Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating The Engineering Properties Of Waste-Modified Asphalt Binders And Mixtures As Inputs For The Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design, Duncan Rioba Oteki

Theses and Dissertations

Pavements are essential for economic development and mobility, with asphalt dominating the US road network due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and recyclability. However, the environmental impacts of asphalt production and the depletion of virgin materials have driven the integration of waste products into asphalt mixtures to improve sustainability. This study evaluated the engineering properties of waste-modified asphalt binders and mixtures as performance-based inputs for the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). The rutting performance of ten asphalt mixtures commonly used in North Dakota was assessed using mechanistic and empirical tests. Mechanistic tests included the dynamic modulus (|E*|), Flow Number …

Spatial And Temporal Assessment Of Meteorological Drought Using The Standardized Precipitation Index (Spi) And Its Effect On Crop Yield Over The Corn Belt Region Of The United States From 2000 To 2023, Victor Araya

Theses and Dissertations

Climate change and global warming have contributed to extreme weather events and patterns, including severe flooding, earthquakes, wildfires, and drought. Drought happens to be the deadliest catastrophic event around the world. Drought's impact on ecosystems and local communities has been increasing in many parts of the world, including the United States and, most importantly, the corn Belt, which also happens to be the country's food basket. Understanding drought prediction and mitigation can be investigated through drought indices. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) is considered the most reliable in this study. It is used in this study to present the critical …

Applying The 4d Model Of The Country Image To Explore The Relationship Between Saudi Arabia’S Sport Diplomacy And Its Perceived Image Among American Adults, Ibrahim Bin Jaman

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the relationship between Saudi Arabia’s sports diplomacy and strategy of hosting major international sports events and its image among American adults. Notably, the Saudi government’s strategic use of hosting sports events aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, fostering economic diversification and promoting tourism. The conducted study examined American adults’ exposure to international sports events held in Saudi Arabian, this exposure’s correlation with the image of the country, and potential differences in the perception of Saudi Arabian between American adults who have been exposed to sports events in Saudi Arabia and those who have not. A …

Gender And Family Differences In Faculty Motivation, Allyssa Jean Baumbach

Theses and Dissertations

This three-article dissertation examines gender and family differences in faculty motivation. Faculty motivation has primarily been studied in the context of development but has only recently begun to focus on productivity and success. Further, studies of faculty motivation do not provide in depth analysis of gender and family differences. Therefore, the current program of research uses the Self-Determination Theory to examine gender and family differences in faculty motivation and considers how traditional gender norms may contribute to these differences. The first study explored if gender difference existed. Data from a small sample of faculty (N=118) from two universities in the …

Attributions Of Blame In Cases Of Stealthing, Shane William Knutson

Theses and Dissertations

Nonconsensual condom removal (NCCR), also known as “stealthing”, is a form of sexual abuse where an individual removes the condom without their sexual partner’s knowledge. While research regarding prevalence of NCCR has been conducted over the past decade, there are still aspects of previous research on other forms of sexual abuse that did not account for cases of NCCR. One such gap in the current literature are studies that investigate how individuals attribute blame to the victims of NCCR. Previous research has shown that there are differences in how individuals attribute blame towards victims of sexual abuse based on different …

An Explainable Ai Framework For Detecting Harmful Algal Blooms (Habs) In Freshwater Lakes, Meera Gopinath Sujatha

Theses and Dissertations

The increase in economic impacts due to the rapid growth of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater lakes has prompted the development of monitoring and prediction systems. However, limited target data hinders reliable predictions on HAB formations. To address this limitation, this dissertation focuses on providing solutions through data-driven,interpretable, and explainable machine learning models. In Chapter 3, an interpretable multivariate regression model such as Vector Autoregressive (VAR) was used to analyze the important factors that contribute to the formation of cyanobacteria in lakes. The causality tests performed on multiple water quality data helped to determine Alkalinity, Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), andWater Temperature …

Hazard Impact Assessment Of Brine Spills On Groundwater Pollution In Western North Dakota, Grace Dzifa Agbozo

