Digital Commons Network^™

A Phenomenological Analysis Of African American Clergy And Congregation Weight Loss Interventions, Linda Fay Carper

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This phenomenological study examines the lived experiences of Houston African American clergy regarding their roles and effectiveness in leading weight loss interventions within their faith-based communities. The research addresses the gap in peer-reviewed literature on the impact of Houston-area African American faith-based leadership on the success of weight loss initiatives. Grounded in the Transtheoretical Theory, the study explores clergy perceptions of decisional balance, self-efficacy, and processes of change to inform future health interventions. Ten purposive participants, meeting the inclusion criteria of being clergy leaders in Houston-based congregations with at least 50% African American membership, shared their insights. Data were collected …

Secondary Teachers’ Perceptions About Strategies To Teach Reading Comprehension, Carol Judd

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study examined the challenges teachers faced in teaching reading comprehension to secondary students within the study school. Reading comprehension is a key skill for academic success, yet many students struggle to understand complex texts in subjects such as history, science, and mathematics. The purpose of this research is to assess how teachers perceive the integration of reading strategies in core content areas and the impact of professional development on their teaching practices. The conceptual framework used to guide this study was the social cognitive theory of self-efficacy, which suggests that teachers' beliefs in their abilities to implement effective strategies …

The Choir Effect: A Case Study On Adolescent Boys’ Academic Self-Confidence, Dedrick L. Guyton

Masters Theses

Realizing the cognitive and social benefits of choral participation in early adolescent boys may be critical in understanding their academic self-confidence. This qualitative research study examines large public school choral ensemble participation and the academic self-confidence of boys between the ages of twelve and fourteen. Previous studies on formal music education in children suggest that active music participation has academic and social benefits. However, research has not addressed the effects of early music exposure on adolescent boys who sing in a large public school choral ensemble. The research illustrates the experiences of approximately 20 twelve-to-fourteen-year-old male choral ensemble members within …

Geochemical Characterization And Predictive Soil Mapping Of Ice-Free Regions In Antarctica, Rachel Willmore

Theses and Dissertations

Antarctic soils are formed by extreme climate, minimal biological activity, and diverse geological settings. This study analyzes 201 soil samples across four ice-free Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions - North-west Antarctic Peninsula, Transantarctic Mountains, South Victoria Land, and North Victoria Land - to create a geochemical database (pH, EC, CEC, C and N, and ion concentrations) as well as to determine if there are consistent trends between geochemical properties and soil forming factors (SCORPAN). Despite variation in geochemical properties and SCORPAN covariates, some consistent trends emerged across all regions and individual Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions. Using SCORPAN covariates and multiple linear …

Local Food System Planning On Multiple Governance Scales: A Grounded Theory Analysis, Decker Ure

Theses and Dissertations

Local food systems (LFS) comprise the people, policies, infrastructure and practices of food production, distribution, and consumption in localized areas. LFS are becoming an increasingly important part of urban sustainable development and have recently gained significant traction in the urban planning and sustainable community spheres. Worldwide shocks to global food systems such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia war have further elevated global interest in LFS, bringing local food to the forefront of many communities as they try to insulate themselves and their food supply from future risk. However, despite this growing interest in and policy momentum for local …

A Meta-Analysis Of Seafood Species Mislabeling In The United States, Sarah Ahles, Christina A. Mireles Dewitt, Rosalee S. Hellberg

Food Science Faculty Articles and Research

Seafood is vulnerable to mislabeling due to complex global supply chains, varying prices, and the similar appearance of species. While numerous studies have been published on seafood mislabeling, the focus is often on species known to be commonly substituted. Therefore, the overall mislabeling rates of seafood sold in the U.S. remain unknown, especially for the most consumed species. The objective of the current study was to compile the results of seafood mislabeling studies into a single resource to provide informative statistics on U.S. seafood mislabeling. A meta-analysis was conducted on U.S. seafood mislabeling studies that tested commercial samples of bony …

Conquer And Prevail Issue 178 December 19 2024, Wofford College. Office Of Marketing And Communications

Conquer and Prevail Newsletter

No abstract provided.

