Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating Mental Health Providers’ Knowledge And Attitudes Towards Stigma Among Teenagers Aged 13 To 19 Years With Mental Illness, Fredrica Murray-Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Limited knowledge and poor attitudes among mental health providers contribute to stigma towards individuals with mental illness, adversely affecting treatment experience and outcomes. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an educational intervention in improving mental health providers’ knowledge and attitudes toward stigma-based practices. The clinical question stated: Among mental health providers, does an educational intervention, compared to standard practice, improve knowledge and attitudes of stigma and promote evidence-based care delivery to teenagers aged 13 to 19 with mental illness within six weeks? The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) was used as a framework for implementing this study. The quasi-experimental …

The Role Of Standard Business And Biblical Principles In The Strategic Human Resource Management Practices Of Contemporary Protestant Churches, Brandon Marshall Mccutchen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Strategic Human Resource Management (HRM) practices have consistently evolved in the for-profit business sector to support business profitability. Nonprofit organizations have also adopted strategic HRM practices. Despite their status as tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, contemporary Protestant churches have not been included in the current literature discussing the use of strategic HRM practices in nonprofit organizations. Adoption of an HRM strategy varies across the spectrum of nondenominational Christian churches, and churches that are affiliated with a denomination. This qualitative study assesses the leadership perspective of five local churches to determine how standard business practices and biblical principles combine to create a formal …

The Christian Church’S Inclusion Of Children With Autism Who Experience Parental Incarceration: A Phenomenological Examination Of Christian Ministry Leaders’ Experiences, Julia Frances Vasquez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The United States has the highest incarceration rate worldwide. Parental incarceration increases children’s susceptibility to adverse childhood experiences and often results in the transmission of criminal behavior. Research on children of incarcerated parents and separate findings on the experiences of children with autism reveal that these children endure bitter societal stigma, even within the church. Stigma toward disability erects barriers to much-needed spiritual support. There is a gap in the literature concerning Christian outreach and spiritual community support for children with autism who experience parental incarceration. Understanding effective ministry support for these dually marginalized children and the barriers preventing access …

Divine Grace In Human Flourishing Amid Suffering, Sutjipto Utomo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Human flourishing is as potent as it is intricate. There is a need in the Christian context for a model of human flourishing among other available models. This current qualitative study seeks to gather insights into human flourishing amid suffering among Methodist clergy in Indonesia. The phenomenological approach delved into the essence of encountering the grace of the Lord and flourishing amid the adversities in their ministry. The purposeful sampling was carried out, and fifteen clergy participated in the semi-structured interviews. Their responses helped with gaining insights into the themes of God’s grace, suffering, and human flourishing amid suffering. The …

The Day Of The Lord As The Unifying Theme Of John’S Revelation, Jared Michael Quirk

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to argue that the day of the Lord (DOTL) is a major unifying theme within the book of Revelation. Chapters 2–3 of this study prepare the reader to accept this point by first arguing that the DOTL was a prominent theme in both the Old Testament Scriptures and the other New Testament writings besides Revelation (Matthew–Jude). After establishing the validity of the DOTL as a prominent theme in the biblical corpus (and thus as a theme worthy of John’s consideration), chapters 4–5 of this study focus specifically on the book of Revelation, highlighting how …

Understanding The Essence Of The Experience: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Students' Engagement With Gamification In Higher Education Asynchronous Courses, Pamela L. Huntington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the nuanced academic lived experiences of students engaging in online asynchronous gamification activities at Central Valley Community College District (CVCCD), a mid-sized community college located in California’s Central Valley. The theory guiding this study is Landers’ theory of gamified learning as it provides a framework for understanding how the intentional integration of game elements, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, can influence learning-related behaviors and attitudes, aligning directly with the study’s focus on how gamification impacts student motivation, engagement, and cognitive experiences in asynchronous online discussions. The central research question …

Passing The Torch: Evaluating Documentation Quality And Its Impact On Nurses’ Perceptions Of Communication Across Va Care Transitions, Shannon Collier Baker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Effective communication during transitions of care is crucial to ensuring patient safety and optimizing outcomes. However, current practices may fall short in supporting clear and comprehensive communication among healthcare providers, particularly during complex care transitions involving Veterans who have received targeted care coordination intervention outside of their primary Patient Aligned Care Team. The absence of standardized tools for handoff documentation exacerbates fragmented communication and ambiguity about the transfer of care management responsibilities, potentially leading to avoidable errors and care coordination failures. This project aimed to investigate nurses' perceptions of the adequacy of communication during the transition of moderate to complex …

