Digital Commons Network^™

Rethinking Governance: Public Choice Theory And The Modern State, John Carlo Colot

Social Sciences and Development Review

This study critically reexamines governance in the modern state through the lens of Public Choice Theory, which challenges the traditional assumption that government officials always act in the public interest. Developed by economists James Buchanan and Gordon Tullock, Public Choice Theory posits that political actors, like individuals in markets, are motivated by self-interest, which can lead to government inefficiencies such as corruption, rent seeking, and policy outcomes that favor private gains over public welfare. By synthesizing recent empirical and theoretical literature from 2020 to 2025, this research explores how individual incentives and institutional arrangements influence bureaucratic behavior, governance styles, and …

An Analysis Of The Experiences Of Lawyers Handling Criminal Law Cases Within The Philippine Court System Through A Weberian Lens, Minami O. Iwayama, Mark Anthony M. Quintos

Social Sciences and Development Review

In accordance with the Weberian tradition of classical public administration, the core responsibility of the Philippine Public Administration is the efficient delivery of public services to its constituents. In the case of the Judicial branch of the government, this responsibility manifests in the form of a quick disposition of cases filed before its courts. This is particularly important in criminal cases where people may be deprived of liberty while awaiting conviction from the Court – leading to the sentiment that “justice delayed is justice denied.” This study aimed to explore the challenges observed in the Philippine court system by focusing …

Gender Representation Of Selected Women Politicians In The Digital Era: A Textual Analysis, Ruby V. Asoy

Social Sciences and Development Review

The study explored the relationship between Filipino women politicians and their political roles as depicted in media interviews to generate new findings and broader societal perspectives on gender representation. Sandra Harding’s Feminist Standpoint Theory was applied to the research, which offers a nuanced understanding of the interplay between gender, power, and political agency, ultimately illuminating how female politicians shape and transform contemporary governance. The study adopted qualitative research and textual analysis to examine the content of media interviews. It seeks to reveal the rich tapestry of meanings embedded within the text, showcasing the multiple interpretations that can arise and the …

Dswd’S Sustainable Livelihood Program (Slp) For The Urban Poor In Brgy. Payatas, Quezon City: Towards An Enhanced Policy, Ella Marie A. Erana, Mariellah C. Azana, Dorothy P. Denorog, Ma. Alexandra P. Occidental, Krippe Anthony A. Ramos

Social Sciences and Development Review

The National Government of the Philippines has implemented various poverty-alleviating programs, such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). However, despite these efforts by the government, the issue of poverty remains. While previous studies have provided analysis on the program implementation, there still persists a knowledge gap on this topic. Thus, this study applies the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework by Scoones (1998), aiming to understand the need to recognize the significant roles played by the vulnerability context of the urban poor, their livelihood assets, the presence of …

Karanasan Ng Piling Pamilyang Pilipino Sa Panahon Ng Pandemya: Alaala Ng Enhanced Community Quarantine Sa Metro Manila, Glenda D. Salorsano

Social Sciences and Development Review

The global spread of COVID-19 has become a worldwide phenomenon. Every country faced different challenges brought by the pandemic in which highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of each nation in combating the virus. It not only became a widespread blow to the health sector but also paved the way for the revelation of other social aspects that need attention. This occurrence allowed the concrete identification of other deficiencies in crucial sectors of society that are associated with pandemic response. These include infrastructure, public transportation, public safety, human rights, and access to sufficient and proper food for every family, and financial …

Bell Hooks’ Sisterhood Model: An Integration Of Religious Congregations And Women’S Advocacy In The Philippines, Ariane Shelley Q. Pepito

Social Sciences and Development Review

In the Philippines, Catholic religious sisters serve their communities as teachers, nurses, leaders, and companions, as a commitment to their chosen vocations. While their acts of service and charity is a sincere commitment to Gospel, their identities continue to be veiled and shaped by the enduring image of a Madonna: a symbol of womanhood inspired in the figure of Mary characterized by purity, chastity, obedience, and maternal devotion. This image, although revered, also places expectations on how sisters are seen and see themselves creating tension between ecclesial identity and public advocacy. This study explores how Filipino Catholic sisters reconcile traditional …

Chancellor's Column: Umn Morris -- More Really Is Morris, Janet Schrunk Ericksen

Campus News Archive

No abstract provided.

