Digital Commons Network^™

Testing An Integrative Model Of Depressive Symptoms With A Sample Of Latina/O Youth, Diana Slivensky

Theses and Dissertations

Latina/o youth represent a significant portion of the United States population and experience depressive symptoms at greater rates than other racial and ethnic groups. Prior research has found relationships between the cultural adaptation process and negative

mental health outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to test a model of depressive symptoms with a sample of Latina/o youth that aimed to explore the relations among acculturation, enculturation, bicultural stress, adherence to cultural values (i.e., familismo and respeto), family cohesion, and perceived peer support. Additionally, the present study examined gender differences among all the aforesaid variables. Participants included 156 Latina/o …

Parents Of Adolescent Children With Mental Illness: A Qualitative Exploration Of The Lived Experience, Lindsay Yates

Theses and Dissertations

The current exploratory study aimed to understand the experience of parents whose children have severe and persistent mental illness. It was hypothesized that themes developed from parents’ responses to interview questions would indicate the presence of a) grief, b) trauma, c) subjective burden, and d) objective burden. Participants were 13 parents, comprised of conveniently sampled biological parents and legal guardians. Each parent was independently interviewed using a semi-structured protocol. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed by the principal investigator. Transcripts were analyzed using consensual qualitative analysis. An in-depth analysis of each transcript and cross analysis of transcripts yielded seven domains: …

Pharmacological Charctherization Of A1a-Adrenergic Receptor Attenuation Of Epileptiform Activity In The Zero-Magnesium Mode Of Epilepsy, Zachary O. Dent

Undergraduate Theses and Senior Projects

No abstract provided.

Examining Primary Prevention Methods And Pharmacological Interventions In Identifying Lower Risk Of Coronary Heart Diease, Melissa Stewart

Undergraduate Theses and Senior Projects

No abstract provided.

Demographic Differences In The Causal Effects Of Obesity Status On Child Academic Achievement, Yoshie Hayasaka Kim

Theses and Dissertations

Many studies have found a negative correlation between obesity and academic achievement; however, determining and reaching a consensus about the nature of causality between these two variables have posed a challenge for scholars and researchers. If obesity does indeed have a negative causal effect on academic achievement, it has significant policy implications as it affects human capital investment. In this paper, I use the National Longitudinal Study of Youth-1979, Child and Young Adult data and estimate OLS, FE, traditional IV, and Lewbel IV models for children ages 5-12, stratified by race and gender. Under an individual fixed-effects model, I find …

An Evaluation Of Elk Home Range Variation In North Dakota, Jacqueline Marie Amor

Theses and Dissertations

In North Dakota, dispersing elk (Cervus elaphus) were colonizing areas of suitable habitat in Turtle Mountain, Pembina Hills, and Porcupine Hills, ND, USA. Although these 3 elk herds were small (~100–250 individuals each), they had been responsible for crop depredation in these areas. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF) had little information on these elk herds. In cooperation with Standing Rock Sioux Reservation and Manitoba Department of Sustainable Development, NDGF contracted with the University of North Dakota (UND) to collect and analyze critical baseline information to better manage these elk herds. The objectives of this study were to …

Concurrent Plyometric And Endurance Training Effects On Aerobic Fitness-Performance In Adult Endurance Athletes: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis, Lisa Annemarie Connelly

Theses and Dissertations

Numerous training modalities have been used to improve aerobic fitness and performance. Concurrent strength and endurance training is considered an effective modality to improve aerobic outcomes, although little is known about the effectiveness of concurrent plyometric (jump) training. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effectiveness of plyometric training on aerobic fitness (operationalized as maximal oxygen uptake [V ̇O2max] and running economy [RE]) and performance (time trial performance). Five online databases were used to identify peer-reviewed studies published from 1980 onwards — the year the first concurrent training study was published. Studies were included if …

An Investigation Of The Latent Structure Of Eating Disorder Behaviors And Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (Nssi), Erica Goodman Goodman

Theses and Dissertations

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI; deliberate harm to the self) and eating disorders frequently co-occur, and both place an individual at increased risk for suicide. Individuals who report NSSI are similar to those that report eating disorder behaviors on emotion regulation, impulsivity, and pain tolerance. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate how the relationship between NSSI and eating disorder behaviors is best understood, based on the intent of the behavior (e.g., “to hurt myself”) or the function (e.g., “I became less angry”). Participants were 493 undergraduate students (80% female; 90% white) who completed an online survey regarding lifetime NSSI and eating …

Developmental Factors And Maladjustment Indicators Of Specific Sexual Interests, Victoria Charlotte Mary-Rose Pocknell

