Digital Commons Network^™

Engaging Chemistry Educators Through Virtual Roundtables: How The Covid-19 Pandemic Led To A Community-Wide Initiative, M. Taylor Haynes, Justin M. Pratt, Matthew A. Cranswick, Kyle A. Grice, Chip Nataro, Sarah E. Shaner, Kari Stone, Meghan Porter, Jeffrey R. Raker

Chemistry Department Faculty Articles

Members of the Interactive Online Network of Inorganic Chemists (IONiC) report the development and sustained efforts to provide virtual professional development sessions: Supporting Learning with Interactive Teaching: a Hosted, Engaging Roundtable (SLiThEr). SLiThEr’s emerged from a community need at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; since then, SLiThEr’s have become a standard event for the IONiC community. SLiThEr’s are real- time virtual community events, after which a recording of the SLiThEr is posted on the IONiC YouTube channel. In this paper, an overview of the structure, format, and emergence of SLiThEr’s is reported, followed by evaluation of SLiThEr offerings, a …

Around The Center, 1998 April, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL: Issue of "Around the Center", an employee newsletter. This issue has staffing and departmental updates, patient letters, and a feature on the Pediatrics Development Center.

Charter School Music Programs In The Southwest: Innovation Or Isomorphism, Joseph Justo Ulibarri

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The school choice movement is gaining popularity in the American education system, with supporters touting innovation and improvement in educational outcomes. Research on school choice efficacy—particularly comparisons between charter and traditional public schools (TPS)—is in its infancy. The purpose of this causal-comparative study was to compare the incidence of nontraditional music courses in secondary charters and TPS in the Southwest. Secondly, the study utilized the Climate for Innovation Measure (CIM) to quantify teachers’ perceptions of organizational innovation. This research collected a randomized sample (N = 30) of secondary charter school music teachers (n = 15) and TPS music teachers (n …

Evangelicals As Zionists And Peacemakers In Arab And Israeli Peacemaking Through Track Ii Diplomacy, Johnnie Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study contributes to the literature at the intersection of religion and foreign policy by focusing on one of the modern era's most protracted and relevant foreign policy issues (the conflict between Israelis and Arabs), the influence of one of America’s most powerful religious constituencies (evangelicals), and one of the most widely used tools of non- governmental diplomacy (Track II diplomacy). It provides original research related to the relevancy of Track II diplomacy by evangelicals, specifically pro-Israel or “Zionist” evangelicals, in Israeli and Arab peacemaking. The study analyzes three relevant case studies to answer the research question: “How are …

A Correlational Study Between Spiritual Bible Reading And Spiritual Formation Of Leaders Of Pentecostal Churches, Mark Kwablah Buku

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study aimed to understand the nuances of spiritual Bible reading and how it connects to the spiritual maturity of Christian leaders. The lack of spiritual formation in Christian spiritual leaders motivated this research. Literature abounds with spiritual reading, biblical engagement, interpretation methodologies, and the spiritual formation of Christian leaders. However, only a few studies exist on how people engage with the Bible. There is no empirical data on how biblical interactions impact spiritual development. The theory that guided this study was Jack Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory. With a quantitative survey methodology and non-probability sampling, data was collected from 91 …

Culinary Nutrition Education To Division 3 Athletes, Jonathan Robert Poyourow

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This paper examines the impact of culinary nutrition education on the athletic potential of Division 3 athletes using culinary nutrition education. In the last five to ten years, the number of registered dietitians (RDs) working with collegiate athletes full-time in the United States has increased dramatically. However, even at large Division 1 universities that have these staff members, many student-athletes may still be at increased risk of nutrition-related problems that impact physical and academic performance. They may also include inappropriate macronutrient and micronutrient consumption. While a great deal of research has been conducted at Division 1 universities regarding sports nutrition …

Relationship Between School Type And Quality Of Neighborhood With Children’S Social Vulnerability, Maryam Majd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative research was to explore the relationship between two potential risk factors, children’s type of school (e.g., public, private, charter, or magnet) and quality of neighborhood, with social vulnerability. Data were collected through an online survey from January through March 2024. Hierarchical multiple linear regression conducted in SPSS demonstrated that four out of seven quality of neighborhood attributes were significant predictors of social vulnerability (p < .05); as the neighborhood conditions of vehicular traffic, teenagers present in the street, graffiti, and vandalism increased, levels of social vulnerability also increased. Factor analysis confirmed the strong reliability and internal structure of the instrument used to collect the data. No significance was found for children’s type of school, but more studies are needed to determine if research on this variable can help inform decisions about school-choice policies. This study addressed the need for knowledge about contextual environmental factors and children’s well-being. This is imperative, as social vulnerability is an emerging psychological construct in developmental research that is correlated with all aspects of social interactions, as it negatively interferes with the process of forming social bonds with others. Building alignment between the goals of schools, government agencies, and communities is essential, so that parents have access to the support and resources needed to promote healthy development in children. Thus, the empirical findings from this study will help promote awareness of social vulnerability and help children receive the empathy, dignity, and respect that they deserve.