Experience Is Not Enough: Allan Combs And The Developmental Conditions Of Integration, Maria Giovanna Vianello

Journal of Conscious Evolution

Allan Leslie Combs occupies a distinctive position in consciousness studies through his sustained attention to the relationship between experience, interpretation, and development. This article examines Combs’s enduring contribution by focusing on his insistence that extraordinary or altered states of consciousness are neither self-interpreting nor inherently developmental. Drawing primarily on Consciousness Explained Better and related works, the paper argues that Combs’s central insight lies in viewing interpretation as a function of one’s developmental stage rather than treating it as a reflective process applied after experience. This perspective is articulated most explicitly through the Wilber–Combs lattice, which correlates states of consciousness with …

Low-Carbon Green Hydrogen Strategies For Sustainable Development In Senegal: A Wind Energy Perspective, Astou Sarr, Mamadou Simina Dramé, Serigne Abdoul Aziz Niang, Abdoulkader Ibrahim Idriss, Haitham Saad Mohamed Ramadan, Ali Ahmat Younous, Kharouna Talla, John Robert Bagarino, Marissa Jasper, Ismaila Diallo

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

This study presents the first comprehensive techno-economic assessment of wind-based green hydrogen production across Senegal, a country highly dependent on fossil fuel imports. Using a novel integrated approach combining 30 years of ERA5 reanalysis data (1993–2023), turbine performance modeling and electrolyzer comparison, it fills an important gap for renewable hydrogen development in West Africa. Wind resources were analyzed at multiple altitudes, revealing strong potential in both coastal and northeastern regions, particularly during the dry season, with higher wind speeds at higher turbine heights. Four turbines (Vestas_150, Goldwind_155, Vestas_126 and Nordex_N100) and two electrolyzer types (alkaline and PEM) were evaluated. The …

Ethical Considerations In Implementation Research: A Scoping Review Of Key Principles, Unintended Consequences, And Emerging Ethical Guidance, Emmanuel K Tetteh, Nwaliweaku Anidi, Gifty Aboagye-Mensah, Michelle Doering, Elvin H Geng, Byron J Powell, Mark D Huffman, Alison L Antes

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: As dissemination and implementation research advances, research teams seek guidance on how to apply existing ethical standards to implementation research, given its unique study designs, multi-level intervention targets, and associated risks. This scoping review examines ethical principles and concerns in implementation research, identifies potential risks and unintended consequences, and explores ethical frameworks guiding responsible conduct.

METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for relevant literature published between January 2010 and January 2024. The search utilized a combination of standardized terms and keywords, including bioethics, ethics, research standards, responsible research, health services research, and dissemination and implementation …

Gender, Mental Health Symptoms, Loss To Clinic, And Viral Non-Suppression 6 Months After Hiv Care Initiation Among A Cohort Of People With Hiv In Cameroon, Angela M Parcesepe, Lindsey M Filiatreau, Peter Vanes Ebasone, Anastase Dzudie, Marcel Yotebieng, Kathryn Anastos, Eric Pefura-Yone, Annereke Nyenti, Denis Nash

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: People with HIV (PWH) experience high levels of mental health or substance use disorders (MSDs) which may compromise HIV treatment outcomes. Differences in the relationship between MSDs and HIV treatment outcomes by gender remain understudied.

METHODS: We conducted interviews with 426 PWH aged ≥ 21 years initiating HIV care in Cameroon between June 2019 and March 2020. Clinic data and laboratory results were used to ascertain loss to clinic and viral non-suppression six months after HIV care initiation. We used log binomial regression models to assess the relationship between symptoms of depression (PHQ-9 scores > 9), anxiety (GAD-7 scores > 9), …

Chemotherapy-Induced Adipo-Lineage Cell Senescence Drives Bone Loss, Ganesh Kumar Raut, Taylor Malachowski, Anupama Melam, Renata Ramalho-Oliveira, Taylor Holt, Xianmin Luo, Zhangting Yao, Douglas V Faget, Qihao Ren, David G Denardo, Sheila A Stewart

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Chemotherapy-induced bone loss is a debilitating and common side effect of cancer treatment, though its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we show that, despite the systemic administration of chemotherapy, cellular senescence is restricted to bone marrow adipo-lineage cells specifically Cxcl12-abundant reticular (CAR) cells and bone marrow adipocytes (BMAds). Induction of senescence within these populations promotes RANK ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclastogenesis, leading to significant bone loss. Notably, we find that inhibition of the p38MAPK-MK2 pathway suppresses the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), including RANKL production abrogating bone loss. Furthermore, treatment with the senolytic combination dasatinib and quercetin (D + Q) selectively eliminates …

