Digital Commons Network^™

The Contribution Of Design Thinking To Reducing Excessive Sensitivity To Criticism Among Athletes In Selected Track And Field Events, Liqaa Abdulzahra Obaid

Modern Sport

The study sought to develop two measurement scales—design thinking and excessive sensitivity to criticism—and to determine their levels among athletes participating in selected track and field events. In addition, to examine the role of design thinking in reducing excessive sensitivity to criticism among these athletes. The methodology is descriptive, employing a correlational approach was adopted. The population consisted of athletes in selected track and field events representing clubs in Baghdad Governorate, youth category, who were actively training during the local sports season. The population included 186 athletes distributed across various sprint distances, hurdle races of different distances, shot put, discus …

Food Apartheid And The Retail Food Environment In The Bronx, Aissatou Barry

CUNY Mexican Studies Institute

This project examines the structural mechanisms that contribute to unequal food access, both historical and ongoing, in the South Bronx, and applies the food apartheid framework created by Bronx food activist Karen Washington. This paper applies the framework to two food retail initiatives in NYC: the New York State Regional Hub and the New York City FRESH food program to assess whether their policies address the structural mechanisms that contribute to food inequality. I ask: How does the unequal distribution of healthy food access in the Bronx reflect broader patterns of racial and economic exclusion? To what extent do current …

Analysis Of Students' Problem-Solving Skills In Work And Energy Based On Gender, Miftahuljannah Muslimin

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This study analyzes students’ problem-solving skills on Work and Energy using a quantitative descriptive design, profiling performance across five indicators without causal claims. Participants were 85 students from SMA Negeri 1 Barru, South Sulawesi (30 males, 55 females) who answered five essay items scored on useful description, physics approach, specific application, mathematical procedure, and logical progression. Overall means were 57.73 (females) and 60.73 (males); an independent t-test showed p = .333 > .05 with Cohen’s d = 0.22 (small), indicating no meaningful overall difference. By indicator, ANOVA showed no gender differences (α > .05) except for logical progression (p = .029). …

(R2151) Error Estimates Of Barycentric Lagrange Interpolation, Alvira Yawar, Swarnima Bahadur

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

Barycentric interpolation, which comes from Lagrange interpolation, is a useful method in numerical analysis. In this research paper, we explain how the barycentric interpolation formula is derived and discuss its features. We compare its stability and performance with the traditional Lagrange formula. First, we show how to get the barycentric formula from the Lagrange polynomial and present it as a rational function. We also provide an estimate of the error. Then, we use numerical examples to show that the barycentric formula is more stable and works better, especially when the degree of interpolation is high. Our results show that the …

The Effect Of Incentives On Disaster Mitigation Behavior: An Age-Based Analysis, Wenqian He, Jeffrey Wickliffe, Zhen Cong

Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Articles

Background

As climate change accelerates, the frequency and severity of natural disasters are increasing. However, most individuals cannot get sufficient protective measures due to financial pressure or environmental barriers. This study aims to examine how different incentives influence people’s willingness to take mitigation behavior. Methods

Data were collected from 781 tornado survivors in Texas, Alabama, and Tennessee, as part of the ‘Vulnerability and Resilience to Disasters’ project. Participants were randomly assigned to 12 conditions based on cost coverage ratios (25%, 50%, 75%), improvement types (storm shelters, structural reinforcement), and incentive forms (cash rebates, insurance discounts). Multivariate logistic regression models were …

Personalized Postpartum Interventions And Their Impact On Working Mothers, Mey Elisa Safitri, Aniza Abd. Aziz, Nurulhuda Mat Hassan

Media Kesehatan Masyarakat Indonesia

Exclusive breastfeeding is a critical determinant in maintaining infant health and nutritional status. However, its coverage remains low, particularly among postpartum working mothers. Limited maternal knowledge, lack of family especially spousal support, and low maternal satisfaction are reported key factors contributing to suboptimal breastfeeding practices. This quasi-experimental study employed a non-equivalent control group pre-test and post-test design. It was conducted from January to October 2024 in the working area of the Darussalam Primary Health Center in Medan, Indonesia. A total of 140 postpartum working mothers were purposively selected and divided into two groups: intervention (n=70) and control (n=70). The intervention …

