Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Nutrition Implications In Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Heds)/Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (Hsd), Lauren Steiner

Theses and Dissertations

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) are a poorly recognized and under researched group of genetic connective tissue disorders that have widespread impacts on the human body, including gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The role of dietary and supplemental interventions in GI symptom control in this patient population has not been researched. This study used an exploratory survey to collect data on diets and supplements that the patient population has used to combat GI symptoms. The low histamine, gluten free, dairy free, anti-inflammatory, and intermittent fasting diets, as well as magnesium, probiotic, coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin B12, and …

High-Fidelity Surface And Environment Simulation Using Immersive Virtual Reality For Lunar Analog Training, Shriya Pedaparthi

Theses and Dissertations

The study explores the integration of high-fidelity Virtual Reality (VR) into astronaut training for lunar analog missions. A realistic VR simulation was developed to represent lunar terrain, allowing participants to perform critical tasks under simulated lunar conditions. Specifically, participants navigated from a compromised lunar habitat (ILMAH) facing a pressure breach, to a secure facility, testing their ability to respond effectively to emergency scenarios. Participants underwent three sequential trials to assess how VR and physical constraints influence gait and performance: (1) a baseline trial measuring natural gait without equipment; (2) a trial incorporating a real spacesuit and lunar gravity simulated through …

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 …

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 …

Advancing Human-Computer Interaction Systems Through Explainable And Secure Ai Integration, Ifiok Udoidiok

Theses and Dissertations

As artificial intelligence (AI) systems increasingly shape how humans interact with digital environments, the need for transparency, security, and robustness in intelligent decision making has become critical. This thesis explores how explainable and secure AI techniques can be integrated into modern human-computer interaction (HCI) systems to enhance trust, resilience, and alignment with human operators.

We present three related studies, each addressing a distinct challenge in the design of human-centered AI. First, we apply XAI methods, specifically Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME), to deep learning (DL) based CAPTCHA solvers. By interpreting model attention patterns, we uncover exploitable weaknesses in text CAPTCHA …

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 \(M\) …

Laboratory Application Of An Aircraft Particle Imaging Probe To Characterize Levitated Ice Crystals And Their Aerodynamic Drag, Cheyenne Phoenix Harrison

Theses and Dissertations

Ice crystals in the upper atmosphere range in size from a few nanometers to a few millimeters, creating potential damage to vehicles traveling at hypersonic speeds; this problem has not yet been investigated with controlled laboratory techniques. This thesis investigates ice crystal impacts on high-speed flight vehicles and their aerodynamics by exploring a new method to combine ice crystal and shock wave experimental apparatuses to achieve experiments of observing ice crystals and shock waves interacting. The objectives of this research are: (1) to consistently produce levitated ice crystals in a setup that can feasibly release the ice crystals into a …

The Effect Of Salaciousness, Consistency, And Timing Of Disclosure On Alibi Believability In The Eyes Of A Jury, Jasper Allen Schmidtwood

Theses and Dissertations

Past research indicates a prevalent distrust of alibi evidence, coined by Olson and Wells (2004) as the alibi skepticism hypothesis. This inherent distrust prompts inquiries into the factors that enhance or undermine the credibility of alibi evidence in a trial. Utilizing attribution theory (Allison et al., 2012; Weiner, 2010), this study investigates the elements contributing to the believability of alibi statements, specifically the impact of alibi consistency, timing of disclosure, and the salaciousness of the alibi statement on jurors' perceptions of the defendant's character. Participants were randomly assigned to one of twelve conditions and read a mock trial summary that …

Comparative Analysis Of Lstm-Based And Traditional Hydrologic Models For River Discharge Prediction: A Case Study Of The Goose River, Adewale Ajao

Theses and Dissertations

Streamflow predictions are important in planning water resources and effective hydrological management. Physically based models such as the Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) have been used in the past for this purpose. Still, the use of machine learning models such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) has been proven to complement the use of traditional models. This study compares the reliability performances of HEC-HMS and LSTM models to predict the streamflow of Goose River Watershed in North Dakota. The objective of the research is to perform a comprehensive comparative analysis between the performance of HEC-HMS and LSTM models to predict …

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 …

Comparative Study Of Robotic And Manual Welding For Energy Consumption And Efficiency In A High Mix, Low Volume Manufacturing Environment, John Ruprecht

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the comparative efficiency and energy consumption of manual versus robotic welding in high-mix, low-volume (HMLV) manufacturing environments. Traditional robotic welding systems have been predominantly used in low-mix, high-volume production due to their efficiency in repetitive tasks. However, the advent of collaborative robots (cobots) has democratized robotic automation for diverse manufacturing needs. Cobots allow flexibility in programming, enabling their deployment in HMLV environments characterized by hard product variety and smaller batch sizes. This research evaluates energy consumption, welding speed, and quality metrics across manual and cobotic welding systems. Data were gathered using energy meters and video analysis, focusing …

Nanoscale Frictional Properties Of Two-Dimensional Snse And Snse2 With Lateral Force Microscopy, Thomas Iken

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, we employed an atomic force microscopy-based lateral force microscopy technique to examine the nanoscale frictional characteristics of 2D SnSe and SnSe2 layers, and we compared these results with those of graphene, a commonly used solid lubricant. Our results revealed that both SnSe and SnSe2 layers exhibited superior lubricative performance compared to graphene with similar thicknesses. Experimental results were further substantiated by extensive Density Functional Theory calculations to understand the observed frictional properties of these materials.

