Digital Commons Network^™

Using Thermal Imaging To Characterize Groundwater Seepage In A North Dakota Fen, Ogochukwu Ozotta

Theses and Dissertations

Groundwater flow and its dissolved mineral transport plays a fundamental role in the ecology of many wetlands. Installation of equipment to map groundwater seepage, however, is invasive and may damage vegetation and potentially affect biodiversity. By mapping surface temperature remotely in the late summer, when the differential between warm soil and cold groundwater is the greatest, the temperature patterns may reveal areas of greatest upward gradient and flow.

To test the hypothesis, the effect that hydraulic gradient has on surface temperature in a fen located at the north end of the Cherry Lake Aquifer, Eddy County, ND (47.73, -98.66) was …

Exploring Student Perspectives On Elementary To Middle School Transition Practices, Erin Spies

Theses and Dissertations

Characteristics of effective transition programs include (a) providing realistic experiences of middle school expectations for incoming students, (b) frequent communication with students, parents, and staff, and (c) extensive and ongoing planning, assessment, and redesign of the transition program. While these effective components of a transition program have been recommended based on research, student reflection on essential elements have not been included. The purpose of this study was to use phenomenology research methods to identify components of middle school transition programs from the perspective of middle school students. The study analyzed current transitional practices and their alignment with Schlossberg’s Transition Theory …

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - January 2018, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation

Tennessee Farm Bureau News

No abstract provided.

Faculty And Staff Perceptions About Concealed Carry Initiatives And Their Effect On Campus Safety: A Multi-State Examination, Heidi Marie Ahl-Quanbeck

Theses and Dissertations

Concealed carry on campus is a polarizing debate affecting higher education today. Concealed carry refers to the carrying of a weapon in public while concealed from view. Prompted by isolated instances of gun violence as well as the changing gun culture within our society, ten states now permit weapons on campus as a result of legislation or institutional policy. Yet, little is known about faculty and staff perspectives on concealed carry on campus initiatives or how weapons could affect perceptions about campus safety. The purpose of this study is to better understand faculty and staff perspectives on concealed carry, to …

Researching Colorado Health Law, Kerri Rowe

Publications

No abstract provided.

Remedies And The Government's Constitutionally Harmful Speech, Helen Norton

Publications

Although governments have engaged in expression from their inception, only recently have we begun to consider the ways in which the government’s speech sometimes threatens our constitutional rights. In my contribution to this symposium, I seek to show that although the search for constitutional remedies for the government’s harmful expression is challenging, it is far from futile. This search is also increasingly important at a time when the government’s expressive powers continue to grow—along with its willingness to use these powers for disturbing purposes and with troubling consequences.

More specifically, in certain circumstances, injunctive relief, declaratory relief, or damages can …

Navigating Law Librarianship While Black: A Week In The Life Of A Black Female Law Librarian, Shamika Dalton, Gail Mathapo, Endia Sowers-Paige

Publications

No abstract provided.

Panel 1: Robotic Speech And The First Amendment, Bruce E. H. Johnson, Helen Norton, David Skover

Publications

Moderator: Professor Gregory Silverman.

Book discussed: Ronald L. Collins & David M. Skover, Robotica: Speech Rights and Artificial Intelligence (Cambridge Univ. Press 2018).

Agency Adherence To Legislative History, Laura E. Dolbow

Publications

Every year, Congress gives hundreds of specific directions to agencies through legislative history. Amidst debates about how agencies use legislative history as an interpretive tool to implement directives contained in statutory text, there is little analysis on how agencies respond to directives contained in the legislative history itself. How agencies respond to directives in legislative history, such as committee reports, provides important information about interactions between agencies and Congress. This Article explores how congressional committees leverage legislative history to direct agency action by studying instructions to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in appropriations committee reports. Based on this study, …

Online Communication Settings And The Qualitative Research Process: Acclimating Students And Novice Researchers, Katherine Gregory

Publications and Research

In the last 20 years, qualitative research scholars have begun to interrogate methodological and analytic issues concerning online research settings as both data sources and instruments for digital methods. This article examines the adaptation of parts of a qualitative research curriculum for understanding online communication settings. I propose methodological best practices for researchers and educators that I developed while teaching research methods to undergraduate and graduate students across disciplinary departments and discuss obstacles faced during my own research while gathering data from online sources. This article confronts issues concerning the disembodied aspects of applying what in practice should be rooted …

