Digital Commons Network^™

How To Become A Soldier In The Black Liberation Army: Sixteen Tomes, Tony Gaskew

Peace and Conflict Studies Journal Conference

From 1970 to 1983, it is estimated that the Black Liberation Army (BLA), by way of armed resistance in the name of revolutionary justice, was responsible for expropriating the lives of dozens of police officers across the United States of America. Yes, as unbelievable, and as extra-terrestrial as it might sound today, there was a very brief period in U.S. history when there were consequences for indiscriminate acts of police violence against the Black community. However, in the fields of conflict resolution and peace studies, the BLA is invisible. As a Black man who was born and raised in the …

The United States Of America V. Darren Seals, Tony Gaskew

Peace and Conflict Studies Journal Conference

The United States of America has an insatiable appetite for the corpses of Black men. Although only a silent whisper in the field of conflict resolution, Black men and boys face unprecedented levels of state-sponsored direct, structural, and metaphysical violence. Empirical evidence regarding disparities within the nuanced constructs of police killings, stop-and-frisk searches, educational attainment, unemployment, mortality rates, mass incarceration, and all forms of covert counterinsurgency (COIN) operations shows that Black men are without question, enemies of the state and what Leonard Harris calls the ultimate “necro-being.” You see, on September 6, 2016, 29-year-old Black male anti-police activist Darren Seals …

“Me Dancing”: An Intrinsic Case Study Of Primary School Girls’ Understandings Of Movement And Dance Through Their Drawings, Rosemary Bennett, Jane Southcott

The Qualitative Report

Children’s drawings powerfully illuminate their views and opinions about movement experiences in a range of environments. For younger children it is more pertinent to seek their ideas via their drawings. Using the voices and images of primary school age girls, we examine their understandings of movement and dance. Using an intrinsic case study method, two classes of eight-to-ten-year-old girls in a suburban primary school in Melbourne Australia were asked to produce a drawing of “me dancing.” Each child was invited to expand on their drawing in a short open-ended interview. The drawings were analysed in different ways and compared with …

Resistance Training Versus Cardiovascular Training: Which Is Better For Fat Loss?: A Brief Narrative Review., Jason M. Curtis, Jose Antonio, Cassandra Evans

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity has risen from 30.5% to 41.9% from 2000-2017. Those who are considered severely obese increased from 4.7% to 9.2% over that same period. There are numerous fitness-center approaches to induce weight-loss or reduction of body fat. These interventions are often categorized into two general categories: Resistance training (using weighted resistance in anaerobic strength training) and cardiovascular training (aerobic training). While both fitness groups have been shown to be effective, there is a debate about which method is most effective for eliciting changes in body composition, primarily fat loss.

Methods: Google Scholar and Pubmed were scoured for …

Disrupted Relatedness And Shifting Perceptions Of Others: Changing Moods Over Time For People Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder, Joanna Farr, Jonathan A. Smith, John E. Rhodes

The Qualitative Report

For people diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the relationship between mood episodes and interpersonal life is critical. Yet little is known about how their experience of other people changes during and between episodes of depression and mania. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the experience of interpersonal change during depression, mania and euthymia (stability). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three women at two time points and were analysed using longitudinal interpretative phenomenological analysis. One longitudinal theme, “Changing sense of others impacts relatedness,” demonstrates profound changes in participants’ experiences of other people within and between episodes. During depression, participants experienced other people …

Continuing To Meet Qualitative Researcher’S Needs: Johnny Saldaña’S Developing Theory Through Qualitative Inquiry, Ronald Chenail

The Qualitative Report

In his 2024 book, Developing Theory through Qualitative Inquiry, Johnny Saldaña has added an impressive work to his already expansive collection of guides to meet the needs of qualitative researchers and qualitative data analysts. Starting from the definition of theory and moving into the realm of theory-based qualitative research, in his new book, Johnny shares his unique perspective as a research methods educator and qualitative data analyst to teach us the fundamentals of theory development. Each chapter contains clear learning objectives, abundant examples, ample exercises, helpful definitions, and loads of suggested readings; so much so you will think he …

Composing With Theory: Considerations For Teaching Novice Qualitative Researchers, Janie Copple, Kathryn Roulston

