Digital Commons Network^™

The Catalytic Conversion Of Corn Stover Sugars Into Lactic Acid, Ahmed Essam

Theses and Dissertations

The rising global demand for addressing global warming necessitates the development of renewable-based alternatives to current fossil fuel-based chemicals and fuels. Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant energy source following fossil fuels. As a result, agricultural residues such as corn stover have attracted substantial interest for utilization as a potential feedstock for renewable chemicals.Previous research work at the University of North Dakota showed promising results in converting corn stover sugars into chemical building blocks. The most crucial of these chemicals is lactic acid, which can be used in multiple applications including food, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable plastics. Traditionally, lactic acid is …

Fluorescence Imaging Systems To Detect Contamination On Surfaces Common In Food Processing And Medical Facilities, Benjamin Hu

Theses and Dissertations

Biofilm are aggregates of microbial cells encased under an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) and resist sanitizers or antibiotics. Because of their persistence on various surfaces such as medical devices or industrial piping, biofilm formation is associated with approximately 65% of all microbial infections. Thus, their detection and deactivation are of great importance to public health. Many detection methods such as swabbing require sampling by rubbing , which can be inefficient and challenging. This study proposes the use of handheld multispectral fluorescence imaging systems to detect and deactivate biofilm in situ. We utilized the Contamination and Sanitization Inspection (CSI) and -Disinfection …

Cyclical Musicians: Collegiate Music Students’ Experiences Of Instrumental Musicking Processes Across The Menstrual Cycle, Anne Marques Catarin

Theses and Dissertations

Instrumental music researchers tend to focus on non-sex-specific health topics, such as posture (e.g., Garnett et al., 2022; Rousseau et al., 2023), musculoskeletal health (e.g., Mizrahi, 2020; Pratt et al., 2020), or neurological movement disorders (e.g., Altenmüller & Jabusch, 2010; Frucht, 2009). Despite the considerable extent of topics covered in musician health, the role of menstrual health in instrumentalists is currently underdeveloped. Using a case study design (Stake, 1995; Yin, 2014), I explored the unspoken experiences of collegiate instrumental music majors who menstruate, in an investigation to better understand the role of menstrual cycles in their musicking. For four months, …

Development Of Fluorescent-Based Nanoparticles For Bioimaging, Gene Regulation Expression, And Photo-Induced Synergistic Cancer Therapy, Di Sun

Theses and Dissertations

Fluorescent-based nanoparticles have been applied to a broad range of biological applications, as discussed in this dissertation, including bioimaging, gene regulation expression, and photo-induced synergistic cancer therapy. Prior to applications, this dissertation first focused on the development and characterization of several fluorescent-based nanoparticles using different methods. These include 1) Streamlined synthesis of dual-emissive fluorescent-based silicon quantum dots (SiQDs). The SiQDs were generated as a promising, non-toxic labeling tool for bioimaging of a variety of cell types. both in visible and near-infrared (NIR) ranges. 2) Polymer-based nanoparticles - Polymer dots (Pdots) with a strong NIR fluorescence. The Pdots were functionalized as …

“How Can I Teach When I Was Not Taught How?”: Teacher Education For Mother Tongue Instruction For Stem In Southwest Nigeria, Motunrayo Adeosun

Theses and Dissertations

In this qualitative study, the experiences, training, and challenges of teachers in primary schools in a community in southwest Nigeria were explored. The purpose of this study was to identify the experiences of teachers about their training for mother tongue instruction and how they teach pupils with the mother tongue or local language of the community, the challenges faced by teachers in teaching with the mother tongue, and the strategies used by teachers to overcome the challenges. This study found that teachers received no training and there is no curriculum for the training of teachers to teach in the mother …

Parp1 Modulates Gata3-Mediated Gene Regulation In Breast Cancer, Mikhala Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

In eukaryotic cells, chromatin acts as a physical barrier for many transcription factors, preventing them from efficiently binding to their recognition sequences within the nucleosome. Pioneer factors are a class of transcription factors that bind to nucleosomes and activate silent chromatin. Pioneer factors are frequently involved in various immune cell pathways, tissue development, and homeostasis, thereby underscoring their important roles in development and disease. Previous research found that pioneer factors have at least three fundamental properties: 1) they can interact with their cognate recognition sequences before transcription activation, 2) they can increase local chromatin accessibility, and 3) they have integral …

October 24, 2024, The Dakota Student

The Dakota Student

No abstract provided.

