Digital Commons Network^™

Impacts Of Management Practices And Soil Properties On Free-Living Nitrogen Fixation In Eastern South Dakota, Laura Galvan Nuevo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Free-living nitrogen (N) fixation (FLNF) may represent a sustainable pathway to supplement crop N demand in agroecosystems, yet edaphic and management factors regulating this process under field conditions remain poorly understood in the Northern Great Plains. Using 15N2 direct method to quantify potential FLNF (pFLNF) and baseline FLNF (bFLNF), this thesis investigates how crop rotations (2-, 3-, and 4-year systems), tillage management (conventional vs. no-till), cover cropping, and soil properties affect the potential of free-living diazotrophs to supply N via FLNF in a long-term no-till corn-based system in Southeastern South Dakota. A two-year field study evaluated pFLNF across four growing …

Investigating The Cumulative Effect Of Nutrition Education And Nutrition Assistance On Measures Of Participant Health, Adity Chowdhury Kankon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the individual and combined associations of participation in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and nutrition assistance programs with diet quality and biomarkers of chronic disease risk. Multistate longitudinal data were analyzed using triple difference-in-differences regression models for body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and Diet Quality Index (DQI). EFNEP participation was associated with a reduction in BMI over time among participants not receiving nutrition assistance, but this association was attenuated among assistance participants. A similar differential pattern was observed for HbA1c. No significant differential changes were found for …

Imaging-Based Colorimetric Gas Sensing For Wearable Applications, Syed Saad Ahmed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Continuous monitoring of gases is a critical challenge for wearable health monitoring systems and portable environmental gas detection. The technology used for gas detection, including electrochemical sensors, metal oxide semiconductors, and non-dispersive infrared systems, is based on bulky optical components, which limit their practicality as an ideal tool for wearable and field-deployable stages. This thesis investigates if the passive colorimetric chemistry read-out provided by a low-power CMOS imager-based architecture can provide a non-invasive alternative across two different application domains: medical transcutaneous CO₂ monitoring systems and toxic gas detection from environmental. Two sensing platforms were developed and evaluated. In the first …

Development And Application Of Lc-Ms/Ms Methods For The Determination Of Environmental Contaminants, Mawuli Wilson-Cee Macdonald

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Environmental contaminants such as neonicotinoids and bisphenols are increasingly detected at ultratrace concentrations in environmental and consumer matrices, necessitating sensitive and efficient analytical methodologies. This dissertation presents the development, validation, and application of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) methods coupled with simplified sample preparation techniques. In Chapter 2, a direct aqueous injection (DAI) LC–MS/MS method was developed for the analysis of five neonicotinoids in surface water, eliminating extensive sample preparation. The method demonstrated strong linearity (R² = 0.993–0.998), with limits of detection (LOD) ranging from 0.5 to 4 ng/L and lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) of 10–50 ng/L. Accuracy (80–120%) …

Evaluating Planting Methods For Native Seed Production And Exploring Granivory In The Northern Great Plains, Allison Dollen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Temperate grasslands have faced immense losses due to land use change in the last 150 years and less than half of the overall grasslands that once covered North America remain today. A portion of historic and remaining U.S. grasslands are located within the northern Great Plains (NGP) region which is home to over 1,600 species of native plants and provides many ecosystem services and economic benefits. Initiatives to restore grasslands and their ecosystem services are currently underway, but barriers such as limited native seed supply and granivory hinder restoration efforts. My first chapter addresses knowledge gaps in planting methods for …

Modeling Heterogeneous Trajectories Of Chronic Kidney Disease Progression With Finite Mixture Models Using The All Of Us Dataset, Yahaya Mumuni Musah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) does not progress uniformly across patients, and a single average trajectory often fails to capture this heterogeneity. Understanding variation in disease progression is important for improving risk stratification and clinical management. 
Objectives: This study aims to characterize the heterogeneity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression using longitudinal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) data and to identify factors associated with distinct progression trajectory patterns. 
Methods: A longitudinal cohort study was conducted using data from the All of Us} Research Program collected between April 23, 2002, and October 1, 2023. Adult participants with repeated eGFR measurements were …

