Digital Commons Network^™

Increasing Physical Activity In The 65 And Older Population, Misti M. Hollingsworth

Dissertations

The purpose of this DNP project is to increase the physical activity, flexibility, and pain levels of the 65 and over population to comply with the CDC's MVPA of 150 minutes per week through a practice quality improvement project. This change will involve an order for patients to attend a free exercise program, address the medical benefits of PA, address perceived barriers to PA, and provide printed PA written resources including exercises and stretching recommendations for the 65 years of age and older patient population in a Chiropractic office in Southwest Florida.

An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Servant Leadership Characteristics Of Nurse Leaders And The Perception Of Empowerment Among Their Followers, Holly H. Hall

Dissertations

There is a demand for nursing leadership to create a healthy work environment for nursing practice, which is crucial for maintaining an adequate workforce (Shirey, 2006). Rother and Lavizzo-Mourey (2009) predicted that by 2025 the nursing shortage may reach as high as 500,000 U.S. nursing vacancies. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between servant leadership (SL) characteristics of nurse leaders and the perceptions of empowerment among their followers. Servant leadership has emerged as an effective leadership style that prioritizes developing the full potential of followers (Liden, 2013). Current research suggests an empirical link exists between servant …

The Effects Of Resilience And Optimism In Maternal Role Attainment After Six To Twelve Months Postpartum In Women Hospitalized For Pregnancy Complications, Marianne Allen

Dissertations

Each year in the US, approximately 1,200,000 pregnant women are hospitalized on bed rest with the intent to improve pregnancy outcomes. However, antepartum bed rest is not benign and may contribute to physical debilitation, postpartum depression (PPD), impaired maternal role attainment (MRA), and altered maternal-infant attachment. There are gaps in the literature about the effects of resilience, optimism, and PPD on MRA and the effects of resilience and optimism on PPD at six to 12 months postpartum. Although the effects of resilience and optimism have been studied in general adult populations, few studies have considered resilience and optimism as protectors …

Quality Improvement Project To Increase Referrals To Palliative Care For Heart Failure Patients, Stephanie D. Crawford

Dissertations

Palliative care (PC) services include symptom management with advanced care planning (ACP) and establishment of goals of care (GOC) for patients with serious conditions, such as heart failure (HF). Literature demonstrates low hospitalist referrals to PC.

The purpose of this project was to explore if providing evidence-based information and procedural information to hospitalists on ACP and GOC would increase PC referrals for HF patients, providing these patients access to ACP and GOC by the PC team and possibly even reducing 30-day readmissions for these patients.

An Aviation Curriculum For An Urban Diverse School District: The Need And Possibility, Stephanie Kiley

Dissertations

The aviation industry expects over two million new personnel in the next twenty years to ensure safe commercial travel and support long-term growth. However, the industry needs more diversity. This study gathered information from administrators and educators in a large, diverse urban school district to address this issue through questionnaires and focus groups. The study aimed to highlight the need for more aviation-related opportunities. The research questions focused on identifying factors that could support or hinder high school aviation programs, perceptions of educators and administrators on introducing an aviation curriculum, and influences that lead students to choose aviation as a …

Cross-Linguistic Awareness In 90/10 Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Programs, Patricia Mondragón-Doty

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify, describe, and recommend the specific cross-linguistic connection instructional strategies that teachers in TWBI 90/10 programs have found to be most effective for fostering language and literacy development.

