Digital Commons Network^™

How Abortion Status Predicts Stigmatizing Beliefs: Measuring Enacted Stigma Using The Stereotype Content Model, Jenna Nichole Laurin

Theses and Dissertations

Enacted stigma consists of active discrimination or negative treatment towards an individual who has received an abortion. Further, stereotypes of individuals typically fit within perceptions of competence and warmth, however these stereotypes have not been measured about women who have received an abortion despite the fact that they can indicate stigmatizing beliefs. Additionally, enacted stigma may present differently between men and women. The purpose of the current study was to measure perceptions of competence and warmth as a form of stigma about women with and without a history of abortion, as well as women who considered an abortion but did …

Computational Framework For Neuro-Optics Simulation And Deep Learning Denoising, Cecilia Ling

Theses and Dissertations

The application of machine learning techniques in microscopic image restoration has shown superior performance. However, the development of such techniques has been hindered by the demand for large datasets and the lack of ground truth. To address these challenges, this study introduces a computer simulation model that accurately captures the neural anatomic volume, fluorescence light transportation within the tissue volume, and the photon collection process of microscopic imaging sensors. The primary goal of this simulation is to generate realistic image data for training and validating machine learning models. One notable aspect of this study is the incorporation of a machine …

Kinesio Tape Effect On Vertical Jump, Jalen L. Morrison

Theses and Dissertations

KinesioTape is used throughout sports at all levels of competition. This study aims at augmenting vertical jump performance with the use of KinesioTape. Vertical jumping ability is a crucial skill and advantage in various sports, as it impacts an individual’s ability to achieve height, power, and efficiency during the jumping phase. Though training methods have proven to improve vertical jump, the potential of a Kinesiotape design remains somewhat unanswered in this context. This test aims to determine whether our tape design is significantly effective in countermovement and squat jumps. The research includes a comprehensive literature review to understand today's KinesioTape …

Intergenerational Continuity Of Sexual Violence Victimization: A Socio-Ecological Examination Of Risk, Angela Hunter Minnich

Theses and Dissertations

The present study examined intergenerational continuity of sexual violence victimization across the lifespan within mother-daughter dyads. Because increased risk for sexual violence in daughters is not the fault of the mother, this study examined risk factors across socio-ecological levels (i.e., individual, familial, and community risk factors) and the interplay across risk levels. Undergraduate and community dwelling mother-daughter dyads (N=202) completed self-report measures of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA), adolescent/adult sexual violence victimization (ASV), demographics, psychopathology, parenting, abuse and abuser characteristics, intimate partner violence (IPV), rape culture, and sexual education characteristics. Multiple mediation, moderation, and DYADIC analyses were implemented to test study …

“When You Fully Immerse Yourself, That’S Where You Gain The Most Confidence”: Integrating Clinician Perspectives To Reframe Excellence In Neurologic Physical Therapy Patient Education, Allyson Muehlemann

Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study explored the current perceptions surrounding patient education in physical therapy (PT), specifically analyzing clinicians managing patients with neurological impairments. The purpose of this study was two-fold. The first objective was to gain a better understanding of how current clinicians provide effective patient education, and the second objective was to gain better insight into how physical therapists (PTs) develop self-efficacy to effectively provide patient education to individuals with neurologic involvement. In this study, four themes emerged: effective patient education is individualized, effective education should include discharge planning, self-efficacy in providing effective patient education improves with neuro exposure and …

The Impacts Of Airborne Cloud Microphysical Instrumentation Mounting Location On Measurements Made During The Observations Of Aerosols And Clouds And Their Interactions (Oracles) Project, Joseph Robert O'Brien

Theses and Dissertations

ORACLES (ObseRvations of Aerosols above CLouds and their intEractionS) was a five-year NASA investigation into the climate impacts of Southern Africa’s biomass burning aerosols. The University of North Dakota, in coordination with the Cooperative Institute for Severe and High-Impact Weather Research and Operations, the University of Oklahoma and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign integrated and operated a suite of in-situ cloud microphysical instrumentation into the NASA P-3 Orion aircraft to study aerosol-cloud interactions within this region. However, during the course of the individual ORACLES campaigns, the accuracy of the cloud microphysical observations were uncertain due to the mounting location of …

