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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16S Ribosomal RNA and Phylograms: Characterizing Student Reasoning to Learning Outcomes from the American Society for Microbiology Curriculum
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Grassie, Chelsey Lee
The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) has established a suggested curriculum for introductory microbiology courses that includes a focus on evolution. However, no data is published to describe how proficiently students address the learning outcomes, in part because validated assessments do not exist. Thus, the goal of this project was to develop assessment prompts that capture student understanding about fundamental statement five under the core concept of evolution. In total, 167 written responses were collected from upper-division microbiology courses, with pre-pharmacy and microbiology majors comprising the majority of students (74.6%). Two coders coded all written responses, and five student interviews were conducted. Results indicate that students have not retained instruction on 16S rRNA, or have not been exposed to it in their classes. Additionally, most students have not been exposed to phylograms, and are unfamiliar with genetic distance being represented on a phylogenetic tree. Emergent reasoning techniques are described.
2015 National Pork Retail Benchmarking Study
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Bachmeier, Laura Anne
The objective of this study was to quantify pork quality variation in the retail self-serve meat case nationwide. Center-cut loin chops (CCLC) (n=3795) were analyzed in-store for subjective color and marbling scores (2.85 and 2.30). Means for enhanced (EN) and non-enhanced (NON) CCLC were: L* (54.46 vs. 55.99; P < 0.0001), pH (6.00 vs. 5.74; P < 0.0001), and Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) (20.43 vs. 25.99 N; P < 0.0001). Mean EN and NON sirloin chop values were: L* (53.74 vs. 52.51; P = 0.20), pH (6.00 vs. 5.89; P = 0.04), and WBSF (16.18 vs. 22.92 N; P < 0.0001). Mean EN and NON blade steak values were L* (45.81 vs. 45.96; P = 0.82), pH (6.42 vs. 6.28; P = 0.04), WBSF (15.74 vs. 19.42 N; P = 0.0005). Results indicate a large amount of variation exists in the pork retail self-serve meat case.
24/7 Stadiums: Their Impact on Local Communities
(North Dakota State University, 2024) Becker, Chase James
This disquisition focuses on the ways in which a plausible stadium can be operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With there being no such thing as a “24/7 stadium”, research was conducted through case studies, data collection, and schematic designs to see if this new type of stadium can have a positive impact on the local community surrounding it. The reason for this type of stadium is that stadiums typically have limited functionality that hinders the community in developing other developments that may benefit them more directly than a stadium would. With that in mind, a stadium that works 24/7 may have a better impact than typical stadiums, leading to new possibilities in the future of stadium design. With this disquisition, research has been conducted to prove that these stadiums are possible and have a positive impact on their surrounding communities.
4-Dimethylamino Pyridine (DMAP) Catalyst with Fluxional Chirality: Synthesis and Applications
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Ma, Gaoyuan
Organocatalysis using small organic molecules to catalyze organic transformations, has emerged as a powerful synthetic tool that is complementary to metal-catalyzed transformations and remarkably promote stereoselective synthesis. Our group has designed useful templates, ligands, and additives that use fluxional groups to control and/or enhance stereoselectivity in a variety of asymmetric transformations. A key feature of this strategy is that the size of the fluxional substituent can be varied readily. As an extension of this strategy we became interested in developing efficient and broadly applicable and adjustable 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) organocatalysts. In our design, we surmised that a fluxional group would be effective in relaying stereochemical information from the fixed chiral center to the catalytic center of DMAP. Presented herein the synthesis of novel fluxionally chiral DMAP catalysts and their application in the acylative kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols and axially chiral biaryls, dynamic kinetic resolution of chiral biaryls with low rotation barriers and allylic substitution reactions. In the beginning, a comprehensive study of the chiral relay concept in enantioselective transformations was reviewed and the historic and current story of the chiral relay concept is covered. The design and synthesis of fluxionally chiral 4-dimethylaminopyridine catalysts was introduced. The key issues addressed in this chapter include the design concept regarding a stereoselective fluxionally 4-dimethylaminopyridine catalyst and muti-step synthesis strategies developed for catalyst synthesis. The development of fluxionally chiral 4-dimethylaminopyridine catalysts in the acylative kinetic resolution studies of secondary alcohols as well as axially chiral biaryls is investigated. Six different secondary alcohols are resolved with good selectivity factors (6-37) and ten biaryl substrates are resolved with moderate to high selectivity factors (10-51). Dynamic kinetic resolution has more practical applications to organic synthesis than simple kinetic resolution. The dynamic kinetic resolution of atropisomeric biaryls using the novel fluxionally chiral 4-dimethylaminopyridine catalysts was explored and the corresponding acylated products were obtained with 11-80 %ee. The newly designed DMAP catalysts containing fluxional groups as a stereocontrol unit could also be effectively applied as a nucleophilic catalyst in asymmetric allylic aminations. A range of α-methylene-β-amino esters were obtained with good yields and selectivities (up to 72 %ee).