Theses and Dissertations

Human sexual expression appears to be freer to vary past the need to procreate. This study explores the variability in the cues that elicit sexual arousal in the general population. It aims to better understand the developmental factors and negative outcomes of having a specific sexual interest. A sample (N = 1069) was gathered using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk in which participants indicated sexual interests based on themes: Age, Physical Appearance, Clothing, Power, Risk, and Extrapersonal. The results suggest significant effects of sex, age, and hypersexuality on sexual interests. Therefore, analyses were run separately for men and women and age and …

Inner Strength In Mothers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Oral Histories, Jennifer Weathersbee Steinberg

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this oral history study was to describe the lived experiences of mothers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and to further inform the Theory of Inner Strength in Women (TIS) (Dingley & Roux, 2014). Postmodern feminist oral history methods were used to answer the research questions which included: 1) What are the lived experiences of mothers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? and 2) How do these experiences further inform TIS?

Interviews were manually coded directly onto the digital audio files using NVivo11Plus qualitative data management software. Three chronologic phases were identified among …

The Impact Of Social Norms On Young Women's Health-Related Risk Perceptions, Intentions, And Behaviors, Karen Elizabeth Vanderzanden

Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that social norms may influence individuals’ engagement in potentially dangerous behaviors. The current study examined the influence of descriptive norms and injunctive norms on risk perceptions, intentions, and behavioral outcomes for tanning and binge drinking. Participants were 359 Caucasian women between the ages of 21 and 25 years old residing in the United States who completed online surveys via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk). The study employed a 3 (Descriptive norm information: high risk estimate vs. low risk estimate vs. none) x 3 (Injunctive norm information: approval vs. disapproval vs. none) x 2 (Target risk behavior: tanning vs. …

Brief Exposure To Images Of Friends Via Social Media Leads To Higher Momentary Risk For Eating Psychopathology Among College Women Who Internalize The Thin Ideal, Erin Elizabeth Murtha-Berg

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the causal effects of brief exposure to images of friends via social media on state body image satisfaction and momentary desires to engage in weight-loss behaviors among college women and the moderating influence of trait thin-ideal internalization, appearance comparison, body satisfaction, and eating psychopathology on these effects. This was a 2-phase study. Participants (N=183) completed baseline measures online before attending a laboratory appointment. During the laboratory appointment, participants completed an exercise to identify the one similar-aged, female Facebook friend with whom they engaged in the most photo-related activity recently. Participants completed measures of state body image satisfaction …

Postpartum Weight Retention In First Time Mothers And Weight Outcomes In Their Offspring, Kelly Gallagher

Theses and Dissertations

Background and Purpose: Overweight and obesity are common problems in the United States contributing to significant morbidity. Women may have increased risk for overweight and obesity over their lifetimes if they retain weight postpartum and never lose it. Increasingly, children are diagnosed as overweight or obese. Identification of overweight and obesity in young children coupled with the increased obesity rates in the adult population suggests that maternal factors may be associated with offspring obesity. Body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain are two factors that have been associated with increased weights postpartum in women, but these studies have mainly …

The Impact Of Interest Rates Vs. Economic Growth On The Performance Of Commercial Banks - An Empirical Analysis Of Commercial Banks In The U.S., Justin Edwin Pavek

Theses and Dissertations

As the Economy continues to recover from the ‘Great Recession’, the Fed is taking a very cautious approach to increasing interest rates; which have been at historical lows the past several years. If interest rates are increased too quickly, or by the wrong amount, there may be negative ramifications on economic activity. With the slow recovery following the ‘Great Recession’, commercial banks in the U.S. have struggled to return bank performance to pre-recession levels, as the low interest rate environment has had a negative impact on profitability and overall bank performance (as have changes in regulation). It cannot be argued …

A Comparison Of Starting Techniques Out Of An Athletic Stance Position, Aaron Schwenzfeier Schwenzfeier

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the false step (FS) to the straight out step (SOS) out of a parallel athletic stance (PAS) in Division I college athletes. 30 Division I college athletes from football, baseball, softball, and volleyball performed three repetitions each of the FS and SOS. Each trial was timed at 5 and 10 yards using the TC Brower Timing System as well filmed from two vantage points for kinematic data collection using the Ariel Performance Analysis System (APAS). From this, the velocity of the center of mass (VCM), projection angle of the center of mass …

Variations In Video Game Play Habits And Beliefs Over Time, John Adam Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

Psychological research about the consequences of playing video games has grown exponentially, correlating to the exponential growth of the video game industry. In the past decade, a major impetus has related to the concept of video game addiction, pathological gaming, or Internet Gaming Disorder. While the presence of this problem is widely accepted and there is growing knowledge about the factors contributing to its development and perpetuation, there is minimal research speaking to intervention. The primary purpose of the present study was to identify a potential pathway to educate members of the gaming community about pathological gaming, with the hope …

