Digital Commons Network^™

Characterization Of Vertical Growth Of Fractures In Layered Formations, Vibhas Jagdish Pandey

Theses and Dissertations

Hydraulic fracturing treatments are routinely pumped in oil and gas wells worldwide to enhance production and manage the economic recovery of hydrocarbon reserves. The uplift in the production after a fracture stimulation job depends on several parameters, of which optimal coverage of the payzone by the treatment is one of the more important ones. The vertical growth of hydraulic fractures thus is a topic of great interest amongst researchers because of its ability to influence the outcome of a stimulation treatment.

The modeling and prediction of fracture height, especially in layered formations, is a challenging task given the associated complexities …

Internet Training Modules Targeting Home-Based Parent Involvement With Students In Early Childhood Special Education, Nicole Marie Reybok

Theses and Dissertations

Parental engagement is an essential element in the social-emotional and academic achievement of students. However, barriers to this involvement continue to exist. Barriers may take many forms including time, school and staff perceptions and bias, power dynamic, communication with teachers, curriculum, and differences in language and culture. Barriers to parent engagement are typically increased for parents of children with special education needs. Therefore, it is the responsibility of school staff to identify barriers that may exist for families and help them to develop solutions to overcome those barriers. This quantitative study investigated possible barriers to home-based parent involvement in Early …

Investigating Gender Diversity, Equity, And Inclusivity And Students’ Experiences Within Collegiate Team-Based Learning Environments, Marissa Elizabeth Saad

Theses and Dissertations

As the United States works towards strengthening and diversifying the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce, many national charges aim to increase the quantity of female participants, while overlooking how systematic barriers affect the quality of female students’ education. Many STEM workforce development programs, such as the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, are committed to improving the nation’s diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) efforts, enabling technical education through hands-on team-based learning (TBL) environments.

The purpose of this study was to take a holistic approach to assess how gender DEI in STEM team environments influence the quality of …

Effective Differentiation Strategies For Engaging English Language Learners In The General Education Classroom: An Implementation Study, Renee Ullom

Theses and Dissertations

Because of the growing population of English Language Learners (ELL) (U.S. Department of Education, 2020) and lack of time, training, and resources for teachers, there is an intense need for identification of effective differentiation strategies for teachers to implement in the general education classroom, which allows ELL students to engage in grade-level curriculum while acquiring English. This mixed methods research study examines who ELL students are, barriers to success faced by ELL students, barriers to teachers when planning and delivering curriculum in the general education classroom. The investigation additionally explores the identification and implementation of effective differentiation strategies for ELL …

Data Driven Approach To Saltwater Disposal (Swd) Well Location Optimization In North Dakota, Kalyanaraman Venugopal

Theses and Dissertations

The sharp increase in oil and gas production in the Williston Basin of North Dakota since 2006 has resulted in a significant increase in produced water volumes. Primary mechanism for disposal of produced water is by injection into underground Inyan Kara formation through Class-II Saltwater Disposal (SWD) wells. With number of SWD wells anticipated to increase from 900 to over 1400 by 2035, localized pressurization and other potential issues that could affect performance of future oil and SWD wells, there was a need for a reliable model to select locations of future SWD wells for optimum performance. Since it is …

Road To Recovery: Social Acknowledgement, Disclosure And Self-Labeling Of Victims/Survivors Of Sexual Violence, Madison Waldron

Theses and Dissertations

Object: Sexual violence affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men. The purpose of the current study was to assess the effects of social acknowledgement, self-labeling, and disclosure on active coping after experiencing sexual violence. Method: A sample of 174 young adults completed an online study which included questionnaires about past unwanted sexual experiences, social acknowledgment, disclosure, self-label, a timeline follow-back, and coping. Results: The results indicated that there was a significant main effect for social acknowledgement scores based upon label (p = .009). Participants who chose the “both” label felt more socially acknowledged compared to those who …

Retired Indigenous And Non-Indigenous College Student Athletes' Mental Health Relating To Athletic Identity, Cultural Identity, And Career Transition, Victoria Williams

Theses and Dissertations

To date, empirical studies have investigated the transition or retirement phase, following the conclusion of a student-athletes’ four-year career as a comparison between student-athletes and non-athletes. Specifically, when investigating these constructs, researchers have failed to thoroughly investigate the role cultural identity may play in mitigating psychological symptoms during the transition phase. As such, this study will seek to investigate both Indigenous and non-Indigenous retired college student- athletes, during the transition phase, in terms of the degree to which they identified with their athletic identity, cultural identity and career transition. It is expected those retired Indigenous and non-Indigenous student- athletes who …