Enhancing Collaborative Care: A Training Manual For Improving Veterans Affairs Mental Health Chaplaincy, Eddie L. Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In 2010, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) launched a study to investigate the integration of chaplains in mental health care. This research expands on that study by focusing on the critical need for enhanced collaboration between chaplaincy and mental health services at local VA facilities. While existing literature affirms the integral role of chaplains in addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals, significant gaps in awareness and effective collaboration practices were identified at the Marion, IL VA Health Care System (VHCS). This study aimed to assess and address the specific training …

Exploring Educators’ Perception Of The Influence Of Social And Emotional Learning Interventions On High School Mathematics: A Case Study, Imaga Eke Idika

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this multiple-case study was to understand educators' perceptions of the influence of social-emotional learning interventions on students' engagement in high school mathematics in the Alpha School District in the United States. The guiding theory used was Albert Bandura's social learning theory. This theory plays a crucial role in highlighting teachers' classroom activities that elicit observable behavioral changes in learners, which are critical to instruction, learning, and performance. The central research question was: What is educator perception of social-emotional learning interventions in high school mathematics? I conducted the study in four high schools that fully implemented SEL intervention …

The Efficacy Of Mindfulness, Breathwork, And Neurofeedback: A Holistic Approach To Healing, Cheryl Moore-Whidby

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the holistic impact of mindfulness, breathwork, and neurofeedback on individuals experiencing a range of emotional and physical health conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, cardiovascular symptoms, and other chronic illnesses. This investigation is grounded in multiple theoretical frameworks, including the Polyvagal Theory (Porges, 2009), Cognitive Theory (Beck, 1963), Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Maslow et al., 1943), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (Kabat-Zinn, 1990), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (Linehan, 1993). A total of 28 participants, approved through IRB review, engaged in 24 sessions across 30 days, divided between in-person and virtual formats. Breathwork …

Exploring The Impact Of Special Education Advocates On Service Acquisition For Racially And Ethnically Diverse Families In Virginia K–12 Public Schools: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Shelesha D. Taylor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the influence that experienced special education advocates had on the acquisition of special education services for racially and ethnically diverse families with children who have disabilities in Virginia’s K–12 school system. In this study, the influence of an experienced special education advocate was generally defined as the ability to help parents navigate the special education process, advocate for children with disabilities, understand their rights, and obtain appropriate services. Albert Bandura’s self-efficacy theory guided the study. The central research question was: “What are the lived experiences of racially and ethnically diverse …

Comparing The Effects Of Numerical Versus Syllable-Based Pedagogy On Kindergarten Academics, Tocorey C. Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of numerically based and syllable-based pedagogical approaches on kindergarten students in a school located in Duval County, Jacksonville, Florida. The Kodály Method, a well-established and effective music education strategy, offers numerous classroom benefits. Teachers can utilize both numerically based and syllable-based approaches within the Kodály framework. However, additional data are required to ascertain whether these approaches can enhance academic performance among kindergarten students. A quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of syllable-based music training on kindergarten reading scores and numerical-based music training on kindergarten math scores. The initial …

An Analysis Of Sport Science Practices And Standards In Collegiate Football, Corey F. Fitzgerald

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation presents the findings of a survey that identifies the sport science practices and standards utilized in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football programs. In total a fifty-two item survey instrument was administered that examines seven sections, including (i) demographics, (ii) current sport science practices, (iii) advanced technology, (iv) decision-making processes, (v) health and wellness, (vi) budget and resources, and (vii) comments. All generated numerical data was organized into a statistical analysis program, SPSS Statistics v 29.0.2.0 (© IBM Corporation). Correlations were conducted on data gathered from Likert Scale questions, using Spearman test. Additionally, comprehensive non-numerical subjective data was …

Exploring The Effectiveness Of Wearable Devices For Early Disease Detection, Chinonso Iwummadu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative interpretive phenomenological study was to explore the perceived effectiveness of wearable devices in facilitating early disease detection among patient groups, healthcare professionals, and healthcare administrators in the outpatient care setting. The central phenomenon investigated, involved the experiences, perceptions, and behavioral responses toward real-time monitoring and diagnostic engagement enabled by wearable devices. The theory that guided the study was the Health Technology Acceptance Model (HTAM), which supported inquiry into how perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived health outcomes shaped adoption behavior and clinical integration of digital tools. Data were collected from a purposive sample …