4th And Sustainable: A Balanced Design Approach For The Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (Arden Hills, MN)
(2013) Johnson, Zach
With a lack of appreciation and the underestimation of the importance and benefits a sustainable ecosystem can provide in today’s society, it has become a topic that needs to be tended to. A great way to approach the design of sustainable sites, is to follow the guidelines of The Sustainable Sites Initiative(SITES), as well as find a project that can utilize them, and raise awareness in the publics eye. With the large budget and exposure a stadium receives, it is a strong development type to pair with the guidelines for SITES. This pairing can positively regenerate both sustainable ecosystems and an understanding of the importance they can carry today.
5
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Codden, Aaron
5 investigates how architecture should respond to tragedy and suggests that thoughtful, poetic architecture with deep seeded meaning is the answer. A history museum in Dublin, Ireland focusing on the five largest tragedies in Irish history serves as the vehicle for this investigation. 5 reclaims this landscape and gives a voice to those forgotten in the five largest tragedies in Irish history. The museum dives underground and focuses on ushering the user through narrow, concrete, and eerie exhibits that erupt into a crescendo with flowing water and pools open to the air that serve as a space to reflect and digest the heavy topics discussed in the exhibits. Finally, the towers shoot to the sky slowly revealing more perforations with warm, welcoming light with one tower facing the past of ancient castles and the other hopefully pointed at Dublin.
A. G.L.I.M.P.S.E; Ashland Great Lakes & Industrial Mining Pier & Shipping Exhibits
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Nelson, Megan
This thesis project, ‘A GLIMPSE’, examines the question, how does the configuration and organization of elements in a space influence the engagements of its participants? The typology for examination of this problem is a history museum located in Ashland, Wisconsin, on the shore of Lake Superior. The Theoretical Premise/Unifying Idea that guides the research is, “by using elements both designed and in nature we can engage and evoke responses in a foreseen manner.” The Project Justification is, “Instead of relying solely on the usage of signage and advice from others to navigate and perceive architecture, the use of visual cues, created from natural and built elements, will influence the actions and engagement of each visitor.” The narrative describes the driving concept of the project, and asks “what causes us to react to these elements in such a predictable way?” The client for this project will be the state of Wisconsin, with everyone considered a user. The major elements included in the 310,935 square foot museum include: lobby/ commons area, exhibit halls, theater, café, gift shop, meeting areas, offices lease space, and museum storage. The project emphasis “will be placed on the use of natural and built elements to create sensual cues, whereas to influence its participants in or order to fashion an environment where senses are the main guiding factor”. Research for the project will be done in the areas of project typology, historical context, site analysis, and programmatic requirements, and will be documented in a thesis book which will be preserved in the architectural library and in the institutional repository.
The A3 Report as Knowledge-Accomplishing Activity: A Practice-Oriented Analysis of Situated Organizational Problem Solving
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Hatton, Angela Yvonne
The A3 report is a lean practice innovated by Toyota motor company. The A3 report, a growing trend in organizations, is promoted as a communication tool, but it has not been studied from a communication perspective. In this study I interview twelve professionals who use A3 reports in their work and identify the ways in which A3 reports enable and constrain organizational communication. This study illustrates the communicative enactment of knowing and identifies how the A3 report structures organizational problem solving and creates knowledge-accomplishing activity. The A3 report constrains information through its concise 11 by 1 7 inch paper size and enables knowledge production through discussion and the Japanese consensus-building concept of nemawashi. I submit that organizational use of the A3 process creates bridges between communities of practice and allows organizational actors to span traditional boundaries and engage in knowledgecreating conversations, thus furthering understanding of the communicative constitution of the organization.
Aberdeen Convention Center
(North Dakota State University, 2005) Schlosser, Ryan J.
