Digital Commons Network^™

Strengthening Traffic Safety Laws On The Crow Indian Reservation, Darcy Merchant

Theses and Dissertations

The Crow Indian reservation is located in south-central Montana. The reservation is one of the largest land-based tribes in Montana, encompassing an area of over three thousand square miles. The reservation borders the state of Wyoming to the south and the Northern Cheyenne Indian reservation to the east. The reservation features a comprehensive transportation system that encompasses tribal, county, state, and federal roadways. Drivers and passengers who travel on these roadways are at higher risk for fatal and severe injury-related motor vehicle crashes than those in other reservations. This situation largely stems from the critical absence of targeted traffic safety …

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 …

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 …

Perceptions Of Emotional Abuse As A Partial Function Of The Abuser-Victim Gender Dyad, Kaitlyn Kidder

Theses and Dissertations

Emotional abuse affects approximately half of people in an intimate relationship, yet it is often not considered intimate partner violence (IPV) on its own (Dokkedahl et al., 2022; Leemis et al., 2022). Despite the prevalence, there is a lack of consistency on the definition of emotional abuse and IPV as well as a lack of clarity of what acts qualify for these terms. Past research has largely focused on IPV, specifically physical or sexual abuse, in heterosexual relationships with a male perpetrator and female victim. Few studies have explored the interactions of the gender of the victim and perpetrator in …

Exploring Student-Athlete Perceptions On Nil Opportunities In The Cannabinoid Industry, Katherine Klimchock

Theses and Dissertations

The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations in collegiate athletics has created new financial and branding opportunities for student-athletes. Simultaneously, there has been an evolving legal landscape surrounding cannabinoids both at the state and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) levels. This dissertation in practice explores this emerging intersection by examining student-athlete perceptions of NIL opportunities with cannabinoid brands and highlighting the perceived advantages and disadvantages of such deals. This dissertation in practice consists of three artifacts. Artifact I provides essential background information on NIL, cannabinoids, and the House v. NCAA settlement. Recognizing the legal, institutional, and cultural shifts …

Chemical Looping As An Enabling Technology For Low-Carbon Energy Production, Junior Neguieh Domkam Nasah

Theses and Dissertations

Growth in global gross domestic product has historically been tied with high-carbon energy sources. Development of new low-carbon energy technologies is thus key to achieving a de-coupling of energy demand from economic growth. This dissertation evaluates the technical feasibility of a small-scale low-carbon solution referred to as Combined Hydrogen, Heat and Power (CH2P), a synthesis gas to hydrogen chemical looping process. The CH2P process is based on the steam-iron process and adopts multiple batch reactors to convert syngas in a two-step approach. First, the syngas is partially oxidized by reducing Magnetite (Fe3O4) to Wüstite (FeO) followed by complete oxidation in …

The Roles Of Readily Releasable Stores Of Endolysosome Iron In The Pathogenesis And Treatment Of Alzheimer's Disease, Darius N.K Quansah

Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized clinically as progressive decline in cognition and dementia. Pathologically, AD is characterized by the extracellular presence of senile plaques composed of accumulated amyloid beta (Aβ) proteins and intraneuronal accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins. In addition to these pathological hallmarks, AD pathogenesis is characterized by increases in intracellular iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the link between the two have been well described by Fenton’s chemistry. Endolysosomes appear to be affected very early in the onset of AD. Endolysosomes contain labile stores of iron which can be readily …

Ecological Dynamics In Beaver-Engineered Boreal Wetlands: Amphibian Phenology, Occupancy, And Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Communities, Talon Stammen

Theses and Dissertations

Boreal wetlands are ecologically rich yet vulnerable ecosystems shaped by hydrological dynamics, cold climate regimes, and landscape-scale disturbances. Among the most influential agents of change in these systems are beavers (Castor canadensis), whose engineering activities create a mosaic of lentic habitats at varying stages of ecological succession. This dissertation investigates the structure and dynamics of amphibian and aquatic macroinvertebrate communities across a beaver-influenced wetland landscape in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, USA.The first study (Chapter II) examines breeding phenology and detection patterns of boreal anurans using a combination of passive acoustic monitoring and visual encounter surveys at 25 wetlands over four …

The Weapon Focus Effect On Memory For Male And Female Perpetrators, Faith Christel Aasen