Smart Healthcare Systems Use: A Cross-Cultural Empirical Study Using Valence–Instrumentality– Expectancy Theory, Khaled A. Alshare, Murad Moqbel, Valerie L. Bartelt, Maysoon Sewailem

Information Systems Faculty Publications

In recent years, smart healthcare systems (SHS) spurred by the Internet of things have revolutionized how people manage their health. Despite their numerous benefits, SHS still face many challenges worldwide, including limited user motivation. This study builds on the valence-instrumentality-expectancy theory to examine the motivational factors influencing the use of SHS, while also considering the moderating role of social support. We conducted two studies— one in the United States and the other in Qatar—to assess how well the proposed model applies across different cultural contexts. Our findings show that the model explains users’ motivations to use SHS and the interdependencies …

Attending To Present Others: A Framework For Supporting Multilingual Graduate Writers, María P. Carvajal Regidor, Allison Kranek

The Writing Center Journal

Extending prior work on present others, individuals who are not physically present in writing center sessions—such as advisors, colleagues, and peers—but who directly or indirectly impact what happens during consultations (Kranek & Carvajal Regidor, 2021), we argue that attending to present others is one way to more holistically support multilingual graduate writers. Based on data from session recordings, we contend that present others can be used as a framework to train consultants to better address the specific needs of this student population by acknowledging their socialization processes, feedback networks, language needs, and emotions. Then, we share two approaches to consultant …

Serum Level Of Il-4 And Il-13 And Their Association With Disease Pathogenesis In Patients With Eczema, Shurooq Salim Murad, Heyam Qaid Mohammad

Al-Qadisiyah Medical Journal

Background: As the most common chronic skin illness with a genetic foundation, eczema is an inflammatory skin condition driven by cytokines. People with AD suffer from a significant burden that affects their physical, mental, social, and financial well-being.  The cytokines are important in eczema disease. Interleukins regulate immunity. Lack impairs immunity or causes autoimmune disorders. Objectives: This study is aiming to investigate whether inflammatory cytokine (IL-4, IL-13) levels in the blood correlate with eczema disorder. Methods: This case-control study is based on 60 patients who have been diagnosed with eczema disorder with a 60-person apparently healthy control group. 4 ml …

The Validity Of Il12 And Mirna-140-5p As Potential Biomarkers Of Asthma, Hawraa Khalid Abdul Hussien, Manal Mohammed Kadham

Al-Qadisiyah Medical Journal

Background: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and variable airflow limitation. It affects millions worldwide and results from complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Aim: To evaluate serum IL-12 levels and miRNA-140-5p expression in asthma patients compared to healthy controls and to explore their potential as diagnostic and follow-up biomarkers. Methods: The study included 60 patients diagnosed with asthma and 40 apparently healthy controls. Venous blood samples (5 mL) were collected under aseptic conditions from each participant. Serum IL-12 concentrations were measured using ELISA, and miRNA-140-5p expression was quantified by RT-qPCR following standard …

The Effectiveness Of Oral Alpha-Lipoic Acid In Improving Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms In Type 2 Diabetes Patients, Sandy Sameer Ahmed, Ali Shakir Dauod, Mazyar Jabbar Ahmed

Al-Qadisiyah Medical Journal

Background and Objectives: Nearly half of patients with diabetes are affected by diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) during their lifetime. The potential neuroprotective effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) have generated interest, as in diabetic patients these may enhance microcirculation and nerve function, offering a promising therapeutic option. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of oral ALA supplementation in improving symptoms of DPN. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out at Layla Qasem Specialized Diabetic Centers in Erbil, Iraq, between February 1 and June 30, 2024. A total of 100 patients with type 2 diabetes and confirmed DPN were enrolled (50 …

Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) And Cognitive Health: A Systematic Review Of Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, And Neuroprotective Potential, Elisha Rosalyn Rosdah, Eka Febri Zulissetiana, Irfannuddin Irfannuddin

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Cognitive decline, often a precursor to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, is a growing global health challenge. Green tea (Camellia sinensis), rich in bioactive compounds such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and L-theanine, has demonstrated promise in supporting cognitive function and reducing cognitive decline. This systematic review evaluated the recent evidence on the effects of green tea on cognition and its underlying mechanisms. The authors conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, SpringerLink, and ScienceDirect for open-access articles published between January 2020 and April 2025. This systematic review included studies examining the impact of green tea on cognitive function in humans and …

