Digital Commons Network^™

Impact Of Regulatory Burden On Small Community Banks In Pennsylvania, Teresa L. Gregory

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Community bank managers are struggling with the implementation of the many new regulations promulgated over the past several years. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies community bank managers in Pennsylvania use to implement new financial regulations. The population of interest included all community banks in Pennsylvania. For purposes of this study, a community bank was defined in terms of an asset size less than $500 million. Two community banks in Pennsylvania were selected, and 3 participants at each bank were interviewed. The participants included the chief executive officer, the compliance manager, and a mortgage …

The Relationship Between Health Risk And Workplace Productivity In Saudi Arabia, Sarah Lorraine Hayman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Rising worldwide rates of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the Middle East, principally Saudi Arabia, have put an increasing load on the health system and employers. Middle Eastern organizations have been slow to develop targeted health programs, which include an emphasis on employee productivity. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship, if any, between employee lifestyle and workplace productivity. Productivity is the amount of work produced based on the time and cost required to do so. The underlying theoretical foundations of this research were the socioecological health model and the human capital model. The quantitative, ex post facto …

Exploring Strategies That It Leaders Use To Adopt Cloud Computing, Zeeshan H. Khan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Information Technology (IT) leaders must leverage cloud computing to maintain competitive advantage. Evidence suggests that IT leaders who have leveraged cloud computing in small and medium sized organizations have saved an average of $1 million in IT services for their organizations. The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies that IT leaders use to adopt cloud computing for their organizations. The target population consisted of 15 IT leaders who had experience with designing and deploying cloud computing solutions at their organization in Long Island, New York within the past 2 years. The conceptual framework of this …

Impact Of Poverty On Undocumented Immigrants In South Florida, Julio Warner Loiseau

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Poverty in the United States has been widely explored, but very seldom does research consider the impacts of poverty among undocumented immigrants. As a result, policymakers are unable to account for or accommodate the unique needs of undocumented immigrants. Using Dalton's theory of the psychology of poverty, this case study explored the experiences of undocumented immigrants in Immokalee, Florida to better understand how the current policy landscape impacts their existence and livelihoods. The data were collected through 18 interviews with undocumented immigrants and a review of government data related to poverty among this population from the United States Census Bureau, …

Cultural Influences On The Weight, Diet, And Physical Activity Of Pregnant Immigrant Latinas, Martha Eugenia Dominguez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this phenomenological study is how culture and acculturation can potentially influence gestational weight during pregnancy, leading to overweight and obesity among immigrant Latinas. To understand the possible influence of culture and acculturation on the diet, exercise, and weight of pregnant immigrant Latinas, the experiences of immigrant Latinas who had undergone a pregnancy in Mexico and were pregnant in California were examined. The ecological model theory was applied as a framework for exploring the participants' experiences regarding nutrition, physical activity, and weight gain. Semistructured interviews with 10 qualified participants were conducted. Data analysis entailed an inductive approach …

Correlates Of Influenza Vaccination Uptake Among Older Adults, Cheryl Hilliman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Seasonal influenza is associated with signiï¬?cant morbidity and mortality among older adults, aged 65 and older. Since vaccination is the single most effective preventive measure against seasonal influenza, clinicians and senior citizen center administrators need a better understanding of the perceptions of older adults concerning the reason for poor influenza vaccine uptake. The purpose of this study was to identify perceived factors that may be associated with poor influenza vaccination uptake among older adults. The health belief model (HBM) guided the study. The research questions examined perceptions predicting the odds of influenza vaccination uptake among older adults. This quantitative cross-sectional …

Annual Reports Of The Town Of Seabrook, New Hampshire For The Year Ending December 31, 2015, As Compiled By The Town Officers., Seabrook Town Representatives

Seabrook, NH Annual Reports

This is an annual report containing vital statistics for a town/city in the state of New Hampshire.

The Aesthetic Experiences Of Aura, Awe, And Wonder: Reflections On Their Nature And Relationships, Russell Quacchia

Contemporary Aesthetics (Journal Archive)

The aim of this essay is to examine the semantic nature and linkage between the experiential phenomena of aura, awe, and wonder, central to matters of the aesthetic experience. In aesthetic commentary these terms are generally used rather loosely, often independently of each other and, most often, without regard to the connections between them. It would seem worthwhile to examine the nature of each of these terms to move toward understanding them and their mutual relationships. The conclusions drawn are that the aura effect appears to operate universally at the cognitive level of the aesthetic experience while those of awe …

Macabre Fascination And Moral Propriety: The Attraction Of Horror, Marius A. Pascale

Contemporary Aesthetics (Journal Archive)

