Digital Commons Network^™

Low Voc Coating Systems From Novel Glycidyl Carbamate Resins, Umesh Deepak Harkal

Coatings and Polymeric Materials

The goal of the research presented in this dissertation was to design and synthesize novel glycidyl carbamate (GC) resins for low VOC applications and study the structure property relationships of their coatings. Primarily GC resins are synthesized using aliphatic polyisocyanate resins such as biuret and isocyanurate of hexamethylene diisocyanate. Polyisocyanate based GC resins had extremely high viscosity. Biuret glycidyl carbamate (BGC) resin was modified by replacing part of the glycidol with alcohols. The alcohol composition and the extent of alcohol composition in the resin were systematically varied. The alcohol modification reduced the resin viscosity dramatically. Performance of amine and self-crosslinked …

Theory, Research And Application: An In-Depth Look Into The Practice Of Mass Communication, Blair Ann Foy

Communication

These major papers examined the aspects of theory, research and application in regard to mass communication through examples in each designated paper. As the portfolio title indicates, the methods analyzed throughout these major papers will first feature theory through an analysis of rhetorical criticism, then move to research with the literature review on environmental communication, and finally discuss application with a case study concerning the crisis communication efforts utilized by the state of Minnesota during the I- 35W bridge collapse. Each of these facets of communication were included and analyzed for their contributions to the field of mass communication itself. …

Learning The Ropes Of Emotion Labor: How Are Certified Nursing Assistants Socialized To Manage Emotion?, Kristina Anne Wenzel

Communication

This project explores the organizational socialization of emotion among certified nursing assistants employed in nursing homes. Six certified nursing assistants in the encounter phase of organizational socialization participated in this study which seeks to understand how certified nursing assistants learn the ropes of emotion labor. The results of this study offer partial support of Scott and Myers (2005) research as results indicate four essential categories of new certified nursing assistants' experiences: (a) customer service Ill expectations, (b) repeated exposure to emotional events, ( c) observational-infonnation seeking, and (d) being selected for emotion management capacity. Additionally, this study describes the workplace …

Longdistance Romantic Relationships: Connections Among Conflict, Uncertainty, Maintenance, And Mediated Communication Use, Whitney Allison Frahm

Communication

Conflict, uncertainty, and relational maintenance have been frequent topics of study in long-distance relationships (LDRs); however, these concepts have not been studied concurrently. Interviews with 22 college students were used to study the influence of mediated versus face-to-face communication on conflict, uncertainty, and maintenance in LDRs. Interview data indicate that distance, distrust, and frustration with mediated communication are significant sources of conflict in LDRs. Conflict is most often discussed via mediated communication, although couples overwhelmingly prefer face-to-face interaction. Uncertainty and subsequent conflict were highest when using text-based communication (i.e., text messaging and Facebook); the telephone was preferred to maintain LDRs.

Powerful And Powerless Language In Health Media: An Examination Of The Effects Of Biological Sex And Topic Focus On Language Styles, Ashley Marie Fandrich

Communication

Powerless language has been shown to influence audience perceptions, and the media has been shown to influence health behaviors. However, little research has looked at powerless language in health media. This study expands current research regarding powerless language through an examination of written health media. A content analysis on the use of powerless language in health-related articles was conducted for 12 popular magazines over a one-year time span. Analysis compared differences in use of powerless language relative to three variables: biological sex of the author, the biological sex of the audience, and the magazine's overall topic focus. Female authors and …

Etablatutor - The Electronic Tabla Leaming Game, Dibakar Bhowmick

Computer Science

Tabla is a percussion instrument widely used in Indian classical music both as a solo instrument and as an accompaniment to vocal or instrumental music. Learning Tabla, like learning any musical instrument, is very much a discontinuous process. There are periods where one makes good progress. At other times, it feels that the learner is not making any progress at all. This alternation continues indefinitely. For one who has never learned a musical instrument, the first obstacle is the most critical. It usually occurs between 1 and 3 months. It is at this point that the initial enthusiasm has worn …

The Web Based Meeting Scheduler, Mayukh Sharma

Computer Science

In this paper I present a Web based Meeting Scheduler which is a web-based easy to use group calendar application for scheduling events, reserving meeting rooms and scheduling meetings. Meetings and events may be scheduled for invitees within an organization as well as prospective customers and clients from outside the organization by adding the following website (www.meetingscheduler.org) to the address bar of a browser. Any user with an account on the system can choose a meeting date from the calendar and provide the subject for the meeting, a description, the location and any specific conference room information. A meeting may …

