Digital Commons Network^™

Enhancing Cybersecurity With Explainable Artificial Intelligence: Technical Framework And Applications In Training Labs, Ahmad Almufarreh, Ashfaq Ahmad, Muhammad Arshad, Choo Wou Onn, Yegon Michael Kiplangat

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Cyberattacks are growing in complexity, and machine-learning-based intrusion detection systems (IDS) are increasingly adopted to support scalable threat monitoring. However, high-performing models can be operationally difficult to deploy when their decisions are not interpretable or auditable. This paper studies explainability as a decision-support component in an IDS workflow rather than as a purely visual add-on. Using the UNSW-NB15 benchmark, we compare three widely used classifiers—Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), and Support Vector Machine (SVM)—and then analyse the strongest performer (RF) with post-hoc explainability tools: Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME) and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP). RF achieved 95.3% accuracy (precision …

Digital Presence In Live Hybrid Performance, Luke Cargill

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

This thesis examines how digital presence, the sense that a digital performer is socially and performatively "there," is designed and tested in live hybrid performance. Drawing on four practice-based projects (Vicarious, Voltage, Vicarious: Encore Edition, and SUPER BLOOM), the first phase identifies a recurring but empirically untested claim: that digital presence depends on interactivity and co-presence with live performers, though these factors were always entangled in practice.

The second phase tests this claim directly. A new mini-performance, featuring the first fully AI-driven digital character in this line of work, was produced for controlled comparison. Using a 3 (intro type: AI-driven, …

The George-Anne Daily, Georgia Southern University

George-Anne Media Group: Newsletters & Magazines

No abstract provided.

Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities Summit Special Proceedings: Cardiovascular And Stroke Considerations For Β-Amyloid Immunotherapy In Alzheimer Disease., Steven M Greenberg, Costantino Iadecola, Sherry H-Y Chou, Petrice M Cogswell, Mitchell S V Elkind, William J Hicks, Caitlin Le, Deborah A Levine, Richard Lipton, Lauren Massimo, Stephanie M Mohl, Sudha Seshadri, Heather M Snyder, Kristine Yaffe, Kori S Zachrison, Aria Summit Working Group

Neuroscience Articles

BACKGROUND: New antiamyloid therapies (AAT) for treating patients with early Alzheimer disease (AD) have become available in the past 3 years. Although AAT can be beneficial in slowing progression of AD, they also come with potentially serious side effects, particularly for patients requiring anticoagulation or thrombolysis for cardiovascular conditions. Given that most patients with AD are older and likely to have cardiovascular risk factors, there is urgent need for additional guidance for clinicians about potential risks and benefits associated with AAT for patients with cardiovascular comorbidities, best practices for management of these patients, and special considerations with respect to emergency …

The Recurring Motif Of The Sexualization Of Women Within The Biblical Narratives And The Accompanied Theme Of The Providence Of God, Joseph S. Bernath

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research project seeks to inform others on how selected women of the Bible, those of the Old and New Testament, may have made wrong choices regarding sexualization, whether it be prostitution, infertility, or adultery, that the plan of God did not deter from their lives—within the Old Testament God used a multitude of family dysfunctions to carry out His plan to bring about the Messiah, Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, it was to further the Kingdom of God.

In the gospels, Jesus had a heart for women who had been involved in sexual situations of some kind, and …

From Faith To Faithful Leadership: A Phenomenological Study Of Intergenerational Discipleship In Southern Baptist Ministries, Yolanda E. Hanspard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the availability of Christian education curricula and teaching tools in churches today, a significant disconnect exists in the programs designed to develop spiritually mature adults who actively live as disciples of Christ. This gap between religious instruction and transformative spiritual growth represents a critical challenge for contemporary Christian education. Traditional approaches have underperformed due to inadequate professional development and implementation fidelity. Grounded in Morris’ (2020) Four Pathways for Christian Discipleship framework and Hull’s (2010) Church-Centered Disciple-Making Plan, with this phenomenological qualitative study, the researcher explored effective strategies for discipleship and spiritual formation among adults in Southern Baptist Convention ministries …

