Digital Commons Network^™

Insufficient Leadership Training For Ministers At Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church That Enables Them To Serve The Congregation In The Absence Of The Senior Pastor, Shirley J. Gamble

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this DMIN action research project is to create an operation and coaching module on every aspect of church ministry to train ministers. This project aims to establish a process following Ephesians 4:11-12, which states, “And He gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors, and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (King James Version). The Christian leadership training for ministers at MSMBC will enable them to serve the congregation in the absence of the senior pastor. The desired …

Mandatory Minimum State Compensation Statutes For Exonerees Of Wrongful Incarceration, Ellen Rochelle Mabry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Receiving fair and equitable compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration post-release continues to be problematic, inconsistent, and inadequate. This qualitative study addresses the gap in knowledge by exploring the unsatisfactory and varying compensation statutes across states that adversely affect and compound the experiences of exonerees through systemic injustices. The conceptual frameworks for this study are Weible & Sabatier’s guide to the advocacy coalition framework and Jenkins-Smith, et.al, using cultural theory to specify belief systems, coalitions, and sources of change. Research questions focus on how exonerees describe their experiences with unfair and unequal state compensation laws for victims of wrongful imprisonment, …

Sharing And Preserving Sociolinguistic Corpora On The U.S.-Mexico Border, Katherine Christoffersen, Isabella Calafate, Julio Ciller, Ana M. Carvalho, Ryan M. Bessett, Brandon J. Martínez, Hannia Rojas Barreda, William Flores, Richard Quiroz

Writing and Language Studies Faculty Publications

Since William Labov outlined the methodology for the sociolinguistic interview in 1972, sociolinguistic corpora have been used widely in the field of sociolinguistics to study diverse speech communities and linguistic features. However, most of these invaluable sociolinguistic collections have been available only to the individual researcher or research group, and these data sets usually disappear from use with that individual scholar. More recently, there has been a push towards data sharing in sociolinguistics, reflective of data sharing and the open science movement in other fields. Still, accessible online sociolinguistic corpora are few and far between, in part due to the …

Advancing Statistical Literacy In Eye Care: A Series For Enhanced Clinical Decision-Making: Part 2: Statistical Testing In Eye And Vision Research – Principles And Practices, Daniela Oehring

School of Health Professions

Purpose: To enhance statistical literacy in eye and vision Research through practical guidance on hypothesis testing, test selection, and interpreting inferential statistics. The goal is to reduce common analytical errors and support more clinically meaningful conclusions in ophthalmic studies.Material and Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify best practices in hypothesis testing, error control, and test selection relevant to clinical research in ophthalmologyand optometry. Simulated datasets, based on real-world clinical scenarios, were generated in Python to illustrate core concepts. Worked examples demonstrate the Impact of sample size, data distribution, and error …

Motivation To Hunt: A Qualitative Semiotic Analysis Of Moral Conflict Theory And Social Judgment Theory Of Influential Women Hunters On Instagram, Brittany Alexandra Hosmer Longoria

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative research investigates the motivations of women hunters on Instagram through semiotic analysis grounded in moral conflict theory and social judgment theory. Hunting is primarily male-dominated, but the emergence of women hunters on social media challenges stereotypes and shines new light on the dynamics between gender roles, ethics, and public perceptions of the values of nature. The study examines visual symbolism, focusing on how women hunters navigate moral conflicts and social judgment in an increasingly polarizing digital landscape. Through semiotic analysis and personal interviews, the research identifies themes including motivations to hunt, which often respond to or preempt criticism …

Differentiation In Artistic Expressions Of Worship: A Study Of The Front Royal Church Of The Nazarene, Stephanie L. Blakely

Masters Theses

While music is globally recognized as a common tool for expressing worship in both academia and the evangelical church, it is not the only art form mentioned in the Bible regarding acts of worship. The Council of Arts Accrediting Associations recognizes four main disciplines of fine and performing arts, including Music, Art and Design, Theatre, and Dance; however, in the twenty-first century evangelical church, music takes precedence as the main expression of worship. This qualitative study will gain insight into the pursuit and understanding of utilizing various art forms as expressions of biblical worship in modern-day worship settings within the …

A Comparison Of Preterist And Futurist Theologies Of The Olivet Discourse, Brian Douglas Daugherty

Masters Theses

This thesis explores and compares the preterist and futurist interpretations of the Olivet Discourse found in the Synoptic Gospels, with particular emphasis on Matthew 24–25. The study examines how each theological system interprets Jesus’ prophetic statements concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, His second coming, and the end of the age. Through critical analysis of biblical texts, historical records, and the writings of both early Church Fathers and modern scholars, the thesis argues that the events of AD 70—though significant—do not fulfill the entirety of Christ’s prophetic declarations. While preterists contend that most or all eschatological prophecies were fulfilled in the …

