Digital Commons Network^™

Volume 48, Number 39: May 18, 2011, University Of North Dakota

University Letter Archive

No abstract provided.

Doctor Of Medicine Commencement: May 15, 2011, University Of North Dakota

UND Commencement Programs

Doctor of Medicine Commencement program from May 15, 2011.

Spring Commencement: May 14, 2011, University Of North Dakota

UND Commencement Programs

UND Spring Commencement program from May 14, 2011.

Volume 48, Number 38: May 11, 2011, University Of North Dakota

University Letter Archive

No abstract provided.

School Of Law Commencement: May 7, 2011, University Of North Dakota

UND Commencement Programs

School of Law Commencement program from May 7, 2011.

Volume 48, Number 37: May 04, 2011, University Of North Dakota

University Letter Archive

No abstract provided.

Composition At Play: Blurring Binaries To Engage First Year Writing Students, Jessica Santini

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Resources For Assisting Elderly Individuals With Insomnia: An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Michelle Linn Anderson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to provide a resource manual for elderly individuals, and those providing care to elderly people, to assist the individual in relieving symptoms of insomnia. Insomnia affects elderly individuals worldwide. Studies document that approximately 50% of individuals in the United States over the age of 65 are noted to have either clinically diagnosed or self-diagnosed insomnia (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2007). As the population worldwide continues to age, it is important that occupational therapists, elderly individuals, family members and care providers be aware of the impact that symptoms of insomnia may …

Evidence-Base Practice: Screening For Depression And Suicidality In High Functioning Autistic Spectrum Disorder Adolescents, Jennifer A. Durward

Theses and Dissertations

Research regarding assessing for suicide and depression in high-functioning autistic spectrum disorders (HFASDs) is very limited. An extensive literature review focusing on HFASDs was conducted, which resulted in adolescents with HFASDs are likely to experience depression and suicidality compared to those who are neurotypical or those not diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) because of limited social and communication skills. These deficits put these individuals at risk for depression, therefore, suicidality. PubMed, SCOPUS, PsychiatryOnline. and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (C1NAHL) were used to research information for this independent study. Implications for psychiatric nurse practitioners and …

Vitamin D And Malignant Melanoma Outcomes, Jenna L. Green

Theses and Dissertations

Ultraviolet exposure from sunlight and other sources is the major risk factor for the development of malignant melanoma of the skin. Exposure to sunlight is also the main pathway the human body obtains vitamin D. Cell proliferation, differentiation and inhibition is mediated in part by vitamin D, leading researchers to suspect vitamin D has a protective role in various cancers, including melanoma. The purpose of the project was to review the current available literature focusing on the relationship between vitamin D levels and melanoma outcomes. The review of the literature was designed to address the clinical question: What is the …

Assessment Of Pain In The Older Adult With Dementia, Helen Laferriere

Theses and Dissertations

Pain is common in the older adult as they continue to age regardless of their cognitive ability. Whether the older adult resides in the community, in a nursing facility or is hospitalized, pain is prevalent in this population. The assessment and management of pain in the older adult with cognitive impairment is a challenge for those in healthcare. Based on the severity of the dementia, the older adult may not be able to verbalize or describe their pain. Therefore, it is vital that healthcare providers are able to identify pain in this population. Observational assessment scales, such as the Abbey …

Developing A Remote Sensing Algorithm For Deriving Soil Moisture From Spectral Reflectance, Santosh Rijal

Theses and Dissertations

Wet weather cycle since 1993 has brought ground water level closer to the surface of the soil in many areas in the Red River Valley (RRV) of the North basin. Many farmers have to delay spring plantation or autumn harvest due to excessive moisture in', their farmland. In such case, it becomes increasingly important to have timely and accurate information on the soil moisture conditions. Conventional soil moisture measurement techniques are point-based that results in poor spatial representation of soil moisture. Remote sensing techniques offer many potential advantages over traditional means such as repetitive coverage and areal representation. The objective …

Communication Barriers Between Providers And Parents Of Adhd Adolescent Patients Who Use Complementary And Alternative Medicine, Angela Sietz

