Digital Commons Network^™

Multicultural Education And Cultural Competency Standards For Legal Professionals, Stephanie Bono

Theses and Dissertations

The development of multicultural education and cultural competency standards for legal professionals is an important topic within the legal field (Bryant, 2001; Weng, 2005; Curcio, Ward, & Dogra, 2013). The legal profession plays a major role in American society, with legal professionals working in prominent positions within the government, financial sector, and business, in addition to private law firms. These professionals create policy, write laws, and advocate on behalf of others. They are leaders and experts who possess enormous power, and we rely on them to make decisions that will allow our society to thrive. In recent decades, however, our …

Sparc, A Matricellular Protein, In A Cell Culture Model Of Heavy Metal Cadmium Induced Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma, Emily Rae Biggane

Theses and Dissertations

Bladder cancer, the most common urinary tract malignancy, has environmental toxicant exposure as one of its biggest risk factors. This lab examines potential biomarkers employing an in vitro model of urothelial carcinoma using a normal bladder cell line and its malignantly transformed cells transformed counterpart, transformed by exposure to long term, low doses of cadmium (Cd2+). Initial microarray analysis determined that Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC) was the most repressed gene across all transformed cell lines compared to its normal counterpart (Garrett et al., 2014, Larson et al., 2010).

SPARC, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein, functions by regulating …

Temporal Trends In The Grip Strength Of Children And Adolescents, Faith Lavoy Dooley

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To estimate national and international temporal trends in the handgrip strength of children and adolescents, and to examine relationships between trends in handgrip strength and trends in health-related and sociodemographic indicators.

Methods: Data were obtained in two ways: (a) through a systematic electronic database search for studies reporting on temporal trends in the handgrip strength of apparently healthy 9–17-year-olds, (b) pearling reference lists, topical systematic reviews and personal libraries, and (c) by examining large national fitness datasets suitable to temporal trends analysis. Sample-weighted temporal trends were estimated using best-fitting regression models relating the year of testing to mean handgrip …

Characteristics Of Convectively Induced Turbulence Determined From Tropical And Midlatitude Simulations, Katelyn Audrey Barber

Theses and Dissertations

Out-of-cloud convectively induced turbulence (CIT) poses both a serious threat to aviation operations and a challenge to forecasting applications. This challenge is particularly large in the tropics, as CIT prediction and avoidance are limited due to sparse observations and lack of tropical turbulence research. This study uses high resolution numerical simulations to investigate out-of-cloud CIT properties including intensity, areal coverage, and location using popular turbulence diagnostics in both the tropics and midlatitudes. Convective types are varied in both regions to determine the influence of convective strength and stage (developing versus mature) on CIT characteristics. The Ellrod index, Richardson number, subgrid-scale …

A Systematic Analysis Of Temporal Trends In The Sit-Ups Performance Of 9,939,289 Children And Adolescents Between 1964 And 2017 Representing 31 Countries, Tori Kaster

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To estimate national and international temporal trends in the sit-ups

performance of children and adolescents, and to examine relationships between trends in sit-ups performance and trends in health-related and sociodemographic indicators. Methods: Data were obtained in three ways: (a) through a systematic electronic database search of studies reporting on temporal trends in the handgrip strength of apparently healthy 9–17 year-olds, (b) by pearling reference lists, topical systematic reviews and personal libraries, and (c) by examining large country-level fitness datasets suitable to temporal trends analysis. Sample-weighted temporal trends (expressed as percent and standardized trends) were estimated at the country-sex-age level …

Endolysosome Dysfunction And Inter-Organellar Signalling: An 'Iron-Ic' Story, Peter Halcrow

Theses and Dissertations

Endosomes and lysosomes (endolysosomes) are acidic organelles that are important both physiologically and pathologically. Implicated in the physiological and pathophysiological processes regulated by endolysosomes are readily releasable stores of cations including ferrous iron (Fe2+); an essential cofactor for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In determining the extent to which and mechanisms by which Fe2+ released from endolysosomes affects cellular functions it was important to determine levels of Fe2+ in endolysosomes. In some cells and by other researchers, FeRhoNox-1 was found to detect Fe2+ in acidic organelles known as Golgi. Here, using U87MG astrocytoma cells and primary cultures of …

A Framework For Improving The Teaching Of Mathematics To Bi/Multilingual Learners, Kara Mitchell Viesca, Nicole M. Joseph, Nancy L. Commins

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

To teach mathematics well to bi/multilingual learners, we propose that mathematics teachers should consider the following five elements: know the content, know the language, know the learner, engage the community and assess meaningfully. This chapter defines each of these elements, explores how they are put into practice, and shares the responses of teachers who have participated in online professional development organized around each element. By approaching mathematics teaching with these elements in mind, teachers can more effectively support high levels of learning and achievement for bi/multilingual learners across levels of English proficiency and grade levels.