Via-Is-M And Latinx Cultural Strengths: A Study Validation & Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Caroline Perez

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study, and its focus on Latinx adults is two-fold: to validate the VIA-IS-M in a US-Latinx sample, and to explore whether Latinx cultural values of personalismo, familismo, and religiosity converge conceptually with the virtues within the VIA-IS-M. The proposed survey uses positive psychology as the theoretical basis (Parks & Biswas-Diener, 2013). A pull within the positive psychological research is addressed, specifically the merits of cultural transcendence or cultural integration (Jeglic, Miranda, & Polanco-Roman, 2016). For many years now, a flagship survey tool by Peterson and Seligman (2004) called the Values-in-Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) has been …

Teaching Professionalism To Undergraduate Medical Laboratory Science Students Using Virtually Simulated Case Studies, Samantha Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

Professionalism is a required curricular component in accredited medical laboratory science (MLS) programs in the United States and is a critical element for career success and optimal patient care. A standardized definition of professionalism in MLS, however, has yet to be established. This poses a challenge to MLS programs when pertaining to teaching professionalism to MLS students. To explore a novel method for teaching professionalism in MLS, interactive and virtually simulated case studies were designed and built to cover three professional behaviors required of MLS professionals. Before and after case study completion, students (n= 49) responded to a survey designed …

Cognitive Decay And Memory Recall During Long Duration Spaceflight, Terry E. Rector

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation aims to advance the efficacy of Long-Duration Space Flight (LDSF) pre-flight and in-flight training programs, acknowledging existing knowledge gaps in NASA's methodologies. The research's objective is to optimize the cognitive workload of LDSF crew members, enhance their neurocognitive functionality, and provide more meaningful work experiences, particularly for Mars missions.The study addresses identified shortcomings in current training and learning strategies and simulation-based training systems, focusing on areas requiring quantitative measures for astronaut proficiency and training effectiveness assessment. The project centers on understanding cognitive decay and memory loss under LDSF-related stressors, seeking to establish when such cognitive decline exceeds acceptable …

Parental Involvement For Spanish-Speaking English Learners: Teachers’ Perspectives, Olawumi Oluranti Salako

Theses and Dissertations

The benefit of parental involvement (PI) cannot be underestimated, most specifically, the PI that operates on mutual trust and respect, and balancing of power between homes and schools. It is particularly beneficial to students who are learning English as a second language because their parents can partner with educators to close the achievement gap. However, literature has revealed that most schools have operated using the unidirectional approach in which parents and family members are being alienated from their children’s education due to several factors like an imbalance of power between home and school (Cooper, 2009; Ishimaru et al., 2016). Hence, …

The Effects Of Demographic And Nutritional Variables On Anxiety And Depression Symptoms In Usa And Non-Usa Adults, Jonathan Santiago

Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigated the effects of demographic variables (e.g. country of residence and socioeconomic status) and nutritional variables (e.g. dietary diversity and micronutrient content) on anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as subjective health self-rating. Prior research suggests that a variety of demographic and nutritional factors influence chronic stress, which can cause systemic inflammation and lead to various cardiovascular-related diseases. Participants (USA=41; Non-USA= 58) were recruited via an online platform and completed demographic questionnaires and a 24-hour dietary recall. Results indicated that food accessibility emerged as the strongest predictor, and was associated with anxiety, depression, and combined mood symptoms. …

Exploring Zinc Amido-Oxazolinate Complexes As Catalysts For Ring Opening Polymerization (Rop) And Ring Opening Co-Polymerization (Rocop), Muneer Shaik

