NDSU Theses & Dissertations

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Research performed to achieve a formal degree from NDSU. Includes theses, dissertations, master's papers, and videos. The Libraries are currently undertaking a scanning project to include all bound student theses, dissertations, and masters papers.

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A Precision Slip Frequency Detector
(North Dakota State University, 1957) Horvik, Eivind
The problem of measuring low values of slip of induction machines is present in most Electrical Engineering laboratories. A rather high accuracy of the determination is necessary for theoretical calculations of motor loading, using equivalent circuit techniques. Conventional methods of determining slip fail to give high accuracy at low values of slip. This thesis presents a solution to this problem by describing the design and construction of a precision slip frequency detector of nominal cost. The principle employed is that of beat frequency comparison of the rotor shaft speed against line frequency. The output of the beat frequency detector actuates a multivibrator-differentiating circuit, the output of which triggers an electro-mechanical counter. A photoelectric pickup device for determining shaft speed is also discussed.
A Single-Cylinder Internal Combustion Engine Test Unit for the Engineering Laboratory
(North Dakota State University, 1962) Strege, Loren Douglas
The study of the reciprocating internal combustion engine is of prime importance to the student engineer. In our present civilization, the number of units and the total rated power of internal combustion engines in use is far greater than that of all other prime movers combined. Many basic engineering problems are present in the study of the operation of internal combustion engines. A number of mechanical and electrical devices have been developed to aid the engineer in his studies of engine performance. The purpose of this project is to provide the Mechanical Engineering Department of the North Dakota State University with an addition to its laboratory facilities which will enable the student to do additional experimental work in the internal combustion engines field.
Growth and Development of Native Range Plants in the Mixed Grass Prairie of Western North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 1963) Goetz, Harold
This study was initiated to secure quantitative data on growth characteristics of the major species in the mixed grass prairie of western North Dakota; to determine the extent and range in yearly variations in growth patterns of the species and of the type as a whole; to assess the general influence of climate as a cause for seasonal and yearly variations in growth patterns; and to interpret the data obtained in terms of their possible application to the practical grazing management of these grasslands.
Impedances of a Cubical Quad Antenna
(North Dakota State University, 1965) Choong, Tsi-lung
Rectangular loop antennas and short electric dipoles are two of the oldest antennas in existence. In 1888, twenty years after Maxwell invented his famous Maxwell's equations, Hertz used these two antennas to prove that high frequency electric energy sources could radiate electro- magnetic waves. The "Cubical Quad" or, simply, "Quad" antenna is a development of the rectangular loop antenna. It consists of a pair of square loops, one-quarter wavelength on a side or one wavelength around the periphery; one loop being driven and the other used as a parasitic reflector. The separation between the two is usually of the order of 0.15 to 0.2 wavelength, with the planes of the loops parallel. While studying the properties of this antenna, it was discovered that little had been done to develop it from a theoretical aspect. The purpose of this thesis is to obtain values of the self and mutual impedances existing in such an antenna array. The values are obtained from mathematical analysis and experimental measurements and may be used in field pattern and gain calculations.
A study of the job and educational experiences of North Dakota vocational agriculture graduates who received the State Farmer degree from 1960 through 1965
(North Dakota State University, 1969) Phillips, Terrance George
It was the purpose of this study to determine the job and educational experiences of North Dakota vocational agriculture graduates who received the State Farmer degree from 1960 through 1965. The specific objectives of the study were to determine: 1. Their present job or educational status, 2. The highest level and nature of their formal educational experiences, 3. The number of different types or grades of jobs they had held, 4. Their present geographic location. This study was limited to gathering the evidence needed to attain the stated objectives. The State Farmer degree recipients represent a select group of Future Farmers of America (FFA) members. It was not intended to be a study in depth of any particular occupational or educational characteristic or factor related thereto. Nor was the study to analyze the occupational and educational choice of the entire FFA membership in North Dakota or make inferences concerning all vocational agriculture graduates during the time period 1960 through 1965. Because of the limits of the scope of this study and the time element involved, no control group was used and therefore no comparisons were made.
