Digital Commons Network^™

(Un)Know Thy “Self”: Interconnected Consciousness And Different Ways Of Knowing, Laurel Waterman, Karyn Cooper

The Qualitative Report

This paper draws on preliminary data from a qualitative study in curriculum and pedagogy, “Stories of Teaching about Consciousness: An Inquiry into Worldviews and Wellbeing.” An emerging theme is the concept of the self and how it entwines with perspectives on consciousness. Analyzing consciousness and the self through The Five Contexts framework reveals assumptions at the heart of research and education that often go unquestioned. We wonder, what might alternative perspectives on consciousness and the self offer to researchers and educators? The study aims to inform a larger project of “consciousness education,” defined as education about perspectives on the source …

The Contribution Of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps To Coagulopathy In Patients With Covid-19-Related Thrombosis, Carolyn Enochs, Gabriela Delevati Colpo, Lucy Couture, Lynae Baskin, Ana E Cahuiche, Eunyoung Angela Lee, Shahid Nimjee, Louise D Mccullough

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is associated with hypercoagulability and increased incidence of thrombotic events. In this study, we investigated the levels of neutrophil extracellular trap biomarkers and von Willebrand factor to assess if these could predict the occurrence of a thrombotic event in COVID-19 patients. We enrolled 202 patients hospitalized with symptomatic COVID-19 infection. Of those, 104 patients did not experience any type of thrombotic events before or during their hospitalization. These patients were compared to the other cohort of 98, who experienced thrombotic events before or during their hospitalization. In total, …

A Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Genetic Determinants Of Hemoglobin Glycation Index With Implications Across Sex And Ethnicity, John S. House, Joseph H. Breeyear, Farida S. Akhtari, Violet Evans, John B. Buse, James Hempe, Alessandro Doria, Josyf C. Mychaleckyi, Vivian Fonseca, Mengyao Shi, Changwei Li, Shuqian Liu, Tanika N. Kelly, Daniel Rotroff, Alison A. Motsinger-Reif

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: We investigated the genetic determinants of variation in the hemoglobin glycation index (HGI), an emerging biomarker for the risk of diabetes complications. Methods: We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for HGI in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial (N = 7,913) using linear regression and additive genotype encoding on variants with minor allele frequency greater than 3%. We conducted replication analyses of top findings in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study with inverse variance-weighted meta-analysis. We followed up with stratified GWAS analyses by sex and self-reported race. Results: In ACCORD, we identified single …

Right Heart Failure After Tricvalve Implantation For Symptomatic Torrential Tricuspid Regurgitation: A Case Report, King Sum Luk, Chun Kit Wong

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Patients with symptomatic torrential tricuspid regurgitation (TR) presenting with right heart failure are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While medical therapy is often ineffective, the perioperitive risks of surgical correction are high. Transcatheter TricValve implantation is one of the evolving therapeutic options for this condition with many unanswered questions. We reported a case of life-threatening right heart failure after transcatheter TricValve implantation despite initial improvement. Important considerations of TricValve implantation are discussed. In particular, careful patient selection and evaluation with perioperative echocardiogram are of paramount importance.

Radiomics-Based Machine Learning With Natural Gradient Boosting For Continuous Survival Prediction In Glioblastoma, Mert Karabacak, Shiv Patil, Zachary C. Gersey, Ricardo J. Komotar, Konstantinos Margetis

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

(1) Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults, with an aggressive disease course that requires accurate prognosis for individualized treatment planning. This study aims to develop and evaluate a radiomics-based machine learning (ML) model to estimate overall survival (OS) for patients with GBM using pre-treatment multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). (2) Methods: The MRI data of 865 patients with GBM were assessed, comprising 499 patients from the UPENN-GBM dataset and 366 patients from the UCSF-PDGM dataset. A total of 14,598 radiomic features were extracted from T1, T1 with contrast, T2, and FLAIR MRI sequences …

Pengaruh Larangan Ekspor Karang Hias Terhadap Kondisi Terumbu Karang Di Indonesia, Fitrian Dwi Cahyo, Muhammad Halley Yudhistira

Jurnal Kebijakan Ekonomi

Indonesia has the largest coral population in the world, contributed as the world’s second largest ornamental corals exporter after Japan. Coral trade sparked the issues of habitat destruction, illegal trade, and coral health problems has prompted the government to banning of ornamental coral export. This study aims to find an empirical evidence does the policies mentioned above affect the condition of coral reefs in Indonesia. The author uses the Fixed-Effect Model on the Difference in Difference regression equation whose result show that export banning of ornamental corals does not significantly affect the condition of coral reefs in Indonesia.

