Digital Commons Network^™

The Experience And Identity Interview: Narrative Therapy In Research Interviewing, Janet E. Conti, James T. M. Calder, Rebekah Rankin

The Qualitative Report

In this paper we introduce “The Experience and Identity Interview” (EII) and demonstrate ways that this qualitative research interview can be used to engage participants in talk that scaffolds between their experiences, the meanings they ascribe to these, and their identity (re)negotiations. In doing so, there is scope to generate rich interview data that addresses a range of research questions. Drawing on the paradigm of narrative therapy, the EII generates a collaborative dialogical space wherein both researchers and research participants may co-contribute to the unpacking of normative discourses that shape participants’ usual ways of speaking about their lived experiences, thereby …

Occupational Disruption In Graduate Students: Literature On The Effects Of Financial Strain And New Responsibilities Of Graduate School On Mental Health, Emilee Armstrong, Samantha Edwards, Arianna Z. Cook

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

This exploratory paper examines the intricate phenomenon of occupational disruption among graduate students, in an attempt at investigating the effect of financial strain and newly acquired responsibilities during graduate school on mental health. The research question guiding this exploration is centered on understanding the specific occupational disruptions experienced by graduate students, particularly those arising from financial strain and newly acquired occupations inherent in graduate school. The methodology involves a systematic search of pertinent literature across three databases, including The American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT), Google Scholar, and the National Institute of Health (NIH). Preliminary findings from the literature review …

Benefits Of Occupation-Based Outdoor Physical Activity To Mental Health, Jessica S. Eady, Kayleigh E. Hollywood

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

This paper examines the benefits of occupation-based outdoor physical activity as an intervention for individuals with mental health conditions to increase their psychological well-being. We conducted a focused review of the literature to support the participation in physical activity, if any within the lives of people with mental health concerns. We utilized the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) framework to understand and to determine the relevance of this review to find support in incorporating outdoor physical activities in occupational therapy interventions. We propose that engaging in outdoor recreation can facilitate meaningful occupational engagement and subsequent identity development which may potentially …

Metabolic Response Of The Code Goby (Gobiosoma Robustum) To Estuarine Climate Change Forecasts, Karli S. Corey

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Forage fishes are small bodied species that form a diverse functional group, serving as a primary food source for a wide range of marine predators. This group plays a significant ecological role through energy transfer to higher trophic levels. Gobiosoma robustum (Code Goby) is a substantive diet component of several recreationally significant juvenile sportfishes in Florida estuaries. While the thermal tolerance of this species may be inferred from observational data, the absolute physiological limitations of this species remain unknown. In this study, intermittent-flow respirometry and critical thermal maxima were used to determine the response of G. robustum to chronic and …

Spatiotemporal Patterns In Orbicella Faveolata Wound Regeneration As An Indicator Of Colony Health, Alexander G. Wheeler

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Anthropogenic (e.g. damage from anchors, scuba divers, tissue sampling) and natural disturbances (e.g. predation, storm damage) can result in wounding of live tissue on coral colonies. Wounding has been shown to detract from a common resource pool, increasing disease susceptibility and impairing coral growth and reproductive activity. Regeneration not only varies between species, but also between conspecifics in the same location. A colony’s capacity to regenerate tissue can be an indicator of a colony’s condition and resilience. Understanding the physiological and environmental factors that affect tissue regeneration alongside the ultimate impact of sampling (disease and predation correlations) are needed for …

Comparisons Of Buried And Unburied Benthic Communities On Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems, Michael Mcdonough

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Mesophotic coral ecosystems, MCEs, are coral ecosystems found at depths between 30-150m and are divided into two zones-the upper and lower MCE. The upper MCE serves as a transitional zone between shallow water reefs (SWRs) and the lower MCE. This transition is marked by increased reliance on heterotrophy by benthic organisms. While MCEs have been of increased interest by resource managers as potential sources of resiliency for impacted benthic species, these benthic communities are understudied. Mesophotic benthic communities in close proximity of Port Everglades between 32-37m depth were surveyed using video footage recorded by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). This …

