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A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY: COVID-19 AND ADMINISTRATORS AT A CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION
Get PDFThe purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe the lived experience of administrators at a Christian higher education institution during the COVID-19 crisis. The theoretical framework used for this study was revolutionary change theory (RCT). Qualitative data was gathered from structured interviews with executive administrators who led during the COVID-19 pandemic at an evangelical Christian liberal arts university that offered multiple degrees at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. Study findings described four main themes that emerged from the data: unpredictability, holistic community disruption, decisive adaptation, and team collaboration. These main themes described the lived phenomenon that the participants experienced during the COVID-19 crisis and were documented using descriptive phenomenological analysis that focused on words, phrases, and context of participants. As a result, a clear need exists for administrators to be prepared for future crises and potential pandemics. Innovation with delivery methods and staying missionally focused while experiencing revolutionary changes became significant to the administrators in this study
SEX DIFFERENCES IN HIPPOCAMPAL O-GLCNACYLATION OF THE ADULT MOUSE BRAIN
Get PDFThe hippocampus is a structure in the brain crucial for learning and memory. This occurs by synaptic remodeling known as long term potentiation and long term depression. Modifications of proteins in the hippocampus can affect its function. One of these modifications is the addition of O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine, also known as O-GlcNAc. This is a sugar produced from glucose by the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway that is reversibly added onto serine and threonine residues of proteins by O-GlcNAc Transferase, or OGT. It is reversibly removed from these residues by O-GlcNAcAse, or OGA. This modification has been implicated in diabetes, cardiac dysfunction, and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, as the gene coding for OGT is located on the X chromosome, the two copies of this chromosome in females may lead to differential expression of OGT. Connectivity, structure, and hormone differences in male and female brains may likewise impact expression in the brain between sexes. A transgenic, or mutated, mouse model can be generated that prevents OGA expression when the mouse is taking a medication known as doxycycline. This is hypothesized to increase O-GlcNAc levels. Due to the prevalence of O-GlcNAc in various diseases of the brain, this study aimed to validate how levels of OGA, O-GlcNAc, and OGT are related in the hippocampus of mice both on and off doxycycline, and if expression differed between sexes. This was accomplished by western blot analysis. No significant differences were found between wild type and mutant mice, whether male or female and whether on or off doxycycline. These results indicate that the amount of time off doxycycline needed to impact OGA levels was not reached, and that male and female hippocampi express similar amounts of OGA and OGT. Future experiments may investigate how OGA, OGT, and O-GlcNAcylated protein levels differ by sex in other regions of the brain and subregions of the hippocampus. Other future studies may examine if longer time off doxycycline would change OGA and O-GlcNAc levels in the mouse hippocampus
The Relationship Between Transformational Leadership and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors of Bank Employees in the United States
Get PDFThis study examined the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) of bank employees in the United States. The study was necessary, as bank customers are urging banks to go the extra mile or engage in OCB to improve customer service given the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected customers\u27 use of bank services. The study used the 20-item MLQ Form 5X-short for transformational leadership and the OCB instrument developed by Podsakoff et al. to collect data from bank employees in the National Capital Region (NCR) of the United States. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to analyze the data, and the results showed a statistically significant relationship between transformational leadership and OCB. The multiple regression analysis conducted to test the relationship between the dimensions of transformational leadership and OCB indicated that idealized influence (attributed) and idealized influence (behavior) with statistical significance at 5% and 10%, respectively, exerted the greatest influence in explaining changes in OCB. Overall, the coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.11) indicated that 11% of the variance in OCB was due to the five dimensions of transformational leadership. Based on the results, the study suggests that bank leaders may consider the practice of transformational leadership behaviors to promote the OCBs of employees. The findings also suggest that the aggregate effort of OCB could create better bank service delivery and improved customer satisfaction. These suggestions are supported by previous studies that show that organizations that promote OCB perform better than those that do not