Enzyme Susceptibility And Functionality Of High Protein Retentates And Reconstituted Ingredients, Khushi Dubey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the effects of processing history on the enzymatic susceptibility and functional properties of high-protein dairy ingredients, with a specific focus on ultrafiltered (UF) and microfiltered (MF) retentates and spray-dried powders. While retentates and powders are often used interchangeably in industrial applications, processing steps, such as drying, can induce structural and physicochemical changes that affect protein functionality and enzyme accessibility. Milk protein concentrates (MPC) and micellar casein concentrates (MCC) were standardized to 10% protein and subjected to enzymatic treatments, including proteolysis (Alcalase and rennet) and crosslinking (transglutaminase and laccase). Structural modifications were evaluated using capillary gel electrophoresis, non-protein …

Improving Human Dimensions Of Conservation Planning: Challenges And Opportunities For Sustainable Conservation Outcomes, Vivian Hulugh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Conservation planning is important to ensure both ecological and social benefits of natural resources, including the maintenance of functional ecosystems and stable wildlife populations as well as the provision of resources that communities rely on. Yet, the integration of the human dimensions of conservation planning remains limited in practice. This thesis examines conservation planning in South Dakota and within Joint Venture (JV) partnerships, using qualitative methods to identify challenges and opportunities for more effective and coordinated planning. In chapter one, I examine how collaboration, public participation, and the use of climate information are integrated conservation planning in South Dakota and …

Investigation Of Perennial Clover Living Mulch And Reduced Tillage Effects On Weed Suppression, Crop Metrics, And Yield Of Organic Cabbage And Sweet Corn In The Northern Great Plains, Kristina Harms

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Vegetable farmers often face weed management and soil health challenges, such as nitrate leaching, soil compaction, and top-soil loss. Sustainable agriculture is a forefront of innovation compared to conventional agriculture. Living mulches, non-cash crops grown alongside cash crops, have demonstrated weed suppression and impact on the promotion of sustainable agriculture. Yet studies have not evaluated established living mulch systems on cash crop quality and yield. This study conducted in 2023, 2024, and 2025 at SDSU Southeast Research Farm, Beresford, SD, USA evaluates the impact of established ‘Dynamite’ red clover (Trifolium pratense), ‘Domino’ white clover (T. repens), and ‘Aberlasting’ white × …

Production, Characterization, And Diagnostic Application Of Monoclonal Antibodies Against The N-Protein Of Avian Metapneumovirus Subgroup B, Ravi Gupta

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is a respiratory pathogen that causes Turkey Rhinotracheitis (TRT) in turkeys and Swollen Head Syndrome (SHS) in chickens. The infection leads to facial swelling, nasal discharge, reduced egg production, and poor growth. This virus is classified into four subgroups: aMPV-A, B, C, and D, with two other novel subgroups, in which aMPV-A, B, and C are most prevalent in the commercial flocks. In early 2024, aMPV-A and B outbreaks have been reported in the US, resulting in severe economic losses. An economic assessment estimates around $112 million in losses in Minnesota and up to $434 million in …

Towards Energy Access For All: Developing The Lived Energy Experience Index (Leei), Kentina Annie Ishimwe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Energy is the fuel that powers the engine of civilization. Energy access metrics ensure that nations continuously work towards providing access for all. However, the prevalent binary indicator fails to consider that energy needs to be usable, accessible, affordable, and reliable. As a result, numerous tiered and multidimensional metrics, such as the Multi-Tier Framework, came about to bridge the gap but proved to be complex and complicated to implement. This study presents the existing literature review, assesses the limitations of current energy access measurement frameworks, and compares household energy needs with reported access statistics. Based on the findings, the Lived …

Finite Mixture Modeling Towards Applications In Material Science And Biomedical Data, Jason Hasse

