Digital Commons Network^™

Addressing Sleep Within The Hand Therapy Practice Context, Grant Edwin Tolkkinen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Sleep is an essential pillar for health and well-being, yet this is not well understood by the general public. Many clients seen within the occupational therapy advanced practice context of hand therapy are at risk of sleep disturbances which will impact the sensorimotor, cognitive, and psychosocial components of the client. Sleep disturbances also negatively affect many aspects which are required for successful recovery and return to occupational engagement for those with conditions of the upper extremity. Addressing sleep within practice allows occupational therapy practitioners within the advanced practice context of hand therapy to promote occupational performance across all waking …

Chronic Pain Management In Adults In Rural Areas And Its Effect On Health And Well-Being: An Occupational Therapist’S Guide For Clients, Kinley Jo Nordin

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Chronic pain is a common problem among individuals in the United States (Cleveland Clinic, 2021). It can affect any area of occupation including activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), health management, rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). It can also negatively influence an individual’s overall health, well-being, and quality of life (Cleveland Clinic, 2021).

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to address the need for additional resources for individuals living in rural areas who experience chronic pain to help manage their health and …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Enhancing Awareness And Treatment Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction In Women’S Health, Nicole Gentry

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: There are a variety of reasons that pelvic floor dysfunction can occur in women throughout their life, however, pelvic floor therapy is a minimally invasive and a holistic treatment option that can make significant differences (Cozean & Cozean, 2016; Moody & Fashokun, 2021; Wallace et al., 2019). Pelvic floor therapists can treat and provide interventions to help women manage symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. Currently, there is limited research on the correlation between pelvic floor dysfunction and recurrent vaginal and urinary infections. However, research suggests that recurrent infections can lead to inflammation, high muscle tone, increased tissue sensitivity, …

Virulence Of Emerging Tick-Borne Pathogens, Borrelia Miyamotoi And Borrelia Mayonii, Dawn Cleveland

Theses and Dissertations

As climate change leads to global expansion of tick habitats, tick borne diseases are becoming more prevalent and widespread, and emerging tickborne pathogens Borrelia miyamotoi and Borrelia mayonii warrant increased study. Both B. miyamotoi and B. mayonii are vectored by the same tick species as B. burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, with B. miyamotoi causing a relapsing fever-like disease known as Borrelia miyamotoi disease (BMD), and B. mayonii causing a Lyme disease-like illness with atypical clinical presentations. This dissertation has two aims. The first aim encompasses B. miyamotoi infection and growth, isolation of clonal populations, and characterization of …

The Relationship Between Social Determinants Of Health And Maternal Risk Factors With Severe Maternal Morbidity, Rebecca Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) remains a significant public health concern in the United States, with rates rising despite advancements in obstetric care. While extensive research has examined the role of clinical risk factors in SMM, less attention has been given to the influence of social determinants of health (SDOH). Factors such as financial insecurity, food access, housing stability, intimate partner violence, social connectedness, and transportation barriers may contribute to maternal health disparities. This study aims to assess the relationship between SDOH and SMM, evaluating how these non-clinical factors shape maternal health outcomes. Additionally, this research explores the impact of maternal …

Characterization Of Methylated Histone Modifications During Simian Virus 40 Early Transcription, Jacob Otto Haugen

Theses and Dissertations

Modifications of histone proteins play an important role in transcription. These modifications regulate how chromatin is compacted by the histone proteins and either made available for transcription or prevents transcription machinery from proceeding. The modifications can be added or removed by histone acetyltransferases and histone methyltransferases for the former, and histone deacetylates and demethylases for the latter. To explore the dynamicity of these modifications we used the simple but effective Simian Virus 40 (SV40) model. SV40 continues to be an important tool in understanding eukaryotic transcription. It experiences similar processes as cellular chromatin, utilizing host proteins to propagate its own …

Coming To Your Senses: A Guide For Sensory Considerations In Higher Education, Aspen D. Delano

