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Community detection in censored hypergraph
Full text linkNetwork, or graph, represent relationships between entities in various applications, such as social networks, biological systems, and communication networks. A common feature in network data is the presence of community structures, where groups of nodes exhibit higher connectivity within themselves than with other groups. Identifying these community structures, a task known as community detection, is essential for gaining valuable insights in diverse applications, including uncovering hidden relationships in social networks, detecting functional modules in biological systems, and identifying vulnerabilities in communication networks. However, real-world network data may have missing values, significantly impacting the network?s structural properties. Existing community detection methods primarily focus on networks without missing values, leaving a gap in the analysis of censored networks. This study addresses the community detection problem in censored m-uniform hypergraphs. Firstly, utilizing an information-theoretic approach, we obtain a threshold that enables the exact recovery of the community structure. Then, we proposed a two-stage polynomial-time algorithm, which encompasses a spectral algorithm complemented by a refinement step, aiming to achieve exact recovery. Moreover, we introduce a semi-definite relaxation algorithm, studying its operational performance as a standalone community detection algorithm, without the integration of a refinement step. Lastly, in consideration of the effect of imputation methods on censored hypergraphs, we propose several methods grounded in network properties. We subsequently employ simulation to assess the performance of these methods. Finally, we apply the proposed algorithm to real-world data, showcasing its practical utility in various settings
Effects of processing parameters and thickness on compression-molded PET/GF composites
Full text linkPolymer-matrix composites (PMCs) have become an integral material in many industries due to excellent strength-to-weight ratio and low cost. When semi-crystalline polymer thermoplastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are heated past their melt temperature then cooled during compression molding, the long polymer chains in the amorphous regions unravel and align to form crystalline regions with improved strength and stiffness. This research aimed to understand the effect of compression molding processing parameters such as temperature, pressure, dwell, and cooling rate as well as the overall panel thickness on crystallinity and mechanical properties of unidirectional glass fiber-reinforced PET. It was found that a slower cooling rate and a slightly increased dwell time had the most significant effect on PMC properties. Additionally, uniform crystallinity and scattered mechanical property data taken from specimens throughout thick-section samples suggests there was no symmetric property gradient through the cross-section that affected material performance
Colorectal Cancer Education: Utilization of an Inflatable Colon and Small Media at a Health Fair in Central North Dakota
Full text linkColorectal cancer is a prevalent and deadly disease, claiming thousands of lives each year. In the United States alone, over 150,000 individuals were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2022, and tragically, nearly 53,000 succumbed to its impact (National Cancer Institute [NCI], 2022). Notably, North Dakota faces a unique scenario, with incidence rates per capita surpassing the national average, yet colorectal cancer screening rates lag behind. This disconcerting situation in North Dakota emphasizes a need for targeted public health interventions, increased awareness campaigns, and improved access to colorectal cancer screening services.
Early detection through screening is a pivotal tool in the battle against colorectal cancer, often identifying the disease in its precancerous or early stages, thereby significantly reducing mortality rates. Technologies are available and offer non-invasive, painless, cost-effective, and practical manners that can sometimes be tailored to the individual's preferences. Despite these advancements, the United States and North Dakota fall short of the 80% CRC screening benchmark established by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable. Shockingly, in 2020, only 63% of eligible North Dakotans underwent colorectal cancer screening, which is 10% below the national average and well below the national benchmark. High incidence rates, mortality rates, and increasing incidence of early-onset CRC indicate a need for immediate action.
Efforts to bridge the gap between increasing incidence rates and low screening rates are essential to save lives and reduce the burden of colorectal cancer in North Dakota. This evidence-based scholarly project aimed to assess the impact of an educational intervention on colorectal cancer awareness and screening intent. The intervention involved scripted guided tours of a larger-than-life inflatable colon, a PowerPoint presentation set on loop, and educational handouts all strategically deployed during a health fair sponsored by the Missouri Valley YMCA in Bismarck, ND. Participants, ranging from 18 to 75 years old, engaged with the educational initiative, with the primary goal of enhancing their knowledge of colorectal cancer and influencing their intent to undergo screening. Additionally, the co-investigator sought to uncover and address perceived barriers to colorectal cancer screening within this specific demographic
In Touch with Prairie Living, January 2024
Full text linkJanuary 2024 column for North Dakota and South Dakota newspapers
In Touch with Prairie Living, April 2024
Full text linkApril 2024 column for North Dakota and South Dakota newspaper
Building Blocks Towards New Education
Full text linkThe purpose of this research is to look at the effects digital technologies have had on education and explore ways educational facilities can react to these new technologies in the form of how we look at learning spaces. The goal with this thesis is not for it to be a guide but rather as a point of inspiration for educational facilities and designers. With the advancing development of digital technology, educational facilities are tasked with adapting to a society that has digital technology deeply ingrained in it. Educators and designers have a great opportunity to reevaluate our learning spaces and react to how digital technology might affect students learning. In the end, I used the words inclusive, exclusive, and circulation to identify and use of the space and populated\adjusted the area using a kit of parts
Smart City Modeling: Using GIS Capabilities to Simulate Urban Areas and Events
Full text linkThis research aims to show the capabilities of smart city modeling using GIS and other
accessible information to provide accuracy and precision. Through this data collection, architects
and urban planners can strategically alter urban areas to promote user experience and
contentment. Current well-established cities can become known as smart cities, or cities that are
data driven. This collection of data, such as traffic data, can be used to improve the user
experience through efficiency and correct implementation. The idea of a ?walkable city? is also
reinforced as an important design solution that directly impacts the user experience in this urban
environment. Through this technology, architects and urban planners may use this workflow in
future design projects that focuses on user experience and engagement.
