Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Intermittent Fasting On Working Memory With A Covariate Of Exercise Among The Perimenopausal Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Karen Marie Veltri

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Intermittent fasting and exercise are tools to improve health. Current literature focuses on their impact on metabolic health and weight loss, leaving a gap in the research examining their effects on working memory during the menopause transition. The purpose of this study was to address this gap by recruiting perimenopausal participants and randomly assigning them to an experimental or a control group. The experimental group followed an 8/16 intermittent fasting regimen for two consecutive weeks. Both groups ate ad libitum without dietary restrictions. Participants completed a pre- and post-study Working Memory Questionnaire and self-reported average hours of exercise per week. …

Social Work Interventions And Emergency Room Utilization, Paige Elaine Bartholomew

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Emergency Room (ER) resources are a valuable commodity that are often misused as a point of care into the health system. Families who have no medical home and psychosocial needs frequent the ER on a regular basis to access care and necessary resources. Primary care and psychosocial ER utilization is costly and inefficient. Reducing avoidable visits is an important health system goal that must be balanced with the desire to deliver quality care to every family in a fiscally responsible manner that promotes long term health and wellness. In pediatrics, the first step will be to better understand the frequent …

A Holistic Approach To Music For Stress Management During Pregnancy, Danielle Emily Dixon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Pregnancy is a transformative journey for women, but amidst the excitement and anticipation that most women experience, pregnancy often raises stress levels to profound heights for various reasons, which may include hormonal fluctuations, physical discomforts, concerns about the baby’s health, financial pressures, relationship changes, fear of labor and birth, life adjustments, and societal expectations. The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study was to examine how music interventions impacted stress levels during pregnancy. This two-week study employed an in-person group experiment involving pregnant women. The study sample was selected via voluntary response sampling, where pregnant women volunteered to participate in …

Journey To Becoming A Superintendent In New York: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Jeremy R. Koch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences an individual encounters on their journey to becoming a superintendent at a school district in New York. The theory used in this study was the push-pull model (PPM) by E. G. Ravenstein and the push-pull mooring model by E. S. Lee and later B. Moon, to study the lived experiences of those who have become school district superintendents. The PPM was used to determine what themes are present in an individual’s journey to the superintendency that pulls them to the position, pushes them away, or causes them …

A Multiple Case Studies Review Of Collaboration In Rural Nonprofits, Jacob T. Ratliff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This multiple case studies review of rural nonprofit collaboration explored themes related to the research problem of limited collaborative practice and outcomes in rural nonprofits. The research used a multiple case studies approach to examine current practices, barriers to collaboration, and identify best practices. Themes in existing literature on nonprofit collaborative practices and rural settings were examined to develop a conceptual framework of themes that would be explored in the research. Through the data collection and analysis process, several themes emerged. Most of the themes significantly aligned to the literature, while further developing understanding specific to the rural context of …

The Effects Of Body-Worn Cameras On Officer Training, Report Writing, Discretion, And Officer-Initiated Enforcement, David I. Rios

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research addressed police officers' perceptions of body-worn cameras and how the technology impacted their assigned responsibilities. The research allowed police officers to discuss their personal experiences with a device geared to provide law enforcement transparency and accountability. This qualitative study was guided by Smith's institutional theory, in which organizations strive to attain and maintain legitimacy within the communities they serve. Under the institutional theory, police-issued body-worn cameras (BWCs) have become the latest technological gadget, allowing transparency in law enforcement encounters with citizens. The methodology used was a qualitative research approach to capture data until saturation was met. Patrol officers …

An Exploration Of Turnover Intentions Of Substance Abuse Treatment Rns During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study, Ciara Patrice Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nurses working in many different settings. As they were frequently the last personnel left at the frontline during COVID-19, nurses’ experiences provide distinctive narratives in the alcohol and other drug treatment workforce. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses working in a substance abuse treatment setting have experienced significantly increased stressors, including fear and anxiety, the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), and a lack of workforce sustainability. Therefore, this generic qualitative study explored the perceptions and experiences of nurses working in a substance abuse treatment program on the barriers in their workforce that influence their turnover …

The Impact Of Experiential Learning On Perceived Learning And Self-Efficacy In Literacy For Elementary Education: A Quantitative, Causal-Comparative Study, Tabbetha B. Harrison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative, non-experimental study was to determine if there is a difference in reading self-efficacy and perceived learning among fourth- and fifth-grade inner city students who participated in experiential learning and those that did not participate in experiential learning. Experiential learning is considered an immersive method of ensuring that learners become well-experienced, immersed, and confident in their learning. Self-efficacy or how students feel about their learning is also an important factor in literacy retention and performance. The setting for this study was inner-city Northern Virginia. In this study, 163 fourth and fifth grade elementary students in …

