Digital Commons Network^™

Designing Break-Glass Access The Preserves Accountability, Hattin Gram Berryman

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

Development Of A Decision Aid For Single-Sided Deafness Intervention For Adults: An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study, Priya Karimuddanahalli Premkumar

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Individuals with single-sided deafness (SSD) encounter challenges such as difficulty localizing sounds, understanding speech in noisy environments, heightened auditory fatigue, and a diminished quality of life. The available treatment options for SSD are diverse, ranging from contralateral routing of signal (CROS) devices and bone conduction devices (BCD) to osseointegrated auditory implants (OAI), cochlear implants (CI), or even opting for no device at all. However, each of these treatment choices comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Navigating the decision-making process for SSD treatment can be challenging due to each option's unique pros and cons. Furthermore, there remains a …

Beyond The Heart: A Fatal Case Of Perforated Peptic Ulcer Presenting As Chest Pain, Noor Alkhawam, Hannah Runnoe, Colin Coughlin

Advocate GME

No abstract provided.

Induced Membrane Reconstruction (Masquelet Technique) For An Open Pilon Fracture With Segmental Bone Loss: A Case Report, Courtney Gaines, Andrew Silman, Dylan Patel, Akhil Reddy

Advocate GME

No abstract provided.

What If You Were My Fucked Up Dad And I Was Your Fucked Up Boy And We Cried Together, Ferris Ramirez

Theses

When I was six, maybe seven, my father said I would be disowned if I ended up a faggot. Twenty years have passed since I learned to perform as someone else around my father. As I come to terms with our irreparable estrangement, I present a question to the father I fail to connect with and to an imagined man: What if you were my fucked up dad and I was your fucked up boy and we cried together? This line of inquiry is the very title of my multimedia series, framing concepts of projection, queer desire, fatherhood, role-playing, and …

Optimization Of A Point Absorber Wave Energy Converter (Wec), Rutwa Dilipkumar Nagar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

This study examines the performance and optimization of a point absorber wave energy converter with a partially submerged spherical float. A comprehensive open-source computational framework integrates frequency-domain hydrodynamic analysis with time-domain simulation using Capytaine, BEMIO, and WEC-Sim. Hydrodynamic coefficients such as added mass, radiation damping, and excitation forces are calculated and integrated into the governing equation of motion using the Cummins formulation. A parametric analysis varies the float diameter and geometric configurations across several cases. Hydrodynamic coefficients and response amplitude operators are assessed to analyze system behavior and resonance characteristics. Results indicate consistent trends in normalized added mass, with radiation …

A Causal-Comparative Study Of Critical Thinking Skills In Community College And University Stem Students, Jason H. Tucker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to examine the relationship between STEM students’ classification (freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior) and their overall critical thinking scores among community colleges and universities in north central Ohio. This study is important because critical thinking has been shown to improve success in collegiate STEM programs and the future careers of their students. In addition, there has been growing interest in examining potential critical thinking differences between STEM students enrolled in two-year community colleges and four-year universities. The sample is composed of 231 community college and university students enrolled in STEM programs. Data …

No Place To Stand: Gender, Discipline, And The Contradictions Of Military Womanhood, 1945–1975, Angela Bouma

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

From 1945 to 1975, American servicewomen stood inside an institution that depended on their labor while restricting their place within it. The post World War II military relied on women to sustain administrative, technical, and medical operations across a widening Cold War landscape, yet guarded the authority and recognition attached to combat and command. Women kept global communications running, delivered medical care in field hospitals, and carried out intelligence work that shaped military decisions. However, legal and cultural boundaries limited the reach of such contributions.

The 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act formalized this tension. Regular status came with ceilings …

A Phenomenological Study Describing The Lived Experiences Of Fire Chaplains With Clinical Pastoral Education (Cpe) Training Within The Federation Of Fire Chaplains’ Organization, Chaplain Cooper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of fire chaplains with CPE training who used CPE competencies when caring for firefighters. The foundation of spiritual care was based on the ten identified competencies used in CPE. The gap addressed in this research was the lack of spiritual care training for fire chaplains. Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s model of companioning served as the theoretical foundation guiding this research. This model of care emphasized a human-centered, heart-based approach, including active listening, empathy, and the practice of presence, which were essential components for fire chaplains providing spiritual care. This …

