Digital Commons Network^™

A Qualitative Examination Of Special Education Directors' Beliefs Regarding Restrictive Procedures, Jennifer L. Krueger

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study aimed to understand the beliefs of special education directors from Minnesota about restrictive procedures in K-12 public schools. Physical holding and seclusion are problematic because of injuries, emotional trauma, and increased use with students of color. In this basic qualitative study, 10 current special education directors in Minnesota were interviewed regarding their beliefs about seclusion and physical holding. The frameworks of critical race theory and transformational coaching were utilized to interpret results. Thematic analysis revealed that White participants believe that seclusion is necessary for students with the most intensive needs. For directors of color, beliefs focused on issues …

Shattering The Glass Ceiling: Comparative Narratives Of Women Leaders In Public Relations In Ghana And The United States Of America, Adriana Kukuwaa Adu

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study explores the lived experiences of women in public relations (PR) leadership roles in both Ghana and the United States, focusing on the cultural, institutional, and societal barriers that shape their professional journeys. Employing a qualitative research design, the study involved ten women in senior PR positions, five from each country, through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis identified six key themes: institutional barriers and gendered expectations; double standards in leadership communication; the influence of stereotypes; mentorship and support; intra-gender competition; and leadership agency and optimism. Guided by Social Role Theory, Glass Ceiling Theory, Feminist Standpoint Theory, and Transformational Leadership …

A Path To Trust: Addressing Performative Engagement And Building Authentic Relationships Between Cities And Communities, Marika Reese

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This qualitative study examines how Minneapolis City employees and community members perceive and experience the efforts of the City to engage them in public safety reform through community engagement initiatives. Although the City has pledged to prioritize racial equity and inclusion, many community members describe these engagement practices as manipulative and tokenizing. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of Critical Race Theory and Arnstein’s Ladder of Citizen Participation, and guided by participatory action research and narrative inquiry, this study centers community voices. Data were collected through a community learning exchange involving City employees and residents, followed by semi-structured interviews with four …

From Gossip To Guidance: Analyzing Student Posting On Yik Yak, Mikayla Nemgar

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study examines how college students at Minnesota State University, Mankato, use the anonymous social media app Yik Yak, and what they discuss within it. Using qualitative content analysis, 963 anonymous posts were collected and coded into five initial categories: (1) Seeking and Sharing Information, (2) Giving Raw and Unfiltered Opinions, (3) Attempting to Socialize, (4) Seeking Belonging, and (5) Complaining. The findings show that most posts expressed raw opinions, followed by seeking for belonging. Sub-themes emerged in these two categories, which offered more specific examples of how students use Yik Yak. These trends provide insight into how anonymity may …

Exploring Facilitators’ Experiences Addressing Students’ Needs In A Higher Education Work-Based Engineering Program, Cody D. Mann

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study addresses a critical gap in higher education by examining the unique facilitator position at Iron Range Engineering (IRE), a work-based program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Facilitators are full-time teaching staff in support roles that focus on helping students achieve positive outcomes, such as students successfully transitioning into working professionals. No formal research has been conducted to explore the comprehensive support and overall implications of this role. This qualitative study focused on phenomenography to capture the different experiences of 12 facilitator participants. Data collection was guided by role theory to explore the expectations and perceptions of facilitators, and …

From Enrollment To Graduation: How Social Support Shapes Latino Educational Trajectories In Minnesota, Erick Heaney

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Latino students represent the fastest-growing racial/ethnic group in the United States, yet their post-secondary completion rates remain significantly lower than those of other student populations. This study explores the educational trajectories of Latino students in Minnesota, focusing on the role of social support networks in shaping persistence and attainment. The research identifies peer and family support as the strongest predictors of Latino students' confidence to graduate (p < .001), underscoring the central role of close personal networks in persistence. Findings suggest that while financial and structural barriers continue to hinder success, culturally responsive support systems can positively influence degree attainment. Although centered on Minnesota, the study offers broader implications for higher education policy and practice, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions and institutional accountability in addressing equity gaps. Strengthening support for Latino students is essential to advancing educational and economic opportunity nationwide.

