Digital Commons Network^™

Change Of Knowledge, Attitude, And Behavior On Evangelism : Measuring The Changes Of Knowledge, Attitude, And Behavior On Pastors And Mission Leaders From Churches In Meru Town In Kenya, Esayas Solomon Wechefo

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Transforming Pastoral Ministry : Spiritual Formation Practices For Biblical Preaching, Jeffrien Joel Joseph

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Church Revitalization Through The Practice Of Spiritual Disciplines, Emmanuel Afful

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Climate Prediction As An Adaptive Force-Multiplier: Reasons For Hope In A Rapidly Changing World, Matthew D. Laplante

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

It's not unreasonable to feel pessimistic about our future under climate change. But "believing the science" doesn't require you to accept that we are headed toward apocalypse. It is true that human-caused climate change is real, it is underway, and our societies face many increased risks because of it. But that's just part of what climate science tells us about our future world. This same field is responsible for the recent and rapid development of tools and techniques that permit the identification of patterns in our oceans and atmosphere that will aid us in making increasingly accurate predictions about climate—the …

Displacement And Dreams: The Loss Of Home In A New South Town, Dora Helen Impson

All Theses

Despite much research regarding the experience of white city dwellers of Greenville, South Carolina, in the twentieth century, telling the stories of the city’s Black neighborhoods still remains to be done. This thesis chronicles the Black neighborhood of Little Texas, which was found northeast of the city’s central business district from its inception in the 1870s to its demise in the 1970s. By situating the city’s efforts to restrict and limit Black spaces within the historical framework of nationwide efforts of residential segregation ordinances, racially restrictive covenants, and city planning, this thesis argues that Greenville followed many other cities in …

Environmental Influences Of Zero-Sum Thinking And Its Outcome, Edison Sora Tan

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Zero-sum thinking refers to a generalized mentality or a belief that one person’s gain can only come at the expense of another person’s loss. In this research, I argue that people’s zero-sum thinking is, at least in part, influenced by the interacting characteristics of the environment, namely, resource scarcity and population density. This is because resource scarcity highlights people’s resource insecurity, particularly when population density accentuates potential competition for finite resources. Consequently, zero-sum thinking reduces trust and cooperation as people reduce their commitment to potentially risky social investments. Analysis with data from a large-scale field study and ecological data provided …

The Evolution Of India’S ‘Counter-Terrorism (Ct)’ Policy In The 21st Century, Mule Rohit Ashok

Journal of Terrorism Studies

The changing nature of modern terrorism has proved a major threat to the global security architecture. The 9/11 terrorist attack on the United States of America, the world's ‘Police State’, is apparent. Consequently, the international community launched collective fights at different levels to deal with it. However, the nation-state at the individual level also designed a ‘Counter-Terror (CT)’ policy mechanism within the scope of the foreign policy paradigm to safeguard national security. India, since its independence, has consistently faced security challenges from terrorism from its neighbours, and has followed the same suit. The major CT policy was grounded in the …

Emerging Technologies In Boko Haram's Operations And Counter-Terrorism Efforts In Central Africa, Abraham Ename Minko

Journal of Terrorism Studies

The interplay between terrorism and technology in Central Africa has intensified, particularly with Boko Haram’s rise. This research explores how emerging technologies enhance Boko Haram's operations and the corresponding counter-terrorism efforts. It examines Boko Haram’s use of social media for recruitment, encrypted messaging for secure communication, and advanced weaponry like drones and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These technologies have expanded Boko Haram’s reach and operational efficiency, challenging security forces. The study also evaluates technological countermeasures implemented by Central African governments and international bodies, including surveillance, cyber intelligence, and data analytics. It assesses the effectiveness of these measures, noting successes and …

State Sponsored Terrorism As A Tool For Proxy War, Brice Tseen Fu Lee, Juan Pablo Sims, Kotchaphop Kornphetcharat

Journal of Terrorism Studies

This paper explores the role of state-sponsored terrorism as a tool in proxy wars, examining its effectiveness in achieving short-term geopolitical objectives and its long-term consequences. By analyzing historical and contemporary case studies, such as Iran’s support for Hezbollah and Pakistan’s backing of militant groups in Kashmir, the paper demonstrates how states use financial, military, and intelligence resources to empower non-state actors. The analysis applies realist, constructivist, and asymmetrical warfare theories to understand the motivations behind state sponsorship and the risks involved, including blowback and international sanctions. The paper concludes by assessing the future of state-sponsored terrorism in light of …