Species Detection And Discovery Of Zoanthidea Symbiotic With Deep-Sea Gorgonians, Saige Jost

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Symbiotic marine invertebrates known as Zoanthidea, from the phylum Cnidaria, live on a wide diversity of other organisms. Deep-sea corals such as Gorgonians are one of these clades of hosts. These octocorals and their Zoanthidean symbionts are challenging to collect and consequently difficult to study. However, the Evolution of Marine Symbioses Laboratory at Nova Southeastern University has obtained several samples from the Yale Peabody Museum and other museums or universities with the goal of expanding our knowledge of the diversity of Zoanthideans. Until recently, the existing taxonomic system has been based on morphological characters. A competing molecular parataxonomic system has …

Differences In Secondary Consumer Behavioral Responses To Predators On Natural And Artificial Reefs In South Florida, Lauren E. Dalton

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

On coral reefs, intensifying local stressors and climate change reconfigure reef ecosystems, with largely unknown implications for critical ecosystem functions (i.e., predation and secondary consumers). The study investigated differences in fish assemblages on natural and artificial reefs and how predator presence affected secondary consumer (i.e. invertivorous fish) abundance and foraging behaviors on natural versus artificial reefs. The specific objectives of this study were: (i) determine whether secondary consumer abundances differ between artificial and natural reefs and (ii) assess how predator identity influence the foraging behavior of secondary consumers. The study was conducted on shallow natural and artificial reefs in Broward …

Comparing Metabolism And Hypoxia Tolerance Of Native And Non-Native Florida Freshwater Fishes In Climate Change Scenarios, Benjamin A. Share

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

As climate change brings rising water temperatures and lower dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations to freshwater bodies, it has become increasingly important to understand how this will affect ecosystems with established non-native or invasive species. Fishes of the family Cichlidae are the most pervasive non-native fishes in the Everglades and may increase their range further north under a changing climate. To better understand potential invasibility and competition with native fishes, the metabolism and hypoxia tolerance of non-native Blue Tilapia Oreochromis aureus was compared to native Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus when acclimated across a range of seasonal and projected temperatures. Intermittent-flow respirometry was …

Burnout, Stress And Its Effect On The Use Of Deadly Force, Charles Gutshall

School of Criminal Justice Theses and Dissertations

Police officers encounter significant occupational stressors that contribute to heightened levels of burnout and stress, potentially influencing their critical decision-making during deadly force encounters. This dissertation investigates the relationship between selfreported perceived stress, burnout, and the frequency of deadly force application among officers in southeastern Florida. Drawing on the Professional Quality of Life Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Restraint in the Use of Deadly Force Scale, survey responses from 202 officers were statistically analyzed using regression and descriptive techniques.

Contrary to initial hypotheses, findings revealed no significant predictive relationship between perceived stress, burnout, and the likelihood of using …

Demystifying Research Paradigms: Navigating Ontology, Epistemology, And Axiology In Research, Lynette Pretorius

The Qualitative Report

A sound understanding of research paradigms is crucial for developing coherent and philosophically grounded research designs, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. This paper offers an accessible overview of the most common research paradigms: positivism, post-positivism, constructivism, social constructionism, interpretivism, pragmatism, and critical realism. These paradigms differ in their approaches to ontology (the nature of reality), epistemology (the nature of knowledge), and axiology (the role of values in research). The paper also discusses the methodological and ethical implications of these paradigms. Reflexivity and ethical responsibility are emphasised, where researchers must account for how their own biases and values influence …

Qualitative Insights Into School Improvement Practices: Stakeholder Perceptions In Ghanaian Junior High Schools, Mark Quansah Dr., Emmanuel Erastus Yamoah Dr

The Qualitative Report

This study aims to explore diverse perspectives on strategies for enhancing academic performance in Ghanaian Junior High Schools (JHSs). Recognizing the importance of context and stakeholder input, the research investigates the perceptions of teachers, headteachers, and school improvement support officers (SISOs) regarding effective school improvement practices. The study examined two Ghanaian districts using a qualitative case study design within an interpretive paradigm. Purposive sampling with maximum variance was used to target 20 participants, including 10 teachers, five headteachers, and five SISOs. Semi-structured interviews were used for data gathering, and the results were subjected to thematic analysis to find trends and …