Bilateral Deficit: A Comparison Between Upper-Body And Lower-Body Maximal Strength, James Lee Ramsey

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Purpose: The study’s primary purpose was to determine if maximal unilateral strength is greater than maximal bilateral strength for the leg press and vertical dumbbell press exercises. The secondary purpose was to determine if blood glucose levels differ between the unilateral and bilateral conditions for the leg press exercise. Methods: Thirty college-aged volunteers reported on two separate occasions, 72 hours apart, for maximal strength testing. Blood glucose was obtained before and after strength testing for the leg press exercise. A paired samples t-test was conducted to determine significance (p < .05). Results: Participants were significantly stronger for the bilateral leg press; however, no significant differences were observed for the vertical dumbbell press exercise. No significant differences were observed in plasma blood glucose for the leg press exercise. Conclusion: Participants did not display a bilateral lateral deficit, which may have been a result of their resistance training prior to the study.

Recruitment Of Generation Y Into Clinical Trials, Soumya Balachandran

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Effective recruitment is key to any clinical trial success. Recruitment of Generation Y (18-34 years old) is quite challenging as they seem to be the least willing group to participate in a clinical trial. The purpose of this study was to find methods that are most appropriate for recruiting the 18-to 34-year-old (Generation Y) subgroup. To capture this information, an online survey was sent to over 2,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Through this survey, information was gathered regarding participant’s willingness to participate in a clinical trial and their preferred recruitment methods. The possible recruitment methods included newspaper advertising, news websites, …

In-Depth Interviews Examining Perceptions Of Burnout In College Forensics, Timothy R. Ward

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

College forensics is an incredible activity with many more benefits for students than drawbacks. This competitive community strives to better itself and the community around it by teaching students life-long skills. College forensics seeks to change the world by offering students a toolbox ready to equip them to be leaders in their communities, advocates for the voiceless, and partners in progress. It is because this activity is such an essential institution of development that this study focuses on a negative area of this educational titan. Research for decades has outlined the harmful impact this activity can have on the health …

Circuits Of Race: Consumption Of Colorism In Nivea’S “Natural Fairness”Campaign, Gabrielle Burgess-Smith

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Colorism is not a Black-White or dark issue; it is a global issue that has emerged into a dynamical power force dividing people from people and, in turn, people from self. It is not solely subjected as a battled issue in America, but it is a global phenomenon where support is gained from all corners of the world—resulting in a worldwide denigration. Psychological and physiological turmoil comes in forms of anxiety, depression, reduced wages, loss of self, and privilege. The blinding processes of colorism through the effects of social media advertisements is a two-way communication process. Through a systematic analyzation …

Factors Affecting Faculty's Intent To Use E-Learning Systems At A University In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia, Razan I. Alsuwailem

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

E-learning systems provide instructors with a platform to create, deliver, and manage course content electronically. Faculty members' use of an e-learning system at Saudi universities concerns researchers, academics, and practitioners. Although most Saudi universities have an e-learning system, few faculty members are using an e-learning system. The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Education has seen massive investment toward the educational improvement in e-learning systems through building and maintaining an advanced level of Information Technology infrastructure, improving the utilization and flexibility of Information Technology resources, and enhancing and developing the privacy and security of e-learning systems. While previous research has examined factors …

Influence Of Resistance Training On Vascular Function, Hemodynamic, And Perceived Exertion Responses To Fixed Submaximal Workloads In Patients With Coronary Disease, Kerstin Grafe

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of superimposed resistance training (RT) in aerobically trained coronary patients on systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE; 6–20 scale), and rate pressure product (RPP) at fixed submaximal workloads following a 12-week RT intervention. Additionally, pre-and post-RT measures of brachial artery reactivity, an index of endothelial function, were obtained. METHODS: Fifteen low risk coronary patients (13 men, 2 women; mean ± SD age = 66.1 ± 5.1 yrs) completed a progressive 12-week RT program that complemented their regular aerobic training regimen. Prior to training, SBP, HR, RPP, and RPE were …

The Experiences Of Undergraduate Students Of Color In The Field Of Speech-Language Pathology, Charu Dwivedi

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This qualitative research study explored why undergraduate students of color have pursued degrees in speech-language pathology. The population of the United States consisting of individuals of color is rapidly increasing. However, the demographic of individuals of color in the field of speech-language pathology is not. Interviews with undergraduate students of color were completed to understand their journey that led them to the field. The results of the study indicated that the students of color who succeeded in getting accepted into a speech-language pathology major had support, internal motivation, and were financially stable.

