Digital Commons Network^™

Adaptation To The Impacts Of Climate Change On Water Availability In The Upper Red River Of The North (Urrn), Innocent Kelechi Anosike

Theses and Dissertations

In the Upper Red River of the North (URRN), climate change has appeared to impact water availability, causing several major floods in recent years, and raising questions about whether climate change is responsible for the frequent occurrence of flooding in this major agricultural region in the Midwest USA. This thesis centers on investigating adaptative measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the URRN. One of the methods used is to compare changes in the outcomes of flood frequency analysis (FFA) for “before (pre-industrial) and after (industrial)” time periods. The study uses a combination of data analysis and literature …

Examining Tele-Mental Health Utilization In North American Indigenous Communities, Elleh A. Driscoll

Theses and Dissertations

Tele-mental health delivery reported by clinicians in Indigenous communities before, during, and after the pandemic has largely remained unexplored across psychology literature. Tele-mental health (TMH) is the utilization of technology tools to communicate and treat clients (Riding-Malon, 2014). TMH (i.e. mental health services accessed via zoom, telephone, etc.) is associated in recent research with effective rates for mental health care treatment comparable to in-person rates for both immediate and long-term outcomes (McCord, 2020; Lin, 2021). The current study examined self-reported mental health clinicians (n=104) serving North American Indigenous clients on a variety of TMH factors during and after the COVID-19 …

Co2-Storage Trapping In Deep Saline Aquifers: Numerical Modeling On The Broom Creek Formation, Christopher Nkansah

Theses and Dissertations

Carbon dioxide (CO2) storage in deep saline aquifers holds promise as a viable solution to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Bulk-CO2 injection and sequestration in deep saline aquifers is a complex geological process. Previous studies have shown that bulk-CO2 injection into deep saline aquifers provides sufficient aquifer storage efficiency. In North Dakota, the Broom Creek Formation exists in the subsurface as the upper unit of the Minnelusa Group.This study presents a simulation study of bulk-CO2 injection and storage in a saline aquifer belonging to the Minnelusa Group in the Broom Creek Formation by providing insights into and evaluating the efficiency …

Impacts Of Climatic Variability To Distributed Snow Observations In A Cold Region Agricultural Basin, Tyson L. Jeannotte

Theses and Dissertations

Seasonal dry and wet periods have been more frequently observed in the Northern Great Plains (NGP). Generally, in the NGP, short-term dry conditions are followed by long-term fluctuating wet periods. A recent NGP drought (1999‐2004) was followed in 2005 by a wet period. The impacts of dry and wet climate on snow processes and streamflow generations are poorly understood due to lack of field-based snow accumulation data. Most studies are limited to remotely sensed snow cover estimates or numerical modeling with very limited snow data. To gain an improved understanding of the hydrological processes to climatic variability in the NGP, …

Insights From Teachers And Students On Literacy Strategy Integration In A Rural North Dakota High School, Margaret Hilbers

Theses and Dissertations

Literacy development is an essential aspect of academic success. Educational institutions have worked to implement various strategies and initiatives to increase students’ literacy skills. Understanding the insights of both students and teachers is important for utilizing these skills effectively and if they have impact. Implementing strategies and initiatives at the secondary level should be strategic and help strengthen teachers’ instruction but also student outcomes. The study aims to understand the insights and experiences of both students and teachers to create more opportunities to enhance literacy instruction and strategies used in secondary content area classes. Research indicates that teachers need more …

Transcriptional Landscape Of Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells Under Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress: Implications For Inflammaging, Jappreet Singh Gill

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the intricate relationship between mitochondrial oxidative stress and the function of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), highlighting their essential roles in the aging immune system and the development of age-related diseases. The study delves into how mitochondrial impairments within Tregs contribute to widespread inflammation leading to pathological aging. One key analysis shows that mitochondrial oxidative stress undermines Treg functionality, intensifying inflammatory responses and increasing frailty in older adults. This dysfunction is associated with elevated inflammatory markers and presents a potential target for therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring mitochondrial health to alleviate these impacts. Another significant discovery connects …

A Student Co-Creation Lab As A Sustainable System For Oer Development, Sarah Ann Stokes

Theses and Dissertations

Open educational resources (OER) are digital and non-digital resources for teaching, learning, and research that are available for no cost and licensed with various open licenses, permitting their widespread modification and use. While these resources afford benefits to post-secondary students in terms of reduced cost, ease of access, and potential for customization, faculty members in Ontario, Canada face many barriers to creating these resources for their classes. While many post-secondary institutions have engaged in some form of OER-development initiative, the initiatives are typically not sustainable in the long term. This study explores the model, including the tools, techniques, and workflows, …

