Digital Commons Network^™

One Arden Partners Lp V. Butler

All Decisions

In a nonpayment case, the court awarded the tenant a significant rent abatement (63%) due to severe apartment conditions. The landlord established its prima facie case for arrears. However, the tenant successfully demonstrated a breach of the warranty of habitability, proving extensive rat infestation (15-60% abatement), lead paint and leak issues (15% abatement), and a defective apartment door (7% abatement). The court calculated a total abatement of $37,337.68, reducing the landlord's money judgment to $21,575.02.

Ford V. Ford

All Decisions

The Appellate Term affirmed the Civil Court's order denying the tenant's motion to dismiss or for summary judgment and granting the landlord's cross-motion to amend the petition in a licensee holdover proceeding. Key legal points included that a trust's trustee is the proper party to maintain an action, and amendment to substitute the trustee is appropriate where, as here, the trustee signed relevant documents and no prejudice was shown. The court also found the conspicuous-place service of the predicate notice and petition was proper, supported by three attempts at different times. Additionally, the tenant's documentary evidence did not conclusively refute …

77 Varet Holding Corp. & 66 Graham Llc & Jf Arbours Llc V. Norman

All Decisions

In a nonpayment proceeding, the tenant moved for discovery related to a rent overcharge claim. The landlord opposed, arguing the claim was barred by the 4-year statute of limitations. The court granted the tenant's motion, finding ample need for discovery beyond the lookback period because the landlord only retroactively registered the rent increases, including vacancy and individual apartment improvements, in 2024, preventing the tenant from challenging them earlier. The court ordered production of documents like leases, contracts, affidavits, and cancelled checks to ascertain the validity of over $59,000 in claimed improvements.

14-16 30th Rd., Llc V. Hassan

All Decisions

This opinion affirms the Civil Court's order in a holdover proceeding concerning a rent-stabilized tenancy. The landlord commenced the action during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a delay in assigning a return date, consistent with CCM-210. The tenant cross-moved to dismiss, arguing improper service under RPAPL 733(1) because the petition was served years before a return date was set. The Appellate Term affirmed the Civil Court's decision, which allowed the landlord to re-serve an amended notice of petition with a new return date. The court emphasized that this solution was "reasonably calculated...to apprise" the tenant, acknowledging the procedural difficulties caused …

14-16 30th Rd., Llc V. Hassan

All Decisions

The Appellate Term affirmed the Civil Court's denial of the tenant's pre-answer motion to dismiss a holdover petition. The tenant argued that substituted service on "John and Jane Doe" was untimely. The court held that a personal jurisdiction defense cannot be raised on behalf of another party. Furthermore, the court reiterated that jurisdiction attaches upon delivery and mailing of papers, not solely upon the filing of the affidavit of service. Therefore, untimely filing of the affidavit of service, absent alleged prejudice, is not a jurisdictional defect and can be disregarded under CPLR 2001.

Personalizing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Regimens For Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Using A Biology-Based Digital Twin, Chase Christenson, Chengyue Wu, David A Hormuth, Jingfei Ma, Clinton Yam, Gaiane M Rauch, Thomas E Yankeelov

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Despite advances triple negative breast cancer treatment, ~50% of patients will not achieve a pathological complete response prior to surgery with standard of care neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). We hypothesize that personalized regimens for NAT could significantly improve patient outcomes, which we address with a patient-specific digital twin framework. This framework is established by calibrating a biology-based model to longitudinal magnetic resonance images with approximate Bayesian computation. We then apply optimal control theory to either (1) reduce the final tumor cell number with equivalent dose, or (2) reduce the total dose of NAT with equivalent response. For (1), the personalized regimens …

Case Study On Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University Marching Band From 1998-2011, Michael E. Young

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching bands have been at the forefront of entertaining crowds at football games for many years, from the innovative techniques in marching and maneuvering to orchestral arrangements of classical to popular music that capture the hearts of all music enthusiasts. The band that exemplifies this is the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) marching band, better known as the incomparable ‘Marching100.’ This world-famous marching band has performed on numerous occasions, such as the Super Bowl, Rose Bowl, and the President's Inaugural parades. A qualitative research case study will examine the halftime pageantry in the …

Social Media, Religion, And Anxiety: Comparison Of Age Groups, Kaye Eileen Redeker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Social media has become an integral part of daily life for all age groups. The current research is mixed, showing both positive and negative effects from social media on mental health. This study aimed to examine how the duration of social media use compared with anxiety levels, and if religiosity had any effect on social media use and anxiety. It also wanted to determine if there was a correlation between religiosity and social media use, and how social media use and religiosity predicted anxiety. This study filled a gap in research by extending previous studies beyond adolescents and by including …

Living The Text: A Phenomenological And Metacognitive Analysis Of Nehemiah 9 As The Embodiment Of Scripture In The Processing Of Stored Trauma, Dimitrije Stanojevic

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study defends the thesis that Nehemiah 9:5–37 is a sermon with psychotherapeutic qualities, aimed at processing unaddressed and cross-generationally stored trauma. It does so through two modes of interpretation: מְפֹרָשׁ “informing” andשֹׂום שֶׂכֶל “forming.” The sermon is delivered on the Day of Atonement, in the aftermath of a communal Scripture reading in Jerusalem, sometime after the return from the Babylonian Exile. Phenomenological and metacognitive frameworks inform the analysis of the passage as transformative and identity-shaping, grounded in repentance and self-reflection.