Antioxidant Activity Comparison Of Peperomia Pellucida And Piper Crocatum Leaf Extracts Using The Dpph Method (In Vitro), Dyah Ayu Kinasih, Arifa Mustika, Marijam Purwanta, Nurmawati Fatimah, Nozlena Binti Abdul Samad

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth and Piper crocatum Ruiz and Pav are members of the Piperaceae family, which contains many active phytochemical compounds, one of which functions as an antioxidant. Antioxidants in the human body play a crucial role in protecting cells and tissues from damage by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells through a process called oxidation. The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of antioxidant activity in the two plants using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The processing was conducted from simplicial to extraction, using the maceration method with 70% ethanol solvent. …

Co-Developing Strategies For Leprosy Management In Malaysia: A Transdisciplinary Research Approach Involving Individuals Affected By Leprosy And Other Stakeholders, Norana Abdul Rahman, Vaikunthan Rajaratnam, Ruth Mh Peters, Marjolein Bm Zweekhorst, Pamela Wright Phd, Ms, Med, Rn, Cen, Karen Morgan, Mohamed Rusli Abdullah

Publications

Despite Malaysia's low leprosy prevalence, new cases continue to emerge in rural and Indigenous communities. National strategies often prioritise elimination and surveillance, while overlooking the needs and challenges of individuals affected by leprosy and those managing their care. This study employed a transdisciplinary research approach, guided by the Dialogue Model, to co-develop context-specific strategies to improve the lives of those affected through participatory engagement with both groups. Conducted across three high-burden states in Peninsular Malaysia, the research involved a desk review and stakeholder mapping, followed by 40 in-depth interviews with affected individuals and other stakeholders. These were complemented by a …

Quality Evaluation Of Ecological Experience Resources And Optimization Of Resource Management Policies In National Parks: Taking The Laohegou Area Of Giant Panda National Park As An Example, Baorong Huang

Double Helix Methodology

National parks are the core carriers for implementing the concept of “ecological protection first, public welfare for all”. This study used the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to evaluate the ecological experience resource quality of the Laohegou area in Giant Panda National Park of China. Based on the standardized psychological assessment scale and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, we have established an evaluation model for the psychological health benefits, quantifying the psychological health benefits of tourists in the ecological experience of national parks. At the same time, the relationship between the demographic characteristics, ecological experience characteristics, psychological health level, and psychological …

Economic Resilience As A Mediator: Assessing The Impact Of China’S Grazing Withdrawal Project On Herders’ Well-Being In The Yellow River Source Region, Lihua Zhou

Double Helix Methodology

Investigating how China’s most extensive grassland conservation program, the Grazing Withdrawal Project, impacts herders’ resilience and welfare levels is crucial for promoting sustainable grassland protection and enabling herders to withstand external shocks. However, few empirical studies have linked policy measures, economic resilience, and subjective well-being. Based on 266 questionnaires from the Yellow River Source Region, we constructed an indicator system for evaluating economic resilience and employed multiple linear regression to explore the key variables affecting herders’ economic resilience and subjective well-being under the context of the project and to clarify the mediating effect of resilience in translating government interventions into …

Toward An Orderly And Efficient Post-Disaster Humanitarian Material Donation System: A Case Study Of The ‘9·5’ Luding Earthquake, An Chen

Double Helix Methodology

Purpose – This study aims to assess the orderliness of the humanitarian material donation system (HMDS) following the 2022 “9·5” Luding Earthquake in China, providing insights into improving disaster relief efficiency and promoting postdisaster recovery. Design/methodology/approach – The orderliness of the HMDS is evaluated across three dimensions: donation input, donation output and donation environment. Correlation entropy and running entropy models are used to assess the system’s dynamics and to compare the performance of four donor types: government, enterprises, organizations and individuals. Findings – The early emergency phase (the first 12 days after the earthquake) is characterized by disorder and repeated …

Mechanical And Durability Properties Of Cement Panels Reinforced With Hybrid And Pva Fibers, Shukran H. Faraj, Mohammed J. Kadhim

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This study examines the synergistic effects of hybrid fibers (HF) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers on the structural and thermal properties of silica-fume cement panels. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine mortar mixtures with varying fiber content to assess their enhancement of microstructure. We conducted several experiments on compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strength, in addition to water absorption and thermal conductivity. The results indicate that 1% HF exhibits superior mechanical qualities, with a compressive strength of 46.89 MPa, a flexural strength of 8.56 MPa, and a reduced thermal conductivity of 0.83 W/m•K. PVA fibers at 2% enhance …