A Phenomenological Study Examining How Ages Of Attention-Deficit Diagnoses Affect Adult Perceptions Of Achievement, Janeen Kingma

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenology was to discover how adults diagnosed with attention-deficit (ADD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), at different ages, view their experiences, and how the ages of diagnoses affected their view of educational achievement and occupational success. A qualitative research design was used to collect data about the experiences of adults who were diagnosed at different ages. Guiding this study were two educational theories: Bandura’s social-cognitive theory, which promotes self-efficacy, and self-determination theory (SDT) (Ryan & Deci, 2020), which proposes that all individuals innately pursue self-optimization. A hermeneutic approach was chosen to interpret the analysis of data. …

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Cbt) Interventions For Group Therapy For College Students Experiencing Depression, Ty Ogren

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This group manual was created to support college students struggling with a depressive mood disorder such as Major Depressive Disorder. The instance of mental health concerns, including depression, have increased greatly over the last several years. Depression is the most common mental health concern for college students, and the rate at which they experience depressive symptoms has exceeded that of the general population. Depressive symptoms in college students can lead to many concerns like poor academic achievement, self-isolation, poor diet and nutrition, and suicidal ideation (Liu et al., 2022). This group manual aims to equip college students struggling with depression …

The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Juvenile Delinquency, Abigail Holmquist

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

Youth that have been exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are at a much higher risk of delinquent acts and involvement in the juvenile legal system. This study includes discussion on two studies of ACEs, conducted by Felitti et al. (2019) and Cronholm et al. (2015), reviews the impact of ACEs on juvenile delinquency in certain demographics, and includes case examples of how I have seen ACEs impact previous clients I had on my caseload. Discussion includes examples of how Social Control Theory and General Strain Theory apply to the relationship of ACEs and juvenile delinquency. Future research recommendations …

Synthesis, Characterization, And Investigation Of Photochemical And In Vitro Properties Of Novel Zn(Ii) Phthalocyanine, Yasemi̇n Bayğu Yildiz, Ni̇lgün Kabay, Burak Yildiz, İpek Ömeroğlu, Mahmut Durmuş, E. Riza Karagür, Hakan Akça, Çağri Ergi̇n, Yaşar Gök

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

In our work, a new non-peripheral zinc(II) phthalocyanine bearing octa carboxylic acid ethyl ester derivative substituted triazole attached propylmercaptothiobenzylmercapto derivative was synthesized by the tetramerization reaction of phthalonitrile. The photochemical in vitro photodynamic activity of zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc-I), such as human non-small cell lung carcinoma cell lines, was investigated in this study. The singlet oxygen generation property of novel zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc-I) was also examined due to the significantly high singlet oxygen quantum yield of ZnPc-I (ΦΔ = 0.66). The antiproliferative effects of ZnPc-I were also investigated on A549 and H1299 cell lines, our results demonstrate that the ZnPc-I has …

Understanding Ammonia's Role In Mitigating Concentration Polarization In Anion-Exchange Membrane Electrodialysis, Abdallah Timmaoui, Mahmoud Ferhat, Nesri̇ne Souad Ferhat, Ahmed Hamdi

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

In processes such as electrodialysis, the applied electrical potential is constrained by concentration polarization at the membrane/solution interface. This polarization, which intensifies at higher current densities, impedes ion transport efficiency and may lead to problems such as salt precipitation, membrane degradation, and increased energy consumption. Therefore, understanding concentration polarization is essential for enhancing membrane performance, improving efficiency, and reducing operational costs. This study investigates the impact of ammonia buffer (NH₄⁺/NH₃) on sulfate ion transport through anion-exchange membranes, with a particular focus on limiting current density and concentration polarization under constant current conditions. Our findings demonstrate that ammonia effectively eliminates concentration …

New Naphthalene-Linked Pyrazoline-Thiazole Hybrids As Prominent Antilung And Antibreast Cancer Inhibitors, Hali̇li̇brahi̇m Çi̇ftçi̇, Masami Otsuka, Mikako Fujita, Belgi̇n Sever

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and HER2, pioneer members of the receptor tyrosine kinase subfamily, are frequently mutated and/or overexpressed in several types of human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and breast cancer, which are leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. EGFR and HER2-focused anti-NSCLC and anti-breast cancer studies encouraged us to search for new potential agents. For this purpose, in the current work, naphthalene-linked pyrazoline-thiazole hybrids (BTT1-10 and BTP1-10) were synthesized and examined for their antiproliferative effects on A549 NSCLC and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. According to the results, MTT assay showed that BTT-5 induced strong …

