Digital Commons Network^™

Visualizing The Risks: The Significance Of Graphic Design In Educating Women About The Risks Of Prescription Opioids & Pre-Existing Mental Health Conditions, Natascha Foret Truong

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the critical issue of educating women about the increased risks of prescription opioid use and misuse relating to a co-occurring mental health illness. The research-based graphic design solutions proposed in the thesis aim to create awareness and provide knowledge to women on this matter. It is imperative to address this issue as it has severe consequences for women, their families, and society. This thesis utilizes research and best practices from scholarly articles, case studies, visual analysis, personas, and mind mapping to present graphic design solutions based on evidence. These solutions aim to educate women about the gender-specific …

A Comparative Analysis Of The Doctrine Of Bodily Resurrection In Jehovah's Witnesses Versus Traditional Christianity, Carey A. Murphy

Masters Theses

The present thesis aims to provide a critical analysis of the immaterial resurrection proposed by the Governing Body of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and, in doing so, demonstrates the superiority of the orthodox Christian position on the bodily resurrection because of its consideration of key aspects such as Christology, the resurrection, gospel, and eschatology. The first chapter explains how the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society became a global religious organization. In chapter two, Jehovah's Witness documentation on the immaterial resurrection of Christ is presented, with occasional commentary on issues. Chapter three delves into the historical perspective of the …

American Nationalistic Music: Dvorak's Influence, Matthew D. Shinsky

Masters Theses

This study is conducted to determine the influence Antonin Dvořák had on the creation of American musical nationalism. Prior literature on the topic coupled with analysis of the musical scores are used to gain understanding of the musical elements that can be seen as a precursor to a uniquely American sound. To illustrate this further, Czech nationalistic pieces by Dvořák and Smetana are used to show a distinct difference in style utilized by Dvořák in his pieces written during his time in America. Dvořák’s use of American folk music, African American spirituals, and Native American music are fused together in …

The Miracles Of Christ And Kṛṣṇa And The Authority To Redeem Creation, Sallie R. Fuller

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is not to prove the veracity of miracle claims of Jesus in the Bible, nor to disprove those of Kṛṣṇa in the Śrīmad Bhāgavata Mahāpurāṇa. Rather, the research for this thesis reviews the miracles of Jesus and Kṛṣṇa as documented in their respective scriptures to determine which can authoritatively claim to be God, the Creator of the universe, and thus the one true source of the miraculous on Earth. Further, both claim to be not only God the Creator but Savior. It is the contention here that the Creator has the desire to redeem and …

The Problem Of Deification Within The Church Context In India: An Implausible Deification, Sadananda Rao Matangi

Masters Theses

The self-deification has been the main point on which several related issues have been discussed. No humans are equal with God but are only the servants of God. Even Jesus Christ agreed that the Father is greater than He. The concept of self-deification cannot be used overtly or covertly for self-elevation, Sacro-egoism, Sacro-egotism, self-advantage, or self-probability. On accepting Jesus as one’s personal Lord and Savior, a person may get the blessing of forgiveness of sins, sanctification, salvation, filling of the Holy Spirit, assurance of resurrection, and being with the Lord (on the Second Coming). That does not mean they are …

Healing Artists Through Art, Corey Aaron Cundiff

Masters Theses

Men die by suicide nearly four times more than women, with higher rates among artists. There has been an increase in the rate of suicide over the years, primarily linked to depression and mounting societal expectations imposed upon men. The prevalence of social media and the awareness that comes with indicates that the issue of suicide may never disappear unless action is taken. This paper examines the need for art therapy to counter depression among male artists. No longer do we need to rely strictly on medication and talk therapy to treat depression. Many art therapy techniques have proven quite …

Extending Public Accessibility To The Mind: Designing Airports For People With Aphasia, Savannah Eloise Garzon

Masters Theses

Imagine traveling in an airport in another country. The language is entirely foreign, and all signs are written in text you cannot understand. You have ten minutes to make your connection. How do you find your gate? How do you ask questions? This hypothetical generation of panic is the reality for many travelers every day who suffer from aphasia. Aphasia is a language disorder often caused by stroke or other brain injury that makes it difficult to communicate, read, and process numbers, especially in stressful environments like an airport. More than two million people in America suffer from aphasia and …

Traditional Vietnamese Music And Its Incorporation Into Christian Worship, Elijah Khang Chau