Determination Of Maximum Scour Depth For Spur Dikes Based On A Validated Two-Dimensional Hec-Ras Model, Mathew Lee Cox

Theses and Dissertations

The introduction of spur dikes into a river flow field can have many far-reaching positive effects on the stability of a river channel. While the flow velocity directly at the spur dike tip or crest may increase, a large embayment area downstream of the spur dike will form with reduced flow velocities. Due to the increase in flow velocity at the spur dike, a scour hole will form. Scour is the leading cause of failure of hydraulic structures. In the past many hydraulic structures were tested by building scale prototype models, this method is very costly and hard to model …

Examining Self-Regulation Of Learning Among Community College Students In Developmental Mathematics Courses, Katrina M. Eberhart

Theses and Dissertations

The ability to self-regulate one’s learning is crucial to the success of all college students, but is particularly important to those who are considered to be underprepared; it puts students on a path towards successful course completion, subsequent course enrollment, and eventual graduation from a postsecondary institution. Those enrolled in remedial coursework are a large portion of students labeled as underprepared. Remedial education is a contentious topic in higher education. Thus, it is critical to investigate the use of classroom strategies to foster a self-regulated environment to support student success in these early classes and move onto the classes needed …

A Neoclassical Realist’S Analysis Of Sino-U.S. Space Policy, Christopher David Fabian

Theses and Dissertations

During the Cold War, the United States focused its collective policy acumen on forming a competitive, actor-specific strategy to gain advantage over the Soviet Union. The fragmentation of the Soviet Union resulted in a multi-polar geopolitical environment lacking a near-peer rival for the United States. Overwhelming soft and hard power advantages allowed American policy makers to peruse a general, non-actor specific strategy to maintain its hegemonic position. However, the meteoric rise of China as a near-peer competitor in East Asia has challenged this paradigm. In order to maintain its competitive advantage, or at the very least ensure the safety of …

Principals' Perceptions Of Implementation Levels Of Innovative Education In North Dakota Schools, Timothy Godfrey

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to bring awareness to education policy makers and educators in North Dakota (ND) regarding the process of implementing innovative education after the enactment of North Dakota’s Senate Bill 2186 (SB 2186) in 2017. For the purpose of this study, innovative education is defined as instruction that incorporates any or all of the 4Cs: communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. This study analyzed ND principals’ perceived levels of implementation of 4Cs instruction, perceived roadblocks and supports to 4Cs implementation, differences in implementation of 4Cs instruction dependent on enrollment, and differences in implementation of 4Cs …

Thermal Performance Analysis Of The Liquid Cooling And Ventilation Garment (Lcvg) With Respect To Tubing Geometry, Kayla Marie Daniels

Theses and Dissertations

The technology of a liquid-cooled garment allows astronauts to complete extravehicular activities while maintaining a degree of thermal comfort. The garment has gone largely unchanged despite advancements in technology, materials, and knowledge. This research examines possible advancements in thermal efficiency with an alternate tubing geometry through heat transfer rate calculations. A semi-circle cross-section was selected and compared against the current circular cross-section tubing. Each tubing cross-section was 3-D printed and integrated into forearm sleeves. For comparison, the assembly of each sleeve resembled the current Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment used with the Extravehicular Mobility Unit. Subjects wore the forearm sleeves …

Writing The Body: Embodied Forms And Animal Spirits, Andrew Harnish

Theses and Dissertations

“Writing the Body: Embodied Forms and Animals Spirits” is comprised of a critical introduction and a novel. The critical introduction, “Embodied Forms: One Writer’s Journey from an Ableist Aesthetic to Disability Consciousness” is a literacy narrative that traces my longstanding internalization of ableist norms and their expression in my fiction, and my gradual embrace of the value of disability as an identity and aesthetic sensibility. In so doing, the introduction argues that dominant notions of “normalcy,” “perfection,” and “beauty” are deeply damaging to the disabled writers who internalize them because they encourage the creation of art that erases disability, both …

Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances In The Soil Environment: Sorption, Bioaccumulation And Biotransformation, Bosen Jin

Theses and Dissertations

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are man-made chemicals, widely used in both industries and daily lives, such as in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and painting materials. Researchers have investigated PFASs for about two decades, but most of the studies focus on perfluoroalkyl substances with very limited information available on polyfluoroalkyl substances. In this research, we investigated the sorption/desorption mechanisms perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its two cationic and zwitterionic precursor compounds, perfluorooctanesulfonamido ammonium salt (PFOSAmS) and perfluorooctaneamido betaine (PFOAB) in a group of soil. We also studied the bioaccumulation and bioconcentration of these chemicals along with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and its …

Enhancing Liquid And Gas Separation With Activated Carbon Mixed-Matrix Membranes, Jeremy Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

Mixed matrix membranes are one class of membrane material that are an especially promising separation media. By adding a particle phase to a matrix phase, multiple mechanistic pathways become available that are not present in pristine organic or inorganic membranes. These pathways can be exploited to better enhance separation performance for a variety of applications.

This research has focused on a specific mixed matrix membrane, which contains bio-derived activated carbon particles in a polysulfone matrix. In proper selection of activating agent, this research has shown that the surface functional groups of the activated carbon are highly influenced. This can lead …

Principals' Perspectives Regarding Grades 9-12 Black, Asian, And Latino Males In North Dakota Public Schools, Maggie Harrison Lowery

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to review school policy documents and seek secondary principals’ perspectives regarding Black, Asian, and Latino males grades 9-12 in North Dakota public schools. Qualitative data was collected to investigate practices, policies, and routines that contributes to their graduation rates. Interviews were conducted to four secondary principals within two North Dakota school districts.

For the purpose of this study, participants included secondary principals from selected North Dakota public school districts where Black, Asian, and Latino students have the highest enrollment. School district data include public documents posted on districts’ websites for the term 2017-2018, and …

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy As A Mechanism For Observing And Measuring Neurological Effects Of Experienced Child Abuse And Alcohol Abuse, Christopher Anton Mark

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Previous research has shown cognitive and neurological dysfunction in adults with a history of child abuse. The purpose of the present study was to measure differences that exist in executive functioning skills, both cognitively and neurologically, between individuals who have been abused as children versus those who were not abused as children. Methods: The present study recruited 84 students from the University of North Dakota (Females = 71) with an age range of 18-55 years of age (M = 21.04 years, SD = 6.87). The participants were administered several prescreening measures, including a measure of physical child abuse, emotional …

The Detection Of Adhd Malingering Among College Students: A New Look At Figure Drawings, Heather Lynn Mcconnell

Theses and Dissertations

There has been a significant increase in the number of college students feigning symptoms of ADHD. Students can receive a variety of accommodations when diagnosed with ADHD, along with the possibility of medication. These perceived benefits can make a diagnosis of ADHD desirable for college students. Research has found that college students can successfully feign ADHD with minimal detection, leading to improper diagnosis and potential misuse of accommodations and prescription medication. The research indicates a need for new approaches to the detection of ADHD malingering among college students.

The present study was exploratory in nature, seeking to identify drawing features …

Applying Machine Learning To Asteroid Classification Utilizing Spectroscopically Derived Spectrophotometry, Kathleen Jacinda Mcintyre

Theses and Dissertations

Taxonomic studies of asteroids have been ongoing for more than fifty years without a clear understanding of the class parameters. The current method of Principal Component Analysis is computationally expensive and leaves ambiguous results. In this study, I selected the machine learning algorithm, k-Nearest Neighbor in combination with the current Bus-DeMeo (DeMeo, et al. 2009) taxonomic classification schema to test if machine learning can take the place of Principal Component Analysis. Using a dataset of spectrophotometric color indices derived from combined visible and near-infrared (NIR) observations and paired with Bus-DeMeo taxonomic class, I created a training dataset for the model …

Decision Analytics Using Permissioned Blockchain “Commledger”, Atif Farid Mohammad

Theses and Dissertations

The advent of Blockchain has introduced a paradigm shift in the area of Scientific Computing. The decision analytics embodiment in current technology fabric has introduced a need of incorporating Blockchain with industrial technology ecosystem. The utilization of Blockchain has introduced gaps in terms of standard business processes, while the data is being processed using the concept of traditional RDBMS and NoSQL data formats. The lag of permissioned and permissionless Blockchain is the problem area which is dealt with in this doctoral dissertation to provide a Proof of Permission (PoP) protocol for any organization or entity to tailor according to their …