Embodied Affliction: Somalis’ Perception Of Trauma, Ahmed M. Hassan

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Somali immigrants and refugees have a high rate of trauma, mainly because of their traumatic experiences during the Somali civil war and subsequent migration. Nevertheless, they do not readily access available psychological services in the countries to which they migrate. Research of the past two decades has revealed that different cultures conceptualize and communicate mental distress differently from one another. Those differences affect how Western mental health providers approach the treatment of clients who immigrate from an unfamiliar culture to Western countries, where the biomedical model of mental health dominates the health care system. Improved cultural awareness and communication between …

Implementing Information Literacy Practices In Curriculum, Ongelle Schroeder

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This literature review explores the value of integrating information literacy instruction into existing curricula, with a focus on collaboration between faculty and librarians. As students face an overwhelming volume of information, equipping them with the skills to navigate, evaluate, and use sources effectively is increasingly essential—especially in course that require source-based writing, research, and critical analysis. The review highlights key approaches and resources to support educators in embedding information literacy into instruction. While this literature review was written for the contexts of ENG 101 and COMM 100/102, its themes are applicable to a wide range of teaching contexts.

Oer Faculty Fellowship, Leila Walker

Open Educational Resources

No abstract provided.

Goncharov (1973), Internet Folklore, And Corporate Copyright, Stacey M. Lantagne Professor Of Law

Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment & Technology Law

Goncharov (1973) is a meme, which is a term broadly used to refer to a species of viral internet creativity. Memes can be many different things, but Goncharov is an especially rich, complex, collaborative, and mutating one. It revolves around a movie that does not exist. Goncharov is a fictional Martin Scorsese film that the internet collectively pretends was produced in 1973. Over the course of a few feverish weeks in the fall of 2022, social media users, with no coordination and without knowledge of each other or the overall project, created a cast, storyline, soundtrack, reviews, fanfiction, and a …

Remote Sensing - Based Mapping And Analysis Of Winter Cover Crop Adoption For Sustainable Agriculture, Minnehaha County, Belinda Buechler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Winter cover crops planted by farmers such as cereal rye, crimson clover, radishes, hairy vetch, and winter wheat are used to conserve and protect the soil during winter. These crops offer numerous benefits such as improving soil health, reducing erosion, fixing nitrogen, increasing carbon sequestration, and weed suppression. Over time, winter cover cropping has been recognized as a sustainable agricultural practice and has gained attention from Federal and State conservation programs, farmers, and non-governmental organizations. Due to their vital benefits, agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conversation Services (NRCS) have partnered with cost-share programs …

Understanding Relationships Among Fish And Environmental Conditions To Guide Adaptive Fisheries Management, Madalyn K. Siller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Phytogenic Feed Additives Pre- And Post-Calving And Effects Of Substituting Ddgs With Soybean Meal On Protein Metabolism In Beef Cattle, Grace H. Jardon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of these studies was to evaluate nutritional strategies to improve beef cattle productivity through targeted supplementation and protein source manipulation. The first study investigated the effects of a phytogenic supplement (PHYT; a blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper oleoresin) on colostrum yield and composition, calf passive immunity, and cow–calf performance. Twenty-three Angus-based cows were assigned to either a control group or received 250 or 500 mg/head/day of PHYT from 30 days pre-calving to 60 days post-calving. Supplementation with PHYT linearly increased colostrum fat and calf serum IgA concentrations. Milk fat, calf serum IgG, and colostrum IgM tended …