Proteoglycan 4 (Lubricin) And Regulation Of Xanthine Oxidase In Synovial Macrophage As A Mechanism Of Controlling Synovitis, Khaled A. Elsaid, Ling X. Zhang, Thomas Zhao, Ava Marks, Derek Jenkins, Tannin A. Schmidt, Gregory D. Jay

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Synovial macrophages (SMs) are important effectors of joint health and disease. A novel Cx3CR1 + TREM2 + SM population expressing the tight junction protein claudin-5, was recently discovered in synovial lining. Ablation of these SMs was associated with onset of arthritis. Proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) is a mucinous glycoprotein that fulfills lubricating and homeostatic roles in the joint. The aim of this work is to study the role of PRG4 in modulating synovitis in the context of SM homeostasis and assess the contribution of xanthine oxidase (XO)-hypoxia inducible factor alpha (HIF-1a) axis to this regulation.

Methods

We used Prg4FrtloxP/FrtloxP …

Synthesis, Structure, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis, And Molecular Docking Studies Of The Cocrystal Between The Cu(Ii) Complex Of Salicylic Acid And Uncoordinated Piracetam, Nazokat N. Yuldasheva, Ikram I. Abdullaev, Oybek I. Khudoyberganov, Lola A. Gandjaeva, Pirnazar K. Kodamboev, Elyor Sh. Samandarov, Adkhamjon S. Normamatov, Abror Kh. Ruzmetov, Yuldosh Y. Yakubov, C. Balakrishnan, Bakhtiyar T. Ibragimov, Aziz Bakhti̇yarovich Ibragimov

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

The cocrystal or supramolecular complex between Cu(II) complex of salicylic acid and uncoordinated piracetam has been synthesized. Its structure is characterized by element analysis, FT-IR, UV-Visible spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Spectroscopic methods confirm the formation of the metal complex while X-ray crystallography establishes molecular and crystal structure of the obtained compound. Binuclear Cu(II) complex of salicylic acid (complex molecule) is in the form of “Chinese lantern” and it interacts with uncoordinated piracetam by complicated system of H-bonds. However, according to the Hirshfeld surface analysis a contribution of the O•••H/H•••O contacts is only 24.9% while H•••H and H•••C/C•••H contacts account for …

Mechanism Of Impaired Cd8+ T Cell Activation During Ross River Virus Infection, Christopher Bullock

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Ross River virus (RRV) is a mosquito transmitted virus endemic to Australia that infects humans and causes acute symptoms of rash, fever, myalgia, and fatigue. Although systemic viral infection subsides within a few weeks, joint pain lingers in many patients for months. Active viral replication is not readily detected in this chronic phase, although persistent viral RNA has been found in the synovial fluid of patients. This can be studied in mice, which can be productively infected with RRV when inoculated in the foot. Like in humans, in the chronic phase of disease, viral RNA is still present in the …

Harnessing Extrinsic Dissipation To Enhance The Toughness Of Composites And Composite Joints: A State-Of-The-Art Review Of Recent Advances, Gilles Lubineau, Marco Alfano, Ran Tao, Ahmed Wagih, Arief Yudhanto, Xiaole Li, Khaled Almuhammadi, Mjed Hashem, Ping Hu, Hassan A. Mahmoud, Fatih Oz

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Interfaces play a critical role in modern structures, where integrating multiple materials and components is essential to achieve specific functions. Enhancing the mechanical performance of these interfaces, particularly their resistance to delamination, is essential to enable extremely lightweight designs and improve energy efficiency. Improving toughness (or increasing energy dissipation during delamination) has traditionally involved modifying materials to navigate the well-known strength-toughness trade-off. However, a more effective strategy involves promoting non-local or extrinsic energy dissipation. This approach encompasses complex degradation phenomena that extend beyond the crack tip, such as long-range bridging, crack fragmentation, and ligament formation. This work explores this innovative …

A Fast And Responsive Turn-On Fluorescent Probe Based On A Quinone Conjugated Alkoxy Derivative For Biothiols And A Cellular Imaging Study, Ulviyye Nemetova, Ayşe Nur Önem, Alev Er, Sefa Çeli̇k, Ayşen E. Özel, Sevi̇m Akyüz, Mustafa Özyürek, Si̇bel Şahi̇nler Ayla