Navigating Mental Health Stigma And Disclosure Among Black Males On Social Media: A Qualitative Study Guided By Stigma Management Communication Theory, Kendall Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Mental health stigma in the Black male community is a significant topic worth further investigation within the field of communication. Few current studies go into depth on the subject of mental health stigma, with the aim of understanding how communication is impacted by stigma. This work fills that gap. This qualitative research study sought to explicate the varied strategies employed by Black males when navigating disclosure in social media spaces. Stigma management communication theory is the guiding theory used to illuminate the communication choices made by Black males that shape their experiences. Factors such as racism, historical medical maltreatment, and …

Navigating The Challenges: Preflight Planning With Notam In Australia’S General Aviation Sector, Joshua Chiang, Guido Carim Junior

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) are an integral part of a pilot’s preflight navigational briefing, providing pertinent information in textual format. However, significant shortcomings have been found in the NOTAM system and in its use, with many of the shortcomings revolving around the interface. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the challenges general aviation pilots face when interacting with NOTAMs during preflight navigational planning. A thematic analysis study was conducted and included episodic semi-structured interviews with 15 pilots and document analysis. The interview transcription and excerpts of NOTAMs were analyzed following a thematic analysis technique. The findings of this preliminary …

Draft Final 2023 Reclamation Improvement Sites Sampling: Bres No. 17 – Paymaster Dump Site Evaluation Summary Report, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

This Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (BPSOU) Reclamation Improvement (RI) Site Evaluation Summary Report (SESR) presents results of soil sampling conducted on October 11, 2023, at the Butte Reclamation Evaluation System (BRES) No. 17 – Paymaster Dump Site and adjacent areas (referred to herein as Site) within the BPSOU. The BPSOU Consent Decree (CD) (referred to herein as BPSOU CD; EPA, 2020) Appendix D, Attachment C Further Remedial Elements Scope of Work (FRESOW) prescribed further evaluation of sites reclaimed prior to establishment of the Butte Hill Revegetation Specifications (BHRS) (Appendix A to the BPSOU CD), which were initially established in …

Relationships Between Lower Body Anthropometrics And Vertical Force-Velocity Profiles In Collegiate American Football Players, Nicholus Adam Despot

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The study examined the relationships between lower-body anthropometric characteristics and vertical force-velocity profiles in collegiate American football players. Although the use of force-velocity profiling has increased significantly in recent years, there has been limited research on the association between structural features and key mechanical outputs. A sample of 16 NAIA football players was used to examine how skeletal breadths, girths, and derived ratios relate to key force-velocity metrics. Anthropometric variables were collected using ISAK standards, while force-velocity profiles were obtained through a series of loaded squat jumps on a force platform. Mean propulsive force, velocity and power were used to …

Exploring Social Cognitive Learning In Simulation-Enhanced Interprofessional Education: A Case Study, William Nicholas Vasios Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this single-case design study is to explore the impact of observational and vicarious learning during simulation-enhanced interprofessional education (Sim-IPE) on the confidence and perceived self-efficacy of nursing students and IM residents at a southeastern university. Guided by Bandura’s social cognitive learning theory, which addresses the personnel, behavioral, and environmental factors of Sim-IPE, while answering the central research question: How does observational and vicarious learning during Sim-IPE impact participant confidence and perceived self-efficacy? This qualitative single-case study was conducted at a university in the southeastern United States, using data collected through visual confidence analog scale surveys, interviews, and …

Exploring The Experiences Of African American Adults Utilizing Life Coaching And Their Attitudes Toward Counseling, Lakecia Wilson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of African American adults who have used life coaching services, as well as their attitudes toward counseling. The study focused on understanding these individuals’ experience with life coaching, the effects it had on them, and if their experience influenced them to attend counseling services. The study aimed to answer the following research questions: How do African American participants describe their experiences with life coaching? How do African American participants perceive the value of life coaching for their problems and issues? What re the participants’ perceptions and thoughts on …