White Coats And Scrubs: Bridging The Gaps In Accommodation, Tristan Stauffacher

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Effective communication between nurses and physicians is critical for patient safety, yet these interactions often occur within hierarchical structures that can hinder open dialogue and collaboration. This study explores nurse-physician communication through the lens of Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), specifically focusing on how nurses accommodate their communication using the framework’s strategies. Drawing on qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with registered nurses, this study identifies key themes including convergence, organizational silence, and maintenance as strategies that nurses engage in. The findings of this study reveal that accommodation choices are not solely motivated by intrinsic goals but can be motivated by external …

Modeling Fluid Flow In Complex Biological Systems: Implications For Dense Tumor Microenvironments, Metastasis, And Bone Cancer, Mohammad Mehedi Hasan Akash

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The transport of biofluids in physiological systems plays a critical role in understanding and optimizing therapeutic interventions for diseases such as cancer and respiratory infections. This dissertation focuses on developing and validating a comprehensive computational framework for studying multiphase transport in complex biological environments. The research emphasizes the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to simulate and analyze plasma perfusion in solid tumors, particle deposition in respiratory airways, and fluid transport in cancer metastasis and bone cancer systems. By addressing the challenges of modeling biological transport phenomena, this work provides valuable insights into therapeutic planning and experimental validation. The study …

Synchronization Protocols Utilizing Progesterone Implants Associated With Estrus Expression, Vaginal Microbiome, And Immune Response In Beef Cattle, Riley James Puck

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis aims to provide a deep understanding of presynchronization strategies and the varying factors affecting their efficacy. Beginning with a literature review of the estrous cycle and the endocrinology driving it. Building on this foundation, the physiological basis for estrous synchronization is described, followed by the advancement of pre-synchronization protocols designed to increase estrus and conception. Further, we will focus on the influence of estrus expression on insemination time and conception rates. Finally, how the immune system interacts with the conception process. In addition, the review goes beyond exogenous endocrine manipulation and dives into the emerging role of the …

Determining The Susceptibility Status Of Red Sunflower Seed Weevil, Smicronyx Fulvus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) To Pyrethroid Insecticides, Aaron Lee Hargens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Although sunflowers are native to North America, the early breeding efforts to improve sunflowers occurred outside of the continent. These hybrids were reintroduced to North America around 1875. In the early 1900’s, efforts to increase oil content were achieved by selective breeding of the reintroduced hybrids. Although this resulted in the development of improved sunflowers, many of the traits that conferred resistance to native insect pests were lost. One insect pest, the red sunflower seed weevil was noted as having caused sunflower production to rapidly decline and eventually end in Illinois and Missouri. Unfortunately, red sunflower seed weevils are still …

Quantification Of Auxin-Cytokinin Response During Lateral Root And Nodule Development In Medicago, Aniket Singh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lateral roots (LRs) and nodules are post-embryonic root organs in legumes formed through the activity of de novo meristem. LRs, which are present in all vascular plants, are developed primarily via intrinsic developmental cues, whereas root nodules, found only in a small group of plants known as legumes, are formed in response to legume–rhizobium symbiosis. LRs arise from the pericycle layer of the root, whereas nodule initiation can begin either in the pericycle (indeterminate nodules with persistent meristem, as in Medicago) or in the cortex (determinate nodules with transient meristem, as in soybean), pointing toward a conserved developmental origin, especially …

Generative Ai In The Workplace: Adoption Patterns, Innovation Attributes, And Equity Implications At Bhssc, Andrew Ley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This case study explores generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) adoption patterns, innovation attributes, and equity implications within a diverse educational cooperative in western South Dakota. A mixed methods approach was employed to analyze adoption trends, perceived productivity differentials, and the significance of key innovation characteristics to 40 employees representing a range of divisions, roles, and levels of digital competence. Employees with lower self-reported digital competence and higher average age reported disproportionately higher perceived productivity gains from GenAI tools. This may suggest GenAI may level the playing field for aging individuals who have previously felt marginalized by rapid technological change in the …

Evaluation Of Soil Microbiome And Edaphic Factors In Response To Nitrogen Fertilizer Application In Western South Dakota Croplands, Riya Jain