After His Likeness: The Holy Trinity And Creation Of Humanity, Chris Trevino

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation presents a comprehensive theological and interdisciplinary examination of the Holy Trinity (i.e., Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and its influence on human creativity, ethical development, and identity, as rooted in the Genesis creation narrative. Employing exegetical analysis of Genesis 1:26-27 alongside systematic theological synthesis, lexical‐theological study of צֶלֶם (ṣélem, image) and דְּמוּת (dəmûth, likeness), and historical‐doctrinal reflection on Chalcedonian definitions of the hypostatic union and kenosis, it develops a triadic framework that aligns the divine mind, heart, and will with human cognition, emotion, and volition. The study reveals that the threefold act of divine creativity (i.e., the Father’s …

Missionary Kids And Ptsd And Spirituality, Sabreena S. Massey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In recent years, studies have documented the importance of spirituality in assuaging psychological distress. Numerous studies have investigated the connection between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and spirituality and its positive outcomes among diverse populations. A diverse population that is insufficiently addressed in the literature is missionary kids (MKs). Further, studies investigating the relationship between spiritual struggles and PTSD among MKs remain under-researched. Moreover, while studies document the existence of mental health disorders among MKs, a formal investigation examining PTSD symptomology among MKs had yet to be conducted. For this study, participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling, and 81 …

The Effect Of Body-Worn Cameras On Police Credibility In The Courtroom, Robert A. Lindblom

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The use of Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) by criminal justice practitioners in America has increased dramatically during the past decade. However, many assumptions were made during this process about the effectiveness of BWCs without adequate research or evidence to back up the claims. Deploying new technology under such circumstances often produces unexpected outcomes. One of these unanticipated results may be the increased dependence of judges and juries upon video evidence. Increasingly, adjudicators may hesitate to accept an officer’s testimony at face value. Prosecutors may even be reluctant to pursue cases at all when video is unavailable to bolster the officer’s statement. …

Fire Officer Leadership: Understanding The Lived Experience Of New Firefighters, Tyler Ames

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study looked into how newer firefighters experienced working under fire officer leaders who utilized laissez-faire leadership tendencies. The goal of the study was to better understand what this kind of leadership looks like in the fire service and how it affects newer members in their day-to-day lives as well as emergency scenarios. Twelve firefighters from different departments across Utah were interviewed, and all participants had less than three years of experience. The interviews focused on the participants’ experiences, challenges, and feelings when working under this particular leadership style. Each transcript was reviewed and coded using an inductive …

Addressing The Difficulty Of Digital Transformation, Robert L. Mccaskill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the evolving landscape of modern religious engagement, digital platforms offer churches various opportunities to enhance their worship experiences. Still, many churches find it difficult to integrate digital tools into their ministry in the digital age. They are experiencing challenges incorporating online worship services and digital outreach activities while maintaining their core values. This dissertation-in-praxis examines the development of an online ministry at a local church struggling to adapt successfully to digital transformation. The ministry developed sought to supplement the physical gathering already occurring at the church. The online ministry aimed to ensure greater accessibility, spiritual nourishment, and community engagement. …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Adults With Personality Disorders Arising From Childhood Trauma: Understanding The Connection Between Childhood Trauma And The Development Of Personality Disorders In Adulthood, Patricia Osei Sarpong

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood trauma is one of the key factors that influences the development of personality disorders in adults. Even though there is a wealth of quantitative evidence linking early trauma to later mental health issues, there is still a great deal of uncertainty about the lived experiences of persons who had experienced such trauma and gone on to develop personality disorders. By examining these individual accounts, this study aimed to contribute to a more thorough understanding of the ways in which childhood trauma impacted personality development and contributed to the onset of personality disorders. In this study, 20 individuals, aged 20 …

The Perception Of Neurofeedback Therapy In Improving Sleep Quality And Reducing Nightmares In Women With Ptsd, Amber Nicole Garcia Roper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative research investigation sought to examine the lived experiences of women diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) undergoing neurofeedback therapy with a concentrated emphasis on sleep quality and nightmares. Sleep disturbances are very common in individuals affected by PTSD and sleep disturbances make a remarkable impact on the broader mental health dimensions. Neurofeedback therapy, an emerging type of brainwave therapy, claims to play a promising role in dealing with these issues. Following this approach to phenomenology, putting greater emphasis on the subjective experiences of participants, this study establishes an understanding of how neurofeedback therapy influences sleep quality and the …

Tough Decisions: Balancing Statutory Authority With Moral Obligation In The Federal Law Enforcement Community, Carl J. Lepard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Following the 2022 tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where an armed assailant killed 21 people and injured 17 others, the U.S. Department of Justice released a critical incident review of the law enforcement response. Absent in the Justice Department’s response was an analysis of the lack of statutory law enforcement authority for the 150 federal law enforcement officers who responded to the school that day. This qualitative phenomenological study aims to examine federal law enforcement officers’ understanding of their statutory authority to exercise police powers. It sought to understand the decision-making process of federal law enforcement officers …