Analysis Of Penis Size Differences In Patients With Severe Erectile Dysfunction Non-Responsive Pde5i With Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome From Umbilical Cord, Kristophorus Jonathan Wibowo, Reny I’Tishom, Mohammad Ayodhia Soebadi, Muhammad Hidayat Surya Atmaja, Supardi Supardi, Ria Margiana, Fatkhurrohmah Leo Amalia

Folia Medica Indonesiana

The ineffectiveness of PDE5i[-10pc]AU: Please provide the affiliation of all authors. therapy is indicated by the patient’s unresponsiveness to oral medication, evidenced by insufficient erection after four attempts with the dosage recommended by the manufacturer. Consequently, the application of regenerative therapy may be seen as an effort to stimulate a response or improvement in erectile function, especially in individuals with erectile dysfunction who exhibit no significant progress after utilizing PDE5 inhibitors. Regenerative therapy seeks to repair damaged erectile tissue, with the objective of enhancing erectile function and rehabilitating tissue impacted by existing comorbidities. The secretome denotes the aggregate of chemical …

Comparison Of Intraperitoneal And Intraductal Routes In The Growth Of N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea-Induced Breast Cancer In Sprague Dawley Rats: A Systematic Review 2014–2024, Adilla Soraya Prameswari, Ruendhita Azzahra Sari Sompokan, Annisa Annisa, Rachma Greta Perdana Putri, Dewi Yuniasih, Muhamad Danian, Muhammad Tri Yoga Tianotak

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Breast cancer is one of the[-6pc]AU: Please provide affiliations for your paper. leading causes of death for women worldwide, characterized by malignant tumors in the mammary epithelium. Breast cancer modelling using Sprague Dawley animals induced by N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea (MNU) compounds is commonly used through various administration routes. The intraperitoneal route is the conventional route and the intraductal route is a new route capable of directly targeting the mammary ducts. Both routes affect the speed and characteristics of breast cancer cells in experimental animals. This systematic review using PubMed and Scopus databases from 2014-2024 aims to compare the effects of intraperitoneal and …

Gut Microbiome Metagenomics In Clinical Practice: Bridging The Gap Between Research And Precision Medicine, Henok Ayalew Tegegne, Tor C Savidge

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Gut microbiome metagenomics is emerging as a cornerstone of precision medicine, offering exceptional opportunities for improved diagnostics, risk stratification, and therapeutic development. Advances in high-throughput sequencing have uncovered robust microbial signatures linked to infectious, inflammatory, metabolic, and neoplastic diseases. Clinical applications now include pathogen detection, antimicrobial resistance profiling, microbiota-based therapies, and enterotype-guided patient stratification. However, translation into routine care is hindered by significant barriers including methodological variability, limited functional annotation, lack of bioinformatics standardization, and underrepresentation of global populations. This review synthesizes current translational strategies, emphasizing the need for hypothesis-driven designs, multi-omic integration, longitudinal and multi-center cohorts, and mechanistic validation. …

Experimental Analysis Of Droplet Deformation Dynamics In Combined Dc Electric And Shear Flow Fields Using Dpiv, Ayad Ibrahim Khlewee

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This paper presented a systematic study of such droplet deformation at the intersection of uniform DC electric field and hydrodynamic shear flow, in which we focused on conductivity ratio (R) and permittivity ratio (S), describing their influence. The results demonstrate that droplet dynamics is extremely sensitive to the regime: under DC only, either elongation or compression depending on whether R > S or R S, similarly to classical EHD predictions. Under shear-only conditions, deformation was dictated by the balance of elongational stresses (EC) and rotational stresses (RC), with increasing capillary number (Ca) leading to progressive elongation and oscillatory orientation dynamics. When …

The Imaginary In Architecture: The Conceptual Structure Of The Imaginary And Its Manifestations In Architectural Text, Noora Ghadir Hlail, Abbas Ali Hamza Al Greiza