Methodology: This qualitative phenomenological study explored how teachers of TWBI 90/10 programs perceived the use of specific cross-linguistic connection instructional strategies to better serve emergent bilingual learners (EBLs) and what implications cross-linguistic connections had on dual language instruction. To determine what best instructional strategies support bilingualism, biliteracy, academic achievement and cultural competence, in-depth semi structured interviews were conducted. Ten teachers were selected to …

Counseling And Mental Health Awareness In Higher Education Institutions: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Mental Health And How It Affects Degree Completion Among Black Undergraduate College Women, Shaquina D. White, Desirae N. Williams

Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore Black undergraduate women’s lived experiences with mental health management and pursuance of degree completion. This study used a phenomenological approach, guided by the following research questions: 1) What barriers are Black undergraduate college women facing regarding their accessibility to counseling services on their campus? and 2) How do Black undergraduate college women with mental health issues effectively manage stressful situations while pursuing and completing a college degree? The current literature that examined Black women’s utilization of counseling is limited, especially among Black women enrolled in college. This study aimed to fill …

Understanding Dual Language Teachers' Language Ideologies Using Translanguaging Theory And Pedagogy: A Mixed-Methods Approach, Joseph P. Elliott

Dissertations

The purpose of this explanatory, mixed-methods research study was to understand dual language teachers’ language ideologies using a pluralist theory of bilingualism called translanguaging (García et al., 2017). Translanguaging is also a pedagogy that teachers can employ to help emergent bilingual students grow and learn. The research design employed two phases: Phase One used survey research and confirmatory factor analysis to analyze data from 110 dual language teachers across the United States regarding their translanguaging beliefs, attitudes, policies, and practices. Phase Two used one-on-one interview data from three dual language teachers who completed the Phase Two survey. Using these data, …

Health Literacy: The Knowledge And Experiences Of Senior Level Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Catherine M. Cormier

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to assess the health literacy knowledge and experiences of senior level baccalaureate nursing students enrolled at state universities in Louisiana. Three hundred and sixty-one students from eight baccalaureate nursing programs agreed to participate in the study.

Personal Power Tactics African American Female Superintendents Employ To Overcome Four Identified Self-Sabotaging Behaviors, Angela Brantley

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this sequential explanatory mixed-method study was to identify and describe personal power tactics that African American female superintendents employ to overcome the four identified self-sabotaging behaviors from the Self Sabotaging Framework adapted from Lerner (2012), Ryder and Briles (2003).

Methodology: This study identified and described the lived experiences of seven female African American superintendents across the United States. This research design encompassed a sequential data collection method using an electronic survey instrument, followed by one-on-one interviews. Based on the quantitative and qualitative data, the researcher was able to triangulate data using the trends, categories, and patterns …

The Contribution Of Mindfulness Practice To Supporting Children And Their Families’ Challenges Among School Social Workers: A Qualitative Multicase Study Of School Social Workers In California, Catalina Andrade

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative multicase study was to describe the challenges school social workers experience when supporting students and their families in their schools. Additionally, the purpose of this study was to understand how school social workers use mindfulness practices to help them respond to the challenges of working with the students and their families in their school based on Lesser’s mindfulness model (2019): love the work, do the work, don’t be an expert, connect to your pain, connect to the pain of others, depend on others, and keep making it simpler. Methodology: In this multicase study, the …

The Effect Of The Heart Failure Nurse Navigator On 30-Day Hospital Readmissions Of Older Adults, Mary Ann Leavitt

Dissertations

Across the US, 22% of Medicare patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of heart failure (HF) will be readmitted within 30-days of discharge. There is no one cost-effective process identified to help patients transition home and maintain their own selfcare. The aim of this study is to compare readmission rates, HF knowledge, self-care, and quality of life for patients who transition home from the hospital under the care of a Heart Failure Nurse Navigator (HFNN) with patients who receive usual care.

The HFNN is a home health RN with specialized training in HF care. The HFNN visited intervention group (IG) participants …

No Coward Soul Is Mine’: A Critical Edition Of Select Works By Ina Boyle (1889 - 1967) - Volume I, Emma C. O'Keeffe

Dissertations

The primary aim of this project is to produce an authoritative critical edition of five works by Ina Boyle composed between 1913 and 1958, through the medium of digitally typeset scores, these include: Elegy (1913) for cello solo and orchestra, Psalm (1927) for cello solo and orchestra, the Virgilian Suite (1930–31), a ballet suite for dancers and orchestra, Lament for Bion (1944–45) for tenor solo and string quartet, and Three Ancient Irish Poems (1958) for soprano solo, viola and harp.