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Sensory stimuli bombard humans at every point during their day. Senses are the avenue through which humanity interacts with its world. Individuals have varying thresholds of sensory stimuli. When people face more stimuli than they can cope with, they struggle to interact with the world around them. This can pose a significant challenge for graduate-level college students due to the already strenuous mental load required for formal education. The association between sensory processing and stress has strengthened in recent years, with individuals reporting a positive feedback loop between these constructs (Harrold et al., 2024). Stress leads to greater sensory …

Eco-Friendly Synthesis Of Anemonin From 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural, A Biomass-Derived Starting Material, Diane Zefack Tangmi

Theses and Dissertations

Anemonin, a valuable cyclobutane containing dilactone is a bioactive natural product from Ranunculaceae plants. It holds great potential for applications in pharmaceuticals and materials science. However, traditional synthesis methods are hampered by low yields, toxic reagents, and environmental concerns, limiting its practical use. This study highlights the development of green and scalable synthetic strategies designed to achieve high yields while minimizing environmental impact. Our approach focuses on sustainable methodologies, including optimized steam and fractional distillation performed under mild conditions to reduce waste and energy demands. Protoanemonin’s natural ability to dimerize under mild heating offers a green approach to anemonin synthesis, …

Genetic Epidemiology Of Chronic Wasting Disease And Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease In North Dakota Deer, Ethan S. Baker

Theses and Dissertations

Wildlife diseases have become a critical factor in the management of animal populations across the globe. Such diseases can compromise individual health, reduce population sizes, and disrupt ecosystem biodiversity. As a result, there can be a loss in recreational opportunities which, in turn, can cause economic losses for communities relying on these populations. Effective wildlife disease management not only requires the ability to respond to outbreaks but also the capacity to predict how diseases interact with populations and ecosystems. Due to the complexity of disease dynamics, a multidisciplinary approach is essential for gaining a comprehensive understanding of these systems. In …

Exploring Refugee Students’ Experiences In Midwest Higher Education Environments: Culturally Responsive Practices For Educators, Rohana De Silva

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examined the teaching and learning strategies used by highereducation faculty to support refugee students at a Midwestern university. Recognizing that refugee students bring diverse cultural, linguistic, and experiential backgrounds to academic environments, this research examined how instructional practices can either promote or hinder their educational success. Traditional teaching methods often fall short in addressing the complex needs of this student population. Using Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth Framework, Bourdieu’s Theory of Cultural Capital, and Resilience Theory, this study analyzed the narratives of refugee students to uncover how their lived experiences influenced their educational journeys. Findings revealed that refugee …

Stem Professors’ Motivation To Engage In A College Teaching Certificate, Justin Craig Alexander

Theses and Dissertations

Despite an expanded focus on educating students in STEM disciplines, nearly half of U.S. college students who enroll in these degree programs fail to graduate (Hamm et al., 2020, p. 623). Critics sometimes blame pedagogically untrained faculty (e.g., Kahn, 2022). This Dissertation in Practice (DiP) focused on STEM university faculty's motivation for teaching and whether professors are motivated to enroll in pedagogy courses. Via the lens of self-determination theory (SDT), this DiP examined to what extent STEM faculty at a major research university in the upper Midwest could devote additional time to pedagogy by enrolling in a college teaching graduate …

Impact Of Resin Grinding On Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Adsorption In Rapid Small-Scale Column Tests, Tihitna Gezahegn Mulugeta

Theses and Dissertations

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants with significant health risks. Among the different technologies for PFAS removal, adsorption is preferable due to low-cost, operational simplicity, and use of regenerable adsorbents. While pilot-scale fixed-bed columns are ideal for evaluating adsorption media, they are time- and resource-intensive. Rapid Small-Scale Column Tests (RSSCTs) offer a practical alternative, yet most studies have focused on granular activated carbon, with limited insight into ion exchange (IX) resins. Due to limited literature on the effect resin preparation on the performance of RSSCTs and their prediction accuracies are unexplored. This study investigates the effect of …

