Digital Commons Network^™

Using Machine Learning To Investigate Weather Impacts On Crop Yield For Probabilistic, Climate-Informed Predictive Crop Breeding, Levi Newell

Theses and Dissertations

As the world’s population continues to grow, the importance of food security willonly continue to increase, with some estimates requiring a global increase in food production between 59 and 98% by 2050. The agriculture industry is also a crucial economic driver, with the industry supporting 20% of the state of North Dakota’s workforce, and with a total valuation of $41.3 billion. The economic importance of this industry and the challenges of future growth prompt a need for data driven decision making into the future, particularly with predictive crop breeding. This is the method by which crops are developed that are …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Silicon-Containing Ternary Transition Metal Borides For High Performance Applications, Godswill Ngige

Theses and Dissertations

Binary borides are well known for their exceptional mechanical and thermal properties, including high strength, high melting points, outstanding hardness, and excellent chemical stability, making them suitable for high-temperature structural applications such as components in hypersonic vehicles, jet engines, nose cones, and the leading edges of aircraft. Despite these advantages, they are inherently brittle and suffer from low fracture toughness, limiting their ability to absorb impact or resist crack propagation.

To this end, attention shifted to ternary transition metal borides which are materials composed of a transition metal, boron, and a third element. These ternary compounds exhibit a broader range …

From Theory To Practice: Addressing The Operational Challenges Of School Principals, Darin Murry Scherr

Theses and Dissertations

School principals play a crucial role in the effectiveness of educational institutions, yet many enter leadership positions lacking adequate preparation for operational responsibilities. This Dissertation in Practice examines the challenges principals face in managing financial, staffing, and facility operations and the impact of these challenges on principal retention. Using a qualitative multiple-case study approach, the research investigates the experiences of new and veteran principals within Bismarck Public Schools to identify gaps in their operational preparedness.Findings highlight five key themes: (1) gaps in financial and budgetary training, (2) the role of mentorship and support systems, (3) balancing instructional leadership with operational …

The Effect Of Salaciousness, Consistency, And Timing Of Disclosure On Alibi Believability In The Eyes Of A Jury, Jasper Allen Schmidtwood

Theses and Dissertations

Past research indicates a prevalent distrust of alibi evidence, coined by Olson and Wells (2004) as the alibi skepticism hypothesis. This inherent distrust prompts inquiries into the factors that enhance or undermine the credibility of alibi evidence in a trial. Utilizing attribution theory (Allison et al., 2012; Weiner, 2010), this study investigates the elements contributing to the believability of alibi statements, specifically the impact of alibi consistency, timing of disclosure, and the salaciousness of the alibi statement on jurors' perceptions of the defendant's character. Participants were randomly assigned to one of twelve conditions and read a mock trial summary that …

Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Programs: What Influences Students To Apply?, Emily Stephens

Theses and Dissertations

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are licensed professionals trained to work with various age ranges who have communication, feeding, and/or swallowing difficulties. The entry level education for an SLP to actively practice is a master’s degree. To fill the many vacant and needed SLP jobs across the country, it is necessary for SLP master’s programs to admit highly qualified students into their programs, resulting in many competent SLPs entering the workforce to fill the current job openings. Minot State University’s SLP master’s program has experienced a significant decline in graduate applications over the past decade. There is limited research specific to the …

Advancing Human-Computer Interaction Systems Through Explainable And Secure Ai Integration, Ifiok Udoidiok

Theses and Dissertations

As artificial intelligence (AI) systems increasingly shape how humans interact with digital environments, the need for transparency, security, and robustness in intelligent decision making has become critical. This thesis explores how explainable and secure AI techniques can be integrated into modern human-computer interaction (HCI) systems to enhance trust, resilience, and alignment with human operators.