This exploration aims to provide possible simulation methods for current smart city
implementations and improvements. The impact of this project is to find if computational
simulations and modeling can improve the overall health and well-being of users in an urban
environment. The area of focus in the downtown urban setting of Fargo, North Dakota. Key
aspects of this research include generative modeling and simulation of traffic flows on roads,
pathways, alleys, and sidewalks
Stress-function variational method for stress and progressive cracking analysis of polymer composite laminates
Full text linkPolymer matrix composites (PMCs) are widely used in various industries, including aerospace, vehicles, sports utilities, and civil infrastructures. Understanding the failure process and mechanisms of PMCs subjected to external loads is crucial for their reliability. This study aims to develop a semi-analytic stress-function variational method for accurate prediction of interfacial stresses and progressive cracking in PMC laminates. The method uses a three-layered cross-ply laminate model with periodic transverse ply cracks, introducing two unknown interfacial shear and normal stress functions at each laminate interface. The stress field is expressed in terms of these stress functions, using Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and elasticity. The method also considers transverse deflections of the plies, resulting in accurate predictions of interface stresses. The method can be used for scaling analysis of interfacial stresses and progressive cracking in PMC laminates as validated by finite element analysis (FEA)
Preconception and Prenatal Care: Assessing and Influencing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Intentions in Women of Childbearing Age
Full text linkMaternal and infant morbidity and mortality rates in the United States (U.S.) remain alarmingly high, emphasizing the urgent need for interventions to address healthcare disparities. Access to preconception care (PCC) and early prenatal care is critical for improving health outcomes, yet barriers and lack of knowledge hinder adequate care for many women. This paper presents the findings, discussion, and recommendations from a Practice Improvement Project (PIP) to enhance education and awareness about PCC and prenatal care among women in rural and underserved communities.
Flyers were used to recruit women of childbearing age from three rural and underserved communities. The educational module included a pre-intervention survey, a short educational video, and a post-intervention questionnaire. Thirteen participants completed the entire module successfully.
Utilizing quantitative methods, the PIP revealed significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and intentions regarding PCC and prenatal care following targeted education. Notable increases in knowledge were observed, particularly in crucial areas such as folic acid intake and risks associated with pregnancy. Positive shifts in attitudes and intentions towards seeking care were also noted post-intervention. The project's success was underpinned by applying Dr. Nola Pender's Health Promotion Model and the Iowa Model Revised, guiding design, implementation, and evaluation phases.
Recommendations for future projects include recruiting participants in multiple languages and collaborating with clinics to increase participation rates among diverse populations. Dissemination efforts included sharing findings with nurse practitioners through professional networks and publications. Despite limitations such as small sample size and recruitment challenges, the project highlights the importance of educating women on PCC and prenatal care benefits. Healthcare providers can play a crucial role in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes by addressing barriers and increasing access to comprehensive education. Efforts to promote widespread access to PCC and routine prenatal care are essential for positively impacting maternal and infant health in the U.S
International grain origin switching: contract washouts and embedded switching options
Full text linkChanging dynamics in the international grain trading industry have led to a rise in two new contracting practices colloquially termed washouts and switching options and formally defined as contract washouts and embedded origin switching options. When spatial arbitrage opportunities exist, grain buying firms switch from one origin to another. This thesis documents the increased frequency with which these contract practices have been used and examines the factors that incentivize firms to use them. Using data from 2018 to 2023, two models are developed with a binomial lattice that value these contracting terms. The results indicate that these practices have significant value, which is largely driven by price volatility and the correlation between prices at different international origins. This explains the observed increase in contract washouts and origin switching options in recent years, as grain prices have been characterized by higher price volatility