Why does the horror genre serve as a source of pleasure, given its aim to induce fear in the audience? I examine two general solutions to this phenomenon, referred to as the paradox of horror, which differ based upon their position regarding the possibility of deriving pleasure from fear. Each of the possible solutions contains significant flaws. I argue that, by adjusting a meta-theory originally proposed by Susan Feagin, it is possible to craft a solution that addresses the paradox while preserving the idea that, at times, fear can be enjoyed. The article concludes by considering the moral status of …

A Case Study: Parents' Views Of The Program Everlasting Peace, Meshonda Moore

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Juvenile crime among females is on the rise in the United States and is currently at an all-time high. Girls who are at risk for committing juvenile crime are at greater risk than boys for experiencing sexual trauma and exploitation as well as depression. Additionally, adolescent females have a higher rate of status-offense reoffending than do adolescent males. Using Kubeka's conceptualization of trauma theory, the purpose of this case study was to determine whether Everlasting Peace (EP), an evidence-based counseling program in Georgia, successfully provided gender-specific treatment for female juvenile offenders. Data were collected through interviews with 20 parent/guardian of …

Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening In Primary Care, Jenerie Reniedo Navarrete-Pak

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite indications that colorectal cancer (CRC) screening strategies can decrease mortality and morbidity, screening rates among veterans remains to be low. In the Veterans Affairs (VA), the performance measure for CRC screening is lower than the national standard. This quality improvement (QI) project evaluated the effect of a team-based approach, effective electronic information structures, and the provision of education to nurses and patients in increasing CRC screening rate in primary care from 77% to 85%. CRC screening data were retrospectively collected prior to the start of the project and then compared to screening data 3 months after project implementation. The …

Electricity Sector Reform: Sourcing And Cost Management Of Electricity For Steel Manufacturing In Nigeria, Christopher Ndubuisi Okonkwo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In 2014, Lazard levelized cost of energy analysis model priced diesel powered systems at $0.225 – $0.404/KWh and a range of $0.165 – $0.242/KWh for gas-powered systems. The model gave a range of $0.28 – $0.33/kWh for diesel and a range of $0.14/kWh – $0.16/kW for gas fired. Nigeria has an abundance of gas reserves, but heavy gas flaring by oil companies perpetuates power failure across Nigeria. What has resulted is an unreliable electricity infrastructure and a high cost of alternative energy. The Electricity Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 started the reform process. Guided by decision theory, the purpose …

Adolescent Peer-Related Computer-Mediated Communication And Its Relationship To Social Anxiety, Neil Matthew Parker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Adolescents are adopting computer-mediated communication (CMC) at a higher rate than any other age group, with CMC becoming integral to their social relationships. This is particularly significant given the role peer relationships play in adolescent mental health. The purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental study was to explore the relationship between adolescent CMC and social anxiety. The research was guided by Erikson's theory of psychosocial development and Kock's media naturalness theory. This multiwave panel study included a convenience sample of 58 adolescents ages 11 to 18. Surveys were completed on participant's social skills and introversion, and daily data were gathered on …

Understanding College Students' Readiness To Use Web 2.0 Technologies In Online Education, Sean Andrew Pradia

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Web 2.0 technologies offer many educational benefits in higher education. Leaders of the U.S. community college examined in this study desired to explore students' familiarity with the educational benefits of Web 2.0 tools before investing in technology upgrades for the college. The purpose of this quantitative survey research was to explore community college student readiness to use Web 2.0 technologies as part of their distance learning experience. The research questions were designed to clarify students' attitudes and behavioral intentions towards using Web 2.0 applications. Data were collected from 253 randomly selected distance-learning students using a survey derived from the decomposed …

Exploring Small Business Strategies To Comply With The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, John Palmer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

U.S. aerospace companies are estimated to lose more than $25 billion in international contracts per year due to bribery. These losses create Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) compliance strategy challenges for U.S. aerospace companies' management. The purpose of this single case study was to explore strategies that U.S. aerospace small business leaders use to comply with the FCPA. The conceptual framework for this study was the regulatory compliance conceptual model, which suggests that small business leaders must gain deeper insight into how corporate compliance policies address the FCPA requirements. The target population for this study was leaders of a small …

Perceived Effects Of The Affordable Care Act On Emergency Preparedness, Tanya Marie Scherr

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

National healthcare as executed through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was introduced in 2010, but was discussed for several decades prior to its enactment. Section 5210 of the ACA established funding for a Regular and Ready Reserve Corps (RRRC) to provide support to local healthcare entities with emergency preparedness. It is unknown what impact Section 5210 of the ACA has had on local emergency preparedness, as well as what obstacles are encountered with implementing this piece of legislation at the local level. The purpose of this case study was to understand the obstacles encountered at a local …