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation contains three chapters on different applications of mixture regression models, broadly in materials science and public health. We begin with a basic application of finite mixture models and regression mixture models. The materials science analysis was performed entirely using data from finite element simulations of the additive manufacturing process via powder bed fusion. Visualization of the clustering solution as applied to the additive manufacturing designs highlighted the intuitive patterns that could be found. These patterns simultaneously yield the regression coefficients and subgroups of the geometric regions, providing a way to predict stresses and strains in a new geometry …

Demographic Impact And Diagnostic Evaluation Of Mycoplasma Ovipneumoniae In Bighorn Sheep Of The Pine Ridge Badlands, Jeffrey Tillery

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi) decimates bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) populations through acute die-offs followed by years or decades of failed lamb recruitment. Test-and-remove management has emerged as the primary intervention to restore population growth, and this thesis quantifies the demographic costs of endemic M. ovi infection and evaluates the diagnostic tools upon which this strategy depends. I quantified vital rates across five bighorn sheep subherds (four infected, one uninfected) on the Pine Ridge Reservation (2023–2025), supplemented by pre-outbreak data (2017–2018) from the North Unit of Badlands National Park. Infected subherds declined (λ = 0.965, 95% CrI: 0.813–1.039) while the uninfected …

Plant-Insect Interactions In Great Plains Restoration And Invasion Ecology, Joseph H. Cammarano

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Prairie ecosystem loss and invasive plant species are major ecological problems in the Great Plains. Plant-insect interactions have important consequences for both the restoration of prairie ecosystems and management of invasive plant species. Pollinating insects are vital to the sustainability of prairie ecosystems, and herbivorous insects can provide biological control of invasive plant species. Understanding how restoration strategies may influence potential pollinator communities can have important consequences for restoration sustainability and success and understanding how biological control strategies may help manage invasive plant populations can also help land managers reach restoration and conservation goals. In Ch. 2, I sought to …

Effect Of Female Employment On Household Expenditure In Bangladesh, Fatema Binte Sharif

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Female labor force participation (FLFP) in Bangladesh has increased from 29.2% in 2005–06 to 42.8% in 2022, raising important questions about household resource allocation. This study examines the impact of female employment on household expenditure patterns and challenges the traditional unitary model of decision-making. It focuses on how income controlled by women influences spending across essential and non-essential categories. The analysis uses data from the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. This research employs Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SURE) approach to estimate budget shares for food, housing, health, education, clothing, and transport. The study …

Finding Value In Professional Learning: Developing Teacher Learning That Is Internalized And Implemented In Practice, Stephanie Dossett

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This study was designed after the researcher engaged in multiple mandated professional learning experiences with faculty members who expressed dissatisfaction with their learning experiences, did not desire to engage in learning on the mandated topics, and wanted to engage in different types of learning opportunities. The problem was centered around dissatisfaction with professional learning among teachers and the lack of implementation of their professional learning in the classroom. The goal was to gather feedback that could help leaders design mandated learning for teachers that they would find satisfaction in and implement in their classroom. The study used semistructured qualitative …

Accessing Campus Mental Health Services In A Nigerian Southwestern University: Barriers To Academic Success, Caroline Dada

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mental health disorders are a significant health concern among higher education institutions in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. A substantial treatment gap exists in the Nigerian healthcare system, and this gap is further worsened by cultural and religious barriers, which reinforce stigma that discourages students from seeking professional help. This qualitative narrative inquiry explored the barriers students encountered when accessing mental health services at a university in Southwestern Nigeria, to increase service access. Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with seven professional mental health providers at a university counseling center between March and April 2025. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify …

Faculty Perceptions Of Engaging Generation Z Students Through Positive Education In The Classroom, Ashley D. Ragsdale

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examined the engagement gap between Generation Z students and faculty in higher education, emphasizing how positive education approaches can help faculty become more confident and effective instructors. Generation Z students prefer instant internet access and digital learning, have shorter attention spans, and tend to be disengaged when instructors rely on traditional teaching methods. After the COVID-19 pandemic, this engagement gap became more evident. This basic qualitative study used semistructured interviews, reflexive journaling, and nonparticipatory observations. Participants included full-time health science faculty at a private university in central Texas. Each had at least 2 years of teaching experience …