This textually rich passage weaves together quotations, allusions, echoes, reinterpretations, and summaries—likely the result of multiple editorial hands. Yet, …

The Lived Experiences Of Neurodivergent Students In A Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program: A Qualitative Study, Tracy Lynn Meyer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As postsecondary institutions strive to become more inclusive for students with disabilities, increasing numbers of neurodivergent students are enrolling in higher education. However, retention rates for neurodivergent students remain significantly lower compared to their neurotypical peers. This disparity presents challenges for institutions where there is a lack of awareness of and understanding how to effectively support the needs of neurodivergent students, particularly in clinical mental health counseling programs. This qualitative study analyzed the experiences of neurodivergent students diagnosed with autism, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, or related conditions in a clinical mental health counseling program. Through a Semistructured interview, the study …

Entrepreneurs’ Inability To Address Employee Grievances In The Small Business Industry, Tedford Hope

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Grievances are common in work, indicating major impediments to employee performance. Employee grievances lower productivity, motivation, and work happiness, damaging firms. This flexible design qualitative study investigated and improved understanding of entrepreneurs' failure to resolve employee concerns in Los Angeles' small businesses, resulting in lower organizational performance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants—4 executives and 11 junior staff. A thematic analysis identified eight main themes: Small business employee grievances; reasons for grievances; consequences of grievances; resolving grievances; leaders' responsibilities in handling grievances; leaders' mindsets that hinder or improve grievance management; and how to improve leaders' mindsets. Data from this …

A Qualitative Study On Investigating The Power Of Scripture To Conquer Depression By The Bible's Psychological Power Among Christians, Joana Okudzeto Biekro

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study investigated Evangelical Christians’ experiences using the Bible as a means of treating their depression in Orange County, CA. Depression is a painful mental illness that affects people all over the world. The rationale of the study is to add knowledge to Christians and thought leaders who seek a cure to the struggle of depression from a Biblical perspective. The research process is presented in the study of depression among Christians. Guided by these three questions, “How do evangelical Christians describe their experiences using the Bible as a means of treating their depression?”, “How do participants describe their …

African American Pastors' Experiences With Intimate Partner Violence Among Church Members, Nickeshia Evans-Gordon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the perspectives of African-American pastors’ experiences with (IPV) among their congregation members. This study applied the religious coping theory (RCT) to the experiences of African American pastors with IPV among church members. This helped the study provide valuable insights into how pastors utilize religious beliefs, practices, and support systems in addressing and supporting individuals affected by IPV. African-American pastors may encourage individuals experiencing IPV to seek solace, strength, and guidance through their religious faith. Understanding how pastors utilize religious coping strategies has contributed to fostering safer environments and more effective support …

The 'It' Factor: The Intersection Of Leadership And Personality And The Music Ensemble Director's Influence On Member Retention, Robbin L. Johnston

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This predictive correlational study aims to examine the influence of the leadership style and personality traits of music ensemble directors on the retention of students in their programs. The study explores music ensemble directors' leadership qualities and personalities and their ability to maintain student enrollment in their ensembles over the last five years. Participants completed a demographic survey, the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire, and the NEO-PI-3 Personality Assessment. A convenience sample of music educators provided the data for the study. The researcher compared these results to the participants' leadership and personality identities determined in the initial surveys to establish potential intersections …

“To Speak With A Representative, Please Press 3”: A Quantitative Analysis Of The Effects Of Artificial Intelligence On Patient Satisfaction In A Modern Healthcare Contact Center, Dennis Alexander Wulfeck

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

With the advancement of telecommunication and digital technologies over the past few decades, there has been a concomitant fundamental shift in the contact center industry and the role it plays. What was once an internally focused center with a goal of cost-reduction in providing a necessary service has now evolved to become a proactive frontline for anticipating customer needs, promoting quality customer service, as well as playing a larger role in corporate decision-making (Gans et al., 2002). In order to fulfill these complex customer interactions, modern day contact centers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence and large language models to …