The Nexus Of Passive-Avoidant Leadership And Deviancy: Exploring Job Embeddedness, Anthony Maurice Da Silva

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers have experienced unprecedented changes in the workforce, including labor shortages and new legislation. As a result, many organizations, known as second-chance employers, proactively seek alternative talent sources to mitigate staffing shortages, including hiring candidates with criminal backgrounds, either voluntarily or as mandated by law. However, this approach has challenges; individuals with criminal records often lack essential support upon reentry and experience an increased risk of reoffending. Although existing literature indicates that the appropriate leadership style is crucial for behavior correction, there is a gap in the literature addressing employees who work for …

Effect Of Incarceration On Prisoners Diagnosed With Mental Health Conditions: Trauma, Treatment, And Transitioning, Ingria S. Haywood

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A mental illness is a medical disorder that affects a person’s behavior, thoughts, and emotions. It also has an impact on social and cognitive functions. Misuse of substances, biological factors, or abuse, whether as a victim or a bystander to repeated abuse, are all variables that contribute to mental illness. The prevalence of mental illness among incarcerated prisoners is alarming, and it is nondiscriminatory in that it affects both men and women. Several variables contribute to inmates’ susceptibility to mental health problems. Anxiety disorders, depression as a mood disorder, dementia, and schizophrenia are examples of these. A diagnosis of mental …

The Australian Woolen Industry; British Investment In Colonial Australia: Unraveling The Threads Of Economic Development 1788-1850, Marie Cecilia Hedrick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to examine the dynamic relationship between British investment and the development of pastoralism and wool production in Australia from 1788 to 1850. It focuses on the crucial period of early European settlement and the subsequent growth of the wool industry as one of their first major staple industries. This study utilizes a multidisciplinary methodology approach, integrating historical, economic, political, and agricultural perspectives in order to provide a clearer understanding of the factors influencing British investment decisions. Research is conducted into the motivations behind British colonization in Australia with an emphasis on the role of …

Changes In Colonial Perspectives On Native Americans And Native-Christian Hybridity, Thomas Kelly Hassani

Masters Theses

The American West of the late nineteenth century is too often exhibited by scholars who study it from the point of view of the westward expansion of European settlers on to Native land. However, the nuance of this short period should be examined with careful consideration. With westward expansion came the proselytization of Christianity to the Native populations who retained their own religious ideology. Historians and anthropologists have studied extensively the viewpoints of Christians and practitioners of Native faiths on topics of faith, prayer, and spirituality. However, similar examinations have yet to examine the more accepting and permissive attitudes that …

Residential Older Adults’ Experiences Related To Mental Health From Covid-19 Isolation, Heidi Beth Lubetkin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many illnesses afflicting older adults in U.S. communities, including mental health wellness. Since 2020, at the inception of the pandemic, older adults living in residential settings, including assisted living and skilled nursing homes, experienced harsh limitations in their everyday lives. The conditions included prolonged periods of isolation and reduced interactions between caregivers and loved ones. Therefore, it is important to understand the experiences of older adults living in facilities and their ability to adapt to the environment. The research question addressed in this study gained insight into the effects of mandated isolation on older adults. Using …

Maturing Out Of Crime: A Test Of The Integrated Maturation Theory Of Desistance, Kelly E. Kortright

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation partially tested a newer integrated theory, the Integrated Maturation Theory (IMT) of desistance. IMT argues that as maturation increases across five maturation domains (social role, civic, identity, psychosocial, and neurocognitive) the likelihood of offending decreases. Using a sample of serious justice-involved juveniles spanning ages 14-24 from the Pathways to Desistance Study, the individual and simultaneous maturation domain development of the social role, civic, identity, and psychosocial maturation domains, were explored for heterogeneity. Using a group-based trajectory modeling approach, including multi-trajectory modeling, this study advanced the understanding of maturation development by identifying sub-groups following declining trajectories of maturation and …

Voices Unveiled: Exploring Americans' Perspectives On Social Media Censorship And Advocacy For Reform Through A Qualitative Lens, Vail Forbeck

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study explored social media users’ perceived experience of censorship on social media communication platforms to better understand the effects of censorship on users. The study relied on a qualitative questionnaire with open-ended questions to collect initial data from 115 participants in the United States. Of the questionnaire respondents, 12 participated in an in-depth interview. The questionnaires and interview answers gathered information about users’ perceived experiences of censorship on social media platforms to determine whether there is a need for changes in current social media practices and policies. The study found that Black males between the ages of 25 …

