Digital Commons Network^™

Mitigation Of Alkali-Induced Ash Aerosol Particles Impacts On Solid Fuel Combustion Systems, Temitope Folusho Bankefa

Theses and Dissertations

Low-rank solid fuels impact heat transfer efficiency and energy conversion in steam generation, with adverse operational and environmental consequences. Despite the attention coal-biomass co-combustion has garnered as a climate-aware power generation alternative, inorganic species in low-rank fuel types can lead to counterproductive outcomes in combustion systems. However, improved combustion technology and fuel quality enhancement can facilitate the safe utilization of these fuels. A review of scientific literature underscores the need for research in fuel quality improvement as a climate change mitigation strategy during the global transition to renewable energy sources. Identifying problematic species in solid fuels and understanding ash formation …

The Interconnectedness Of Indigenous Health: Local, National, And International Influences, Courtney Claussen

Theses and Dissertations

Indigenous Peoples have always understood the interconnectedness of health. There are many Indigenous-specific health determinants that positively or negatively impact prevalent health conditions. Each of the products in this three-part portfolio highlight health determinants that directly or indirectly contribute to the health of Indigenous Peoples. Key topics within each product include Cultural Protocol, culturally safe practices, food security and access, type 2 diabetes, and localized health approaches. The products also highlight the historical and current impacts of colonization on Indigenous health. Each product interconnects to consider the variable ways Indigenous-specific health determinants impact Indigenous populations. In the first product, I …

Impact Of Substance Use And Perceptions Of Social Support On Psychological Distress Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Laura Gorman

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are the leading cause of disability and mortality for individuals under the age of 45 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021; Moore et al., 2014). Previous research has informed us that substance use, perceptions of social support, and TBI severity have all been associated with increased levels of psychological distress. Given the prevalence of TBI and its impact on physical and mental health outcomes, it is important to understand how outside factors (substance use and perceptions of social support) relate with TBI severity to effect overall levels of psychological distress. Objective: Drawing from self-determination …

Protective Factors For Suicidal Ideation In Transgender Adults Living In Rural Communities, Genel Gronkowski

Theses and Dissertations

Transgender adults living in rural communities within the USA may be at an increased risk for suicidal ideation compared to their cisgender peers. Meyer’s Minority Stress Model postulates that this may be due to unique stressors that result from a minoritized identity that may lead to poor mental health outcomes, such as suicidal ideation; individual and community level protective factors may buffer or protect from poor health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to identify protective factors that may be unique to transgender adults experiencing suicidal ideation in rural communities. Utilizing a grounded theory approach, a homogenous group of …

The Impact Of Upper-Elementary C3wp Resources On First Draft Student Writing Samples: A Study Of Lexical Cohesion, Semantic Overlap, Grammar And Mechanics, Lisa Fricke Gusewelle

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the impact of the College, Career, and Community Writers Program (C3WP) on upper-elementary students' first draft writing quality, addressing the challenges teachers face in providing timely and effective feedback on extensive student writing, particularly in spelling, grammar, mechanics, and cohesion. The hypothesis posits that C3WP resources will improve students' writing by enhancing lexical cohesion and reducing surface-level errors. Four 6th-grade students with varying reading proficiency levels participated in two C3WP mini-units over a two-month period. First drafts were analyzed using the Tool for the Automatic Analysis of Text Cohesion (TAACO) to measure semantic overlap and lexical cohesion, …

Examining Barriers And Motivation Toward University Stem Faculty Research Success, Jordan A. Jaeger

Theses and Dissertations

All university faculty pursuing scholarly goals tackle complex tasks over long periods, yet some must overcome additional adversity and challenges to succeed. Recent studies have measured faculty research success according to their self-reported accomplishments in research activities, publications, and grant writing, and motivation was a predictor of success (Stupnisky, BrckaLorenz, et al., 2019; Stupnisky et al., 2023). This dissertation describes a three-study program of research that examined how faculty navigated barriers to research success through the lens of different theories of motivation.Faculty face barriers in completing research because it often involves a lengthy and emotion filled process, from research design …

Encompassing ‘Himdag’ (Indigenous Way Of Life) To Address Cardiometabolic Disease In American Indian And Alaska Native Communities Through Research, Policy And Action, Heather Medicine Bear

Theses and Dissertations

Cardiometabolic diseases (CMD), encompassing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, present a significant health burden within American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. This dissertation, through the culmination of three products, including a scoping review, policy brief and strategic planning toolkit, seeks to understand and address CMD in tribal communities through an Indigenous lens. Product #1, Interventions for Cardiometabolic Health in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities: A Scoping Review, entails a thorough review of implemented CMD interventions targeting AI/AN communities to understand programmatic, clinical, and community-based prevention strategies. By synthesizing available evidence, …