Building Relationships: Does Perceived Counselor Cultural Humility Improve Client Satisfaction Of Mental Health Services Within Therapeutic Dyads Of Dissimilar Identities?, Noah Schoch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A wealth of clinical research has uncovered the presence of mental health treatment disparities and a lack of treatment consistency when working with clients of dissimilar identities. The purpose of this dissertation study was to investigate potential causes for the observed disparities minoritized individuals have experienced and understand if cultural humility was a variable that affected mental health treatment satisfaction when counselor-client had dissimilar cultural identities. This was achieved through the following research questions: (1) What is the relationship between the extent of client perceived racial/ethnic similarity within the therapeutic dyad and client-rated mental health treatment satisfaction? (2) What is …

Family Functioning And Adolescent Outcomes In Wilderness Therapy: A Quanitative Analysis Of Change And Predictive Relationships, Elizabeth Santone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the impact of wilderness therapy on adolescent and family functioning using archival data from a licensed outdoor behavioral healthcare program. The purpose of this research was to examine both individual and systemic changes over the course of treatment and to explore whether improvements in family functioning were associated with youth outcomes. The final sample included 1,293 adolescents who completed the Youth Outcome Questionnaire (Y-OQ 2.01) at intake and discharge. A subset of 454 adolescents and their caregivers also completed the Family Assessment Device (FAD) at both time points. Paired-sample t-tests revealed statistically significant improvements in both adolescent …

Examining The Effects Of Video Modeling To Enhance Culturally Specific Social Greeting Skills In Preschoolers With Asd In Saudi Arabia, Sarah Alzahrani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A lack of social communication skills, including initiation and responding, has been a prominent characteristic of children diagnosed with ASD (Kanner, 1943; Kroeger et al., 2007). Enhancing these skills in children with ASD during early childhood is crucial to their future relationships, friendships, participation in communal activities, and overall lowering the likelihood of adverse long-term effects, giving significance to this age as a pivotal period for enhancing various skills (Hart Barnett, 2018). Failure to provide interventions to address social communication in children with ASD, specifically in cultures that value this skill, can impede their integration into that society. Thus, this …

The Marathon: A Qualitative Exploration Of The Lived Experiences Of Black Male Educators, Lloyd M. Cheatom Sr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Utilizing a culturally relevant framework and methodology, this qualitative dissertation proposal aims to explore and investigate the unique life experiences and exposures that influence Black men to not only become educators but to sustain their careers in the educational field. The purpose of this study is to identify ways in which 1Nation Mentoring can organically implement strategic opportunities that replicate experiences capable of inspiring interest among young Black males to pursue meaningful roles within education and foster a pipeline of future Black male educators.

Additionally, this research will examine the intersection between education and trauma-based experiences, as well as the …

Mind The Gap: Intergenerational Perspectives On Mental Illness Within Ghanaian American Communities, Ama Danso-Ayesu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research explores attitudes toward mental illness among Ghanaian immigrants and

first-generation Ghanaian Americans, with particular focus on factors that influence

stigma. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Model, the study utilized the

Community Attitudes Toward Mental Illness (CAMI) Scale to measure four dimensions

of stigma, including authoritarianism, benevolence, social restrictiveness, and community

mental health ideology. A comparative, cross-sectional design was employed to examine

differences between immigrant and American-born participants. The findings revealed

generational differences where Ghanaian immigrants reported higher levels of

authoritarian and socially restrictive beliefs, while first-generation Ghanaian Americans

demonstrated more benevolent and inclusive attitudes. Interpreted through the ecological

systems …

Likes For Love: Examining The Relationship Of Sociocultural Factors On Social Media Influences Of Instagram Use For Young Black Women, Cheria S. Jackson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In recent years there has been a push toward studying ethnic minority women related to the psychological implications of image and beauty, as historically the focus has been on the experiences of European women (Awad et al., 2015). Black women must process sexual development, attitudes, and behaviors through the lens of the sexual scripts and stereotypes of their ethnic group and must negotiate between mainstream and culture specific norms of sexuality (Daniels and Zurbriggen, 2016; Jerald et al., 2017). The presence of these scripts signifies a difference between Black women and other races about how they may internalize and react …