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This study explores the concept of the imaginary as a collective cognitive and cultural structure that shapes symbolic reality through images, myths, and deeply rooted symbols in collective memory. The research applies this concept within the field of architecture, aiming to understand how the imaginary is embodied in architectural texts as symbolic carriers of identity and cultural meaning. Adopting a descriptive-analytical methodology, the study develops a theoretical framework comprising key components—preconditions, mechanisms, and traits of the imaginary—and applies it to two selected case studies: the General Secretariat of the Iraqi Council of Ministers and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. The …

Generative Ai For Method Development In Analytical Chemistry: A New Paradigm In Experimental Design And Optimization, Yasir Fathi Mahmood

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The fast development of artificial intelligence (AI), especially generative AI models, is changing the environment of analytical chemistry. As classical method generation in analytical methods relies on manual trial-and-error methodology as well as statistical methods, generative AI is a new paradigm with automated generation of experimental methodology and optimization. In this paper, the authors discuss the use of generative AI-based technologies, including large language models (LLMs) and neural network-based generators, to create new, efficient, and customized methods of analysis. The paper examines existing applications, technology frameworks, and issues and offers a roadmap with regards to the future incorporation of generative …

Numerical Modeling And Experimental Validation Of A High-Temperature Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage System Using Metallic Phase Change Materials For Concentrated Solar Power Applications, Fouad Hashim Sharhan

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

To ensure reliable performance for the power-block of CSP plants, high power density and near-isothermal discharge must be achieved. A robust means of achieving this is through thermal energy storage (TES). High temperature latent heat storage (LHS) with phase change materials (PCMs) can serve these purposes, however the conventional salts used in PCMs typically suffer from low thermal conductivity that limits power density and increases energy storage charging/discharging times. This manuscript investigates ways to address these limitations using high temperature metallic phase change materials (MPCMs) while also developing a validated numerical framework to aid in their design. To this end, …

Construction And Data-Driven Analysis Of A Stochastic, Individual-Based Opioid Epidemiology Network Model, Leigh Bennett Pearcy, Owen Queen, Vincent Jodoin, Suzanne Lenhart, Christopher Strickland

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

While substance use epidemiology has been an active area of mathematical research in recent years, the social and mental processes that are involved in the development of substance use disorders have presented challenges to advancing the epidemiological theory and how they differ from the contraction of pathogenic disease. Such distinction is especially pertinent in the context of the current United States opioid epidemic and its intersection with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, as both prescription drugs and social influence play major roles in the development of opioid use disorder. In this paper, we construct a stochastic network model capturing how individual …

Optimal Control Of Stochastic Systems: A Numerical Study Of The Stochastic Linear Quadratic Regulator Framework, Gülşen Orucova Büyüköz, Yaprak Güldoğan Dericioğlu, Tuğçem Partal

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

Optimal control of stochastic linear systems is fundamental in control theory, with applications in robotics, finance, and engineering. The Stochastic Linear Quadratic Regulator (SLQR) derives optimal feedback laws via the Riccati equation but requires numerical discretization of the resulting stochastic dynamics. Despite extensive studies on numerical methods for stochastic differential equations, their performance within the SLQR framework remains insufficiently explored. This study compares two predictor–corrector schemes of different orders: the Order 1.0 Predictor-Corrector (PC) method and the Order 2.0 Weak PC method. A one-dimensional linear quadratic problem with a closed-form solution enables precise error evaluation against the analytical trajectory. Convergence …

Analysis And Numerical Investigation Of A Breast Cancer Treatment Model Incorporating Ketogenic Diet And Immune Boosters Via Optimal Control Theory, Kunnisai Muniroh, Ummu Habibah, Wuryansari Muharini Kusumawinahyu, Nur’Izzati Hamdan

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

This paper develops a mathematical model to investigate breast cancer dynamics by incorporating tumor–immune interactions, ketogenic diet effects, and medical treatment. The model is formulated as a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations and analyzed within an optimal control framework. Time-dependent control variables are introduced to represent treatment strategies aimed at minimizing tumor progression while reducing therapeutic costs. The model’s well-posedness is established through positivity and boundedness analysis. The necessary conditions for optimality are derived using Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle, resulting in a coupled system of state and adjoint equations. Numerical solutions are obtained using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method combined with …

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Revised Draft Final 2022 Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Sampling: Bres No. 30 – Atlantic-1 Site Evaluation Summary Report (Dated October 24, 2025), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Conditional Approval For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Revised Unreclaimed Sites Ur-08 (Anderson Shaft) – Remedial Action Work Plan (Rawp) (Dated October 24, 2025), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.