Outlaw Country Chronicles: Rebels, Roots, And Cultural Change, Ashleigh Diane Howell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music provides lyrics and symbols to express art within the society. The goal of this research project is to examine the outlaw movement in the country music genre to study the connection of the working-class American culture to the music. Additionally, the purpose of this project is to establish the strong relationship of folk genre and country music as an endeavor to provide authentic lyrics that reach into the past to reflect the experiences of the changes in the present. The outlaw movement in the country music genre provided a unique capture through the lyrics and reflection to the culture …

The Lived Experiences Of Parents Raising A Child With Albinism: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Quineesha D. Phillips

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the lived experiences of psychological barriers for parents of children with albinism in general education classes. The theory guiding this study was Goffman’s social stigma theory on stigmas, as it provides the framework for understanding the educational barriers faced in the general education classroom. This study answers the central research question, what are the lived experiences of parents of children with albinism in school? This transcendental phenomenological study emphasized the need for policy and practice changes focusing on assertiveness and coping skills for students with albinism in primary general education …

Crisis Of Youth Homelessness In Birmingham, Alabama, Velma Annette Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The economic and educational conditions of Jefferson County, Alabama, have contributed significantly to the increase of homeless families with children (LaGory et al., 2018). The failures of the foster care system have exponentially increased the population of homeless youth ages 19 to 26 (Burge et al., 2021). The lack of efficient public transportation emergency and affordable long-term housing has created a permanent population of homelessness (Kelly, 2020). Within the homeless culture, the increased incidents of violence, substance abuse, and sexual and physical abuse combined with functional illiteracy create an environment that breeds repetitive behaviors that reproduce the homeless outcomes (Burge …

A Phenomenological Study On Emerging Adults' Lived Experiences With Financial Technology, Tracey R. Morrison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of emerging adults’ interactions with financial socialization and financial technology. This study examined various forms of financial mentoring emerging adults encounter before fully entering adulthood. The essential question is: What are emerging adults’ lived experiences with financial technology? The theory guiding this study is Gudmunson and Danes’ family financial socialization theory (2011) (FFST), which rationalizes how emerging adults obtain financial knowledge based on lived experiences. The researcher intentionally constructed this study as a qualitative transcendental phenomenological investigation gathering individuals’ experiences with a specific phenomenon through quality interview sessions, …

A Phenomenological Study Of Special Education Teacher Self-Efficacy For English Learner Instruction, Emilie Louise Jacumin-Simmons

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of special education teachers (SETs) who instruct English learners (ELs) at secondary public schools in the Southeast. In this research, SETs instructing ELs were generally defined as SETs responsible for the instruction of ELs with or without disabilities. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy. The qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of 11 SETs who teach in secondary public school districts in the southeastern United States. Data collection consisted of Teacher Self-Efficacy (TSE) Scale surveys, teacher reflections on their …

Human And Sex Trafficking: A Quantitative Examination Of The Knowledge And Awareness Of The College-Aged Population, Margaret Caroline Weiker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

It is crucial for the public and more specifically those who are a part of vulnerable populations to understand the dangers of both human and sex trafficking. One sub-group of vulnerable populations that are likely to encounter a trafficking situation are college students, as many of these students are unaware of trafficking’s prevalence. While there have been studies of specific populations with prior specialized knowledge, there is little information on the knowledge, perceptions, and awareness levels of the general college-aged population. This study will be quantitatively structured into a two-part survey, seeking to collect data from a sample size of …

Industry 4.0 And The Solution To The Austrian Knowledge And Calculation Problem: A Grounded Case Analysis, Robbie Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The dissertation consists of five chapters examining the current state of the Austrian knowledge and calculation problems which have long been characterized as indestructible barriers to a functional, state-controlled central planning body. Modern technological advancements in computing and communications have introduced to the market the means with which to have near perfect knowledge of all information at every stage in the supply and demand processes. Related literature does little more than theorize on industry 4.0’s impact while this research seeks to discover the extent to which industry 4.0 has overcome the Austrian knowledge and calculation problem by analyzing specific ground-level …

The Affect Of Diversity And Ethical Principles In Primary And Secondary Educational Leadership: A Hermeneutical Phenomenology Study, Charles P. Holloway Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of diversity and ethical principles in educational leadership for teachers, administrators, and classified licensed professionals within minority school districts. Downton’s (2016) theory on transformational leadership guided this study's theoretical framework for the research and ensuing findings. This research was created to answer the following central question: What are the perceived effects of diversity and ethical principles on teachers, administrators, and classified licensed professionals within minority school districts? Three sub-questions were used to understand the experiences of diversity and ethical principles in educational leadership within minority school districts. The …