Counselor Perspectives On Substance Use Treatment In Pennsylvania As Medical Cannabis Laws Evolve, Renee L. Ludwig

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cannabis, once primarily regarded as a recreational or “party” drug, has undergone a significant shift in public and medical perception over the past two decades. It is now increasingly recognized as a therapeutic agent prescribed within clinical settings. While substantial research has examined the general use of medical cannabis, relatively little attention has been given to its implications for substance use counselors treating clients who use medical cannabis during treatment for substance use disorders. The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of substance use counselors regarding client use of medical cannabis and to investigate how such use …

An Ancient And Future Model Of Ecclesial Ministry: Exploring Insights From African Ecclesiology For A Revitalized Understanding Of The Catechist In The Amecea Region, Fortunatus Mugisha

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The ministry of the catechist has historically been an enduring and transformative ministry in the life of the Church in Africa, particularly in the AMECEA region. Within the AMECEA region (Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa), catechists have ministered not merely as transmitters of the faith but as the “unsung heroes and heroines” and vital agents of evangelization, pastoral care, and community leadership serving as the local face of the Church. This dissertation, relying on the insights from African ecclesiologies, proposes a renewed theological and pastoral understanding of the catechist as an ancient and future model of ecclesial …

Child Care For Student Parents: A Critical Discourse Analysis Of Policy And Politics In Nys, Elizabeth M. Starks

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This policy analysis dissertation explores the complex and multifaceted challenges that exist within New York State’s early childhood care and education (ECCE) system by critically examining the amendment of one NYS social services law. Guided by Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis, this study examines two research questions (under one overarching question):

1. What language and arguments are effective in making change in Early Childhood policy in NYS?
   1. What is the policy discourse surrounding the amendment of subdivision 1 of section 410-w social services law in NYS?
   2. What is the political discourse surrounding the amendment of subdivision 1 of section 410-w social services …

The Experience Of African American Male Counselor Educators Navigating Racial Battle Fatigue, Quincy J. Stephenson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A qualitative phenomenological approach was used in this research to explore the lived experiences of African American male counselor educators (AAMCEs) in historically or predominantly White universities who have obtained tenure and promotion. The need for equitable support, recruitment, and retention of faculty of color in counselor education has received more attention from universities in recent years. Although some advancement has occurred, AAMCEs continue to be underrepresented in academia, especially counselor education. There has been research concerning the impact of racism on and resilience of AAMCEs; however, there is a lack of research concerning how this specific population navigates racial …

Exploring The Potential Effects Of Read Naturally Live To Support Reading Fluency Development In Diverse Learners, Jovonne Tabb

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The ability to comprehend and apply knowledge learned through reading is fundamental for individuals to become successful and productive citizens in society. The inability to read fluently and accurately with appropriate pacing and expression significantly inhibits text comprehension. Research suggests that children who do not develop reading fluency are more likely to experience learning and comprehension difficulties throughout their academic careers (Lange, 2019). Computer-assisted interventions (CAI) have demonstrated effectiveness in advancing students' reading fluency, particularly for those at risk of developing reading disabilities or those already diagnosed with reading difficulties. However, a significant gap exists in research examining CAI effectiveness …

Hoarding And The Hoarded Home: A Phenomenological And Psychoanalytic Study, Brianna Stich

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While research on hoarding tends to isolate hoarders from the homes they hoard and in which they live, the hoard and the hoarder share a life in the home. This study explores how hoarders live with and live through their hoard at home. It combines psychoanalysis and phenomenology within a unique methodological framework to provide a hermeneutic reading of the psychological significances of the hoarded home. In this study, the contemporary conceptualization of hoarding is historically situated and critiqued from a phenomenological perspective, and the view that hoarding is a single, behaviorally-defined syndrome that is explainable by a cognitive-behavioral model …