History of 4H clubwork in home economics, Ramsey County, North Dakota, 1928 to 1968
(North Dakota State University, 1970) Jones, Lois Hefti
Agricultural and homemaking activities for boys and girls in clubs existed as early as 1910 in Ramsey County, North Dakota. The development of 4H clubwork emerged in later years and affected the lives of most rural families of the county. This study is a chronological account of the history of home economics 4H clubwork in Ramsey County through the years 1928 to 196S. The purpose of the study was (1) to trace the growth and expansion of the home economics 4H clubwork in Ramsey County from 1928 to 1968; (2) to record the chronological development of 4H clubwork, activities, and achievement; (3) to summarize the changes in home economics clubwork.
Gateway Centre - Minneapolis, Minnesota
(North Dakota State University, 1978) Olschlager, Gordon A.
Personality Deterioration of Relapsed Alcoholics Employing the MMPI: An Exploratory Study
(North Dakota State University, 1978) Vantine, Denise
There are two schools of thought concerning alcoholism and recovery thereof. Pattison, Sobel & Sobel and others seemed to represent those who were not positive alcoholism was progressive; and consequently, they indicated social drinking might be resumed under certain circumstances by alcoholics. For the purposes of this study, hereafter, this school of thought was termed non-traditionalist. Others in the field, such as Milam, Fox, Mann, and Jellenik, stated alcoholism was progressive and accordingly abstinence was the only viable method for recovery. For the purposes of this study, hereafter, this school of thought was termed traditionalist. This research study was undertaken with the intent to verify progressive personality deterioration and therefore support the traditionalists or to refute them if personality deterioration was not identified.
Scanning Electron Microscope Examination of Sugarbeet Flowers and Fruits Infected with Phoma Betae
(North Dakota State University, 1980) El-Nashaar, Hossien Mahmoud
There are three natural openings in a mature sugarbeet fruit which serve as avenues of entry for microorganisms: 1) the basal pore which contains dried parenchyma and vascular tissue and is the point where the flower was connected to the stalk; 2) the apical pore where the style was inserted; and 3) the peripheral zone of dehiscence where the operculum separates from the fruit cavity wall during germination. The apical pore was first described in this study. Scanning electron microscopy of the naturally infected fruits showed, for the first time, hyphal penetration through both the basal pore and the peripheral zone. Examination of sugarbeet flowers artificially infected with Phoma betae also showed fungal penetration through the apical pore. Dense hyphal growth was associated with stigmal lobes and ungerminated pollen grains. Fungal growth apparently was stimulated by excretions from the stigma. Penetration of the fruit cavity wall and the operculum would render the fungus inaccessible to protectant fungicides and explains why the most successful seed treatments for P. betae have included volatile mercury fungicides or seed soak in thiram. Such treatment allows direct contact between the toxin and the pathogen.
Pathogenic Variation, Host Specialization and Aggressiveness in Helminthosporium Sativum
(North Dakota State University, 1984) El-Nashaar, Hossien Mahmoud
Common root rot, caused by Cochliobolus sativus, is an important disease of spring wheat and barley in the northern Great Plains. While the disease has been widely studied, extensive systematic investigation of pathological variation in C. sativus populations has not been reported. Five widely separated North Dakota counties were selected for field sampling. More than 430 isolates of C. sativus were obtained from wheat and barley plants. Pathogenicity of isolates was assessed according to amount of disease on wheat test plants in randomized, replicated greenhouse trials. Data were analyzed using the UNIVARIATE procedure of the SAS computer package. Relative pathogenicities of isolates were normally distributed continuous variables. Although the range of pathogenicity in populations of C. sativus within counties was similar, the means and variances were slightly different. Repeated planting of the same crop often results in an increase of inoculum of soilborne plant pathogens, but little is known of the effect on pathogenicity in the pathogen population. I collected C. sativus from symptomatic wheat plants from a plot planted continuously to wheat for over 90 years and from normally rotated grain fields in the surrounding area. Relative pathogenicity of isolates was tested in replicated greenhouse trials using wheat plants scored for disease six weeks after inoculation. Isolates from the continuous wheat plot were more pathogenic on average than isolates from commercial fields. Long term continuous cropping to wheat appears to shift the population of C. sativus toward more aggressive types, although many less pathogenic types also remain. Variability in C. sativus has been recognized in morphology of culture and pathogenicity for many years. Variability on virulence and/or aggressiveness of C. sativus isolates is not well documented. From the original collection of 432 isolates, 50 were selected to cover the entire range of pathogenicity. In three experiments, relative pathogenicity of the isolates was evaluated according to the amount of disease on each of four durum wheat cultivars. Aggressiveness patterns in the C. sativus-wheat system were reasonably reproducible. The C. sativus isolates originally selected for differential responses to wheat cultivars were not consistent in repeated testing. It was concluded that a range of pathogenicity (= aggressiveness ) exists in the C. sativus population and the apparent host differential responses are not repeatable and are probably experimental artifacts.