Specialized Contact Sites Regulate The Fusion Of Chlamydial Inclusion Membranes, Christine Linton, Jordan Wesolowski, Anna Lobley, Toshiyuki Yamaji, Kentaro Hanada, Fabienne Paumet

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

The intracellular bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis replicates within a membrane-bound compartment called the inclusion. Upon infection with several chlamydiae, each bacterium creates its own inclusion, resulting in multiple inclusions within each host cell. Ultimately, these inclusions fuse together in a process that requires the chlamydial protein IncA. Here, we show that inclusions form unique contact sites (inclusion contact sites, ICSs) prior to fusion, that serve as fusogenic platforms in which specific lipids and chlamydial proteins concentrate. Fusion depends on IncA clustering within ICSs and is regulated by PI(3,4)P₂ and sphingolipids. As IncA concentrates within ICSs, its C-terminus likely interacts …

Molecular Remodeling In Comorbidities Associated With Heart Failure: A Current Update, Muni Rubens, Venkataraghavan Ramamoorthy, Anshul Saxena, Sandra Chaparro, Javier Jimenez

All Publications

Recent advances in genomics and proteomics have helped in understanding the molecular mechanisms and pathways of comorbidities and heart failure. In this narrative review, we reviewed molecular alterations in common comorbidities associated with heart failure such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, coronary artery disease, hypercholesteremia and lipoprotein abnormalities, chronic kidney disease, and atrial fibrillation. We searched the electronic databases, PubMed, Ovid, EMBASE, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and PhysioNet for articles without time restriction. Although the association between comorbidities and heart failure is already well established, recent studies have explored the molecular pathways in much detail. These molecular pathways …

Ten Challenges And Opportunities In Computational Immuno-Oncology, Riyue Bao, Alan Hutson, Anant Madabhushi, Vanessa D Jonsson, Spencer R Rosario, Jill S Barnholtz-Sloan, Elana J Fertig, Himangi Marathe, Lyndsay Harris, Jennifer Altreuter, Qingrong Chen, James Dignam, Andrew J Gentles, Edgar Gonzalez-Kozlova, Sacha Gnjatic, Erika Kim, Mark Long, Martin Morgan, Eytan Ruppin, David Van Valen, Hong Zhang, Natalie Vokes, Daoud Meerzaman, Song Liu, Eliezer M Van Allen, Yi Xing

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Immuno-oncology has transformed the treatment of cancer, with several immunotherapies becoming the standard treatment across histologies. Despite these advancements, the majority of patients do not experience durable clinical benefits, highlighting the imperative for ongoing advancement in immuno-oncology. Computational immuno-oncology emerges as a forefront discipline that draws on biomedical data science and intersects with oncology, immunology, and clinical research, with the overarching goal to accelerate the development of effective and safe immuno-oncology treatments from the laboratory to the clinic. In this review, we outline 10 critical challenges and opportunities in computational immuno-oncology, emphasizing the importance of robust computational strategies and interdisciplinary …

Autoimmune Condition Diagnosis Following Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Marisa R. Imbroane, Felicia Lemoine, Kelly S. Gibson

Student Scholarship

Problem: Research has suggested a link between recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and cell-mediated immunity dysregulation. We aimed to determine if a history of RPL is associated with diagnosis of a cell-mediated autoimmune condition (AIC). Method of Study: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX research network. The RPL group had ≥3 spontaneous or missed abortions. Controls had at least one pregnancy but no diagnosis of RPL. Propensity score matching was used for age, race, and ethnicity. Z-test and relative risk analysis investigated the relationship between RPL and subsequent AIC diagnoses. Results: One hundred twenty-eight thousand three hundred seventy-six …

Iron Deficiency And Internalizing Symptoms Among Adolescents In The National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey, Dimitri Fiani, Solangia Engler, Yang Ni, Sherecce Fields, Chadi Calarge

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Iron Deficiency (ID) affects two billion people worldwide, predominantly adolescent girls, and may be associated with increased psychopathology. The associations between ID and symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents were examined using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized Americans.