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Detection of intracellular biothiols (cysteine (CYS), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and glutathione (GSH)) with high-selectivity and sensitivity is important to reveal biological functions. In this study, 2-(2-methoxy-4-methylphenoxy)-3-chloro-5,8-dihydroxynaphthalene-1,4-dione (3) (DDN-O) compound was newly synthesized and used as a fluorogenic probe (detector molecule) in the fluorometric method for the rapid, highly selective and sensitive determination of biothiols. The intensity values (λex = 260 nm, λem = 620 nm) of the product were measured by adding biotihols to the reaction medium at varying concentrations and the glutathione equivalent thiol content (GETC) values of each biotiol were calculated. Using the compoud (3), the reference biotiol …

Preparation Of Manganese-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots@Halloysite Nanotubes Composites Films For Advanced Uv Shielding Properties, Xiao Zhang, Bin Wang

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

The development of Ultraviolet (UV) shielding materials are of great importance to protect human's health concerns and prevent the degradation of organic matters. However, the synthesis of highly efficient UV shielding polymer nanocomposites is currently limited by the agglomeration of inorganic anti-UV nanoparticles (NPs) within the polymer matrix and limited absorption spectrum of UV shielding agents. In this study, highly effective manganese doped carbon quantum dots@halloysite nanotubes composites (Mn-CDs@HNTs/PAS) were successfully synthesized by loading manganese doped carbon quantum dot (Mn-CDs) into UV shielding effective halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) via solvothermal method, followed by polymerization modification. The results show that inorganic NPs …

Contributions Of Glacier Meltwater To Water Resources And Water Quality Below The Ablating Coropuna Ice Cap In The Arid Peruvian Andes, Alexis Rowley

Theses and Dissertations

Rapidly retreating glaciers in the arid tropics are an invaluable resource for communities that depend on meltwater to support drinking water, agriculture, hydropower production, and mining. There is limited understanding of how glacier loss will impact regional water resources, groundwater flow paths, and water quality, especially during the dry season. The Nevado Coropuna volcano in Southern Peru has one of the largest remaining ice caps in the tropics, but has experienced rapid ice loss in the past few decades and is projected to disappear in the next century due to climate change. Located in the northern Atacama Desert, the arid …

Computer-Mediated Communication And Artificial Intelligence Strategies In Arts Entrepreneurship, Anna Blake

Journal of Arts Entrepreneurship Education

This study analyzes the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) using computer-mediated communication (CMC) theory to prospect areas for innovation in an emerging field that is rapidly becoming integrated within our everyday lives as well as in the marketplace. In order to demonstrate how arts entrepreneurs can effectively and ethically leverage AI technologies to communicate with their audiences and stakeholders, I examine as case studies the work of individual artists including Grimes. The CMC framework is used to examine art as a form of communication, illustrate how AI changes the nature of art, challenge the extant concepts of identity and intellectual …

Legal Challenges Across State Lines: A Look Into Surrogacy Law In The United States, Taylor Paige Mutavdzic

Journal of Civil Law Studies

This essay analyzes the challenges arising from the fragmented legal landscape of surrogacy in the United States, where inconsistent state laws and a lack of federal oversight create significant uncertainties. Through a hypothetical case involving a same-sex couple, Sally and Jane, the study examines key issues, including the determination of parental rights, the legal status of children born through surrogacy, and protections for surrogate mothers. The essay argues for a more cohesive and transparent legal framework to address these complexities and safeguard the rights and interests of all parties involved in surrogacy arrangements.

Chilling- And Dark-Regulated Photoprotection In Miscanthus, An Economically Important C4 Grass, Jared Haupt, Katarzyna Glowacka

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

Tolerance of chilling dictates the geographical distribution, establishment, and productivity of C4 crops. Chilling reduces enzyme rate, limiting the sink for the absorbed light energy leading to the need for quick energy dissipation via non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Here, we characterize NPQ upon chilling in three Miscanthus accessions representing diverse chilling tolerance in C4 grasses. High chilling tolerant accessions accumulate substantial amounts of zeaxanthin during chilling nights in both field and growth chamber settings. Chilling-induced zeaxanthin accumulation in the dark enhances rate of NPQ induction by 66% in the following morning. Based on our data, the emerging ways for the unique …

The Impacts And Interplay Of Adolescent Personal Contexts And Sense Of Belonging To Mathematics On Postsecondary Stem Field Interests And Intentions, Monica J. Weir