Development Of Silicon-Based Anodes With Coal-Derived Materials For High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries, Shuai Xu

Theses and Dissertations

The increasing demands on high energy density and long cycling life in electronics and energy storage systems require lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with higher capacity anodes to replace the present commercial anode, graphite, which has a limited capacity of only 372 mAh g-1. Silicon-based materials (silicon and silicon suboxides) are among the most attractive alternative because of their high theoretical capacity but can hardly reach commercialization due to numerous technical and engineering barriers. The effort in this dissertation focuses on improving the electrochemical performance of SiO and Si anode materials, trying to pave a way to a greener and cleaner energy …

The Z Factor: Generation Z And The Perspectives Of Recruitment Professionals On Sustaining Small Private Liberal Arts Institutions During A Decade Of Expected Decline In Higher Education Enrollment, Shawn Adkins

Theses and Dissertations

The increased competitive nature of higher education institutions has caused many small private liberal arts colleges/universities to struggle economically. The cost of keeping such institutions viable is high. Many institutions have had to raise tuitions rates, which resulted in decreased enrollment numbers. As a result, many institutions have been struggling; some even closing. The influences and interferences of college choice among current college-aged students (known as Generation Z) were reviewed with recruitment professionals from a handful of such institutions for this qualitative, constructivist grounded theory study. Data was collected by reviewing relevant research literature and conducting interviews with participants from …

Traditional And Technology-Enhanced Learning: Faculty Perspectives And Student Experiences And Satisfaction In An Art & Design Program During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Cynthia Margaret Boehm

Theses and Dissertations

Digital skills are essential in today’s digital age, which means that students require technology-enhanced skills in higher education to succeed in their future careers. In this study, faculty and students in an Art & Design (A&D) program at a Midwestern university were surveyed regarding their perspectives and experiences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this university changed its teaching and learning strategy by offering courses online during the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters, where quarantine was mandatory. Still, the A&D program did not provide all courses online. This study included online surveys based on three constructs of quality of studio learning, …

They May Not Believe You Remembered That Nose: Juror Perceptions Of Eyewitness' Featural Justifications, Mary Cops

Theses and Dissertations

The featural justification effect occurs when an eyewitness provides a confidence statement at the time of lineup identification that includes reference to a facial feature or component that aided them in their identification (Dodson & Dobolyi, 2015, 2017, 2018; Slane & Dodson, 2019). The result of the effect, found across several manipulations, is that jurors tend to discredit the confidence of an eyewitness that references a facial feature (such as eyes, nose, chin) in the identification statement. The current studies examined featural justification, along with eyewitness viewing conditions and legal safeguards. Participants were presented with either expert testimony (study 1) …

Fostering Emerging Online Learner Persistence In Teacher Candidates: The Role Of Online Discussions, Staci Ann Gilpin

Theses and Dissertations

As the popularity of online learning continues to grow, so do concerns about online student success. This study aims to contribute to the continuous improvement of online learning and improve outcomes for a distinct group of online learners. Utilizing social presence, the expectancy-value theory of motivation, and capitalizing on innovative technologies, I advance a new framework that expands online discussions for emerging online learners, undergraduates enrolled in online and on-campus courses, and the predominant consumer of online courses. The emerging online learners in this study were also prospective teachers (n=80) enrolled in a teacher preparation course at a small midwestern …

The Driving Forces Of Academic Integrity: A Survey Of Communication Disorder Students, Mary Ellen Huston

Theses and Dissertations

Academic dishonesty has been a pervasive problem in universities for decades, however, there has been limited research linking allied health students to specific cheating behaviors. For students studying to enter allied health fields, academic dishonesty is problematic as the health and safety of their clients is at risk. To date, there has been no research focused on the academic integrity of students enrolled in programs leading to a career in speech language pathology. This quantitative study explored the theories of reasoned action, neutralization, and motivation as they relate to academic dishonesty among SLP students. The study combined a slightly modified …

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between The Use Of Modern Digital Technologies, Language Learning Strategies, And Development Of Second Language Skills, Volodymyr Lazar