THE IMPACT OF CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM TRAINING ON CORRECTIONAL OFFICER BURNOUT IN A SOUTHEASTERN STATE PRISON
Get PDFThis dissertation sought to ascertain whether or not Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training could lower burnout in correctional officers (CO) in a Southeastern state prison system. Using an experimental learning theory in a quantitative, quasi-experimental approach, the researcher administered the pre-test and post-test assessments using Maslach Burnout Inventory to CO before CIT and 4-weeks after they completed CIT. The researcher concluded that CIT lowered burnout on CO in all areas of the MBI but was statistically significantly lower for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization
A Phenomenological Study of Pastoral Accountability in Covenant Community
Get PDFMost pastors and clergy minister from a place of a perceived divine calling and persist through the myriad of challenges of ministry, regardless of the personal toll that it takes on them. This tireless working can drive them to a place of poor emotional and mental health, which can ultimately affect themselves and their families in a negative way. The need for an effective peer support structure is imperative, and understanding the needs of local pastors can help build that support. Many ministers feel isolated in their efforts and could benefit greatly from a peer group where they could safely be themselves. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine and explore the experiences of ministers involved in a covenant accountability group and how they benefit mentally, socially, and spiritually. Interviewing pastors who had shared experiences in dealing with the various challenges of ministry while being consistently involved in covenant accountability relationships offered valuable information in overcoming the complex challenges of pastoral ministry. Ten interviews were conducted with pastors involved in a covenant accountability group, and the collected data were analyzed using qualitative methods. Three distinct categories arose from themes that came from the collected data regarding the experience of pastors involved in a covenant accountability group: atmosphere, relationships, and personal growth. Additional research is suggested in three different areas in assisting to build a viable pastors network: spousal input, geographical research, and long-term research
SOCIAL INTERACTION WITH NATIVE SPEAKERS’ EFFECT ON FOREIGN LANGUAGE ENJOYMENT AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE ANXIETY
Get PDFThis study yielded data surrounding the relationship between knowing a native speaker and foreign language acquisition, alongside the factors of foreign language enjoyment and foreign language anxiety. Through a survey conducted with 46 language learners from a variety of backgrounds who were contacted through social media, the research questions guiding the study were answered with implications for all language learners both inside and outside the classroom. Through statistical analysis, data proved that knowing a native speaker of the target language is a significant predictor of language learners having a higher perception of proficiency. A higher perception of proficiency is also a significant predictor of lower perceptions of anxiety and nervousness. Results indicate a need for further study of foreign language acquisition and relationships between language learners and native speakers alongside learner emotions
How servant leaders navigate conflict: An analysis of Acts 15:36–41
Get PDFGreenleaf’s foundational work on servant leadership has evolved considerably over the past 50 years. Servant leadership has been found to have positive outcomes on group and organisational effectiveness. While servant leadership characteristics and outcomes have been measured, is a need to be better understand how servant leaders navigate when they disagree. Using a social and cultural analysis, the conflict between Paul and Barnabas is explored. Social and cultural analysis allows interpreters to understand what the characters in the narrative ‘see and hear.’ The analysis of Acts 15:36–41 yielded three emerging themes related to how these servant leaders navigated conflict: (1) the tension created by conflict, (2) leader maturity and conflict and (3) the effectiveness of servant leadership amid differences. It was found that servant leaders are not immune from conflict, and when two servant leaders disagree it creates tension between the various servant leader behaviours. Furthermore, a leader’s experience and maturity influence their responses to conflict. Lastly, it was found that servant leaders do not allow conflict to derail their mission.