Theses and Dissertations

There is increased use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children and adolescents. Some of the most common types of CAM used in ADHD include: modified diet, vitamins/and or minerals, dietary supplements, aromatherapy and chiropractic care. Many parents/patients do not share their use of CAM with their provider. This inadequate communication between parents and health care providers can be dangerous. This paper addresses the prevalence of ADHD, the types of CAM being used and discusses evidence in support of these therapies. Communication between patients and providers regarding the use of CAM …

The Effectiveness Of Using Non-Pharmacological Interventions In Managing Behavioral And Psychological Symptoms Of Dementia (Bpsd) In Long Term Care Facilities, Sandra J. Holmgren

Theses and Dissertations

Neuropsychiatric symptoms such as aggression, agitation, anxiety, mood disorders, and psychosis are frequently associated with the diagnosis of dementia (Schneder, Dagennan, & lnsel, 2005; Wand et al., 2005; Zee & Burkett, 2008). These tenns have been grouped together under the term 'behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia' (BPSD) by the International Psychogeriatiic Association (Douglas, James, & Ballard, 2004). Neuropsychiatric symptoms are often reasons for institutionalization in nursing homes due to increased burden and stress on the caregiver (Douglas, James & Clive, 2004; Murman et al, 2002). As the elderly population continues to grow, dementia and its related symptoms will remain …

Volume 48, Number 36: April 27, 2011, University Of North Dakota

University Letter Archive

No abstract provided.

Volume 48, Number 35: April 20, 2011, University Of North Dakota

University Letter Archive

No abstract provided.

Development And Application Of Nanomaterials For Analysis And Energy-Related Catalysis, Aize Li

Theses and Dissertations

Nanocomposites combine the merits of two or more nanomaterials and their development is a rapidly growing field. Two inorganic materials, SiO2 and TiO2, have long served as adaptable nanomaterials due to their non-toxic properties, low cost, high thermal and chemical stability. The goals of the research reported in this dissertation were to develop some novel nanocomposites based on these two nanomaterials, and to test their applications in environmental analysis and energy-related catalysis. Silica-supported Pt and Pt/Ru nanocatalysts were prepared using a template synthesis and applied in a direct methanol fuel cell. Various techniques such as EDS, TEM, XRD, UV-vis, and …

Silica Nanomatrix Effect On The Properties Of Encapsulated Molecules And Silica-Metal Nanoparticles For Bioapplications, Song Liang

Theses and Dissertations

Dye-doped silica nanoparticles (DDSNs) are one of the most popular fluorescent nanomaterials in bioapplications. The first chapter of this dissertation provides an overview of the DDSNs including general fabrication methods, unique properties, and current challenges. In the following three chapters, this dissertation is focused on two challenging areas of DDSN studies. One is the fundamental properties of dye molecules in the DDSNs, and the other is the design of new multifunctional DDSNs for bioapplications. In the first area, the effect of silica nanomatrix on the properties of doped molecules was investigated. Two important molecular properties were covered including the reaction …

Rural Adolescent Perceptions Of Quality Relationships, Jessica L. Semler

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore experiences and perspectives of rural adolescents regarding quality or healthy relationships. The Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) method was used to analyze the qualitative data. Twelve eighth grade adolescent participants from three rural Midwestern junior high schools participated in the present study. Each participate completed an in-person, semi-structured interview. Specifically, questions were asked regarding participants meanings of healthy and unhealthy relationships, their perceptions of their current relationships with peers, family, and other adults, what they hoped for in future relationships, their ideas about why healthy relationships are important, and how they believe …

Impact Of Outcome Severity And Perceiver Similarity On Judgments Of Blame And Responsibility, Bridget L. Hanson

Theses and Dissertations

As the severity of an outcome increases, the responsibility assigned to the actor increases. This relationship interacts with actor-observer similarity such that similar others are typically assigned less responsibility in severe instances. These defensive attributions protect the perceiver from the conclusion that a similarly severe outcome could befall him/her. This study investigated the defensive attribution hypothesis as it relates to attributions of controllability, responsibility, and blame as well as punishment outcomes. Outcome severity and actor-perceiver similarity were manipulated using a child neglect paradigm in which a child is left unattended in a vehicle on a hot day. Within this context, …