Theses and Dissertations

Like many other areas of human knowledge, the field of language learning has undergone changes as a consequence of the application of digital technologies. Extensive exposure and anytime and anywhere access availability to data in a second or foreign language (L2) bring almost unlimited learning opportunities for digital age students, which affects their learning behaviors also known as language learning strategies (LLS). The purpose of the present study is to define preferred LLS patterns of digitally native L2 learners and to establish relationships between types of existing digital technologies, learners’ demographic characteristics, and the use of learning strategies to support …

Prioritizing Gifted Pedagogy In Middle School Honors: A Delphi Study, Bailey Nafziger

Theses and Dissertations

This research explores the perceptions of gifted specialists and middle school honors teachers to determine which elements from gifted pedagogy can be used to motivate gifted adolescents in an honors classroom setting. In addition, the priorities of gifted specialists and honors classroom teachers were compared to highlight key patterns. The Delphi approach was used to facilitate three rounds of anonymous collaboration between the two expert groups. Three priorities emerged through the collaboration: 1) critical thinking, 2) acceleration, and 3) goals of the class and curriculum. While social emotional issues were priorities in initial rounds, no social emotional priorities were selected …

Natalie Marquez, Ashton Jeffers

Latinx Civil Rights

Natalie Marquez explains the work she does for Jolt Action and the ways Jolt is involved in the San Antonio Latinx community. Marquez describes how social and political issues in Texas personally affect her and her family. She also shares how to make voting a cultural norm and practice in the Latinx community.

Elisha Carillo, Madeline Emke

Latinx Civil Rights

Elisha Carrillo talks about their motivations for being involved with MOVE Texas and serving as a deputy field organizer. Elisha explains their first interactions with MOVE as a student at St. Mary’s University and finding an interest in voter advocacy through local elections in the area. Elisha discusses their current position working with MOVE Texas in the San Antonio area as the Bexar County Regional Coordinator and organizing community events regarding local elections and voter education.

Charles Cotrell, Analyssa Gracía, Gabriella Parra

Latinx Civil Rights

Dr. Cotrell discusses the motivations for his activist work and the experiences he faced as a professor and community leader. He recalls cases from his time serving as an expert witness in voting rights lawsuits and notes the importance of telling stories of voter intimidation. Dr. Cotrell shares his thoughts on staying proactive in politics, gives advice to young activists, and describes how university faculty can support students in their activism. He also reflects on his personal interests and those that occupied most of his time as a professor.

Meghann Peace, Calie Brame

Latinx Civil Rights

Dr. Peace discusses the process of becoming a volunteer at RAICES and the training she received through the organization. She recounts personal stories about the poor conditions immigrants endured in detention centers. Dr. Peace also explains how RAICES helps people through the legal process of immigration

Amir Samandi, Megan Angelo, Elizabeth Perez

Latinx Civil Rights

Amir Samandi describes his high school experiences including attending a predominately white school as a person of color. He mentions the efforts of teachers who supported him in pursuing higher education. Amir also discusses his undergraduate education at St. Mary’s University and the environment of the community. He then explains how his career led him to create a nonprofit that focuses on young students and how his personal experience connects with the organization's mission.

Impact Of Co2 Storage On The Geomechanical And Geophysical Properties Of Bakken Formation, Ogochukwu Ozotta

Theses and Dissertations

The world is currently experiencing a higher demand for low-carbon technologies, and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) is an important CO₂ emissions reduction technology. Studies have shown the potential for CCUS in shale formations either as a caprock or as a reservoir storage unit. However, there is limited knowledge of the changes in shale reservoirs after long-term exposure to CO₂, and the resulting impacts on storage permanence. This study coupled experimental and numerical modeling methods to investigate how long-term CO₂ storage in shale formations might alter pore structure and minerals, which might cause a resultant …

Oscar Lazaro, Ashton Jeffers

Latinx Civil Rights

Oscar Lazaro shares his experience working as a fellow for the Student Voting Network as well as his observations about voting and democracy. He describes how he started his podcast as well as lessons he has learned from producing it. He also details how he addresses difficult topics with others who may disagree with him.