Tribal Data Sovereignty: A Summary Of Structures, Systems, Principles, Laws, And Related Resources With An Emphasis On New Mexico, Melanie Nadeau, Amber Lyon-Colbert, Keona Manuelito, Tracy Wharton, Courtney Davis

Indigenous Health Faculty Publications

This project examines the landscape of available scholarship and identifies key concepts, frameworks, and mechanisms that have been developed and are central to the creation of partnerships between Tribal and state public health professionals. Public health professionals, both on and off of Tribal lands, need data to inform decision making for health and education, funding, and resource allocation. Effective collection and use of data that includes Tribal Peoples must engage best practices for data stewardship and protection, recognizing the embedded biases of frameworks and theory, while finding mechanisms to enable public health actions and policy making in real time. Data …

Ai Case Study Assignment, Jeffrey Anvari-Clark

AI Assignment Library

This assignment is intended to students develop digital literacy and social work skills by creating a social work case note using ChatGPT, Claude, or a similar AI software. By using the software, creating the note, and reflecting on the process, students will learn to: 1. appropriately integrate advanced AI technology into their work as helping professionals, 2. analyze the benefits and limits of AI usage (along with ethical considerations), 3. create a case note that is clear, concise, and comprehensive, and 4. evaluate the role of social demographics on individual well-being. The assignment is for a 200-level course, a prerequisite …

The Role Of Southern Red-Backed Voles, Myodes Gapperi, And Peromyscus Mice In The Enzootic Maintenance Of Lyme Disease Spirochetes In North Dakota, Usa, Michael W. Dougherty, Nathan M. Russart, Robert A. Gaultney, Emily Marie Gisi, Haley M. Cooper, Lindsey R. Kallis, Catherine A. Brissette, Jefferson A. Vaughan

Biology Faculty Publications

Lyme disease has expanded into the Great Plains of the USA. To investigate local enzootic transmission, small mammals were trapped in two forested tracts in northeastern North Dakota during 2012 and 2013. Peromyscus mice and southern red-backed voles, Myodes gapperi, comprised over 90% of all mammals captured. One site was dominated by Peromyscus (79% of 100 mammals captured). At the other site, M. gapperi (59% of 107 mammals captured) was more abundant than Peromyscus (36%). Immature stages of two tick species parasitized small mammals: Dermacentor variabilis and Ixodes scapularis. Larval I. scapularis ectoparasitism was significantly higher on Peromyscus (81% …

Summer Commencement: August 2, 2024, University Of North Dakota

UND Commencement Programs

UND Sumer Commencement program from August 2, 2024.

Density Functional Theory Study Of Some Important Biological Molecules, Desmond Khan

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the performance of various quantum chemical methods, particularly density functional theory (DFT), in predicting noncovalent interactions in eleven unnatural amino acids. The research compares five DFT functionals (PBE-D3, B3LYP-D3, HSE06, M06-2X, and ꞷB97XD) and MP2 theory against the benchmark CCSD(T) method, using two Pople basis sets (6-31G* and 6-311++G**). Results highlight ꞷB97XD's superior performance in capturing strong dispersion interactions, especially when paired with the 6-311++G** basis set. Additionally, the study investigates interactions between biomimetic Fe and Mg co-doped montmorillonite clay and the amino acids. It reveals the necessity of employing PBE-GGA + U with U ≥ 4 …

Unveiling Facilitators And Barriers Of Breastfeeding Initiation And Continuation And Designing Culturally Tailored Intervention For African American Mothers, Nadia Boahemaa Kyeremeh

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the determinants of breastfeeding initiation and continuation among African American women in the United States and evaluates the effectiveness of an intervention using WordPress to disseminate culturally relevant breastfeeding information to African American women. First, secondary data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) was used to test factors influencing breastfeeding initiation and continuation among White and Black women. The results showed that the foreign-born (vs. US-born) status, residing (vs. non-residing) with grandparents, and strong (vs. weak) cultural identity were positively associated with breastfeeding initiation and continuation across racial groups. Based on the secondary …

Examining Mental Health Professionals' Attitudes Towards Individuals With Rural Accents, Emily Heavner

