Digital Commons Network^™

Identification Of Leadership And Managerial Roles Used By School Superintendents To Manage Rural School Districts, Bruce Allen Gillham

Student Theses and Dissertations

The role of rural superintendents is multifaceted, often requiring a balance of strategic leadership, operational management, and community involvement within school systems that face resource limitations and geographic challenges. However, existing job descriptions for rural superintendents frequently do not reflect the realities of their daily tasks, resulting in misunderstandings and misalignments between governing bodies and the superintendents. This study aims to enhance the understanding of rural superintendents' roles by examining the experiences of four superintendents from southeastern Oklahoma. Drawing on Mintzberg's managerial role framework and an interpretive phenomenological approach, this research highlights the importance of the researcher's self-reflection and the …

Education Pandemonium: A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Middle School Teacher-Parents’ During The Covid Crisis, Harold Wayne Stanfield

Student Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative, phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of middle school teacher-parents (MST-Parents) during the COVID-19 pandemic in an urban school district in southeastern Mississippi. The research investigated how educators balance professional responsibilities with familial obligations during a public health emergency. Semi-structured interviews with eight participants identified role ambiguity, deficits in institutional support, and resource limitations as significant stressors. To balance their dual role demands, participants depended significantly on the assistance of colleagues. Numerous findings aligned with the study's theoretical framework; however, a notable limitation in participant feedback, particularly about instructional and technical support from their children's schools, necessitated additional …

How Does R.I.S.E. Arkansas Address The Reading Needs Of Students In The Delta Region Of Arkansas Public Schools?, Kristy Brasfield

Student Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study examined the impact of the Reading Initiative for Student Excellence (R.I.S.E.) Arkansas on reading achievement in grades 3–10 across Arkansas public schools from 2015 to 2023, with particular attention to high-poverty districts in the Delta Region. Using ACT Aspire Summative Assessment data, the study employed independent samples t-tests, paired-samples t-tests, repeated measures ANOVA, and multiple linear regression to analyze trends in student performance, subgroup disparities, and district-level variation. Results indicated incremental statewide gains in reading, with the most significant improvements occurring in early grades. However, schools with 70% or higher National School Lunch Program (NSLP) participation showed …

Machine Learning For Genetic Expression, Jennifer M. Fowler

Student Theses and Dissertations

The publication of the human genome in 1994 launched a computational biology revolution. Despite subsequent advances in sequencing and computing technology, the research community lacks robust and reproducible tools for interpreting differential expression of genes. Modern high-throughput genome sequencing and high-density arrays allow unprecedented computational analysis of genetic profiles. These developments combined with the rise artificial intelligence and machine learning powered by unprecedented amounts of data present new opportunities in bioinformatics. A novel gene ranking method, AUCg, is presented and applied to genetic expression data from patients with multiple myeloma. The AUCg method is compared to popular Bioconductor tools, and …

Designing A Hybrid Renewable Energy System For The College Of Engineering And Computer Science At Arkansas State University, Partho Das Neer

Student Theses and Dissertations

The main objective of this thesis is to design and analyze the performance of a hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) for the college of engineering and computer science at Arkansas State University. By implementing the framework as a micro-grid to supply the required power to the Lab Science West building of the college. The proposed model ensures energy reliability and cost reduction. The model consists of photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines (WT), and batteries, whereas MATLAB software was used to design the system and the Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) Software is utilized to analyze the effectiveness of the operation …

Integrating Biological Determinants With Sociological Models Of Criminal And Antisocial Behaviors, Christopher L. Pitts

Student Theses and Dissertations

This thesis tests an integrated biosocial model of adolescent deviance using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Comprehensive OLS regression models reveal that the predictors of offending are highly behavior specific. For example, biological sex is a strong predictor for violent crime but not for noncriminal antisocial acts, where sociological factors are dominant. The results demonstrate a complex interplay of factors, with prior offending history, biological traits (sex, BMI), psychological states (mental health), and social context (community efficacy) all emerging as significant, simultaneous predictors of various outcomes. These findings challenge the sufficiency of single-domain theories. They provide …

Mcsa Forum Minutes 09/22/2025, Morris Campus Student Association

Morris Campus Student Association

No abstract provided.

Quality Improvement Project Integration Of Mentoring Into A Registered Nurse Transition To Practice Program, Sherry L. Roberson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

New graduate nurses (NGNs), who constitute the majority of the nursing workforce, face significant challenges due to high patient acuity, staffing shortages, and long shifts, resulting in risks of burnout, turnover, and impaired patient care. Transition to practice programs, or nurse residency programs (NRPs), are evidence-based solutions designed to support NGNs effectively in their transition to the profession. A key component of NRPs is mentoring, which provides longitudinal support to ease this transition. Research shows that mentorship is associated with increased feelings of support, self-confidence, resilience, and competence among NGNs, while also reducing stress. A needs assessment at the project …

[Excerpt From] High Reliability Organizations (3rd Ed.), Cynthia Oster

Sigma Publications: Book Excerpts

Patient safety and quality of care are critical concerns of healthcare consumers, payers, providers, organizations, health systems, and governments. Evidence shows that high reliability methods enable the most efficient, safe, and effective care; however, these methods are not the standard in all healthcare systems.