Glucose Uptake by the Cellulolytic Rumen Anaerobe Bacteroides Succinogenes
(North Dakota State University, 1986) Franklund, Clifton Victor
Glucose uptake by the cellulclytic rumen anaerobe, Bacteroides succinogenes S85, was measured under conditions that maintained anaerobiosis and osmotic stability. This organism was found to possess a highly specific, active transport mechanism for glucose. Evidence for a phosphoenol-pyruvate:g1ucose phosphotransferase system was not detected. Compounds that inhibit electron transport systems (non-heme iron chelators, and sulfhydryl reagents) were effective inhibitors of glucose uptake. The strongest inhibitors were compounds (proton and metal ionophores) that interfere with maintenance of the proton motive force. Compounds which interfere with ATP synthesis also inhibited glucose uptake, but a role for ATP in energizing uptake could not be inferred from these results. Oxygen prevented glucose uptake (75% inhibition), reflecting possible active sulfhydryl centers (above) or autooxidation of electron transport components. The results suggest the fumarate reductase-coupled electron transport system of B. succinogenes can generate a proton motive force that is used to energize glucose uptake. Na+ and Li+. but not K+, stimulated glucose uptake and may partly account for the growth requirement of B. succinogenes for Na+. However, the data were insufficient to conclude that glucose uptake occurs by a Na+ symport mechanism. Spheroplasts of B. succinogenes transported glucose as well as whole cells, indicating glucose uptake is not dependent on a periplasmic glucose binding protein. A variety of sugars including the nonmetabolizable analog, [inversely proportional symbol]-methylglucoside. did not inhibit glucose uptake. Only cellobiose and 2-deoxyglucose were active and neither behaved as a competitive inhibitor. Metabolism of both sugars was probably responsible for the inhibition. Cellobiose-grcwn B. succinogenes showed a reduced ability to transport glucose compared to glucose-grown cells. This may indicate regulation of synthesis of the glucose carrier protein by cellobiose through a mechanism other than catabolite repression. Differences in the ability to transport glucose were detected between transition cells (transition from lag to log phase of growth) and log-phase cells. However, the differences were not due to different glucose transport mechanisms. Alterations in the structural integrity of the cell envelope, as reflected by osmotic- and cold-sensitivity features of transition and log cells, may have affected the glucose uptake abilities in these cell types.
An Analysis of the Arguments Used in the Home School Issue
(North Dakota State University, 1988) Meyer, Jaime Paul
"An Analysis of the Arguments Used in the Home School Issue," by Jaime P. Meyer is a study employing a twelve point method of analysis taken from the work of Ch. Perselman and L. Olbrechts-Tyteca. This study sought to answer the question: Are the values in the arguments of those for or against conditional home schooling in North Dakota consistent with the values underlying the laws of the state? Chapter I established the nature of the study. Chapter II provided a review of the literature concerning home schooling in North Dakota. Chapter III identified the similarities of the values in the arguments stated by those for conditional home schooling and the laws of the state. Chapter IV noted the dissimilarities of the values in the arguments stated by those against conditional home schooling and the laws of the state. Chapter V concluded that the values in the arguments of those for conditional home schooling are more consistent with the values underlying the laws of North Dakota than the values in the arguments of those against conditional home schooling.
