Digital Commons Network^™

Standing In The Doorway: Role Complexity In The Position Of Senior Student Affairs Officer, Jasi L. O'Connor

Theses and Dissertations

Student affairs practice at small schools is becoming increasingly complex, and staff at all levels, including the senior student affairs officer (SSAO) are required to manage multiple roles. The purpose of this study was to use a grounded theory methodology to investigate if the need for the SSAO to hold multiple roles requires them to be able to effectively utilize both leadership and management skills. A second research question of this study was to investigate if the culture of a religiously-affiliated college impacts the way the SSAOs conduct their role. To investigate these questions, SSAOs at small, private, liberal arts …

Relational Aggression Among Caucasian And Northern Plains American Indian School Children, Stephanie Parisien

Theses and Dissertations

Relational aggression is a form of aggression that has received increasing attention within the psychological literature. Among the American Indian population, however, research on relational aggression is currently non-existent. To date, research is continuing to grow with regard to the base rates of relational aggression. The current study has examined both peer-nominated and self-report relational aggression among Caucasian and Northern Plains American Indian school children in order to explore cultural, gender, grade level, and age differences. Other forms of aggression and social status were also explored in order to understand how these constructs may play a role in peer relations. …

Effect Of A Nutrition Program On Eating Habits In Female Collegiate Athletes, Jorid Dagfinrud Oiestad

Theses and Dissertations

In the present study, an intervention took place using two female collegiate NCAA Division 1 (D1) teams. One team was randomized to be the experimental group, receiving the intervention of the 6-week nutrition education class Fueling for Performance (FFP). And the other team served as the control group, receiving no treatment. The purpose was to examine the effect of the FFP intervention on energy balance, body composition and self-efficacy compared to the control group, pre- and post- intervention.

The participants provided pre- and post intervention data through 3-day food records entered in MyPlate Super Tracker, wearing of a BodyMedia Senswear …

Potential Juror Credibility Evaluations Of Gay And Lesbian Witnesses, Lisa Mae Olson

Theses and Dissertations

This study looked at whether the sexual orientation of a witness has an effect on a potential juror's determination of the witness's credibility, and examined traits such as respondent gender and college major, that may predict high levels of sexual prejudice. The sample consisted of 379 undergraduate students at a medium sized, upper Midwestern university. Results did not reveal an overall link between witness credibility ratings and sexual orientation, with the gay male witness receiving the highest credibility rankings followed by the heterosexual male witness, heterosexual female witness, and lastly, the lesbian female witness. It does not appear that the …

The Effects Of Leisure Satisfaction And Perfectionism On Academic Burnout, Lauren Elizabeth Fuller

Theses and Dissertations

The present study examined the impact of three variables on academic burnout: perfectionism, depression, and leisure satisfaction. Participants included male and female college students enrolled in a four year university in the Midwest. Participants completed a variety of demographic questions and surveys through an internet survey on Survey Gizmo. The Almost Perfect Scale Revised was used to assess an individual's perfectionism, The Patient Health Questionnaire 2 measured depression, The Leisure Satisfaction Scale Short Form was included to measure students' leisure satisfaction, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory Student measured academic burnout. The study found that perfectionism and depression were significant predictors …

The Effects Of Friendship And Discussion On Individuals' Responses To Anti-Sugary Drinks Television Ads, Kaitlin R. Lilienthal

Theses and Dissertations

The current study tested if friendship and discussion would interact with anti-sugary drinks television ads exposure to promote attitudes, intentions, and behaviors consistent with sugary drinks consumption reduction. College students (N= 109) viewed anti-sugary drinks ads either with or without a friend, and either discussed or did not discuss the ads after viewing them. Changes in baseline sugary drinks health knowledge, attitudes toward reducing sugary drinks consumption, sugary drink consumption social norm perceptions, and intentions to reduce sugary drinks consumption were examined at post-exposure and one week follow-up. Changes in baseline self-reported sugary drinks consumption were also examined at one …

Predicting Kidney Transplantation Using Prior Disease Diagnosis From Medicare Claims Data, Jeffrey Dischinger

Theses and Dissertations

Kidney transplant prevalence and costs have been increasing steadily in the past few decades and this trend is anticipated to continue for years to come. Patient outcomes are heavily influenced by the amount of time they are waiting for a transplant and by the quality of care they are receiving up to the transplant. This paper intends to increase positive patient outcomes and decrease costs by identifying potential kidney transplant patients earlier than traditional methods. I use medical claims data to determine common risk factors of all patients who have received a kidney transplant. For the control group I include …

Assessing Student Learning: A U.S./U.K. International Comparative Study, Kristin Anne Garaas-Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the role of assessments of student learning in the United States, specifically a school system in North Dakota, comparatively to that of a school system in Surrey, England. Using a conceptual framework that is influenced by the work of Stiggins, Arter, Chappuis, and Chappuis with the Assessment Training Institute (2011) and the Assessment Reform Group (2002) on creating effective, balanced assessments for learning, three questions guided my study:

1. What are secondary (students ages 14-18) educators' beliefs about what, why, how, and for whom school systems are assessing students' learning?