Effective Risk-Based Decision Making In Quality Risk Management, Valerie Mulholland

Dissertations

Patients expect safe, effective, high-quality medicines that are available when needed. Meeting these expectations is increasingly challenging in a global pharmaceutical supply chain, as evidenced by persistent product quality and supply issues. A key contributory factor to these issues is disruptions in manufacturing operations, which in turn are often caused by a hesitancy to change and to continuously improve approved processes. Regulatory agencies repeatedly indicate that they will consider increased autonomy for post-approval changes, if pharmaceutical manufacturing operations can demonstrate the effectiveness of Quality Risk Management (QRM) within the Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS). Thus, the question was posed by Dr …

“A Real Man . . .”: Deconstructing Machismo Heteronormative Standards With K–12 Latino Male Educators Through Dialogic Spaces, Mario Echeverria

Dissertations

In a K–12 educational landscape where 75% of educators are white women, recruitment of Latino male educators is crucial for diversification, yet these educators represent just 2% of the teaching workforce in the United States (NCES, 2020). These educators grapple with a layered sense of identity as they navigate expectations of hegemonic masculinity and machismo norms that dictate their roles as disciplinarians and saviors, especially for young boys of color (Brockenbrough, 2018; Lara & Fránquiz, 2015; Martino & Kehler, 2006; Mills et al., 2004; Singh, 2021). Unfortunately, Latino male educators leave the profession at twice the rate of their Latina …

Examining Systemic And Dispositional Factors Impacting Historically Disenfranchised Schools Across North Carolina, Raketa Ouedraogo-Thomas

Dissertations

This mixed method sequential explanatory study provided analysis of North Carolina (NC) school leaders’ dispositions in eliminating opportunity gaps, outlined in NC’s strategic plan. The study’s quantitative phase used descriptive and correlation analysis of eight Likert subscales around four tenets of transformative leadership (Shields, 2011) and aspects of critical race theory (Bell, 1992; Ladson-Billings, 1998; Ladson-Billings & Tate, 2006) to understand systemic inequities and leadership attitudes.

The qualitative phase comprised three analyses of education leadership dispositions and systemic factors in NC schools. The first analysis of State Board of Education meeting minutes from 2018–2023 quantified and analyzed utterances of racism …

What Matters Most: A Phenomenological Study On The Experiences Of Engagement And Inclusion Of Online Part-Time Faculty In Christian Higher Education, Eleisha Garland

Dissertations

Higher education institutions significantly rely on part-time faculty members to meet course demands. The growth of part-time faculty has grown over 250% since the 1970s. Part-time faculty are now seen as the majority over tenured and tenure-track faculty. Due to the changes in higher education and the crucial role online part-time faculty play in higher education institutions, online bachelor-level program deans must learn to support and engage these faculty members more effectively. The leadership problem identified for this study is that online bachelor-level program deans are being challenged to deliver the support needed to online part-time faculty members to ensure …

Development Of Methods To Quantify The Affective Response To Food Product Consumption Based On Kansei Engineering And Their Application In New Product Development, Dietmar Weiss

Dissertations

Consumer research, crucial to the success of new products, relies traditionally on rational judgements and opinions, which may not reflect the real reasons for consumer choice. The goal of this research was to apply and further develop the concepts of Kansei engineering to quantify an emotional response to product use. In addition to the application of the traditional Kansei engineering methods, three innovations were introduced. Firstly, the use of images instead of words to define the emotional space and further limit the interference of cognitive processes in the outcome. Secondly, the application of orthogonal arrays in product designs. Thirdly, the …

Enabling Outer Planet Exploration : Performance And Feasibility Of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion For Rendezvous Missions, Saroj Kumar