Numerical Investigation And Seismic Performance Evaluation Of Liquefied Natural Gas (Lng) Cylindrical Steel Storage Tanks Under Earthquake Loading, Shafqat Ullah

Theses and Dissertations

Cylindrical steel tanks are an important structural components of various industries, power plants, oil refineries, and other lifeline facilities. These liquid-filled reservoirs are prone to local instability (buckling) when exposed to lateral seismic forces. This thesis aims to study the seismic buckling performance of an empty and partially filled cylindrical steel storage tanks using finite element modeling (FEM) approaches. To validate the accuracy of the FEA ABAQUS software, the cylindrical tanks are considered for both static linear buckling, non-linear, as well as dynamic (seismic non-linear) analysis. A total of 3 cylindrical shells having 1 perfect model without carbon fiber reinforced …

Using Libensemble To Enhance Numerical Ice-Sheet Flow Simulations, Kuang Hsu Wang

Theses and Dissertations

Here, we interface an ice sheet flow model, FastIceFlo v1.0, with the Python toolkitlibEnsemble to enable dynamic ensembles of computations. We test the interface’s capability to perform dynamic ensembles of computations by conducting a sensitivity analysis. The results indicate the interface’s ability to perform dynamic ensembles of computations. Future work could extend the interface to include mass balance to run prognostic simulations. The eventual goal is to run simulation ensembles of large-scale ice sheets forward in time to better assess its sea level contribution sensitivity to uncertainties in climate forcing parameterization.

Healing Through Decolonized Learning: The Transformative Journeys Of Online Indigenous Health Ph.D. Students, Stephen Wyatt

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the transformative and healing experiences of doctoral students enrolled in the first fully online Indigenous Health Ph.D. program at the University of North Dakota. The research aims to understand the unique experiences and supports influencing the success of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in this program. The qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 23 Indigenous Health Ph.D. students (N = 23) to explore their lived experiences. By fostering a sense of community, incorporating cultural relevance into the curriculum, and providing robust support systems, the Indigenous Health Ph.D. program facilitated significant personal and academic growth …

Upscaling Relative Permeability And Capillary Pressure From Digital Core Analysis In Otway Formation: Considering The Order And Size Effects Of Facies, Masoud Aslannezhad, Mohammad Sayyafzadeh, David Tang, Zhenjiang You, Stefan Iglauer, Alireza Keshavarz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Digital Core Analysis (DCA) has emerged as a crucial instrument in reservoir characterization in recent times. With the advent of high-resolution micro-CT imaging, it is now possible to visualize the three-dimensional microstructures of in-situ pores and flow patterns within rocks. DCA offers several notable benefits over traditional techniques, such as a higher density of measurements, faster processing times, and the preservation of rock samples. It also demonstrates considerable flexibility with challenging core conditions and can derive numerous parameters from each individual sample. The objective of this work is to utilise DCA data from Otway formation to enhance reservoir characterisation and …

An Assessment Of Latrine Front-End Characteristics And Associated Surface E. Coli Indicated Faecal Contamination In Rural Fiji, Sabita Adhikari, Shylett Anthony, Ponipate Baleinamau, Jeremaia Coriakula, Thompson Daurewa, Rachel Devi, Sikeli Gavidi, Pierre Horwitz, Erin C. Hunter, Aaron Jenkins, Stacy Jupiter, Maria Lalamacuata, Kinikoto Mailautoka, Sangeeta Mangubhai, Kelera Naivalu, Timoci Naivalulevu, Vilisi Naivalulevu, Nabeela Nasim, Sikeli Naucunivanua, Joel Negin, Paul Van Nimwegen, Anaseini Ratu, Mereia Ravoka, Andrew Tukana, Jack Van De Vossenberg, Donald Wilson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In Fiji, 90% of the population has access to basic sanitation; however, there are still persistent health risks from endemic faecal-oral diseases such as typhoid fever. There is a need to assess the contribution of existing sanitation facilities in the faecal pathogen transmission pathway. This study was conducted as part of a larger planetary health study across 29 rural communities within five river catchments. This specific research aimed to characterise latrine front-ends, both infrastructure and usage behaviour, and to assess the faecal contamination levels on various frequently contacted latrine surfaces in rural Fiji. A sanitation survey, along with observation and …

Global Management Of Serious Bacterial Infections In Young Infants Aged 0 To 59 Days: An Overview Of Systematic Reviews, Karen M. Edmond, Georgia R. Whisson, Derek C. Swe, Natalie A. Strobel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