Methods: The current analysis included survey cycles where both iron-related markers and mental health-related outcomes were collected in adolescents 12 to 17 years old. Acute and serious medical conditions, acute inflammation, and abnormal birth weight led to exclusion. Linear multivariable regression analyses examined the association …

Potential Hazardous Effects Of Radio Wave Radiation As Non-Ionization Radiations On Humans: A Literature Review, Mevlan Qafleshi

UBT International Conference

This comprehensive research analysis focuses into the possible health risks of radio wave radiation, a non-ionizing ra- diation type, on humans. The research consists of data from an array of research, focusing on the influence of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF- EMF), which are constantly released by appliances and electronics. The analyzed research from re- viewed literature indicate that most significant effect of RF-EMF exposure of some delicate tissues and organs is the thermal ef- fect, which causes a temperature rise of tissues andpotentially cellular damage. Even though the evidence is inconclusive some studies suggest a potential link between RF-EMF exposure …

Antioxidant Activity Of Caffeic Acid: A Brief Review On Experimental Studies, Belma Gjergjizi Nallbani

UBT International Conference

Because they offer so many health advantages, antioxidants are regarded as significant bioactive substances. They work in biological cells to counteract free radicals, which may be harmful to living things. Known for its antioxidant qualities, caffeic acid is an organic molecule that belongs to the polyphenol class. Numerous plants naturally contain it, but coffee, fruits, vegetables, and herbs have particularly high concentrations. Various spectrophotometric methods were performed to assess the caffeic acid antioxidant activity; These two methods DPPH• and ABTS•+ are complementary and provide a lot of information on the capability of reacting with free radicals. This review aims to …

The Study Of Plant Species Diversity In Natural Forest Reserve Blinaja, Kosovo, Hyzer Rizani, Nexhat Balaj, Smajl Rizani, Naser Kamberi

UBT International Conference

The study was conducted in natural forest reserve Blinaja located in the village of Blinaja, Lipjan, Kosovo, during the period 2021-2022. In this study the following plant categories were analyzed:woody plants, shrubs, herbaceous vegetation (annual, perennial and biennial), medicinal and aromatic plants. Using Summed Dominance Ratio (SDR), was analyzed structure of vegetation in location. Relative Frequency was calculated by dividing the frequency of species by the sum frequency of all species then multiplying by 100 percent. Relative Dominance was calculated by dividing the individual number of species by the dominance of all species multiplied by 100. The diversity of plant …

Determination Of General Parameters, Total Phenols And Total Flavonoids Content For The Assessment Of The General Quality Of Herbs From The Two Sideritis Species (S. Scardica And S. Raeseri), Bujar Qazimi, Shpend Dragusha, Hyrije Koraqi, Gentiana Balaj, Vesel Qazimi, Valon Ejupi

UBT International Conference

The determination of general parameters (loss on drying test, total ash, and ash insoluble in dilute HCl) as well as the determination of total phenols content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) were determined in the aerial part of Sideritis scardica and S. raeseri collected in different localities in North Macedonia and Albania. In the analyzed samples of S. scardica and S. raeseri loss by drying was 6.65-8.01% and 7.08-8.42%, the content of total ash was 4.91-7.41% and 4.727.74%, while the content of total ash insoluble in diluted HCl was 0.13-0.27% and 0.05-0.75%, respectively. The amounts of phenolics content and …

Water Resources Management Policies In Kosovo And The Harmonization With The Water Framework Directive In The European Union, Nexhat Balaj, Hyzer Rizani, Filloreta Balaj

UBT International Conference

The purpose of this paper is to study the role of environmental policies for the protection of water in the Republic of Kosovo, the challenges in the management of water resources for sustainable development and the harmonization with the Water Framework Directive in the European Union. Water plays an important role in determining aquatic ecosystems and public health. Water pollution in Kosovo is causing damage to ecosystems, affects the deterioration of the water in rivers and is considered a potential risk for the environment and health. The work is based on the qualitative and comparative method which is based on …

Aggression In Teenagers, Besarta Sadriu, Emrush Thaqi

UBT International Conference

This study analyzes the phenomenon of aggression among adolescents, including its origin, the most frequent forms of aggression that we encounter among adolescents, the factors that contribute to its development, as well as its consequences for the future of adolescents and society as a whole. In adolescence, biological, emotional and social changes often lead to increased feelings of aggression. Factors such as the influence of hormones, social pressure, and the modeling of behaviors in their environments are important in understanding adolescent aggression. Aggressive behaviors in this age group are characterized by impulsivity, a sense of threat and conflicts with authority. …