Masters Theses

The thesis addresses the concern of incorporating traditional Vietnamese instruments into Christian worship. Most worship done in Vietnamese churches in the US is primarily westernized, and it lacks cultural elements to reflect the Vietnamese culture. Another concern is that the younger generation does not know much about Vietnamese culture; this is an issue because many Vietnamese descents do not know which culture they belong to. The idea behind traditional Vietnamese instruments incorporated into Christian worship will encourage Vietnamese churches to use Vietnamese traditions to further God’s Kingdom so that the Vietnamese congregation can worship and glorify God in their native …

Conscious Consumers: Understanding The Roles And Impacts Patrons Can Have To Make Ethically Minded Purchases That Affect Society, Mallory Sallstrom

Masters Theses

This thesis will examine the issue that patrons of large corporations are often unaware of how their patronage funds divisive corporate philanthropy resulting in an ethical dilemma for the patron. To better understand this issue, research was conducted through a series of research questions. After completing this research, a literature review was conducted in addition to case studies and visual analyses. Based upon the research, a visual solution was created to serve as a resource and tool to educate consumers about the philanthropic efforts of large corporations as it relates to their values and missions. The thesis visual deliverables include …

Biblical Literacy Among Millennial Christians, Benjamin Rivera Necochea

Masters Theses

The modern Christian has more access to scripture today than in any previous generation. The Bible can be accessed through mobile apps, computers, and the internet as well as by printed copies (Wycliffe.net). Yet, biblical literacy is declining at an alarming rate, especially among the millennial generation (Fulks 9). This thesis will examine why biblical disengagement is occurring and what implications it has on the faith of Christian millennials. To better understand the impact on this generation, research was conducted through a series of research questions: 1. What defines a millennial Christian? 2. Why are they actively leaving the church? …

Faith Journey - A Collection Of Devotions And Memoirs To Encourage, Anita V. Presnell

Masters Theses

Faith Journey: A Collection of Devotions and Memoirs to Encourage contains relevant personal stories and devotionals, including short and longer devotions accompanied by poetry. My writing aims to pen devotions to encourage others in their walk of faith. The thesis takes the reader on a journey, touching pieces of my life and reflecting on the devotions that I have written. The critical paper is a rhetorical analysis of seminal authors who have written devotions and the way many have touched and shaped my life. The conclusion is that nothing takes the place of time spent with God and in His …

"Ear Training For Worship Musicians:" An Applied Curriculum Project, Lauren Elizabeth Dillon

Masters Theses

The purpose of this applied research curriculum project is to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum “Ear Training for Worship Musicians” for non-traditionally trained college students using contemporary musical examples, introducing basic piano skills, and applying the Nashville number system. Current curriculum trends in aural skills training have not addressed the issue of teaching harmonic dictation for worship music to college students who are not traditionally trained. This study applies a quasi-experimental research design with identical pre- and post- implementation quantitative tests and a qualitative online survey once the curriculum is complete. Twenty participants were recruited for the online curriculum …

Living In Untranslatability--Performance Art In China And Usa, Ziyun Ma

Masters Theses

This thesis embodies discontinuities in performance art and its non-equivalent Chinese term “行 为艺术” between language and cultural context into a migrating journey. A comparative analysis on the disciplinary history of performance art studies in the US and China laid a foundation in exploring the dynamics of marginality in two contexts. Extracting from the narrative mechanism and body view of Chinese performance art, I demonstrate how the philosophy of living (生) inspired many artistic creation, which also echoes my research journey. And from our mutual living experience, I pose the concept of constructive untranslatability that applies positionality and situated knowledge …

“Little Old Wales”: Expressions Of Nationalism, Language And Pride In Welsh Football, Abigail Mathieson

Masters Theses

Welsh football, through its use of material culture, language, and acknowledgements of history, has become a major force in representing Welsh national identities locally and globally. This thesis expands on Benedict Anderson’s idea of the “imagined community” through contemporary research from academic sources and from voices throughout the Welsh footballing community. It highlights the significance of the sport in national identity, especially within smaller nations such as Wales with histories of post-colonialism. Along with this, football shows the role cultural nationalism plays in the nation of Wales and in its independence movements.