Using The Expectancy-Value Theory To Understand Why Women Persist Or Leave Collegiate Stem Programs: A Mixed Methods Study, Joseph Appianing

Theses and Dissertations

Concerns have been raised about the ability of the U.S. to maintain its global technological competitive advantage in the future because of American college students’ attitudes—particularly women—toward STEM programs and careers (Chen, 2013; Ehrenberg, 2010; Palmer & Wood, 2013). Many female students graduate from high school academically well-prepared to pursue STEM majors, and many choose to pursue STEM majors in college, yet many also leave those majors (Chen, 2015; Hill, Corbett, & Rose, 2010). Theories such as perceived value and expectations for success (Eccles et al., 1983), self-efficacy (Bandura, 1977, 1986), and self-determination (Deci & Ryan, 1985) have been advanced …

Determining Glacier Drift Ages Using Multispectral Remote Sensing Data, Paula Crock

Theses and Dissertations

Determining the ages of glacier drifts in Antarctica can help paleoclimatologists determine

the changes Earth’s climate has gone through and thereby inform models for future climate

change prediction. However, many of these drifts are difficult to reach for sample collection

necessary to determine their ages. This research attempts to use multispectral remote sensing

data to expand the mapping of drift ages from known point measurements regionally. This

research is based on existing drift ages from Ong Valley, Transantarctic Mountains. Two

methods were used to determine a combination of the image band data that would sufficiently

distinguish the three age-distinct drift …

Parkinson's Symptoms Quantification Using Wearable Sensors, Md Nafiul Alam

Theses and Dissertations

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder affecting more than one million people in the United States and seven million people worldwide. Motor symptoms such as tremor, slowness of movements, rigidity, postural instability, and gait impairment are commonly observed in PD patients. Currently, Parkinsonian symptoms are usually assessed in clinical settings, where a patient has to complete some predefined motor tasks. Then a physician assigns a score based on the United Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) after observing the motor task. However, this procedure suffers from inter subject variability. Also, patients tend to show fewer symptoms during clinical visit, …

Importance Of Macroeconomic Stability To Developed Nations, Jeffrey Brian Leeson

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the importance of macroeconomic stability to economic growth of developed nations. For over a decade, many developed nations have experienced slower gross domestic product growth as well as slower gross domestic product per capita growth. Meanwhile, recently developed economies, such as the high-performing East Asian economies, have experienced far higher per capita growth rates. Although this is in line with Solow’s (1956) growth model predicting conditional convergence and other researchers attributing the slowdown to sectoral shifts, this offers little solace to the citizens of those developed nations witnessing slower growth. The purpose of this research is to …

Evaluation Of Rare Earth Element Extraction From North Dakota Coal-Related Feed Stocks, Daniel A. Laudal

Theses and Dissertations

The rare earth elements consist of the lanthanide series of elements with atomic numbers from 57-71 and also include yttrium and scandium. Due to their unique properties, rare earth elements are crucial materials in an incredible array of consumer goods, energy system components and military defense applications. However, the global production and entire value chain for rare earth elements is dominated by China, with the U.S. currently 100% import reliant for these critical materials. Traditional mineral ores including previously mined deposits in the U.S., however, have several challenges. Chief among these is that the content of the most critical and …

Buckling Of Liquid-Filled Steel Storage Tanks Under Earthquake Loading, Wiriyachai Roopkumdee

Theses and Dissertations

The static and dynamic buckling loads of cylindrical liquid storage tanks were studied in this thesis. Finite element analysis was performed using ANSYS computer program. Twelve different geometries of the cylindrical tanks were analyzed with height to diameter (H/D) ratios of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 and the diameter to thickness (D/t) ratios of 1000, 1500, and 2000 to cover tall and short cylindrical tanks. The transient dynamic analysis was performed to find the dynamic buckling loads. Applied dynamic loads in this study are horizontal earthquake excitations in terms of acceleration (g) due to gravity. Budiansky and Roth procedure was …

Examining Deer Hunter Demographics, Perceptions, And Factors Influencing Satisfaction And Success During A Time Of Statewide Deer Population Decline, Kristen Elizabeth Black

Theses and Dissertations

North Dakota’s white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule deer (O. hemionus) populations have declined significantly since their peak in 2008-2009. This may be due to heavy harvest pressure in an effort to reduce deer depredation on agricultural crops, a series of harsh winters, habitat fragmentation or loss, predation, and disease. In 2009, about 144,400 deer gun hunting licenses were allocated through a lottery system by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF). Interest in deer hunting in North Dakota is high, with more than 69,700 resident and non-resident hunters applying for the 43,275 licenses available for the 2015 deer-gun …