The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma And Depression In Ubt College Students: Mediating And Moderating Effects Of Psychological Resilience, Anita Sadikaj, Kaltrina Rrafshi

UBT International Conference

Introduction: Childhood trauma and depression are important aspects with a profound impact on the mental health of individuals. These two realities, when they collide in individuals or students, happen to bring challenges affecting academic performance, and among the many reasons is the experience of war related to the exposure to violence. However, there are cases where exposure to a traumatic event does not always cause depression at the person because psychological stability as a mediating factor changes the focus of the individual and emphasizes the strengths he has and help him cope with the trauma. Material and methods: A single-measure …

Treatment Of The Spring-Well Water Number 5 For The Production Line Of The Fizzy Drinks Company "Royal Beverage" Without Chlorine And The Monitoring Of The Physical-Chemical And Microbiological Aspects, Enis Buca, Erxhan Ibrahimi, Luljeta Ajdini, Albina Mustafa Ferati, Arianeta Nura, Veton Haziri, Lorike Salihu

UBT International Conference

The purpose of this paper is the study of an underground spring water treatment activity without chlorine disinfectant. Based on the fact that chlorine and all other disinfectants during their use for water disinfection also have their negative sides. We have started the application of the water treatment method for the production of gas liquids without chemicals only with physical treatment methods also with reverse osmosis, microbiological filter and UW-Lamp and the collected water must remain in recycling all the time.After the exploitation of water from the underground source - well no. 5 with a depth of 60 m and …

The Role Of Ribosomes In Cancer And Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: From Biogenesis To Targeted Therapies, Anjeza Temaj, Yllka Gashi, Driton Selmani, Shefki Xharra, Kumrije Xharra, Gazmend Temaj

UBT International Conference

This comprehensive review explores the critical role of ribosomes in cancer development and treatment, with a particular focus on acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The human ribosome, essential for protein synthesis, is implicated in cancer transformation through its interaction with oncoproteins. The review examines various strategies targeting ribosome biogenesis and cancer cell proliferation, including drugs and molecular therapies. It provides an in-depth analysis of ALL, the most common pediatric malignancy, discussing its prevalence, genetic characteristics, and treatment approaches. The review covers recent advancements in ALL classification, risk assessment, and targeted therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and gene therapy. …

The Palynomorphological Characteristics Of Polypodium Vulgare L (Polypodiaceae) In Albania, A Golloshi, G Kapidani, M Meço, B Pupuleku, N Kallajxhiu, A Dauti, A Jançe

UBT International Conference

The article contains data about the morphological study of spores of Polypodium vulgare L species in our country. Furthermore, is done the comparison of the palynological data of this specie with those taken from the literature. Spores are bilateral type, With contours like beans shaped to oval. The exine surface has non-uniform thickness. In some areas, it swells like non-uniform hills. Exina is relatively thick. The aperture is monolete. The surface of the exine has formations of nonuniform thickness. In some areas, the thicknesses of the exine formations are large. They take the form of non-uniform convex hills and give …

Biophilic Design In Architecture And Its Side Effects: Potential Side Effects And Challenges Of Biophilic Design, Visar Shllaku, Kaltrina Veselaj Shllaku

UBT International Conference

Biophilic design in architecture aims to integrate natural elements into built environments to promote wellbeing and connectivity with nature. However, it presents several potential side effects and challenges. Maintenance issues arise as natural elements require regular upkeep, and without it, they can deteriorate and pose health hazards. High start-up costs and long-term maintenance charges can limit feasibility, while sensitivities as allergic reactions to plants and natural elements can cause to occupants’ health problems issues. Indoor gardens increased water usage can lead result to higher operational costs as well as concerns towards sustainability. Additional supports for large plants and water features …

Ai In Architecture: Achieving A Balance Between Computational Insights And Human Creativity, Gazmend Uka

UBT International Conference

Graham Wallas identifies the four fundamental steps in the creative process: preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification. This paper investigates the selective integration of artificial intelligence into the creative framework, with an emphasis on the preparation and verification stages to improve creativity without compromising human inventiveness. AI can speed up data collection and trend analysis throughout the preparation process, allowing architects to focus on conceptual and high-level ideas. In the verification stage, AI may carefully evaluate and improve ideas, ensuring their practicality and resilience through thorough analysis and feedback. By carefully incorporating artificial intelligence into various phases of selected architectural projects, …

