Digital Commons Network^™

The Relations Between Online Communication, Social Capital, And Well-Being In Chinese Preadolescents, Xiaotong Li

Lingnan Theses (MPhil & PhD)

In the digital era, preadolescents (aged 9–12 years) increasingly use social media platforms for communication and social interactions. However, research on whether online communication contributes positively or negatively to preadolescents’ well-being is inconclusive. Moreover, the underlying mechanism linking preadolescents’ online communication and well-being remains unclear. Hence, the research objectives are twofold. First, based on the concepts of social enhancement perspectives and self-determination theory, this study investigates the bidirectional relations and potential mechanisms between preadolescents’ online communication factors (including frequency, online self-disclosure, online perceived responsiveness) with four targets (family members, real-life friends, online friends, and online strangers) and well-being (including subjective …

Ras-Membrane Interaction And Oligomerization: There Is More Than Meets The Eye, Abraham C Sianoya, Vijay K Bhardwaj, Alemayehu A Gorfe

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Membrane association is fundamental to Rat sarcoma (RAS) function, driving both its physiologic signaling and oncogenic transformation. This review consolidates recent advances in the study of RAS-membrane interactions, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms underlying its membrane engagement and oligomerization. We first discuss the roles of RAS lipid modification and conformational diversity of its intrinsically disordered C-terminus in these processes, and we then examine the debate surrounding RAS dimerization and its potential role in the formation of higher-order oligomers. By integrating emerging insights into these issues, we offer our own perspectives on the driving forces of RAS oligomerization and propose potential new …

Piezoelectric Dc Generator Through Sequential In-Phase Polarization Variation, Hyun Soo Kim, Sunghoon Hur, In Woo Oh, Chulwan Lim, Huimin Qiao, Hyung Jin Choi, Min Seok Kim, Dae Sol Kong, Jong Hoon Jung, Joonchul Shin, Seung Hyub Baek, Jun Chen, Chong Yun Kang, Jeong Min Baik, Yu U. Wang, Shashank Priya, Seong H. Kim, Yunseok Kim, Hyung Suk Oh, Kyung Hoon Cho, Jungho Ryu, Hyun Cheol Song

Michigan Tech Publications

Energy harvesting has drawn growing interest as a reliable power source for IoT applications, with piezoelectric materials notable for their high sensitivity and straightforward integration. Their robust mechanical-electrical coupling also makes them ideal for harnessing environmental vibrations or mechanical motions. Still, standard piezoelectric harvesters inherently produce alternating current (AC), necessitating complex rectification steps and leading to substantial energy loss. This work introduces a direct current (DC) harvesting method that employs a novel in-phase polarization strategy, enabling a stable, continuous DC output. This approach surpasses prior attempts that offered only low or pulsed DC signals, achieving an open-circuit voltage of 33.44 …

August 29, 2025 Minutes, Swosu Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Investigating The Practice Of A Somatic, Mindful Christian Prayer And Breathing Practice On Public Speaking Anxiety, Robyn L. Middleton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of a mindful Christian prayer practice (The Jesus Prayer) combined with slow diaphragmatic breathing on communication anxiety. Participants (N = 80) included university students and members of the general public aged 18-60 who experience public speaking anxiety. Measurements included self-reported speech anxiety and heart rate variability (assessed via the WellHero app). Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed that the mindful prayer practice had no significant effect on participants' self-reported speech anxiety or RMSSD heart rate variability. A statistical trend of lower Baevsky’s Stress Index (another variable WellHero provided) was observed in the intervention group. This …

Lived Experiences Of Parents And Guardians Of Children And Adolescents With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome And Disruptive Behavior Disorders In West Virginia, Christine A. Barnett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of parents and guardians of children and adolescents with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) in West Virginia. Guided by social constructivism, the study highlighted the significance of collaborative learning in understanding the connection between NAS and DBD. Using a transcendental approach, the research sought to provide insight and comprehension into participants’ experiences and perspectives. Participants were recruited through purposeful sampling, including convenience and criterion methods. Eight parents and guardians participated in one-on-one interviews. Data was analyzed using the Moustakas approach and Saldana’s in vivo coding method. Four themes emerged: …

Associations Between Factors Of Unhealthy Lifestyle, Mental Health Issues, Chronic Illnesses, Environmental Health Risks, And Infertility In Females: A Cross-Sectional Study, Richard L. Huang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Infertility has risen rapidly in recent decades and has become the third-largest public health concern in the world. It has significantly threatened individuals’ psychological, physical, and social well-being, and it could be an early sign of severe health problems in the future. Furthermore, it also threatens the continuation of life and human civilization. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between individuals’ daily lifestyle behaviors, mental health status, chronic conditions, environmental health factors, and infertility by using cross-sectional quantitative methods. It benefits the public as the study raised awareness of potential risks and provided guidance to avoid …

