Digital Commons Network^™

Occupation-Based Intervention Tool For Postoperative Upper Extremity Nerve Laceration, Rachel A. Bonneville, Jenna L. Meissner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose

The purpose of the product was to create an accessible resource for occupational therapists to implement occupation-based interventions effectively.

Methods

The results of a thorough literature review on the shared topic of interest supported the therapeutic value of occupation through education and home programming. The literature was used to justify the gap that exists in the need for the implementation of occupation-based interventions in hand therapy. The results from the literature review was synthesized into a detailed narrative that guided the formation of a patient education tool. The product was designed using concepts from the biomechanical frame of reference, …

An Occupational Therapy Perspective Of A School-Based Suicide Prevention Program With A Peer-Mentorship Emphasis, Maddie Bjornstad, Karyssa Kimery

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in adolescents today (Pisani et al., 2012; Katz et al., 2013). Zalsman et al. (2016), reported the recognition of suicide prevention as a public health priority has helped to encourage research, detection, treatment, and management of individuals at risk for suicide, however the implementation of proven, evidence-based, and cost-effective strategies are the duty of public health policy makers and healthcare providers. Occupational therapists are trained to help individuals determine what occupations are meaningful and completed in order to feel a sense of self-efficacy, therefore occupational therapy can play a critical role …

Occupational Deprivation In Adolescents From Low-Income And Food Insecure Homes: A Screening Tool And After School Program, Claire Eidenschink

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Adolescents who experience food insecurity are exposed to an increased risk of health disparities related to cognitive, psychosocial, and physical functioning (Cook & Frank, 2007). Each of these domains of functioning impacts occupational performance in all roles that an adolescent assumes. Of note, the role of a student is drastically impacted. Therefore, a program to address strategies for meeting basic needs within a familiar setting, such as a school, is relevant and necessary for this population. Such a program would offer an opportunity to close the gap in disparities and increase health outcomes of adolescents who experience food insecurity as …

Role Transition From Student To Occupational Therapist In An Acute Care Physical Dysfunction Setting, Tyler Giegerich, Juan Rosales Jr.

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: There are limited tools to assist new graduates and novice occupational therapist as they navigate their job responsibilities within acute physical dysfunction settings. The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a resource to address the challenges faced when transitioning to an acute physical dysfunction setting.

Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted on topics relating to: occupational therapy, role transitioning, job responsibilities in an acute setting, environment of acute setting, readiness skills of occupational therapists, challenges faced in an acute setting, and current tools utilized to assist novice therapists in their work transition. The search …

A Review Of Community Aging In Place Programs To Minimize Social Isolation In Older Adults, Heather J. Goodwater, Joanna M. Yutrzenka

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The aging baby boomer population calls for new solutions to enable older Americans to age in place in their communities of choice. Nine out of ten adults age 50 and older prefer to remain in their homes indefinitely as they age, or as long as they possibly can (Gonyea, & Burnes, 2013). However, program funding that supports aging in place does not come close to keeping pace with the rapid growth of the 65 and older population (American Institutes for Research, 2016). There are a limited number of programs in place to address socialization in community-dwelling older adults. The prevalence …

Occupational Therapy's Involvement With The Ymca In Developing A Program To Address Activities Of Daily Living In Those With Parkinson's Disease, Michaela Johnson, Emilea Berhow

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of Occupational Therapy’s involvement with the YMCA in Developing a Program to Address Activities of Daily Living in Those with Parkinson’s Disease was to create a protocol that addresses the needs of those with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), specifically focusing on the area of activities of daily living (ADL). Through the use of occupational therapy perspectives and techniques, this program focuses on increasing and/or maintaining independence and safety during daily tasks in those with PD.

This program was influenced by the Person-Environment-Occupation model due to the transactional approach towards occupational performance. This model focuses on finding the best “fit” …

Generationactive: Creating Healthier Communities Two Generations At A Time, Jerrica Thiel, Mallory Manecke

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Obesity has become an epidemic across all ages, as the prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled over the last 40 years (World Health Organization, 2017-a). Obesity can have a detrimental impact on the health and future of Americans, as many diseases are correlated with obesity. Diabetes, which often occurs secondary to obesity and is the 7th leading cause of death in America, is similarly on the rise (CDC, 2012). To combat these issues, there is a great need for a health promotion initiative that provides individuals of all ages an opportunity to learn about health and wellness, to take steps …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Lavonne Fox, Ph.D., Otr/L, Drew Mapes, Hannah Halbakken

Oral History Student Papers

The purpose of this qualitative life history study was to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. The individual chosen for this study was Lavonne Fox. A purposive sampling method was used to select the participant for the study. A semi-structured interview was done with Lavonne Fox at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The researchers transcribed the interview data verbatim. From this data, codes, categories, themes, and assertions …