Development Of A Patient And Family Educational Document Following Cancer Treatment, Debbie Slipkovich

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

New pharmacological interventions for oncology patients have resulted in longer lifespans after treatment completion and a large population of cancer survivors in communities. When patients complete treatment regimens for cancer, they leave the oncology practice with minimal knowledge of community resources that may assist them during this time of transition. These patients may not interact with care providers again until they return for a surveillance appointment in the future. Guided by Bandura's social cognitive theory, this project's aim was to develop a community-specific brochure that described the variety of services available to oncology patients and their families. The practice-focused question …

Identity-Based Cultural Paradigms, Trauma, And Interethnic Conflict In South Sudan, John Maluk Yak

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In 2011, South Sudan became independent through the agreement and implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement (CPA). However, interethnic conflict also escalated. This cycle of violence impacts the psychological and physical health of local society. When violence between ethnic groups escalates, civilians may be forced to flee their homes. This study employed a phenomenological research approach that examined the views and experiences of the recruited 13 members from the state of Jonglei; 5 members of the Dinka, 3 members of the Murle, and 5 members of the Nuer ethnic groups residing in the United States. In an attempt to understand …

Leadership Skills For Success Of Home Health Care Agencies, Andrina Yankah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Small business managers often lack the leadership skills necessary to sustain their businesses beyond 5 years. The United States Small Business Administration reported that more than 65% of small business owners, including home health care agency managers, fail within the first 5 years of operation. Guided by Burns and Bass's transformational leadership theory, this multiple case study explored leadership skills that managers in home health care agencies need to sustain their new businesses beyond 5 years. The purposeful sample comprised of 3 managers from 3 different home health care agencies within a 75-mile radius of Baltimore, Maryland, that had demonstrated …

Self-Efficacy, Perceived Skills, And Real Knowledge Of Speech-Language Pathologists, Meredith Lynn Baker-Rush

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although speech language pathologists' (SLPs) knowledge of communication and swallowing has been undisputed, their knowledge and skills related to tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation (MV) seem varied. The consequences associated with the presence of tracheostomy or MV demonstrate the necessity of training. Guided by Bandura's social cognitive theory, this study was designed to determine if SLPs' training influenced self-efficacy and real knowledge, and to evaluate trends associated with SLPs' pursuit of specialized training. A total of 236 SLPs practicing in the United States responded to a researcher-developed knowledge and confidence test for tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation (KCT-TMV). Data were analyzed via …

Strategies To Reduce Supply Chain Disruptions In Ghana, Carl Kwaku Dey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Supply chain disruptions are more prevalent in Ghana as businesses develop and become more complex. While business leaders recognize the importance of reducing the exposure to disruptions, 83 % of companies still suffer a form of disruption. Using the systems theory as the conceptual framework, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore strategies supply chain managers in Ghana use to reduce disruptions in the supply chain. The data collection was through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews from 12 supply chain managers who gave tape-recorded interview responses to 8 questions. Transcript evaluation, member checking, and methodological triangulation ensured reliability and …

Motivating Factors In Al-Shabaab Recruitment In Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lorrie Flores

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Over the past 5 years, a number of U.S. citizens residing in Minneapolis have been reported to have been recruited and radicalized by Al-Shabaab, organization that has played a role in major international terrorist attacks. This, in turn, creates a significant concern related to national security in the United States. Using Hirsch's social bond theory and Merton's theory of relative depravation, the purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the factors that motivate radicalization of young males aged 18 to 25 in Minneapolis. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 6 Somali American adults between the ages of …

Using Nutrition And Fitness Awareness To Reduce Overweight And Obesity In Adolescents, Allissa.Johnson Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In the United States, adolescent obesity rates continue to increase unabated, yet there is a paucity of programs to address these conditions for this population. The current study evaluated an after-school program in California high schools that uses a mentoring model with youth to promote regular exercise and healthy food choices. It is grounded in Social Cognitive Theory which focuses on both the impact of the environment on shaping behaviors and the ability of an individual to construct his or her own suitable environment. A quantitative single-group pretest-posttest design using archived participant responses was utilized in order to determine whether …

Innovative Techniques For Seismic-Resistant Bridge Columns Under Ground Motion Excitations, Ayman A. Moustafa

Doctoral Dissertations

“This dissertation provides innovative alternative solutions for replacing conventional reinforced concrete columns. The proposed columns displayed enhanced seismic resistance and properties compared to their counterpart conventional columns. Two main techniques were followed and proposed to develop seismic-resistant columns. The first technique utilized rubberized concrete to internally enhance energy dissipation and damping. Materials testing of rubberized concrete with scrap tire replacement of fine aggregates were performed to evaluate its dynamic properties. Shaking table testing of a rubberized concrete column was performed and the behavior was compared to that of the conventional one. The rubberized column showed an increase of 16% in …