Timothy Baptist Church Of Amherst, Virginia, And Technology, Christopher L. Groom

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The contemporary local church faces a critical crossroads, challenged by a widening gap between traditional ministry approaches and today's digital-native world, resulting in decreased engagement and relevance. This research tackles the urgent issue of ecclesiastical stagnation in a highly connected society. When the local church and technology strategically unite, they can dramatically shift the church’s path from static tradition toward active, missional innovation. Embracing digital tools will transform preaching from a localized, one-dimensional event into a rich, multi-layered homiletic experience that enhances message impact and clarity. By intentionally using these tools, the church can reach a wider, more diverse audience …

Investigating K-12 Principals Assigning Non-Licensed, Uncertified Personnel As Teachers: A Case Study, Hugues Pericles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this single case study was to describe how principals assign non-licensed, uncertified personnel as teachers for students at K-12 public schools. The theory guiding this study was Weick’s sensemaking theory on organization, as it explains the relationship between the theory and leaders’ management in times of organizational crisis. The Central Research Question was: How do principals assign non-licensed, uncertified personnel as teachers at their K-12 public schools in one large urban school district? This study was a holistic single case study. The study sample included the lived experiences of K-12 public school principals in one of the …

Fostering Musicianship Through Trumpet Pedagogy: A Qualitative Comparative Case Study Analysis Of Beginning Band Method Books, Michaela Brock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the diversity of beginning band methods, their pedagogical approaches must be more consistent, particularly in developing musicianship among young trumpet players. This study examined the effectiveness of five beginning band method books (Essential Elements (2025), Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician, Tradition of Excellence, Sound Innovations, and Standard of Excellence) in fostering musicianship among young trumpet players by analyzing instructional strategies, content diversity, and alignment with developmental needs, ultimately providing valuable insights to enhance educational practices in music pedagogy for beginning trumpet players. This study employed a qualitative comparative case study research approach to identify perspectives on five …

Secondary English Teachers' Experiences Related To Instructional Communication With Their Students In A Southeastern State: A Phenomenology, Toye L. Wheeler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore secondary English teachers’ experiences related to instructional communication with their students in a southeastern state. Guided by Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, the study examined how teachers perceive, experience, and navigate communication within contemporary secondary English classrooms. Participants included 10 secondary English teachers from two public high schools who had at least three years of teaching experience and worked with diverse student populations. Data were collected through open-ended questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups and were analyzed using phenomenological reduction, including epoché and horizontalization. Five themes emerged from the analysis: the varied …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Exploring The Psychological Distress Of Christian Black Women Who Experienced Parental Alienation As The Targeted Parent, Marcia Toller Leftwich

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of Christian Black women who experienced parental alienation as the targeted parent. Data collection was conducted via semi-structured interviews with Christian Black women who experienced a high conflict separation or divorce and experienced parental alienation. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize the data, identify patterns, and make meaning as it emerged from the participants’ narratives. The findings revealed that parental alienation is a complex phenomenon characterized by psychological distress, emotional devastation, identity disruption, relational harm, and spiritual transformation. Spiritual connection and reliance on faith were at the center …

Analysis Of Global Carbon Neutrality Situation And Policy Insights For China, Lina Liu, Jiansheng Qu, Jingjing Zeng, Xiaoyu Song, Qin Liao, Yibo Niu, Yanfei Liu, Bingxue Qin

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Achieving the goal of “dual carbon” (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality) will bring comprehensive and profound systematic changes in China’s social economy. By analyzing the global trend of carbon neutrality, it can be seen that the topics of carbon neutrality mainly focus on four aspects: emission reduction categories, key areas, technological innovation, and carbon market construction. At present, China is steadily building a multi-level (national, regional, and enterprise) carbon-neutral policy framework system. In key areas such as energy, industry, transportation, construction, agriculture, and forestry, China not only actively takes practical and effective actions but also vigorously carries out scientific and …