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 …

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 …

Design And Fabrication Of Tpms-Based Bone Scaffolds: A Cost-Effective Approach Using Plga-Nha And 3d-Printed Pva Molds, Yasser Ahmed

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis introduces a new cost-effective method for fabricating bone scaffolds from triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) geometries—namely Gyroid and Diamond structure—using a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-nanohydroxyapatite (PLGA-nHA) composite and 3D-printed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) molds. Current TPMS scaffold fabrication techniques depend on costly laser-based techniques like selective laser sintering and thus remain inaccessible. Herein, we reveal a cost-effective and repeatable indirect approach via fused deposition modeling (FDM) for printing water-soluble PVA molds, which are then iteratively cast filled with a PLGA-nHA solution. The protocol was optimized through concentration modulation and controlled evaporation of the solvent for optimum infiltration and uniformity in the …

Military Recruitment And Retention: A Policy And Practice Analysis, Orly Naum

Theses and Dissertations

The ongoing decline in United States military recruitment and retention presents a growing challenge to sustaining an effective All-Volunteer Force (AVF), particularly within the United States Coast Guard, a branch that has historically been underrepresented in academic research, and across the Department of Defense (DoD). This convergent mixed methods study examined how generational cohorts and individual motivations influence recruitment and retention, integrating quantitative data from the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) and qualitative survey responses from a veteran-rich collegiate population. The quantitative analysis revealed statistically significant differences in Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) scores between Generation Z (GenZ) and Generation …

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 …

Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity And Adaptive Responses In Renal Progenitor Cells: Molecular Insights From Transcriptomic And Proteomic Analyses, Eloho Ighofose

Theses and Dissertations

Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent known for its efficacy against various solid tumors, but its clinical utility is limited by dose-dependent nephrotoxicity. The renal proximal tubule, particularly its epithelial cell population, is highly susceptible to cisplatin-induced injury due to its role in solute transport and high metabolic activity. Recent advances suggest that renal progenitor cells play a key role in epithelial repair following nephrotoxic injury; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying their response to cisplatin remain poorly understood.This study investigates the impact of both acute and chronic cisplatin exposure on immortalized human renal progenitor cells (HRTPT, CD24⁺/CD133⁺) using a …

Geothermal Sweep Efficiency Enhancement Potential Analysis Using Geological Modeling And Numerical Simulation On Unconventional Deadwood Formation, Ashraf Mohammed

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the potential to enhance geothermal sweep efficiency in the fractured, low-permeability Deadwood Formation using a cellulose-based biopolymer and gel treatment. A geological model was developed using well log and structural data from four wells in the Williston Basin and subsequently upscaled into a numerical reservoir simulation in CMG/STARS. Laboratory core-flooding experiments on Deadwood samples were used to calibrate gel behavior under high-temperature (160 °C) and high-salinity (17% TDS) reservoir conditions.Simulation results indicate that a short-duration gel treatment—equivalent to 0.03 pore volumes over one year—can significantly reduce channeling through high-conductivity fractures. The reduction in channeling improves thermal conformance …

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 …

Aerocom: Winter 2025, John D. Odegard School Of Aerospace Sciences

Aerocom: John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences Alumni Magazine

No abstract provided.

Student Participation In Informal Resolution: Examination Of Impact Factors On Recidivism And Student Perceptions Of Institutional Care And Fairness, Linnea Rose Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

This exploratory case study, conducted at the University of North Dakota (UND), examined factors influencing recidivism and student perceptions of institutional care and fairness among participants in the piloted Informal Resolution (IR) option. A restorative justice (RJ)-informed alternative to the traditional student conduct process, the IR is offered to students charged with first-time, low-level violations of UND’s code of conduct. This study aimed not only to evaluate the new process but also to respond to recent calls from scholars and practitioners for more extensive research on the intersection of RJ and student conduct outcomes. Sherman’s (1993) defiance theory provided the …

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 …

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 …

Advanced Motor Control Using Td3 Model-Free Reinforcement Learning, Muhammad Azam

Theses and Dissertations

Motor control plays a critical role in industrial automation, ensuring the precise regulation of speed, torque, and position across various applications. Traditional motor control techniques, such as open-loop, closed-loop, and feedback control, have been widely used but face limitations in handling complex and dynamic systems. Recent advancements in machine learning (ML) offer potential improvements in motor control by enabling systems to learn optimal control policies autonomously. This research investigates the integration of Reinforcement Learning (RL) with Field-Oriented Control (FOC) for the control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs). The study aims to address a significant gap in reward function design, …