Examining The Perceptions Of Bullying Between Certified And Non-Certified School Personnel, Shanna Morlock

Theses and Dissertations

Bullying has been a widely researched topic. However, many areas are yet to be researched in regards to school personnels’ perceptions. This dissertation was focused around several of these missing research areas, as well as included non-certified staff. Non-certified staff have been left out of the vast majority of studies involving school personnel and bullying. That, or their perceptions have not been explored as a separate group of school personnel. This is problematic as non-certified staff are often part of supervisory roles in settings where bullying often occurs. This study addressed differences among school personnel perceptions in regards to bullying …

The Influence Of Media Bias Perception On Space Publications, Benjamin Robert Raback-Schink

Theses and Dissertations

In an ideal world, scientific research and news would be published and reported through non-bias outlets and readers would view those sources favorably. However, that is an unrealistic expectation of our current society in which many believe that any publication will contain some bias. This thesis aimed to discover three factors on the topic. One was to see whether members of the space community view various news sources as biased, and to what degree they do if so. The second factor was to see how the general public viewed those same sources. These data were then used to compare the …

A Presidential Leadership Process For Higher Education In Small, Rural Institutions And Settings, Teresa Caplinger Spaeth

Theses and Dissertations

A qualitative research study was conducted to explore leadership competencies of presidents of public universities with enrollments of less than 7,000, located in small rural communities and distant locations in the Upper Midwest. The context of higher education is constantly evolving. Internal pressures from faculty and students, as well as external factors such as finances, new technologies, and stakeholder demands play a role in determining the future of academic institutions and the success of their leadership.

Much literature has been written regarding higher education leadership, best practices for success, and future changes that should be made to maintain sustainable institutions, …

Influences Of Nesting Behaviors In Common Eiders (Somateria Mollissima Sedentaria) In The Western Hudson Bay, Tanner John Stechmann

Theses and Dissertations

Reproductive decisions of birds are shaped by minimizing predation while meeting physiological needs of parents and offspring. As a result, birds must make decisions about investment in offspring that allows them to maximize their overall fitness. This often drives nesting behaviors and can provide insights into reproductive success. Common eiders (Somateria mollissima) are thought to have high nest attendance (time spent tending the nest) and use substantial energetic resources during breeding. However, the specific behaviors at the nest of these birds are not well studied, with even less known about the Hudson Bay common eider (S. m. sedentaria). The objectives …

Evolution Of Object-Oriented Methods From The Reverse Engineering Of Programming Code, Pann Ajjimaporn

Theses and Dissertations

Many software development projects fail because of their inability to deliver the product in a timely and cost-effective manner, i.e. the software crisis. In a commercial airline company, a safety-critical system for preventing a “single-point of failure” needs to be developed and certified. To meet the project deadline an Agile approach was used in developing the first portion of the system. An appropriate software development methodology, i.e. reverse-engineering was then applied to the software system to develop method that would be used in system maintenance and evaluation.

The goals of this research study were to develop a segment of one …

Final A&Oer Report: Psych 6700 Training And Development, Taught In Spring 2019, Nathan W. Weidner

Resources

No abstract provided.

English 3302 -- The History And Structure Of The English Language, Sp 2019, Eric Shane Bryan

Resources

I summarize the outcomes of my Spring of 2019 implementation of the zero-cost textbook option for English 3302 course as very successful while also noting certain areas in which improvement may be made in future iterations of the course. This report will proceed in three parts: I) an overview of the process by which I developed the materials for this course, II) discussion of outcomes for the methods of assessments (per my A&OER grant proposal), and III) a discussion of challenges that occurred during the semester and plans for improving course materials in the future.

Nothing Is Revealed: An Intimate Look Back At 1968, Aaron Barlow

Publications and Research

This started as a blog project, 99 entries on days in 1968 posted on the corresponding days of 2018. It is a cultural study of sixties America and a personal memoir.

Where You Come From Is Gone: Reinhabiting The Ruins Of The Native South, Catherine Wilkins

Art Inquiries

No abstract provided.

Full Transparency: A Case Against The Collection Of Internet Information In Trump-Era American Immigration, Thomas P. Campbell

FIU Law Review

No abstract provided.