Policy System Of Us Bioeconomy Based On “3ms” Framework, Jingyan Zhou, Nianping Tian, Xuehui Jin, Cuijuan Yin

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The United States is a dominant power in the global bioeconomy. An in-depth analysis of its policy system characteristics holds significant reference value for China to further formulate China’s bioeconomy strategy and drive the development of China’s bioeconomy. This study employs the “3Ms” policy analysis framework to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the US bioeconomy policy from three dimensions: macro strategy, meso architecture, and micro structure. The research reveals that the US bioeconomy policy demonstrates the following characteristics in the macro strategy: being systematic, comprehensive, and scientifically decision-making; in the meso architecture: forming government-congressional cooperation and multi-party collaboration; and in …

Developing Field And Spaceflight Microscopy, Nikki Johnston

Dissertations and Theses

Designing for spaceflight favors the reduction of unnecessary features and cost-cutting, whether thisbe computation, hardware, or procedure. Resources are spent toward fortification and mission success over convenience. Such design goals paired with the relatively smaller budgets of academia lead us to do as much as we can in-house and use open-source as much as we can without compromising mission success. We also believe that thoroughly testing technology in extreme environments on earth is necessary for the success of a flight instrument. We focus on microscopy for life detection. I have spent my time here learning methods of hand-building microscopes to …

Exercise Modulates Microbial Metabolites And Induces Stromal Remodeling In Pancreatic Cancer, Sumedha Pareek, Robin D Wright, Riccardo Ballarò, Cayla Xue, Thais F Bartelli, Vidhi Chandra, Le Li, Justina Ortiz, Truong Lam, Hetal Patel, Jonghae Lee, Pradeep Shrestha, Hannah Savage, Olivereen Le Roux, Haoyue Liu, Tamara Vallejo-Schmidt, Ryan De Maleki, Vasanta Putluri, Nagireddy Putluri, Joseph F Petrosino, Jared K Burks, Javier A Gomez, Jlenia Guarnerio, Matthew H G Katz, An Ngo-Huang, Laura R Prakash, Nathan H Parker, Maria Q B Petzel, Lin Tan, Seyda Baydogan, Florencia Mcallister, Keri L Schadler

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Exercise induces a variety of changes in the tumor microenvironment with beneficial effects in several tumor types. However, a better understanding of the clinical effects of exercise and mediating mechanisms is needed to maximize the utility of exercise for patients. In this study, we analyzed tumors from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients in the PancFit trial and identified an exercise-induced reduction in cells expressing alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA). Interrogation of changes in tumor stromal composition with exercise in a murine PDAC model revealed a microbially-influenced reduction in αSMA+ cells and Il6 expressing inflammatory cancer associated fibroblasts (iCAFs). Cholic acid, …

Exercise Modulates Microbial Metabolites And Induces Stromal Remodeling In Pancreatic Cancer, Sumedha Pareek, Robin D Wright, Riccardo Ballarò, Cayla Xue, Thais F Bartelli, Vidhi Chandra, Le Li, Justina Ortiz, Truong Lam, Hetal Patel, Jonghae Lee, Pradeep Shrestha, Hannah Savage, Olivereen Le Roux, Haoyue Liu, Tamara Vallejo-Schmidt, Ryan De Maleki, Vasanta Putluri, Nagireddy Putluri, Joseph F Petrosino, Jared K Burks, Javier A Gomez, Jlenia Guarnerio, Matthew H G Katz, An Ngo-Huang, Laura R Prakash, Nathan H Parker, Maria Q B Petzel, Lin Tan, Seyda Baydogan, Florencia Mcallister, Keri L Schadler

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Exercise induces a variety of changes in the tumor microenvironment, with beneficial effects in several tumor types. However, a better understanding of the clinical effects of exercise and mediating mechanisms is needed to maximize the utility of exercise for patients. In this study, we analyzed tumors from patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in the PancFit trial and identified an exercise-induced reduction in cells expressing α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA). Interrogation of changes in tumor stromal composition with exercise in a murine PDAC model revealed a microbially influenced reduction in αSMA+ cells and Il6-expressing inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (iCAF). Cholic acid, a …

August 20, 2026

The Breeze, 2020-

No abstract provided.