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research on the weapon focus effect suggests that weapon presence causes reduced memory accuracy for perpetrator details due to weapons being surprising and unexpected. The unusualness hypothesis suggests that a stronger weapon focus effect should occur when the perpetrator defies typical gender stereotypes, such as a woman holding a gun. The current study sought to examine how the weapon focus effect impacts eyewitness memory for male and female perpetrators, specifically exploring the magnitude of the effect on female perpetrators. The current study further investigated whether the own gender bias attenuates the weapon focus effect on memory for female perpetrators. …

The Influence Of Active Galactic Nuclei (Agn) Feedback On Star Formation In Spiral Galaxies, Moreom Akter

Theses and Dissertations

We investigate the influence of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) feedback on star formation in spiral galaxies by analyzing a sample of 324 red and 273 blue spiral galaxies from 115 low-redshift galaxy clusters. The multi-wavelength dataset combines optical emission line data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), X-ray luminosity from the Chandra X-ray & XMM-Newton observatories, and ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) measurements from GALEX and WISE. Using diagnostic emission line ratios, we constructed Baldwin, Phillips, and Terlevich (BPT) diagrams to classify galaxies based on nuclear activity. Our analysis reveals that most of the red spirals have AGNs and …

Applying The 4d Model Of The Country Image To Explore The Relationship Between Saudi Arabia’S Sport Diplomacy And Its Perceived Image Among American Adults, Ibrahim Bin Jaman

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the relationship between Saudi Arabia’s sports diplomacy and strategy of hosting major international sports events and its image among American adults. Notably, the Saudi government’s strategic use of hosting sports events aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, fostering economic diversification and promoting tourism. The conducted study examined American adults’ exposure to international sports events held in Saudi Arabian, this exposure’s correlation with the image of the country, and potential differences in the perception of Saudi Arabian between American adults who have been exposed to sports events in Saudi Arabia and those who have not. A …

Next-Gen Device For Uniform Cellular Migration Assay Execution, Nicholas M. Bittner

Theses and Dissertations

Cellular migration assays, particularly scratch assays, are pivotal in biomedical research for cell motility, wound healing, and metastasis. However, conventional scratch assays suffer from variability due to operator dependence, non-uniform scratch geometry, and a modified microenvironment that impacts reproducibility. This thesis presents the development and validation of a low-cost, 3D-printed device designed to standardize cellular migration assays. The device utilizes a spring mechanism and a biocompatible elastomer to create a uniform cellular exclusion zone without harming the surrounding cells. Through iterative prototyping and testing with MCF10A cell lines, the device demonstrated a significantly lower average standard deviation of length compared …

Evaluation Of Schlafen Family Proteins In Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Savannah Brown

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the role of Schlafen (SLFN) family proteins in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), a subtype known for its aggressive behavior and poor response to treatment. Through a series of studies, this dissertation examines the interplay between multiple SLFN proteins, chemotherapy resistance, and immune modulation, revealing the potential of SLFN12 as both a biomarker and therapeutic target for improving treatment outcomes, particularly in overcoming chemoresistance in TNBC.

Breast cancer, the most common cancer worldwide, includes various subtypes like TNBC, which lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making it resistant to conventional therapies. SLFN proteins, first discovered in mice, regulate …

Ai-Bms: Ai Battery Management System For Safe Uas Operations In High Electric And Magnetic Fields And Uncertain Conditions: Wind, Battery Drain, Temperature, And Payload, Tanzim Jim Hassan

Theses and Dissertations

Unmanned aerial systems/vehicles (UAS/UAVs) are increasingly utilized for inspecting high-voltage (HV) transmission (Tx) lines. However, operating in the vicinity of electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields can affect UAV control and battery performance. Pilots unfamiliar with high E/H field environments often struggle to accurately estimate remaining flight time, resulting in either premature mission terminations or crashes due to depleted batteries. To address these challenges, this thesis focuses on developing an intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) for UAVs to ensure safe and reliable surveillance operations under various uncertain conditions, such as wind gusts, temperature variations, E/H fields, battery drain, and payload …

Exploring Geothermal Energy Development In The Deep Reservoirs Of The Williston Basin: An Integrated Analysis Using Empirical, Probabilistic, Numerical Simulation And Machine Learning Techniques, Emmanuel Gyimah

