Digital Commons Network^™

Composition-Structure-Property Relationships For Experimental Composite Nerve Guidance Conduits, Xiaofang Zhang

Theses

Many Nerve Guidance Conduits (NGCs) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an alternative to nerve autografting for guiding peripheral nerve regeneration. However these materials offer little therapeutic potential for favourable axon growth environment, and difficulty in balancing the mechanical properties and the degradation rate of the implanted material is also a contemporary challenge. This project involved the design of experimental composite NGCs comprising glass particles and Pluronic FI27 in the copolymer (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) and examined the composition-structure-property relationships for such materials. Three glasses (0.5Si-(x) Na-0.2Ca-0.13Zn-(0.17-x) Ce) (0.0.04 > x > 0.14) were produced. Glasses were characterised using …

A Qos Aware Framework For Wireless Sensor Networks In Industrial Environments, Berta Carballido Villaverde

Theses

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are a key enabling technology for industrial monitoring applications where the use of wireless infrastructure allows high adaptivity and low cost in terms of installation and retrofitting. Although WSNs present several advantages over traditional wired monitoring systems, there is significant concern as to the reliability of wireless communications due to the unpredictability of the wireless channel, which is inhibiting the widespread adoption of the technology. Furthermore, due to the diverse range of monitoring applications that are found in industrial environments and their differing requirements, there is a need for quality of service (QoS) provisioning so that …

Semi-Rigid Steelwork Connections, Conor Murphy

Theses

This thesis sets out to assess the stiffiiess of typical fin plate steelwork connections. The classification of joints as pinned, semi-rigid or fixed is described and the different models of moment-rotation relationship are explained. Eurocode treatment of steelwork connections is assessed with particular emphasis on joint stiffness. Procedures for the design of fin plate connections are set out and an example presented and a spreadsheet developed. Tests on a number of fin plate connections were carried out in the Heavy Structures Laboratory, to determine the moment rotation characteristics. The finite element software LUSAS was used to analyse the fin plate …

Miniature Embedded Module For Prognostic Health Monitoring (Phm) Of Electronic Systems, Liam Moore

Theses

Sensing systems for reliability prognostics are used extensively in life- and mission- critical electronics systems. They allow monitoring of reliability stresses in real time and scheduling of preventative maintenance before system failure. However, reliability prognostics systems are, in general, large and expensive and cannot be used in lower cost, small sized or portable products.

This thesis presents a sensing module for reliability prognostics which is only 1cm in volume and uses only commercial off-the-shelf components. In its 1cm package, the module combines all the necessary elements to act as an embedded prognostic sensor system for multi axial strain, vibration, humidity …

Tuberculous Colitis, Firas G. Madbak Md, Dale A. Dangleben Md, Facs

Department of Surgery

No abstract provided.

Cooperative Learning And Peer Tutoring To Improve Third-Grade Students’ Test Scores On Grade-Level Assessment, Francina Y. Thurston

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to utilize learning strategies that emphasized small-group instructions where students work together cooperatively and with peers to achieve mastery. Traditionally, the classroom practices used in this school lent themselves primarily to whole-class instructions that emphasized competitive and individualistic goals rather than small groups and cooperative practices. The multistrategy used in this study sought to shift the focus of classroom instructions away from what was traditional. However, the introduction of the multistrategy that called for small group teaching required training for teachers and students.

The writer developed several solution strategies that trained students and teachers in …

Implementing A Fall Prevention Newsletter To Enhance Patient Safety, Mary Ellen O'Connell Rn, Msn, Mba, Claire Kukielka Ms, Cphq, Carolyn Davidson Phd, Rn, Ccrn, Fnp-Bc

Administration & Leadership

No abstract provided.

Competition. Ethics. Management, Alojzy Z. Nowak, Beata Glinka, Przemysław Hensel

Monografie/Monographs

No abstract provided.

Economy, Society And Managing, Alojzy Z. Nowak, Beata Glinka, Przemysław Hensel

Monografie/Monographs

Good management is all about using well-chosen, diversified aources of knowledge while making decisions that can make or break a business. Every crisis poses a challenge to both scholars and administrators responsible for developing curricula for students od business management as important than ever. The main assumption of our book is that since economy, society and organizations are interwined phenomena the managerial scholrship and education are going to be useful for practitioners only if they reflect this fact.