Ssvep Based Bci Wheelchair Control System, Ce Zhou

Faculty Research & Creative Works

A brain computer interface (BCI) is a system which allows a person to communicate or control the surroundings without depending on the brain’s normal output pathways of peripheral nerves and muscles. A lot of successful applications have arisen utilizing the advantages of BCI to assist disabled people so called assistive technology. Considering using BCI has less limitation and huge potential, this project has been proposed to control the movement of an electronic wheelchair via brain signals. The goal of doing this project is to help the disabled people, especially paralyzed people suffering from motor disabilities, to improve their life qualities. …

Bivalent Carbamates As Novel Control Agents Of The Malaria Mosquito, Anopheles Gambiae, James M. Mutunga, Qiao Hong Chen, Dawn M. Wong, Polo C.H. Lam, Jianyong Li, Maxim M. Totrov, Aaron D. Gross, Paul R. Carlier, Jeffrey R. Bloomquist

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Widespread pyrethroid resistance has caused an urgent need to develop new insecticides for control of the malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae. Insecticide discovery efforts were directed towards the construction of bivalent inhibitors that occupy both the peripheral and catalytic sites of the mosquito acetylcholinesterase (AChE). It was hypothesized that this approach would yield a selective, high potency inhibitor that would also circumvent known catalytic site mutations (e.g. G119S) causing target site resistance. Accordingly, a series of bivalent phthalimide-pyrazole carbamates were prepared having an alkyl chain linker of varying length, along with other modifications. The most active compound was (1-(3-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)propyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl methylcarbamate, 8a), …

Modeling Resilience In System Of Systems Architecture, Paulette Acheson, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

System of Systems (SoS) can be represented by the SoS architecture which defines the constituent systems and their interfaces. SoS delivers capabilities beyond what the systems working independently can provide. Resiliency of the SoS is becoming increasingly more important and necessary for mission success. Resiliency can be defined as the ability of the SoS architecture to defend against emerging threats. This defense means adapting the SoS architecture to handle the new threat. As a new threat is uncovered, the SoS architecture evolves to a new SoS architecture resilient to the new threat. This paper presents a novel approach to modeling …

Bioactivity/Cytotoxicity Of Micro-/Nano-Materials And Novel Development Of Fiber-Optic Probes For Single Cell Monitoring, Qingbo Yang

Doctoral Dissertations

"Manufactured nano-/micro-materials (MNMs) have been widely used and their interactions with niche biological environment are highly concerned for both of their biohazardous and bioactive effects, whereas no available comprehensive evaluations or regulations have been provided yet. This dissertation thus focuses on three major aspects: 1) fundamental toxicity understandings of a typical MNMs (zinc oxide nanoparticles), 2) bioactivity evaluations of representative bioactive MNMs, and 3) development of novel micro-probes for high spatial resolution monitoring. Firstly, the NP's concentration, irradiation, hydrodynamic size, and the localized pH, ionic strength, NP zeta-potential as well as dissolved oxygen levels were found correlated with the production …

Development And Evaluation Of A Coaxial Cable Sensing System For Co₂ Sequestration Wellbore Integrity Monitoring, Yurong Li

Doctoral Dissertations

"Downhole monitoring plays a crucial part in geological carbon dioxide (₂) sequestration. Various downhole monitoring technologies have been explored and applied, but they are either expensive or have system longevity issues. To address this issue, a robust and cost-effective downhole sensing system based on distributed coaxial cable sensors is developed and evaluated in laboratory, and a numerical simulation with staged finite element model is conducted to study the feasibility of using the coaxial cable sensing system for monitoring and evaluation of wellbore stability during CO₂ injection.

The real-time distributed sensing system is composed of Fabry-Perot interferometer based …

Using Wireless Sensors And Networks Program For Chemical Particle Propagation Mapping And Chemical Source Localization, Xiang Gao

Doctoral Dissertations

"Chemical source localization is a challenge for most of researchers. It has extensive applications, such as anti-terrorist military, Gas and oil industry, and environment engineering. This dissertation used wireless sensor and sensor networks to get chemical particle propagation mapping and chemical source localization. First, the chemical particle propagation mapping is built using interpolation and extrapolation methods. The interpolation method get the chemical particle path through the sensors, and the extrapolation method get the chemical particle beyond the sensors. Both of them compose of the mapping in the whole considered area. Second, the algorithm of sensor fusion is proposed. It smooths …