We present three related studies, each addressing a distinct challenge in the design of human-centered AI. First, we apply XAI methods, specifically Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME), to deep learning (DL) based CAPTCHA solvers. By interpreting model attention patterns, we uncover exploitable weaknesses in text CAPTCHA …

Targeted Coaching In The Detroit Promise Path: A Thematic Network Analysis Of Current Challenges And Opportunities For Student Success, Maryse Danielle Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

The Detroit Promise Program is one of the many college promise programs operating within the United States that offers full college tuition coverage to students within the city who meet certain residential criteria. Detroit’s population has one of the highest proportions of Black and first-generation students and the lowest average socioeconomic class in the country. From the time of the Promise Program’s launch until now it has seen minor improvements in college degree competition rates, but this rate is still low compared to the national average. The Detroit Promise Path, which is an off branch of the Detroit Promise Program, …

Public Perceptions Of Fracking And Anti-Fracking Activism: A Theory Of Planned Behavior Approach And Its Implications For Environmental Policy, Okhumode Hector Yakubu

Theses and Dissertations

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has become one of the most contentious energy technologies of the 21st century, drawing support for its economic and energy security benefits and opposition due to its perceived environmental and health risks. This study applies the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to examine the psychological, social, and informational factors that shape public perceptions of fracking and motivate anti-fracking activism. Using a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (N = 522), this research investigates how attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and domain-specific knowledge predict support or opposition to fracking, as well as intentions to engage in …

Experimental And Numerical Modeling For Co2 Utilization In Enhanced Oil Recovery And Associated Storage In Unconventional Reservoirs, Billel Sennaoui

Theses and Dissertations

Unconventional reservoirs, such as the Bakken and Three Forks formations, present significant challenges due to their ultra-low permeability and complex fracture networks, which limit primary oil recovery to less than 10%. To enhance hydrocarbon extraction while simultaneously facilitating carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage, this study investigates the mechanisms governing CO₂ Huff-n-Puff (HnP) and associated storage under various operational conditions. A comprehensive approach integrating experimental analysis, numerical simulations, multiphase flow modeling, and geochemical interactions is employed to optimize CO₂-EOR and storage strategies. The experimental phase focuses on evaluating the performance of different injected gases (CO₂, ethane, and propane) in the Upper Three …

Designing Professional Development In Pedagogy And Technology: A Phenomenological Study Of Faculty Members From Myanmar Universities, Ye Pyae Thu

Theses and Dissertations

Education is a fundamental pillar of national development, with faculty development playing a crucial role in shaping instructional quality and enhancing students’ access to academics. However, for over seven decades in Myanmar, faculty members have frequently lacked access to professional development opportunities related to pedagogy and technology due to institutional constraints such as limited funding, resources, and support. This study examines the lived experiences of faculty members from public universities in Myanmar, focusing on their perceptions of professional development, the challenges they encounter, and the transformative changes they observe after participating in these programs. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological research design, …

Addressing The Impact Of Unlicensed And Under-Licensed Teachers In Pk-12 Schools: How School Administrators Offer Support, Taylor Topinka

Theses and Dissertations

As the impact of the teacher shortage grows, more teachers are entering classrooms with incomplete teacher licensure. Related literature affirms that new-to-profession teachers experience what Danielson (1999) described as a “sink or swim in the deep end of the pool” culture as they attempt to navigate the beginning of their teaching career with an incomplete license or no license entirely (p. 251). The influx of partially-licensed teachers engaging students is a dilemma created by the growth of the teacher shortage. The purpose of this study was to address the impact of unlicensed and under-licensed teachers on student growth and achievement …

Identifying The Common Patterns Or Trends That Emerge When Analyzing Past Accidents And Incidents Involving Autopilot Systems, Christopher David Tracy

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated to what extent over-reliance on automation, particularly autopilot systems, contributed to incidents and accidents in commercial aviation. Despite advancements in automated technologies, there is a growing concern regarding the potential consequences of pilots’ dependency on these systems. This research analyzed past key incidents to identify patterns indicating that pilots may have been inadequately prepared to assume manual control during automation failures. This study employed a qualitative approach, including semi-structured interviews with aviation professionals such as airline flight instructors, line check pilots, flight standards evaluators, and an FAA aviation safety inspector, along with qualitative surveys with professional pilots. …

The Perceptions Of Australian Identity By Year 5 And Year 6 Students In An Australian Independent School, Renae Nahajski, Dianne Chambers, Shane Lavery

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The study described here explored the perceptions of eight Year 5 and Year 6 students of their Australian identity in an independent Western Australian metropolitan school. The epistemological approach for this research was constructivism with an interpretivist theoretical perspective. We aimed to understand the perspectives of the eight student participants by use of a phenomenological methodology. Semi-structured interviews and student drawn pictures provided the data. Results revealed common values, citizenship, and a strong sense of belonging as important attributes of the participants’ perceptions of their own Australian national identity. The results provide insights into how students perceive their sense of …