The Impact Of Islam In The History Of Catholic Evangelization In Northwest Nigeria, Shichet Nache

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Abstract

Today, Nigeria is home for both Christians and Muslims. Before the arrival of Christianity and Islam in Nigeria, there was the indigenous African Traditional Religion (ATR). The different cultures, tribes, or ethnic groups in Nigeria had different modes of worship and religious practices in the light of this African Traditional Religion. Today, many Nigerians are either Muslims or Christians. Christianity and Islam have now dominated African Traditional Religion. Trade played a significant role in the transportation and establishment of Islam and Christianity in Nigeria. Northern Nigeria began to have contact with Islam between the ninth and eleventh centuries, while …

Killing Through Death: An Empirical Study On The Drivers Of Modern Suicide Terrorism, Leopoldo García Beneito

Journal of Terrorism Studies

Departing from the idea that suicide attacks are a special form of terrorism, this article aims to shed light on some of its characteristics and particular dynamics to help better understand the phenomenon and effectively combat it. To that end, the article begins by exploring the trend of both types of terrorism, suicide and non-suicide, for after reviewing the main theories and findings on the topic by the academia in the literature review section. Following this overview, four variables are identified as potential drivers of suicide terrorism: inequality, foreign intervention, political freedom, and Islamic faith. The expected relationship between these …

The Rise Of Cyber Conflict As A Policy Tool: A Comparison Of The United States And The People's Republic Of China, Sophia Radzim

Master's Theses

This thesis explores cyber incident trends and its effects on conflict resolution of interstate relationships between the U.S. and China. Key findings of this research discovered that the U.S. relies on diplomatic negotiations to resolve cyber conflicts and does not utilize an aggressive approach within the cyber domain. China, on the other hand, has aggressively expanded its cyber capabilities. They leverage cyber attacks to promote their technology, military, and economy sectors, while undermining the U.S.’ global status as a political leader and innovator. China’s dominance in cyberspace poses a great threat to the national security of the U.S. Through descriptive …

What Role Do Economic Interests Play In Improving Bilateral Relations Between Algeria And Morocco?, Sabrina Laib

International Studies (MA) Theses

Tensions between Algeria and Morocco began after Algeria gained independence from France in 1962, culminating in the Sand War of 1963. Since then, various mediation efforts and economic reconciliation attempts have been initiated, but have consistently been hindered by differing stances—particularly regarding the Western Sahara conflict. I argue that economic interests, especially those in illicit trade, are impactful factors that have negatively affected the bilateral cooperation between Algeria and Morocco. To explain the factors facilitating bilateral relations, this project explores four variables: mediation attempts, regional development schemes, trade, and illicit economy. Qualitative data is used to provide historical-contextual and thematic …

Contracted Wars, Compromised Oversight: Private Military Companies In Iraq, Afghanistan, And The Decline Of U.S. Accountability Standards, Brianna N. Buzzell

International Studies (MA) Theses

The Global War on Terror, beginning in 2001, started U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, facilitating the expansion of Private Military Contractors (PMCs) through a combination of operational necessity, strategic policy decisions, and systemic oversight failures. Despite their growing role, PMCs operate in legal and oversight grey zones. Despite a growing body of work on PMC accountability, there remains little agreement on how U.S. military interventions created conditions for their proliferation. This paper examines how U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan facilitated the expansion of PMC influence, resulting in reduced oversight and accountability for both the U.S. government …

Navigating Two Worlds: Lakota Intellectuals Adaptation To Americanization And Beyond, Allison Leigh Legaspi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Lakota people, part of the larger Sioux Nation, are indigenous to the Great Plains of North America. Their history is marked by centuries of cultural heritage, resilience, and profound challenges brought about by European contact and American expansion. The process of Americanization, which began with European colonization and continued through various stages of United States history, profoundly impacted the Lakota way of life. This dissertation explores and explains the complex journey of Lakota adaptation to Americanization, examining key historical intellectual figures, events, cultural transformations, social dynamics, and the ongoing efforts to preserve Lakota identity and traditions. How did these …