How To Be A Hero: A Rhetorical Analysis Of Superman's First Appearance In Action Comics, Sevan Michael Paris

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Through a combination of rhetorical heightening, idiom, and structure, Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster influenced their young American audience with the first appearance of Superman in 1938’s Action Comics no. 1. Superman’s lack of distinguishing characteristics, dual identity, and embodiment of American culture allowed the character to become a vehicle for Siegel and Shuster, persuading children to be a helper of those in need and champion of the oppressed. Varying panel size and choosing what to show from what not to show allowed Siegel and Shuster to heighten specific moments within Superman’s story. Through metaphor and symbolic modeling, …

Proposed Solution To The Problem Of Member Retention For The South Sao Paulo Conference, Nilson S. Ferreira

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem. The South São Paulo Conference loses an average of 32 percent of its members per year as a result of dissatisfaction with the church. According to the Office of Archives and Statistics of the Central Brazilian Union, the South São Paulo Conference baptized 2,057 people in 2004 and 797 dropped out of the church, resulting in a 38 percent church dropout rate in that year. In 2005, the conference baptized 2,516 people and 1,000 dropped out, for a disaffiliation rate of 39 percent. In 2006, 2,746 were baptized and 456 dropped out, for a disaffiliation rate of 19 percent. …

Reigniting The Lifecycle Of Plateauing Churches In Brazil Through A Prayer-Based Intensive Growth Approach, Otoniel De Lima Ferreira

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Purpose of the Project. This project seeks to create and develop a comprehensive prayer-based evangelism strategy to reignite the lifecycle in plateauing churches in Brazil. Through this project, pastors, church leaders, members and new members will be motivated and equipped to experience a better prayer life.

Method. The method used for this study was based on qualitative research: a review of prayer as it is presented in the Bible, theoretical texts on prayer, and practical books written by prominent Christian authors, and a comprehensive study of the lifecycle of some Seventh-day Adventist churches in Brazil. These profiles were studied and …

A Strategy For The Formation Of A Shared Vision Among The Churches Of North Dallas To Address The Challenge Of Secondary Education, Paul A. Hunt

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem. For over forty years, the North Dallas area of the Texas Conference has been unable to create a viable, long-term solution for providing high school education. Without a shared vision for Christian education amongst the North Dallas churches, further decline is expected, as the present model of education is unsustainable.

Method. The development of a strategy and process for the formation of a shared, biblical vision of Christian education will be explored to address the challenge of providing a sustainable system of education.

Results. The development and execution of a strategy for the formation of a shared, biblical vision …

Improving Marital Satisfaction Using A Structured Facilitation Program In Three Southern Maine Congregations, Merlin L. Knowles

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem. Marital satisfaction for couples in general, and among members of the Seventh-day Adventist church in particular, needs to be improved. Research indicates that marital well being and longevity are critical issues facing both the church and the wider culture. Development of strategies and programs designed to increase happiness within the marital union are vital for strengthening family, church, and community.

Method. A structured facilitation marriage enrichment program was developed and presented by the researcher and his wife in three Seventh-day Adventist churches in southern Maine over a ten week period. A pre-test and an identical post-test were administered to …

A Program Of Physical And Spiritual Practices For Youth At Takoma Academy, Anthony A. Medley

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem. Encouraging high school youth to embrace the long-term benefits of holistic Christian activities that foster healthy lifestyle outcomes is challenging. The values of today’s youth are focused on the short-sightedness of immediate gratification, with little regard of the long-term consequences from spontaneous and often harmful choices. Furthermore, the ideals of society advocate that the pleasures of life are to be obtained in the present without a critique of their values or consequences thereof. Through compartmentalization and individualized living, adolescents, without an understanding of the holistic life of physical and spiritual disciplines, are prone to make choices that so often …

A Strategy For Poverty Reduction Among Seventh-Day Adventist Members In Kenya, Joseph B. Nyagwoka

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem. Poverty is a challenge in Kenya today and is significantly impacting the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This problem is reflected in recent tithe and offering reports that suggest that the majority of the Seventh-day Adventist members and new converts in Kenya do not have a regular source of income. Hence, there is a need for local congregations to address this problem of poverty.

