Digital Commons Network^™

Addressing Substance Use Disorder In Rural Appalachia: Improving Access And Treatment Outcomes For Justice-Involved Individuals, Jessica Muldowney

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Opioid use disorder (OUD) represents a critical public health crisis disproportionately affecting justice-involved (JI) populations, with approximately 65% of incarcerated individuals having substance use disorders (James & Beatty, 2006). Rural Appalachian communities face compounded challenges due to limited healthcare access, provider shortages, and cultural stigma surrounding addiction treatment. Despite evidence demonstrating that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) reduces recidivism and overdose deaths, only 20% of correctional facilities offer these services (Klein & Seppala, 2019).

Objective: This mixed-methods study evaluated organizational readiness and infrastructure capacity for implementing evidence-based OUD interventions, specifically MAT programs across three rural counties in northwestern North Carolina.

Methods: …

Feasibility Of Assessing Dietary Patterns And Anxiety In College Students: A Pilot Study Using Nutrition Questionnaires, Gad-7, And Asq, Kylie Ford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Anxiety is highly prevalent among college students representing a significant public health concern. Research indicates that dietary patterns may influence mental health outcomes; however, the practicality of collecting comprehensive dietary and psychological data in college populations remains unclear. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of evaluating dietary patterns and anxiety using self-report instruments. Participants completed the Nutrition and Eating Habit questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the Anxiety Sensitivity Questionnaire (ASQ). Although twenty-one students were recruited, survey completion rates were low, with only seven participants completing the nutrition questionnaire necessary to calculate the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). Descriptive analyses …

Ethical Engagement In Global Missions: A Qualitative Inquiry Into Planner Motivations And Host Experiences, Harrison J. Ihrig

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Short-term mission (STM) trips are limited duration service experiences, commonly organized by faith-based organizations (FBO), in which volunteers travel domestically or international to provide ministry, community outreach, and/or health-related services. In recent decades, the number of these trips organized by organizations in the United States has increased exponentially, but the phenomenon is difficult to accurately measure due to its decentralized nature and the lack of standardized terminology. Despite their prominence, limited research has been conducted to examine planning, implementation, and evaluation processes of international STMs organized by FBO, particularly through a public health lens. The purpose of this study was …

Extreme Precipitation Events And Population Exposure: Site Recommendations For The Future Tennessee Mesonet, Victoria G. Redlund

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines frequency of and population exposure to extreme rainfall events in Tennessee to guide the placement of future mesonet weather stations. Using 1991-2021 daily nClimGrid precipitation records, extreme events were defined as events of rainfall ≥50 mm. These events were collated on an annual scale and normalized alongside square-root-scaled population densities derived from Landscan to develop extreme rainfall vulnerability maps. Results highlight where extreme rainfall is most frequent relative to population densities in each county. The findings were compared with models of mesonet suitability and feasibility to determine how meteorological needs correlate with siting needs such as land …

The Influence Of Intervention Strategies On Students With Disabilities Who Exhibit Challenging Behaviors In Rural Public Schools: Teacher Perceptions, Ben B. Robertson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological qualitative study addressed rural teachers' perceptions of the influence of intervention strategies on students with disabilities who exhibit challenging behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine teachers’ perceptions of the effect of intervention strategies on academic achievement, student behavior outcomes, and teacher self-efficacy through the lens of Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory. This theory is a complex, dynamic interaction among people, their behaviors, and their environments. Data collection included 14 individual interviews, conducted on Zoom with educators from one school district in Southern Virginia, including seven general education teachers and seven special education teachers. Data analysis strategies …

Media Portrayal Of High-Profile Female Victims Of Sexual Harassment, Chinenye Nwaneri

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This rhetorical study investigated how the Nigerian media portray high-profile female victims of sexual harassment. The research was undertaken in response to concerns that media narratives often reinforce gender stereotypes and influence public perceptions of victims. Focusing on the sexual harassment allegations made by senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate president Godswill Akpabio, the study analyzed newspaper coverage from Daily Trust and Vanguard between February and December 2025. Using Critical Discourse Analysis within the framework of Feminist Media Theory, the research examined how language and framing shaped the representation of the female accuser. The findings reveal that media coverage constructed the …