The Relationship Between Education And Entrepreneurship Within African American Women’S History As Evidenced By Eight Exemplary Success Stories, Louise C. Mckinney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The educational and economic achievements of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other institutions of learning parallel the rise of black entrepreneurial history in the 1900s. They contributed to the historical context of the African American narrative through individual development, political and social changes, educational advancement, and national and regional changes in the concept of black wealth. These institutions provided a new platform for African Americans to rebuild their lives and futures in the post-Reconstruction era. This study analyzes the connection between African American educational leadership and entrepreneurship by assessing the impact of black female educators and leaders who …

The ‘Monuments Men’ And Art In World War Ii, Sylvester M. Felder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research focuses on the 'Monuments Men,’ a group of civilian and military personnel from amongst the Allied Nations in World War II who dedicated themselves to protecting, preserving, and reclaiming Europe's artistic and architectural marvels. The thesis statement is art was highly valued by both sides during the war and fell into their operational and tactical planning and that the 'Monuments Men' were crucial to rescuing looted art and helping to establish some of the finest art institutions of the Western world, aiding in art provenance research and restitution. The dominant research question is why was art sought after …

Jet: The Engine That Changed Everything What, When, How, And Why, Richard Kazares

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation poses the question of just how important the introduction of jet engine technology was and is to the aviation industry and its place within the military and civilian segments of society. A corollary to that question is the premise that jet engine technology was virtually as crucial to the growth and impact of aviation as the introduction of the airplane itself. That is not to denigrate the importance of any means of flight and propulsion but to emphasize that aviation would not be anywhere close to where it is today without the jet and the level of its …

Dumy And The Nation: How Folklore And Folk Songs Help Compose A Distinct Ukrainian Narrative, Amy Herd

FCRH Honors Program Theses

Historiography and ethnography have played a critical role in the development of modern Slavic nationalisms, particularly in Ukraine. As these studies became increasingly popular in the nineteenth century, scholars and members of the bourgeoisie identified folk culture as the key component for the making of the modern nation. Viewed as an authentic window into national history and tradition due to their limited interaction with the modernizing world, rural folk offered the perfect opportunity to illustrate how Ukraine had always been distinct from Russia and its other historical oppressors. As folk culture fervor gripped the intellectual elite of Eastern Europe, however, …

The Rhetorical Use Of The Lower Classes In Three Primary Accounts Of The First Crusade, John Hannon

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzes the rhetorical use of the lower classes in three primary accounts of the First Crusade: Albert of Aachen, the Gesta Francorum, and Raymond of Aguilers — specifically with an eye towards the proper maintenance of the order of society through everyone performing their assigned role. Through a close reading of these three texts this study demonstrates how the three authors engage with and uphold versions of the idealized three orders model of medieval society. Though there is nuance between each source, broadly, each of the authors presents the lower classes as a force that needs to …

Innovation And Genre In Nonnus’S Dionysiaca, Arianna Loewen

Classical Studies Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Soldiers Of Fortune: A Historical Analysis Of American Mercenary Employment, Connor R. Fershin

War, Diplomacy, and Society (MA) Theses

In the Simba Rebellion, which occurred during the Cold War, senior American officials chose to employ mercenaries rather than rely solely on the United States military. Similarly, during the War on Terror, government bureaucrats elected to hire non-state actors to support the American military. To better understand these events, this thesis poses two questions. First, why did the United States government utilize mercenaries in those conflicts? And second, what factors motivate individuals to join a mercenary company in the modern era?

Research into various government databases revealed key documents pertaining to the decision to employ mercenaries in both periods. These …

In Memoir And Memory: Us Servicewomen Narrating 21st Century Combat, Kelly A. Taylor

War, Diplomacy, and Society (MA) Theses

Over twenty years after the initial invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003, much work remains to uncover the stories of US servicewomen. As the collection of oral histories continues and in the absence of letters, postcards, and other mail for analysis, their memoirs provide some of the first glimpses of the ways 21^st century warfare impacted their experiences in the US military. With shifting “front lines,” the prevalence of improvised explosive devices, and the need for new search tactics, women participated in high rates of combat. Nevertheless, the combat exclusion policy remained in place until 2015. …

An Msbe–Driven Advanced Air Mobility Post–Disaster Response System, Olabode A. Olanipekun

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

In this work, an overarching conceptual design model towards the realization of a proposed Advanced Air Mobility Post–Disaster Response System (AAMPDR system) was explored through the focal lenses of systems thinking (ST), socio–technical systems (STS) and model–based systems engineering (MBSE) paradigms. Initially aimed at providing intervention for casualties and aerial support to emergency rescue workers on the ground in the event of a hurricane disaster around the Gulf shore of the Mobile bay area, Mobile city, AL., the scope of this research subsequently expanded to include a global outlook. Thereafter, culminating in the development of a generalized AAMPDR system model …