Method. In this study current literature dealing with poverty has been reviewed and analyzed. This includes books, journal articles, programs, reports, and internet materials. The available data from the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist church is …

Discipleship Master Plan: A Disciple-Making Strategy For The South Flint Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Melvin S. Santos

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The lack of a disciple-making plan and irregular leadership training for members in the South Flint Seventh-day Adventist Church resulted in undeveloped and ill-equipped members operating in a reactive and survival mode leading to frustration and leader “burn outs.”

Method

The Discipleship Master Plan was developed and implemented in the South Flint Seventh-day Adventist Church in Burton, Michigan, which consisted of two major formats: (1) Four Levels of Discipleship Training, and (2) a Discipleship Master Plan Infrastructure. The four levels of discipleship focus on the development of all members. This training took place primarily during Sabbath afternoons and worship …

Loving Conversations: A Seminar To Assist Hispanic Families In Advance Planning For Their End-Of-Life Care At El Divino Salvador Presbyterian Church And Monrovia Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Edgar Enrique Urbina

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Advanced technology is currently available to prolong life, but often there is a lack of preparation or documentation of the family and family wish for end-of-life care. It has been estimated that between 18 percent and 30 percent of Americans have completed an advance directive. The percentage drops even further among Hispanics. Advance planning on end-of-life care is a process people can use to prepare themselves and their loved ones for dying. The purpose of the project was to develop and evaluate the participants’ response to a seminar to encourage family conversations among members of Hispanic churches on practical …

Development And Implementation Of A Small Group Program To Foster Numeric Growth At The Fresno Spanish Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Antonio Huerta

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem The Fresno Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church has a 65 year history in the city of Fresno. From the year of 1995 until the year of 2005 when I became the pastor for this church, I realized that the numeric growth rate in this congregation had dropped significantly. I soon became aware of the urgent need for a comprehensive analysis that would enable the Fresno Spanish Church to regain its growth momentum. Method The solution and the vision to solve the problem was the development and the implementation of a small group program that would help train, equip, and mobilize …

An Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of The Experiencing The Joy Program In Attracting And Connecting With Postmoderns In The Richmond Hill Seventh-Day Adventist Church, David H. Baker

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The Richmond Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church has not been successful in attracting post-modern young adults. Pastoral observation suggests that a potential contributing factor is that doctrinal study guides are not effective for reaching young adults. Post-modems are very visually oriented and place an emphasis on the need for experiential learning. In order to be effective, Bible studies targeting post-modem young adults need to focus on a combination of experiential discussions, relationships and individuality. These three areas are the focus of a new video Bible study series that specifically targets post-modem young adults entitled, Experiencing the Joy.

Method

The method …

The Ministerial Leadership Development Program At Lakeview Adventist College In Malawi, Earnest Samuel Harry Khonje

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The Ministerial Leadership Training program at Lakeview Adventist College has operated for over 28 years. Since the late 1990s, there has been little in the curriculum that prepared leadership to meet challenges in the field, especially in management and administration. The period 1997-2006 has seen the exit of more ministers than during the years 1980-1996.

Method

This study used surveys, interviews and questionnaires. Survey questions were formed to be answered by pastors in training as well as by those who have already completed training. Therefore, focus groups were organized for those at the College and for those serving as …

Formation And Implementation Of A Leadership Development Program For The South Malawi Field Of The Adventist Church In Africa, Elphes Luwani

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The South Malawi Field membership for 2005 was characterized by an annual growth rate of just 3 percent, which was quite low compared to other parts of the Malawi Union. Furthermore, 74 pastors and their laity baptized only 164 members total on average while apostasies claimed as high as 26 persons per year. Therefore, this research aims at discovering the effect that equipping pastors and church leaders with effective leadership skills might have on addressing the challenges that seem to inhibit growth in the South Malawi Field.

Method

A body of up-to-date literature focusing on leadership and management skills …

The Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act Of 2010: Rulemaking In The Shadow Of Incentive-Based Regulation, Sam Halabi

Articles, Chapters in Books and Other Contributions to Scholarly Works

No abstract provided.