Theses and Dissertations

Bias against people from rural areas is ingrained in American culture, and stereotypes that people from rural regions are backwards, uneducated, and unintelligent are prevalent (Fulkerson & Thomas, 2016; Hartman et al., 2023; Howley, 2009; Shirley, 2010). Many people from rural areas have accents that mark them as coming from a rural region (Flanigan, 2000). Research suggests that accent is a reminder that the speaker is from a different cultural group than the listener, triggering biases and stereotypes about the speaker (Chakraborty, 2017). Because accent and rural culture are not often discussed as part of multicultural competence, many mental health …

Echo: A Graphical User Interface Designed To Simulate, Study, And Mitigate Effects Of Interplanetary Communication Delays In Analog Missions, Dario Gabriel Schor

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the vast distances between Earth and other planets, future human interplanetary missions will experience significant communication delays. The literature suggests that a combination of training, protocols, procedures, and tools is required to mitigate the negative impact that the communication delay has on both stress and performance. This research introduces a tool called ECHO that combines known and novel features designed to make users cognizant of the delay and avoid misunderstandings. ECHO was tested as part of a mixed-methods study over the course of three analog missions at the University of North Dakota's Integrated Lunar/Mars Habitat where a total …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Evaluation And Mitigation Of Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions In North Dakota, Amalie Victoria Joergensen

Theses and Dissertations

Annually, 365 million vertebrates are estimated killed in wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) in the US. Not only is this a threat to wildlife species, but it causes more than 25,000 human injuries, 200 human deaths, and over $10 billion in damage costs. North Dakota has a high rate of WVCs where more than 18 % of all collisions involve wildlife. Based on North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) crash data, we identify factors that affect the number of WVCs in North Dakota, and how these differ between different crash reporting methods. Additionally, we locate the WVC hotspots in North Dakota and …

Maturational Changes In The Epigenome And Transcriptome Of Hypothalamic Astrocytes: Implications For Axonal Regeneration, Abiodun Ebenezer Odufuwa

Theses and Dissertations

Axon regeneration is essential for effective repair following injury in the CNS. One of the burdens of aging is the lack of recovery following injury in the CNS. Our previous studies show that in 35-day-old rats, axon regeneration occurs in response to a unilateral hypothalamic lesion in the hypothalamus neurohypophyseal system. However, this regenerative ability is lost in 125-day-old rats. Furthermore, treatment of hypothalamic organotypic culture with ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) promotes axonal outgrowth and survival. Our previous studies suggest that astrocytes may be playing critical roles in this maturational loss of regenerative capacity because only astrocytes expressed all the …

Opencast: Cyanobacteria Growth And Correlations With Predictive Factors In Creation For Harmful Algal Bloom Formation, Devarshi Nikhil Patel

Theses and Dissertations

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems, public health, and local economies due to their production of toxins and negative impacts on water quality. This thesis investigates the correlations between cyanobacteria growth and environmental variables, including wind conditions, surface temperatures, and nutrient levels. This research uses machine learning and statistical modeling to predict HAB occurrences by analyzing these variables' historical and near real-time data. The findings indicate that wind speed, surface temperature, and nutrient levels influence cyanobacteria dynamics, with specific thresholds identified for predictive accuracy. The developed HAB predictive models and the graphical user interface (GUI) …

Pl 93-638: Utilizing The Indian Self Determination And Education Assistance Act (Isdeaa) To Enhance And Improve Oral Health Outcomes In A Tribal Community, Adriann Darlene Ricker

Theses and Dissertations

American Indians and Alaskan Natives experience the worst oral health outcomes. However, we are transitioning to a new era where Indigenous communities are reclaiming the narrative and health. This dissertation in practice was inspired by tribal self-determination and reclamation of health found through the newly established Fort Peck Tribal Health Dental Department utilizing the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act (PL 93-638). The guiding framework for the Fort Peck Tribal Health Dental Department and this dissertation is the Indigenous Primary Health Care Delivery Model which illuminates elements of community, empowerment, and self-determination with culture as center to all healthcare …

Introduction To Neuroengineering, Mercedes Terry, Abigail Tubbs, Blair Dupre, Brandon Fugger, Enrique Alvarez Vazquez

Open Educational Resources

"Introduction to Neuroengineering" serves as a comprehensive guide to the fast evolving field at the intersection of neuroscience, engineering, and technology. This book covers foundational concepts like neuron structure, action potentials, and neural modeling, moving through advanced topics like brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), neurostimulation, and imaging technologies (EEG, MEG, fMRI). Each chapter combines theory with practical exercises and lab examples, accessible through a GitHub repository to enhance hands-on learning. Aimed at students, educators, and professionals, this resource offers a foundation and inspiration for innovation in neuroengineering, promoting ongoing exploration in this impactful field.