Distraction Or Tool? Exploring The Relationship Between Social Media And Practice Habits Of Collegiate Music Students With Adhd, Marianne Nicole Mills

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study examined the relationship between social media use and the practice habits of collegiate music students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While social media platforms inspire collaboration, creativity, and educational resources, they also introduce potential distractions and barriers to initiating practice sessions, especially for students with executive functioning challenges. Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework, five applied music students at a small, private college in Florida participated in semi-structured interviews and kept reflective practice journals for six weeks. Findings indicated that social media served as a dual-purpose influence, supporting learning and community while also increasing procrastination, …

A Causal-Comparative Study Of Music Teacher Efficacy In Elementary Grade-Level Music Inclusive Classrooms Based On Special Education Training, Stanley N. Harris Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative causal-comparative study aimed to determine whether there is a significant difference in overall teacher self-efficacy scores between rural and urban elementary schools and between music educators with and without formal special education training. This study is important because teacher efficacy directly impacts teachers’ engagement in learning with students with special needs. Therefore, this study contributes to the literature on teacher efficacy by examining differences between music teachers with formal special education training and those without such training who teach in inclusive classrooms. The sample included 146 music educators from rural and urban elementary schools who teach students with …

An Exploration Of The Prioritization And Application Of Self-Care For Mental Health Therapists Working Within Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Mental Health Organizations: A Phenomenological Study, Elizabeth Lynn Leyva

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the prioritization and application of self-care for mental health therapists working within Mississippi Gulf Coast community mental health organizations. The theory guiding this study was Milton Rokeach’s belief system theory, which examined the significant impact of beliefs, attitudes, and values on decision-making regarding clinician self-care in personal and professional realms. The central research question for this study asked how mental health therapists in community mental health organizations described their experiences of prioritizing and applying self-care during and outside of therapy practice. There were three subquestions to support the central research …

The Influence Of Humility And Spirituality On The Relationship Between Work-Family Conflict And Mental Help-Seeking Attitudes In Skilled Trade Workers, Charles Dean Twellmann

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study examined the relationships among work-family conflict (WFC), humility, spirituality, and mental help-seeking attitudes (MHSA) among skilled trade workers in the United States. Skilled trade occupations are characterized by demanding schedules, physical labor, safety risks, and cultural norms emphasizing independence and self-reliance, factors that may influence occupational strain and attitudes toward psychological support. Although WFC and help-seeking have been examined in other high-demand professions, limited research has explored how humility and spirituality relate to these constructs within skilled trade populations. Validated self-report measures of WFC, humility, spirituality, and MHSA were administered to 196 skilled trade workers who were …

Wrestling With The Cold War, Robert M. Barnum

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines how professional wrestling functioned as a cultural arena through which Americans interpreted, dramatized, and emotionally processed the Cold War from the 1950s to the early 1990s. By analyzing wrestling storylines, character archetypes, promotional narratives, and fan responses, the study demonstrates that wrestling not only reflected prevailing geopolitical tensions but also actively shaped public perceptions of the ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. Throughout the Cold War, promotions deployed foreign “heel” characters—initially German and Japanese, later Soviet and Iranian—to embody national anxieties and reinforce patriotic sentiment. Soviet characters, including Nikolai Volkoff, Ivan Koloff, and …

Do Financial Institutions’ Senior Leaders’ Shared Vision Moderate Or Mediate The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence And Sales Professionals’ Work Engagement?, Jacob Glen Hill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The modern workplace is driven by rapid changes, complexities, and challenges resulting from disruptions in the global marketplace. The disruptions have prompted organizations to prioritize leadership effectiveness to navigate the required business changes better and maintain a competitive advantage. The prioritization of leadership effectiveness has brought emotional intelligence, transformational leadership, and employee work engagement to the forefront of research. This study evaluated the relationship between the emotional intelligence of financial institutions’ leaders and their sales professionals’ work engagement as mediated or moderated by the leaders’ communication of a shared vision. The sales professionals and their leaders at select asset managers …

A Phenomenological Study: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Veterans During Their Separation Transition, Nereida Valentine

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the phenomenon of the lived experiences of U.S. veterans’ during their transition into civilian life across all military branches. The theory guiding this study was Schlossberg’s 4S theory on adult transitions, this theory identifies what factors influence how veterans adapt to their transition into civilian life. Data analysis was led from this central research question: “What are the lived experiences of veterans’ and their academic readiness during their transition into civilian life?” The methodology used was transcendental phenomenological approach to understand the lived experiences of 12 participants and how they adapt …