The Qualitative Report

Newcomers to qualitative research are frequently overwhelmed by the range of theories, methodologies, and concepts that qualitative researchers use. This article provides ideas for instructors working with novice qualitative researchers who are beginning to engage with theoretical frameworks used in qualitative research traditions. These practical strategies can assist students navigating challenges commonly encountered in the design and conduct of a first qualitative study. Strategies include developing understandings of disciplinary traditions within which a study will be situated, identifying a phenomenon of interest, defining disciplinary and theoretical terminology, reading deeply, articulating a theoretical perspective, and writing up findings. Through integrating these …

Autoethnographic Action Research As A Contemplative Practice: Awareness And Transformation Of Inner And Outer Selves, Jiju Varghese, Bal Chandra Luitel, Niroj Dahal

The Qualitative Report

Contemplation as a spiritual practice has taken various forms across different religious traditions and regions worldwide. Over the years, various contemplative practices have evolved and become popular even outside religious traditions to promote the well-being of all for inner and outer selves’ transformation. In education, many scholars worldwide have expounded on the benefits of contemplative practices in the classroom for students and teachers. Contemplative practices have penetrated research practices in the form of contemplative inquiry considering performative, philosophical, and artistic transformations, where researchers enter into a deep, thoughtful, and reflective introspective journey to see the connection between what is seen …

Enacting Project-Based Learning For Higher Education: An Autoethnographic Study Of Online Learning During The Pandemic, Somariah Fitriani

The Qualitative Report

This study is a reflection on my personal experiences with the higher education online teaching and learning process. It is an autoethnography study in which data were garnered from virtual participant observations, journals, an open-ended questionnaire and interviews about student projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. I leveraged project-based learning as pedagogical device. Thus, the students worked collaboratively on an online training project (webinar) as part of a course on education and training management. I served as both a teacher and a participant in the online training performed by the students. Through virtual participant observation, this project allowed me to learn …

From Climate To Conflict: Unravelling Multidimensional Vulnerabilities Of Small-Scale Fisheries In The Jaffna Peninsula Of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Senevi Gunaratne, R. B. Radin Firdaus, Augustine Sosai Sihivaitthasan, Sarjiyanto Sarjiyanto, Mohd Hafiidz Jaafar

The Qualitative Report

Vulnerability studies have often centered on climate change and catastrophic climatic events. Contrary to this trend, this study explores the multidimensional vulnerabilities faced by small-scale fisheries (SSFs) in the Jaffna peninsula of Sri Lanka. We employed the Integrated Vulnerability Analysis for Sustainability (IVAS) Framework for this analysis. Data was collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. We analyzed our data following Reflexive Thematic Analysis using ATLAS.ti software and identified 15 vulnerability drivers across five domains specific to the local context, revealing that SSFs in the Jaffna peninsula are highly susceptible to multiple vulnerabilities. Notably, the …

The Postpartum Wellness Survey: Exploring The Role Of Social Determinants In The Diet–Depression Link, Ashley G. Brown

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Postpartum mental health is a critical, yet both clinically and socially underrecognized, component of maternal care. Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to 1 in 7 mothers and significantly impacts both maternal and family well-being. The Postpartum Wellness Survey (PWS) was developed to assess the interconnected relationships among dietary quality and nutrition knowledge, postpartum mood and emotional health, and social determinants of health (SDOH). Twenty-four participants within 12 months of delivery completed the survey, which integrated validated psychological and dietary assessment tools to capture community-level patterns in postpartum wellness. Composite scores across three PWS domains – Postpartum Mood and Emotional Health, …

Building A Community Of Inquiry Around Narrative Practice, John Mcleod

The Qualitative Report

This paper offers a commentary and reflection on papers included in the Narrative Practice Research Network Special Issue of The Qualitative Report. A brief introductory account is offered around the distinctive nature of narrative therapy and community work, in contrast to more widely used models of therapy. Challenges and dilemmas associated with research into counselling and psychotherapy are discussed. It is suggested that the work of the Narrative Practice Research Network represents a promising means of addressing these challenges through a combination of grounding in practice, commitment to an ethics of care, and creative reconceptualization of standard research tools such …

Who Is Practicing Medicine? Man Or Machine: Telehealth, Ai, And The Corporate Practice Of Medicine, Christopher Gottfried, Shirley Sharon Rosenstein

Nova Law Review

No abstract provided.