Theses and Dissertations

The rapid expansion of oil and gas production in North Dakota’s Bakken Formation has heightened environmental concerns, particularly groundwater contamination from brine spills. Brine, a highly saline byproduct of oil extraction, poses a serious threat to water quality due to its chemical composition. This study examines brine spill impacts from 2013 to 2024 across Williams, Mountrail, McKenzie, and Dunn counties using GIS and the DRASTIC model, enhanced with Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Overlay techniques. Essential hydrogeological factors were analyzed to produce vulnerability index maps. Furthermore, spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I), Optimized Hot Spot Analysis, and Emerging Hot Spot Analysis …

Great Expectations: How Gender Assigned At Birth Shapes Viewpoint Based Perceptual Disparities In Gender-Diverse People, Adelyn Emter

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine disparities between personal beliefs and perceived societal ideologies about earning gendered traits and maintaining masculinity and femininity, with a focus on gender-diverse perspectives and the influence of gender identity on responses to social research. The current study recruited 334 gender-diverse participants to compare Viewpoint and Gendered Trait based on participant Gender Assigned at Birth, using twelve statements about earning and maintaining masculinity and femininity. The Traditional Egalitarian Sex Role (TESR) Inventory and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) Scale were used as covariates which significantly contributed to the model. As expected, societal belief scores …

Belongingness And Science Identity Of Underrepresented Students In Aerospace Sciences, Bella Hettich

Theses and Dissertations

Despite efforts to support underrepresented individuals—specifically those from racial, ethnic, and gender minority groups—they continue to face unique challenges that affect their belongingness in aerospace sciences, leading to issues with retention in educational programs and subsequent professional pathways. Such hindrances to personal achievement can also impede broader organizational goals. Addressing these challenges is critical, as supporting the success of underrepresented individuals fosters diverse perspectives, which are essential for driving innovation and maximizing organizational productivity. Just as importantly, ensuring that every individual, regardless of background, has access to opportunities and the support needed to succeed fulfills an ethical obligation. Upholding the …

A Qualitative Study Exploring Best Practices And Applications Of Green, Eco, And Environmental Social Work In Canadian Social Work Practice, Ryley Kristanne Kowalski

Theses and Dissertations

Humanity and society are deeply connected to nature and the environment at their core. Through processes of colonization, the Industrial Revolution, urbanization, consumerism, and capitalism, people and societies have become increasingly disconnected from the natural environment. Introduced as a helping profession through the Industrial Revolution, social work began rooted in environment but quickly changed to understand human and societal wellbeing through the narrow scope of the social environment through the person-in-environment approach. Modern day issues of climate change, environmental degradation, environmental racism, and environmental justice movements have necessitated social work’s increased understanding of the natural environment. The purpose of this …

White Paper For Faculty Professional Development In Establishing, Addressing, And Informing, To Promote Mental Wellness For Health Careers Students, Betty J. Mcvay

Theses and Dissertations

This research utilized a qualitative case study to explore the need for faculty professional development in the health careers division at a public non-profit California community college, specifically Porterville College. Literature suggests that mental health is a crucial topic to address in contemporary higher education. College students, in general, are facing a notable deterioration in their overall mental well-being, accompanied by an increase in mental disorders. Furthermore, students in health careers programs frequently encounter even more intense stress and psychological challenges, stemming from their constant exposure to high-pressure, emotionally charged situations, and vicarious trauma. Although literature emphasizes the critical need …

Evaluating Human Factors In Isolation And Confinement During Analog Spaceflight: A Decadal Survey Assessing Ilmah Crew Psychology, Travis Michael Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined 13 crews participating in analog Martian surface simulations to investigate psychological experiences within the first collegiate planetary surface habitat. The University of North Dakota (UND) Integrated Lunar-Martian Analog Habitat (ILMAH) was utilized with high-performing participant crews (n=42) who were recognized and recruited for their skills. Common environmental similarities that each crew faced included isolation, confinement, time-latent communications, demanding work hours, monotonous tasks, physically strenuous Extravehicular Activities (EVA), personal psychological adaptations, and interpersonal psychosocial challenges. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate self-appraised crew performance measures across continuous phases of isolation and confinement lasting up to …

Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning Models To Increase Colorectal Cancer Detection For American Samoa Adults, Va'atausili Tofaeono

Theses and Dissertations

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Indigenous and Pacific Islander populations, particularly in American Samoa, where screening rates are critically low due to cultural barriers, limited healthcare infrastructure, and geographical isolation. This dissertation explores the potential of an Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) predictive model to enhance CRC screening and early detection among American Samoan adults. By leveraging widely available clinical data, such as complete blood count (CBC) results, age, and gender, the AI/ML model aims to identify high-risk individuals for targeted interventions, thereby improving early detection and treatment outcomes.The dissertation comprises three …

Leads Data Insights: Discovery — January 2025, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

January 2025 Data Insights presentation for the DISCOVERY core value of UND LEADS. The slides review Discovery-related Activity Inventory coverage and summarize data on HERD research expenditures, undergraduate research involvement, graduate degree conferrals, Grand Challenge research awards, and sponsored-program partnerships.

Empowering Caregivers Through Occupational Therapy: A Comprehensive Approach To Adolescent Mental Health Education, Shannon Grace Ring

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: This scholarly project aimed to create an evidence-based toolkit for caregivers of adolescents currently completing partial hospitalization programming (PHP). Adolescents enrolled in PHP have experienced severe disruption in their daily functions. Adolescent mental illness is a public health concern due to its prevalence, early onset, and the impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities (Ghandour et al., 2019). Mental health disorders during adolescence can affect development by interfering with the ability to function in daily settings and achieve social, emotional, cognitive, and academic milestones (Ghandour et al., 2019). Many adolescents are also exposed to risk factors, including …

Design And Fabrication Of Tpms-Based Bone Scaffolds: A Cost-Effective Approach Using Plga-Nha And 3d-Printed Pva Molds, Yasser Ahmed

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis introduces a new cost-effective method for fabricating bone scaffolds from triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) geometries—namely Gyroid and Diamond structure—using a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-nanohydroxyapatite (PLGA-nHA) composite and 3D-printed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) molds. Current TPMS scaffold fabrication techniques depend on costly laser-based techniques like selective laser sintering and thus remain inaccessible. Herein, we reveal a cost-effective and repeatable indirect approach via fused deposition modeling (FDM) for printing water-soluble PVA molds, which are then iteratively cast filled with a PLGA-nHA solution. The protocol was optimized through concentration modulation and controlled evaporation of the solvent for optimum infiltration and uniformity in the …

Concept Application Of Active Magnetic Bearing Technology For Offshore Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines, Isaac Ansah

Theses and Dissertations

Wind energy continues to lead the global transition to renewable power, driven by its minimal environmental impact and high scalability. Offshore wind farms benefit from stronger and consistent wind resources. However, these advantages are tempered by challenges related to installation, maintenance, and drivetrain reliability. Conventional bearings, which support the drivetrain system, are prone to wear related failures due to lubrication breakdown and mechanical fatigue from continuous loading. This study explores the integration of Active Magnetic Bearings as an alternative to conventional bearings in offshore Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines. Using advanced engineering simulation tools, the main driveshaft of a 130 MW …

An Exploratory Investigation Of The Impact Of Psychological Intimate Partner Violence On College Women: A Qualitative Study, Dana Juel Conzemius-Schindler

Theses and Dissertations

Researchers have found psychological intimate partner violence (P-IPV; defined as emotional and verbal abuse utilized to degrade, demean, create fear, control, or isolate; Tolman, 1989; Sullivan et al., 2012) is detrimental to mental health functioning, including increased sexual risk behaviors, depressive and anxious symptomology, and relationship dissatisfaction (Hellemans et al., 2015; Overstreet et al., 2015). Despite this, little is known regarding the academic and psychological lived experiences of survivors of P-IPV. Therefore, the current study sought to qualitatively explore the lived experiences of female-identified students exposed to psychological intimate partner violence while in college. Through a Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR; …