August 20, 2026

The Breeze, 2020-

No abstract provided.

Agapē, Aretē, And The Arena: Exploring Sport Through Faith, Reason, And Olympism, Gary V. Meegan

Journal of Catholic Education

Young people have a passion for play, for competition and sport, a place where they feel fully alive. As a result, Catholic schools have introduced courses to explore sport and spirituality, delving into the working of God in their lives through athletics. However, the study of philosophy is integral to the understanding of the Catholic faith, therefore any education must also include the study of philosophy if it is to be authentically Catholic. The opportunity to create a course that incorporated both disciplines with sport resulted in a high school elective course titled, Philosophy and Theology of Sport. Its purpose …

The Bambisanani Partnership: A Global Initiative Activating Faith And Sport, David Geldart, Matt Hoven

Journal of Catholic Education

The Bambisanani Partnership: A Global Initiative Activating Faith and Sport Partnership is a United Kingdom-based charity that originated as a sports-based partnership between St. Mary’s Catholic High School in the UK, and Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu- Natal (KZN), South Africa, in 2006. Inspired by papal teaching about sport, this article explores the ways in which this particular program has been successful in providing opportunities to live out the Catholic faith through sports participation. The partnership, which remains based at St. Mary’s School and is run entirely by volunteers, operates in the Nkandla region of South Africa, which is …

The Magis Ministry Model - Building Sustainable Sports And Performing Arts Ministries, Drew J. Vilinsky

Journal of Catholic Education

The Magis Ministry Model addresses the documented decline in youth religious practice by leveraging the high participation rates in secondary school athletics and performing arts. Recognizing that many students struggle to connect faith with what they value, the model embeds lay adult chaplains within teams and troupes to provide a "ministry of accompaniment". Key to this framework are chapel talks—weekly, 15- to 20-minute reflections that invite students to encounter God through their specific craft. Longitudinal data from Saint Ignatius High School demonstrates significant impact:  over 74% of surveyed participants strongly advocate for the program's continuation, and successful head coaches now …

A Comparative Analysis Of Educator And Parent Perspectives Of Catholic High School Athletics, Kevin J. Calkins

Journal of Catholic Education

This study surveyed parents to compare their perceptions of the role of athletics in the Catholic high school environment with those of educators, and to examine the degree to which athletics influences parental enrollment decisions. Educators and parents mostly agree on the role of interscholastic athletics in Catholic high schools. The most noticeable difference between educators and parents is about the perceived role of athletics in student formation. While the strength and health of a Catholic high school’s athletic program are important considerations when parents choose a Catholic high school for their child, the results indicate that academic quality is …

Sport, Human Flourishing And The Common Good: A Jesuit Perspective, Patrick M. Kelly S.J.

Journal of Catholic Education

The author interprets humanist and early Jesuit education inspired by the Spiritual Exercises through the lens of the flow psychology theory of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi to highlight that they bring about differentiation – the development of the different interests, skills, dimensions of the person – and integration – in a way that is connected to community and fosters the common good. The inclusion of physical education and sports in the humanist and early Jesuit schools – the first instance of it in Catholic schools – was influenced by longer traditions which emphasized the unity of the person and a “play ethic”, …

Sport Is The New Religion? Speculations In A Time Of Profound Cultural Change, Richard M. Rymarz

Journal of Catholic Education

Utilizing a narrative approach, this article begins with an indicative account of how religion and sport are related in a particular context. This narrative is a prelude to a closer examination of the decline of religion in contemporary culture. Religion is conceptualized following Durkheim. Its decline, using sources such as Berger, Luckmann, and Stoltz, is simply explained by using powerful descriptors such as loss of ritualized practice, secular competition, and diminishing plausibility. A second narrative is offered as a departure point for the oft-discussed maxim that sport is the new religion. Rather than one being seen as a substitute for …