The Discouraging Effect Of Overconfidence, Cary Deck, Klajdi Bregu

ESI Publications

Overconfidence is often viewed as encouraging entrepreneurs and CEOs to follow risky strategies such as entering new markets, engaging in innovation, or pursuing mergers and acquisitions. While such undertakings can generate excess returns and profits, overconfidence is frequently offered as an explanation for why so many business ventures fail. However, we show that in a setting where the decision maker does not know whether success is possible, theoretically, overconfidence can also have a discouraging effect, causing one to give up too soon. This counterintuitive result is driven by effectively misattributing one's own failure to an elevated assessment of the chance …

Trying Typicality—Plaintiff Cherry-Picking And Trial Distortion In Ramirez V. Transunion Llc And Beyond, Daniel Esses

San Diego Law Review

This Article supplements scholarly commentary on the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 decision in TransUnion LLC v. Ramirez by examining some critical issues that the underlying litigation in the lower courts raised but that the Supreme Court did not address in its review. Although scholars have analyzed and critiqued the Supreme Court’s Ramirez decision, the litigation as a whole has been neglected. The Ramirez trial and the Ninth Circuit opinions that preceded Supreme Court review are fertile vehicles for reflecting on important issues that arise when class actions are tried to a jury.

The Article argues that Ramirez illustrates a problem …

Motor Vehicle Operation Policy

Human Resources Policies

This Policy promotes a safe work environment and sets out the processes that apply to anyone who drives a Georgia Southern University (University) vehicle for business purposes.

Staged Reconstruction And Salvage Of A Small Finger With A Corticocancellous Distal Radius Autograft: A Case Report, Emmanuel Franco, Zayd Ayas, Frank Gerold

School of Medicine Publications

Finger reconstruction in the aftermath of severe trauma poses significant challenges in restorative surgery, particularly when addressing extensive soft tissue damage, comminuted fractures, and simultaneous neurovascular complications. This study presents a case of a patient with a complicated proximal phalangeal fracture who pursued digit salvage.

A 31-year-old Hispanic woman sustained severe injury to her right fifth digit during an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rollover resulting in an exposed, comminuted fracture of the proximal phalanx with extensive structural and neurovascular compromise. She pursued digit salvage despite a high risk of failure and complication. The patient underwent four operations over a six-month period, …

A Remedy For A Distressing Situation: Discrimination Against Children With Disabilities In Public Education, Joshua P. Sarsfield

San Diego Law Review

This Comment will focus on answering [the] question: are emotional distress damages available under the ADA? First, Part II of this Comment reviews the history of statutes addressing students with disabilities and explore the unavailable remedies when schools fail to uphold their responsibilities under the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and the ADA. Next, Part III argues that emotional distress damages are available under the ADA, based on the statute’s historical origin. Then, Part IV proposes several different solutions for emotional distress damages and suggest a framework for circumstances in which a claimant may …

5539-181 & 182 Prospect Park W. Brooklyn Llc V. Rivera

All Decisions

In this licensee holdover, the tenant moved for summary judgment, arguing he was a "disabled person" under rent control regulations and thus only required to prove one year of co-residency for succession rights. The landlord argued against applying the broader definitions from the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), favoring the narrower standard of the original Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as applied in a prior appellate case. The court, however, ruled that whether the tenant is a "disabled person" is a triable issue of fact and that it may appropriately look to the ADAAA for guidance, …

Does Spirituality Mediate Or Moderate The Adverse Effects Of Occupational Stressors On Mental Health In Law Enforcement Officers?, Erika D. Keplinger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Law enforcement officers are often exposed to occupational stressors that can negatively affect their mental health and job performance. Spirituality has been thoroughly researched as a restorative method to improve physical and psychological health concerns. There has also been an increase in studies on workplace spirituality. The existing research on workplace spirituality suggests that incorporating spirituality into the workplace increases employee well-being and decreases stress and burnout. Unfortunately, research on police culture often neglects spirituality. There is little research to show how spirituality could mediate or moderate the adverse effects of mental health on law enforcement officers. This quasi-experimental, cross-sectional, …

Is The Misdiagnosis Of Adhd And The Use Of Ritalin Related To Delinquent Behaviors And Problems With Social Anxiety Disorder In Young Boys?, Michael A. Cooper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses are increasing at a rapid rate. Young boys are known to be very energetic, inattentive, and lack the attention needed to function well in school or other venues, and based on these attributes, they often have a higher rate of diagnosis of ADHD than girls. The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental, comparative study was to assess the validity of retrospectively examining ADHD misdiagnosis and associated Ritalin use. Specifically, how proposed childhood misdiagnosis of ADHD was related to delinquent behaviors and social anxiety in adolescence and adulthood was examined. Results showed over half of the participants (n …