2. What is the difference between educators' …

A Comparative Content Analysis Of Alcoholism Treatment Programs With A Focus On A Native Treatment Alternative, Mike J. Eshkibok

Theses and Dissertations

A historical account of Native American Indian culture is set forth to provide the antecedent events for understanding problems with and solutions to alcoholism among Native American Indians. Two 12-step alcohol treatment programs are explained, compared, and contrasted: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and a Native 12-Step Program.

Qualitative analysis was used to collect information from 13 Native American Indian counselors in alcohol treatment programs and data was analyzed by coding transcripts of taped interviews, then grouping data into categories, determining themes from the categories, and drawing conclusions.

Three conclusions emerged from the qualitative data analyzed from Native American Indian alcohol treatment …

Predicting Motivation, Exercise Behavior And The Reciprocal Relationship With Obesity Perceptions In College Students, Kylee Jo Heston

Theses and Dissertations

Obesity is an increasing problem worldwide, often described as an epidemic. Approximately 70% of men and women nationwide are overweight and/or obese, with roughly 34% meeting criteria for obesity. Women are increasing obesity rates faster than men and more women than men are currently obese nationwide and worldwide. Obesity leads to numerous physical, psychological, and social consequences and often a poor quality of life. Women are at risk for increased health complications, and college in particular has been associated with weight gain. Improper energy balance is a significant contributor. Achieving adequate exercise each week has been proven effective in obesity …

The Association Between Autobiographical Memory Specificity And Memory Sharing In College Students, Nicola Herting

Theses and Dissertations

The way in which memories are stored and communicated makes the construction of autobiographical memories (AM) both an internal process and a social occurrence. Strong associations between reduced AM specificity and psychological adjustment have been found; however, the role significant others have in the socialization and co-construction of AM may have be overlooked. This study examines whether the process of sharing AMs and the perceived benefits of sharing these memories are associated with differences in specificity of AM, as well as explores methodological differences in how AMs are collected. Data from 177 participants was collected on the Most Important Memories …

The Effects Of Whole Body Vibrations On Salivary Cortisol In Young Females In Squat Position, Rohini Gawande

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Despite the catabolic effect of cortisol on bone metabolism, and the potentially counteracting anabolic effect of whole body vibration (WBV) on bone, only a few studies have explored the effects of WBV on cortisol, the findings of which have

been inconclusive. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an acute bout of WBV on salivary cortisol levels in women. Method: This study utilized a randomized cross-over design, consisting of two individual treatment days: the vibration

intervention (V) and the non-vibration control (NV), with a washout period of 2-3 days between the two. Participants consisted …

Public Support For Stricter Gun Control Laws In America Following The Tragedy At Sandy Hook Elementary, Ryan Jeffrey Hausmann

Theses and Dissertations

The past decade witnessed a considerable increase in public outrage and debates regarding gun control laws, due in large part to several mass shootings across the nation. The purpose of this study is to explore how mass shootings influence attitudes toward gun control. More specifically, this study will examine the respondents' familiarity with the 2012 mass shooting in New Town, Connecticut, and then explore their opinions about whether that shooting reflects isolated acts of troubled individuals, or whether it is a reflection of greater issues, and in turn, how those opinions influence attitudes toward gun control.

Data for this research …

Employment Characteristics And Mental Health: A Quantitative Study, Keegan Charles August Hahn

Theses and Dissertations

Previous literature suggests that certain job characteristics may influence a person's mental health in a negative way. Work is an important part of every American's life. It is how they make money and can be how they identify themselves. This thesis examines that relationship further with new data and variables and also looks at the effect that the 2007 to 2009 U.S. recession had on increasing poor mental health among individuals. Americans' jobs were influenced by this national recession in multiple ways. This thesis explores the relationship between the national economy and how job characteristics impact American's poor mental health. …

Role Of The Α1a-Adrenergic Receptor In Synaptic Plasticity, Cognition & Neurogenesis, Brianna Lynn Goldenstein

Theses and Dissertations

Norepinephrine (NE) is a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory. NE activates adrenergic receptors (ARs) and stimulating the α1A-AR subtype has been known to increase adult neurogenesis (ANG). We hypothesized that α1A-AR-induced ANG would enhance learning and memory. Constitutively active mutant (CAM) α1A-AR, α1A-AR knock-out (KO), normal wild type (WT) mice, and mice treated with the α1A-AR selective agonist cirazoline (CRZ) were tested on the Barnes maze. CAM α1A-AR and CRZ-treated mice performed better and α1A-AR KO mice performed poorer than WT. Long-term potentiation (LTP) experiments on aged CAM α1A-AR mice revealed enhanced LTP in CAM α1A-AR mice versus WT. …

