Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of Self And Parental Criticism In Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, Brooke Aleece Ammerman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is found at high rates among adolescents and young adults, and often produces many negative consequences, warranting additional research (Yates, 2004). Parental criticism and self-criticism may greatly influence the likelihood of NSSI in these populations (Wedig & Nock, 2007), but the relationship needs to be expanded upon. The purpose of the current study was to address this need by measuring self-criticism, perceived parental criticism, and parent-reported criticism among adolescents and young adults. Results suggest that levels of self-criticism and perceived expressed emotion may influence whether or not an individual engages in NSSI. One particular aspect of self-criticism, …

A Master Of Music Recital In Flute, Sarah June Coleman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Sarah June Coleman presented a graduate flute recital Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at six o'clock in the evening. This recital was performed in Davis Hall of the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at the University of Northern Iowa and was given in partial fulfillment of the requirements of a Master of Music degree with an emphasis in flute performance. Musicians assisting Ms. Coleman on the recital were pianist Serena Hou, flutist Hannah Leffler, violinists Anneliese Gentzsch and Laura Hebbeln, violist Alyssa Adamec, cellist Matt McClellan, and conductor Ashley Smith. The program opened with the four movement baroque Concerto in E minor …

Components Of The Complete Blood Count As Risk Predictors For Coronary Heart Disease: In-Depth Review And Update, Mohammad Madjid, Omid Fatemi

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease, and several inflammatory biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein, have been used to predict the risk of coronary heart disease. High white blood cell count is a strong and independent predictor of coronary risk in patients of both sexes, with and without coronary heart disease. A high number of white blood cells and their subtypes (for example, neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, and eosinophils) are associated with the presence of coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke. The coronary heart disease risk ratios associated with a high white blood cell count are comparable to those of other …

Endovascular Treatment Of Acute Type B Dissection Complicating Aortic Coarctation, Seyed Ebrahim Kassaian, Kyomars Abbasi, Mehdi Mousavi, Mohammad Sahebjam

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

Surgical treatment poses a high risk to patients with concomitant aortic coarctation and dissection, and an interventional approach could be an alternative. We describe the case of a 52-year-old man with a long history of untreated hypertension and aortic coarctation who emergently presented at our institution with an acute Stanford type B dissection. The patient's elevated serum creatinine level, perfusion deficit in the right lower limb, and hypertension did not respond to medical therapy, and he did not consent to surgery. By endovascular means, we used a self-expandable stent-graft to cover the entry point of the dissection; then, we deployed …

Feasibility Of Temporary Biventricular Pacing After Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting In Patients With Reduced Left Ventricular Function, Daniel Y Wang, Lauren A Kelly, Marc E Richmond, T Alexander Quinn, Bin Cheng, Michelle D Spotnitz, Santos E Cabreriza, Yoshifumi Naka, Allan S Stewart, Craig R Smith, Henry M Spotnitz

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

In selected patients undergoing cardiac surgery, our research group previously showed that optimized temporary biventricular pacing can increase cardiac output one hour after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Whether pacing is effective after beating-heart surgery is unknown. Accordingly, in this study we examined the feasibility of temporary biventricular pacing after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

The effects of optimized pacing on cardiac output were measured with an electromagnetic aortic flow probe at the conclusion of surgery in 5 patients with a preoperative mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 0.26 (range, 0.15–0.35). Atrioventricular (7) and interventricular (9) delay settings were optimized in …

Geophysical Investigation And Assessment Of The Rye Patch Known Geothermal Resource Area, Rye Patch, Nevada, Mark Richmond Mcdonald

Theses and Dissertations

A gravity and ground-based magnetic survey was conducted at the Rye Patch Known Geothermal Resource Area located at Rye Patch, Nevada. The purpose of the study was to attempt to further delineate the geothermal reservoir and/or to identify potential drilling targets. The survey consisted of collecting data at 264 new stations to augment data from 203 stations collected in 2008. Information from previous seismic, aeromagnetic and geochemical investigations was also examined and incorporated. Filtering methods including removal of a polynomial trend surface and wavelength filtering were utilized on the gravity data to remove the strong regional overprint caused by the …

Microwave Tomography Using Stochastic Optimization And High Performance Computing, Michael William Holman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis discusses the application of parallel computing in microwave tomography for detection and imaging of dielectric objects. The main focus is on microwave tomography with the use of a parallelized Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) forward solver in conjunction with non-linear stochastic optimization based inverse solvers. Because such solvers require very heavy computation, their investigation has been limited in favour of deterministic inverse solvers that make use of assumptions and approximations of the imaging target. Without the use of linearization assumptions, a non-linear stochastic microwave tomography system is able to resolve targets of arbitrary permittivity contrast profiles while avoiding …