Perceptions Of Rural School Resource Officers On Training, Roles, And Interactions With Students In Special Populations, Mary Jane M. Allen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative inductive study was conducted with rural school districts located in the Middle Grand Division of Tennessee. School Resource Officers' (SROs) and K–12 school administrators’ perceptions of their roles were assessed. Perceptions of school policing from both samples were assessed regarding SRO training, roles, and expectations for working with school law enforcement officials. This also included respondents' views on how students with disabilities are treated. The research conducted in rural Middle Tennessee counties examined SROs’ and K–12 administrators’ perceptions through data collected from in-depth open-ended interviews and a pre-written analysis. The proliferation of police officers assigned to schools beginning …

Attitudes Toward Harm Reduction Among Criminal Legal Staff, Diamond Meadows

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are prevalent among individuals interacting with the criminal legal system (Moore et al., 2019). Despite the high rates of individuals with SUDs interacting with the criminal legal system, there continue to be barriers to integrating harm reduction approaches within the system. Harm reduction approaches (i.e., medication assisted treatment) are effective in reducing the negative consequences associated with substance use and the pathway to recovery for many. The purposes of this study are to: 1. examine the psychometric properties of the Harm Reduction Acceptability Scale (HRAS) among criminal legal staff, 2. explore individual differences in staff attitudes …

Rationalizing Atrocity: Vindicatory Careerism And Mass Murder As A Career Path, 1939-1943, Bethany G. Bare

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines members of the Nazi Schutzstaffel from an occupational perspective, focusing on how professional roles shaped their participation in systematic mass murder. As National Socialism gained influence in interwar Germany, it coincided with the rise of a generation of ambitious and embittered men eager to distinguish themselves. The transition from the T4 Program (1939-1941), the involuntary euthanasia of disabled Germans, to Operation Reinhard (1942-1943), the extermination of Polish Jews, demonstrates how mass murder evolved into a career path, as each of the men examined served as T4 personnel before transferring to Poland to assume positions as extermination camp …

Academic And Demographic Predictors Of Retention And Persistence In Business Programs: Post-Covid Cohorts Of Traditional And Ncccs Transfer Students, Matthew K. Crump

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study examined academic and demographic predictors of first-year retention and major persistence among traditional first-year and North Carolina community college transfer students enrolled in undergraduate business programs. Guided by Tinto’s 1993 Model of Student Retention and Astin’s 1984 Theory of Student Involvement, the research focused on students who entered two AACSB-accredited institutions within the UNC System during Fall 2021, Fall 2022, and Fall 2023 as traditional first-year students or as transfer students from North Carolina community colleges.

Institutional data from the Banner Student Information System provided the basis for logistic regression analyses that examined predictors including high school …

A Machine Learning Framework For Early-Stage Cost Estimation Of Transportation Projects, Pritom Paul

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

To address the limitations of traditional planning-level cost estimating methods, such as reliance on statewide averages, heavy reliance on engineering judgment, and high levels of inaccuracy, this study developed two data-driven frameworks and corresponding tools. The first framework focused on resurfacing projects and used treatment-specific simple linear regression based on lane miles and geographic location. The second addressed a broader group of construction projects and used multiple linear regression with project length, route type, and right-of-way cost as key predictors. In both frameworks, the final estimates are computed by aggregating multiple estimates produced by county-, region-, and state-level models. The …

Discrete-Event Simulation: A Leslie System Model For Transportation Demography, Md Zobaer Ahammad

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Transportation systems are influenced by demographic change, household formation,and patterns of vehicle ownership. These factors affect long-run transportation demand and congestion levels within urban infrastructure. Understanding how demographic dynamics interact with transportation behavior is therefore important for analyzing the long-term evolution of transportation systems. This thesis develops a modeling framework that integrates discrete-event simulation with a Leslie-type matrix model to study transportation–demography interactions.Simulation outputs are aggregated to construct a transition matrix describing changes in transportation states. This matrix acts as a linear (or affine) transformation on the transportation state vector, allowing the system to be analyzed as a discrete linear …

Empowering Futures: An Examination Of Educator Perceptions In Supporting Students With Disabilities In Post-Secondary Transition, Carlinda J. Spehar-Shaw

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to examine educators' perceptions of their roles in students' post-secondary transition. Federal mandates require special education teachers to be key components in supporting students during this process. The literature examines the multifaceted components of the transition process, including Kohler’s Taxonomy 2.0 and Schlossberg’s Transition Framework.