Teaching Encryption: A Learning Theory Approach, Manu Kishore Bhogadi

Computer Science

Bloom's taxonomy for cognitive domain is an effective taxonomy for structured learning. The six levels in Bloom's taxonomy for cognitive domain are based on the levels of difficulty. This paper focuses on teaching communication security and encryption by applying Bloom's taxonomy in the creation of educational materials and assessments. Delivering education material to the mobile phones is made possible with the advancement of mobile technologies, and the use of mobile technologies in teaching is gaining popularity because of its benefits. In this paper, delivering educational material to the mobile phones is experimented with by using a flash cards application for …

From Infanticide To Activism: The Transformation Of Emotions And Identity In Self-Help Movements, Verta Taylor, Lisa A. Leitz

Peace Studies Faculty Books and Book Chapters

Taylor and Leitz trace processes of collective identity construction and politicization among women suffering from postpartum psychiatric illness who have been convicted of infanticide. Joining a growing body of research suggesting that self‐help and consumer health movements can be a significant force for change in both the cultural and political arenas, Taylor and Lietz examine one such movement, a pen‐pal network of women incarcerated for committing infanticide. Taylor and Leitz show how a sense of collective identity fostered by the pen‐pal network triggered a profound emotional transformation in participants, allowing them to convert shame and loneliness into pride and solidarity, …

Athletic Fundraising And University Development Offices: A Structurational Relationship, Keith Michael Dickhudt

Computer Science

This case study examines the working relationship between an athletic department and a central development office within a university. This study focuses primarily on the coordination of fundraising efforts between the two offices. A qualitative approach, using a structuration theoretical framework, presents the working relationship at Midwestern State University (MWSU) through in-depth interviews. Results suggest the two offices could improve the coordination of fundraising efforts. Recommendations, based on the results and theoretical framework, are given.

Resource And Bandwidth Allocation In Hybrid Wireless Mobile Networks, Benjamin John Bengfort

Computer Science

In the lead up to the implementation of 802.16 and 4G wireless networks, there have been many proposals for addition of multi-hop MANET zones or relay stations in order to cut the cost of building a new backbone infrastructure from the ground up. These types of Hybrid Wireless Networks will certainly be a part of wireless network architecture in the future, and as such, simple problems such as resource allocation must be explored to maximize their potential. This study explores the resource allocation problem in three distinct ways. First, this study highlights two existing backbone architectures: max-coverage and max-resource, and …

Anonymity And Hostile Node Identification In Wireless Sensor Networks, Phillip Steven Reindl

Computer Science

In many secure wireless network attack scenarios, the source of a data packet is as sensitive as the data it contains. Existing work to provide source anonymity in wireless sensor networks (WSN) are not frugal in terms of transmission overhead. We present a set of schemes to provide secure source anonymity. As the state of the art in WSN advances, researchers increasingly look to heterogeneous network topologies. We leverage high powered cluster head nodes to further reduce transmission overhead and provide excellent scalability. A significant threat to WSN is the insider attack due to the ease of tampering with low-cost …

Achieving A Sustainable Concrete Design And Construction, Ankush Satishchandra Agrawal

Construction Management and Engineering

Concrete is one of the key materials in the construction industry. But today, the use of concrete and its production has become a matter of environmental concern throughout the world. This statement is true especially for the manufacturing process of cement. One of the major problems is emission of CO2 gas into the atmosphere during the manufacturing of cement. Every ton of concrete produced leads to emission of one ton of carbon dioxide gas. Hence replacement of cement by alternative materials has been investigated by many researchers. In the past, fly ash has been the most common replacement. This study, …

Finding A Future For The Past, Jenn Whitney

Architecture Theses

This work addresses the uses of space within a building over time. Through the years, needs of spaces evolve and require changes. Often, buildings are left vacant once they no longer function for their desired needs. Economic hardships also add to this occurrence. This work gives the designer the challenge of reusing spaces that have lost their original function and are left in a state of desolation. The theoretical premise of this thesis is sought through exploration of human needs and their well-being. The designer then obtains a better understanding of the function of spaces needed. The site is in …

Revealing Light, Mitchell Dressel

Architecture Theses

How does light reveal? For centuries architects have been using light to express the built environment. Architects have used light to reveal a mood, an object, and even space. A non-denominational chapel seems to express the question to its fullest for design exploration. It does because light is usually associated with spiritual experiences. The site for the chapel will be in the existing power plant on the corner of 6th Ave. S. and Elm St. S. in Moorhead, MN. Which overlooks the river and can easily be seen from Fargo.