Towards Equitable Cancer Outcomes For Rural And Remote Communities: Reflections, Lessons And Recommendations, Anna Ugalde, Hannah Jongebloed, Charlene Wright, Helena Rodi, Anna Chapman, Skye Marshall, Drew Aras, Rebecca J. Bergin, Sophie Boffa, Anna Boltong, Michele Conlin, Fiona Crawford–Williams, Carl De Wet, Wasek Faisal, Lan Gao, Harry Gasper, Kate Gunn, Nicolas H. Hart, Theresa Hayes, Florian Honeyball, Elizabeth A. Johnston, Deme Karikios, Nicole Kiss, Lucy Leigh, Patricia M. Livingston, Carmel O'Kane

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

People living in rural and remote areas continue to face significant inequities in cancer outcomes compared to their metropolitan counterparts. Despite advances in cancer control, these disparities persist across the cancer trajectory. This personal view consolidates findings from our Equitable Cancer Outcomes for Rural and Remote Communities series, highlighting survival disadvantages, challenges in measuring and reporting rurality, barriers to implementing evidence-based interventions, and shortcomings in historical policy. We argue for place-based, system-level reform that genuinely partners with rural communities, leverages local strengths, and embeds rural voices in research, policy, and service delivery. Key recommendations include adopting a formal partnership position …

Reimagining Public Art In Thailand : Policy, Practice And Sustainability, Pawinee Boonserm, Nantida Chandransu

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This research examines how governments promote public art through funding, mandate spaces and research support using international case studies. However, challenges such as centralized funding and restrictions on artistic expression persist. The study proposes a framework for "public art" within fine arts, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainable practices in Thailand. It underscores the importance of collaborative creativity, community engagement, and policy advocacy for a thriving public art landscape. Findings reveal the potential of public art to address societal challenges, foster social healing, and contribute to cultural preservation and economic development. Recommendations include promoting decentralized, community-led initiatives, establishing supportive policies, and …

Musical Convergence In Cross-Cultural Jazz Composition : An Analysis Of “Spring Is Back”, Denny Euprasert

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This research analyzes “Spring is Back,” a cross-cultural jazz composition rooted in the traditional Chinese folk song “⼤地回春” (“Earth’s Rebirth in Spring”). Through examining its formal structure, thematic development, and harmonic content, the study sheds light on its artistic significance and global resonance. The composition’s carefully orchestrated structure and thematic transformation blend elements of folk melody with jazz-inspired rhythm and harmony. Utilizing reharmonization techniques, “Spring is Back” enriches its chord progression with extended chords, quartal and quintal harmony, and contrapuntal bass movement, contributing to its vibrant sound. This research illuminates the transformative power of cross-cultural musical convergence in “Spring is …

The Walasuji Tradition : Forgotten Meanings And Values, Fajar Ciptandi, Ulfah Nafi’Ah, Akramullah -

Journal of Urban Culture Research

The Walasuji tradition is one of the cultural activities of the Bugis Makassar community, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. It can be found at wedding celebrations as a large gate made of bamboo called “Baruga” Walasuji. However, it is hard to find Baruga Walasuji at youth’s wedding nowadays. Whereas the tradition has unique meaning and values which are good to preserve. This study employed a data validation triangulation method involving interviews, literature review, and observations. Subsequently, the analysis was carried out using a qualitative approach known as the "Three Layers of Culture" method. The results of the study show how meaning and …

Ancient Service Systems In Historic Houses And Their Contribution To Sustainable Urban Development : The Case Of Architect Sinan’S House, Gülşen Dişli, Gül Gediri-Gökçen

Journal of Urban Culture Research

The service systems of historic buildings, namely, heating, ventilation, cooling, lighting, and drainage play a critical role in the life cycle of buildings and sustainable urban development to preserve traditional knowledge systems. Therefore, a detailed investigation is required before, during, and after any preservation activity to ensure the historic integrity. Hence, this research aims to identify, investigate, and research the original service systems of a historic building, namely, the Architect Sinan's house in Ağırnas, Türkiye, to reveal and sustain these original passive survivability details to future generations and to learn from these details in present constructions. Main methods were site …

The Impact Of War-Induced Trauma On Young Israelis : A Qualitative Examination Of The David’S Circle Project At Koh Phangan, Rachel Lev-Wiesel, Ofra Walter, Yael Rom-Shoshani, Nisara Jaroenkajornkij, Bussakorn Binson