Regulatory Issues Concerning The Preclinical Testing Of Synthetic Peptides, Vamsi Vardhan Niraghatam

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Any new drug or biological product undergoes rigorous testing in animals and humans for review by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before it becomes available for human use. A sponsor files an investigational new drug (IND) application with the FDA with supporting animal data, after which testing is continued with humans. There is sufficient guidance from the FDA on new small molecules and biological products as to which preclinical studies are to be conducted. Synthetic peptides present a unique scenario in which a case-by-case approach is needed for the conduct of preclinical studies. For peptides containing components …

Perceived Sources And Types Of Social Support And Academic Success Among Male Nursing, Social Work, And Occupational Therapy Students, Tina Thornton

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Incorporating gender diversity into a collaborative practice environment among healthcare professionals and patients is necessary to provide quality care for the complex healthcare population that we serve. Nursing, social work, and occupational therapy have been known to be predominantly female occupations. There are many benefits of including males in these occupations to produce a more diverse workforce supporting positive patient care outcomes and delivery services. There are, however, education, and social barriers to male students within these health science programs. Evidence has shown that social support is an effective mechanism for managing the effects of stress, promoting positive self-esteem, and …

Optogenetic Examination Of Salt Taste In Mice, Martin Raymond

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This thesis describes a series of experiments designed to evaluate the hypothesis that Type I taste receptor cells play a critical role in the detection and transduction of sodium taste via of epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs). Experiment 1 validated the function of a simple and affordable behavioral apparatus (hardware and software) for testing taste preference and taste aversion in mice. Experiment 2 demonstrated a pharmacological method for rapid induction of salt appetite in mice. Experiment 3 showed that optogenetic stimulation of Type I taste receptor cells (TRCs) in transgenic mice could drive consumption of tap water under conditions of salt …

Assessing The Relationship Of Grit And Student Achievement In Reading And Mathematics In Second Grade Students Of The Sault Ste. Marie Public School District, Sheri L. Mcfarlane

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The single most common predictor of success may be how hard students work. Students who persevere when faced with challenges and adversity have grit. This quantitative study explored the relationship of grit and student achievement in students in early elementary school. The subjects of the study were second grade students enrolled in the Sault Ste. Marie Area Public School District. The cognitive measures for this study were the subjects’ scores from the Northwest Evaluation Association’s Measures of Academic Progress in the areas of mathematics and reading. The non-cognitive measure for this research was the Grit-S Scale, which provided a grit …

Effect Of A Carbohydrate Beverage On Exercise Performance In Youth 7-17 Years Old, Lauren Jording

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Sports enhancement products go through trends as new products are introduced and as old products are redesigned and re-introduced to the market. Gatorade© is a sports beverage that is often used by youth during sports. However, the effects of sports beverages on youth performance are unknown. One aim of this study was to determine if youth experience the same performance benefit from carbohydrate beverages as adults. A second aim of this study was to determine differences in metabolic measures (VO2, VE, & RER) between the carbohydrate and water performance trials in youth and adults. A third aim was to examine …

Preparing For Out Of Hospital Cardiac Arrests (Ohca) In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Gis Scenario-Modeling Approach, Abubakr Abdelkafi Magzoub

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This study employed location-allocation modeling and a geographic information system (GIS) to study the current placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in relationship to neighborhoods in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, and to determine the optimal locations for additional AEDs in the city. Using GIS to mathematically locate additional healthcare facilities for the placement of AEDs is more reliable than to select them using informed guesses. The objective of this research was to elaborate a mathematical and GIS model for placing AED devices so that people who need to use these devices in the City of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, can access …

What Works? Teaching African American Students In Urban Schools, Shawn Renee Forman