Relational Dynamics Following Divorce: Evaluation Of An Online Co-Parent Education Program, J. Kale Monk

Journal of Extension

I sought to investigate the potential efficacy of an online divorce and co-parent education program. Across 9-years of evaluation data for the Focus on Kids online program, participants (N = 6,679) reported a high degree of program satisfaction. According to pre-post test reports, average knowledge of how to support children across the divorce transition increased. Participants also increased in their intention to avoid engaging in behaviors that are distressing for children. Overall, this study provides evidence for the efficacy of online divorce education and provides support for the advancement of online programming as a promising avenue for Extension more …

Lived Experiences, Perceptions, And Caregiving Trajectories Of Family Caregivers Of Youth With Substance Use Disorders (Suds) In Zambia, Ireen Manase Kabembo

Lingnan Theses (MPhil & PhD)

There is unequivocal evidence that family caregivers contribute to healthcare systems worldwide by providing care for persons with chronic illnesses in the home setting. his study explores the lived experiences, perceptions, and caregiving trajectories of 30 family caregivers of youth aged 16-24 diagnosed with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) in Zambia. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, a caregiving timeline, and participant observation and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Guided by the integrated theoretical framework of positioning theory and the theory of caregiving dynamics, this study offers a new lens for understanding caregiver’s experiences regarding caregiver identity, self-perceptions, interpersonal relationships, …

The Parthenon, June 19, 2024, Evan Green, Sarah Davis, Baylee Parsons, Scott Price, Abigail Cutlip, Maggie Gibbs

The Parthenon

No abstract provided.

Residential Older Adults’ Experiences Related To Mental Health From Covid-19 Isolation, Heidi Beth Lubetkin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many illnesses afflicting older adults in U.S. communities, including mental health wellness. Since 2020, at the inception of the pandemic, older adults living in residential settings, including assisted living and skilled nursing homes, experienced harsh limitations in their everyday lives. The conditions included prolonged periods of isolation and reduced interactions between caregivers and loved ones. Therefore, it is important to understand the experiences of older adults living in facilities and their ability to adapt to the environment. The research question addressed in this study gained insight into the effects of mandated isolation on older adults. Using …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Substance Abuse Treatment Within The Illinois Prison System And Its Effect On Recidivism, Maria Dimeglio

Master's Theses

The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of two specific substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs within the Illinois State prison system between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2015. This study utilizes a quasi-experimental research design to evaluate the corrections-based Therapeutic Community (TC) programs at the Sheridan and Southwestern Illinois Correctional Centers. These programs are evaluated based on the effects they have on reoffending, specifically highlighting their effect on young individuals. The final sample used in the present study was taken from a population of 72,906 men released from the Illinois state prison system between July 1, 2010, …

Understanding The Relationship Between Teacher Turnover And Student Success Across Ethno-Racial And Socioeconomic Demographics: An Analysis Of Massachusetts Public Schools, Jenna O'Leary

Master's Theses

Teacher turnover in the U.S. has risen over the past decades. Urban districts have faced some of the highest rates of turnover amongst their staff. However, scholars still debate the impacts of teacher turnover on student academic success. This study aims to better understand this relationship across both ethno-racial and socioeconomic student demographics, as well as school region type. To accomplish this, student test scores, across demographics, on the Next Generation MCAS state standardized test are observed in relation to teacher retention across three year cycles (2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019). Using correlation analysis and t-tests, it is found that there is …

Revenue Cycle Management, Mary Scalf

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The healthcare industry continues to navigate through legislative changes requiring a change from the fee-for-service model to a value-based model. Healthcare is required to balance quality care of the patient and financial viability. The general problem to be addressed is the inefficient adoption of a revenue integrity program within the revenue cycle management process resulting in a revenue deficit for healthcare providers. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to add to the body of knowledge exploring the possible inefficient insurance denial management process within non-profit hospital-owned physician practices resulting in revenue deficits for the provider clinics. The study …

Mass Incarceration: Racial Disparities Within The U.S. Criminal Justice System, Crystal Nichole Pugh

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The United States incarceration rate has remained steady at over two million people incarcerated within their criminal justice facilities. Among the U.S. criminal justice system incarcerated populations, African Americans are disproportionately represented contributing to its overwhelming numbers and overcrowded facilities nationwide. Studies have shown racial disparities experienced within the correctional system have been credited as a direct result of decision-making at various points throughout the criminal justice process. Previous and even current research on racial disparities within the criminal justice system have attributed much of its data to disproportionate minority contacts in the juvenile population and a heavy police presence …

Promoting Organic Seed Systems: Directions For Extension Programming In Northeast Seed Systems, Megnot Mulugeta, Daniel Tobin, Carina V. Isbell

Journal of Extension

Despite the importance of seed availability to food and agriculture, seed systems have received scant attention within Extension research and practice. To address this gap, we designed a participatory needs assessment revolving around the 2021 Northeast Organic Seed Conference to assess individuals’ experiences within Northeastern organic seed systems and their opinions concerning their resource access, challenges, and sense of empowerment. Based on a post-conference survey, our findings suggest that Extension’s future efforts should focus on facilitating partnerships between and among community-based/non-profit seed groups, at-home gardeners, seed companies, university researchers, and legal scholars to promote equity and inclusion.