I, Ryan J. Schlosser, am proposing the design of a multi-use convention center in the heart of Aberdeen, SD. The site sits along US HWY 12 and Brown County 19. The main proposal is the design of a facility that would become not only a convention center, venue for concerts and attractions, office space, and restaurants but also a symbol of economic prosperity on the Great Plains of South Dakota. The client is the City of Aberdeen with the Aberdeen Convention and Visitor’s Bureau guiding the funding and representation for the building design. The project will reflect a driving emphasis on convention center design, flexible mixed-use design and super-structure capabilities. The overall building design will eventually reflect the hard work and ingenuity that drove the livelihood of Aberdeen to an elevated level.
Above and Belowground Effects of Nutrient Applications and Mowing Treatments on Restored North Dakota Grasslands
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Kobiela, Breanna Lyn Paradeis
Although more than half of the annual production within North American grasslands occurs beneath the soil surface, this portion is oftentimes overlooked in ecological studies. In this study, we investigated the above- and belowground responses in restored grassland plots that were subjected to different nutrient and mowing treatments. This study was conducted at two locations in North Dakota: the Dickinson Research Extension Center (DREC); and the Albert K. Ekre Grassland Preserve (Ekre). We evaluated the above- and belowground responses using visual surveys, biomass harvesting, and minirhizotrons. At the DREC site, we found the belowground variables to be relatively unresponsive to the nutrient and mowing treatments – there were no significant differences in root length, surface area, number of tips, or branches. The aboveground variables did exhibit responses to repeated nitrogen applications (200 kg/ha·yr). Nitrogen applications were found to increase aboveground biomass over the control (660 g/m2 vs. 265 g/m2, respectively) and decrease the species richness in comparison to the control (3.25 vs. 7.29, respectively). There was a decrease in the ratio of root volume to average aboveground biomass in the DREC nitrogen plots that resulted from the increase in aboveground biomass despite no apparent changes in the root systems, indicating that the root systems in the nitrogen plots were able to support significantly more aboveground biomass than similarly sized root systems in plots that did not receive nitrogen. At the Ekre site, there were no significant differences in the belowground variables attributed to mowing. However, aboveground biomass was higher in the mowed sub-plots (xM=530 g/m2) than in the control sub-plots (xC=485 g/m2). Species richness was lower in the nitrogen (xN=4.46) than in the phosphorus plots (xP=5.66). Species richness was also lower in the plots that received the high application rates (200 kg/ha·yr nitrogen or 40 kg/ha·yr phosphorus) (xH=4.30) than the low application rates (20 kg/ha·yr nitrogen or 4 kg/ha·yr phosphorus) (xL=5.90). Root growth was highest in the low phosphorus and the high nitrogen plots. There were different responses in the root variables throughout the growing season as a function of nutrient type and application rate.
ABSIM Exhibition Design: Agent-Based Simulation in the Curating Process
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Laurin, Brady
The design of museum and gallery spaces are typically done by different designers with a mutual understanding of the scope of work for each. In the best possible scenario, these processes will take place congruently, with cooperation from both designers to realize the complete museum. In many cases, these processes take place in isolation from one another, with little to no collaboration between the building designer and the curator. Agent-Based Simulation, or ABSim, is a process often used to analyze the flow of pedestrians in a designed space. Most commonly used to optimize evacuation patterns and transit terminal layout, the same process of simulated occupancy can be used in the process of designing and curating a museum. By utilizing ABSim in the design phase, architects and curators can work together to identify and minimize problem areas, enhance high-traffic regions, and avoid dead-zones. This project relies on simulation analysis in the design process to better understand and control how hypothetical occupants will use and understand the building and its galleries in order to create a comprehensive museum design.
Absolute Stability of a Class of Second Order Feedback Non-Linear, Time-Varying Systems
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Omotoyinbo, Tayo
In this thesis, we consider the problem of absolute stability of continuous time feedback systems with a single, time-varying nonlinearity. Necessary and sufficient conditions for absolute stability of second-order systems in terms of system parameters are developed, which are characterized by eigenvalue locations on the complex plane. More specifically, our results are presented in terms of the associated matrix-pencil {A+ bvc*, v E [11,1, /L2]}, where /Li, /J,2 E ffi., A is n x n-matrix, b and c are n-vectors. The stability conditions require that the eigenvalues of all matrices A +bvc*, p1 ~ v ~ μ2, lie in the interior of a specific region of the complex plane ( a cone to be specific). Thus, we have the following reformulation of the problem. Find the maximal cone satisfying the following condition: If all eigenvalues of corresponding linear systems belong to this cone, then system is absolutely stable. Known results show that this cone is not smaller than { z E
Absorbent Minds, Absorbent Learning
(North Dakota State University, 2006) Picka, Jason
This thesis is a Montessori school, K-12 300 students, for Shakopee Minnesota. It will examine Montessori educational processes to find correspondence with design processes. The thesis will ask the question, can architecture be erected in the same way that a mind is educated. How can the Architecture teach.
