Digital Commons Network^™

Rooted In Identity: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study Describing The Pre-Freshman Self-Esteem Experiences Of African American Female Students Entering Historically Black Colleges And Universities, Wanda Minor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to describe the pre-freshman self-esteem experiences of African American (AA) female students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The study explored the experiences of AA women and the factors that contribute to the development of their self-esteem before their enrollment as students in HBCUs. Literature suggests that numerous issues, including racial discrimination and prejudice, cultural stereotypes, socioeconomic concerns, historical and intergenerational trauma, beauty standards, and institutional and systemic hurdles, have affected their self-esteem (Woods-Giscombe, 2010). However, there was a void in addressing the issues AA women face in college, particularly students at HBCUs. This …

Cognitive Learning Strategies And Candidates In Teacher Education Programs: A Phenomenology, Nicole Kircher

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of graduates from teacher education programs in the Western United States and their exposure to cognitive learning strategy instruction. The theory that guided this research is cognitive learning theory, which focuses on the internal processes surrounding memory and information. The research questions explored the experiences of teacher education program graduates with cognitive learning strategy instruction, how these programs incorporated cognitive learning strategies into their curriculum, and how graduates applied their knowledge of these strategies to their own teaching post-graduation. The chosen design was hermeneutic phenomenology, which is …

Challenged And Chosen: Discipling Christians With Chronic Conditions Towards Kingdom Identity And Purpose, Allison J. Hampton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose for this DMIN action research project was to create an eight-week discipleship program and accompanying workbook to help Christians diagnosed with chronic medical conditions to rediscover their identity in God. Because of the limitations and physical changes that often accompany chronic diagnoses, members of Living Chronic Faith (a faith-first nonprofit organization that serves believers with chronic diagnoses) felt incapable of serving on the same level as their physiotypical counterparts. Marginalized by their faith community and hesitant to engage in their ministry contexts, eleven LCF members participated in this online focus group. This project’s surveys, interviews, journal entries, and …

Readiness For Interprofessional Teamwork Of Graduate Public Health Students At The Time Of Their Graduation, Liliana Morosanu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this applied study was to solve the problem of lacking empirical evidence for the contribution of interprofessional education (IPE) towards readiness for teamwork interprofessional practice (T-IPP) of Master of Public Health (MPH) graduates, and to design an IPE evaluation model in response. Current knowledge about T-IPP of MPH graduates is insufficient yet critical for professional practice. It is unclear how academic IPE builds MPH students’ T-IPP skills, and whether other training sources exist. A cross-sectional multimethod design was implemented with a sample of 58 MPH graduates from accredited programs within 12 months from graduation, of whom 12 …

The Lived Experiences Of Male Nurses In Nursing Education: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, James Robert Nolin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to discover the lived experiences of male nurses currently in nursing academia to determine what attributes draw them and keep them in academic roles. The phenomenon was viewed through the lens of interpersonal relations theory, social learning theory, and hermeneutic phenomenology, looking for similarities and differences to discover the population’s views, beliefs, and experiences. The sample included 21 male nurses currently teaching in nursing programs. Semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and observations collected through field notes allowed for an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of male nursing faculty. The data were analyzed …

The Development Of A Men’S Ministry At Remnant Church To Foster The Spiritual Leadership Development Of Men To Provide Leadership For Family, Church, And Community, Anthony L. Herron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem this student seeks to address is that the Remnant Church in Midwest City, Oklahoma, does not have a men's ministry to develop men as spiritual leaders. The Remnant Church is a non-denominational church focused on growing and developing people to become more like Jesus Christ. The men of the Remnant Church do not meet regularly for discipleship or fellowship.

The men of Remnant Church are not organized to provide a network of support for men. Men need a support network within the church to develop spiritually. Men need a forum for discussing men's issues, such as leading in …

Chiropractic Patient Safety Education Experiences: A Phenomenological Study, Michael P. Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe and interpret chiropractic educators’ experiences teaching patient safety competencies within the didactic portion of a Doctor of Chiropractic program in the Southern United States. The theory guiding the study is the information processing model. The study’s central research question is, what are the lived experiences of chiropractic educators teaching didactic patient safety courses? The study utilizes a hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative methodology. Data was collected via individual interviews, a focus group, and a protocol writing prompt. The data was collected from 12 chiropractic educators teaching patient safety competencies within the didactic portion …

One Holy Nation Under One God: A Survey On Achieving Unity Amongst Believers, Cindy Casalis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The goal of this work is not only to amplify the purview of all believers in God regarding the true meaning of loving a neighbor and being a member of God’s covenant, rather to usher an atmosphere of accord that could set the right conditions for the coming of the Messiah and of the final redemption as hinted to in 2 Peter 3:11-12 where the apostle describes the sort of holy conduct befitting to those who in fact are hastening the Messiah’s final arrival. Of all the possible ways to approach the matter of election of the Jewish people, it …