Women's Power: A Cross-Generational Exploration of One German-Russian Farm Family
(North Dakota State University, 1992) Dockter, Shona Ann
Exploration of the familial power women possess is growing as sociologists and anthropologists recognize the legitimacy of power internal to the family. The focus of this research was to uncover the forms of power German-Russian women held as they operated in the private sphere of the family. Attention also focused on the transference of women's power, and the family power dynamics unique to farm families. Members of three generations of one German-Russian farm family were interviewed. The results indicated German-Russian women operated from bases of power derived from their roles as farm wives who contributed to family sustenance, and as caretakers and kinkeepers, maintaining family cohesion. While male power is largely public and formal, women's reliance on the bonds of familial relationships across generations lend them greater power in that realm.
Redistribution and fate of applied ¹⁵N-enriched urea under irrigated continuous corn production
(North Dakota State University, 1996) Schindler, Frank Vincent
Understanding the redistribution and fate of N is essential for justification of Best Management Practices (BMP). This project was conducted on a Hecla fine sandy loam (sandy, mixed, Aquic Haploboroll) soil at the BMP field site near Oakes, North Dakota. One objective of this investigation was to evaluate the residence times of N03- -N in 20 undisturbed lysimeters and its infiltration time through the soil profile to tile drains. Corn (Zea mays L.) was fertilized with 135 kg N ha -1 as ¹⁵N-enriched urea plus 13.5 and 48.1 kg N ha -1 preplant for 1993 and 1994, respectively. Urea-N was band applied to 20 and 10 undisturbed lysimeters at 2.0 and 5.93 atom percent (at %) ¹⁵N in 1993 and 1994, respectively. Average resident times of N03- -N in the lysimeters was 11.7 months. Lysimeter and tile drainage indicate the presence of preferential pathways. Residence times of N03- -N depend on frequency and intensity of precipitation events. Another objective was to determine what portion of the total N in the crop was from applied urea-N and what portion was from the native soil-N. Nitrogen plots received ¹⁵N enrichments of 4.25 and 5.93 at % ¹⁵N in 1993 and 1994, respectively. At the end of the 1993 and 1994 growing season, 41.5% and 35.7% of the labeled fertilizer N remained in the soil profile, while the total recovery of applied ¹⁵N in the soil-plant system was 86.2% and 75.4%, respectively. Low recoveries of applied N may have been the result of soil or aboveground plant biomass volatilization, or denitrification or preferential flow processes. Further research needs to be conducted with strict accountability of gaseous loss and the mechanism(s) responsible.
Architecture and biophilia: Creating spaces that promote a positive affiliation with nature and the living world
(North Dakota State University, 2003) Sjoquist, Jenny
The outdoors and its natural elements have become a growing interest to me in the last couple of years – especially the reasons why people are attracted to them. I believe one of the major reasons is to escape everyday life, the chaos of the city, in search for relaxation and a sense of well-being. Trees, water, wildlife, and natural scenery in general, are some of the things that evoke these certain feelings and relieve stress in peoples’ lives. There are many reasons people escape to the great outdoors, including release from stresses of city life, being closer to nature, physical exercise, viewing the scenery, and much more. These feelings and desires have also come to be known as “biophilia”, a term that describes the human biological need to affiliate with nature (Wilson, 1984). Something I’ve noticed when exploring the outdoors and lodging accommodations is that, resorts and cabins in particular, are becoming more and more like the homes that people leave behind every weekend, and I’ve come to believe the true definition of a cabin has somehow been lost over time. Someone may say they have a cabin at the lake, but in reality it is an 1800 sq ft lake home, with all the same modern amenities a person or family left behind for the weekend. With this project I wish to explore the true meaning of cabin life, and bring it back to cabin resort design. Cabins have a certain character and quality that is much different than that of a house. The site I have chosen, just north of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, is a wonderful location for this project. A family that I know very well currently lives on the site, and they love it because of its natural characteristics - topography, water, trees, views, etc. This site also used to be a campground many years ago, and I think it still has the potential to be the site of a resort, given all these natural characteristics that it has to offer.