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This quantitative correlational research sought to examine the relationship between high school students’ sense of belonging to mathematics and their interests and intentions to pursue fields of study and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). With a theoretical framework based on the belongingness hypothesis and social cognitive career theory (SCCT), the author explicitly linked the universality of the phenomenon of sense of belonging to individual, contextual, environmental, and experiential factors that influence career-related interest development. A sample of 328 high school students attending one private, Catholic, college preparatory school in the Upper Midwest of the United States responded …

Six-Month Follow-Up Comparing Ait And Eft In The Reduction Of Negative Emotions Associated With A Past Memory, Gregory Brown, Kavita Batra, Emily Dorin, Andrew Han, Arianna Palermini, Robert Sottile, Sherine Khanbijian

Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Faculty Research

Statistics have shown that about sixty percent of individuals with psychiatric illness do not respond adequately to standard treatments, yet only 1% of research studies are focused on developing new therapeutic strategies for these patients (McIntyre et al., 2023). This study investigated the long-term efficacy of Advanced Integrative Therapy (AIT) as compared to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), specifically evaluating the durability of the resolution of emotional distress tied to a single memory six months post-treatment. The study began with 72 participants: and 51 completed a follow-up survey, resulting in a response rate of 70.8%. The sample was predominantly female (65%), …

Implementation Strategies To Improve Medication Adherence In Adolescents (Aged 13 To 17 Years) With Antipsychotic Induced Weight Gain: Educational Toolkit For Clinicians, Joy Asike

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nonadherence to medication leads to relapses of condition, frequent hospitalization and poor outcomes. Although antipsychotics are effective in the management of mental disorders and psychosis, the side effects, especially weight gain negatively influence medication compliance. Anti-psychotics related to weight gain is one of the most concerning treatment-emergent side leading to a great burden on patients, parents, and clinicians. Obesity and antipsychotic-related weight gain increase the risks to short- and long-term physical health problems such as metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension. Evidence has shown that there is generally low guideline adherence regarding the monitoring of antipsychotics, especially in children and adolescents. …

Parents' Perceptions On The Impact Of Recreation On Emotion Regulation In At-Risk Youth, Latasha Harvey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the thoughts, attitudes, experiences, and beliefs of parents of at-risk youth participating in inner-city neighborhood programs regarding the use of fitness, sports, and cultural arts in recreation to attain emotion regulation. The self-determination theory, developed by Ryan and Deci (2017), guided this study. The theory is based on the principle that individuals possess the ability to think logically, manage their emotions, and judge optimistically. The central research question for this case was How do parents view involvement in recreation for at-risk youth as it pertains to emotional development? The study design …

A Phenomenological Study On The Mental Health Stigmatization And Faith Of Christian African American Genx Men, Kenneth Jerlette Mickie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The primary goal of this study was to examine the Mental health stigmatization and the faith of Christian African American GenX men. Mental Health within the African American community is a topic that is often considered taboo and seldom discussed. African faith plays a prominent role, many still experience contradictory feelings about receiving mental health treatment due to the worry of being judged and stigmatized. Therefore, it is critical to understand African Americans' perceptions of depression and views of depression treatment, including cultural stigmas and religious, spiritual, and socioeconomic barriers that may deter individuals from seeking or accepting treatment in …

Racial Reconciliation In Black And White: A Qualitative Study Of Live Mississippi Blues Music Communication, Christian Patterson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research effort is to investigate a problem regarding communication between Black and White Mississippians in live Mississippi blues music settings. The central research question for this study is as follows: Can live Mississippi blues music communication be used as a tool to strengthen race relations between Black and White Mississippians? Few studies exist regarding this matter. Understanding this phenomenon is relevant because racial reconciliation is critical to the Magnolia State’s future success, and research has proven that music can unify individuals. To facilitate comprehension, a thorough literature review describes Mississippi’s racial challenges from the …

Mental Illness In African American Women: A Transcendental Phenomenology On Self-Efficacy And The Treatment-Seeking Behavior Of Secondary And Post-Secondary Educators, Sasha N. Gordon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological research shows the influence of mental health treatment on the self-efficacy of African American women who are secondary or post-secondary educators in Northern Illinois. For African American women educators, taking care of their mental well-being and being aware of mental health conditions are crucial. Sharing personal stories and experiences can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Promoting awareness and understanding of mental health issues are vital in our communities, and access to resources and support are necessary. Using self-identity theory can aid in comprehending motivations and behaviors, leading to greater satisfaction and fulfillment and the prioritization …