Ending Gender-Based Sexual Violence On Canadian Campuses: Peer Educator Perspectives, Jason A. Laker

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Gender-based and sexual violence (GBSV) remains a pervasive problem in higher education, disproportionately affecting marginalized students and undermining their safety, well-being, and academic success. Post-secondary institutions (PSIs) increasingly rely on peer educators (PeerEds) to deliver prevention and response programs, leveraging their shared student experience to foster trust and engagement. This study explores the motivations and experiences of GBSV PeerEds in Canada and the United States, revealing how personal trauma, institutional critique, and allyship drive their involvement. Findings highlight the emotional labour, secondary trauma, and systemic constraints PeerEds face, alongside their contributions to campus culture and advocacy. The study critiques institutional …

Survey Of Wi-Fi For Iot: Architectures, Performance, And Future Directions, Maryam Sami Majeed, Narmin Majid Dahham

Al-Farahidi Expert Systems Journal

The rapid expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) applications—ranging from smart healthcare and industrial automation to smart cities—demands reliable, secure, and scalable wireless connectivity. While much of the literature emphasizes low-power alternatives such as Zigbee and NB-IoT, the role of Wi-Fi in IoT remains underexplored. This paper presents a systematic survey of IEEE 802.11 standards, analyzing their evolution, performance, and security mechanisms within IoT environments. Using a structured review of academic and industry sources (2015–2024), we highlight Wi-Fi’s strengths in throughput and ecosystem integration, alongside limitations in energy efficiency and range. Contributions include: (1) a comparative review of Wi-Fi standards …

Deep Learning Approaches For Fatigue Detection: A Traditional Review Of Models, Datasets, And Applications, Ahmad Ali Skaiky, H. Ayad

Al-Farahidi Expert Systems Journal

Fatigue is an important factor affecting human safety, effectiveness and health in various industries, but it still is a challenge to accurately detect it. Recent advances in deep learning fuel the emergence of vision-based, physiology-based, and hybrid fatigue detection systems with better accuracy and real-time monitoring. We cover work up until 2025 and perform a meta-analysis of recent models, datasets, and methodologies. Face- and appearance-based—building system upon facial expression, eye closure, and head pose information—is highly effective but sensitive to image variation caused by illumination change (lighting condition change) or occlusions. Physiological systems based on EEG, ECG and HRV approaches …

Adaptive Energy-Aware Communication For Healthcare Iot Systems: A Simulation-Based Approach, Huthaifa Ayad Al-Ani

Al-Farahidi Expert Systems Journal

Healthcare Internet of Things (HIoT) systems play a pivotal role in continuous patient monitoring, yet they face persistent challenges related to limited energy capacity and strict latency requirements. This study proposes an adaptive, energy-aware communication strategy for HIoT devices that minimizes energy consumption while ensuring rapid data delivery during critical health events. Using the publicly available UCI Smart Heart Monitoring System dataset (2,200 real patient records), a Python 3.11-based simulation framework was developed utilizing NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib libraries. The proposed adaptive transmission model dynamically adjusts data transmission frequency in response to real-time physiological states and is directly compared with …

Artificial Intelligence In Credit Risk Assessment: Towards More Accurate And Efficient Financial Decision-Making, Jaafar Salman

Al-Farahidi Expert Systems Journal

Credit risk assessment for customers represents one of the core foundations that support the stability of the financial system and promote sustainable economic growth. It plays a crucial role in guiding financing decisions within financial institutions by enabling the evaluation of customers’ ability to assume and manage financial risk. This capability enhances the efficiency of resource allocation and contributes to achieving a balanced approach between economic development and institutional financial safety.