Theses and Dissertations

This research aims to explore the potential of zinc amido-oxazolinate complexes as catalysts for ring opening polymerization (ROP) and ring opening copolymerization (ROCOP). ROP is a method for synthesizing polymers by opening cyclic monomers, while ROCOP involves using two different monomers to create a copolymer. The ROP of lactones is a well-established method for the synthesis of polyesters, whereas the ROCOP of epoxides and cyclic anhydrides is a more recent development. Zinc amido-oxazolinate complexes are a promising class of catalysts due to their tunable electronic properties and high reactivity. The catalytic activity of these complexes can be tuned by modifying …

Supporting Positive Mental Health Well Being In Indigenous Youth And Young Adults, Mona Zuffante

Theses and Dissertations

American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) youth and young adults are the hope for Tribal Nations. In order to decrease the suicidal related behaviors among youth, age 12-24, engagement of this population is required. Historical trauma has impacted this generation, reducing Elders ability to share knowledge, which has resulted in a mental health crisis that is having a devastating effect on youth and young adults. The need to create prevention programs, informed by the youth, that increase positive mental health is needed. This dissertation in practice utilizes a framework grounded in Indigenous teachings and from the Social Ecological Model to …

Hmong Parent Engagement: The Need To Provide Basic Needs Services In Hmong Charter Schools To Increase Parent Engagement, Kevin Xiong

Theses and Dissertations

The Hmong diaspora and settlement in the United States have a direct impact on how Hmong parents engage in their children’s academic journey. With the viewpoint of traditional Westernized parent engagement, Hmong parents may be perceived as engaging too little. However, in order for Hmong parents to be involved in their children’s educational journey as part of this Westernized concept, it is imperative that the families’ basic needs are met. Otherwise, they will primarily focus on meeting their fundamental basic needs rather than being engaged in their children’s academic progress. This research explored two Hmong charter schools in the Twin …

Malignant Insulinoma Arising From Nonfunctioning Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor, Ritodhi Chatterjee, Basim Ali, Son H Nguyen, Rui Chen, Yvonne H Sada

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are rare neoplasms characterized into nonfunctioning (NF-PNET) and functioning (F-PNET) subtypes. F-PNETs typically involve overt symptoms related to excessive hormone secretion but may rarely present first as NF-PNETs with delayed transformation. We present a patient with known NF-PNET with liver metastases who developed hypoglycemia 2 years after initial diagnosis due to malignant insulinoma. Hypoglycemia was refractory to continuous dextrose but improved temporarily after diazoxide and hepatic artery embolization. Malignant insulinomas are usually metastatic at presentation and portend poor prognosis. Hypoglycemia may be medically managed with steroids, somatostatin analogues, and diazoxide, along with therapies to reduce tumor burden.

Harnessing The Potential Of Fibrous Polyester Composites Meant For Bioactive Medical Devices, Graciela Morales, Heriberto Rodríguez-Tobías, Victoria Padilla-Gainza, Karen Lozano, Daniel Grande

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Fibrous-based composite polyester mats have gained importance in the biomedical area due to their morphological characteristics and mechanical performance. These materials can be modified by incorporating different inorganic micro- or nano-particles, thus leading to promising potential applications as medical devices with antimicrobial and/or bioactive properties. In this regard, this chapter reports a compilation of different studies related to the development of sub-micron fibers based on two important polyesters for biomedical use, namely poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(lactic acid). Studies focus on fibers developed through hydrodynamic techniques, namely electrospinning, electrospraying, and centrifugal spinning. The incorporation of zinc oxide or hydroxyapatite on the polyester-based …

#Otgypsi: Ypsilanti Offers Writing Workshops As A Path To Mental Wellness, Cathy Shafran, Lee Van Roth

YpsiWrites Publicity

No abstract provided.

Nonconsensual Family Obligations, Emily Stolzenberg

Faculty Publications

Even as the pandemic has both highlighted and compounded the challenges many U.S. families face in meeting their members’ basic needs, efforts to expand public subsidies for caretaking have gained little traction. Scholars have identified many historical and practical reasons for Americans’ entrenched skepticism toward the welfare state. Ideas matter, too, and this Article uncovers and critiques one that works to limit collective financial responsibility for families: the conviction that family support obligations must be legitimated through consent.