A Comparative Study Of The Effects Of Lessons From Music Theory Websites On The Engagement Levels Of Fifth Grade Students, Casey Artis

Masters Theses

The purpose of this correlative research study is to determine if a significant difference exists between fifth grade students learning from musictheory.net and those who learn from 8notes.com. Student engagement and achievement will be measured after they have finished interacting with their assigned music website. The study will explore the relationship between music technology and student engagement and achievement in the music classroom. The results of the study will help music educators add to their list of tools for teaching music with technology and provide them with more data about technologically enhanced student achievement and engagement. It is important for …

Development Of S.T.E.A.M. Daises In Formal And Informal Environments For Educating Primary I Learners, Frances Neville

Masters Theses

The federal government has made education a competition among ourselves. Learning is not a rivalry to be imposed on our physical and cognitive development as humans. Escalating beliefs recognize education is more encompassing than CCSS, assessments and the grade level time frames in which standards are to be taught. On the precipice of anti-intellect, low expectations, and what has been termed “The Dumbing of America” an investigation into what it would take to close the achievement gap and increase student learning is overdue.

The goal for my Michigan based project, S.T.E.A.M. Daises, was to develop a program focusing on the …

Investigating The Effects Of An Island, And A Speed Sign Gateway To Decrease Driver Speeding, Louai Al Shomaly

Masters Theses

There are thousands of motor vehicle crashes every year, and the yearly cost of crashes is estimated to be $430 billion dollars (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Twenty-eight percent of fatal related crashes in 2020 involve at least one driver speeding (CDC 2020). The application of a behavior analysis approach can be employed to reduce speeding and thereby decrease crashes. One way to reduce driver speeding behavior is the use of prompts. Van Houten and Van Houten (1987) and Van Houten et al. (2018) demonstrated the cost effectiveness approach of using prompts to decrease driver speeding at speed zones and …

Advancing Winter Weather Adas: Tire Track Identification And Road Snow Coverage Estimation Using Deep Learning And Sensor Integration, Parth Kadav

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of A Cue Associated With Alternative Reinforcement To Mitigate Resurgence, Hayley Brown

Masters Theses

Treatment relapse due to the extinction of a previously reinforced alternative behavior is known as resurgence. Understanding the conditions under which resurgence is mitigated may be important for improving the maintenance of the effects of interventions. One method that has been found to effectively mitigate resurgence is pairing a cue or stimulus with alternative reinforcement and then continuing to present that cue when alternative reinforcement is terminated. Animal studies have found that cues must be paired with alternative reinforcement and target extinction to be effective. However, this finding has not yet been replicated with humans. Demonstration of a similar effect …

Behavioral Economic Factors In Collective Bargaining, Cristal Cardoso Sao Mateus Cardoso Sao Mateus

Masters Theses

The present study evaluated the effects of delay, stake, and hypothetical group size on labor valuation in the context of increasing and decreasing labor demand. Challenges in collective bargaining are associated with work stoppages, which can cause economic losses, lack of service, and worker stress. Participants were asked to value their labor given a set of conditions in two experiments. Participants in experiment 1 (n = 49) valued their labor in both increasing and decreasing demand context. Conversely, participants in experiment 2 (n = 139) valued their labor in only one of the contexts. Delay to changes, stake size, and …

Wake Up America: Conceptualizing The Social Determinants Of Sleep, Nicole Eve Bray

Masters Theses

This paper is an attempt to understand racial, ethnic and gender disparities in sleep as a sociological problem. Public health and sociological researchers have looked at the connection between sleep disparities among minorities and the impact it has on health. However, they haven’t explained and applied the social structural factors that cause these disparities, as well as address how stress can serve as a moderator. In my investigation, I found that sleep troubles differ across race, ethnicity and gender. These differences relate to the distinguishable life situations of women and minorities in American society, such as stressful life circumstances that …

The Effects Of Social Comparison On Immediate Mood And Reaction Time Performance, Jane K. Wolterink, Elizabeth A. Weizeorick, Meghan Fox

Masters Theses

Context: Being compared to others in social situations is commonplace, whether at work, school, or sport. For example, athletes typically receive feedback on performance from a coach in front of their teammates. Likewise, during lab experiences, students often receive feedback from their instructors in front of their peers. While feedback has been shown to affect mental health, mood, and self-confidence both positively and negatively, the effects of feedback given as a social comparison have not been studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess how both positive and negative social comparison affects individuals’ immediate mood and reaction time …

Truth From Fiction: The Apologetic Use Of Christian Allegorical Literature In The 21st Century, Terri Nicole Boutte