Postpartum Depression: The Role Of Education, Age, And Family Social Support, Carrie B. Messick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to understand the moderating effect of age and family social support on postsecondary education in women experiencing postpartum depression. Postpartum depression develops within 4–6 weeks following birth and can last up to 2 years. Current estimates indicate that postpartum depression affects approximately 8% to 20% of women. Multiple factors influence the development of postpartum depression, including physiological factors, cultural and social influences, psychosocial characteristics, and genetics. The literature has explored multiple risk and protective factors, such as education, age of the mother, and social support, which are protective factors for postpartum depression. The literature …

Power Of Connection: How Communication Between Leaders And Employees Impacts Job Satisfaction, Keaira G. Turner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Direct communication in the workplace plays a critical role in shaping employees’ perceptions of leadership and the organization. This study examines the impact of Leader-Member Exchange Theory (LMX) on understanding the relationship between leaders and employees, with particular attention to how effective communication practices influence that relationship. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 27 participants, who were invited to share their workplace experiences with their supervisors. Using a hybrid coding approach, the data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes across participants' responses. Five key themes emerged, including (1) trust through communication, (2) transparency and …

Students Drive Instruction: Play-Based Learning For School Readiness, Sheri L. Showalter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the perspectives of integrating play with standards for promoting executive functions in kindergarten in two different schools in Japan. For this research, the integration of play with standards is defined as directed goals and expectations from governing schools/districts while still allowing child-centered, hands-on, collaborative play in kindergarten. The theory guiding this study is sociocultural theory. The central research question is: How do teachers implement developmentally appropriate activities that support executive functions for school readiness in two different kindergarten programs in Japan? This multiple case study explored the challenges and successes …

A Qualitative Case Study On Leadership And Organizational Dynamics In The Adoption Of A Learning Management System In Higher Education: A Post-Positivist Approach Using The Technology Acceptance Model (Tam), Ashley Hudson Tharpe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this flexible design, qualitative, single case study was to explore the process of a learning management system (LMS) transition and the perceptions of administrators, course designers, and faculty during that process at a higher education institution. The study focused on understanding perceptions of LMS adoption, using the technology acceptance model as a conceptual framework. Three research questions were used to address the problem by providing insights into the procedural, relational, and strategic elements of LMS adoption. Data was collected through 30 semi-structured one-on-one interviews, 33 reflective journal responses, and multiple institutional artifacts related to LMS migration. Six …

Singing Is Believing: A Case Study Of Worship Song Themes Sung By Sbc Churches, Cindy L. Beirne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a notable gap in scholarly research on whether a denomination’s beliefs are clearly and accurately represented in the songs used in corporate worship. This study examines the themes of Contemporary Praise and Worship songs and hymns used by a sample of Southern Baptist congregations and compares them with core beliefs in the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message. The study seeks to identify the intersection of the songs commonly sung, the importance of contributing to the formation and reinforcement of SBC beliefs, and the factors that influence song selection. This mixed-methods research study examined a sample of Southern Baptist …

The Lived Experiences Of Generation X With Social Media Use And Body Image Perception: A Phenomenological Study, Consuela Coburn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Social media use grows worldwide daily with several available applications having both positive and negative values. Several studies found negative effects on mental health and body dissatisfaction in adolescents and young adults. Existing literature predominantly focuses on young female participants, resulting in a gap in understanding the effects of social media use across other age cohorts. This phenomenological qualitative study explored the lived experiences of Generation X adults regarding social media use and the perceived effects on body image. Additionally, this study identified themes that emerged based on the semi-structured interviews of Generation X adults. NVivo 15, a computer assistance …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Within The First Two Years After Gray Divorce Among Middle-Aged Adults, April R. Hill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research was to explore the lived experiences within the first two years after gray divorce among middle-aged adults. Historically, the research has focused on young adults who have experienced divorce, with limited data on middle-aged adults divorcing after being married for at least a couple of decades. Utilizing the suggestion by Polkinghorne, phenomenological researchers conduct interviews with 5 to 25 participants who have gone through the same phenomenon. Thus, this researcher interviewed 14 participants, reaching saturation. These participants were operationally defined as middle-aged adults who have had recently divorced after 20+ years of marriage. This study …