Life History Of Maggie Butler, Cota/L, Justine Flattum, Katie Stewart

Oral History Posters

The life history of Maggie Butler was one of 31 life history interviews conducted as a part of a larger project of Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of the Life History is to gather information about the history and evolution of the OT practice from individuals like Maggie Butler who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. A life history is a powerful way to provide current and future generations of occupational therapists a view of the history of how OT practice …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Anne Haskins, Phd, Otr/L, Dayton Bender, Shaina Simonson

Oral History Posters

This life history is one of 31 life history interviews which contribute to a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT), in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of this life history study is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy practice (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. This study is intended to provide current and future generations of occupational therapy practitioners a view of history and OT practice has evolved from …

Life History Of Michael Nelson Mot, Otr/L, Krista Steinbeisser, Mackenzie Meidinger

Oral History Posters

Purpose: This life history report is one of 31 life history interviews, which are a part of a larger project, Life History of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of this project is to gather information through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing practice. It is anticipated that the life history process will be a powerful way to gather this information. This study is intended to provide current and future generations of occupation therapists a view of history and how occupational therapy practice has evolved …

Treatment Of Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease By Primary Care Providers Using Csdmards, Leslie A. Anderson

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

•Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) is an autoimmune disease that presents similarly to other rheumatic conditions but fails to meet laboratory requirements which indicate a specific disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematous, Sjogren's or scleroderma.

•UCTD presentation can include arthralgias, myalgias, fatigue, fever, Raynaud’s phenomenon and sicca like symptoms with a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test.

•Patients with UCTD symptoms are normally referred to rheumatology but a shortage exists leaving primary care providers to treat UCTD patients.

•Using disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as hydroxychloroquine is an option but it is not commonly prescribed by PCPs.

•The …

Faculty Navigating The Age Of Austerity: Affirming Roles And Renewing Alliances, Melissa Gjellstad, Ryan Zerr

Languages & Global Studies Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Physio-Cognitive Risk Factors That Affect Human Performance In Aviation, Daniel Kwasi Adjekum

Aviation Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

An Introduction To Gemstone Energy Medicine And The Therapeutic Gemstone Quartz, Kathryn A. Thomasson

Chemistry Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Metropolitan Job Loss In The Great Recession: Where Did Those Who Lost Jobs Reside?, Peter Brandt

Theses and Dissertations

The Great Recession was one of the worst economic downturns in recent history. Lasting approximately from 2007 to 2009, locations faced economic hardships of varying length and severity at regional, metropolitan, and neighborhood scales. Scholars have assessed the geographies of job loss during the recession in a variety of contexts, typically from the workplace perspective. However, the impact of job loss at a workplace location also reaches to the different home locations of the employees who lost jobs. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to compare the loss of jobs during the recession, from the perspective of where those …

American Indian Biculturalism Inventory - Pueblo, Royleen J. Ross

Theses and Dissertations

A time in American history existed when Native Americans were not allowed to express, much less retain their traditions, culture, language, and livelihood. Today, Natives are thriving in various fields at many different professional levels and have not only mastered majority culture’s ways, but have integrated them, on their own terms, into their lives. Warfare was declared upon Native Americans in the educational arena beginning in the late 1800’s, resulting in many indigenous individuals not only meeting the educational challenge posed to them, but excelled beyond expectation. Thus, in contemporary society, many Native Americans have retained their traditional ways and …

Scale-Up Feasibility And Novel Method Of Separation Of Carbon From An Oxygen Carrier, Nicholas A. Dyrstad-Cincotta

Theses and Dissertations

This project targets the development of a technology for segregating fuel-based contaminants (char/carbon) from oxygen carrier material in the context of chemical looping combustion applications. In chemical looping, the well-mixed solids that flow from the fuel reactor consisting of char, ash, and oxygen carrier particles cannot be completely separated into their constituents before they enter the air reactor. The slip of carbon leads to char oxidation in the wrong reactor and poor carbon dioxide separation efficiency. The buildup of ash that is not rejected necessitates rejection of larger quantities of oxygen carrier material, resulting in a high operating cost penalty. …

Stress And Coping Strategies: Perceptions Of Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Amber Lynn Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to better understand the way Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students perceive stress and during which period of their program they tend to encounter the most stress, compared to students enrolled in a Master’s program. As each nurse anesthesia program transitions to a DNP curriculum, it will be beneficial to determine how DNP students perceive stress, and during which period of their program they encounter the most stress, in comparison to those students who are enrolled in a master’s program.