Pastoral Prose And Civic Engagement: Crafting The Call To The Public Square, Christopher Ian Thoma

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis explores the relationship between creative writing techniques employed by pastors and congregational engagement in the public square. The central thesis posits that if pastors incorporate creative writing methods in extended weekly communications with congregants, then the necessary factors for engagement in the public square will be fostered, leading to attitudinal shifts demonstrated by increased congregational interest or participation in civil affairs. Through an extensive literature review, the thesis fairly examines historical and contemporary views of church and state, the Two Kingdoms doctrine, concepts relative to public square participation, Christianity’s waning cultural influence, communication science, developmental theory, literature familiarity, …

Perceived Influence Of Artificial Intelligence On Educational Leadership's Decision-Making, Teaching, And Learning Outcomes: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Mousa Fayiz Abduljaber

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand and describe the perceived influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on educational leadership's decision-making, teaching, and learning outcomes as revealed by educational leaders at a group of secondary public schools in the Middle East. The theory guiding this study was the distributed cognition theory, as it shows the dynamics of human cognition and AI cognition, making it possible to understand the perceived influence of AI. As the study reflected on AI’s past, present and, future, the central question that focused on this study is: How do educational leaders perceive the influence …

Exploring Land-Grant Institution Partnerships To Better Serve Audiences, Carol A. Roberts, Kenya N. Washington, Alicia Betancourt, Holly Abeels, Dreamal Worthen, Martha Monroe

Journal of Extension

Programs within the Cooperative Extension Service often develop partnerships with other agencies and organizations to better meet their common goals. While there are many benefits of partnerships, they can be challenging when the partners are unequal or have dissimilar needs. Using a survey and interviews with faculty and administrators at two land-grant institutions we explore the similarities and differences that pull and push at their partnership. Recommendations to strengthen partnering opportunities at the institutional and program levels are provided.

South Carolina Master Naturalist Program Evaluation: A Mixed Methods Approach, Susan T. Guynn, James H. Blake, Nathan Nemire, Joe Bible

Journal of Extension

The South Carolina Master Naturalist Program provides nature-based education to citizen volunteers who will promote environmental stewardship and is offered at six host sites across the state. We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation (the integration of qualitative and quantitative data) of the South Carolina Master Naturalist Program. Overall, the South Carolina Master Naturalist Program is achieving its mission but there were some differences between host sites. We identified where there were differences and why those differences may exist. We make recommendations to help strengthen the program across all host sites in the areas of program fidelity, delivery, and administration.

Beefsd: An Integrated And Intensive Extension Curriculum For Beginning Beef Cattle Producers, Krista A. Ehlert, Amanda D. Blair, Stacy Hadrick, Ken Olson

Journal of Extension

There is a strong need to increase the opportunities for and success of the next generation of beef cattle producers. South Dakota State University Extension provides a 2-year educational program called “beefSD;” the purpose is to provide producers with a holistic view of the beef industry, an appreciation for utilizing adaptive management to respond to challenges and opportunities, and skills to assess and manage factors that influence overall operation sustainability. The curriculum has four major components: 1) in person workshops, case studies, interactive webinars, and homework 2) out-of-state learning experiences, 3) ranch to rail program, and 4) networking and mentoring.

Problems With Authority, Amy J. Griffin

St. John's Law Review

(Excerpt)

Judicial decision-making rests on a foundation of unwritten rules—those that govern the weight of authority. Such rules, including the cornerstone principle of stare decisis, are created informally through the internal social practices of the judiciary. Because weight-of-authority rules are largely informal and almost entirely unwritten, we lack a comprehensive account of their content. This raises serious questions—sounding in due process and access to justice—about whether judicial decision-making rests ultimately on judges’ arbitrary and unexamined preferences rather than transparent and deliberative processes. These norms of authority are largely invisible to many, including parties appearing before the courts. They govern the …

Ua-Rg14-02 Public Affairs Office / Media And Community Relations/Publications, Archives

Archives Registers

Course catalogs, directories, various publications/booklets by title, newsletters, community programs, slides of USM, and calendars of events, Currents volumes, 1913-1999