Perceived Effective Strategies For Teaching English Language Learners In Secondary Choral Settings, Corrina Guadalupe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As the population of English Learners (ELs) continues to grow in U.S. public schools, secondary music educators must be equipped to provide inclusive and equitable instruction. This study investigates secondary choral directors’ challenges, instructional strategies, and beliefs in supporting EL students. Survey responses from 17 choral educators and follow-up interviews with two participants revealed that language barriers, time constraints, and insufficient training were the most frequently cited obstacles. Educators reported using strategies such as repetition, simplified language, and peer support systems; however, tools like bilingual materials and translation technology were underutilized despite being perceived as effective. Interview data emphasized fostering …

Self-Care As An Indicator Of Success For The Undergraduate Music Education Major, Sonya Lynn Comer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite rising awareness of stress and mental health issues, many undergraduate music education majors struggle to connect self-care to resilience in personal and professional areas of their lives. Students may perceive self-care as an extra luxury, if they have time after their work is completed, but they fail to recognize self-care as a potential source of energy, creativity, and joy for their work. The missing self-care component creates an internal deficit hindering students’ ability to bring their best self to the classroom, their student teaching placements, and interpersonal relationships. Omitting self-care compounds issues caused by their multi-faceted workload leaving students …

Honor, Courage, And Commitment: Institutional Betrayal And Military Identity In Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Amanda Reine Bedford-Rank

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Military veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience elevated suicide risk and face unique treatment barriers; however, few studies have examined the role of military-specific constructs in shaping these barriers. This quantitative-correlational study investigated the relationship between institutional betrayal, self-stigma, military identity, and help-seeking attitudes among a sample of U.S. military veterans with PTSD (N = 142). This study also applied semi-qualitative questions to explore military-related trauma themes, PTSD literacy, neuroplasticity, PTSD perceptions, and military acknowledgment. Statistical analysis using SPSS revealed significant positive correlations between institutional betrayal and self-stigma, and a negative relationship with help-seeking attitudes. Notably, the Department …

In The 21st Century, Poor Communication Within Culturally Diverse And Integrated Ethnic Group Workforce Can Lead To Low Productivity, Resulting In Loss Of Revenue, Ihedi Adugba

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Today, business is conducted on a global scale, and consequently, culturally diverse workforces are becoming increasingly common. The continual increase in global economic integration within the workforce has given rise to a deeper knowledge of the essence of better communication with people of differing cultures and languages. Multiculturalism is made up of diverse cultural value systems. A culturally diverse workforce enhances cultural identity with individuals of different backgrounds expressing diverse points of view. Organizations tend to reach their maximum potential when the strategy of managing a culturally diverse workforce is strictly followed. Based on socio-cultural diversity, organizations can accommodate individuals …

Connection Matters: Exploring The Effects Of Attachment On Human Flourishing Within Ncaa Division 1 College Athletes, Zachary T. A. Clinton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

With the continued growth and development of college athletics has also come increased awareness and concerns around the surging rates of mental health challenges and issues facing today’s student-athletes. This study was conducted to better understand some of the factors, specifically relationships, that might affect the overall well-being and human flourishing of NCAA Division 1 student-athletes. Rooted in the flourishing and attachment theories, this study investigated relationship interactions between parental attachment (X) and human flourishing (Y) through best friend attachment (M1), God-attachment (M2), and coach-athlete attachment (M3) conditioned at the level of playing time satisfaction (W). Following the distribution of …

Application Of Andragogic Principles To The Study Of Gregorian Chant: A Grounded Theory Study, Norman D. Wakefield

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite literature on pedagogies or methodologies for Gregorian chant, there is a lack of research regarding the application of andragogic perspectives to the teaching of Gregorian chant. This grounded theory study seeks to identify the experiences of adult learners and instructors of Gregorian chant active in small to mid-size Roman Catholic parishes in the United States with modest program resources. While pedagogical and philosophical models regarding Gregorian chant have proliferated throughout the Roman Church for over a millennium, instructors and learners, do not have information regarding how to apply andragogic perspectives to the teaching of Gregorian chant to facilitate instruction …

The Role Of Moral Distress On Burnout And Spiritual Well-Being Among Clinical Healthcare Professionals, Stephanie R. Russell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Clinical healthcare professionals often encounter situations in the workplace that create moral distress, influence spiritual well-being, and lead to the development of burnout. Much of the current research focuses on healthcare employees’ experiences with burnout and morality at work during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically among Asian and Middle Eastern populations. Gaps that exist in the current research include an examination of moral distress among clinical healthcare professionals in the United States in the post-COVID-19 era and an examination of the relationships between moral distress, burnout, and spiritual well-being. The current study aims to fill the gaps in the research by …