Urban Symbiosis: Rethinking Public Space In Vushtrri, Gazmend Uka

UBT International Conference

This paper explain process of designing a new urban square in the ancient city of Vushtrri, Kosovo, situated between a 500-year-old Turkish Bath(“Hamam”) and the modern Municipality Building. The proposal presented significant challenges due to the limited space and the need to respect the historical and contemporary architecture and to add a new layer of public square. In order to comprehend the potential of a square to effectively support urban life and enhance its quality, it is important to take into account the notion of urban symbiosis. Applying the concept of urban symbiosis in the built environment, the design fosters …

Water Quality Standards Assessment, Using Epanet Modeling– Prishtina Case – Oxidation-Reduction Of Manganese On Dw Network, Sokol Xhafa

UBT International Conference

Thermal stratification and water movement in reservoirs are key natural processes. While most effects of this movement are beneficial, such as increased oxygen levels, the presence of manganese (Mn) poses a challenge. During autumn, water circulation causes manganese to shift from its solid Mn(4+) form to the dissolved Mn(2+) form, preventing sedimentation and leading to issues in water treatment and distribution networks. This report focuses on these challenges at the Badovc Reservoir, near Prishtina, Kosovo. Built in 1965, Badovc is one of the oldest reservoirs in the country. Manganese, while usually an aesthetic issue that can cause "black water," can …

Climate Change Impacts On Water Resources, Andrin Kerpaci, Ilir Abdullahu

UBT International Conference

Climate change threatens source water quality through increased pollutant and sediment runoff, reduced water availability from drought, and negative impact on overall efforts to maintain water quality. Heavy rainfall is predicted to increase due to climate change. Heavy rainfall can increase pollutant runoff and sedimentation in source waters such as rivers, lakes and streams. Such runoff and sedimentation can complicate treatment in drinking water utilities and result in increased costs. Increased erosion and sedimentation can reduce water quality, clog stormwater management systems, and reduce storage capacity. The paper presents the great importance of climate changes in the water resources used …

Self-Healing Concrete (Shc): A Systematic Literature Review Of Environmental Benefits And Applications (2019-2023), Visar Hoxha, Hyrmete Baca Gashi, Veli Lecaj, Fuat Pallaska, Hazer Dana, Jehona Hoxha

UBT International Conference

This research aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the environmental implications of self-healing concrete (SHC) through a systematic literature review. Adopting the methodological framework proposed by Tranfield et al. (2003), the study consolidated fragmented knowledge across the domain. Data collection was executed using Google Scholar, targeting articles from 2019 to 2023, resulting in an initial pool of 60 potential articles. Rigorous screening narrowed this to 17 articles that were critically analyzed for patterns, consistencies, and discrepancies, inspired by Yin's (1994) approach. The synthesis stage generated new insights, framing them into a coherent narrative on SHC's environmental impact. Notably, while …

How A.I. Will Change The Entire Structure Of Civilisation: The Need For A New Design Of Education, Roy J. Andersen

UBT International Conference

The rapid rise of A.I. is expected to replace up to 90% of jobs by the end of the century, leading to widespread unemployment and profound social challenges. This paper explores the societal impacts of A.I.-driven unemployment, including increased crime, depression, and diminished personal freedoms due to heightened surveillance. It argues for a shift in education, moving away from job-oriented curricula toward a focus on behavioral development, ethics, and social responsibility, to prepare future generations for life in an A.I.-dominated world.

Policies To Reduce Greenhouse Gas (Ghg) Emissions And Environmental Effectiveness, Afrim Syla

UBT International Conference

The concept of environmental effectiveness has many aspects. In or-der to be effective at mitigating GHG, the policy will need to reduce - rather than displace - emissions, as “leakage” of carbon or other GHG will have no global benefits . Policies may also need to address the broad picture, rather than focusing on optimizing the performance of individual sub-systems. Products used during construction and opera-tion of a building can contribute to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) problems that affect occupants’ well-being. However, IAQ is conventionally not addressed in the life cycle assessments (LCAs) of buildings and build-ing related products even …

Examination Of The Crime Scene And Victim In Murder Cases, Besim Arifi

UBT International Conference

The purpose of this research paper is to present in detail all issues related to the criminal offense of murder as in the investigative aspect based on the Criminal Code of Kosovo article 172, as well as organizational, and all other issues regarding the more efficient management of a scene when dealing with murder cases. The object of analysis and evaluation will be the work of investigative groups at the scene, the steps that will follow them to reach a place where the murder took place, the examination of victims in these cases, cooperation with other units and at the …