However, the process of credit risk assessment is inherently complex due to the interplay of numerous factors, including customers’ financial indicators and behavioral attributes. This complexity necessitates the use …

Asasy: A Sentiment Analysis Corpus Of Syrian Dialect Facebook Posts, Azab Ahmad, Majd Ali

Al-Farahidi Expert Systems Journal

A massive amount of textual data is shared each day through the different social media platforms. Analyzing this data to understand the sentiment of users (positive, negative, natural) about various topics and products is a challenging task when it comes to analyze Arabic text due to the morphological diversity and complex grammatical structure of this language, and is more challenging when analyzing social media text with the great diversity in writing style and dialects. Due to the lack of Arabic resources for Sentiment Analysis and the increasing need to create dialectical resources. In this paper, we present a Syrian dialectical …

Advancements In Intelligent Systems For Industrial Management: Enhancing Efficiency And Automation, Samir Ali Amin, Salah Sabeeh Abed Al Kareem, Laith Jaafer Habeeb

Al-Farahidi Expert Systems Journal

The modern industrial management is quite dependent on intelligent systems that promote intensifying automation and general efficiency in different industries. With the introduction of advanced technologies in form of AI, machine learning, CPS and IoT these systems move the industrial functionality to a great extent. By combining, such technologies have the ability to quickly interpret data, detect the need for maintenance early in the line and make informed decisions, which produce highly optimized manufacturing processes. Automation has automated the process, reducing costs considerably, producing more, and maintaining high standards. Development of industry 4.0 has been a major tool in coordinating …

Efficacy And Safety Of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (Mitraclip) Compared To Medical Therapy And Surgery In Patients With Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: A Systematic Review & Pairwise Meta-Analysis, Salma Younas, Aditya Rana, Mirza Faizan Ali Beig, Sweta Sahu, Cynthia Esohe Emanemua, Aisha Ashiq Reshie, Lamees Kaukab, Dileep Duggineni, S K S S P Ashish Gokavarapu, Padamati Bhavani, Afrasayab Khan, Peter G. Fattal

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) is a frequent complication of heart failure, associated with high morbidity and mortality. While surgery is the standard for primary MR, many SMR patients are poor surgical candidates. Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) using the MitraClip offers a less invasive alternative, but its comparative efficacy and safety remain under active investigation and controversial. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE®, Embase®, and the Cochrane Library was conducted per PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD420251016943). Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TMVr (MitraClip) with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) or surgical repair in adult patients with SMR. …

Investigations On The Pharmacognostic Characteristics Of Capparis Species I-Lectins, Hussein Ali Hussein Al-Sa'idy, Abbas Khazaal Okab, Hussein K. Alkufi, Hayder Naji Sameer

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: As glycoproteins widely distributed in the plants of carbohydrate binding specificity, lectins are considered macromolecules of paramount significance. Their sugar based binding dependent agglutination property nominates them for blood grouping as well as GIT complications management.

Objective: Exploring the nature, classifications, and pharmacological properties of lectins, particularly those found in Capparis species and their aqueous extracts within the last 20-25 years is the aim of this review.

Methods: This review evaluates pharmacological studies of Capparis lectins, emphasizing therapeutic effects identified through focused keyword searches.

Results: Capparis lectins and aqueous extracts exhibit diverse biological activities, including anti-rheumatic, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, and …

Installation Characteristics In Historical Sites, Marwa Metwally

Journal of Art, Design and Music

One of the most popular artistic movements of the modern period is installation art. Numerous inspirations have been crucial in defining it and emphasizing its many facets, representing varied viewpoints and feelings pertaining to the recipient on the one hand and the artist on the other. How the artwork is interpreted artistically is also greatly influenced by its aspects and components. many historical sites represent integrated artworks that incorporate the various characteristics that constitute the art of installation art. On the one hand, they blend many forms of architecture and art, and on the other, they produce a significant cultural, …

Toward A Conceptual Framework For Iot-Driven Adaptive Spatial Design In Open-Plan Office, Sarah Mohammed El Hawary, Ola Ali Hashem, Farzad Pour Rahimian

Journal of Art, Design and Music

The evolution of workplace environments has intensified the scrutiny of open-plan offices. The design paradigm of emphasising collaboration and sense of community within workplace has celebrated its facilitation of collaboration, providing open-plan office layout as example of collaborative space. Yet it has diminished individual comfort and privacy that are strengthened in enclosed-plan office layout. Studies revealed the demand of understanding occupant’s satisfaction. Since 85%-90% of one’s time is spent in indoor environment mostly at work, occupant’s satisfaction of physical environment or surroundings should be taken into count. This article proposes a comprehensive conceptual framework that leverages Internet of Things (IoT) …

Redesign Of Ceramic Water Filters: Improving Consumer Satisfaction Towards Sustained Use In Nigeria, Ebelechukwu Ayibuofu Erhuanga