The Relationship Between Health Status, Physical Activity, And Employment On Life Satisfaction In Adults, Lau Hung Yin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Life satisfaction is influenced by various factors such as health, physical activity, and employment status, emphasizing the multidimensional nature of well-being. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study is to examine the relationship between health status, physical activity level, and employment status on life satisfaction among adults in the U.S. The importance of this study focused on understanding how these factors influence life satisfaction. The research question focused on assessing the interconnectedness of these variables. The participants of the study are non-institutionalized civilian adults residing in the fifty states and the District of Columbia. The study involved a total sample …

Examining The Impact Of Leader-Member Exchanges On Creativity And Innovation In Information Technology Projects: A Pathway To Competitive Advantage, Janarthanan Senthurpandi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Using a qualitative single case study, I explored the influence of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) quality on creativity and innovation in IT projects within Federal Government IT divisions in the Northeastern United States. I examined leadership challenges in gaining employee support for IT modernization, and how trust, communication, digital competency, and organizational culture shaped engagement. Guided by social exchange theory and self-determination theory, I used data triangulation through semistructured interviews, observations, and surveys with 16 participants. The results of thematic analysis revealed 5 key themes: (a) trust and transparency in leadership, (b) leadership competency, (c) resistance to change and organizational barriers, …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study To Explore The Lived Experiences Of Licensed Mental Health Professionals Who Have Had A Rupture In The Therapeutic Relationship, Joan Kathleen Monahan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The therapeutic relationship is an essential component in overarching treatment outcomes. This relationship involves the experience of interpersonal exchanges and elements of emotional expressions for a client and licensed mental health professional throughout the counseling process. The licensed mental health professional role requires a strong clinical skill set and ethical standards of practice. Safety and trust are two essential requirements within this professional role. Best practice standards foster an experience and atmosphere of development and a strong foundation for the relationship. This transcendental phenomenological qualitative research study captures overarching descriptions to understand the lived experiences of licensed mental health professionals …

The Role Of Hymnody In Shaping Religious Identity And Beliefs In Churches: An Ethnographic Case Study In The Chesapeake Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Erwin Gabriel Nanasi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explores how varying worship style preferences influence worship experiences, theological beliefs, and sense of belonging among clergy and congregants within the Chesapeake Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. While music and hymnody are integral to Adventist worship, differing stylistic preferences can lead to tensions, satisfaction gaps, and fragmented community life. Despite the formative role of congregational singing in shaping religious identity, little research has examined these dynamics within the Adventist context. Using a mixed-methods ethnographic case study design, the research combines qualitative interviews with 26 pastors and quantitative survey data from 257 congregants across diverse churches. It investigates the criteria …

Remote Teacher Retention: A Phenomenological Study Applying The Jobs Demands-Resource, Jasser Jacob Khalifeh

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of current and former United States (U.S.) K-12 remote instructors. The problem is that educator retention is at a crisis point in the U.S. To help combat the severe and persistent teacher shortages plaguing America, leaders must capture the genuine perceptions of the virtual teaching experience. The guiding theory for this investigation is the Jobs-Demand Resource (JD-R) Model and the influence of job characteristics on teacher well-being, motivation, and retention. The central research question driving this study is, “What are the lived experiences of remote instructors?” A qualitative …

The Impact Of The Mental Health Epidemic On Recruitment And Retention Of High School Male Singers, Trish Gladstone

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative methods study examines the impact of the mental health pandemic on the recruitment and retention of male choral members in Pennsylvania high school music choral programs since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrollment in many choral programs increased since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the number of male enrollment is rising slower than ever. This thesis explores existing literature, personal interviews, and student focus group results to understand how mental health affects male singers quitting or remaining in the choral program. Research and investigations into the impact of the mental health pandemic in choral classrooms …

Investigating Law Enforcement Retirement Resilience Through Narrative Inquiry: A Social Constructivism Analysis Of An Activist Artwork Anthology, Lisa Ann Burton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this dissertation is to understand the transition from a traumatic career in law enforcement to resilient retirement. The investigation examines an African American Chicago police officer who served as a detective, bomb squad respondent, and hostage negotiator. Data collection and analysis are conducted according to Connelly and Clandinin narrative inquiry procedures (1990). Investigation was made regarding the familial, educational, professional, and personal experiences of Doctor Detective Melvin Hargrett. Data collection completed through guided interview transcripts was supported by photographs of his social justice artwork. The subject’s trauma processing is evidenced in his activist artwork themes since retirement. …

Living Art: The Arabian Horse Industry Boom And Bust, 1970-1990, Jill R. Wright

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Arabian horse world in the 1980’s was characterized by high prices followed by an unprecedented fall of the market. The Arabian horse industry was a boom and bust cycle, much like the Dutch Tulipmania of the 1630’s. Many breeders reveled in the status of owning an Arabian and prospered in this inflated market. They could make a quick profit buying a horse and reselling it a short time later, as the prices quickly rose. High prices, which were the boom, turned out to be the issue. The horses, referred to by many as living art, were not a good …