Arts In Architecture, John Holten

Architecture Theses

The fine arts can be viewed as divine marker to a cultural identity. As a non-essential activity to the survival of man, arts are infused with all of the free thought of the contemporary. More specifically, theatre is a direct correlation between the arts, architecture, and the human body; making a direct connection between culture and the built form. Even as cultural evolution transends generations the link between arts and architecture will be finite. Grand Forks, North Dakota has an ever-expanding culture of arts. Rapid growth brings the possibility of great change and has the potential to spark new ideas. …

Giving New Life, Nicholas Weber

Architecture Theses

Abstract- This thesis project is the exploration of how technology may serve to reveal architectural opportunities within a damaged landscape. There are many places around the planet which have been used and then left to repair themselves without the aid of the hands who caused the damage. These places need to be reconsidered for future projects. Taking the technological knowledge of professionals we now can reveal architectural opportunities which will not only repair the landscape but give it new life. The building typology will be a four seasons resort destination. It will be a place for people to gather and …

Education Instilling A Brighter Future: Design Of Green Strategies Beyond Architecture, Kara Braaten

Architecture Theses

The Project Typology is a 25,000 Sq. Ft. Educational Activity Center providing additional before & after school resources as well as new educational programming throughout the day for elementary age children in the Fargo School District. The project is located at the intersection of 24th St & 13th Ave South in central Fargo, North Dakota, within the context of the Midwest United States. In order to pass along the knowledge of green strategies, we must first foster the education of a younger generation who will become the vessels of this knowledge. Reinforcing these strategies in an educational setting provides the …

Matilda's House, Amanda Kohn

Architecture Theses

Suffering is part of the human condition, and, thus, so is healing and comfort. An architecture that can foster the healing process and the restoration of balance between mind, body, and soul brings to light the true meaning in architecture. Here is an investigation in the design of a 12,000 square foot transplant house that seeks to incur such a space of healing and comfort. Located near the transplant center at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, it will act as a home away from home for transplant patients and their families.

Eos 1: Evolution Of Sustainability, Jonathan Thomas

Architecture Theses

Human interaction is a real need fulfilled by simple communication, verbal or non verbal. Individualism and congregation are part of everyday settings. The built environment has a large influence on how and when these interactions take place. This thesis is focused on the redevelopment of downtown Houston. This community utilizes two undeveloped blocks in the "inner loop" on the border of the high-rise district, and the underdeveloped old industrial district, which was rezoned long ago. The project embraces both individuality and communal need through its integration of spaces though sound Architectural principles. E.O.S. stands for "The Evolution of Sustainability". The …

Maintaining The Integrity Of The Public Library Building In The Digital Age, Alexander J. Engle

Architecture Theses

Today’s public library building sits in a peculiar position as media changes from the tactile to the digital. The thesis aims to illustrate the continued importance of the library as a physical place within the community. No longer a place simply to store books, the library has become a place for human interaction, a place for public discourse, and a place for continued education. Far from obsoletion, the public library building will continue to be a crucial place within the community for many years to come. A Mixed Method approach to research will be used, gathering both quantitative and qualitative …

Methods For Ethanol Production From The Enzymatic Hydrolysis And Fermentation Of Sugar Beet Pulp, Rachel Elizabeth Rorick

Agribusiness and Biosystems Engineering

Sugar beet pulp (SBP), the residue remaining after sucrose extraction, is currently sold as an animal feed. Humans cannot digest the cellulose in the pulp unlike ruminant animals. The pulp is primarily comprised of cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin which can be hydrolyzed with commercial enzymes into fermentable sugars such as, glucose, arabinose, galacturonic acid, xylose, and galactose. These sugars can be fermented to produce ethanol. This research tested the variation of several enzymes, enzyme loading rates, solids loading rates, and fermenting organisms to increase ethanol yields from sugar beet pulp. Several commercial enzymes (cellulases, hemicellulases, pectinases, and proteases) were tested …

Introduction To America's Four Gods: What We Say About God And What That Says About Us, Paul Froese, Christoper Bader

Sociology Faculty Books and Book Chapters

Despite all the hype surrounding the "New Atheism," the United States remains one of the most religious nations on Earth. In fact, 95% of Americans believe in God--a level of agreement rarely seen in American life. The greatest divisions in America are not between atheists and believers, or even between people of different faiths. What divides us, this groundbreaking book shows, is how we conceive of God and the role He plays in our daily lives.