Identifying Higher Education Employee Experiences Using A Diffusion Of Innovations Checklist Planning For Knowledge Management Implementation: A Phenomenological Study, Eric Christopher Viets

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenology study was to understand the experiences of higher education employees planning to implement knowledge management through utilizing a diffusion of innovations checklist. Knowledge management is generally defined as the process of creating, sharing, using, and managing the knowledge and information of an organization. The theory guiding this study was the diffusion of innovations by Everett M. Rogers, as it provided a clear and comprehensive model of the stages of change and knowledge management implementation. The research questions sought to understand the experiences of ten higher education employees utilizing the diffusion of innovations checklist within …

A Qualitative Study Of Emdr Clinician Treatment Modality Choice And Client Needs, Carole Petrides Bakke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological qualitative research study was to explore and understand the lived experiences of clinicians practicing eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the state of Nebraska and their choice of treatment modality, between the audio, visual, and kinesthetic techniques of EMDR. As an evidenced-based treatment therapy, EMDR has been shown to decrease the symptoms of distress in clients with a history of trauma and the treatment of choice for clients with a diagnosis of PTSD. A qualitative approach was used to assess the possible connection between the EMDR techniques as factors in individual preferences and …

Exploring Generational Differences Within The Nursing Profession: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Danielle Sienkiewicz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nursing practice has evolved since its initial presentation. The 2020 pandemic played a significant role in changing nursing dynamics. Acute care nurses have become responsible for a plethora of tasks once a patient enters the doors of their facility. While education and skills training can be implemented, there are other aspects requiring greater attention. Generational differences have become more apparent in practice. Generational differences are only recently gaining attention and could use more focus in large organizations. The workforce has become a combination of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. The Silent Generation, also referred to as Veteran …

Ensuring Careful Interpretation And Application Of The Bible Through The Lens Of The Covenants, James Kenneth Rainwater

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

For centuries, believers in Jesus Christ have turned to the Bible to discover His will for their life. For the most part, this discovery has resulted in joy and significance and has benefited the journeys of millions. However, there have been many examples where the misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the Bible has brought about devastating consequences. Wolves have crept in and used the Bible for their own nefarious purposes. This paper offers a bridge for believers to navigate many of the difficult passages of the Bible and their behavioral application. Specifically, this is achieved through a closer look at how …

A Comparison Of Depression, Anxiety, And Stress Amongst Male And Female Clinical Laboratory Leaders, Elizabeth M. Payne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the potential relationship between male and female emotional disparities -- specifically depression, anxiety, and stress -- in clinical laboratory leaders. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to determine levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in 16 male and 16 female clinical laboratory leaders at two laboratory sites in Long Island, NY. Through univariate ANOVA tests, the research evaluated if there are significant differences in mental health outcomes between female and male leaders in clinical laboratory settings. The results demonstrated that female leaders experienced significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to their male …

Effects Of Supply Chain Issues On It Digital Transformation In Fast Growing Louisiana Sme, John Estes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

COVID 19 lockdown restrictions hit the business world by surprise in 2020 resulting in various effects on businesses. Many businesses required their employees to work from home for weeks, months, or years at a time. This resulted in a push to digitization during a period the supply chains were also impacted by similar restrictions. Section one lays the groundwork for a single case study on the related effects to digital transformation on engineering services in a Louisiana SME. Section 2 covers the project, a single case study within a fast-growing engineering services business. The study findings answer four key questions …

Servant Leadership On Wellness And Perceived Organizational Support Of Police Officers, Kylene R. Paranto

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Perceived organizational support is an incredibly important workplace attitude as it involves taking care of employees’ needs and their well-being. Police officers across the United States are feeling helpless and need support more than ever surrounding their wellness. When supervisors and leaders within police departments have proper training and leadership skills that will inherently improve their awareness of their followers’ needs, the officers will begin to feel the tide shifting. This study explored how police officers measure servant leadership, perceived organizational support, and wellness. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between servant leadership and perceived organizational support as well …

Hellenic Cohesion: A Historic Approach To Transnationalism, Particularism, And Cosmopolitanism In The Greek Immigrant Communities Of Wyoming, Patrick Michael Pace

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Greek immigration to the United States began slowly in the late nineteenth century but found its stride by the second decade of the twentieth century. Behind the incrementally increasing numbers of Greeks emigrating from Greece was an economic collapse related to a mismanaged agricultural industry, leading mostly young men to pursue economic reward abroad in support of families and villages back home. Most early Greek migrants anticipated an eventual return home; however, many moved beyond simple sojourning into permanent settlement for a variety of reasons, including the establishment of proprietorships, the building of families, and nativist driven anti-immigrant legislation. For …