Fort Hays State University Tiger Weekly, August 29, 2025, University Relations

Tiger Weekly Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Approximation And Parameterized Algorithms For Covering With Disks Of Two Types Of Radii, Sayan Bandyapadhyay, Eli Mitchell

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

We study the Discrete Covering with Two Types of Radii problem motivated by its application in wireless networks. In this problem, the goal is to assign either small-range high frequency or large-range low frequency to each access point, maximizing the number of users in high-frequency regions while ensuring that each user is in the range of an access point. Unlike other weighted covering problems, our problem requires satisfying two simultaneous objectives, which calls for novel approaches that leverage the underlying geometry of the problem. In our work, we present two new algorithms: the first is a polynomial-time (2.5 + ϵ)-approximation, …

Whf Roadmap On Single Pill Combination Therapies, Enrico G Ferro, Mark Huffman, Orly Vardeny, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of mortality, with treatment adherence posing a major barrier to effective prevention and control. Single pill combinations (SPCs), also known as fixed-dose combinations, simplify treatment by combining multiple agents into one pill, improving adherence and reducing cardiovascular risk. This World Heart Federation Roadmap synthesizes the latest clinical evidence and identifies key barriers to SPC implementation, including limited manufacturing, affordability, regulatory complexity, and inconsistent guideline inclusion. Drawing on global expert input and health systems analysis, the Roadmap outlines practical, context-specific solutions to improve access, scale-up, and integration of SPCs into national strategies, especially …

Prefoldin Complex Promotes Interferon-Stimulated Gene Expression And Is Inhibited By Rotavirus Vp3, Yinxing Zhu, Yanhua Song, Dilip Kumar, Peter K Jackson, B V Venkataram Prasad, Siyuan Ding

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Timely induction of interferons and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) is critical for successful host defense against viral infections. VP3 encoded by rotavirus is implicated in interferon antagonism. However, the precise mechanisms remain incompletely understood. By conducting tandem-affinity purification coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, we identify the prefoldin complex as the top cellular binding partner of VP3. Rotavirus infection is significantly enhanced in prefoldin subunit knockout cells. Using proteome-wide label-free quantification, we find that prefoldin assists in folding ubiquitin-like-modifier-activating-enzyme-3 (UBA3), both of which positively regulate ISG expression. Through direct and competitive binding, VP3 interferes with the chaperone activity of prefoldin, leading to …

Investigating Extracellualr Vesicles Role In The Pathogenesis Of Acute Lung Injury, Ruben Manuel Luciano Colunga Biancatelli, Pavel Solopov, Tierney Day, Anca Dobrian, John D. Catravas

Cardiovascular Research Symposium

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small lipid-bound particles containing proteins and RNAs, whose role in intercellular communication and signaling is critical for homeostasis or inflammatory responses. Patients with acute lung injury display changes in EVs number, cargo content and signature compared to healthy individuals.

Hypothesis: We have hypothesized that EVs may play a role in the pathogenesis of acute lung, by transferring harmful mediators of inflammation and disrupting recipient cells homeostasis.

Methods: C57BL/6j mice (8-10 weeks old, 25g BW) were intratracheally instilled with 50µL of 5*1010- 11 EVs isolated from Human Lung Microvascular Endothelial cells (HLMVEC) exposed to 1 µg …

The Integration Of Agile Methodologies In Devops Practices Within The Information Technology Industry, Ashley Hourigan, Ridewaan Hanslo

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The demand for rapid software delivery in the Information Technology (IT) industry has significantly intensified, emphasising the need for faster software products and service releases with enhanced features to meet customer expectations. Agile methodologies are replacing traditional approaches such as Waterfall, where flexibility, iterative development and adaptation to change are favoured over rigid planning and execution. DevOps, a subsequent evolution from Agile, emphasises collaborative efforts in development and operations teams, focusing on continuous integration and deployment to deliver resilient and high-quality software products and services. This study aims to critically assess both Agile and DevOps practices in the IT industry …

Conceptualizing Sociotechnical Changes In Higher Education Institution Fundraising Practices Resulting From Popia Compliance, Tendani Mulanga Chimboza, Ronica Ramsout, Wallace Chigona