Successful Reorganization Of Rural North Dakota Schools With Declining Enrollment, Steven Lewis Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify perceptions of North Dakota leaders who had been involved in successfully reorganized school districts resulting from declining enrollments and reduced resources. All reorganized districts in this study were affected by serious declining enrollments in their respective rural communities. These successfully reorganized school districts developed reorganization plans and positive cultures within their communities that resulted in each plan being passed by a voting citizenship. The school districts studied laid the groundwork for reorganization with neighboring districts by forming cooperative agreements in athletics, shared staff, and shared special education services.

The researcher sought answers …

Measuring The Effect Of Weighted Devices On Exercise Enjoyment, Nicholas Kruse

Theses and Dissertations

Physical activity provides an important health benefit for both males and females. Seven out of every ten U.S. deaths are from chronic disease and many of those deaths could have been preventable. With a lack of physical activity and poor diet, chronic illnesses such as obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type II diabetes were reported, (CDC, 2004). There is a steep decline in exercise from high school to college, which indicates that exercise adherence in college students is an issue. In this study, three conditions were examined with students at the University of North Dakota going through a plyometric protocol …

Predictors Of Sexual Assertiveness In Women: A Comparative Study Of Women During Different Life-Stages, Eevett Alane Loshek

Theses and Dissertations

Sexual assertiveness is a beneficial skill-set for women, which is associated with several positive sexual health outcomes. The goals of the current project were to 1) develop a comprehensive measure of sexual assertiveness that could be used for women across the adult life span, 2) to better understand the predictors of specific dimensions of sexual assertiveness, 3) to investigate differences in the dimensions of sexual assertiveness across age groups, and 4) to examine how the predictors of sexual assertiveness vary by age. In Study 1 and Study 2, a three-factor comprehensive measure of sexual assertiveness was developed. These three factors …

Linking Local Weather To Climate Change: One Year Of Twitter In The Us, Tatiana Molodtsova

Theses and Dissertations

There is a high level of scientific consensus on climate change. Nevertheless for climate change research to have any practical value, to develop public support for climate policies, the climate research results must find the way to general public. That is why it is important to understand how the public perception of climate change forms.

During the last decades there have been a number of studies on the factors affecting the level of public concern on climate change. Two major groups of factors are hypothesized to have the biggest influence on the level of public concern on climate change: extreme …

Space Tourism Law: Lessons From Aviation, Antarctica, And The International Space Station, Denise Meeks

Theses and Dissertations

Space tourism has economic, social, and educational benefits, however, unresolved legal issues remain that need to be addressed on state and international levels in order for space tourism to succeed and for these benefits to be realized. Space treaties do not address and federal laws have impeded space tourism efforts. Aviation industry regulations, Antarctic treaties, and International Space Station agreements serve as models to guide the space tourism. In the future, however, the space tourism industry will create its own legal regime based on the technical expertise of its practitioners and the social mores of its participants.

Advances In The Electrodeposition Of Aluminum From Ionic Liquid Based Electrolytes, Kirt Leadbetter

Theses and Dissertations

Aluminum plating is of considerable technical and economic interest because it provides an eco-friendly substitute for cadmium coatings used on many military systems. However, cadmium has been determined to be a significant environmental safety and occupational health (ESOH) hazard because of its toxicity and carcinogenic nature. Furthermore, the cost of treating and disposing of generated wastes, which often contain cyanide, is costly and is becoming prohibitive in the face of increasingly stringent regulatory standards. The non-toxic alternative aluminum is equivalent or superior in performance to cadmium. In addition, it could serve to provide an alternative to hexavalent chromium coatings used …

Correctional Education Programs: Institutional Predictors Of Availability, Shamilya Marielle Mitchell

Theses and Dissertations

Being a convicted felon can limit a person's life chances. Adding a lack of education and training to that felony conviction can further limit the ability to find stable employment and transition back into society. Correctional education programs can reduce recidivism rates, but there are a wide variety of programs and not every facility offers them. This study examines the institutional characteristics that predict the availability of vocational training and college course programs in correctional institutions. The data for this study come from the 2000 Census of State and Federal Adult Correctional Facilities. Data were collected from 84 federal correctional …

Relational Maintenance Behaviors, Conflict Resolution Strategies, And Their Relation To Loneliness, Courtney O'Brien

Theses and Dissertations

The present study examined the relationship between levels of ineffective arguing and loneliness above and beyond levels of relational maintenance behaviors in 182 male and female adults. Correlations did not support a large inverse relationship between loneliness and relational maintenance behaviors for both Romantic Partner Group (RPG) and Friendship Group (FG). This study has shown that there was a moderate relationship between levels of loneliness and relational maintenance behaviors for both groups. As hypothesized, but only for the RPG, regression analyses revealed that ineffective arguing did predict experiences of loneliness above and beyond relational maintenance behaviors only, whereas this was …

Progressing Science, Technology, Engineering, And Math (Stem) Education In North Dakota With Near-Space Ballooning, Marissa Elizabeth Saad

Theses and Dissertations

The United States must provide quality science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in order to maintain a leading role in the global economy. Numerous initiatives have been established across the United States that promote and encourage STEM education within the middle school curriculum. Integrating active learning pedagogy into instructors' lesson plans will prepare the students to think critically - a necessary skill for the twenty first century.