The Relationship Between Perceived Leadership Communication And Feedback On Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, And Professional Isolation Of Remote Workers, Simone I. Orlowski

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown have significantly contributed to the fact that teleworking has established itself in all branches of industry. With remote working, communication mainly occurs via digital channels such as emails, chat platforms, or video conferencing, and leaders need to ensure that communication is clear, regular, and effective to avoid misunderstandings and promote collaboration. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between effective communication and feedback from leadership with job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and professional isolation of remote employees. In a quantitative correlational study, participants were recruited from different branches in …

The Role Of Customers In Strategic Information Technology (It) Initiatives, Siddharth Aggarwal

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study focused on a small organization in the United States of America. The organization has IT departments that cater to the IT needs of its internal and external customers through IT products and services. Such organizations run full life cycles of product management and product development and often face off with situations to prioritize the use of their limited resources. Ideally, organizations focus on strategic IT initiatives that might be in the company's and its customers' best interest. However, instances occur when IT-driven initiatives lose that focus and might end up diverting resources toward the latest shiny technology and …

Physical Activity And Selected Elements Of Adolescents’ Digital Hygiene In Poland During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Magdalena Woynarowska, Anna Dzielska, Szymon Stanisław Wójcik, Mariusz Panczyk, Magdalena Bigaj

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The association between physical activity levels and digital habits has garnered interest, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to elucidate this association among secondary school students in Warsaw, Poland. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional investigation used a questionnaire to assess physical activity, intensity of device use, and two sub-scales of digital hygiene. The sample consisted of 629 students aged 15–19. Results: 31% of students reported high levels of physical activity, 27.7% indicated proficient control over screen time, and 33.1% demonstrated effective notification management. Statistical analysis revealed that moderate to high levels of physical activity …

Action Item Management Across Virtual Collaboration Meetings And Spaces, Chidambaram Arunachalam, Gonzalo A Salgueiro, Paul Anholt, Hazim Dahir

Defensive Publications Series

The concept of sharing key points and identifying action items based on a discussion in a virtual collaboration meeting is the most effective way of documenting the decisions made and tasks assigned during the meeting. However, meeting summaries including AI based summaries, does not provide information on whether the action items were already completed during the meeting. Proposed herein are techniques to determine completion of action items related to a specific topic based on conversations, real-time media, file share events across related virtual collaboration spaces and virtual meetings.

Public High Schools' Ability To Support Gis: An Ohio Case Study, Daniel Donaldson

The Geographical Bulletin

A survey instrument was employed to examine: the present and future computer infrastructure of Ohio's public high schools; technology funding; and the GIS awareness and perceptions of selected Ohio high school educators. Results suggest that introducing computer technology into the educational framework is a priority to Ohio's administrators and teachers alike. Furthermore, the number of technology funding sources is increasing, as is the number of dollars spent on computer technology. However, computer use in Ohio's public high schools is not ubiquitous. Nearly 40 percent of all schools surveyed do not have the computer infrastructure necessary for GIS use. While this …

Marketing A 'Sense Of Place': Representations Of Africa In Ecotour Web Sites, Daniel P. Donaldson, James A. Tyner

The Geographical Bulletin

Patterns and forms of international tourism have changed significantly over the past three decades. Specifically, ecotourism has emerged as an ostensibly environmentally and culturally sensitive option to more traditional forms of tourist activities. Taking advantage of the proliferation of modern communications technologies, ecotour agencies have utilized the World Wide Web to facilitate the marketing and promotion of their tours. This paper examines the implications of Webbased technology and tourism. Through a qualitative analysis of 30 ecotour Websites, we identify and examine dominant discourses which perpetuate the representation of Africa as a dark, empty, wild continent, still open for Western appropriation. …

Review Of Epidemiology, Prevention And Management Of Blood-Borne Viruses Experienced By Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Katiska Davis, Eliza Lock, Laura Thum, Gemma Crawford, Roanna Lobo, Odette Aung Thein, Shane Kavanagh, Jonathan Hallett

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

This review examines the epidemiology, prevention, and management of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia with a focus on hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. The review highlights the disproportionate burden of BBVs among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, influenced by historical, social, and cultural factors stemming from colonisation. Key findings include higher prevalence rates of hepatitis B and C compared to non-Indigenous Australians, with some progress in reducing new infections through vaccination and treatment programs. However, significant gaps remain in screening, linkage to care, and treatment uptake. The review …

