spirits at one Midwestern Tribal and Community College. The second aim was to uncover if the campus climate for LGBTQIA+/Two Spirits was warm or chilly. Once the campus climate was discovered, the third and final aim of the study was to determine if there was a significant difference between individual perceptions of campus climate for LGBTQIA+/Two Spirits verses the perceptions of heterosexuals.An online survey was sent …

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 …

Non-Binary Gender Identity Development: A Qualitative Study, Trevor Waagen

Theses and Dissertations

Gender identity development models in psychology for transgender individuals have typically combined the experiences of binary transgender and non-binary transgender people into the same group. However, differences may exist between the two communities. Therefore, the present study sought to explore the lived experiences of non-binary adults and their gender identity development process. Through the lens of grounded theory (Charmaz, 2014), semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 non-binary participants to collect rich data on their gender identity development process. Transcriptions were coded and reviewed to develop themes and categories. The themes included: Connection and relationships, intersectionality and culture, gender in …

Und Strategic Planning Focus Group Notes: Alice T. Clark Mentoring Program Faculty Members, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

Notes from a 2022 UND strategic planning focus group with faculty members in the Alice T. Clark Mentoring Program. The notes capture faculty perspectives on UND’s mission, community engagement, leadership, faculty and staff support, mentoring, belonging, campus culture, and opportunities for strengthening UND’s future.

Und Strategic Planning Focus Group Notes: Student Ambassadors, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

Notes from a 2022 UND strategic planning focus group with Student Ambassadors. The notes capture student perspectives on choosing UND, campus culture, student support, mental health, student organization funding, community connections, involvement opportunities, and visions for UND’s future.

Open House Notes From The Creativity, Discovery, And Innovation Workgroup During The Und Leads Development Process. The Notes Preserve Participant Feedback Related To Research, Creativity, Innovation, Collaboration, Scholarship, And Opportunities For Strengthening Und’S Future Strategic Direction., University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

Town hall notes from the Collaboration and Engagement workgroup during the UND LEADS development process. The notes preserve participant feedback related to collaboration, community engagement, partnerships, experiential learning, outreach, and UND’s role in serving communities across North Dakota and beyond.

Und Strategic Planning Workgroup Final Report: Und Community, Climate, And Culture, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

Final report from the UND Community, Climate, and Culture workgroup during the UND LEADS development process. The report summarizes the workgroup’s findings, recommendations, and strategic planning input related to campus climate, community, belonging, culture, and UND’s future direction.

Und Strategic Planning Workgroup Final Report: Creativity, Activity, Scholarship, And Entrepreneurship, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

Final report from the Creativity, Activity, Scholarship, and Entrepreneurship workgroup during the UND LEADS development process. The report summarizes the workgroup’s findings, recommendations, and strategic planning input related to creativity, scholarship, research, entrepreneurship, innovation, and UND’s future strategic direction.

Und Strategic Planning Workgroup Final Report: Student Success Beyond The Classroom, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

Final report from the Student Success Beyond the Classroom workgroup during the UND LEADS development process. The report summarizes the workgroup’s findings, recommendations, and strategic planning input related to student success, student support, engagement, and experiences beyond the classroom.

Und Strategic Planning Focus Group Notes: Grand Forks City And County Elected And Appointed Officials, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

Notes from a 2022 UND strategic planning focus group with Grand Forks city and county elected and appointed officials. The notes capture community perspectives on UND’s role in Grand Forks, city and county partnerships, workforce needs, public service, economic development, and opportunities for strengthening UND’s future relationship with the region.

Und Strategic Planning Focus Group Notes: Association Of Residence Halls, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

Notes from a 2022 UND strategic planning focus group with the Association of Residence Halls. The notes capture student perspectives on residence hall life, campus community, student support, belonging, communication, facilities, and opportunities for strengthening UND’s future.

Und Strategic Planning Workgroup Final Report: Collaboration And Engagement, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

Final report from the Collaboration and Engagement workgroup during the UND LEADS development process. The report summarizes the workgroup’s findings, recommendations, and strategic planning input related to collaboration, community engagement, partnerships, outreach, and UND’s connections with external communities.

Und Strategic Planning Workgroup Final Report Attachments: Collaboration And Engagement, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

Attachments to the Collaboration and Engagement workgroup final report from the UND LEADS development process. The document preserves supporting materials connected to the workgroup’s findings, recommendations, and strategic planning input related to collaboration, partnerships, community engagement, and UND’s external relationships.

Und Strategic Planning Focus Group Notes: Current And Former Und Student Leaders, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

Notes from a 2022 UND strategic planning focus group with current and former student leaders. The notes capture student leadership perspectives on UND’s strengths, campus culture, student engagement, communication, leadership opportunities, student support, and opportunities for strengthening UND’s future.

Und Strategic Planning Focus Group Notes: Greek Council, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

Notes from a 2022 UND strategic planning focus group with Greek Council participants. The notes capture perspectives on fraternity and sorority life, student engagement, campus community, belonging, student support, and opportunities for strengthening UND’s future.

A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Motivational Interviewing Training Effectiveness Among Students-In-Training, Amy K. Maslowski

Theses and Dissertations

Effectively using motivational interviewing (MI) in practice can be difficult. However, there are a number of studies that examine training students across helping professions with the goal of facilitating students use MI more effectively. Although there is no standardized training manual, students often learn specific MI skills (e.g., open-ended questions, reflections) and knowledge (e.g., MI spirit) in hopes that they will apply those techniques to encounters with clients. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantify the effectiveness of teaching students motivational interviewing. In total, 15 randomized and non-randomized studies met inclusion criteria and were examined in …

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 …

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. …

Meta-Analysis For Comparing Effect Between Game-Based Learning Versus Gamification Utilized In Nutrition Education, Chia-Lin Chang

Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence of obesity tripled from 1975 to 2016 and was declared as a global epidemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1997 (Haththotuwa et al., 2020; "Controlling the global obesity epidemic," 2022). Nutrition education that involves knowledge and behavioral change is one major component addressing the problem ("Controlling the global obesity epidemic," 2022). Therefore, the effectiveness of each learning session is essential (Sharifirad et al., 2013). Thus, many nutrition educators have used gamified nutrition education to improve teaching effectiveness to increase healthy behavior or knowledge (Chow et al., 2020.; Munguba et al., 2008; Azevedo et al., 2019). Two …

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 …