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Extended Days On Feed: Influences On Growth Performance, Efficiency, And Carcass Characteristics Of Steers And Heifers Of Different Proportions Of Angus And Limousin Genetics, Grace Henley Olinger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recently, cattle feeders have extended days on feed (DOF) resulting in hot carcass weights (HCW) exceeding the limits of existing serial slaughter datasets. This study's goal was to determine the impact extended DOF exerts on growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics of steers and heifers with varying proportions of Angus (AN) and Limousin (LM) genetics. In 2022, commercial AN cows from two MT ranches were artificially inseminated to 9 sires from 3 breeds (AN, LM, and Limflex (LF)) with parentage confirmed by DNA. In 2023, 216 calves (sired by 72 AN, 73 LF, and 71 LM; 105 steers and …

Studying Associations Among Mental Health And Psycap In Persons With Stuttering, Jasmine Lydia Selvaraj, James R. Spears, Priscilla Rose Prasath, Gayathri Purushothaman

Counseling Faculty Publications and Presentations

This cross-sectional, psychometric validation and comparative analysis study investigates the associations between mental health and Psychological Capital (PsyCap) in persons with stuttering (PWS; n = 60) and fluent speakers (FS; n = 60), while validating the Tamil translations of the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) and Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ). Exploratory Factor Analyses, Cronbach’s alphas, and item-total correlations were used to evaluate the scales with a sample size of 120 participants. The conducted factor analyses demonstrated that the translated MHC-SF aligns structurally with prior studies, as compared to the PCQ, which diverged in factor loadings. The study also applied Independent …

The Physiology Of Exercise, Rosie Lanphere

Open Educational Resources

The Physiology of Exercise (3rd Edition) is an essential resource for upper-level undergraduates studying exercise science. Written by Rosie Lanphere, PhD, CSCS, this text provides a clear and comprehensive exploration of how the human body responds and adapts to physical activity.

Covering metabolism, energy expenditure, and the integrated roles of the nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine, muscular, and respiratory systems, this edition reflects the latest research and practical applications in the field.

Designed with students in mind, each chapter includes learning objectives, key terms, and scholarly questions to reinforce understanding. Whether preparing for a career in exercise science or professional certification, this …

Intestinal Oxygen Utilisation And Cellular Adaptation During Intestinal Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury, Paraschos Archontakis-Barakakis, Theodoros Mavridis, David-Dimitris Chlorogiannis, Georgios Barakakis, Eleni Laou, Daniel I Sessler, George Gkiokas, Athanasios Chalkias

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The gastrointestinal tract can be deranged by ailments including sepsis, trauma and haemorrhage. Ischaemic injury provokes a common constellation of microscopic and macroscopic changes that, together with the paradoxical exacerbation of cellular dysfunction and death following restoration of blood flow, are collectively known as ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Although much of the gastrointestinal tract is normally hypoxemic, intestinal IRI results when there is inadequate oxygen availability due to poor supply (pathological hypoxia) or abnormal tissue oxygen use and metabolism (dysoxia). Intestinal oxygen uptake usually remains constant over a wide range of blood flows and pressures, with cellular function being substantively compromised …

Constructing A Conversation-First Dialogue Model For Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Counseling For Hpv Vaccination For Young Adults, Lu Tang, Chenying Weng, Serena Hou, Lara S Savas, Ana C Neumann, Nicole Moore, Jane Hamilton, Daniel Rhee, Cui Tao, Licong Cui, Muhammad Tuan Amith

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been shown to prevent several types of cancers; however, vaccination rates remain suboptimal. Effective patient-provider communication is key to promoting vaccination but is often hindered by various clinical barriers. Speech bots could be a promising solution by addressing common barriers and facilitating HPV vaccination uptake. We used a "conversation first" design approach to develop the interaction for speech bots to deliver HPV vaccination counseling to young adults. Two counseling strategies were developed and piloted: motivational interviewing (MI) and the theory-based approaches. Wizard of Oz experiments were conducted with young female adults (n = 24). …