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The academic achievement gap for African American students compared to their White counterparts has historically and currently remained significant. Many researchers have been prompted to address this issue by examining the practices utilized to teach African American students. The findings from this study suggest that when teachers move away from the traditional methods of teaching and move toward teaching practices that take into consideration the individual student, motivation and academic performance can be achieved. This research presents a general literature review, interviews from four urban elementary school principals, and the stories of five African American urban elementary teachers who were …

College-For-All Meets Skills Gap: Millennials’ Decisions To Pursue Certificates In Skilled Trades, Amy Deitrickson

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This is a case study of a group of students enrolled in traditional skilled trade certificate programs at a large Midwestern community college. Considering severe shortage of skilled labor in the geographic area of the college, there is great need for better understanding of ways to alleviate the labor shortage by attracting more young adults to the in-demand fields. Therefore, this case study sought to examine millennial students’ decisions to pursue careers in areas of demand. To collect input from multiple perspectives, interviews were conducted with students, college employees, and family members. The influence college-for-all culture had on their decisions …

The Effects Of Social-Exclusion Inducing Stereotype Threat, Michael Bartosek

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Stereotype threat occurs when one may feel as if they are confirming or representing a selfcharacteristic or a negative stereotype of one’s group. Social exclusion has been shown to threaten the need to belong. Both stereotype threat and social exclusion have many common links: Each affects an individual’s self-views, feelings, and each impact one’s ability to focus cognitive faculties to perform well on cognitive tests. This thesis sought to explain how social exclusion would increase the perceived threat on related tests of sociability. As such, participants were included or excluded during an online social game, and then received an ordinary …

How Do Speech-Language Pathologists Perceive Their Influence Over Patient Adherence Regarding Dysphagia Recommendations?, Charlene D. Shin

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This qualitative research study explored speech-language pathologists’ (SLP) perceptions regarding their potential to influence patient adherence to dysphagia recommendations. Five SLPs holding the CCC-SLP were interviewed in an open-ended format, and the transcriptions of the interviews were the data for this study. The SLP interviews provided a glimpse into SLP interpretations of patients’ fears, concerns, and comprehension of their dysphagia and the recommendations they were given. The themes identified within the data were SLP education for patient and family, respect for patient decisions, SLP understanding of barriers to patient adherence to dysphagia recommendations, family buy-in and practical support, perpetuation of …

The Extent To Which Emotional Intelligence, Locus Of Control And Self-Efficacy Contribute To The Perception Of Online Learning, J. Laurence Abraham

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Online learning is now entrenched in the mainstream educational system and continues to provide educational opportunities for millions of Americans. However, as online education increases, there is a need to improve the quality of education. This dissertation examines the extent to which emotional intelligence, locus of control, and self- efficacy contribute to the perception of online learning. The applied research methodology was a quantitative cross-correlational design. The statistical population was 156 online students selected from a Midwest university. A survey containing 21 items with Likert-type responses was developed to assess students' overall perceptions of online learning. The research questions for …

Quantifying Changes In Accelerations And Heart Rate Indicative Of Fatigue During Condensed Competitions In Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players, Kenneth L. Martel

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Thirty-three elite youth ice hockey players wore Bioharness-3 (Zephyr, MD) sensors to compare accelerations (ACC) and heart rate (HR) over four games (G1–G4) in three days, in order to establish changes in cardiovascular stress and physical exertion associated with fatigue. Peak ACC and HR across multiple time frames were quantified and analyzed in conjunction to determine exertion profiles for each game. MANOVAs for peak ACC and HR, at each time point across G1–G4 and multiple games per day (M1, M2) for magnitude and time as main effects were performed. HR beats per minute decreased between G1 and G3/G4 in time …

The United States And Irregular Warfare 1899-2011, Justin Wike

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

After the United States fought irregular wars in Iraq and Afghanistan the amount of scholarship on the topic of counterinsurgency and guerilla warfare grew at a fast pace. Much of this scholarship has focused on a single conflict, or on several recent conflicts. This thesis took a different approach and looked at United States involvement in these irregular conflicts from the Philippine-American War onward through the lens of paternalism and the military strategies and tactics employed by the United States. The Philippine-American War was the first war the United States waged to maintain its overseas empire. This war would set …