Numerical Investigation And Seismic Performance Evaluation Of Liquefied Natural Gas (Lng) Cylindrical Steel Storage Tanks Under Earthquake Loading, Shafqat Ullah

Theses and Dissertations

Cylindrical steel tanks are an important structural components of various industries, power plants, oil refineries, and other lifeline facilities. These liquid-filled reservoirs are prone to local instability (buckling) when exposed to lateral seismic forces. This thesis aims to study the seismic buckling performance of an empty and partially filled cylindrical steel storage tanks using finite element modeling (FEM) approaches. To validate the accuracy of the FEA ABAQUS software, the cylindrical tanks are considered for both static linear buckling, non-linear, as well as dynamic (seismic non-linear) analysis. A total of 3 cylindrical shells having 1 perfect model without carbon fiber reinforced …

Using Libensemble To Enhance Numerical Ice-Sheet Flow Simulations, Kuang Hsu Wang

Theses and Dissertations

Here, we interface an ice sheet flow model, FastIceFlo v1.0, with the Python toolkitlibEnsemble to enable dynamic ensembles of computations. We test the interface’s capability to perform dynamic ensembles of computations by conducting a sensitivity analysis. The results indicate the interface’s ability to perform dynamic ensembles of computations. Future work could extend the interface to include mass balance to run prognostic simulations. The eventual goal is to run simulation ensembles of large-scale ice sheets forward in time to better assess its sea level contribution sensitivity to uncertainties in climate forcing parameterization.

Machine Learning-Assisted Materials Development: Molecular Solubility Prediction, Polymeric Membrane Fabrication, And Scale Formation, Arash Tayyebi

Theses and Dissertations

Experiments are generally time-consuming, expensive, and rely on exhaustive planning, analysis, and testing efforts. The limitations of the traditional experimental methods in materials development can be overcome by the use of machine learning (ML) algorithms to guide and assess the discovery and fabrication processes. This dissertation involves developing different ML models, focusing on their utilization in three distinct, yet overlapping areas: Prediction of organic compound aqueous solubility, guiding separation membranes fabrication and predicting scale formation in commercially produced water systems.Prediction of organic compound aqueous solubility: A reliable and practical determination of a chemical species’ solubility in aqueous systems continues to …

A Document Analysis On The Role Of Innovation In The Strategic Plans Of Small Private Liberal Arts Institutions, Jillain Kaye Veil-Ehnert

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study provides interpretations of the nature of strategic plans at small private liberal arts institutions. The study explored the concepts of innovation, entrepreneurship, and transformation detailed in the plans. This study included a specific cohort of eight United States small private liberal arts colleges with similar characteristics regarding academic programs, enrollment, and fiscal stability. The research was conducted through document analysis of the institutions’ publicly available strategic plans. The data collected illustrates what the documents indicates about innovation, entrepreneurship, and transformation at small private liberal arts colleges. Key findings on innovations in the plans included a focus on …

Sustainable Synthesis: An Emphasis On Green Chemical Reactions Using Eco-Uva Light For [2+2] Photocycloadditions Of Furan Derivatives, Sierra Rose Ward

Theses and Dissertations

The first section of this study investigates the effect of low temperatures on [2+2] photocycloaddition reactions of a furan derivative, furyl acrylic acid, which can be derived from biomass, and its effect on various photoactive monomers. The experiments demonstrated that the furan derivative could dimerize in extreme temperatures (-196 oC) using liquid nitrogen with up to 82% conversion. The second chapter is dedicated to developing a more environmentally friendly reaction procedure for a different furan derivative, maleic anhydride, with simple olefins (specifically cyclohexene and 1-hexene). Traditionally, these reactions were performed with medium-pressure mercury lamps, conventional photochemical reaction vessels, and flow …

High Performance Simulation Of Astrocyte Morphology And Dynamics For Brain Imaging, Lun Zhao

Theses and Dissertations

The brain is a complex organ composed of neurons and glial cells. Historically, glial cells were often overlooked in neuroscience research, but their significance has gained increasing recognition in recent years due to mounting evidence demonstrating their pivotal roles in brain function and disease. Notably, a growing body of research highlights the active involvement of astrocytes, the most abundant type of glial cells, in numerous neurological diseases. With the development of microscopy technology, our understanding of astrocytes is becoming more and more abundant. Due to the characteristics of microscopy, tissue scattering and environmental noise, there is a high demand for …

Exploring Small-Scale Propellers Performance At Low Advance Ratios, Ali Akber Mollick, Sara Catto, Forrest E. Ames, Clement Tang