Effects Of Instructor Continuity On A Large-Scale Pilot Training Program, Erik Michael Goff

Theses and Dissertations

In a large-scale pilot training program, like those run by the United States Air Force, Navy or many civilian colleges, quality of instruction is a very important question. These programs will have large numbers of instructors and students, but the effect of flying a student with a large number of different instructors is unknown. This paper will use continuous performance and failure data to see if there is a relationship between flying with too many instructors and failing or scoring poorly on a checkride. Multiple regression, difference in differencing, and probit analysis will be used to explore this question.

Does Time Matter? An Examination Of Sentence Length, Time Served And Probation Outcomes, Michael P. Mcgrath

Theses and Dissertations

There remains some uncertainty as to whether or not probation supervision can influence the behaviour of offenders as intended and thereby protect the public. Within the growing body of probation literature is support for a number of theoretically relevant variables and probation outcomes (Morgan, 1993; Gendreau, Little & Goggin, 1996). Some of the probation studies include a measure of time (Sims & Jones, 1997; Green & Winik, 2010), although it has never been exclusively studied in probation research. In the studies that do include a time measure, sentence length is the most frequently used and is often related to failure …

Education: Where It Pays, Nathan William Orwick

Theses and Dissertations

Post-secondary education is one of the most important decisions a student is faced with when leaving high school. There have been numerous studies as to whether the additional education is worthy of one's time and attention but what has not been addressed where is important. If one plans to live in a certain area it would be extremely beneficial to know whether your education is going to benefit one's financial situation or not. Utilizing incomes as the dependent variable and Ordinary Least Squares as the econometric method, this paper concludes having advanced degrees in the metropolitan areas are very beneficial …

The Utilization Of Local History In Teaching American Religious History: A Gilded Age And Progressive Era North Dakota Case Study, Christopher Neal Price

Theses and Dissertations

Teachers of college-level courses on American religious history generally leave out the importance of local and regional histories when telling the story of religion in America. The study of local history provides a fertile ground for understanding broad national trends in a local context. This dissertation focuses upon a little-studied religious body in North Dakota to see how Anglo settlers on the prairie viewed their religious experience in a Gilded Age and Progressive Era context. By emphasizing the records of the North Dakota Baptist State Convention at the North Dakota State Archives in Bismarck and the First Baptist Church of …

Epileptic Seizure Detection And Prediction From Electroencephalogram Using Neuro-Fuzzy Algorithms, Ahmed Fazle Rabbi

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents innovative approaches based on fuzzy logic in epileptic seizure detection and prediction from Electroencephalogram (EEG). The fuzzy rule-based algorithms were developed with the aim to improve quality of life of epilepsy patients by utilizing intelligent methods. An adaptive fuzzy logic system was developed to detect seizure onset in a patient specific way. Fuzzy if-then rules were developed to mimic the human reasoning and taking advantage of the combination in spatial-temporal domain. Fuzzy c-means clustering technique was utilized for optimizing the membership functions for varying patterns in the feature domain. In addition, application of the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference …

Life History Strategy And The Role Of Self-Regulation In Cheating Behavior, Joshua Reynolds

Theses and Dissertations

The current study examined cheating behavior, the role of self-regulation, and if the distal causal framework of life history theory could illuminate the relationships between self-regulation and cheating behavior. Participants in the experimental condition had their state self-regulation taxed (compared to the control condition); participants had an opportunity to cheat, which was recorded unbeknownst to participants. Additionally, participants completed questionnaires and tasks assessing individuals' life history strategy, trait self-regulation, and mood. It was hypothesized taxed state self-regulation, lower trait self-regulation, and a faster life history strategy would increase cheating behavior and a faster life history strategy would predict lower trait …

Wendell Berry's Philosophy Of Education: Lessons From Port William, Jane Margaret Schreck

Theses and Dissertations

In the midst of a proclaimed crisis in higher education, in the clamor and clamber to leverage technology for such innovations as mass open online courses and differentiated learning modules, in the speculative frenzy of preparing students for the careers of a fantasy future, and in the swirl of angst about funding accountability and economic relevance, Wendell Berry's philosophy of education declares that the essential element missing from most current discussions and considerations of education is love. As explained in his essays and revealed in his fiction and poetry, Berry's philosophy centers on love as the best animator of learning: …