Masters Theses

Christian allegorical literature is a genre that explores apologetic claims in a unique and creative way. Although this genre has attracted many readers over the years, there is hesitation and reluctancy to accept Christian allegorical literature as a genre that should be used as an apologetic method. Namely, the didactic intent of this genre has caused some critics to question whether Christian allegorical literature promotes critical reading and thinking skills in a way that leads readers to make their own spiritual decisions. Some skeptics believe that sharing theistic truths that are disguised by fictional storylines is a creative way to …

The Waiting Period Of Death Row Inmates, Ashlee Patino

Masters Theses

The death penalty is the highest form of capital sentencing and punishment in the United States. Since 1973, a little less than half of U.S. states are responsible for passing death sentences and executions. Nevertheless, the growing number of death row inmates is at an all-time high since the late 70s (DPIC, 2022). Although academia and scholarly research has advanced the general understanding of death penalty sentencing, racial disparities resulting in a death sentence and execution has not been studied as comprehensively. Despite the strides in progress made by academia and scholarly research on the death penalty, there are areas …

The Clinical Experience Of Occupational Therapy And A Young Adult With Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report, Paige Flickinger, Allyssa Grant, Renee Olsen, Madielyn Knaggs, Jonathan Newby

Masters Theses

The purpose of this case report is to explore the clinical experience of an occupational therapist working with a young adult with Cerebral Palsy with non-cognitive disabilities in order to determine appropriate interventions for improved occupational performance and participation. Goals for this study, and for future research, include establishing resources for occupational therapists and occupational therapy interventions that improve the occupational performance, social participation and the occupational experience of young adults with Cerebral Palsy, without intellectual disabilities.

A Bigger Picture, Benjamin Richard Addison

Masters Theses

The subject of my final creative project is a short story about my dream of becoming an artist and realizing that good deeds are the brush strokes of God’s masterpiece. My earliest memories as a child are about the simple joy of drawing and coloring people, places and things from my imagination. I always enjoyed making gifts of my artwork. Serving others is an early calling. Creative thinking and problem solving are special gifts that helped me to survive domestic violence and sexual abuse as a child and to overcome the many challenges I would face during a twenty-six year …

Using Memoir To Explore And Heal Trauma Inflicted By Emotional Abuse, Accompanied By Excavating Me, A Memoir, Amy G. Partain

Masters Theses

"Using Memoir to Explore and Heal Trauma Inflicted by Emotional Abuse, accompanied by Excavating Me, A Memoir" by Amy G. Partain details the use of the memoir's literary genre to process trauma resulting from emotional abuse incurred during childhood and adulthood. The paper includes comparisons of three published memoirs about abusive childhoods. It culminates with the author's memoir recounting emotionally abusive experiences with both her parents and her former spouse.

The Story Keepers: A Creative Manuscript, Katie Ann Willson

Masters Theses

Through my work in the Story Keepers, we look at things from the viewpoint of Eleanor. The context there is that she was raised primarily by her father, having a mother who, while loving and kind, was absent much of her life. She lived with her father, grandfather and uncle and was raised in a studious, loving and wealthy environment. She spent much of her life in a library, making friends with the librarians and other workers. It’s only later, after she’s been through challenges and trials (and education), that she is deemed worthy and ready to advance to a …

World War Two Glider Borne Forces: The Role Of British Doctrine In Effective Military Change, John W. Stegall

Masters Theses

The United States’ National Defense Strategy has shifted from fighting an asymmetrical, fourth generation adversary utilizing counterinsurgency and unconventional warfare to preparing for a peer/near peer conventional conflict focused on the Pacific and Central Europe. Modern maneuver commanders and operational planners can apply the economy of force, criticality of speed plus precision in kinetic engagements, value of highly trained, task organized small units, and technological incorporation knowledge gathered from analyzing the World War II glider operations executed by Germany, Great Britain, and the United States. Gliders were sailplanes that had a higher ratio of lift to drag than a motorized …

Visions Of Aline: A Foreshadow Of The Past, Allison King

Masters Theses

This thesis focuses on the first act of a coming-of-age YA novel. Visions of Aline is about a high school senior, Joey Astor. Having been diagnosed with schizophrenia four years ago, he’s been under a grand delusion that he is the school’s most feared bully. Unhappy that Joey is copying him, the real bully, Kaleb Kane, fights back. For four years, Joey and Kaleb have had a bitter and fierce rivalry. With the end of high school near, the two are determined to prove who rightfully deserves the title of the most feared. When Joey’s schizophrenic episodes start to worsen, …