Contribution: This article contributes to the body of knowledge on servant leadership by exploring how servant leaders navigate conflict from a biblical perspective. By exploring servant leadership behaviours from a biblical perspective, this article contributes to the interdisciplinary focus of HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, engaging social scientific constructs through a New Testament paradigm
EXAMINING DISCIPLESHIP STRATEGIES IN CHRISTIAN AND MISSIONARY ALLIANCE CHURCHES
Get PDFIn this quantitative study, discipleship strategies of churches in the Christian and Missionary Alliance were surveyed, to determine if discipleship strategies were effective at fulfilling the mission of helping people connect with God and grow spiritually. Data were collected from 30 church attenders from Western Pennsylvania churches, 27 of which fully completed the research survey. The internal reliability level of participant responses was evaluated and considered excellent. Results showed that the study participant perceptions that they grew in their faith in Christ through the discipleship opportunities provided at their church was statistically significant with a very large magnitude of response effect. Two elements of growth were statistically significantly predictive of study participant perceptions that they grew in their faith in Christ through the discipleship opportunities provided at their church: increased desire for spiritual growth and increased Christ-like behavior. Furthermore, two distinct dimensions of growth were identified through the exploratory factor analysis predictive model and showed a statistical significance with 79% of the variance in overall perceptions of participant growth in faith in Christ through their church discipleship explainable by two dimensions: Spiritual Posture and Spiritual Confidence. Keywords: discipleship, spiritual formation, spiritual growth, effective churches, effective discipleship, Christian and Missionary Allianc
THE CENTER OF VACCINE CONTROVERSY: WI-38 CELLS
Get PDFThroughout history, there exists no bigger killer than disease. For centuries, families have fought against sickness and death, and ancient culture has spent thousands of years developing their own methods for healing. In the most recent years, the field of medicine has greatly expanded, allowing for cures and medicine to be greatly distributed to the general public. Millions of lives have been saved, and today society can live without fear of lurking diseases snatching away loved ones with a blink of an eye. This senior thesis focuses on the development of vaccines made from the WI-38 cell line. This cell line was developed from a 1960s aborted Swedish fetus, which marks the source of controversy. Today, this cell line is primarily used in the MMR (mumps, measles, and rubella), varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis A, and a certain rabies vaccine. However, because of the development origin of the vaccine virus, many people refuse to take these life-saving vaccines because they contain the cells of an abortion. So here lies the question – was the use of this cell line necessary, and should they be continued to be used to immunize millions of children and infants every year? With thorough research and careful analysis, the answer is yes. The WI-38 cell line was indeed a necessary foundation in the vaccines’ development. This paper explores the struggles, the disasters, and the controversies that surround the vaccines made from this cell line, and ultimately narrows down on two main facts supporting the usage of these cells: versatility and abundance, and safety. Thoroughly conducted research has proved that the WI-38 cell line to be a safe and reliable method of vaccine growth, which has only been supported by the impact that the cells have left on human history. According to researchers, the WI-38 cells has treated and prevented an estimated 198 million cases of polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, rabies, and hepatitis A in the U.S alone. These cells have offered hope to desperate families, and promises security to those living today. The WI-38 cell line has been a center of controversy ever since it was established. However, when one delves deeper into the research and history behind these cells, they realize that these cells are needed in the development of life-saving vaccines. The vaccines developed from these cells have saved and ensured millions of children’s lives for the past sixty years, and will continue being a life-saving source to years to come
Retaining Your Healthcare Heros: A Healthcare Leader\u27s Guide to Improving Perceptions of Leader Support
Get PDFOver the past decade, the healthcare industry has faced many changes including staff shortages which have been intensified by the global pandemic. As a result, healthcare leaders face a vast array of challenges every day. This guide is about bridging the gap between leaders and employees and showing leaders how critical it is to develop relationships with their staff and support them better. Leader support, and the different things that support means to employees, is discussed as key to employee retention. In light of the challenges that healthcare leaders face today, including a lack of candidates, staff shortages, communication, burnout, and healthcare competition, understanding what employees want and expect from their leaders is critical. This leads into the focus of this guide on leader support, trust, communication, and leader relationships. This guide shows how positive leader support can affect job satisfaction, how leader trust can impact employee retention, and how leader communication can affect current staff. These different areas of leader impact can ultimately determine the types of relationships between leaders and their employees and eventually determine staff turnover intentions. Next, the guide presents different strategies that leaders can use to improve the feelings of leader support, leader trust, and leadership communication. Within these strategies, we examine the positive implications of improving the perceived feelings of each. Finally, the guide includes strategies to improve the relationships between leaders and employees, and the positive implications for the leader, employee, and organization of these strengthened relationships. Overall, healthcare leaders must understand that they will face many challenges; however, if they take the time to understand what their employees need, leaders should be able to recognize and address some of the challenges as they arise. By the end of this guide, with the help of reflection questions following each chapter, readers can identify their current leadership approaches and find strategic solutions to help preserve employees within their organizations