Exploring The Correlation Between Climate Change And Influenza Activity In The Northeast United States, 2003-2023, Emily M. Posadas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The influenza virus is influenced by a myriad of complex interactions with human and environmental factors, with changing climate patterns having significant effects on the health status of a population. This study investigates the correlation between climate change and influenza activity in the northeast United States from 2003 to 2023, providing insight and understanding into the interaction between the two variables. The anthropogenic factors that have contributed to climate change are recognized, and circulating seasonal and avian influenza viruses are discussed within the context of climate change. The investigation of the correlation between climate change and influenza activity across this …

High Workload Effects On Patient Satisfaction And Profitability Of Nursing Homes, Richard Ra Alrayes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The main issue focused on in the research is that increased workload experienced by employees in nursing homes in Houston, TX creates an increase in medical errors and results in the loss of customer satisfaction and profitability to the business. To address the problem, convergent parallel mixed methods were used to understand the effect of high workload on patient satisfaction and the profitability of nursing homes in Houston, Texas. The mixed methods study was guided by four research questions: (1) How does increased workload experienced by employees in nursing homes impact the quality of provided healthcare services? (2) How does …

Clash Of Convictions: Examining Divergences Among Traditional And Progressive Christians In Contemporary America, Aimee Marie Tarte

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Contemporary American Christianity is experiencing a growing divide between traditional and progressive biblical interpretations. This study explored the interplay of personality traits, religiosity, and cognitive dissonance on biblical interpretation, cultural integration, and faith practices among Florida Christians. This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study aimed to explore how personality traits, religiosity, and cognitive dissonance influence biblical interpretation, cultural integration, and faith practices among Christians in Florida in the context of a growing divide between traditional and progressive biblical worldviews. Cognitive Dissonance and Social Identity theories provide psychological frameworks for understanding individual and group religious behaviors. Data collection involved a survey of 118 …

The Experiences Of Teachers Implementing Co-Teaching Models: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Chad M. Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of secondary teachers implementing co-teaching models in inclusive classrooms at a public school district in northwest Arkansas. For this study, co-teaching is defined as the collaborative approach to instruction in which a general education teacher and a special education teacher work together to co-plan, co-teach, and co-assess a course that includes general education students and students with disabilities. Using Johnson and Johnson’s social interdependence theory as a theoretical framework, this study addressed the central research question: What experiences do teachers have implementing co-teaching models in inclusive classrooms? A …

Low To Moderate-Intensity Exercise On Blood Pressure Response In Hypertensive Older Adults, David Farrell Robinson Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study aims to investigate the blood pressure response of a single bout of exercise at low to moderate intensity in older adults with normal/grade 1 hypertension. 120 physically active adults (74.80 ± 6.3 years) randomly completed two aerobic exercise sessions of 30 minutes at low (30% heart rate reserve [HRres]) and moderate (50% HRres) intensity. Blood pressure was assessed pre-exercise, immediately after, and 30 minutes after the completion of the exercise bout. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased after both exercise intensities without significant differences. Both exercise intensities saw a proportionate decrease in post exercise blood pressure response compared …

The Interaction Between Frequency Of Cannabis Use And Method Of Delivery In Predicting Lack Of Interest In Eating, Joanne Lynn Pomeroy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Cannabis use, its benefits, and adverse effects are being increasingly studied due to the abundance of existing dispensaries created under recreational and legalization policies. While research is inconclusive, an established association exists between increased cannabis concentration and anorexigenic properties. This study examines the interaction between the frequency of cannabis use and the method of delivery in predicting the lack of interest subtype of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) in emerging adults. Cannabis use was measured by the Cannabis Engagement Assessment (CES). The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) was used to measure anxiety, and the Pica, ARFID, and Rumination Disorder Questionnaire …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Early Career Elementary Teachers' Self-Efficacy Toward Meeting The Needs Of The Twice-Exceptional Students In The General Education Classroom, Paula Danielle Cox

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored how the lived experiences of elementary school teachers contribute to their self-efficacy when making instructional decisions to support twice-exceptional students in the general education classroom in a large suburban school system in northeast Georgia. The theoretical framework for this study is Bandura's self-efficacy theory. The study participant was the elementary school (K-5) general education teachers in their first five years of service. The phenomenon was examined through surveys, personal interviews, and focus group interviews. Data collection consisted of personal interviews, a questionnaire, and a focus group session with participants. A transcendental phenomenological methodology was used to …