Human Service Professionals’ Perceived Ability To Support Title I Schools During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Michael Dewayne Brown

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Human service professional practitioners (HSPPs) who work in Title I schools help students overcome challenges including absenteeism and behavioral problems and serve as liaisons between the school, family, and student. The pivot to online education during the COVID-19 school shutdowns meant that HSPP services also pivoted. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to understand how HSPPs perceived their ability to serve Title I students during the pandemic through the lens of Bandura’s self-efficacy theory. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 HSPPs who delivered services to Title I students before and during the pandemic. Participants reported their service delivery …

Life Experiences Of Head Start Teachers In A Midwestern Region Pursuing Higher Education, Jeanette O. Keyes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe 2007 Head Start Reauthorization Act mandated that all Head Start teachers have at least an associate degree and 50% of teachers within each Head Start program should have a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education. The problem addressed in this study was that Head Start teachers from a Midwestern region encountered barriers as they pursued higher education to meet mandated requirements to continue employment. The purpose of this study was to explore the life experiences, barriers, coping strategies and views of support needed by Head Start teachers who were completing their degrees. Tinto’s academic and social integration model and …

Nurses’ Role In Reducing Mental Health Stigma In Health Care, Angel Vivian Mbome

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many patients with mental illness around the world face mental health-related stigma. Compared to other health care workers, nurses express the highest level of stigmatizing attitudes toward mentally ill patients. The purpose of this project was to change staff nurses’ attitudes in a long-term care facility by educating them on mental health stigma. The practice-focused question guiding this study was whether educating staff nurses on mental health stigma changed nurses’ attitudes and behavioral intentions towards people with mental illness. This project was guided by the constructivist theory of learning. Seventeen staff members voluntarily participated in a 30-minute nursing staff education …

Terrorism Preparedness, Collaboration, And Organizational Culture In The National Capital Region, Anderson Percival Padmore

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Terrorism preparedness is essential for federal, state, and local governments. However, literature indicated that local governments may not be ready to respond to a terrorist event. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine terrorism preparedness levels related to collaboration in the National Capital Region (NCR) of the United States to determine first responders’ perspectives regarding challenges of organizational change. The research questions for this study concentrated on the evaluation of terrorism- preparedness and organizational changes among first response agencies since 2014, Schein’s ideas of organizational cultural change were the theoretical foundation. Four NCR public safety agencies were …

Retention Of African American Male Teachers In Elementary And Middle Schools, Marla West

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe representation of African American male teachers in elementary urban schools has decreased. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to investigate administrators’ and African American male teachers’ perceptions of how administrators are challenged to support the retention of African American male teachers in elementary and middle schools in the focus urban school district. Social, cognitive, and transformational leadership theories were used as a framework to guide the study. Research questions addressed how administrators perceive the ways they support the retention of African American male teachers and how African American male teachers perceive that support. Purposeful sampling was used …

A Computational Method To Track The Evolution Of Business Models In The Digital Economy, Z Wood, D Walker, G Parry

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Companies within the Digital Economy are evolving their business models as they take advantage of the opportunities afforded by emerging digital technologies. There is a need to develop methods that will allow researchers and policy makers to understand the existence of, and relationships between, the different business models within the Digital Economy and track their evolution. Such methods could also help quantify the size and growth of the Digital Economy. This paper presents a computational method, which utilizes machine learning and web scraping, to identify new business models, and a taxonomy of organisations, through the analysis of a firm's webpage. …

Experimental Evaluation Of Plastic Wake On Growing Fatigue Cracks From The Analysis Of Residual Displacement Fields, Jm Vasco‐Olmo, Francisco A. Díaz, A Camacho‐Reyes, Neil James, Fernando V. Antunes

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

A growing fatigue crack gives rise to a plastically deformed wake of material that envelops the crack. In this work, the plastic wake extent during fatigue crack growth is experimentally quantified by analyzing the crack tip displacement fields measured with digital image correlation. A novel technique based on use of a yield criterion is proposed that uses the undamaged state of the specimen as the reference state in the image processing. The plastic wake was identified by differentiation of the residual displacement fields obtained with a near-zero load level to avoid any rigid body motion. The plastic wake extent was …

A Socio-Economic And Ecological Approach To Informing Sustainable Marine Management In Jersey, Channel Islands, Samantha Robyn Blampied

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

Marine ecosystems support human life in multi-faceted ways and are depended on for food and income by many coastal communities. However, marine habitats are being altered by anthropogenic pressures, influencing the diversity and distribution of species, including species that are relied upon by commercial fisheries. Destructive fishing practices such as dredging and trawling can have adverse impacts on the seabed and associated species through the degradation and fragmentation of benthic habitats. Spatial management of marine areas is required to mitigate impacts, with Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) being advocated as tools that can not only protect and restore biodiversity but also …