Mechanical Engineering Student Publications

The performance of small-scale propellers was experimentally measured at low advance ratios and Reynolds numbers. The propeller diameters range from 14 to 19 inches, with all propellers having the same pitch value of 12. Using a thrust stand situated in a low-speed open-circuit wind tunnel, the propeller thrust, torque, and angular speed were measured at various freestream velocities. The results from this study offer insights on the performance of small propellers at low advance ratios and low Reynolds numbers. Propeller performance results at these conditions tend to be limited in the literatures. At the same pitch value of 12, the …

Survey Of Space Professionals’ Perception Of Satellite Cybersecurity From 2012 To 2022: Decision-Makers’ Thoughts On Satellite Cybersecurity Evolving, Rachel C. Jones

Aerospace Sciences Student Publications

Cyberattacks on space assets are often portrayed in vague terms of doubt and mystery. Several claims depict satellites being compromised or attacked, but little corroboration has been published or made publicly available. As the commercial space industry grows, increased concern with space cybersecurity will prompt commercial satellite decision-makers to analyze the often-undefined risk of cyberattacks against satellites. This article identifies and characterizes the nature of cybersecurity risks to space assets and postulates why space professionals might not prioritize cybersecurity. Additional information was captured from a decadal survey of space professionals conducted in 2012 and 2022. The results show a rise …

Is It Really A Neuromyth? A Meta-Analysis Of The Learning Styles Matching Hypothesis, Virginia Clinton-Lisell, Christine Litzinger

Education, Health & Behavior Studies Faculty Publications

Learning styles have been a contentious topic in education for years. The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of the effects of matching instruction to modality learning styles compared to unmatched instruction on learning outcomes. A systematic search of the research findings yielded 21 eligible studies with 101 effect sizes and 1,712 participants for the meta-analysis. Based on robust variance estimation, there was an overall benefit of matching instruction to learning styles, g = 0.31, SE = 0.12, 95% CI = [0.05, 0.57], p = 0.02. However, only 26% of learning outcome measures indicated matched instruction benefits …

Will Capturing Co2 Harm Local Plant Growth?, University Of North Dakota. Energy And Environmental Research Center

EERC Brochures and Fact Sheets

Capturing CO₂ will not harm local plant growth. The goal of CO₂ capture is to slow the increase of CO₂ levels in the atmosphere, not to reduce CO₂ to levels that could impact crop growth.

Open Educational Resources: A Brief Overview, Jackson Harper

Librarian Posters and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Investigating H2s Occurrence In Bakken Oil-Producing Wells Using Sulfur Isotopes In Gas, Water, And Rock Samples, Alexander V. Chakhmakhchev, Marc D. Kurz, T. Austin Mcrae, Xue Yu, Arash Abarghani, Darren D. Schmidt, Nicholas A. Azzolina, Bethany A. Kurz, James A. Sorensen

EERC Publications, Papers, & Presentations

This work investigated multiple mechanisms that can potentially lead to H₂S in the oil production stream of Bakken wells, including TSR, BSR, source rock generation, migration from deeper or shallower formations that contain H₂S, and geomechanical mechanisms related to reservoir stimulation work.

The Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction On Electromyography Activity Of Proximal And Distal Upper Extremity Musculature, Sami Dullum, Clyde Jensen, Connor Remus

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Blood flow restriction therapy (BFR) has become a popular strength training and intervention method. Research shows BFR increases muscular hypertrophy and strength, mostly attributed to vascular occlusion. The purpose of this study is to examine BFR effects on proximal and distal muscle electromyography (EMG) activity to evaluate characteristics of fatigue in the infraspinatus (INFRA) and extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) during resistive side-lying shoulder external rotation (ER). Number of Subjects: 51

Materials/Methods: Fifty-one college students, 31 females, and 20 males participated in the study. Shoulder ER peak force was identified in side-lying utilizing a MicroFET. Participants completed shoulder …

Prosocial Behavior, Sean Fernando, Claire Leach, Danielle Haake, Debra Bigelow-Davis, Jillian Stokes, Aj Kalawai'a, Nore Heinitz, Grace Bates

Psychology Student Publications

Prosocial behavior is a widely researched area of social psychology. It can be defined as the voluntary actions performed with the goal of benefiting others. This concept of helping others includes a wide range of actions, from simple acts such as holding the door open for someone to larger acts like donating money to charity (Peetz & Howard, 2022). This chapter will explore the topic of prosocial behavior by identifying the main types of prosocial behavior and the measure used to assess them, explaining the motivation behind prosocial behavior, and discussing various benefits and counterarguments to prosocial behavior.