Data were collected using a one-on-one, semi-structured interview protocol to examine educators' perceptions of their roles in students' post-secondary transition. This strategy allowed the researcher to understand the participants' backgrounds and experiences while analyzing perceptions of their role in the post-secondary transition. A pre-designed set of interview …

Post-Vote Tampering In Nigerian Elections And The Role Of Blockchain-Enabled Electoral Systems, Ransome Chukwubuikem Enechukwu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Post-vote tampering during the collation and transmission of election results remains a persistent challenge in Nigerian elections, enabling manipulation of already-cast votes and weakening public trust in electoral outcomes. Existing technological interventions, including biometric voter accreditation and digital result transmission systems, improve voter authentication but do not adequately secure the post-vote result collation process. This thesis proposes a blockchain-enabled framework designed to protect the integrity of election results during the collation and transmission stages. Using a Design Science Research methodology, the study develops a permissioned blockchain framework based on Hyperledger Fabric that records polling-unit results as immutable ledger entries and …

"Am I A Man Or A Muppet": A Rhetorical Analysis Of Generative Ai’S Representation Of Gender, Jessica Boaz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines how generative artificial intelligence constructs and performs gender roles through a rhetorical analysis of the fully AI-generated podcast Fairytale Forensics. Drawing on theories of constitutive rhetoric, stereotyping, and McLuhan’s approach to the medium, this thesis investigates how AI-generated hosts interpret classic fairy tales while simultaneously reproducing and negotiating gender norms through the lens of prosopopoeia, metonymy and synecdoche. These performances rely on normative gender stereotypes that align with broader societal expectations, thereby potentially reinforcing existing cultural assumptions about masculinity and femininity. Ultimately, it demonstrates that AI-generated discourse does not merely reflect human biases but actively participates in …

Modernizing United States Marine Corps Enlisted Professional Military Education: Benefits Of Transitioning From Industrial To Technological Learning, Michael W. Hensley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Within organizational and societal contexts, there persists a belief that technologically infused asynchronous or synchronous educational programs, such as online, blended, or seminar-style formats, are inferior to in-person courses. Despite recent shifts in attitude caused by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and global threats, the perception of such programs as substandard remains prevalent. This dissertation addresses the necessity of researching the applicability and benefits of these formats, particularly within the United States Marine Corps Enlisted Professional Military Education programs. Emphasizing the potential enhancement of warfighting abilities and leadership skills, this research investigates how technology-based educational programs can benefit enlisted marines …

Scrolling For Connection: The Influence Of Loneliness, Self-Esteem, And Stress On Susceptibility To Conformity-Driven Online Purchasing And Gambling Behaviors In Generation Z, Emily M. Bauknight

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to examine the relationships among loneliness, self-esteem, conformity, and online purchasing and gambling behaviors in Generation Z college students. To do so, a cross-sectional design was implemented with a sample of 69 undergraduate and graduate students who completed self-report measures assessing self-esteem, loneliness, conformity, psychological distress, online shopping addiction, and online gambling severity. Data were analyzed using SPSS through multiple and simple linear regression analyses, moderated regression, and Pearson correlations. Results indicated that selfesteem and loneliness were not significant predictors of conformity, and conformity did not predict online shopping or gambling behaviors. Additionally, self-esteem, loneliness, and conformity …

Attachment And Betrayal: Post-Infidelity Attachment Issues With A Focus On Gender, Taylor Forsythe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Infidelity represents a significant relational trauma that may disturb attachment processes such as trust, emotional intimacy, and closeness. There is a gap in the literature on how different infidelity exposures may relate to these attachment responses; more so, there is a dearth of information on the gender differences for attachment issues following any kind of infidelity. The purpose of this study aimed to examine differences in avoidant and anxious attachment across infidelity groups (no infidelity, non-sexual infidelity, sexual infidelity), and a further comparison of gender differences in those groups. Participants (N = 151) completed online surveys in a larger study …