Student Misbehaviors, University Instructors’’ Mental Health, And Trauma Management: A Phenomenological Study, Abdul Karim, Bineeta Rahman, Muhammad Kamarul Kabilan

The Qualitative Report

The present study aimed to unpack student misbehaviors that instructors face inside the university campus. It also intended to unfold how student misbehaviors affect instructors’ mental health and how they overcome the trauma engendered by student misbehaviors. Adopting a phenomenological approach, we explored the phenomenon to answer the research questions by conducting semi-structured interviews with six teachers. Through a thematic analysis, we found that university instructors experience various misbehaviors presented by students inside the university campus, and as a result, their mental health suffers. However, instructors tend to ignore their mental health and focus on academic activities to overcome the …

Insider-Outsider Research, Qualitative Discovery, And The Enhancement Of Social Justice, Randa Abbas, Deborah Court

The Qualitative Report

We have for over twenty years researched the Israeli Druze community in an insider- outsider research partnership, coming to deep understanding of the family and communal factors that limit the access of Druze and Muslim women to higher education and academic and professional advancement. These research insights have enabled us, in the academic institution where we work, to enact practices that increase academic and professional access for these women. While we did not plan this as a research focus or goal, we have lately come, in inductive fashion, to the realization that this is social justice work. According to John …

Generating A Reflexive Ai-Assisted Workflow For Academic Writing, Corey W. Johnson, Trena M. Paulus

The Qualitative Report

Digital research workflows are study designs that intentionally consider the use of technology in meaningful and reflexive ways. While most scholars use digital tools and spaces in their research process, doing so has consequences that are infrequently considered in an intentional way. Especially in this age of generative AI, technology integration into research studies will have an even greater impact and consequences on study outcomes. This paper documents one digital research workflow, the academic writing process, to demonstrate how inviting generative AI to be a writing partner can be done in a reflexive manner. Drawing on Paulus and Lester’s (2023) …

A Qualitative Study Of Iranian Efl Teachers’ Perceptions Of A Digital Diversified Education, Seyed Mohammad Reza Marvasti Zadeh, Azizollah Dabaghi Varnosfadrani Advarnosfadrani, Mohammad Amiryousefi

The Qualitative Report

Because Iran is a country of learners of diverse languages, socio-economic classes, genders, and ages, digital diversified education seems appropriate to address needs in English language education. However, there is a notable gap in research on teachers’ perceptions about this type of education. To fill this gap, this study aimed to investigate the perspectives of Iranian teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) regarding a diverse digital education. Data were collected via an open-ended survey with 30 EFL teachers, both male and female, who were selected through convenience sampling. Analysis revealed several key themes, including the utilization of diverse …

Harmony In Progress: Exploring Motivation’S Role In My Piano Learning And Practice Journey, Junyu Tao, Jane Southcott, Renee Crawford

The Qualitative Report

This autoethnography explores the role of motivation in the piano learning and practice journey of the first author. The study is underpinned by understandings of how motivation evolves from extrinsic influences, such as parental support, teachers’ guidance, and peer influence, to intrinsic motivation that drives personal growth. Using a reflective and collaborative approach incorporating narratives, we examine key moments and emotional landscapes as the first author reveals the transformative power of motivation in shaping her piano learning experience. Our findings highlight the critical role of self-determination in fostering sustained engagement and success on the path of piano learning and practice. …

Nutrition Recommendations For Patients On Weight Loss Drugs, Crystal M. Duque Rdn-Ldn, Toye Jackman

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

This paper provides a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for dietitians counseling patients who are using GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, for weight management. These medications are rapidly gaining popularity for their effectiveness in supporting weight loss; however, they come with unique nutritional considerations that require tailored guidance. This review outlines key aspects of GLP-1 mechanisms of action, emphasizing how these medications alter digestive processes, specifically impacting the absorption and metabolism of essential macronutrients, including proteins and dietary fibers. The paper also highlights hydration needs to support optimal health and weight loss outcomes in patients on GLP-1 therapies. Additionally, …