Mindfulness And Modification Therapy (Mmt) Group Feasibility And Acceptability Among Prison Residents With Dysregulated Behaviors, Leslie Unger

Theses and Dissertations

Mindfulness and Modification Therapy (MMT; Wupperman, 2019) is a transdiagnostic therapy that systematically integrates aspects of six empirically supported treatments for impulsive and dysregulated behavior. As such, MMT may offer an efficient approach to addressing a variety of dysregulated behaviors, thereby supporting increased safety within carceral settings and enhancing goals of rehabilitation. To date, MMT has demonstrated positive results in community settings when treating substance misuse and anger/aggression, but it has not yet been examined in a prison setting. The present research examines the feasibility and acceptability of using a 14-session version of group MMT as a voluntary treatment option …

Which University Faculty Are Successful Researchers? Developing And Testing Measures Of Research Competence To Predict Faculty Research Motivation And Success, Muhammad Salahuddin

Theses and Dissertations

University faculty play a pivotal role in producing research that leads to positive social change through the creation of new knowledge, enhancement of higher education quality, and improved university rankings. Faculty produce more when they feel competent, autonomously motivated, and acknowledged. Past studies have measured faculty research competencies using self-report scales that may contain biases, potentially leading to significant discrepancies in research outcomes. My program of research – a three-article dissertation – aimed to develop and validate the test-based measures of faculty research competence that can more reliably predict faculty research success. The three studies provide an enhanced understanding of …

Precipitation Forecast And Verification For Suas Applications, Patrick Britt

Theses and Dissertations

Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) have become a fast-growing part of air traffic in the United States. This significant growth is due to the numerous uses these systems can provide, both recreationally and professionally. Due to the small nature of the sUAS, any weather, regardless of intensity, plays a vital role in flight operations and planning. In a survey of sUAS pilots, it was found that precipitation was the most significant hazard of concern, and the most time-sensitive hazard, as precipitation conditions are most often checked by operators in the immediate moments before flight. This project aimed to create, analyze, …

Computational Prediction Of Hemolysis In Laminar Non-Newtonian Fluid, Nasim Gholizadeh

Theses and Dissertations

Hemolysis, the rupture of red blood cells (RBCs), is a critical concern in blood-circulating devices, requiring accurate predictions to ensure patient safety. This study investigates the sensitivity of hemolysis predictions to variations in viscosity models and hemolysis coefficients under complex flow conditions. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted using Ansys Fluent and OpenFoam on identical meshes with the FDA benchmark nozzle model. Under laminar flow conditions, CFD frameworks accurately predicted global variables, but variations in derived quantities, such as strain rate and vorticity, emerged due to differences in numerical solvers and gradient evaluation methods. These variations affected predictions of …

The Effect Of Metallothionein-3 On Global Gene Expression And Transcriptome Of Kidney Progenitor And Urothelial Cells, Julia Kochanowski

Theses and Dissertations

Metallothioneins (MT) are low molecular weight, cysteine-rich, metal-binding proteins that protect against metal toxicity. MTs have several functions, such as transport of metals, detoxification of metals, and protection from metal toxicity. MT-3, first called growth inhibitory factor, was originally discovered as the Alzheimer’s disease gene. MT-3 has a unique structure with 7 additional amino acids. The role of MT-3 is unknown. Some studies suggest MT-3 plays a role in the immune system and with cisplatin resistance. RPTEC/TERT1 cell line is an immortalized cell line from the human proximal tubule of an adult kidney. It was determined that RPTEC/TERT1 cultures consisted …

Investigating The Role Of Keratin 6 And Sox2 In Regulating Growth, Stemness, Basal/Squamous Expression, And Chemotherapy Response In Muscle-Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma, Nelofar Nargis