"We're Not The Exception. We're The Expectation.": Black Undergraduate Men Disrupting The Dominant Discourse Through Narratives Of Persistence And Belonging At A Predominantly White Institution, Michael M. Mack

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Black undergraduate men (BUM) at predominantly White institutions (PWIs) have often been portrayed through deficit-oriented narratives that emphasize barriers and premature departure while minimizing the voices of those who persist and cultivate belonging. The researcher addressed this problem by examining how BUM at a private PWI narrated their persistence and belonging, and how their narratives disrupted the dominant discourse about Black men in higher education. Literature regarding BUM at PWIs has too often centered obstacles and attrition while overlooking the voices, strategies, and experiences of BUM who persist. Therefore, Black men’s narratives were solicited to better understand what enabled persistence …

A Qualitative Study On Exploring The Underrepresentation Of Women Of Color In Fortune 500 Executive Leadership, Cherrese J. Belt

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this study the researcher examined the persistent underrepresentation of women of color in senior leadership roles within Fortune 500 companies. Despite the increasing number of highly qualified women of color, access to executive-level leadership opportunities remains disproportionately limited. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the barriers experienced by women of color in advancing to senior leadership positions and to identify strategies used to navigate these barriers. The researcher collected data through semistructured interviews with 10 women of color in management and senior leadership roles, each with over 15 years of professional experience in the United …

Senior-Level Administrators’ Perceptions Of Deliberately Developmental Organization Principles And Employee Retention At Historically Black Colleges And Universities (Hbcus), Caprinia L. Taylor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have faced persistent challenges retaining qualified faculty and staff, threatening the environments they are uniquely positioned to create. High turnover, limited professional development, and inadequate support undermine employee well-being and student outcomes. This qualitative phenomenological study explored senior-level administrators’ perceptions of deliberately developmental organization (DDO) principles and their relevance to employee retention at HBCUs. Guided by DDO and organizational culture theory, the study examined how leadership practices, professional development, psychological safety, and organizational culture intersect with retention and belonging. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with participants across diverse HBCU contexts. Participants were selected …

The Impact Of Traditional Machismo On Mental Health Outcomes: Depression And Suicide Risk Among Latino Immigrant And Non-Immigrant Men, Yesenia A, Romero

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Traditional masculine norms have long been recognized as influential factors in men’s psychological well-being. Within Latino cultures, the construct of machismo represents a culturally specific form of masculinity characterized by ideals of masculinity and characterized by ideals of strength, dominance, and emotional restraint. While these norms may promote resilience and family responsibilities, rigid adherence to traditional machismo has also been associated with emotional suppression, reduced help-seeking behaviors, and increased psychological distress. The present study conducted a meta-analysis to examine the relationship between traditional machismo and mental health outcomes among Latino men, with particular attention to depressive symptoms as well as …

Voices Of A New Era: A Discursive Psychology Study Of Influencer-Follower Discourse On Tiktok, Andrea Guerrero Hernandez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study researched and investigated the discourse of five mega fashion influencers on TikTok, as well as the discourse of 15 followers engaging with fashion influencer content on the same platform. The theory used to guide this study was discursive psychology theory, which provided the groundwork for understanding how both influencers and followers position their identities, justify their actions and decisions, and construct their reality. The primary aim of this research is to deepen understanding of how influencer discourse shapes follower discourse, identifying recurring patterns, contradictions, and the ways in which tensions are negotiated. The findings reveal a range …

The Intersection Of Dark Triad Leadership And Organizational Commitment: Examining The Efficacy Of Educational Intervention Among K–12 Central Office Peer Leaders, Monica R. Shallenberger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The intersection of toxic leadership traits and workplace loyalty remains a critical area of study within educational administration. The purpose of this quantitative, quasiexperimental study was to examine whether a targeted educational intervention, an asynchronous online minicourse focused on the dark triad leadership traits of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, influenced the organizational commitment of U.S. K–12 central office peer leaders. This study addressed a gap in the literature regarding proactive strategies for peer leaders, defined as coworkers in leadership positions who are not in supervisory roles over the toxic leaders. I employed a one-group pretest and posttest design to measure …