A Qualitative Phenomenological Study On Perceptions Of Pregnancy Bias And Career Advancement In Music Education, Chelsa N. Keathley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative transcendental phenomenological research followed the perspectives of thirteen music educators across eleven states. The participants included five female secondary band directors, six male secondary band directors, one retired female secondary band director, and one male secondary administrator, along with the personal experiences of six mothers who currently serve as band directors in secondary music education. This study explored perceptions of gender bias within the field, focusing on issues such as the underrepresentation of women in secondary music education, negative societal perceptions regarding women in leadership positions, and the presence of a negative workplace culture. These factors were explored …

Low-Impact Functioning Autism And Psychotropic Medications, Angela N. Butler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

From the onset of the discovery of its existence, studies provided additional information pertaining to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), its influences on a child’s growth, everyday performance, including the capability to interrelate with people. Studies on appropriate medications to prescribe to ASD youth have yielded questionable results. Objective: This study’s purpose was to address adverse effects as an overall issue and re-evaluation of the psychotropic medications prescribed to Low-Impact ASD (LIASD) youth. Additionally, this study examined the process of diagnosing and supporting the reclassification of autism. Method: A mixed-methods design was employed, to review prescribed medications and determine the relationship …

A Phenomenological Qualitative Study: The Lived Experiences Of Women Diagnosed With Substance Use Disorders And The Stigma Associated With Their Disorder, Emily E. Fitzgerald

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of women with the stigma of being diagnosed with substance use disorders within the Northeastern United States. Women diagnosed with substance use disorders who experience significant barriers to recovery were defined as a vulnerable population that experiences significant adversities and hardships navigating stigma and the wellness process. Substance use disorders have been a rising public health issue that affect millions of Americans across the United States, and societal and self-perceived stigma have continued to mitigate recovery efforts and individuals’ access to treatment and healthcare. This study focused …

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, …

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 …

Understanding Workplace Stigma And Coping Strategies Among Those Living With Chronic Migraine In The Construction Industry, Brian T. Bailey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although a neurological condition, the cause of migraines is poorly understood. The problem is that the factors contributing to the stress and stigma associated with chronic migraine in the construction workplace are not well known. To address this problem, this qualitative case study explored what factors contribute to the stress and stigma associated with chronic migraine in the workplace in the specific context of the construction industry. The study asked the following: (a) How do workers living with chronic migraines experience and navigate associated migraine stigma in their workplace (e.g., cultural norms and disclosure)?, (b) What do workers living with …

Investigating “Sled Head” Phenomenon And Diurnal Patterns In Team Usa Bobsleigh And Luge Athletes: A Virtual Research Study, Garrett R. Augsburger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the relationship between training time, performance, and concussion symptoms among Team USA bobsleigh and luge athletes during a four-week training season. Recognizing the high physical demands and potential risks associated with sledding sports, the study aimed to understand the prevalence of concussion-related experiences and how training schedules might influence athletic performance and symptomology. Repeated measures quantitative design was employed using session-level survey data submitted by athletes following daily training sessions. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire assessing variables such as performance rating, fatigue, alertness, training intensity, sleep quality, and concussion symptoms. A total of 156 sessions …

The Influencer Effect: Impression Management In The Age Of Social Media And Online Dating, Erin L. Callahan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the relationship between individuals who follow social media influencers online and their impression management behaviors on online dating profiles. The central problem was defined as individuals adopting beliefs, goals, products, and news from the social media influencers they follow on Instagram. The theories guiding this study are Kelman’s Social Influence Theory and Goffman’s Presentation of Self Theory. This exploratory qualitative study employed comparative content analysis as its research method. Two sets of content were compared and analyzed: content from social media influencers (subjects) and the Hinge dating profiles of participants who …

Predictors Of Self-Efficacy In Single Mothers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Melissa L. Constable

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Single mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face significant difficulties. Challenges faced by these women have notable impacts on their psychological well-being and subsequently their families. Self-efficacy is a key construct to understanding psychological well-being and potentially a key area of intervention for these mothers. This study examined the factors of health care alliance, perceived social supports, and religious coping on maternal self-efficacy in 87 single mothers of children with autism. Findings from a regression analysis suggested that these variables have predictive power regarding maternal self-efficacy, F (4, 82) = 3.721, p =.008. Though when analyzed individually,© no …

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 …

A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Of The Role Of Spiritual Mindfulness Practices In Coping With Divorce Loss In Christian Women, Gale Louise Nicolai

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study aims to understand the role of spiritual mindfulness practices in counseling individuals who have experienced divorce. The theory guiding this study is the biopsychosocial-spiritual model, which recognizes the interconnectivity and mutual influence of biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. This data will be descriptive, using open-ended interview questions. Data analysis will be thematic. The study participants are women who self-identify as Christian at 1-10 years post-divorce. The independent variable is spiritual mindfulness practices. The dependent variables are women who self-identify as Christian at 1-10 years post-divorce.