Assessment And Prioritization Of Contaminants Of Concern Along Florida's Coral Reef, Ellen Regina E. Skelton

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Florida’s Coral Reef (FCR) is the third largest barrier reef in the world and faces significant stress from localized land, water, and air-based sources of pollution. Numerous chemical contaminants have been found in waters surrounding reefs and within corals, including pesticides, hydrocarbons, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and trace metals. However, for most current and emergent environmental contaminants, little to no consistent information exists regarding environmental concentrations or toxicological effects on corals. Assessment of the levels of contaminants in coral reef environments is needed to conduct risk assessments to guide management, restoration, and recovery strategies, and the coral reef resource management …

Direct And Indirect Written Corrective Feedback: Lecturers’ Perspectives, Mohammed Luqman Shahab, Karwan Mustafa Saeed Dr.

The Qualitative Report

This study focuses on addressing the influence that written corrective feedback (WCF) has on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. Therefore, this research endeavored to give more clarity on the challenges ahead of EFL lecturers in providing WCF and explored the types of WCF (direct/indirect), as well as the lecturers’ opinions on the effectiveness of each type. For this reason, a qualitative inquiry was used to analyze EFL lecturers’ experiences with providing direct/indirect WCF. To this end, 7 Kurdish EFL lecturers from a public university in Kurdistan Region in Iraq (KRI) voluntarily participated in a semi-structured interview session to …

Queering The Relationship Between Research, Researcher And Research Participant: Procedural Ethics, Relational Ethics, And Inverted Hierarchies, Val Meneau

The Qualitative Report

Ethics committees (ECs) typically base their decisions on established assumptions about the impact of the research process, the researcher and the participant on each other, which my doctoral research project failed to meet. This paper discusses the challenging clash between my experiences as a queer scholar doing fieldwork and the expectations of my EC. I argue that queer feminist ethnography complicates the established assumptions concerning the impact of the research process, researcher, and participant on each other. In doing so, I argue that we need models of this relationship that allow us to capture its complexity, for example in the …

Tale Of Transitions: Experiences Of A First-Year Ph.D. Asian Student In America, Aakash Kumar

The Qualitative Report

This autoethnographic account narrates my transition as a first-year Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University, USA. Employing Kurt Lewin’s Change Model, I have structured my narrative around three phases: (a) unfreeze, (b) change, and (c) refreeze. The unfreeze phase details the process of unlearning, adjusting to American academic practices, and the initial cultural shock intensified by homesickness. The change phase describes embracing a new identity, integrating into campus and cultural life, and overcoming academic challenges. Lastly, the refreezing phase involves consolidating new beliefs, perspectives, and skills, solidifying the transition to becoming a more confident and competent scholar. This autoethnographic account …

Dehydration And Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study Of A Translational Rodent Model Of Conditions In Professional Combat Sports, Alexander S. Martinie, Corey Peacock, Chris Algeri, Bill Kochen

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Traumatic brain injuries are a widespread public health issue, with athletes being at an increased risk of traumatic brain injury, especially in contact sports. Dehydration and rehydration prior to use of a weight drop served as a model for conditions experienced by professional boxers in a rodent model of traumatic brain injury. Following dehydration, rehydration, and traumatic brain injury procedures, subjects’ symptoms were assessed using the novel object recognition task, sucrose preference test, open field maze, and elevated zero maze. There were significant effects of both dehydration and TBI on time to righting, and there was a significant interaction between …

Newton's Electromagnetic Bucket, Angelina Georg

Mathematics Colloquium Series

We examine Newton’s thought experiment: Newton’s Bucket. We replace the bucket with a charged infinite cylindrical shell in order to extend the analysis to an electromagnetic one. We show that Newton’s mechanical conclusions are equally valid electromagnetically.