Career Counseling Program For The South Ghana Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Samuel Amoh

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Statement of Problem. A large number of converts into Seventh-day Adventist churches in South Ghana Conference (SGC) are young adults in colleges and universities. These educational institutions do not offer career counseling or job placement guidance to help these young adults choose programs and fields of study that match their abilities and talents and develop their potentials. Instead, the schools usually impose on students a particular field of study. The lack of appropriate guidance has led to a large number of graduates who are either unemployed or underemployed. A negative residual effect is seen in the physical, mental, spiritual, and …

The Supernatural Made Simple: An Introductory Seminar For Postmoderns In Saanich Peninsula, British Columbia, Ern Brake

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem. The doctrine of the state of the dead is not well understood. Popular culture and philosophy have deluged unchurched residents of the Saanich Peninsula in British Columbia, and indeed much of the world, with impressive deceptions regarding the supernatural world. Of particular concern is the increasingly pervasive postmodern mindset and its inherent resistance to traditional doctrinal preaching. Considering the strength of this deception, the treatment this subject receives in traditional evangelistic meetings is inadequate for persons newly introduced to it.

Methodology. I sought to address this problem by conducting a series of experiments in evangelistic seminars using elements of …

Reaching African American Males In Hartford, Ct, Through The Use Of Black Heritage Bible Studies, Stephen L. Williams Sr.

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

For the past ten years, the Faith Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hartford, Connecticut has not been very successful at winning African American males. It appears that this is because a significant number of African American males hold the Bible as “the white man’s book” and a tool of enslavement that has no relevance today. This makes our traditional evangelistic approach and materials ineffective.

Method

The project was to (1) raise the level of awareness about the dilemma of the African American male, (2) examine the factors that have led to the negative stereotype and their unwillingness to attend church, …

Toward An Eco-Stewardship Ministry: Communicating Environmental Values In The Seventh-Day Adventist Churches In Korea, Young Seok Cha

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to develop a theoretical and practical framework for implementing a ministry of ecological stewardship for Seventh-day Adventist churches in Korea and ultimately to cultivate an environmental consciousness among Adventists. In order to identify the dynamic relationships of factors involved in eco-stewardship ministry, the study first examined the environmental consciousness and practice of the pastors and members of the Seventh-day Adventist church in Korea. Then it focused on investigating the factors that would possibly affect one’s responsible environmental behavior and the implementation effectiveness of eco-stewardship ministry.

Method

This study used a survey design with …

A Strategy To Evangelize The Members Of Siu San Wan Social Center For The Elderly In Hong Kong, Linda Muoi Tsui

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The number of senior citizens in Hong Kong is increasing. By 2036, approximately one-fourth of the population of Hong Kong will fall into the elderly category, representing a challenge to the government as well as to the church. However, there is a scarcity of research done on elderly evangelism and an accompanying dearth of literature on the topic, therefore there is a need for a research study on how to evangelize the elderly, to make a significant contribution to an increasingly important ministry of the church.

Method

A “Four-stage Elderly Evangelism Model” was developed and implemented to reach the …

A Leadership Model For Initiating Change In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Zambia, Edwin Shimunzhila

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Topic

The task of this project dissertation is to develop a leadership model for initiating and effecting change in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Zambia.

Purpose

The purpose of this project dissertation is to develop a leadership model for the successful initiation and effecting of change in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Zambia. Strategies will be developed that will help pastors and lay leaders facilitate the successful initiation of change.

Sources

The research method I chose to use in this dissertation is theoretical. Extracting information from what other scholars have written on change and the change process will be presented …

Developing A Model For Spiritual Guidance And Peer Mentoring For Youth And Young Adults In The New Life Seventh-Day Adventist Fellowship In Berrien Springs, Michigan, Hollis H. Mceachrane

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Research has pointed out a factor essential to the spiritual guidance of youth and young adults in the Seventh-day Adventist Church: How teenagers think is dependent (Fields & Robbins, 2007) on how they are spoken to and how effective the messages are delivered; however, a majority of youth from New Life SDA Fellowship do not receive adequate mentoring that would pair them up as a support for each other or that would build good interpersonal relationships with their peers. While the Fellowship offers a designated staff for church services, there is no provision for youth to mentor each other …