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

This qualitative inquiry investigates the sociotechnical changes in fundraising practices of Higher Education Institutions (HEI) resulting from compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) Act No 4 of 2013 in South Africa. POPIA imposes strict regulations for collection, processing, sharing and storage of personally identifiable information (PII). As the South African government continues to reduce subsidies in HEIs, a third-income stream has become important to support operational activities. A major source of a third-income stream for HEIs is fundraising. Fundraising practices are largely mediated through donor management systems (DMS) or Customer Relationship Management Systems (CRM) that rely on …

Toward Secure And Inclusive Educational Metaverse: Insights For African Countries, Nkosikhona T. Msweli

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The rapid growth of immersive learning platforms has introduced critical identity security challenges. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of over 200 publications (2005–2025) on AI and security issues in virtual educational environments, using Scopus as the primary source. Findings reveal a surge in research after 2022, with China, the U.S., and India as leading contributors, while African representation remains limited. Key concerns include cross-platform vulnerabilities, deepfake threats, and challenges in implementing blockchain-based identity verification. The study also highlights algorithmic bias and ethical issues in identity authentication, emphasizing the need for inclusive, transparent AI systems. The paper provides insights to …

Equity In Every Beat: Advancing Women’S Heart Health Through Early Identification, Education, And Partnerships, Cristy Ellen Jomoc, Patricia Etheridge

Global Advocacy

Equity in Every Beat: Advancing Women’s Heart Health through Early Identification, Education, and Partnerships is a global advocacy initiative addressing disparities in cardiovascular care among women.

Background: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women worldwide, yet it is frequently underrecognized and undertreated due to implicit bias, misdiagnosis, and barriers to care. With one in three women globally succumbing to heart disease, there is an urgent need for improved early detection and intervention. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), focusing on empowering …

Gratifications That Contribute To Compulsive Youtube Use Among University Students, Mkhululi Tshepo Ncube, Zweithini Mabhena, Wallace Chigona

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

This study investigated the gratifications contributing to compulsive YouTube use among university students. Compulsive YouTube use, marked by an inability to regulate consumption despite negative impacts to the user, is analysed through the Uses and Gratifications Theory (U&G) and Compulsive Internet Use (CIU). Specifically, the study examined how different gratifications—such as emotional support, habitual viewing, and escapism—drive compulsive use patterns. A cross-sectional survey strategy was employed, collecting data from 175 university students through structured online questionnaires. The study used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the relationships between the identified gratifications and compulsive usage behaviour. The findings …

Closing The Gap: A Global Advocacy Campaign To Promote Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis In Pregnancy, Marin Strong

Global Advocacy

Background: The risk of HIV acquisition is doubled during pregnancy compared to non-pregnant periods, and over one-third of vertical transmission of HIV (from mother to baby) is attributable to acute maternal HIV acquisition. Since 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a safe, effective prevention tool for pregnant and postpartum women at high risk for HIV acquisition. However, per the 2018-2019 Global Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Policy Survey, only 43% of WHO member states have policies in place aligned with supporting HIV PrEP in pregnancy. It is a critical time …

Employee’S Willingness To Engage In Information Security Incident Reporting, Ryan Moodley, Salah Kabanda

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Organisations employ several strategies for mitigating insider threats, and yet recent studies have shown that insider threats continue to surge. Strategies are mostly reliant on technological solutions and more recently, a human centered approach where the focus is on psychological profile and behavioural habits of the individual posing the threat (the insider). The role of employees in reporting the insider or in the reporting of security incidents has received limited attention. This paper, through a literature review synthesis, identifies the factors influencing an employee’s willingness to report an insider and consequently reporting of security incidents. Through a thematic analysis of …

Activity Hierarchy: A Sequential Process Model For Information Systems Research, Irja Shaanika, Tiko Iyamu

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Due to the lack of guidelines on how to apply the activity hierarchy (AH) of activity theory (AT), many postgraduates including emerging researchers, continue to struggle in their attempts to apply the theory as a lens. Also, the difficulty limits options in selecting theories in information systems (IS) research. Thus, the study’s objective was to propose a set of guidelines for applying AH in IS research. From a qualitative methods perspective, thirty-one articles were gathered. The interpretive approach was applied using the hermeneutic cycle to examine the articles. Based on the analysis, a model was developed. The model provides a …

The Shorthorn: December 4, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: November 20, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: November 21, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.