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This qualitative study explores the psychological impact of war-induced trauma on young Israelis who sought refuge and healing in Koh Phangan, Thailand, through participation in the David’s Circle Project. The project provides a supportive, non-clinical space for the October 7th trauma Nova survivors and young reserve soldiers. In-depth, semi-structured interviews and group storytelling revealed common themes of emotional dislocation, mistrust, and existential uncertainty. The findings underscore the importance of alternative, culturally sensitive healing environments for trauma recovery and point to the therapeutic value of grouping in a safe physical and emotional space. Implications for trauma-informed care and post-conflict rehabilitation for …

Creative Thai Art Learning For Urban Society’S Well-Being, Apichart Pholprasert, Soamshine Boonyananta, Intira Phrompan, Suchart Imsamraan, Wanalee Chanrangsri, Priyasri Promchinda

Journal of Urban Culture Research

Lifestyles in crowded, fast-paced urban societies have created conditions that negatively affect physical, mental, and social well-being. This research aimed to develop and implement creative Thai art learning activities to promote well-being in urban communities. A mixed-methods approach was employed in four stages: (1) documentary research and community surveys, including interviews with 5 community leaders and 100 residents in the Rama IV area; (2) development of creative Thai art learning kits; (3) implementation of learning activities with a sample of 500 community residents; and (4) data collection involved satisfaction and well-being assessments and follow-up interviews; the resulting data were then …

Lakhon Rong Songs Of The Nakhon Bantoeng Troupe (Mae Bunnak Kanlayanamit) & The Phenomenon Of Music In Siam, Tharanat Hin-On, Poonpit Amatayakul, Narongchai Pidokrajt, Anak Charanyananda, Nachaya Natchanawaku

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This study examines the evolution of lakhon rong, a form of Thai musical theater, within the context of Siam’s socio-political and cultural changes during the early 20th century, particularly under the influence of Western modernization. The research focuses on the Nakhon Bantoeng Troupe, exploring how adaptations in lakhon rong performances reflected and contributed to the broader societal efforts towards crafting a modern Thai identity. The integration of Western musical elements with traditional Thai forms exemplifies strategic cultural negotiation, aligning with theories of adaptation and appropriation. Through an analysis of play scripts and historic recordings, this study highlights how cultural practices …

Towards A Sustainable Play-Ground : Performance Ecosystems For A Livable Bangkok Neighborhood, Pornrat Damrhung

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This article examines an effort to turn urban research into creative placemaking by using performances to make a livable Bangkok neighborhood more vibrant. Research explored diverse stakeholders of Samyan-Banthat Thong in central Bangkok during COVID-19. This exploration found opportunities to link the neighborhood’s entrepreneurs, students, visitors and property managers, and discovered key characteristics of the complex and changing neighborhood. We used this knowledge to design a small festival bringing performing artists into the area’s main park and to important sites surrounding it for a weekend of live performances, workshops and demonstrations. By using performance to attract diverse publics to the …

Journal Policies, Jucr Staff

Journal of Urban Culture Research

No abstract provided.

Interpreting Literary Heritage : “Lilit Phra Law” Through Dance As Part Of Heritage Interpretation For The 21st Century, Naraphong Charassri

Journal of Urban Culture Research

This article explores how literary heritage can be reinterpreted through creative dance to sustain its relevance in the 21st century. It derives from a dissertation-length study entitled “Interpreting Literary Heritage: Lilit Phra Law through Dance as Part of Heritage Interpretation for the 21st Century.” The research employed six methods: literature review, personal experiential analysis, field studies, media exploration, symposium discussions, and structured interviews. Data collection was conducted in Thailand from March 2004 to April 2024, involving performing arts professionals, music and drama academics, senior practitioners from the Office of Performing Arts, the Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, and both …

Concept-Based Curriculum: An Evidence-Based Approach To Developing A New Framework For Dietetics Education?, Andrea Begley, Janica Jamieson, Gemma Jenkins, Janeane Dart, Lauren T. Williams, Simone Gibson, Fiona E. Pelly, Hattie H. Wright, Claire Palermo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: Concept-based approaches to curricula have been proposed as a solution to this issue, and 56 concepts have been proposed for dietetics curricula. This study aimed to develop a framework for a dietetic concept-based curriculum. Methods: A pragmatic approach was employed by a team of nine experienced Australian dietetic educators. Iterative processes of idea generation, reflection, group discussion, and consensus formation were applied by seven of the academics in a two-day face-to-face workshop and four online meetings to further develop the 56 curriculum concepts previously identified for dietetics by Tweedie et al. The discussions were supported by document analysis and …