North Dakota College Students' Perceptions of GM and Organic
(North Dakota State University, 2004) Anderson, Jon Charles
This research evaluates perceptions of genetically modified (GM) and organic food among North Dakota college students. Students responded to one of two survey instruments containing identical wording except for reference to genetic modification or organic. Students were first asked to read a primer defining genetic modification or organic production. Participants indicated level of agreement on a Likert scale. Responses to statements in the construct areas of health, environment, ethics, regulation, and risk were considered. Mean responses were compared among surveys and to responses to previous surveys of Americans and of shoppers in North Dakota. Organic food was perceived as a healthier and safer choice. Organic practices were perceived to be more environmentally sound. Respondents expressed a level of concern over the unknown effects GM food could have on the environment and society as a whole. However, participants generally felt that genetic modification could be used effectively and valued some of the associated benefits. Reliability assessment revealed that statements within each construct area are reliable and can be used in future surveys.
The Relationship between Epidural Analgesia during Childbirth and Childbirth Outcomes
(North Dakota State University, 2004) Ramstad, Marsha
Epidural analgesia has increased in usage dramatically in the United States as a means of comfort for labor pain. Prior studies have connected epidural analgesia to an increase in cesarean birth rate, an increase in use of instrumentation, an increase in length of labor, episiotomy rate, and maternal fever. Epidural analgesia has produced additional costs to the patient and society. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between epidural analgesia during childbirth and childbirth outcomes. The data for this study were obtained from a retrospective patient record review of 200 systematically selected labor patients who delivered in 2002 at a midwestern hospital. The epidural analgesia rate was 72% at this facility in 2002, a signiﬁcant increase from the previous 5 years. Using the Chi-square test of independence, 3 relationship was established between epidural analgesia and four of the variables examined. A statistically signiﬁcant relationship was found to exist between epidural analgesia and cesarean birth rate, pitocin augmentation, and the ﬁrst and second stages of labor with the total sample. The results of the study are important for healthcare providers who are relaying inﬂuential wellness information to childbearing women and their partners. The results indicate a need for further education for healthcare providers on alternative methods of pain relief for their patients during childbirth.
Cohousing: Housing the Boomers
(North Dakota State University, 2005) Bengtson, Valerie C.
With the largest generation coming close to the retirement age, there is a high demand for new communities aimed at appealing to the baby boomers and the future generations. Throughout this project, elements such as personal comfort, independance, and other senior lifestyle conditions will be explored. One main element in this project will be creating a “community” that allows the residents to know eachother and get together with communal events. A well developed way of intergrating the social and design aspects of addressing the boomers issues is using the Cohousing concept. I would allow the independant lifestyle of the resident, yet at the same time allow the social activity that they crave.
Lake Bountiful Ecological Retreat: Transitions from Natural to Built
(North Dakota State University, 2005) Rueter, Michael J.
Tastefully Simple is a food designer and distribution company with its headquarters in Alexandria, MN. Aaron Olsen did a landscape architecture thesis project last year for this corporation master planning a convention / retreat area around a lake it purchased near its headquarters call Lake Bountiful. I will work to resolve Tastefully Simple needs for the building elements and propose designs for those elements. A major part of this project will be utilizing the existing farmstead. The attempt will be to bring together building and landscape, sustainability with site, people with nature and give Tastefully Simple a new icon. The design is intended to be much more than just a convention center for Tastefully Simple but also a nature preserve that the entire community can be inspired by, learn from and interact with. The term “active preserve” will be called upon many times throughout the project as a way to describe the project. The design will try and capture this term by restoring and preserving the nature state of the site while also fulfilling the functional needs of a major corporation and allowing people to interact with the site.
Train Station and Historical Interpretation Center
(North Dakota State University, 2005) Kempton, Sara
The building type that is being proposed is a passenger train station combined with an interpretation center creating a multi-use structure. Train travel is an experience that is under emphasized as a means of travel in much of the nation. The train station is pivotal as an interface between the passing train car and the communities they serve if the railroad is to reclaim its standing as a one of the dominant forms of travel in the United States. Additionally, the railway was the driving force which most instrumental to the early growth and development of Minot. Also by combining additional uses within the same structure, there is a greater ability to attract a more diverse group of visitors for each of the building's functions. The purpose of the historical interpretative center is to serve as educational exploration environment of the community they are in, while tying the community to its rich past with the railroad.

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