Adhd Research And Practice: An Evaluation Of Psychologists’ Utilizations Of Adhd Assessments In Practice, Desiree Giesen

Theses and Dissertations

The incidence of first-time Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnoses among adults has been on the rise. There is limited research on effective practices for evaluating adult ADHD, with previous studies showing conflicting results regarding the effectiveness of various assessment measures. The current study investigates the assessment tools chosen by psychologists and their perceived importance in evaluating ADHD. A cross-sectional design was used with 200 participants who were primarily licensed psychologists. The unstructured clinical interview with the client was the most used assessment tool and was rated as having the highest importance, whereas continuous performance tasks were rated as having the lowest …

Assessment Of Medical Laboratory Science Student Motivation And Perceived Transfer Of Knowledge Towards Information Literacy, Shannon Jongeward

Theses and Dissertations

Information literacy skills are a cornerstone of higher education as they allow students to effectively locate, evaluate, and utilize information from various sources. Evidence-Based Practice, a process commonly used in healthcare for decision making, incorporates using the best available research, one’s clinical expertise, and the patient’s values. Information literacy is foundational to developing evidence-based practice skills. Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) utilize evidence-based practice to assist in making decisions about clinical laboratory tests and processes to ensure quality in testing and the appropriate use of resources; therefore, it is important for MLS programs to include elements of evidence-based practice into their …

Exploring Student-Athlete Perceptions On Nil Opportunities In The Cannabinoid Industry, Katherine Klimchock

Theses and Dissertations

The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations in collegiate athletics has created new financial and branding opportunities for student-athletes. Simultaneously, there has been an evolving legal landscape surrounding cannabinoids both at the state and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) levels. This dissertation in practice explores this emerging intersection by examining student-athlete perceptions of NIL opportunities with cannabinoid brands and highlighting the perceived advantages and disadvantages of such deals. This dissertation in practice consists of three artifacts. Artifact I provides essential background information on NIL, cannabinoids, and the House v. NCAA settlement. Recognizing the legal, institutional, and cultural shifts …

From Theory To Practice: Addressing The Operational Challenges Of School Principals, Darin Murry Scherr

Theses and Dissertations

School principals play a crucial role in the effectiveness of educational institutions, yet many enter leadership positions lacking adequate preparation for operational responsibilities. This Dissertation in Practice examines the challenges principals face in managing financial, staffing, and facility operations and the impact of these challenges on principal retention. Using a qualitative multiple-case study approach, the research investigates the experiences of new and veteran principals within Bismarck Public Schools to identify gaps in their operational preparedness.Findings highlight five key themes: (1) gaps in financial and budgetary training, (2) the role of mentorship and support systems, (3) balancing instructional leadership with operational …

Ecological Dynamics In Beaver-Engineered Boreal Wetlands: Amphibian Phenology, Occupancy, And Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Communities, Talon Stammen

Theses and Dissertations

Boreal wetlands are ecologically rich yet vulnerable ecosystems shaped by hydrological dynamics, cold climate regimes, and landscape-scale disturbances. Among the most influential agents of change in these systems are beavers (Castor canadensis), whose engineering activities create a mosaic of lentic habitats at varying stages of ecological succession. This dissertation investigates the structure and dynamics of amphibian and aquatic macroinvertebrate communities across a beaver-influenced wetland landscape in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, USA.The first study (Chapter II) examines breeding phenology and detection patterns of boreal anurans using a combination of passive acoustic monitoring and visual encounter surveys at 25 wetlands over four …

Targeted Coaching In The Detroit Promise Path: A Thematic Network Analysis Of Current Challenges And Opportunities For Student Success, Maryse Danielle Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

The Detroit Promise Program is one of the many college promise programs operating within the United States that offers full college tuition coverage to students within the city who meet certain residential criteria. Detroit’s population has one of the highest proportions of Black and first-generation students and the lowest average socioeconomic class in the country. From the time of the Promise Program’s launch until now it has seen minor improvements in college degree competition rates, but this rate is still low compared to the national average. The Detroit Promise Path, which is an off branch of the Detroit Promise Program, …