Social Media And Mental Health According To Generation Z: A Health Belief Model-Based Cross-Sectional Evaluation Of Generation Z Adults’ Attitudes And Perceptions Of Problematic Social Media Use And Its Relationship With Depression And Anxiety, Michael Chad Gann

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Purpose: This study aimed to examine Generation Z adults’ attitudes and perceptions of problematic social media use (PSMU) as they relate to mental health problems (depression and anxiety) through the lens of the Mental Health Belief Model.

Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey gathered data from a convenience sample (N = 353) of Generation Z adults (age 18-30) after receiving approval from the LU IRB. The previously validated instrument battery included the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), the Patient Health Questionaire – 9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder – 7 (GAD-7), and the Greene (2012) MHBM subscales for perceived susceptibility …

Experiences Of First-Generation Nursing Students After Their First Year At An Hbcu: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Ari L. Cuffee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of first-generation nursing students (FGNS) after their first year at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). The central research question asked, “What are the lived experiences of first-generation nursing students who have completed one year at a Historically Black University?” The theoretical framework that guided this study was Banks’ theory of multicultural education. This theory demonstrated how educators taught FGNS using the multicultural education paradigm with strategies and procedures to make provisions for culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse students. Data were analyzed using Moustakas’ interpretive phenomenological …

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 …

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 …

Examining Credit Loss Faced By Military-Connected Students: A Causal Comparison Based On High School Mobility And Resilience Factors, Jamie Alicia Cannon Klink

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, causal-comparative study investigated the number of academic credits lost among military-connected high school students based on their geographic mobility: those who moved zero, one, or more than one time during their high school years, when controlling for the students’ resilience, as measured by the Current Experience Scale. Understanding the impact of geographic mobility on the resilience and academic credits of military-connected high school students is critical, as it exemplifies the unique challenges and obstacles this student population faces. A one-way analysis of covariance was used to test the hypothesis, but assumptions were violated and transformations were unsuccessful. Ultimately, …

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 …

Where Is God In Times Of Order And Disorder: A Practical Approach To Life Events With God, Chinedu Festus Onuigbo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to uncover what six next-generation females in Colorado, USA, encompassing high school through post-college, have experienced as they answer the question, "Where is God in times of order and disorder." Next generation refers to persons currently 25 years and younger. Pew Research (2019) reports, next-generation demographic during the transition from adolescence to adulthood may undergo one or more of the following: fall away from faith, question the existence of God, depression, and identity crisis. This researcher using phenomenology explored his Study Concept, a practical approach to experiencing life events with God using threefold biblical …

Adapt-3d: Accelerated Deep Adaptable Processing Of Tissue For 3-Dimensional Fluorescence Tissue Imaging For Research And Clinical Settings, Daniel D Lee, Kevin A Telfer, Deanna L Davis, Leon C D Smyth, Rahul Ravindran, Rafael S Czepielewski, Christopher G Huckstep, Siling Du, Kento Kurashima, Ajay K Jain, Jonathan Kipnis, Bernd H Zinselmeyer, Gwendalyn J Randolph

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Light sheet microscopy and preparative clearing methods that improve light penetration in 3D tissues have revolutionized imaging in biomedical research. Here we present ADAPT-3D, a streamlined 3-step approach to turn tissues optically transparent while preserving tissue architecture with the versatility to handle diverse tissue sizes and types across species. Unlike extensive lipid removal utilized by existing protocols, ADAPT-3D only partially removes lipids to preserve cell membranes, yet the non-toxic aqueous refractive indexing solution still rapidly turns tissues transparent while preserving the fluorescence of endogenous and antibody conjugated fluorophores. ADAPT-3D prepares whole mouse brains for light sheet microscopy in a 4-hour …

Excitotoxic Neuronal Death Requires Superoxide Entry Into Neurons Through Volume-Regulated Anion Channels, Kate Harris, Seok Joon Won, Gokhan Uruk, Nguyen Mai, Devran Ogut, Yonghui Zhao, Litao Xie, Paul Baxter, Katharina Everaerts, Rajan Sah, Raymond A Swanson

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Neuronal death in stroke and other conditions stems in part from stimulation of

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 …

The Shorthorn: November 16, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: November 09, 1979

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1970s

No abstract provided.