Critical Volunteer Stewardship: A New Model Of Volunteer Management For Churches, Kelly Lynne Reed Shaw

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In an effort to advance the kingdom without breaking the bank, today’s churches rely heavily upon volunteers to staff and operate a multitude of ministries. With biblical beginnings reaching well into the Old Testament, volunteerism and the call to serve remain an essential part of being Christian. Drawn from a unique blend of emergency management and human resource tactics, Critical Volunteer Stewardship (CVS) is a proposed model of volunteer administration that quickly identifies, assigns, and retains volunteer capital while building authentic interpersonal relationships. This researcher has implemented her CVS model at Captivate Community Church to mitigate the organization’s current inability …

The Impact Of Cold-Water Immersion On Mental Health: A Qualitative Study, Marcus Jean-Francois

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Historically, Cold Water Immersion (CWI) was used for physical therapy and is now a potential non-pharmacological intervention for mental health illnesses such as depression, stress and anxiety. In this study in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, we examined the personal experiences on the psychological impact of CWI on mental health. We examined twelve participants between 20-35 years of age that had a self-diagnosed mental illness to participate in six CWI sessions over the span of three weeks. This study predicts that CWI will have a significant reduction in their mental health illness compared to baseline levels. Employing a Hermeneutic Phenomenological approach, …

Hiring For Leadership Behaviors, Wes Gow

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem addressed in this research study was low morale and decreased employee engagement within the organization when candidates are assessed for technical acumen at the expense of leadership behaviors. The purpose of this study was to expand the understanding of how hiring managers assess leadership behaviors and the effect that poor leadership behaviors have on organizational morale and employee engagement. A single case study was conducted with 31 hiring managers within the researcher’s present employer, ABC, Inc. (pseudonym name). Data collection included one-on-one interviews, review of existing job interview templates, and follow-on interviews to reflect on recent job interviews. …

The Moral Identity Of School Shooters As Perceived By Impacted Community Members: A Qualitative Study, Danielle Caprice Rand

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study investigated the moral identity of school shooters as perceived by impacted community members. The existing literature lacks agreement on the root cause of school shootings and has been unable to provide a unified identification of school shooters. Discussed throughout school shooter research was the lack of a moral identity in school shooters. Further, research on moral identity has not covered one specialized group of individuals: school shooters. Moral identity, the mien of an individual’s moral thoughts and behaviors, was researched as a potential predictor of school shootings. This study employed a case study research design and used …

Post-War Traumatic Events Of Previously Incarcerated And Homeless Veterans: A Phenomenological Study Of Their Experiences Pauline Anne Leblanc Liberty University A Dissertation Presented In Partial Fulfillment Requirements For The Degree Of Doctor Of Education School Of Behavioral Sciences, Pauline Anne Leblanc

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The importance of this phenomenological study explains why veterans' homelessness and incarceration remain a significant problem in American Society. The purpose of the study was to describe the experiences of homeless/incarcerated veterans. The study also examined the lack of needed healthcare services for veteran prisoners and ex-offenders. Incarcerated and homeless veterans are at risk for various adverse outcomes after their release, such as a range of physical, mental, and other psychosocial problems, including moral injury. The study employed a descriptive phenomenological design, utilizing various data collection methods, including a demographic questionnaire and one-on-one interviews, which were audiotaped. Selected and interviewed, …

The Problem Of Stigma: Equipping The Christian Church By Exploring An Integrated Response, Charles Mcgannon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research has shown stigma to be a significant barrier to help-seeking and effective functioning in every domain of human life. Current research has shown that attempts to enact a solution to this problem have largely failed and, in some cases, have made the problem worse. With an integrated approach incorporating the biblical perspective and supportive scientific insights, effective solutions were explored while helping to connect the Christian and scientific communities toward common goals of removing barriers for help-seekers and reducing stigma and its effects on human lives. For the current qualitative study, 10 leaders within the Christian Church were interviewed …

Enhancing Parental Knowledge Of Functional Medicine Interventions For Adhd: An Educational Initiative To Improve Caregiver Competency, Julie Gammer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent pediatric psychiatric condition often managed with stimulant medications that carry potential side effects and may not address underlying causes. Research findings indicate a significant gap in caregiver knowledge and confidence in treating their child's ADHD with functional medicine strategies. This project develops an evidence-based educational initiative designed to enhance caregiver knowledge and confidence in applying functional medicine interventions—such as dietary modifications, targeted supplementation, and gut health restoration—as natural, root-cause approaches to managing ADHD symptoms. The project utilized a 30-minute audiovisual presentation and was evaluated using pre- and post-intervention competency tests, as well as a …