Effect Of Exercise On Bone-Related Outcomes In Patients With Cancer Affected By Bone Metastases Or Bone Loss: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Anita Borsati, Gloria Adamoli, Diana Giannarelli, Lorenzo Belluomini, Andrea Trevisan, Piero Schenal, Francesco Bettariga, Anna M. Markarian, Federico Schena, Michele Milella, Robert U. Newton, Sara Pilotto, Alice Avancini

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise interventions on bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone turnover markers in patients with cancer and compromised bone health. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of four electronic databases was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of exercise intervention compared to supplementation or bone-targeted agents only on BMD, BMC and bone turnover markers. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models to calculate effect sizes (ES) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Eighteen studies were included, involving 1,478 patients with mainly breast and …

Global Patterns And Drivers Of Seagrass Biomass, Net Primary Production And Meadow Structure, Nicole R. Foster, Enric Gomis, Diana I. Montemayor, Simone Strydom, Miguel Angel Mateo, Eduard Serrano, Aurora M. Ricart, Martin Dahl, Ines Mazarrasa, Paulina Cisternas, Harry Whiteley, Elliott J. Bates, Viena Puigcorbé, Uxue Moreda, Mar Truc, Karina Inostroza, Rafael Huertas, Roisin Mccallum, Anna Lafratta, Chanelle L. Webster, Caitlyn M. O'Dea, Nicole E. Said, Carlos M. Duarte, Paul S. Lavery, Oscar Serrano

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: We decipher global patterns in seagrass growth and structure to advance seagrass science, facilitate multidisciplinary research, and promote effective management strategies and policy development for seagrass habitats. Location: Global. Time period: 1975 to 2024. Major taxa studied: Seagrasses—marine angiosperms. Methods: A global data set on seagrass total biomass, total net primary productivity (NPP), shoot density, and percent cover was compiled across 11 genera. We tested how these variables change across seagrass genera, life-history strategy, and geographic location; and then modelled the environmental drivers (temperature, nutrients, light availability) of the patterns observed. Results: The mean (±SE) total biomass of seagrasses …

Joint Estimation Of Paternity, Sibships And Pollen Dispersal In A Snapdragon Hybrid Zone, Thomas James Ellis, David Luke Field, Nicholas H. Barton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Inferring genealogical relationships of wild populations is useful because it gives direct estimates of mating patterns and variance in reproductive success. Inference can be improved by including information about parentage shared between siblings, or by modelling phenotypes or population data related to mating. However, we currently lack a framework to infer parent–offspring relationships, sibships and population parameters in a single analysis. To address this, we here extend a previous method, Fractional Analysis of Paternity and Sibships, to include population data for the case where one parent is known. We illustrate this with the example of pollen dispersal in a natural …

Thromboelastography Versus Thromboelastometry For Unfractionated Heparin Monitoring In Adult Patients On Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, Ellen B Yin, Arthur W Bracey, Subhasis Chatterjee

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Monitoring the anticoagulant effect of unfractionated heparin (UFH) in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients is complex but critically important to balance the risks of treatment related bleeding and circuit thrombosis. While guidelines recommend using more than one method to monitor UFH activity, the use of thromboelastometry (ROTEM) to monitor UFH in ECMO patients has not been investigated in detail.

Methods: This is an observational, single-center retrospective study looking at adult ECMO patients on UFH that had ROTEM and thromboelastography (TEG) tests obtained concurrently. A total of 20 samples were obtained from nine patients during the study period, …

Interpreting Congress, Joshua Ulan Galperin

Elisabeth Haub School of Law Faculty Publications

This Article introduces the concept of congressional interpretation. Congressional interpretation describes a strategy on which the Supreme Court relies, but rarely acknowledges. It occurs when courts try to understand what the law is by looking beyond a specific statute, or even a specific statute’s legislative history, and instead turning to vague beliefs about congressional behavior. Courts use congressional interpretation to: understand the relationship between a substantive statute and subsequent appropriations; evaluate statutes on the basis of post-enactment congressional inaction; and impose assumptions about congressional norms through clear statement rules. For instance, a court considers whether Congress granted statutory authority when …