America's Four Gods draws on the most wide-ranging, comprehensive, and illuminating survey of American's religious beliefs ever conducted to offer a systematic exploration of …

Altruistic Fear, Karen A. Snedker

Sociology Faculty Books and Book Chapters

"Researchers have identified patterns related to altruistic fear, most notably variation by sex. Although both men and women express fear for others, the type and frequency of altruistic fear differ for men and women, as does the object of concern (e.g., spouses, children). Similarly, what one does in response to fear for others is also different for men and women. Studies trace these sex differences in altruistic fear to parallel gendered patterns in personal fear of crime, as well as to gendered social roles and deeply structured divisions of caretaking (Snedker, 2006). This research provided an organizational framework for the …

Elements Of The Office Workspace, Michael Stueven

Architecture Theses

When examining office buildings in the world today, it is proper to look deeper at the correlation between productivity and the environments in which people work. In analyzing the office spaces, studies have shown that elements, such as the amount of natural light and views seen from each individual space can influence productivity. Designing an office environment in a manner that incorporates the natural environment works toward increasing productivity of workers occupying the building. Focusing on the qualitative aspects of the working environment, this research is directed towards the productivity of the office environment in relation to the natural environment. …

Oklahoma Elementary Classroom Teachers' Attitudes And Perspectives Of Elementary Physical Education, David C. Barney, Sarah Ehrlich

Faculty Publications

Physical education is an academic discipline that has not been given the respect it deserves both in the school setting and among the general public. As a result of the lack of respect physical education has in the educational community, it is one of the first content areas to be eliminated.

Physical educators need to gain support so they can demonstrate to administrators and parents the value of physical education on a student's overall education. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to obtain and better understand Oklahoma elementary classroom teachers' attitudes and perceptions towards elementary physical education, and thus …

Our Top 12 "Key Instructional Elements" That Help To Build An Excellent Lesson And High Quality Physical Education Program, Robert S. Christenson, David C. Barney

Faculty Publications

One of the most fundamental issues in teaching, arguably the biggest, is discovering the most effective lesson elements for each group of learners. This includes a solid curriculum, performance objectives, age-appropriate pedagogical ingredients, ability-level activities and assessments focused on measuring learning to create a great lesson. When these elements are blended artistically with a variety of classroom management skills, necessary equipment, instructional support resources, behavior management rules and high expectations in a nurturing environment, the teacher has created the best possible learning atmosphere for each individual student.

Below, the authors have identified twelve important instructional elements for teachers to incorporate …

When Teachers And Parents Work Together… An Approach To Developing Critical Life Skills For All Students, Paul Caldarella, Lynnette Christensen, K. Richard Young, John Wilkinson

Faculty Publications

Problem behaviors at home and at school can be prevented or corrected. Children naturally want to please their parents or the teachers they like. Adults are seen as a trusted source of help. Children will respond more positively to modeling. Students are more willing to spend time with positive adults.

Pyroxasulfone Tolerance Of Navy And Pinto Beans (Phaseolis Vulgaris L.), Dry Pea (Pisum Sativum L.), And Lentil (Lens Culinaris Medik), Ryan Leigh Hunt

Plant Sciences

Field experiments were conducted to determine the tolerance of navy and pinto bean, dry pea, and lentil to pyroxasulfone. Additional field studies were conducted to evaluate the weed control efficacy of pyroxasulfone in preemergence and early-preplant applications. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine plant uptake of pyroxasulfone and the influence of activation timing on navy bean injury. Navy bean tolerance to pyroxasulfone varied by rate and experiment location. Navy bean injury occurred at 166 g ai ha-1 in 2008 and at 332 g ai ha·1 in 2009. A pyroxasulfone rate of 166 g ai ha·1 and greater resulted in decreased …

Association Mapping Of Resistance To Common Root Rot And Spot Blotch In Barley, And Population Genetics Of Coch/Iobolus Sativus, Sanjaya Gyawali

Plant Pathology

Cochliobolus sativus (Ito & Kurib.) Drechsl. ex Dast. [anamorph, Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc. in Sorok.) Shoem.] is an important fungal pathogen, which causes common root rot (CRR), spot blotch (SB) and black point/kernel blight in barley in North America. Use of genetic resistance has been effective against SB presumably due to presence of durable resistance in North America. However, recently emerged virulence groups have overcome durable resistance in barley. Additionally, the genetics of resistance to CRR is poorly understood. Therefore, the objectives of current studies are multifaceted. To identify the sources of resistance to CRR, 824 contemporary barley lines from the …