Health Care Beware: If You Want To Profit Like A Business, You Have To Follow The Rules Like A Business, Jacqueline Grady

Nova Law Review

No abstract provided.

Nova Law Review Full Issue Volume 49, Issue 1

Nova Law Review

No abstract provided.

Where Did All The Dry Sand Go?, Gary S. Gaffney

Nova Law Review

No abstract provided.

Molecular Consequences Of Pcos-Linked Aromatase Variants: Structural Modeling And Inhibitor Docking​, Kiran S. Sajnani, Bharath Kumar Reddy Burri, Yuktha Milukuri, Preya Patel, Marqus Colón, Emily Schmitt Lavin Ph.D., Arthur Sikora Ph.D.

Protein Modeling Reports

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and involves hormonal imbalances partly driven by disrupted estrogen synthesis. Aromatase (CYP19A1) catalyzes the conversion of testosterone and androstenedione into estrogen, making it essential for maintaining estrogen–androgen balance. The structural consequences of disease-associated aromatase mutations remain poorly understood. We investigated the Val161Asp substitution, a PCOS-linked variant in which a nonpolar valine is replaced by a negatively charged aspartate within a hydrophobic helical region of aromatase. Using the wild-type structure from PDB ID 3EQM, we generated a 3D-printed model highlighting the mutation and identified key catalytic features, including the …

Modeling The Binding Of Salinosporamide A (Mzb) To The Human 20s Proteasome For Potential Cancer Treatment, Jayden J. Ross, Giezel Medina, Audrey Anand, Jayant Ari, Emily Schmitt, Arthur Sikora

Protein Modeling Reports

This project aims to model and observe the binding of the drug Marizomib (MZB) and compare its binding affinity to that of other similar drugs to the proteosome using the available PDB ID 9HMN and bioinformatics tools. MZB is an anti-cancer drug that was derived from the marine bacterium, Salinosporamide A. Its function is to inhibit the human 20S proteasome from breaking down misfolded and excess proteins, which eventually causes the cell to trigger apoptosis. Additionally, MZB has a unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and utilize three catalytically active amino acid sites. The existing PDB ID (9HMN) of …

Modeling The Disruption Of Binding Of Three Ige Antibodies With Six Mutated Interaction Sites On The Arah2 Allergen, Hansi Parmar, Aashi Chhabra, Jyothi Vivekananda, Amaan Khan, Arthur Sikora, Emily Schmitt Lavin

Protein Modeling Reports

Peanut allergy is a life-threatening food allergy that affects millions of children and adults across the world. This issue presents serious public health concerns and heavy interest from the scientific community to find viable treatments that minimize immunological side effects. To better understand and explain the peanut allergy response, the literature was examined, and a 3D model was printed based on two protein database files. Arachis hypogaea 2 (Arah2) is the dominant peanut allergen protein. When Arah2 binds IgE antibodies, a strong allergic response is triggered. This reaction makes treating allergy patients with Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) difficult due to adverse …

Modeling Oct3-Mediated Buprenorphine Transport As A Mechanism For Salivary Accumulation And Oral Toxicity, Veda Pesala, Laasya Vemparala, Mehtab Singh, Sydni Gunpath, Emily Schmitt Lavin, Arthur Sikora

Protein Modeling Reports

In this study we prepared a 3D printed model to better understand OCT3-mediated buprenorphine transport. Buprenorphine is a high affinity partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor (μ-OR) and main component of Suboxone. It has a unique pharmacological profile that makes it effective for treating both pain and opioid use disorder (OUD) but has been linked to oral health issues such as dry mouth and tooth decay. The exceptionally tight binding of suboxone to μ-OR allows for sustained receptor occupancy and reduced opioid misuse potential by patients. Activation of μ-ORs can inhibit the release of acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter found in many …

Implementing Rsa Accumulators For Asynchronous And Permissionless Reliable Broadcasting, Eric Webb

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Asynchronous consensus protocols are essential for decentralized and trustless environments such as decentralized finance (DeFi), supply chain management, and voting systems. These protocols eliminate centralized authority and timing assumptions while improving resilience and security. However, as network sizes increase the communication overhead in these systems becomes a bottleneck that limits scalability and efficiency. One notable example is the Aleph protocol, which stands out as one of the first consensus protocols to be both asynchronous and permissionless while providing Byzantine Fault Tolerance. Unlike many existing asynchronous consensus mechanisms, Aleph is permissionless in nature and does not rely on a trusted dealer …

2025 Shepard Broad College Of Law Admissions Viewbook, Nova Southeastern University

Shepard Broad College of Law Viewbook

No abstract provided.