A Case Study Of Elementary Teachers' Conceptions Of Environmental Literacy In Relationship To A Tall Grass Prairie Restoration Project, Teresa Jayne Shume

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to describe seven elementary teachers' conceptions of environmental literacy in relationship to a tall grass prairie restoration project and to explore ways in which the tall grass prairie restoration project for third grade contributed to enhancing educational learning experiences. The research questions were: 1. What are teachers' conceptions of environmental literacy for third grade students? 2. How does the prairie restoration trip contribute to teachers' capacity to teach for environmental literacy of third grade students? 3. What is the pedagogical value of the prairie restoration project? The theoretical frameworks underpinning this study …

Online Self-Injury Forums, Social Support, And Psychological Distress, Kirsten Louise Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a behavior being seen with increasing frequency among clinicians and the general population. Internet forums where people who engage in the behavior may discuss topics related to NSSI have become widespread. The effects of those websites on people who engage in the behavior have not been researched. This study used structural equation modeling to better understand the relationship between identification with these groups, time online, comfort discussing NSSI, social support, and psychological distress. The final model suggests a complicated relationship between Internet use and offline effects. Identification with such an online group appears to lead to …

Is There A Disconnect? Comparing North Dakota And National Geography Standards, Lori Jean Young

Theses and Dissertations

In 1994, Geography for Life was published. From this publication the national geography and state geography standards were developed. These national standards were the basis of the state standards.

North Dakota Studies is a Grade 9-12 course offered in North Dakota high schools. This course is offered under mandate in North Dakota high schools, so a broad range of data could be obtained by contacting those teachers.

Prior research has shown that students exposed to 3-D geographic technologies have better spatial abilities than students without a technologic background. A recent study showed that adults wanted to know more about geography …

Historical Genetic Analysis Of Horned Lark (Eremophila Alpestris) Specimens From The Prairie Pothole Region, Gregory Omar Cain

Theses and Dissertations

The Horned Lark (Eremphila alpestris) is a generalist bird species with a global distribution. A previous phylogeographic study of this species from western North America has been completed and identified three distinct mitochondrial DNA clades. This study aims to genetically characterize Horned Larks from the North Dakota region using the mtDNA NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene. Horned Larks were sampled from museum collections, with ages ranging from 13 - 120 years old. 5mm x 1mm feather cuttings were removed using a non-invasive feather sampling method from each specimen for genetic analysis.

This sampling method was verified on 15 total …

Determining Best Method For Estimating Observed Level Of Maximum Convective Detrainment Based On Radar Reflectivity, Nicholas Daniel Carletta

Theses and Dissertations

Convective mass transport is the transport of mass from near the surface up to the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) by a deep convective updraft. This transport can alter the chemical makeup and water vapor balance of the UTLS, which can affect cloud formation and the radiative properties of the atmosphere. It is therefore important to understand the exact altitudes at which mass is detrained from convection. The purpose of this study is to improve upon previously published methodologies for estimating the level of maximum detrainment (LMD) within convection using data from individual radars. Three methods were used to …

Effect Of Candidate Spending On Vote Share, Charles Denowh

Theses and Dissertations

Prior research on the effect that candidate spending has on vote share has produced conflicting results, with some research finding that only spending by challenger candidates has an effect on the vote outcome and other research finding incumbent and challenger spending roughly equally effective. The paper explores two suspected causes of the discrepancy in prior results: measurement error and endogeneity in the spending variables. Using new spending data from the Federal Election Commission that can readily be categorized into different spending types, I find evidence of significant amounts of inconsequential spending that should be excluded from candidate spending totals. Additionally, …

Air Circulation Under Reduced Atmospheric Pressures, Lendell E. Hillhouse

Theses and Dissertations

The control of heat exchange is vital for plant life in off-world, low pressure,

greenhouses. The ability to control this process was limited by methodology and

technology. Mathematical models, based on classical mechanics are created to enhance

our control capabilities. Data is collected using various sensors placed inside the Low

Pressure Test Bed (LPTB) Chamber at Kennedy Space Center. Data from those sensors

became non-linear at various pressures below 25 kPa. We introduced mathematical

calibration corrections and found that sensor data linearity could be extended to a greater

range of pressures. These calibration corrections allow for sensor calibration corrections

in …

Should Girls Play Hockey With Boys? Perspectives From The Usa Women's Olympic Hockey Team, Jocelyne Nicole Lamoureux