Visualizing Victory: The Role Of Imagery In Empowering Athletes Battling Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Sydney Raboin

Education, Health & Behavior Studies Student Publications

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the most common mental health disorders that can make activities of daily life more challenging, as well as adversely impact wellbeing. OCD is an anxiety disorder that presents as uncontrollable and unsolicited thoughts, mental images, and sensations, followed by obsession over them and an irresistible need to complete compulsive behaviors in attempt to challenge them and find relief. It causes fear of both one’s own thoughts and the world around them. OCD shows its place in the athletic realm where it can impact an athlete’s mentality, attention, behaviors, and goal orientation, which may potentially …

Doctor Of Medicine Commencement: May 4, 2024, University Of North Dakota

UND Commencement Programs

UND Doctor of Medicine Commencement program from May 4, 2024.

School Of Law Commencement: May 4, 2024, University Of North Dakota

UND Commencement Programs

UND School of Law Commencement program from May 4, 2024.

The Grand Forks Business And Professional Women’S Club: A History Of Women’S Empowerment, Emily Bruer

Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Showcase

Members of the Grand Forks Business and Professional Women’s Club (GFBPWC) personified the intersection of consumer culture, Progressive reform, and the professionalization of women’s labor that occurred between 1890 and 1930. Their membership in the GFBPWC implied economic, political, and social empowerment and granted them an opportunity to actively participate in and transform their community. Not only were these professional women recognized as reputable, upstanding, and passionate members of their community, but they also saw themselves as agents of positive change and improvement within their own lives and for future generations. This study of the concurrent rise of consumer culture, …

The Grand Forks Business And Professional Women’S Club: A History Of Women’S Empowerment, Emily Bruer

History Student Publications

Members of the Grand Forks Business and Professional Women’s Club (GFBPWC) personified the intersection of consumer culture, Progressive reform, and the professionalization of women’s labor that occurred between 1890 and 1930. Their membership in the GFBPWC implied economic, political, and social empowerment and granted them an opportunity to actively participate in and transform their community. Not only were these professional women recognized as reputable, upstanding, and passionate members of their community, but they also saw themselves as agents of positive change and improvement within their own lives and for future generations. This study of the concurrent rise of consumer culture, …

Functional Movement Screen: Exploring Interrater Reliability Between Students, Katie Biegel, Maari Dolan, Sidni Kast, Abi Kuznia, Blake Sjostrom

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to assess the interrater reliability between five second-year physical therapy students on the scoring of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) on 45 participants via pre-recorded videos. To our knowledge, few studies have been completed regarding interrater reliability on the FMS with the new criteria on the ankle mobility clearing test and updated criteria on the rotary stability test.

Materials/Methods: The students and an FMS expert reviewed grading criteria for each test and clearing test. Each student rater was allowed to watch each video once to score the motion to the best of …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Treatment For A Patient With A Transtibial Amputation: A Case Report, Cade D. Salentine

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Transtibial amputations (TTA) impose significant functional difficulty on those who undergo the procedure. Physical therapy is one of the resources that can be used to maximize a patient's outcomes following surgery. Physical therapists play a vital role in the improvement of strength, functional mobility, and independence following a TTA. This report covers the outpatient physical therapy evaluation and treatment of a patient status post-TTA. The purpose of this case was to identify different treatments, considerations, and outcome measures, that can be used when treating a patient with a TTA.

Case Description: The patient is a 66-year-old male who …

Physical Therapy Interventions And Outcomes For A Patient With Multiple Co-Morbidities: A Case Study, Morgan M. Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction. Multimorbidity is present in a significant percentage of hospital admissions with 84.1% involving one or more co-morbidities leading to longer, more expensive stays and higher inpatient mortality rates. The purpose of this case study is to evaluate physical therapy’s effects, interventions and outcomes for a patient with common co-morbidities to determine physical therapy outcomes.

Case Description. The patient was a 75-year-old female who presented to physical therapy with an admitting diagnoses of congestive heart failure and acute kidney injury. Her additional relevant medical diagnoses were hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity, depression, 2-month status post ORIF of right ankle …

A Comparison Of Senior Athlete Data To Normative Values: A Research Study, Brooke M. Flicek, Kailen G. Halvorson, Ashley J. Schuster, Kacee J. White

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

It is common to develop certain conditions with aging that can include but not limited to: osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, falls, and general geriatric syndromes (delirium, dementia, depression, pressure ulcers, urinary incontinence, sarcopenia, chronic pain). Physical activity can help prevent many conditions. This is where the Senior Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) becomes relevant. It is specifically designed by physical therapist Becca Jordre, in order to evaluate cardiovascular, muscular, flexibility, and balance fitness within the older adult population. At the Senior Games, the SAFE is used as a screening tool designed to identify health and risk factors for the senior athlete. …