Absorbent Minds: Challenging Utopia Through Atmospheric Architecture
(North Dakota State University, 2024) Bridgeman, Kaitlyn Marie
Since the time of John Amos Comenius the way in which we teach has remained constant. A simplified metaphor for learning amplifies the argument that the view of early education is in a utopian state. When in reality the curriculum is a mold to fit learners into, that prepares them to become a cog in the wheel we call the workforce. The goal is to combat this problem using principles from both the Maria Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches to learning to create an atmosphere that inspires learners and allows for the flourishing of creativity and self-discovery. This thesis aims to reinterpret what it means to practice a deeper meaning of learning in and out of the classroom setting.
Academic Success and Retention: Assessing Variables that Make a Difference in a Baccalaureate Nursing Program
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Kopp, Wendy
Attrition rates for both traditional and nontraditional students in nursing programs across the U.S. are of concern in light of the current and projected shortage of nurses. The lack of success advancing through the nursing curriculum affects the nursing student, the nursing program, and the healthcare of the community. As a result, nursing programs have been encouraged to make student success programs a priority; however, there has been a paucity of research that has examined the effect these programs have on student success. Framed by Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a study skills seminar on self-efficacy and academic performance in BSN students, with an emphasis on nontraditional students. A true experimental pre-test post-test control group design determined if there was a statistical relationship between a study skills seminar and students’ perceived academic self-efficacy, and performance on multiple-choice exams in their nursing courses. Data consisted of results from pre- and post-intervention administrations of a researcher designed self-appraisal tool, demographic information, and exam performance. Data was reviewed using descriptive statistics and factorial between subjects analysis of variance’s (ANOVA’s). Significant self-efficacy gain scores (p = .039) were noted for the treatment group compared to the control group. Results also revealed a lower mean gain (non-significant) in total self-efficacy for nontraditional students compared to traditional students. There was no significant relationship between academic performance as measured by mean exam scores for the treatment group compared to the control group, nor was there a significant relationship for the nontraditional student on mean exam scores. An exploratory research section revealed that as class or educational level in the program increased, both self-efficacy gain and mean exam scores decreased. This study was a step in the right direction as it confirmed the positive effect a study skills seminar had on academic self-efficacy as well as its potential to influence academic success. Further research related to the effects a study skills seminar and test taking strategies has on academic self-efficacy and academic performance is warranted.
Accessibility Through Design
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Schwarzkopf, Erik
This thesis, Accessibility Through Design, will seek to explore the question: How can the design of a long-term care facility help promote physical and social accessibility of the elderly within an urban fabric, so as to benefit both the residents and the community? The current minimum standards for long-term care facilities can be a detriment to the health and welfare of its residents. A long-term care facility is better for both the community it is a part of and for its residents when it enables the two to easily interact. As a society, we need to find new ways to maintain the elderly’s sense of independence and freedom, while encouraging their integral involvement in our communities. This thesis will culminate in a long-term care facility located in Duluth, Minnesota. This project will endeavor to fully explore its site context and program requirements in order to find valuable ways for the elderly to interact with their community and environment. If there is to be a revolutionary increase in the population of the elderly in the coming years, then there must also be a revolution of architecture related to long-term care design.
The Accessible Masterpiece
(North Dakota State University, 2022) Crandell, Audrey
Amazing artwork is located all around the world. However, there are barriers to accessibility: the locality, cost, and the ability to travel to see various pieces by renowned artists. Even if someone has a museum near them, they may lack the funds to visit. Museums’ content should serve the community; the decision made to determine its contents should not be influenced by outside investments. Private investors and collectors have had influence over the content of museums. Giving the museum back to the people can help create an equal playing field among different cultures, media, and artist intentions. Being exposed to diverse contexts allows for a full breadth of learning and understanding. Publicly funded museums need to present artwork from diverse contexts for cultural education and appreciation. A growing interest in the art community, in a city such as Fargo offers a unique opportunity to introduce a diverse collection of influential art to the viewer. To this end, I am proposing the creation of an art museum to provide comprehensive insight and education on an artist's career and technique, introducing new content each month. I want to showcase a different artist from varying art movements to allow the public access to a diverse knowledge of art and the art community. The viewer will receive an immersive digital experience and a technologically rendered physical representation of artworks through modern technology and a rotating physical gallery featuring local artists.