Examining Correlations Of Historical Trauma And Ethnic Identification With Symptoms Of Depression In Native American College Students, Nerissa Dolney

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of how historical trauma and one’s degree of ethnic identity relate to symptoms of depression, due to controversy in the literature about such variables. Participants in this study self-identified as Native American, were over the age of 18, and were currently enrolled or have been previously enrolled at the University of North Dakota (UND). Participants completed a survey online via Qualtrics to gather information about their ethnic identity, frequency of historical loss thinking, and symptoms of depression. Historical loss thinking was found to be very prevalent among this sample, and …

Uas Teaming For Search And Rescue Applications, Conner Carriere

Theses and Dissertations

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations,combined with teaming configurations and optimized path planning algorithms, enhance efficiency in locating and assisting disaster victims. Flooding accounts for 90% of natural disasters in the USA, necessitating rapid scouting and supply drops in affected areas. Current UAS path planning lacks proper start and end point selection and does not use multiple aircraft collaboratively.

This study introduces a UAS teaming strategy with high-altitude leader drones for area coverage and lower-altitude follower drones for detailed data collection and supply drops. The focus is optimizing follower drone path plan- ning using the Open-Loop …

Development Of Multifunctional Biobased Lubricants From Soybean Oil And Their Tribological Behavior, Piash Bhowmik

Theses and Dissertations

Depletion of mineral oil leads the researchers to look for renewable oils recently. Soybean, which is one of the most produced crops globally, has been identified as a potential source for such oil. The problem with vegetable oils is, they consist of unsaturated fatty acids which leads to oxidation of the oils. With proper modification and the use of suitable additives, these oils can be adapted for use in various sectors. High oleic oils are becoming increasingly popular due to their high oleic acid content, which is a monounsaturated fatty acid. These oils are gaining attention for their improved stability …

On The Design Of Novel Bioplastics-Based Materials Using Advanced Blend Design And Solvent Casting, Edner Oloo

Theses and Dissertations

The development of bioplastic composites holds significant importance in addressing theescalating environmental concerns associated with conventional plastic materials, also referred to as traditional plastics. Traditional plastics are derived from fossil fuels. The utilization of fossil fuels to produce these plastic materials, and at the alarming rate they are currently being produced, contributes to several issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and plastic wastes accumulation. Therefore, development of bioplastic composites has emerged as a promising solution along with recycling. Bioplastics composites offer a sustainable alternative by utilizing degradable and renewable resources such as bioplastics (plant-based polymers) or agricultural biomass wastes. …

Healing Through Decolonized Learning: The Transformative Journeys Of Online Indigenous Health Ph.D. Students, Stephen Wyatt

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the transformative and healing experiences of doctoral students enrolled in the first fully online Indigenous Health Ph.D. program at the University of North Dakota. The research aims to understand the unique experiences and supports influencing the success of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in this program. The qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 23 Indigenous Health Ph.D. students (N = 23) to explore their lived experiences. By fostering a sense of community, incorporating cultural relevance into the curriculum, and providing robust support systems, the Indigenous Health Ph.D. program facilitated significant personal and academic growth …

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 …

Angler Knowledge Of Live Bait Regulations And Invasive Species: Insights For Invasive Species Prevention, Alexis L. Gerber, Hannah Mulligan, Mark A. Kaemingk, Alison A. Coulter

Biology Faculty Publications

The prevention of aquatic invasive species is one of the most cost-effective management strategies for reducing negative ecological, economic, and social impacts to freshwater ecosystems. The release of leftover baitfish via the live bait trade has been identified as a high-risk pathway for introducing invasive species beyond physical barriers (e.g., mountains, dams). To assess differences in behavior surrounding live bait use and angler knowledge of invasive species, we conducted in-person angler surveys at waterbody access sites (i.e. boat ramps with available shore fishing and a shore fishing location with no boat ramp) along the Missouri River, above and below Gavins …