Theses and Dissertations

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a prevalent and aggressive malignancy arising in urothelial cells, with arsenic exposure recognized as a significant environmental risk factor. It is categorized into two primary subtypes based on the extent of cancer progression beyond the bladder’s muscle wall: non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma (NMIUC) and muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma (MIUC). While NMIUC is associated with a relatively favorable prognosis, progression to MIUC is more aggressive and leads to significantly worse outcomes, including poor treatment response and increased metastasis. Squamous differentiation (SD) in UC is an emerging hallmark of aggressive UC, with patients often having poor prognoses and developing chemoresistance, …

From Emily To Loralei To Rory: A Qualitative Textual Analysis Of Scripts From Gilmore Girls For Real-World Application, Erin Mccann

Theses and Dissertations

In the realm of interpersonal communication and intrafamilial research, one dynamic, the mother and daughter pairing, is especially poignant in exploring the ties of closeness, the openness of communication and the potential for long-term impact on a daughter’s development. When studying the mother and daughter dynamic through a work of fiction, patterns can be observed without bias, allowing for evaluation of the strength of relationship and identification of broader implication to the discipline of family communication. In this study, a textual analysis was conducted evaluating 21 exemplary episodes of the 2000s television show Gilmore Girls focused entirely on the interactions …

Addressing The Impact Of Unlicensed And Under-Licensed Teachers In Pk-12 Schools: How School Administrators Offer Support, Taylor Topinka

Theses and Dissertations

As the impact of the teacher shortage grows, more teachers are entering classrooms with incomplete teacher licensure. Related literature affirms that new-to-profession teachers experience what Danielson (1999) described as a “sink or swim in the deep end of the pool” culture as they attempt to navigate the beginning of their teaching career with an incomplete license or no license entirely (p. 251). The influx of partially-licensed teachers engaging students is a dilemma created by the growth of the teacher shortage. The purpose of this study was to address the impact of unlicensed and under-licensed teachers on student growth and achievement …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Forceful Functors: A Categorical Approach To Constraint Monitoring In Machine Learning Models, Jonathan Wirkkala

Theses and Dissertations

Often times in machine learning there are several heuristic choices that one makes during model selection, training, and validation. These choices include the type of training used, the width and depth of the model, type activation function and many more. These choices are general rules of thumb and best practices when creating a machine learning algorithm to achieve acceptable results. For example, in the case of image processing, this may mean determining whether or not a given image contains a tumor. Decisions made during the design process create several variations of machine learning algorithms, all with various properties with pros …

The Effects Of Chronic Sleep Deprivation On Visuomotor Performance Using Electroencephalographic Measurement, Jaxon Duane Erie

Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigated the impact of acute and chronic sleep deprivation on visuomotor performance using both electroencephalographic (EEG) and behavioral measures (Senaptec Sensory Station) in a sample of 43 college students aged 18 to 27. Participants were assigned to low or high sleep conditions based on Chronic Sleep Reduction Questionnaire (CSRQ) scores, while acute sleep deprivation was assessed via the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS). Heart rate variability (HRV) was recorded to support condition placement, but comparisons revealed no significant differences between groups. No significant differences were found in visuomotor control or eye-quickness assessments. However, visual clarity was significantly better …

The Ability Of The Millon Pre-Adolescent Clinical Inventory (M-Paci) To Distinguish Between Adhd And Non-Adhd Clinical Groups, Michael Jowkar

Theses and Dissertations

The M-PACI is a personality scale based on Millon’s biosocial personality theory designed to measure emerging personality patterns in pre-adolescents (9-12 years old). There is minimal published research on this inventory, particularly in clinical contexts. For this study, we used a data set collected at a Midwestern private practice clinic where children are assessed for ADHD and learning disabilities. This study looks at how those diagnosed with ADHD differ in emerging personality patterns and current clinical signs scales compared to those in a clinical sample who have not been diagnosed with ADHD. Some studies have shown differences between children diagnosed …