Zaasijiwan: An Indigenized Health Communication Framework For American Indian And Alaska Native Communities, Jennifer Wolf

Theses and Dissertations

The Zaasijiwan Framework represents an Indigenized health communication model developed to enhance the cultural relevance, trust, and effectiveness of public health messaging for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. This qualitative study integrated Indigenous and Western public health knowledge to inform the development of the framework. A comprehensive literature review and two rounds of key informant interviews with health communication professionals informed the design of the framework. Findings emphasized the importance of community co-creation and strengths-based narratives, along with other framework elements, in overcoming medical mistrust and improving health outcomes. The final framework offers public health professionals, Tribal, and …

Machine Learning-Guided Discovery Of Metal-Ligand Catalysts For Affordable Green Hydrogen Produced Via Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers, Achouak Benarbia

Theses and Dissertations

The rising demand for clean and sustainable energy sources has underscored the critical role of hydrogen in the global energy transition. However, the widespread adoption of green hydrogen remains constrained by the high cost and scarcity of platinum-based electrocatalysts used in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. This dependence inflates production costs and poses long-term risks related to supply security and scalability. While numerous studies have explored alternative materials, the discovery of efficient and stable non-platinum catalysts remains a major bottleneck due to the vastness of chemical space and the resource-intensive nature of experimental screening. To address this challenge, this study …

Enhancing Green Hydrogen Integration In Distributed Energy Systems, Solomon Evro

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates strategic integration of green hydrogen into Distributed Energy Systems (DES) as a means of addressing three closely related challenges: first, uncertainties in hydrogen supply due to renewables intermittency; second, non-existence of practical, scalable modeling solutions for early-phase DES planning involving Alkaline Water Electrolyzers; and third, a lack of sufficient policy frameworks facilitating mass deployment. Existing hydrogen production models are often too complex for effective use in DES and do not relate stack number, input power, and renewable resource fluctuation. To address this limitation, the paper introduces a new probabilistic electrolyzer sizing method based on cumulative distribution function …

When Fomo Meets The Keg: A Descriptive Case Study Of Binge Drinking In First-Year College Students At The University Of North Dakota, Angie Novak

Theses and Dissertations

Binge drinking among first-year college students is a persistent public health and academic issue, particularly during the transition to higher education. As students gain independence and navigate peer influence and campus norms, many perceive alcohol use as a central part of the college experience. This descriptive case study investigates the personal, environmental, and behavioral factors contributing to binge drinking among first-year students at the University of North Dakota (UND).The study, guided by Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), explored how students adopt and reinforce drinking behaviors through peer modeling, social expectations, and institutional culture. Qualitative data was collected through individual interviews with …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Silicon-Containing Ternary Transition Metal Borides For High Performance Applications, Godswill Ngige

Theses and Dissertations

Binary borides are well known for their exceptional mechanical and thermal properties, including high strength, high melting points, outstanding hardness, and excellent chemical stability, making them suitable for high-temperature structural applications such as components in hypersonic vehicles, jet engines, nose cones, and the leading edges of aircraft. Despite these advantages, they are inherently brittle and suffer from low fracture toughness, limiting their ability to absorb impact or resist crack propagation.

To this end, attention shifted to ternary transition metal borides which are materials composed of a transition metal, boron, and a third element. These ternary compounds exhibit a broader range …

Advancing Human-Computer Interaction Systems Through Explainable And Secure Ai Integration, Ifiok Udoidiok

Theses and Dissertations

As artificial intelligence (AI) systems increasingly shape how humans interact with digital environments, the need for transparency, security, and robustness in intelligent decision making has become critical. This thesis explores how explainable and secure AI techniques can be integrated into modern human-computer interaction (HCI) systems to enhance trust, resilience, and alignment with human operators.

We present three related studies, each addressing a distinct challenge in the design of human-centered AI. First, we apply XAI methods, specifically Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME), to deep learning (DL) based CAPTCHA solvers. By interpreting model attention patterns, we uncover exploitable weaknesses in text CAPTCHA …