Cultivating Diversity: Investigating Hispanic College Students’ Attitudes Toward Teaching Amid The U.S. Teacher Shortage Crisis, Daniela Andrea Hernandez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The underrepresentation of Hispanic teachers in U.S. public education remains a significant concern as Hispanic students comprise a growing proportion of the K–12 population. Despite this demographic shift, the educator’s workforce has not reflected the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the students it serves. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore first- and second-year Hispanic college students’ perceptions of teaching as a profession and to examine how their educational and personal experiences influenced their career interests. The study was informed by social cognitive career theory and culturally relevant teaching theory to better understand how self-efficacy, outcome expectations, …

Weathered, Haylee A. Dyess

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Weathered focuses on themes of change, accumulation, time, and acceptance. Each artwork holds layers of information and experiences that form a unique narrative for all its viewers. The construction of each piece is a symbol of the physical ability it takes to create each painting. After my mobility was hindered due to my medical conditions, a new appreciation for physical health and the world I live in was gained. Striving to pack this sense of appreciation into my work, my method became a way for me to cope with my illness and to enjoy being creative, freely.

My art is …

An Examination Of Student-Faculty Relationships As A Factor In Retention Of Students In The Department Of Agriculture, Macie C. Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to discover the best approach in building academic relationships between students and faculty. Based on past research, student GPA, learning style, faculty relatability, and involvement were common factors in retention research. These factors contributed to the creation of statements used to analyze the best course of action in building academic relationships between students and faculty. Students and faculty in the Department of Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University were able to rank statements using a Quasi-Q-Sort. Results from the Quasi-Q-Sort were analyzed using cross-tabulation, descriptive statistics, Kendall’s W, and Mann-Whitney tests. Following these …

Post-Exercise Vitals Recovery Response In Barrel Horses: A Field Study On Cooling Methods Used By Competitors, Lauran E. Hetrick

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Barrel racing demands peak physical performance from equine athletes, yet limited research evaluates the field-based strategies used to optimize equine recovery at competition. This study assessed recovery management approaches used by competitors to elucidate their influence of physiological recovery by measuring heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature during a high-profile barrel race competition. Physiological data were collected at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and during a 15–30-minute cooldown period to characterize recovery under real-world conditions. Significant increases in HR, RR, and BT occurred from baseline to post-run (p < 0.001), followed by reductions during cooldown (p < 0.01), though values remained elevated (p < 0.05). Rinsing reduced HR and RR (p < 0.01), while shade and fans decreased RR and variably influenced HR. Noise, as a confounding variable, decreased HR but increased BT (p < 0.001). Ultimately, these results emphasize multimodal recovery approaches in competitive equine management in the field.

From Mono To Object: A Contextual Evolution Of R&B And Soul Vocal Production Techniques With Emphasis On Object-Based Audio In Dolby Atmos, Samuel W. Slape

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The human voice is the central element in much of recorded commercial music, and in R&B it serves as the primary vehicle of expression. Across the evolution of reproduction formats, including mono, stereo, surround, and Dolby Atmos, engineers have adapted strategies to preserve vocal clarity while exploring new spatial possibilities. This thesis examines how these shifts in technology and perception have shaped vocal production, using R&B as a lens for the relationship between format and artistic practice. Psychoacoustics provides a foundation for understanding how listeners perceive localization, masking, and vocal prominence. Analytical approaches are introduced to distinguish direct and indirect …

A Schenkerian Approach To The Marches Of Karl L. King, Dylan J. Custer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While the American march is a staple of wind band repertoire, it has been underrepresented in the field of advanced music theory. This thesis examines marches through the lens of Schenkerian analysis, which uncovers deep levels of structural cohesion and brings a fresh perspective to the American march genre. Specifically, this study uses Schenkerian methods to study the music of Karl L. King (1891-1971) across the span of his half-century career. King’s extensive output established an enduring blueprint for the genre. By applying an analytical framework derived from the work of Harald Krebs, this research demonstrates how the march can …