Understanding Public School Montessori Teachers Who Align Their Methods Of Teaching Reading To The Texas Reading Academies: A Phenomenological Study, Christian T. Mcglory

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of K-3 public Montessori teachers who must align their methods of teaching reading to the Texas Reading Academies. To advance reading achievement for students, teachers must implement evidence-based instructional practices. The theory guiding this study was Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of cognitive development. The central question for this study was, “What are the experiences of public Montessori teachers who provide reading instruction to students and incorporate reading comprehension strategies through the implementation of Texas Reading Academies?” The data collection process included interviews with 16 teachers who provided reading …

A Phenomenological Study On The Lived Experiences Of Military Spouses With Secondary Traumatic Stress Who Are Married To Veterans Diagnosed With Ptsd, Trisha R. Perry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) in military spouses whose partners have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The theory guiding this study was Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (TMSC). The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of STS in spouses married to a service member with PTSD? Additional sub-questions addressed changes in worldview, marital satisfaction, and daily functioning. Criterion and snowball sampling were used to select participants who were married to service members with PTSD for the study. Following the hermeneutical phenomenological …

Creating An Adaptable Discipleship Training Guide To Address The Absence Of Young Adult Ministry Leaders At Church A, Braeden Fleck

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This guide was designed to address a lack of young adult ministry leaders within the researcher’s local church. This thesis project serves as a witness to the development and implementation of an adaptable discipleship training guide. The project proclaims that a flexible discipleship curriculum is the key to cultivating spiritual formation in young adults, specifically those belonging to the Z generation. The primary strategy behind implementation was to use short term intervention through a period of five consecutive weeks to assess spiritual growth of young adult congregants who attend a hybrid satellite church campus. The research project was catalyzed by …

Quantitative Study Of The Predictive Correlational Relationship Between Passenger Knowledge, Attitudes, And Behaviors In Aviation Ground Safety Events, Nikkolas Howard Kraay

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the relationships between passenger cabin safety knowledge, attitude, and behavior using the Knowledge-Attitude-Behavior (KAB) framework as the guiding theoretical model. Although prior aviation safety research has demonstrated a linear progression from knowledge to attitudes to behaviors, these studies were conducted primarily in Asian cultural contexts. The present study investigated whether this linear sequence would hold within a larger cultural passenger population. A predictive correlational design was used, and data was collected through an online survey completed by 194 adult airline passengers. The instrument measured cabin safety knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intent, along with demographic characteristics.

Data was …

The Homeschooled Student Athlete And Their Transition To College: A Transcendental Phenomenology Study, Michele Marie Sandon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to discover homeschooled student-athletes’ lived experiences as they transitioned to the rigors of academics, social settings, and athletic life at NCAA and NAIA institutions in the United States. This study was guided by Tinto’s integration theory, which offers insight into how college students experience academic and social integration. The central research question asked: What was the homeschooled student-athlete’s experience in transitioning to college? This qualitative study used a transcendental phenomenological design to examine those lived experiences. The data was collected from a purposeful sample of eleven homeschooled student-athletes through semi-structured interviews conducted …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Social-Emotional Learning Of Special Education Middle School Students, Stephen Thurman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the influence COVID-19 and related shutdowns had on middle school special education students' social-emotional learning based on teachers lived experiences at a middle school in north Georgia. At this stage in the research, the influence COVID-19 and related shutdowns had on middle school special education students' social-emotional learning was generally defined as how student social-emotional learning has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. The theory guiding this study was social cognitive theory, as this theory closely aligns with the topic of the importance of social-emotional learning and how students attain social-emotional …

The Changed Woman: Analyzing Narrative Parallels In The Stories Of Biblical Women And Musical Theatre Heroines, Finleigh Klein

Honors Projects

Musical theatre has become popular with audiences around the world. Many musicals contain stories of hope and overcoming obstacles, especially in narratives concerning young women. Since the Bible also contains a wealth of stories that focus on strong women, it is interesting to consider what connections may be found between the women represented in this ancient text and the female characters in various musical theatre productions.

With these potential connections in mind, I ask the question: how is the Biblical trope of the uplifting of women represented in songs sung by female characters in musical theatre? Furthermore, how can the …