A Phenomenological Study Of Bullying Experienced By Graduate Students And Faculty Through The Lens Of Power, Anne Bodensteiner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of graduate students and faculty members who experienced bullying as a result of their role in higher education. Phenomenological exploration of this topic involved interviews with 14 participants; seven graduate students and seven faculty members. Power as described by Foucault (1994) was used as theoretical framework for this research. Findings from the study revealed institutions of higher education exploit power through differentiation, institutionalization, instrumental modes, types of objectives, and rationalization. Age, gender, life experiences, and positional rank were differentials found between the subject and aggressor. Institutionalization was expressed through …

Intergenerational Effects Of Embryonic Cocaine Exposure In Zebrafish, Cody Adam Boyle

Theses and Dissertations

Cocaine addiction has both genetic and environmentally driven components. Relatively recently several groups have suggested that epigenetic regulation of gene expression might be the mechanism linking environmental influence and inheritance in drug addiction. We have shown previously that embryonic cocaine exposure increases physiological and behavioral sensitivity to the drug in longitudinal adults. In this study, we provide evidence that the effects of embryonic pre-exposure to cocaine are intergenerational in zebrafish. In addition, we show how gene expression in the zebrafish telencephalon, which includes the teleost equivalent of the nucleus accumbens, changes during acute cocaine treatment during behavioral testing. These experiments …

Investigating Cloud Condensation Nuclei Activity And Particle Growth Of Aging Diesel Exhaust Particles, Humphrey Chigozie Chukwuto

Theses and Dissertations

Soot particles are an essential atmospheric constituent because of their effects on human

health, regional and global climate. The impact of soot on climate and human health depends on

their ability to interact with water vapor. Freshly emitted soot particles are hydrophobic but the

chemical and physical transformations (aging) they undergo while airborne can make them hydrophilic

enough to retain water and act as nuclei for cloud formation. The aging of soot is a

complicated process and represents a significant uncertainty in quantifying the net radiative forcing

of soot particles. In this study, the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity and …

A Comparison Study Of American Indian And Caucasian Sex Offenders On Trauma And Selected Trauma Effects, Regina Sioux Ertz

Theses and Dissertations

American Indian/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) have a long history of documented trauma experiences. In addition, AI/AN individuals are likely to have fewer economic resources and are faced with increased traumatic experiences in comparison to the general population. Further, the American Indian population is also affected by overrepresentation with incarceration rates in federal and state government detention centers. These data support the need to address non-sexual recidivism issues in the American Indian population. Little research has examined trauma experiences, selected trauma effects, and unique differences for American Indian sex offenders. Treatment employed for American Indian sex offenders is conducted based on data …

Impact Of Wetlands Loss On The Long-Term Flood Risks Of Devils Lake In A Changing Climate, Sergey Gulbin

Theses and Dissertations

Endorheic (terminal) lakes with no water outlets are sensitive indicators of changes in climate and land cover in the watershed. Since 1990 Devils Lake watershed in North Dakota experienced a dramatic change of local climate: wet phase. This change yielded in a 10-m water level rise in just two decades. The Lake’s water level increase caused flooding of adjacent areas, including towns, agriculture fields and houses of Native Americans, costing over $1 billion in mitigation.

While the climate change contribution to flooding has been established, the role of large scale land conversion to agriculture has not been researched. The purpose …

Mapping Groundwater Discharge Along Lake Margins Using Satellite And Uav Thermal Imagery, Kelsey A. Forward

Theses and Dissertations

Effective watershed management decisions depend on understanding groundwater-surface water interactions. Traditional hydrogeological investigations are invasive, time-consuming, and expensive; therefore, regions that lack accessibility or agency funding need other ways of evaluating groundwater-lake interactions. Heat has long been known to be an effective groundwater tracer. Groundwater is insulated from most solar radiation, and its temperature does not fluctuate greatly from the annual average air temperature year-round in higher latitudes. In contrast, lakes are directly exposed to solar radiation, and water temperature fluctuates greatly both seasonally and diurnally. The winter and summer seasons produce the greatest contrast between groundwater and surface water …

Special And General Education Partners Co-Teaching Through The Structural Lens Of Complexity Theory, Shirley Ann Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Inclusive education is one of the most complex and demanding reforms in schools today. How school systems are structured may account for the many difficulties schools are having in strengthening, sustaining, and expanding inclusive education. Co-teaching is an instructional delivery method that offers a promising practice towards successful inclusive education. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the perspectives of co-teachers actively engaged in expanding the practice of co-teaching to help leaders strengthen, sustain, and expand effective inclusive education for students with disabilities.

Complexity theory provided the theoretical framework to explore how the co-teachers interacted and self-organized when …