Participants for this mixed methods online study included a convenience sample of 237 nurse …

The Mobility Of Semi-Volatile Trace Elements From Size Segregated Fly Ash Particles Generated During Pulverized Coal Combustion, Prasanna Seshadri

Theses and Dissertations

Fly ash generated from pulverized coal (PC) combustion has a wide size range, including some fine aerosols. Of particular concern is the abundance and mobility of elements present in the smaller size fractions of the ash, commonly referred to as PM2.5. These particles are usually enriched with toxic trace species which are classified as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) under the amended clean air act (CAA). Interest in the control of PM2.5 is motivated mainly by health considerations and also due to their role impacting the performance of air pollution control devices such as selective catalytic reducers (SCRs).

The three trace …

Layperson Scoping Study Report For Production Of Biodiesel From Crop Oil, Ellen M. Walstad

Undergraduate Theses and Senior Projects

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury On Distractibility To Reading Comprehension, Taylor Baumler

Undergraduate Theses and Senior Projects

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Priming On Trypophobia Prevalence, Rachel Collette Bock

Undergraduate Theses and Senior Projects

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Iridium Islands On Highly Ordered Pyrolytic Graphite, Joe Kitzman

Undergraduate Theses and Senior Projects

No abstract provided.

Leveling Up: Game Design Research And Practice For Instructional, Richard Van Eck, Valerie J. Shute, Lloyd Rieber

Teaching, Leadership & Professional Practice Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Dieter's Deficit: Preoccupation And Working Memory, Kelly Cuccolo

Theses and Dissertations

Preoccupying thoughts can cause disruptions of ones’ attentional system and may arise as the result of a clinical disorder, societal pressures, or individual predispositions. Goal acquisition requires one to be preoccupied with one’s behaviors in order for success to be achieved, for example dieters must monitor their weight and caloric intake. As dieting is a widespread phenomenon in American culture it is important to understand the cognitive effect of preoccupation. This study examines the relationship between obsessional thoughts about food, weight, and shape, and cognitive task performance. The performance of Dieters and Non-Dieters on a battery of specific working memory …

Electroencephalogram Signal Processing For Hybrid Brain Computer Interface Systems, Md. Ali Haider

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research was to evaluate and compare three types of brain computer interface (BCI) systems, P300, steady state visually evoked potentials (SSVEP) and Hybrid as virtual spelling paradigms. Hybrid BCI is an innovative approach to combine the P300 and SSVEP. However, it is challenging to process the resulting hybrid signals to extract both information simultaneously and effectively. The major step executed toward the advancement to modern BCI system was to move the BCI techniques from traditional LED system to electronic LCD monitor. Such a transition allows not only to develop the graphics of interest but also to …

Yoga As An Intervention Among College Students: Measuring Changes In Body Dissatisfaction, Disordered Eating, Self-Compassion, Mindfulness, And Experiential Avoidance, Rachel A. Kramer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to elaborate and expand research examining the incorporation of yoga in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders in addition to the amelioration of body image and related factors through a two-study design. Study One recruited participants from a Midwestern psychology subject pool. One-hundred fifty women completed Study One. Results indicated that self-compassion, mindfulness, and body appreciation were negatively related to eating disorder pathology, body mass index (BMI), and experiential avoidance. BMI, eating disorder pathology, and experiential avoidance were all positively correlated with one another. Mediational analyses indicated the self-compassion was a significant mediator …

The Effects Of 27-Hydroxycholesterol And Palmitic Acid On Parkinson's Disease-Like Pathology, Jared Schommer

Theses and Dissertations

Synucleinopathies is the overarching term used to describe a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by aggregates of α-synuclein (α-syn) protein in the cytoplasm of neurons, nerve fibers, and glial cells. The cause(s) for synucleinopathies are likely multi-factorial with genetic predisposition and environmental factors participating in the pathogenesis of the diseases. Dietary factors including dyslipidemia of cholesterol, its metabolites, and fatty acids have shown conflicting results as risk factors in recent years. Our overarching hypothesis is that dietary factors including 27-Hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) and Palmitic Acid (PA) can affect key proteins involved in synucleinopathies.

Findings regarding risk related specifically to dietary cholesterol …

Assessment Of Blood Pressure Regulatory Controls To Detect Hypovolemia And Orthostatic Intolerance, Ajay Kumar Verma

Theses and Dissertations

Regulation of blood pressure is vital for maintaining organ perfusion and homeostasis. A significant decline in arterial blood pressure could lead to fainting and hypovolemic shock. In contrast to young and healthy, people with impaired autonomic control due to aging or disease find regulating blood pressure rather demanding during orthostatic challenge. This thesis performed an assessment of blood pressure regulatory controls during orthostatic challenge via traditional as well as novel approaches with two distinct applications 1) to design a robust automated system for early identification of hypovolemia and 2) to assess orthostatic tolerance in humans. In chapter 3, moderate intensity …