Predictors Of Communication Delay In Children In The North Dakota Right Track Program, Carol A. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Communication delays in infants and toddlers are significantly under- identified, prohibiting early intervention for many children and their families who might benefit from services. Recognizing communication delays early in life is critical for appropriate brain development to allow children to reach their potential. Researchers have sought to identify earlier and more accurate predictors of delays in communication development. Current approaches to the early identification of young children at risk for communication delay are not sufficiently sensitive to detect early stages of communication delay in all cases. There is a need to develop more sensitive methods for the early detection of …

Translocation Effects Of Lcrv Extracellular Surface Residues And Regulation Of Lcrg Binding To The T3ss Of Yersinia Pestis, Thomas A. Henderson

Theses and Dissertations

Yersinia pestis, the etiological agent of the plague, immobilizes the host's innate immune response by translocating proteins called Yops (Yersinia outer proteins) into the eukaryotic cytoplasm using a type III secretion system (T3SS) injectisome known as the Yersinia secretion complex (Ysc). The T3SS injectisome, in many ways, resembles a hypodermic needle, composed of oligomeric rings with distinct areas responsible for different functions and many of these areas share homology to the flagellar T3SS basal body inner and outer membrane rings. Starting with the cytoplasmic region of the inner membrane known as the C-ring, this is an area where secretion is …

April 7, 2011, University Of North Dakota

University Senate Meeting Minutes

Minutes from the April 7, 2011, meeting of the University Senate. 12 pages

Volume 48, Number 33: April 06, 2011, University Of North Dakota

University Letter Archive

No abstract provided.

Spring 2011, University Of North Dakota Alumni Association

ALL: UND Alumni Review Master List

Spring 2011 issue of "The University of North Dakota Alumni Review." 60 pages

Volume 94, Number 1

Vol. 36, No. 1: Spring 2011, School Of Medicine & Health Sciences

North Dakota Medicine Archive

No abstract provided.

Anesthesia Concerns With The Beach Chair Position, Jody Morlan

Theses and Dissertations

The beach chair position has become a commonplace positioning technique for various procedures in the operating room. The purpose of this study was to review research related to the use of the beach chair position and general anesthesia along with the complications associated with it. There can be complications associated with this position that include venous air embolism, unrecognized cerebral hypoperfusion, blindness, and nerve injuries. The beach chair position causes many hemodynamic changes in the body; this is compounded when general anesthesia is used to further impact the stability of patients. Recent research has shown a death and three cases …

Honey In Healing: New Look At An Old Treatment, Tracy Jo Enger

Theses and Dissertations

Chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers continue to be a difficult problem to manage, especially in the elderly populations. They are costly in terms of pain, as well as medical resources. The initiative Healthy People 2010 has set a goal at reducing the number of chronic wounds, more specifically pressure ulcers, by 50% in nursing home residents. (Porth & Matfin, 2009). Researchers are diligently attempting to find new, innovative, and cost-effective ways to manage chronic wounds. One solution may actually be an old remedy; honey. The purpose of this work is to provide healthcare workers with a review of the …

Methods And Effectiveness Of Psychoeducation: A Literature Review, Roxann Hackbarth

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Evidence For The Need Of A Screening Tool To Recognize Perinatal Substance Abuse, Joeanna L. Larson

Theses and Dissertations

Perinatal substance abuse is a dangerous and detrimental problem faced by providers. Many questions arise when suspecting perinatal substance use. When is the appropriate time to screen? Are there clinical signs that providers can use to guide their decision? Is there the need for a tool that providers can use to guide their decisions? Screening for perinatal substance use is a difficult choice for providers. If a tool existed that would allow providers to screen for perinatal substance abuse based on clinical signs and symptoms, the judgment would lie in the evidence, and not with the provider. A screening tool …