Theses and Dissertations

Geothermal energy, a renewable, clean, and abundant energy source, is gaining global attention as a key contributor to the transition towards a low-carbon economy. However, uncertainties in reservoir characterization and development risks hinder its widespread adoption, particularly in the Williston Basin. This study focuses on the Williston Basin, particularly the Red River and Deadwood formations, to explore the potential of deep geothermal reservoirs in North Dakota. The study integrates a multi-disciplinary technique in empirical, probabilistic, numerical simulation, and machine learning to reduce uncertainties and risks associated with geothermal energy exploration and development. Probabilistic methods (Parametric and Monte Carlo), incorporating geo-statistics, …

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 …

Thermally Induced Evolution Of The Cement Microannulus In Co2 Injection Wells, Jawad Ali Khan

Theses and Dissertations

Ensuring wellbore integrity during CO₂ injection is a critical challenge in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), as failures at the casing-cement and cement-formation interfaces can create potential leakage pathways. This dissertation presents a multi-scale, physics-based investigation into well integrity risks, integrating finite element analysis (FEA), thermal-mechanical-poroelastic modeling, and transient stress analysis to evaluate cement sheath stability, fracture-driven stress localization, and microannulus formation under various CCS conditions.

A key novelty of this research is the development of a fully coupled thermal-mechanical-poroelastic FEA framework using COMSOL Multiphysics, a renowned industry-standard software for multiphysics simulations. This model enables a dynamic, time-dependent assessment …

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 …

Attributions Of Blame In Cases Of Stealthing, Shane William Knutson

Theses and Dissertations

Nonconsensual condom removal (NCCR), also known as “stealthing”, is a form of sexual abuse where an individual removes the condom without their sexual partner’s knowledge. While research regarding prevalence of NCCR has been conducted over the past decade, there are still aspects of previous research on other forms of sexual abuse that did not account for cases of NCCR. One such gap in the current literature are studies that investigate how individuals attribute blame to the victims of NCCR. Previous research has shown that there are differences in how individuals attribute blame towards victims of sexual abuse based on different …

Predicting Social Media Addiction: The Influence Of Paralinguistic Digital Affordances And Cognitive Processes On Social Media Use, Dakota Krebs

Theses and Dissertations

Social media has become an increasing staple in everyday life for numerous people. Yet, excessive and repetitive social media usage may become problematic, to the extent that the behavior takes the form of a psychological addiction. The primary objective of this study was to explore prospective factors that could predict the psychological dependency on social media applications, characterized as social media addiction (SMA). Paralinguistic Digital Affordances (PDAs) are “likes” one receives on social media and may predict SMA via the expected gratification attained when a PDA is received. Cognitive processes, assessed with a general executive functioning index and the n-back …

Thresholds In Modular Lattices, Daniel Atta Kwakye

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates threshold phenomena in infinite modular lattices, extending classical threshold theory beyond Boolean and distributive lattice settings. Specifically, let\(P\) be a finite graded modular lattice with a finite graded modular lattice with rank function \(r: P \rightarrow \mathbb {N}\). By adapting probabilistic combinational methods, notably the methods used by Janson, Łuczak, and Ruciński (2011), we establish rigorously that every monotone property \(F\subseteq P\) possesses a threshold under the chain-uniform random model.Formally, this threshold is characterized by a critical rank \(M^*\), at which the probability \(\mathbb{P}(\Gamma_M\in F)\) transitions sharply from nearly 0 to nearly 1 as the parameter \(M\) …

Creating Equitable Employment Practices For Adjunct Faculty: Perceptions Of Academic Administrators At Public Institutions In A Great Plains State, Constance Mciver

Theses and Dissertations

Adjunct faculty are a substantial feature of the higher education classroom. Their increased prevalence has contributed to elevated concerns regarding the employment practices of these part-time faculty. While numerous published accounts of adjunct faculty experiences are available, recorded perceptions of academic administrators are less prevalent. Eighty-six academic administrators from six public universities in a Great Plains state participated in a researcher-developed survey to determine the expectations placed upon and compensation practices for adjunct faculty, as well as perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of the adjunct system and the feasibility of providing more equitable compensation. Survey findings suggest there is …