“África Es Nuestro Corazón, Nuestra Sangre”: Cuban Revolutionary Internationalism In Africa During The Inter-Conference Period, 1966-1979, Nathan C. Sommer

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Cuban foreign policy demonstrated continuity in Africa between the Tricontinental Conference of 1966 and the Sixth Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1979. I look at Cuban involvement in African liberation movements of the mid-1960s to characterize the initial launch of Cuba’s yet-to-be fully developed Africa policy. Next, through the lens of the Ogaden War, I examine at the evolution of Cuban foreign policy in the late 1970s. By the time representatives from 82 countries came to Havana in January 1966, Cuba was heralded by the majority of non-aligned countries for their bravery and selflessness. By the late 1970s, significant …

Qualitative And Quantitative Analysis Of New Psychoactive Substances And Related Metabolites Using Liquid Chromatography-Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry (Lc-Im-Ms), Ralph Aderorho

All Dissertations

The increasing prevalence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in illicit drug markets has posed significant challenges for forensic and clinical toxicology, primarily due to the structural similarity and diversity among these compounds. This dissertation investigates the application of advanced liquid chromatography-ion mobility-mass spectrometry (LC-IM-MS/MS) techniques, using the high-resolution Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulations (SLIM) platform and the drift tube ion mobility spectrometry (DT-IMS), for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of various types of synthetic opioids, synthetic cannabinoids, psychedelics and xylazine. By combining IMS separations with mass spectrometry and targeted chemical derivatization, this work enhances the ability to distinguish and characterize …

Stereotypic Behaviors And Physiological Indicators Of Stress Occur In Horses With Restricted Durations Of Turnout, Elizabeth E. Rodgers

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The confinement of horses to stalls with limited or no turnout time restricts their natural roaming behaviors, which potentially increases stress and behavioral stereotypies. This study investigated the impact of turnout duration on behavioral and physiological stress indicators in healthy horses. Adult horses (n = 11) were enrolled in a 3 treatment (0-, 15-, and 60-minute turnout/day) Latin square design, including 3 12 d experimental periods over 6 weeks. Horses were acclimated to turnout (24.38 x 64.01m indoor arena) and stalls (2.74 x 4.87m - 3.66 x 3.66m) stalls prior to data collection on day 1. Experienced handlers managed …

A Trauma-Informed Study Of Combat-Related Loss: Sibling Descriptions Of Traumatic Grief And Bereavement Support, Ashleigh Carlin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how individuals in the United States describe their grief and the bereavement support they have received after experiencing the traumatic loss of a military sibling(s) due to hostile action while engaged in combat operations. Cohen and Wills' social support model, which demonstrates how social connections buffer the effects of stress and loss, guided this study to explain how the role of bereavement support, or lack thereof, influenced how surviving military siblings process their grief. The study sought to elicit in-depth responses that provided rich insights and descriptions. Data collection involved …

A Weapon In One Hand And A Bible In The Other: Places Of Worship Are Under Attack, Edmond J. Bergeron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative descriptive study aims to ascertain the degree of preparedness for reducing and preventing extreme violence and the countermeasures that are in place (or lack thereof) at houses of worship. All places of worship in this study are considered soft targets and not “holy ground” as traditionally referenced. The terms “places of worship” and “church” will be used interchangeably in this study. A place of refuge for both the physical and spiritual is now considered vulnerable as the congregants are focused on worship rather than protection from an attack. Violence against places of worship will be described at this …

A Secluded Cabin On The Outskirts Of Riverside: A 1937 Trial For Conspiracy To Have Gay Sex, Randall Stoner, Randi Stoner

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In the early morning hours of Sunday, March 14, 1937, a group of deputy sheriffs and military police surrounded a secluded cabin on the outskirts of Riverside and forced their way inside, arresting everyone on the premises for conspiracy to violate California Penal Code sections 288a and 286: oral copulation and sodomy. Though same-sex relations were outlawed, these men had sought to create a place of privacy for themselves—only to have it surveilled and raided by members of law enforcement. The subsequent trial, People v. Jordan, was a landmark case for the city of Riverside. Many histories of LGBTQ …