In family law, as in liberal political theory, consent works to reconcile state regulation with individual freedom. But because consent is a …

Evaluating Blast Wave Overpressure From Non-Spherical Charges Using Time Of Arrival From High-Speed Video, Kelly Williams, Catherine E. Johnson

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Scaled distance is used to predict blast wave overpressure surrounding the detonation of a known mass of explosive under the assumption that the charge geometry is spherical. Altering charge geometry from spherical overdrives regions of the blast wave resulting in areas of higher overpressures than predicted by scaled distance calculations. Empirical data can be used to scale the blast wave overpressure to cylindrical charges, but available overpressure data for more complex geometries is not available in published literature. In the present study the time of arrival of the blast wave was measured from high-speed video and the Rankine-Hugoniot relationship used …

Changes In Crop Diversity And Associated Drivers In The Red River Of The North Valley, Zinat Ara

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Crop diversity is a part of the overall biodiversity of the world and includes the diversity of crops produced to feed humankind and those associated with domesticated animal grazing or feeding. A decline in diversity can reduce productivity of the farmlands by degrading soil health and introduction of plant diseases. So, it is crucial to study crop diversity and find the causes behind it to impede catastrophic consequences.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore changes in crop diversity and the factors affecting the changes in diversity by county and survey townships in the Red River of the …

Dyslexia And The Need For General Education Teacher Training, Sheeresa S. Begay

Theses and Dissertations

General education teachers are expected to provide instruction to and promote learning in all students within a general education classroom per state and federal mandates. These mandates ensure students with disabilities like dyslexia are given access to a general education classroom, curriculum, and materials, and provided with support through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. However, general education teacher training and professional development programs have often been ineffectual in preparing general education teachers for delivering instruction to and promoting learning in individuals with dyslexia. As a result, many general education teachers are unprepared for supporting students with dyslexia …

Friction-In-Design Regulation As 21st Century Time, Place, And Manner Restriction, Brett Frischmann, Susan Benesch

Faculty Publications

Digital networked society needs friction-in-design regulation that targets the digital architectures, supposedly smart (data-driven, algorithmic) systems, and interfaces that shape human interactions, behavior, and will (beliefs, preferences, values, intentions). The relentless push to eliminate friction for the sake of efficiency has hidden social costs that affect basic human capabilities and society. A general course correction is needed.

Friction in the digital networked environment can come in many forms. It can be as simple as a time delay prior to publishing a social media post, a notice that provides salient information coupled with a nudge toward actual deliberation, or a query …

Spectral Classification Of Eight Stars In Open Cluster Ngc 457, Anthony Braden

Theses and Dissertations

This project aimed to perform spectral analysis and classification on eight target stars in the open star cluster NGC 457 with the University of North Dakota Space Studies Observatory. Selected targets came from a search in the SIMBAD database with a radius of two arcseconds around the cluster's center. The eight brightest stars in the visual spectrum were chosen, which did not have luminosity classifications. Six observing sessions were performed over two years to maximize data quality, given the unpredictability of terrestrial observations. Spectral data were acquired in both high- and low-resolution mode. The spectral data were calibrated and analyzed …

Self-Identification From The Professional And Social Perspectives Of Flight, Carly Lane Crockett

Theses and Dissertations

The development of one’s identity is connected to the level of effort willing to be committed to goal achievement. Per Velleman (2006), what someone cares about, determines what they must do for survival (p.336). While identity has been dissected, the applicability of connection for social and professional ties within aviation has not been thoroughly processed. General aviation flying and that of airline pilots has been compared regarding skill and safety association, but not in identity construction. A population of airline pilots was researched, that may or may not have been actively participating GA, with attempt to establish factor recognition of …

Stroke Survivors’ And Informal Caregivers’ Perceptions Of Depressive Symptoms After Stroke: A Mixed-Methods Sequential Explanatory Study, Tanya Leigh Breckenridge-Trotter