Millennial Evangelism: Mobilizing Millennials Towards Faith-Sharing At Hope Chapel Foursquare Church, Peter O. Kolawole

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This action research project addresses the problem of dispassion or apparent detachment from the ministry of evangelism among millennials at Hope Chapel Foursquare church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Evangelism is the cornerstone of the Foursquare Church, of which Hope Chapel is a branch. As members of Hope Chapel come for bi-monthly community faith-sharing events, the largest group in the church, the millennial, was noticeably waning, which, if not rectified, will prevent the church from achieving its missional mandate. Evangelism is the nucleus and gateway to spiritual formation is essential to the Great Commission. Attaining spiritual formation and discipleship leads to …

The Effects Of Race-Related Stress, Racial Socialization And Burnout In African American Teachers Who Attended Hbcus Vs. Pwis, Catava M. Burton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Prior research has indicated racial socialization (RS) safeguards against race-related stress (RRS). Despite previous investigations, there has been a dearth of scholarship exclusively examining how RRS, RS, and burnout effect African American teachers with divergent collegiate experiences. To illuminate this research gap, this quantitative study used an online survey to examine the predictive role of RRS and RS on burnout in African American teachers (N = 20) who attended HBCUs or PWIs. This study also measured the potential moderating role of collegiate experience on RRS and RS. The respondents were administered the Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale (TSDS), Cultural and …

Shine A Light Into The Darkness: Illuminating The Battles Fought By Civil War Prisoners Of War, Marybeth Allison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Four hundred thousand Union and Confederate soldiers found themselves imprisoned by the enemy during the American Civil War. Of that number, over fifty-six thousand captives died in the prison camps while their comrades endured unspeakable conditions. The amount of misery and suffering inside these prisons is undeniable, and the history of Civil War prisons encompasses a dark chapter in American history. Much scholarship exists on the prisons and the conditions of the prisons; however, this work focuses on the prisoners’ experiences in their own words. Prisoners continued fighting battles, and most of all, they battled to find light in the …

Media Ecology In Journalism: A Phenomenological Study Of The Adaptation Strategies Of Senior Journalists, Ali Cinar

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation investigates the adaptation strategies of senior journalists in the ever-evolving media landscape. The extensive technological advancements in media informed the idea behind this dissertation. The study employs a phenomenological approach in exploring the experiences of seasoned journalists and their approaches toward transitioning from conventional journalism to the modern digital landscape. Neil Postman’s media ecology theory is the theoretical framework for this dissertation. The theory postulates that the changes in media greatly influence communication, interaction, and human perception. The research commences by investigating the historical context of journalism, taking into consideration the shift to digital media from print and …

Jimmy And Rosalynn Carter: A Moral Compass That Established An American Political System, Rebecca Hodnett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The 1970s brought an economic, social, and political change in America. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter created a new wave of traditional, moral ideologies that shaped America for generations. As a Washington outsider, the Carter team swept through Washington, bringing reforms based on honest integrity, social restructuring, and moral underpinning that challenged the established broken political system of the Nixon/Ford years. Relying on their strength with one another, they reimagined domestic and foreign policies by strengthening the office of First Lady, giving a voice to minorities, establishing various new positions, taking on Congress, and creating a hallmark of peace arrangement with …

A Refinement On The Principle Of Resistance: The Puritan Roots Of Political Resistance In America, Michael P. Berry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Puritanism was a religious movement that historically developed with an innate tendency toward political resistance. Birthed out of the complexities of the English Reformation, Puritan non-conformity caused tensions between dissenters and the English monarchs. These tensions followed non-conformists when they chose to emigrate to Massachusetts Bay in order to establish a church and government favorable to their ideas of Congregationalism. Their experience in New England continued to demonstrate the Puritan penchant toward political resistance as they strove to develop and maintain a virtual independent, sovereign republic despite attempts by the royal government to bring the Northern colonies into conformity consistent …

Leveraging Simulation For Excellence, Alecia Kimberly Liburd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project aims to identify and address the factors hindering the effective utilization of the simulation lab at Grady Memorial Hospital. Despite the simulation lab’s potential to enhance clinical skills and decision-making abilities through realistic medical scenarios, it remains underutilized. This evaluation project was a pretest and posttest design to assess the impact of educational interventions. Educational workshops, email communications, and awareness campaigns were the primary methods used to increase the understanding and utilization of the simulation lab.

Data analysis involved descriptive and thematic analyses of lab usage metrics and pre- and posttest responses. The findings indicate that simulation-based learning …