BACKGROUND: To inform World Health Organization guidelines for the management of serious bacterial infection (SBI) (suspected or confirmed sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis) in infants aged 0–59 days. OBJECTIVE: To conduct an “overview of systematic reviews” to: (1) understand which systematic reviews have examined diagnosis and management of SBI in infants aged 0–59 days in the last 5 years; and (2) assess if the reviews examined PICOs (population, intervention, comparator, outcomes) and regimens currently being recommended in low and middle income countries (LMICs) by the World Health Organization. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE; Embase; Cochrane Library; Epistemonikos; PROSPERO. STUDY SELECTION: Systematic reviews of …

In-Situ Micro-Ct Analysis Of Deformation Behavior In Sandwich-Structured Meta-Stable Beta Ti−35nb Alloy, Yu Jing Lui, Zi Lin Zhang, Jin Cheng Wang, Xiang Wu, Xiao Chun Liu, Wei Ying Huang, Lai Chang Zhang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Beta Ti−35Nb sandwich-structured composites with various reinforcing layers were designed and produced using additive manufacturing (AM) to achieve a balance between light weight and high strength. The impact of reinforcing layers on the compressive deformation behavior of porous composites was investigated through micro- computed tomography (Micro-CT) and finite element method (FEM) analyses. The results indicate that the addition of reinforcement layers to sandwich structures can significantly enhance the compressive yield strength and energy absorption capacity of porous metal structures; Micro-CT in-situ observation shows that the strain of the porous structure without the reinforcing layer is concentrated in the middle region, …

Positive Association Between Patients’ Perception Of Chronic Pain Rehabilitation As A Personally Meaningful Experience And The Flourishing Aspect Of Well-Being, Katrina J. Liddiard, Cary A. Brown, Annette J. Raynor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Chronic pain rehabilitation helps to reduce pain and restore valued life roles. Patients may have more positive outcomes when they perceive rehabilitation to be personally meaningful. This study examined associations between self-reported, personally meaningful rehabilitation and well-being. A pilot study was conducted using an online survey of people with chronic pain and experiences of rehabilitation. The PROMIS Pain Interference Short Form 8a and The Flourishing Scale were used to explore well-being. A modified self-report measure, the Meaningfulness in Rehabilitation Scale, was pilot-tested for construct validity and used in the survey. Of the 48 participants (81% female; 19% male), most attended …

Protocol For The Development And Initial Validation Of The Cog-Impact Tool: A Purpose-Built Unmet Needs Assessment For Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment, Darren Haywood, Moira O’Connor, Frank D. Baughman, Alexandre Chan, Raymond J. Chan, Evan Dauer, Haryana M. Dhillon, Ashley M. Henneghan, Blake J. Lawrence, Maryam Lustberg, Janette L. Vardy, Susan L. Rossell, Nicolas H. Hart

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

(1) Background: A significant proportion of cancer survivors report experiencing a cognitive ‘fog’ that affects their ability to think coherently and quickly, and reason with clarity. This has been referred to as cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). CRCI has extensive impacts on the daily lives of people living with or beyond cancer, including occupational, social, and psychological functioning. Oncology health professionals report feeling under-resourced to effectively assess the needs of an individual with CRCI and then provide optimal care and referral. (2) Methods: The objective of this project is to develop and provide an initial validation of the first purpose-built unmet …

Slurry Infiltrated Low-Quality Construction And Demolition Coarse Aggregate Waste In Concrete - A Sustainable Construction, Vishnu Vijayan, Sanjay Kumar Shukla, K. M. Mini

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Exponential growth in infrastructure projects, stimulated by emerging sophisticated technologies have been instrumental in the salutary proliferation of the construction sector, globally. An indubitable adversity of the rapid boom in the construction industry has been the rampant cumulative fallout of burgeoning waste during the demolition and construction phases of restoration. The current study explored the propriety of replacing natural coarse aggregate by low-quality recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) with varying proportions, along with silica fume (SF) and polypropylene (PP) fibers as admixtures, for the preparation of concrete. As the quality of RCA is determined by the history of its parent demolished …

Muscle Mitochondrial Function Is Impaired In Adults With Type 1 Diabetes, Daniel Gottlieb, Layla A Abushamat, Kristen J Nadeau, Judith G Regensteiner, Jane E B Reusch, Kalie L Tommerdahl, John Rice, Leslie A Knaub, Cynthia M F Monaco, Thomas J Hawke, Christopher G R Perry, Melanie G Cree, Irene E Schauer

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Aims: Type 1 diabetes has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the mechanism of this dysfunction in adults remains unclear.

Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted using data from several clinical trials measuring in-vivo and ex-vivo mitochondrial function in adults with type 1 diabetes (n = 34, age 38.8 ± 14.6 years) and similarly aged controls (n = 59, age 44.6 ± 13.9 years). In-vivo mitochondrial function was assessed before, during, and after isometric exercise with 31phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy. High resolution respirometry of vastus lateralis muscle tissue was used to assess ex-vivo measures.

Results: In-vivo data showed higher rates …

First Diffusion Course: "The Structure Of Language As A Connection Between Artificial Intelligence, Information And Ethics", Dioneia Monte-Serrat

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

From August 22nd to November 21st, the first Diffusion Course on “The structure of language as a connection between artificial intelligence, information and ethics” will take place on a Thursday of each month, in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. You are cordially invited to sign up for in-person classes and join other researchers and students on this course.

7th International Conference On Creative Mathematical Sciences Communication (Cmsc`24), Frances A. Rosamond

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

The 7th International Creative Mathematical Sciences Communication (CMSC) conference is scheduled for October 2024 in Trier, Germany. Initiated in Darwin, Australia in 2013, CMSC aims to explore novel methods of imparting computational thinking to diverse audiences including non-specialists, modern citizens, and children. Participants from around the world and from various and interdisciplinary disciplines such as science, education, dance, drama, and visual arts convene to exchange ideas, present experimental approaches, and collaborate on engaging children in the exploration of ongoing, unresolved research challenges.

Oh Statistics!, Heather L. Cook

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

This poem was written about statistics and the usefulness thereof.

Discordium Mathematica - A Symphony In Aleph Minor, Vijay Fafat

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

How did Mathematics arise? Who created it? Why is it subject to Godel’s Incompleteness Theorems? And what does all this have to do with Coleridge’s poem, “Kubla Khan”, and “The Person from Porlock”? Here is a complete mythology of Mathematics set in an epic poetry format, fusing thoughts and verses from Western religions and Eastern mysticism… Those with immense patience and careful reading shall reap the fruit… (best read on a large screen or in printed form)

Pi: A Perpetual Journey, Ravindra K. Bisht

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

A brief history of the constant pi is presented with a poetic flavor.

Love Is No Mean Thing: A Larkin Logarithm, Michael P.H. Stanley Md

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

This poem was recited at a marriage recently in Vermont. I met the groom in my freshman year. He was the first college friend I ever made, and he used to burst into the room like Cosmo Kramer and settle down in an easy-chair to think about math (my side of the dorm was quieter than his). I thought that was remarkable and delightful, and so, when the task came to write a matrimonial poem for him, I selected a mathematical conceit. The poem concludes with a mathematical paraphrasing of Philip Larkin's last line from Arundel Tomb.

Eighth Grade Algebra, Joseph Chaney

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

This is a poem about the affirming power of algebra in the life of a teenager.

Prime Motivation Of Eratosthenes, Pamela L. King

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

The sieve of Eratosthenes is used as a metaphor for the concept of people falling through the social safety net, and people who were once excluded, making efforts to increase inclusiveness.

Poems From The Series "At The Dimensional Border", Philip Fried

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Poems about the border between the second and third dimensions, on geometry and the human condition.

Mathematical Graffiti: Bridges 2023 Clerihew Collection

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Clerihews are poems of a form invented by Edmund Clerihew Bentley around the turn of the 19th-20th century. The poems are typically biographical, humorous, and are made up of two couplets. The rhyming pattern is always aabb, but the meter of the two couplets is usually not the same. The first line is simply the name of the person, the other three lines relate to the subject, often in an absurd way. If the rhyme is slightly off, or the rhythm irregular or awkward, or the facts a bit confused, so much the better. The present collection of clerihews, written …

Book Review: How To Expect The Unexpected: The Science Of Making Predictions -- And The Art Of Knowing When Not To By Kit Yates, Mark Huber

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Humans think about the future all the time. Prediction is a part of how we prepare for the coming of both good and bad events in our lives. Kit Yates' book, How to expect the unexpected, concentrates primarily on the question of why prediction is difficult, and what mental shortcuts people take in prediction that can lead to incorrect results. Unfortunately, a lack of concern for details and several omissions undermine the quality of the book.

The Value Of Adding Nothing: A Call For Reform-Oriented Polynomial Division, Jonathan Clark, Jeneva Clark

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

The call to implement reform practices in schools reflects the historical turn away from the behaviorist theory of learning in education. Yet the praxis of this turn remains a significant challenge, particularly within mathematics classrooms where procedural memorization is emphasized. In this article, we show one means of how to advance our pursuit of meaningful mathematics into polynomial division. Building on the literature for reform-based division methods, an alternative to the long division algorithm will be explored that relies solely on adding zero and fundamental algebraic principles.