This study integrated a three-week long Near Space Balloon project into six eighth grade Earth Science classes from Valley Middle School in Grand Forks, North Dakota. It was hypothesized that after the …

A Comparison Of Food Accessibility From 2002 To 2012 In St. Paul, Minnesota, Brett Sergenian

Theses and Dissertations

This study compared the changes in the healthy food accessibility landscape of St. Paul from 2002 to 2012. Food deserts are areas of limited or no accessibility to healthy food options. Local food landscapes in the U.S. and Canada have changed significantly over the past 50 years as many supermarkets have relocated out of the inner cities and into the suburbs. As a result, many inner city neighborhoods no longer have adequate access to healthy food. Despite supermarkets relocating out of the inner city, small and mid-sized grocers could stock healthy food options. The research questions answered are: Where are …

Effects Of Generic Versus Personally Delivered Education And Self-Disclosure On Elementary School Children's Social Attitudes Towards A Peer With Tourette Syndrome, Erin Lynn Olufs

Theses and Dissertations

Children with tic disorders are at a higher risk for peer rejection and social withdrawn. Children who face peer rejection are at greater risk for internalizing, externalizing, and social problems, and often experience extreme loneliness and a lack of friendships. The impact of educational videos and self-disclosure have been examined in separate studies and have been shown to increase positive attitudes towards those with TS, but the two methods of education have not yet been directly compared to one another with a student population. In the current study, the differential effects of receiving professional TS education, self-disclosure TS education, and …

Neighborhood Perceptions In The Near South Side Neighborhood Of Grand Forks, Nd, Mikel Elizabeth Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Older neighborhoods across the country are at risk of collapse. In response, city governments are taking a renewed interest in their older inner-city districts. Urban Neighborhood Initiatives (UNI) is one way local governments are renewing and revitalizing these neighborhoods. This is happening in Grand Forks, ND. Consequently, this study's focus is on the perceptions of residents in the Near South Side neighborhood (NSS).

Data was collected through a questionnaire survey. A total of 203 replies were received from the pool of 740 surveys distributed in the Mayors Urban Neighborhood Initiative and the attached historic district. The four research questions focused …

Panic Development Mechanisms And Preventive Methods Analysis, Inga Wuerges

Theses and Dissertations

Panic Development (PD) is one of the most important areas of Human Factors research due to its debilitating effects during high stress operating conditions in extreme environments. High levels of anxiety and panic evoke incidents that are a real threat to mission success and may result in fatalities. A delicate balance of crew selection, training, and systems' design is critical for mission success and human survival.

This research investigates possible panic development profiles and methods for preventing panic through realistic training. This research focuses on realistic training scenarios during the intense military flying exercise Red-Flag Alaska at Eielson AFB, AK. …

The Combined Effects Of Copper Sulfate And Hypoxia Stress On The Swim Performance Of Bluegill Sunfish (Lepomis Macrochirus), Dustin D. Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

Copper (Cu) is a component of several aquatic pesticides often used to target noxious algae, but at high concentrations may elicit toxic effects on non-target organisms such as fish. The severity of Cu toxicity varies widely by fish species, Cu concentration, duration of exposure, and water quality. Hypoxia is a widely occurring aquatic stressor that is also a potential side effect of Cu application due to increased oxygen demand from algae decay. Because Cu and hypoxia stress may occur in concert, it is important to understand and quantify their combined effects. Critical swimming speed (Ucrit) tests are an efficient and …

Novel Approaches Investigating Predisposition For Maternal Group B Streptococcus Colonization, Michelle Lynn Wright

Theses and Dissertations

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of infectious neonatal morbidity and mortality in the United States. Maternal GBS colonization is the primary risk factor associated with neonatal infection. However, maternal risk factors for GBS colonization are ambiguous. A conceptual framework of gene-environment interactions guided the approach for this study analyzing DNA methylation, serum cytokines, and vitamin D levels. The purpose of this study was to identify potential maternal biomarkers associated with GBS colonization. Descriptive statistics were conducted to depict sample characteristics (n=42 pregnant women) and identify potential confounding variables including, but not limited to: medical history, race, weight, …