Organizational Readiness And Implementation Of Colorectal Cancer Screening Evidence-Based Interventions In Federally Qualified Health Centers: A Cross-Sectional Study, Emanuelle M Dias, Timothy J Walker, Bijal A Balasubramanian, Paula M Cuccaro, Lauren Workman, Abraham Wandersman, Maria E Fernandez

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Evidence-based interventions (EBIs) exist to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, but implementation remains slow in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). Assessing organizational readiness can improve EBI implementation outcomes, but no studies have quantitatively examined the relation between organizational readiness subcomponents and implementation outcomes. This study examines associations between readiness subcomponents and CRC screening EBI implementation outcomes in FQHCs.

Methods: We used data from an ongoing parent study to develop an organizational readiness measure using the R = MC2 heuristic. We conducted descriptive and cross-sectional analyses using FQHC clinic (n = 57) data across three states. A clinic contact …

Factors Influencing Implementation Of A Self-Measured Blood Pressure Program In Community Health Centers: An Implementation Mapping Approach, Serena A Rodriguez, Fernanda Velasco-Huerta, Mahalia Sampson-Ansah, Ella R Garza, William B Perkison, Patenne D Mathews, Catherine Pulicken, Maria E Fernandez

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objectives: Uncontrolled hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, particularly among adults aged 45 years and older. Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) is an evidence-based intervention that can help patients manage hypertension outside of the clinical setting. We conducted a needs and assets assessment to identify (1) health center adopters and implementers and (2) barriers and facilitators to SMBP adoption and implementation in six community health centers in Texas.

Methods: Data sources included: (1) needs and assets assessment surveys and semi-structured interviews; (2) site visits with participating health centers; and (3) detailed meeting notes and logs. Leaders and administrators from …

Co-Creation Of Staff Training To Address Health-Related Social Needs In Emergencies, Linda Highfield, Gayla Ferguson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Health-related social needs (HRSN), such as housing and transportation barriers, contribute to poor health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Patient navigators help connect patients to community resources, but workforce training gaps are a challenge. The Strengthening Peer AHC Navigation (SPAN) study aimed to enhance navigation training during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

Methods: Using a stakeholder-driven peer planning approach, SPAN co-developed a quality improvement plan for patient navigation training. Training focused on housing and transportation navigation and included didactic sessions, hands-on case studies, and biweekly expert consultations. Self-efficacy surveys measured navigator confidence pre- and post-training, and changes in navigation …

Family Roots And Research Journal Unm Emeritus Professor José A. Rivera, José A. Rivera Ph.D

Faculty Publications

This article is an abbreviated life narrative of UNM Emeritus Professor of Community and Regional Planning, José A. Rivera. It begins with highlights of his family ancestry and continues with an account of his educational experiences K-12 and into a decade of university life as a student while earning a bachelor’s, two master’s and a doctorate. He taught at UNM for 35 years while also conducting research in his areas of interest, mostly in community irrigation studies, mutual aid societies, and rural development. The main body in the article focuses on positions he held at UNM and on publications that …

Association Between Covid19 Vaccination Uptake And Socio-Demographic Characteristics Among Pregnant Women In Kenya, Sylvia Ayieko, Sarah E Messiah, Kimberly Baker, Christine Markham

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Vaccination is considered more cost-effective in controlling the spread of COVID19 compared to other preventative measures. Pregnant women infected with COVID19 were likely to have severe COVID19 complications compared to uninfected women. This study examined the relationship between COVID19 vaccination uptake and socio-demographic characteristics among pregnant women in Kenya.

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis using data from a pilot study examining COVID19 vaccination uptake among pregnant women in Kenya. We used descriptive analysis to report the proportions and chi 2 to assess if there are any significant differences between groups. Our primary outcome was COVID19 vaccination uptake. We …