Theses and Dissertations

An exploratory descriptive analysis on USA Women's Olympic hockey team player's perspectives on playing with boys during their developmental years was conducted. Fifteen elite women American hockey players completed a questionnaire about their experiences playing on boys' teams, making the transition to girls' hockey, and how they thought playing with boys effected their physical and psychological development. Data analysis included both qualitative and quantitative data. Results showed that all participants had played with both boys and girls. They all started playing on boys' teams and transitioned to girls' teams mainly for safety reasons. Participants reported positive effects from playing with …

The Effect Of The Military On Political Instability, Chikezie Kenneth Okoli

Theses and Dissertations

The relationship between the military and political instability is often measured qualitatively, with emphasis on country specific cases. This paper differs from other papers on two fronts. First, the measurement of political instability as a combination of state failure and political violence allows for a more in-depth analysis than would be available if instability was examined as the onset of only one event. Second, by using panel data and maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) techniques, this paper is able to make general conclusions about the effect of the military on instability. The findings of this paper show that the various military …

Mennonite Music Education In Southern Manitoba: A Descriptive Study Of Mennonite Collegiate Institute And Steinbach Christian High School, Troy Landon Toavs

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the music programs at Mennonite Collegiate Institute (MCI) founded in 1889 and Steinbach Christian High School (SCHS) which has its origins in Steinbach Bible College founded in 1936. The Kanadier, Mennonites who came to Manitoba in 1874 (e.g., Kleine Gemeinde and Bergthaler), had previously rejected part-singing in Russia. However, they became more open to part-singing after they came to Manitoba. The Bergthaler in Gretna helped establish MCI. The Mennonite Brethren (MB) and Evangelical Mennonite Brethren (EMB) were influential in promoting choral music among the Kleine Gemeinde in Steinbach. Steinbach Bible …

Laughing At The Looking Glass: Does Humor Style Serve As An Interpersonal Signal?, Virgil Zeigler-Hill, Avi Besser, Stephanie E. Jett

Faculty Publications

Objective: The provision of information appears to be an important feature of humor. The present studies examined whether humor serves as an interpersonal signal such that an individual's style of humor is associated with how the individual is perceived by others. Method: We examined this issue across two studies. In Study 1, undergraduate participants (257 targets) were rated more positively by their friends and family members (1194 perceivers) when they possessed more benign humor styles. In Study 2, 1190 community participants rated the romantic desirability of targets ostensibly possessing different humor styles. Results: Across both studies, our results were consistent …

Jewish Spirituality, Depression, And Health: An Empirical Test Of A Conceptual Framework, Elizabeth J. Krumrei-Mancuso, Steven Pirutinsky, David H. Rosmarin

All Faculty Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

The Indianness Of Christianity: The Task Of Re-Imagination, Dyron Daughrity

All Faculty Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

Sexual Fluidity And Women's Bisexual Identity Development, Julijana Draganic

Theses and Dissertations

Experiences of bisexual and sexual fluid women are poorly explored and understood in the current literature. While there is a need and interest in the exploration of bisexual experiences in the current literature, these experiences are usually lumped together with the experiences of lesbian women, who are vastly overrepresented in the participant samples. Data was collected from LGBT centers, women's centers, bisexual interest listservs, and sexual minority internet groups. This study examined: the relationship between a measure of fluidity in attractions, the Sexual Fluidity Grid (SFG) and a measure of sexual orientation, the Klein Sexual Orientation Grid; the relationship between …

Variations Of E-Region Total Electron Content And Electron Density Profiles Over High Latitudes During Winter Solstice 2007 Using Radio Occultation Measurements, Kajli Agrawal

Theses and Dissertations

The space weather phenomenon involves the Sun, interplanetary space and the Earth. Different space weather conditions have diverse effects on the various layers of the Earth's atmosphere Technological advancements have created a situation in which human civilization is not only dependent on resources from deep inside the Earth, but also on the upper atmosphere and outer space region. Therefore, it is essential to improve the understanding of the impacts of space weather conditions on the ionosphere. This research focuses on the variation of total electron content (TEC) and the electron density within the E-region of the ionosphere, which extends from …

Effects Of Paid Maternity Leave On The Gender Wage Gap, Rachel Baxter

Theses and Dissertations

The persistence of the gender wage gap in countries throughout the world has sparked several theories as to its cause and possible solutions. One theory centers on the decisions faced by a woman regarding children and fertility throughout her career. Typically, as the primary caregivers for children, women are more likely to interrupt their careers or leave the labor force entirely as a result. This thesis uses a fixed-effects model using a panel dataset of 18 countries with observations from 2000 to 2010 to evaluate whether paid maternity leave has an effect on the breadth of the gender wage gap. …