Accounting for Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Toxic Air Pollutants in Trucking Efficiency and Productivity
(North Dakota State University, 2011) Heng, Yen
Air pollution is a threat to the environment and human health. Freight trucking in particular is the main source of freight transportation emissions. Heavy-duty trucks emit large amounts of toxic air pollutants that cause serious diseases and harm public health. In addition, heavy-duty trucks emit great amounts of greenhouse gas (GHG), which is the leading cause of global warming. Despite increased environmental restrictions on air pollution and rising trucking greenhouse gas emissions in the past decades, no economic study has examined the potential GHG and air pollution reductions in the trucking sector and the associated private abatement costs to the industry. This study accounts for GHG emissions and toxic air pollutants in measuring and evaluating efficiency and productivity for the trucking industry in the 48 contiguous states. Moreover, the private costs of abatement to the industry were also estimated. When only GHG was incorporated in the production model, the results showed that each state could expand desirable output and reduce GHG by an average of 11 percent per year between 2000 and 2007. The Malmquist-Luenberger productivity indexes showed that omitting or ignoring GHG in trucking service production yielded biased estimates. On the other hand, due to increased environmental regulations, most of the toxic air pollutants decreased dramatically between 2002 and 2005. The analytical results showed that inefficiency decreased during this period. The private costs of abatement averaged $73 million per state in 2005. When GHG and six toxic air pollutants were incorporated in the production model, the estimated private abatement cost was $76 million per state, which was equivalent to 0.7 percent of the industry output in 2005.
Achieving a Sustainable Concrete Design and Construction
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Agrawal, Ankush Satishchandra
Concrete is one of the key materials in the construction industry. But today, the use of concrete and its production has become a matter of environmental concern throughout the world. This statement is true especially for the manufacturing process of cement. One of the major problems is emission of CO2 gas into the atmosphere during the manufacturing of cement. Every ton of concrete produced leads to emission of one ton of carbon dioxide gas. Hence replacement of cement by alternative materials has been investigated by many researchers. In the past, fly ash has been the most common replacement. This study, however, suggests replacing all the major components of concrete to the extent that would satisfy the standard strength requirements. This paper focuses on the development of a sustainable or green concrete and proposes a set of tools for a sustainable concrete design and construction. Many researchers have been trying to replace one component of concrete to make it more sustainable. Discussion in this paper will not only give a direction to produce more sustainable concrete but also eco-friendly concrete, thus addressing the two important issues of economy and environmental friendliness simultaneously. Defining the idea of sustainability with respect to the concrete and construction industry and doing a literature search on similar grounds was the first step taken towards completion of this research. The findings in the literature search made a survey necessary. This survey was done to have an idea of sustainability from the experts in the construction and cement industry. The survey was done by sending a questionnaire to concrete experts, engineers, designers and contractors to get their ideas for green concrete and its usage in the industry. The findings of the literature survey and inferences from the survey results made the generation of the proposed sets of tools possible. The concrete and the construction industry can achieve an overall sustainability by complete utilization of tools proposed in the paper. Strict usage of these tools will not only ensure environmental sustainability but will also satisfy the ends of economic and social aspects of sustainability.
Achieving Inclusive Excellence: The Role of Change Agents and Institutional Artifacts in Diversifying Institutions
(North Dakota State University, 2014) Gravley-Stack, Kara Elizabeth
The research presented within this disquisition is focused on the work of institutional leaders to address historical inequalities in education by creating transformational culture change towards learning environments that support Inclusive Excellence. Organized as a three-article disquisition, the first article offers a comprehensive integrative review of educational research related to problems of access, achievement, and campus climate for diverse students. This article concludes with significant recommendations for practice and further research to guide continued efforts to embrace Inclusive Excellence. The second article utilizes the Q-Method research technique to investigate the subjective perspectives and experiences of Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs) who serve as senior-level administrators focused on efforts to create institutional policies and practices that support Inclusive Excellence for students, faculty, and staff in the academy. The article concludes with several recommendations for practice and further research into efforts to support and advance the role of the CDO in postsecondary settings. The third article presents a qualitative content analysis of institutional websites to assess for evidence of Inclusive Excellence presented within the organizational rhetoric and artifacts presented on these websites. The analysis reveals recommendations for further study in this area, as well as recommendations for practice to guide efforts of institutional leaders to better articulate institutional commitment to Inclusive Excellence within the information presented on these websites.

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