Nurses—who are on the front line of providing safe and effective care—are ideally situated to drive high reliability. High Reliability Organizations: A Healthcare Handbook for Patient Safety & Quality, Third Edition, equips nurses and healthcare professionals with the tools necessary to establish an error detection and prevention system. In this new edition, authors Cynthia A. Oster …

The Echo: September 22, 2025, Taylor University

2025-2026 (Volume 113)

No abstract provided.

Designing For Shalom: Deepening Faith Integration In Engineering And Technology, Fred Haan

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Presented on 9/22/2025 at the event, Integration of Faith and Learning in the Disciplines at the University Pelita Harapan in Jakarta, Indonesia

The Pedagogical Experiences Of Online Correctional Education English Composition Faculty, Candace Chambers

Journal of Prison Education Research

With increasing efforts to expand correctional education college programs, previous research has primarily explored the experiences of instructors teaching in face-to-face settings. However, little is known about the experiences of faculty teaching in online correctional education programs within the United States. This qualitative, transcendental phenomenological study addresses this gap by examining the experiences of five online English composition correctional education instructors. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and a focus group. Findings revealed that instructors adapted their teaching practices to accommodate the online format, faced challenges in building relationships with students, and desired more professional development. These insights …

Heat Transfer Enhancement In Cold Plate Heat Exchangers With Trapezoidal Vortex Generators, Montgomery Miller

Student Theses and Dissertations

An experimental investigation was carried out to study the effects of trapezoidal vortex generators (VGs) as a method of thermal enhancement within cold plate heat exchangers. Three different cold plates were imbedded with VGs in the bottom of the flow passage of varying sizes (h/H = 0.195, 0.253, 0.36) and quantity, as well as a cold plate with no VGs to be used as a comparative baseline. Testing was conducted under the laminar, transitional, and turbulent flow regime (Re = 1000 to 5500) using distilled water as the coolant. Experimental results indicate that the addition of VGs provide a positive …

Case Managers As A Compass: A Strategy For Influencing First-Generation College Student Success, James Riley

Student Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of case managers who use case management as a strategy for improving first-generation student retention at higher education institutions in the United States. Case managers are college or university staff members who provide non-clinical one-on-one student support, including interventions, advocacy, referrals and follow-up services for students who are experiencing significant difficulties. Guided by Tinto’s Theory of Student Departure (1975) and Pascarella’s Model for Assessing Student Change (1980), this study involved interviews with 11 case managers from institutions across the United States and a subsequent review of 24 …

The Impacts Of The Lack Of Access To Information And Communication Technologies (Ict) On African American Students, Alisha Shanta Williams

Student Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study is to examine the relationship between the lack of access to information and communication technologies and the grade point averages among African American students in Arkansas Rural Delta schools. The problem addressed in this qualitative phenomenological study is limited access to technology among African American students in the Rural Arkansas Delta and its influence on grade point averages and overall academic success. This research strived to explore and portray the experiences of students facing extenuating circumstances and barriers with technological resources and the effect on their achievement. The methodology used is qualitative, and …

One Is The Loneliest Number: The Impact Of Social Isolation On Blaberus Discoidalis, Jaden Jackson

Student Theses and Dissertations

Isolation in humans and its consequences has been documented by researchers as early as the 1700s (McNeil et al., 1984). More recently, interest in the impact of social isolation has been renewed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the studies covering social isolation and the COVID-19 pandemic rely on self-report measures obtained through questionaries or interviews. Studying social isolation experimentally is difficult due to risk factors associated with isolating one from conspecifics. This is particularly true when studying humans. Animal models of social isolation are important as they allow for implementation of necessary controls needed to establish …

Comparing Standards-Based Grading And Traditional Grading Practices: The Influence Of Two Grading Practices On State-Standardized Test Scores And High School Grades, Brooke Daugherty

Student Theses and Dissertations

Standards-based and traditional grading practices were compared in this research by the analysis of state-standardized test scores and classroom grades. The problem described in this quantitative comparative study is that state-standardized test scores do not always match a student’s knowledge. Students, teachers, and parents are affected because learning must be communicated to all parties. The purpose of this study is to compare state-standardized test scores through traditional and standards-based grading practices in elementary and high school mathematics. Using the four stages of Kolb’s experiential learning theory, the grading experience was examined. Approximately 700 students’ state-standardized test scores and 350 classroom …

Overcoming Traumatic Barriers To Maximize The Potential Of College Students Facing Mental Health Challenges, Ashley Blanche

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to explore gaps in knowledge and support for young adults with trauma, with the goal of improving their mental health and academic success. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate how past trauma contributed to mental health challenges that affected the academic success of disadvantaged undergraduate students aged 18–25 in Mississippi. The problem to be addressed in this study was the lack of mental health consciousness in the college community as it related to past trauma in disadvantaged college students aged 18-25. This study’s theoretical framework was based on Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory, linking adverse …

K-6 Teacher Perspectives Regarding Pre-Covid-19 Digital Competencies Professional Development And Teaching During The Pandemic, Melissa Kay King