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Poststroke depression (PSD) is a frequently occurring complication of stroke that affects up to 30% of all stroke survivors in the first 24 months after stroke. PSD has been correlated with increases in hospital length of stay and hospital costs, increased physical morbidity and mortality, the risk for recurrent stroke at one year, decreased functional outcome, decreased cognitive function, and decreased quality of life post stroke. Estimates are >50% stroke survivors with depressive symptoms are left untreated due to lack of recognition. Moreover, depression in family caregivers of stroke survivors may negatively influence stroke recovery and stroke survivor quality …

Tribo-Mechanical Behavior Of Cold Rolled And Directed Energy Deposited Niti Alloy For Space Applications, Hyunsuk Choi

Theses and Dissertations

The manufacturing industry is constantly looking for ways to improve processes and reduce costs while maintaining or enhancing material properties. Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) alloy, also known as Nitinol, has unique properties such as shape memory and superelasticity, which make it a valuable material for various applications in the medical and aerospace industries. However, due to its high toughness, strength, and ductility, NiTi is difficult to form and machine, leading to severe tool wear and high cutting energy. Conventional manufacturing processes have limitations in producing complex or porous designs, restricting NiTi's potential applications. Additive manufacturing techniques have been explored as a way …

Parental Telemental Health Satisfaction During Covid-19, Desiree Giesen

Theses and Dissertations

The outbreak of Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) rapidly became a global pandemic in early 2020, forcing the wide spread implementation of social distancing safety precautions. Most mental health services across the United States shifted from traditional in-person services to telemental health (telehealth) in order to safely treat their clients. Using a Grounded Theory theoretical framework, participants were interviewed using a semi-structured format regarding their telehealth experience during COVID-19. Participants were 12 parents whose children had received telehealth services. Themes emerged from their coded responses and were organized into four categories: COVID-19 Impact on Mental Health, Positive Elements of Telehealth, Negative Elements of …

Religion-Justified Childhood Maltreatment And Adult Psychological Maladjustment, Hannah Doctor

Theses and Dissertations

The perpetrator of religion justified child abuse relies on spiritual beliefs (religious texts, context, or authority) to justify acts of maltreatment. This form of abuse can be manifested in many different contexts including infamous scandals of sexual abuse committed by catholic priests and the physical/sexual/emotional maltreatment occurring at Native American or other boarding schools for troubled youth. Parents and caretakers often claim "to spare the rod is to spoil the child”. Previous research has suggested that maladjustment outcomes after traumatic events are less severe among victims with strong religious beliefs. This study hypothesized that religious justified abuse would be associated …

An Investigation Into Impacts Of Microphysics Parameterization Schemes On Radiation Fog Within A Large Eddy Simulation Framework, To Small Unmanned Aircraft System Operations, Joseph Lafayette Gufford

Theses and Dissertations

Fog is a threat to the operations of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS). Improved fog forecasting will allow for more timely dissemination of warnings, allowing operators to maximize operational time and to minimize flight cancellations. The impacts of grid spacing and microphysical parameterization were examined to study their influences on fog formation in the Weather Research and Forecasting numerical weather prediction model. An ensemble of forecasts was produced, wherein varying grid spacings (1 km and 0.333 m) were permuted with different microphysics schemes (single and double moment) for two different fog events. It was found that sub-kilometer grid spacing improved …

Soil Bacteria Composition In Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands Of The Great Plains, Lydia M. Kantonen

Theses and Dissertations

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a grassland restoration program that allows landowners to remove degraded land from crop production, seed it with a perennial seed mixture, and leave it fallow for the remainder of the contract, which usually ranges from 10-15 years. While some ecosystem functions quickly improve upon CRP enrollment, soil organic carbon is slow to return to pre-agricultural levels. One explanation is that particulate organic matter left by litter takes several years to degrade even with a full bacteria community. Alternatively, it is possible that different chemical components of organic matter require different bacteria communities for full …