Journal of Art, Design and Music

This study sought to address the issue of limited access to clean drinking water in Nigeria and was focused on enhancing the acceptability and sustainability in the use of ceramic water filters through a user-centered redesign approach. Despite their effectiveness, low adoption rates of the filters necessitate a deeper understanding of user preferences and needs and how these impact the sustained use of the filters. The Research methods include drawing feedback from social surveys on filter users to propose and execute design improvements on aesthetics, material, and functionality. The findings reveal that consumers prioritize both ergonomics and aesthetic appeal, emphasizing …

Sustainable Materials And Emotional Durability Correlation In Interior Design, T.A. Hana El-Etr, Prof. Dr. Ola Hashem, Prof. Dr. Dalia M. Ezzat

Journal of Art, Design and Music

This paper studies the relationship between sustainable materials and emotional durability in interior design, within the Egyptian context through the case study: Galleria 40 complex. The concept of sustainability often focuses on ecological responsibility; the emotional impact to how the interior spaces affect long-term users, as well as reducing the consumption of unnecessary materials. Egypt has developed environmental rating systems such as the Green Pyramid and participated in international certifications like LEED, yet the incorporation of cultural identity with user experience in sustainable design remains limited. By tackling a mixed-method approach, involving a public survey and observational study of Galleria …

Digital Technology: A New Frontier For Sculpture In Urban Spaces, Muhammad Muhammad Ali Shaheen, Marwan Abdullah Hussein, Dina Radwan Mohamed Radwan

Journal of Art, Design and Music

Digital technology has transformed the field of sculpture by expanding creative possibilities and redefining the relationship between form, space, and audience. This research explores how contemporary sculptors employ digital tools—such as virtual modeling, 3D design, and digital media—to create innovative works in open urban spaces. These technologies have enabled the development of kinetic and interactive sculptures that respond to environmental stimuli or viewer interaction, enhancing public engagement and allowing for more complex, large-scale, and conceptually rich works. . The research is based on a descriptive analytical approach, which examines the intersection of the creative talent of the sculptor designer with …

The Impact Of Interior Architecture On Improving The Quality Of Life In Residential Spaces, Khaled M. Zaki Hawas

Journal of Art, Design and Music

The importance of interior architecture lies in its ability to improve the user experience by treating residential spaces in better ways, and improving the internal environment so that it is harmonious and consistent with its purposes. Among the new trends in interior architecture, a new concept is rapidly making its way to the surface: "Wellbeing Living" or "Good Living", which is concerned with residential well-being and the need to organize spaces so that the cognitive response of the individual is responsible for a more balanced personal life and better functioning. Interior Architecture and Quality of Life (QoL) – are two …

Properties Of Shape Memory Alloys In Solving Design Problems, Aya Mahmoud Ad-El Gawad Gouda

Journal of Art, Design and Music

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are a unique class of materials that possess the ability to return to a predefined shape when subjected to specific thermal or mechanical stimuli. This property, known as the "shape memory effect," arises from the transformation between two phases: the low-temperature martensite phase and the high-temperature austenite phase. SMAs have gained significant attention in various engineering fields, particularly in solving complex design problems that require materials with the ability to undergo reversible deformation. These alloys exhibit exceptional properties such as high strength, elasticity, and the ability to absorb significant amounts of energy, which make them ideal …

Hurricane Helene, One Year Later: Lived Experience, Geraldine A. Miller

Journal of Appalachian Health

Ashe County is located in the northwestern corner of North Carolina (NC), bordered by Virginia and Tennessee. The county is isolated, mountainous, and historically has lacked good highway access. Hurricane Helene, a category 4 hurricane at landfall, struck Western NC on September 27, 2024, resulting in flooding and wind damage that destroyed local communities in terms of land, homes, bridges, water, electricity, etc. with a damage of $59.6 billion.⁶ One year later, the recovery from the hurricane continues draining individuals and communities of their time, energy, and money. Geri Miller reflects on her hurricane impact experiences a year later. …

Associations Between Social Media Usage, Physical Activity And Flourishing In Rural University Students, Anna Dysart, Minu Sara Thomas

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Most adolescents and young adults report significant use of social media.^1-3 However, there is limited research on the effect of social media use, specifically on physical activity and flourishing.

Purpose: This pilot research study examines the correlation between social media usage and the physical activity and flourishing levels of college students at a rural university in Appalachia.

Methods: The authors conducted a survey including the validated Secure Flourishing Index and Stanford Leisure-Time Activity Categorical Item, containing questions on social media use and demographics. Spearman’s rho was used for nonparametric correlations. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the correlation …