Student Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the impact of pre-pandemic digital competencies training on K-6 teachers’ preparedness for the rapid shift to remote and hybrid teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the sudden transition to online education, teachers, particularly those with limited technological experience, faced challenges in adapting to new digital environments. The purpose of this study was to explore how pre-pandemic training influenced teachers’ ability to effectively teach in these novel settings and identify the strategies they employed to overcome obstacles. The study was guided by sensemaking theory, which posits that individuals interpret new experiences based on their prior knowledge and existing …

Exploring Mental Health Services Within Elementary Schools In The First Through Third Grades: Post-Covid-19 Pandemic Case Study, Yolanda Y. Thomas

Student Theses and Dissertations

Exploring Mental Health Services Within Elementary Schools in the First Through Third Grade: Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Case Study An overwhelming amount of research shows that youth in America are experiencing a mental health crisis (Nelson, 2020), impacting students’ ability to self-regulate and self-isolation tendencies and emotional behaviors have increased resulting in the need to address school-based mental health services, the instructional support provided to early childhood teachers, and students' well-being. The problem investigated in this study was the impact of school-based mental health services provided in response to the experience of the pandemic and the holistic relationship between instructional support and …

Comparative Analysis Of Belt-Slider Pan Configurations On The Power Consumption Of Belted Conveyor Systems, Asib Ridwan

Student Theses and Dissertations

Conveyor systems are widely used in industrial applications for material handling, but their high energy consumption remains a significant challenge. This study investigated the influence of different belt-slider pan configurations on conveyor power consumption, aiming to optimize efficiency while minimizing energy losses. Three types of slider pans; mild steel, galvanized steel, and powder-coated steel, were analyzed under controlled experimental conditions to determine the motor torque and power consumption of a test conveyor system under various loading conditions. Torque and power values were derived, plotted, and comparatively analyzed across all configurations to determine performance differences. Static friction coefficients of each type …

The Effects Of Technology On Engagement Among Stem-Based Students At Historically Black Colleges Or Universities, Matthew Evan Bellinger

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study is meant to address the positive or negative instances of student engagement through technology use among STEM students at HBCUs. The intended demographic from this includes STEM students at HBCUs, but also administrators who have a role in enrollment or retention. The wider range of relevant parties is due to the purpose of this study which is to investigate the different forms of technology on STEM students and faculty as they are implemented in higher education at HBCUs. This was accomplished by connecting the technology used by students or faculty to either a Technology-Enhanced Learning environment (engagement) or …

Intouch Week Of September 22, 2025, New York Medical College

InTouch

• Major Clinical Affiliate Metropolitan Celebrates 150 Years
• Phillip Capozzi, M.D., Library Hosts College History Celebration and Exhibit Dedication
• Ph.D. Lab Coat Ceremony Marks a Milestone in Biomedical Discovery
• Dr. Okeoma Unlocks Hidden Clues for Potential HIV Treatment
• New Area of Concentration in Health Systems Management Launched
• TCDM Celebrates Grand Opening of the Albuquerque Campus
• Faculty Spotlight: Srihari S. Naidu, M.D., FACP, FACC, FAHA, FSCAI, Pushing Boundaries in Treating Cardiovascular Disease

Enhancing Disaster Response Through Mental Health Resilience: A Force Field Analysis, Veronica Portillo-Bradford

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Having a post-disaster program in place can offer survivors and emergency responders support, resource navigation, and resiliency planning. Human services workers in the field aid in disaster recovery and crisis prevention. The problem is that rural Nevada is already limited on resources and workforce with respect to mental and behavioral health response and recovery services. The purpose of this study was to identify unknown gaps within mental and behavioral health services in rural and frontier Nevada, in order to focus on advocating to enhance community resilience-related services post-disaster and potentially bolster resilience and disaster response preparedness. The framework for the …

Order Granting Motion To Modify 5th Amended Plan

Catholic Dioceses in Bankruptcy

No abstract provided.

New York Law School Magazine, Vol. 42, No. 1, Office Of Marketing And Communications

New York Law School Magazine

No abstract provided.

Empowering Tomorrow’S Lawyers In The Age Of Ai: The Nyls Approach, Jennifer Bancamper

NYLS Community News

No abstract provided.

The Rider (2025-09-22), Daniela Martinez Salazar

The Rider Archives

Vol. 11, No. 4

Qualitative Content Analysis: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners To The Method, Theories, Epistemology, Ontology, And Rigour, Ingela Bohm, Joachim Sundqvist

The Qualitative Report

Qualitative content analysis (QCA) is a flexible method of analysis, applicable within many epistemologies and on many kinds of data. This makes it suitable as a general introduction to qualitative methods, but students and other beginners sometimes have trouble grasping the associated concepts and ways of thinking. To facilitate their first foray into this new territory, we propose a five-step process of QCA that does not presuppose any foreknowledge of concepts such as levels of abstraction or what coding and categorizing can look like in practice. In our step-by-step guide, we also depart from some staples of QCA, such as …

Mmu: 09/22/25–09/28/25, Student Bar Association

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