2025 F1rst Look, Nova Southeastern University

First Look

No abstract provided.

An Interpretative Phenomenological Study Of Sexual Assault Investigations In Sexual Assault Response Teams (Sarts), Caitlyn Marie Clark

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide further insight into sexual assault investigations and response from the lived experiences of Sexual Assault Response Team and Task Force criminal justice professionals. There has been limited research on Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs), Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs), and Sexual Assault Task Force (SATF) units, specifically encompassing the lived experiences of their members. This interpretative phenomenological study sought to explore these collaborative multidisciplinary teams from the lived experiences of the criminal justice professionals who represent them and to analyze the factors of sexual assault investigations and response that these members find significant.

In this …

Investigating The Impact Of Student Motivation And Self-Efficacy On Academic Performance In Advanced Placement Courses, Alicia Carroll

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed methods applied dissertation was designed to provide insight into the effects of student motivation and student self-efficacy on academic performance in Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Secondary educational institutions in the United States offer their students Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment or dual credit courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, and early college programs to encourage and promote the quest for outstanding student attainment. Although many students in the study school enroll in the Academy for Advanced Placement Studies, not all ninth through 12th graders achieve Advanced Placement credit in the Academy’s required courses.

Education has traditionally been viewed as …

Perceptions Of The Role Principals Play As School Leaders: Current Charter School Perspective(S), Mary Ann Rosser

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide ongoing access to current information for charter school principals, charter school management organization (CMO), educational management organizations (EMO), and independent district level charter school leaders.

The researcher developed a qualitative research interview protocol. The interview protocol consisted of seven research questions, designed to elicit each participant’s perception of the key leadership elements associated with being a successful charter school principal. The researcher selected 10 charter school leaders to conduct in-depth interviews using qualitative research-gathering questions about charter school principals’ perspectives as the basis for generating research data. The researcher individually analyzed the interview …

Teacher Perception On The Implementation Of A Culturally Responsive Ela Curriculum, Erica Tate Dial

Theses and Dissertations

While the principles of culturally responsive and culturally relevant teaching hold transformative potential, they can only be fully realized if educators are genuinely equipped and empowered to implement them. This qualitative study examined teacher perceptions of an English Language Arts curriculum through the lens of culturally relevant and culturally responsive teaching. A diverse group of teachers, varying in experience, age, gender, and race, were interviewed to gather a range of perspectives on the implementation of this curriculum. The study focused on addressing the following research questions: 1. What are teachers’ perceptions of culturally responsive and culturally relevant instruction and academic …

Perspectives Of Corporate Instructional Design Experts On Effectiveness, Personal Traits And Attributes, And Technology, Thomas A. Gant

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological descriptive study explored corporate instructional design experts' perspectives on effectiveness, personal traits and attributes, and technology that enhance their expertise. Three central themes emerged: "Mastering Instructional Design: The Journey of Continuous Learning and Skill Development," highlighting the importance of mentorship, lifelong learning, and professional development; "Accessing Instructional Design Expertise Through Individual Strengths," emphasizing adaptability, problem-solving, and empathy; and "Navigating Technological Integration and Innovation in Instructional Design," showcasing the transformative role of tools such as virtual reality, learning management systems, and authoring software. Semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom with 10 corporate instructional designers with at least 10 years …

The Atlas Of Intercultural Communication: Navigating Conflict Resolution With Cultural Intelligence, Luz Marina Erturk

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

As universities become increasingly multicultural, intercultural communication is becoming an essential skill across campus roles. This study examined the role of cultural intelligence (CQ) in conflict resolution within university settings. Using a phenomenological approach, it explored how individuals in administrative, management, or counseling roles applied CQ in communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution. Twelve participants were interviewed, and data collection spanned five months. The study applied Earley and Ang’s four-factor model of CQ, which includes metacognitive, cognitive, motivational, and behavioral dimensions. The developmental model of intercultural sensitivity (DMIS) was also used to interpret how participants’ levels of intercultural sensitivity shaped their …

Sharksrx Newsletter Winter 2025, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Sharks Rx

No abstract provided.