Dissertations

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) provides the compelling alternative between the chemical and electric propulsion systems for outer planet robotic missions. High-thrust and high-specific impulse (over twice the best chemical propulsion engine) NTP systems can enable outer planet missions that have been limited due to the large ΔV requirements. This dissertation identifies an enabling mission architecture and NTP engine thrust class for rendezvous missions to the Gas giant and Ice giant systems. The work presented in the dissertation demonstrates the performance impact of the NTP system and its feasibility for robotic missions using a systems engineering model driven by the model …

Liner Implosion Of Magneto-Inertial Fusion Plasmas Across The Periodic Table, Brian Dale Taylor

Dissertations

The goal of achieving net energy production from fusion reactions would have many positive and transformational impacts upon society and is therefore of great interest. Magneto-Inertial Fusion may be a path to achieving the high energy density requirements. One possible method for reaching the necessary plasma conditions is through a z-pinch driving a magnetized liner to compress and heat the fusion fuel. Progress has been made through both modeling and experiment, largely through Sandia National Laboratories, in recent years in developing this process and achieving neutron yields in the range of 1013 neutrons per pulse. Magnetized liner z-pinch experiments have …

Unveiling The Mechanisms Of Bromate Formation And Nom Treatment In Drinking Water Via Plasmon-Enhanced Catalytic Ozonation, Amir Ahmadi Zahrani

Dissertations

High energy consumption and the formation of harmful byproducts are significant challenges in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). While much research has focused on improving treatment efficiency, controlling byproduct formation requires more attention. The focus of this dissertation is divided into three main focuses: Firstly, the underlying mechanism of bromate formation inhibition during a plasmon-enhanced catalytic ozonation (PE catalytic ozonation) process using silver-doped spinel ferrite (0.5wt%Ag/MnFe2O4) as the catalyst was investigated by scrutinizing the effects of each factors involved in PE catalytic ozonation including irradiation, catalyst, and ozone, both individually and in combination, on major bromine species involved in bromate formation. …

Understanding Battery Degradation And Failure With Impedance And Imaging Techniques, Megan F. Gober

Dissertations

With the increasing desire for fast charging capabilities in lithium-ion batteries due to the popularity of electric vehicles, research has recently been focused on increasing energy and power density while simultaneously revealing the need for improved understanding of degradation mechanisms to achieve the desired safety and fast charge performance. The work presented seeks to further understanding of mechanical, temperature, and electrochemical degradation mechanisms within varying battery chemistries and geometries through evaluation of impedance response and multiscale imaging techniques. First, in order to understand the limitations of mechanical and electrical integrity of battery systems, a combined application of impedance characterization and …

Nuclear Fission Rovers For Martian Exploration, Alexander Constantine Bendoyro

Dissertations

A comprehensive analysis was performed on the impact of embedding a Kilopower-style fission reactor into a pressurized rover on architectural performance for a sample lunar, Mars opposition, and Mars conjunction mission. The high gamma ray flux necessitated the addition of substantial shielding for the crew. A single material shielding analysis using the Taylor formulation revealed that varying the distance between the crew and the reactor core from 3 m to 6 m reduced the required shielding thickness by 7%. Increasing the power output of the reactor from 3.4 kWe (comparable to radioisotope power capability) up to 10 kWe (Kilopower design …

A Case Study Of Technology Integration At A Community College During A Disruption Of Learning Due To A Global Pandemic, Cara Suzanne Barth-Fagan

Dissertations

This paper discusses the challenges and opportunities of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the financial stress, digital divide, and inequalities in educational opportunities that arose during this period. However, it also acknowledges the advantages of remote learning, such as flexible scheduling, individualized learning, and global collaboration. The study design used was qualitative, aiming to identify the perceived levels of student engagement and support between faculty and students, and the perceived levels of success of completing a blended learning course in an online, hybrid, or hyflex format during a global pandemic. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance …

Assembly And Analysis Of Space Biofilm-Forming Bacterial Model Organisms Towards The Treatment Of Water System Biofilms, Yo-Ann VéLez Justiniano

Dissertations

Space exploration imposes unique challenges on the human body and engineered systems alike. One such challenge is the control of microbial life, specifically biofilms, within the water processor assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). This investigation aimed to determine the feasibility of using an innovative bioremediation approach to mitigate biofilm growth in the water processor assembly. This approach entails the dissemination of a desired anti-biofilm gene across the microbial population of the water processor assembly through horizontal gene transfer via conjugation. To ascertain the viability of this method, the research was divided into two primary focuses. The first part …

A Framework For Identifying Transit Deserts In Rural Areas With Demand-Response Transit Services, Agnes L. Barnwell

Dissertations

The primary objective of this research is to develop a comprehensive framework for identifying transit deserts in rural areas with Demand Response Transit (DRT) services. This framework will focus on marginalized rural areas in Alabama, providing a foundation for better understanding their transportation needs. The research gap regarding transit deserts in rural areas is significant. While the concept of transit deserts has been explored in urban settings, rural areas with DRT services remain largely under-researched. Addressing this gap is vital for establishing equitable access to transit services across rural areas. This research contributes to the existing body of literature in …

An Examination Of The Predictors Of Vocational Calling In First-Generation College Students, Rodney Palmer

Dissertations

Problem

Several studies have examined the prediction of calling in college students, but no known study has focused primarily on the development of vocational calling among the vulnerable population of first-generation college students who have a higher drop-out rate than their peers. Examining the composition of vocational calling in first-generation college students, will assist faculty and student development personnel in better understanding the factors that predict a sense of calling for these students, which will improve their overall performance. This study will examine to what extent a sense of vocational calling is predicted by student mentoring, social support, faith/spirituality, civic …

Navigating Global Landscapes: Exploring The Dynamics Of Cultural Intelligence In Business Organizations, Rong Min

Dissertations

This dissertation delves into the multifaceted factors influencing Cultural Intelligence (CQ) among U.S. managers, with a specific focus on openness to experience, emotional intelligence, international experience, and the role of age. Employing a quantitative research methodology, this study engages a diverse sample of managers across various industries in the United States to ascertain how these variables collectively contribute to or hinder the development of CQ within a global business context. Both openness to experience and emotional intelligence were significant predictors of higher CQ, underscoring their importance in facilitating effective leadership in multicultural settings. Although international experience also enhances CQ, its …

Transforming Church Culture: Exploring The Extent To Which Servant Leadership Behaviors Influence Organizational Culture In Small African American Baptist Churches In Central Arkansas, Derick Easter

Dissertations

This quantitative correlational study examined the extent to which servant leadership behaviors predict organizational culture in small African American Baptist churches in Central Arkansas. In light of the post-pandemic decline in church membership and participation, the study explored whether enhancing church culture through leadership practices could help stabilize or grow congregational engagement. The primary research question was: To what extent do servant leadership behaviors predict organizational culture in these churches? Five dimensions of servant leadership—altruistic calling, emotional healing, wisdom, persuasive mapping, and organizational stewardship—were evaluated. The study involved 150 participants from churches affiliated with the state’s two major African American …

Perceptions Of High Stakes Testing And Burnout As Predictors Of Quality Of Life Among Primary School Teachers In Trinidad And Tobago, Victoria Patricia Elder

Dissertations

Problem

This study explored how high-stakes testing (HST) and burnout affected the quality of primary school teachers in Trinidad and Tobago. HST refers to school exams often required by government agencies that are used to make key decisions pertaining to students, teachers, and schools (Embse & Hanson, 2012). Burnout is defined operationally as a psychological syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and impaired personal accomplishment induced by repeated workplace stressors (Maslach & Schaufeli, 2017). Quality of life (QoL) is the measure of an individual’s ability to function physically, emotionally, and socially within his/her environment at a level consistent with his/her own …