The Effect Of Exercise Type On Working Memory, Ariana Gonzalez, William R. Kochen

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Martial arts encompass a wide range of sports and techniques that have been practiced for self-defense and combat for thousands of years. It has expanded to include various styles such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, judo, and karate. It has also been practiced as a form of exercise and entertainment. Martial arts have been associated to discipline, integrity, improved stamina, and increased mental and problem-solving capabilities. Unlike other exercise methods, most martial arts require focus, skill, and technique, which have been hypothesized to improve memory. The purpose of the study was to determine if there was a significant improvement in the …

Bilateral Popliteal Entrapment Syndrome: A Rare And Challenging Case Report, Jose Burgos, Gabriela Llerena, Spencer Rheingold, Jorge De La Portilla

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Bilateral Popliteal Entrapment Syndrome: A Rare and Challenging Case Report Burgos, Jose Julian, MD, MDIV, HCA Florida Kendall Department of Vascular Surgery Miami, Florida. Llerena, Gabriela2, OMSIV, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. Rheingold, Spencer, MSIV, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine. De La Portilla, Jorge MD, assistant professor, HCA Florida Kendall Department of Vascular Surgery Miami, Florida1 Objective: This case describes an atypical presentation of PES in an older male patient who presented with a sudden onset of symptoms without a history of claudication. Background: Popliteal entrapment syndrome (PES) is a …

To Be Or Not Tb, Gerald Chang, Leidy Huie Martinez Md, Carlos Correa Md, Jose Melendez Md, Brittany Puebla Ms, Yeissen Godinez Md

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an aerosol-transmitted disease that primarily affects the lungs, with active infection presenting as fever, night sweats, weight loss, and productive cough. While it is prevalent worldwide, there may be a lower degree of clinical suspicion in developed countries where it remains uncommon. Therefore, it is important to focus on certain risk factors (travel history, immunosuppression, certain living conditions) in the patient workup. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the presentation and management of a patient with active TB presenting atypically. Case Description: The 47yo male patient with a recent history of pneumonia presented …

Feeling Rash?, Ana Angeli, Erica Pieper, Ana Angeli, Nisha Chachad, Fernando Frias-Grishko, Jose Gonzalez-Pantaleon

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Feeling Rash?

Melanio Rodriguez, MD1, Erica Peiper, DO2, Ana Angeli3, Nisha Chachad3, Fernando Frias-Grishko1, MD, Jose Gonzalez-Pantaleon, MD1

1Internal Medicine, HCA Florida Kendall Hospital 2Anesthesiology, HCA Florida Kendall Hospital 3Class of 2026, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine Introduction: Our objective is to discuss a diagnostic approach for a maculopapular rash in an adult male with no past medical history or recent history of infection. This was a case where a wide differential was key to the diagnosis of the patient, as IgA vasculitis is rare in the adult population. Case Presentation: A 36 year-old …

Comparative 24-Hour Effects Of Topical Humectants On Skin Hydration Assessed By Tissue Dielectric Constant, Kawaiola Aoki, Emily Deehan, Marissa Ruppe, Gregory Bartos, Harvey N. Mayrovitz

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Comparative 24-Hour Effects of Topical Humectants on Skin Hydration Assessed by Tissue Dielectric Constant Kawaiola Cael Aoki, MAS, OMS-III a; Emily Deehan, OMS-II a; Marissa Ruppe, OMS-II a; Gregory Bartos, DO, FAAD b; Harvey N. Mayrovitz, PhD c a Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL b Imperial Dermatology, Hollywood, FL c Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL Abstract Objective: To examine and quantify the effects of four humectant-based moisturizers on skin hydration using non-invasive Tissue Dielectric Constant (TDC) measurements over 24 hours. Background: Skin …

Rupioid Syphilis Case Report, Salma Bennis, Erica Rankin, Rummit Dhillon, Avva Saniee

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Introduction Rupioid syphilis is an atypical, severe form of secondary syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum. Here, we present a rare case of a cutaneous manifestation of latent secondary syphilis in an HIV-infected patient. Case Description A 33 year old HIV-positive female presented with a two-month history of generalized, draining, verrucous, scaly plaques that first started on her abdomen as a papule. Physical examination revealed mildly tender, odorous plaques, as well as white plaques on the buccal mucosa. H/E stains demonstrated verrucous pseudoepitheliomatous squamous hyperplasia associated with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and interface changes. Lab results showed a reduction in CD4+ lymphocytes and …