Evaluating The Engineering Properties Of Waste-Modified Asphalt Binders And Mixtures As Inputs For The Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design, Duncan Rioba Oteki

Theses and Dissertations

Pavements are essential for economic development and mobility, with asphalt dominating the US road network due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and recyclability. However, the environmental impacts of asphalt production and the depletion of virgin materials have driven the integration of waste products into asphalt mixtures to improve sustainability. This study evaluated the engineering properties of waste-modified asphalt binders and mixtures as performance-based inputs for the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). The rutting performance of ten asphalt mixtures commonly used in North Dakota was assessed using mechanistic and empirical tests. Mechanistic tests included the dynamic modulus (|E*|), Flow Number …

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, …

Public Perceptions Of Fracking And Anti-Fracking Activism: A Theory Of Planned Behavior Approach And Its Implications For Environmental Policy, Okhumode Hector Yakubu

Theses and Dissertations

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has become one of the most contentious energy technologies of the 21st century, drawing support for its economic and energy security benefits and opposition due to its perceived environmental and health risks. This study applies the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to examine the psychological, social, and informational factors that shape public perceptions of fracking and motivate anti-fracking activism. Using a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (N = 522), this research investigates how attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and domain-specific knowledge predict support or opposition to fracking, as well as intentions to engage in …

Comparative Study Of Aerodynamic Characteristics Of Standard And Dimpled Naca 0012 Airfoil, Fahim Shahriyar, Carson Running

Mechanical Engineering Student Publications

This study analyzes the aerodynamic performance of a NACA 0012 airfoil with dimples on its upper surface, comparing it to the standard configuration. Using the Navier-Stokes equations, Blasius solutions, the k-ε turbulence model, and ANSYS Fluent, steady-state incompressible flow was simulated at 25 m/s across angles of attack from -20° to +20°. Results show the standard airfoil performs well at the low Reynolds number and lower angle of attack. The inward dimple airfoil reduces drag at negative angles, while the outward dimple airfoil enhances lift at higher positive angles. Shear stress analysis reveals laminar flow on flat plates and turbulent …

Prohibition And World War One In The Red River Valley, Hunter Eickhoff

History Hawks: A North Dakota History Zine

This zine discusses the varying attitudes towards prohibition during the World War One era. The zine focuses on a story about a brewery owner who was convicted of smuggling alcohol across the Red River into Grand Forks.

Petrophysical And Geomechanical Alterations During Supercritical Co2 Submerge: Laboratory Testing On Samples From The Middle Bakken, Ruichong Ni

Theses and Dissertations

The promising strategy of CO2 capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) aims to reduce CO2 emissions and tackle the pressing problem of global warming. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of changes in petrophysical and geomechanical characteristics in assessing target formations' capacity to sequester CO2. Permeability is one of these characteristics that is essential to the movement of CO2 inside rock formations and has a direct effect on how well CO2 is sequestered. Existing methods calculate permeability by using effective stress, but they have made unpractical assumptions that the effective stress coefficient could be stable or gradually increase after CO2 exposure. …

Using High-Impact Practices To Support Online Students In Two-Year And Four-Year Institutions, Sarah Kallock

Theses and Dissertations

Online students face challenges that on-campus students often do not. “Online students can feel isolated since they are not in synchronous courses where they get to see peers and instructors and interact face-to-face” (Garivaldis et al., 2022). The online learning community lacks support for students who choose to learn online. Teachers who teach online have had little to no training on how to support and offer similar experiences compared to what on-campus students receive. High-Impact Practices (HIPs) are widely researched educational practices that, when implemented well, enhance student learning and engagement, as well as improve retention, and are associated with …

Directivity Improvement Of A Broad-Beam Patch Antenna By Means Of A Flat Metamaterial Lens, Tyler Midas

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis demonstrates the development of a flat metamaterial lens intended to enhance antenna directivity in RF applications. Development and evaluation was performed with ANSYS HFSS, where a theoretical convex lens model was developed and used as a basis for unit cell refractive indices of the metamaterial lens. The unit cell demonstrated in this study leverages the properties of a nested split-ring resonator merged with a center column. Adjusting the rings allow for refractive index optimization and effective beam focusing. The work presented also provides a 2x2 antenna array with a feed network, which enables the future work of bench …