Improved Regulation Of Maine Physicians: One Solution To The Medical Malpractice Crisis, Joanne Buttolph Steneck

Maine Law Review

Maine began regulating allopathic and osteopathic physicians around the turn of the century with the passage of two statutes, in 1895 and 1919, commonly referred to as the Medical Practice Acts. As originally enacted, these statutes provided for the establishment of boards, composed of physicians, and empowered the boards to examine and license all persons seeking to practice as physicians and surgeons within the state. The boards were also responsible for investigating complaints of noncompliance with, or violations of, the Acts' provisions, and for revoking licenses for such violations. The boards were left to undertake these licensing and review functions …

Federal Agency Nonacquiescence: Defining And Enforcing Constitutional Limitations On Bad Faith Agency Adjudication, Christopher C. Taintor

Maine Law Review

A leading authority in the field of administrative law has posited that "[t]he availability of judicial review is the necessary condition, psychologically if not logically, of a system of administrative power which purports to be legitimate, or legally valid." There is no question that judicial review is an imperfect check on agency action: it is susceptible to criticism for, on the one hand, the excessive limitations on its exercise, and on the other for the arguably inferior level of understanding from which courts must approach matters uniquely within the competence of particular administrators. Nonetheless, the courts remain "the acknowledged architects …

Accounting For The Harms Of Image-Based Sexual Abuse In Ireland’S Harassment, Harmful Communications And Related Offences Act, Lorraine J. Hayman

Journal of International Women's Studies

With the ubiquitousness of technology and advancements in Artificial Intelligence image manipulation, Image-Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA) is increasing worldwide. IBSA refers to the creation and/or distribution of sexual images without consent or the threat to create or distribute such images. Technological developments make it challenging to keep pace with the nature and extent of technology-facilitated crimes and their harms. In this paper, I utilise a feminist lens to examine and synthesise the existing literature on IBSA and its harms. Using this synthesis, I critically analyse the Republic of Ireland’s Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act (HHCRO), colloquially called Coco’s …

Bridging The Gap: An Action Research Pilot Study On Confidence Building For Women Design Students In Higher Education, Pia Mcfindlay, Ashton Margarete Moseley, Oratile Rose Mokgatla

Journal of International Women's Studies

Women are significantly underrepresented in the design industry globally, particularly in tech-driven industries like industrial design, despite an increasing number of women design graduates. While there are various factors that influence this underrepresentation, recent studies identify a general lack of confidence among women as a major contributing aspect. Women students tend to have lower self-assessments compared to their male peers, leading to limiting behaviours and barriers to pursuing opportunities in tech-based fields, which thus perpetuates gender disparity in design fields and STEAM. To address this disparity, the Industrial Design department at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa launched the …

Gender Inequality In The House Of God: Comparing Islam And Traditional Religions In Yorubaland And Lome In West Africa, Habibat Oladosu-Uthman

Journal of International Women's Studies

Comparative studies on gender among Muslims and worshippers of other traditional religions in West Africa are limited in number. The paper makes use of a combination of social sciences and humanistic research instruments through structured interviews and participant observation to study gender politics within Islam, Vodun (a traditional religion in Lome, Togo), and Sàngό (or Shango, one of the deities in Yoruba culture) in Western Africa. This study reveals that gender inequality transcends all barriers, be it the profane or the sacred. In fact, in large parts of West African societies where traditional and Islamic norms and values hold sway, …

The Role Played By Non-Governmental Organisations In The Protection Of Refugee Women In Greece, Rippy Das, Divya Rani

Journal of International Women's Studies

Although the refugee and migration crisis in Greece has intensified over the last decade, its gender dimensions are often overlooked. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Greece, however, have initiated efforts to address the rights and needs of refugee women. Despite being a prominent host nation for refugees, Greece faces challenges compounded by the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis and its role as the primary EU entry point during the 2015-2016 refugee crisis. The 2020 Greek asylum law and subsequent revisions have reduced safeguards for asylum seekers, disproportionately impacting marginalized groups such as women. Due to the Greek government’s limited resources …

The Maltese Gender Corrective Mechanism—Dashed Hopes And Aspirations?, Josann Cutajar

Journal of International Women's Studies

This paper explores the media discourse surrounding the implementation of the gender corrective mechanism in Malta, focusing on online English-language newspapers from March 26, 2019 to May 2022. The study analyses how women journalists, experts, and politicians perceived and reported on this legislative initiative, which aimed to address the underrepresentation of women in Maltese politics. By conducting a reflexive thematic analysis, the paper identifies recurring themes related to the historical context, barriers to women’s political participation, and the effectiveness of the quota system. The findings reveal varied perspectives among women on the mechanism’s potential to foster gender equality in parliament, …