Digital Commons Network^™

Roblox As Open Text: Identity, Meaning, And Ideology Through Eco’S Semiotics, Yuyus Rustandi, Nanang Sutisna

Paradigma: Jurnal Kajian Budaya

This study examines Roblox as a digital cultural space that constructs and represents adolescent identity through Umberto Eco's semiotic approach. Roblox functions not only as a game platform but also as an open text comprising visual signs, social symbols, and complex narratives. This studi is based on a literature review from nine prior empirical studies, this research analyzes how avatars, virtual environments, Robux economy, and user communities shape diverse systems of meaning. Findings show that Roblox serves as a site for identity construction, simulation of social values, and reproduction of dominant discourses such as capitalism and gender performance. The study …

Digital Transformation And Its Role In Achieving Sustainable Competitive Advantage: Entrepreneurial Capabilities As A Mediating Variable – An Analytical Study Of A Group Of Private Banks, Kamal Kadhim Al-Hassani, Ali Matar Abd

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study aims to explore the mediating role of entrepreneurial capabilities in the relationship between digital transformation and competitive advantage in the Iraqi banking sector. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, and data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 235 managers in private banks in Iraq, using a structured survey instrument. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed via AMOS v.25 to analyze the data and test the hypothesized relationships. The results revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between digital transformation and competitive advantage, highlighting the pivotal role of digital transformation in enhancing banks’ ability to achieve competitive superiority. More importantly, …

The Importance Of Official Development Assistance In The Financial Revenue Structure Of Recipient Countries: Selected Models, Abdul Kareem J.Shingar Al-Issa, Mustafa Takhakh Zahir

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

Official development assistance (ODA) is a source of financing typically linked to external sources and typically provided to developing and middle-income countries. It was approved by the United Nations in the first decade of development in the 1990s, and is provided by multilateral international agencies and sometimes by donor countries to recipient countries. This study addresses the importance of official development assistance (ODA) in countries that rely heavily on ODA to contribute to economic and social development. This study examines the structure of financial revenues in each of the countries represented by the Arab Republic of Egypt and Bangladesh. It …

Total Quality Management And Its Relationship With Organizational Efficiency Through The Mediating Role Of Benchmarking –An Exploratory Study At The Hartha Thermal Power Station For Electric Power Generation, Dhuha Nadhem Abdullah Al-Maliki, Dr. Zainab Shallal Akkar Jaber

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

Public service organizations face increasing challenges in achieving organizational efficiency and sustainable excellence despite adopting quality initiatives. This is attributed to the limited integration of Total Quality Management (TQM) and benchmarking as pivotal tools in the continuous improvement process. This study aims to analyze the role of TQM, with its dimensions of (top management commitment, process management, training and capacity building, data-driven decision-making, and employee engagement), in enhancing organizational efficiency, while also examining the mediating role of benchmarking in this relationship. The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach and included a sample of 270 employees at the Al-Haritha Thermal Power Plant …

The Perspective Of Modern Linguists On The Grammatical Agent Within The Framework Of The Transformational-Generative Theory: An Analytical Study, Iman Tawfiq Ahmed Al-Sharhan, Adam Moku Abdullah

Journal of Arts and Social Sciences

This study reassesses the grammatical factor (al-ʿāmil) as a core construct in Arabic syntax and its viability within a transformational-generative (T-G) framework. It first outlines the polarized debate: abolitionists claim the factor encumbers grammar with unnecessary abstraction, whereas proponents defend it as the organizing principle that reveals relations among sentence elements and supports explanation. The paper then frames a guiding question: to what extent can the grammatical factor, treated as a scientific theory, analyze linguistic phenomena within T-G assumptions? Using a comparative and analytical method, it juxtaposes treatments and evaluates their explanatory scope across governance, case, and agreement. The findings …

Pre-Emption In Ibadi Jurisprudence And The Omani Civil Transactions Law “A Comparative Study”, Rashid Bin Hamood Ahmed Al-Nadhairi

Journal of Arts and Social Sciences

Given that the right of pre-emption (shufʿah) has been a subject of consideration in Islamic jurisprudence and Omani law—due to its practical importance and the ambiguity of many of its rulings—this study seeks to clarify its provisions and nature. The first section presents the definition of pre-emption in language, Islamic jurisprudence, and law, as well as its causes and grounds. The second section discusses the types of property in which pre-emption applies and the conditions for its establishment in jurisprudence and law, through a comparative approach that also refers to judgments of the Omani Supreme Court. The third section explains …

The Impact Of Pasifikas In Medicine On Pacific Islander Medical Student Experiences, Devon Hori Harvey, Micah Ngatuvai, Siale Vaitohi, Paige E. Faasuamalie, Maegan Tupinio, Lisa H. Smith

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

BACKGROUND: Pacific Islanders experience significant health disparities. One contributing aspect to these disparities is the lack of racial concordance as Pacific Islanders are underrepresented in the U.S. physician work force. Several factors contribute to this underrepresentation including lack of support systems for Pacific Islander premed and medical students. Pasifikas in Medicine (PiM) is a recently established national student organization founded to provide support for Pacific Islander premed students, medical students, residents, fellows and attending physicians. This study seeks to understand the impact of PiM on medical student experiences.

METHODS: An anonymous survey was distributed to the PiM listserv and to …

The Names Of Omani Towns Changed By The Late Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, May God Rest His Soul A Descriptive And Analytical Linguistic Study, Amer Fayel Mohammed Balhaf, Ibrahim Bin Hamad Bin Salem Al-Shabibi

Journal of Arts and Social Sciences

This research aimed to trace the names of Omani towns changed by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said during his time. The research was based on the idea that names contribute to the development of countries. It gathered linguistic material from various sources to answer two central questions: Was this change necessary? And how was it carried out? The work was divided into two sections. First, an exploratory study of the need for change and the reasons behind it. Second, a list of these towns using a lexicographic and semantic analysis approach. The research concluded with several key findings. The …

Comprehensive Study Of Pediatric Migraine Based On Patient Data Of Demographic, Characteristic, And Treatment Outcomes, Shaima’A Dakhel Abdulhassan, Safa’A Dakhel Abdulhassan

Al-Qadisiyah Medical Journal

Introduction: Migraine is a common neurological disorder in pediatric consultations. It is often disabling and influencing negatively the quality of life of pediatric migraine patients (PMPs). Aim: This study aimed to characterize the demographic profile of 98 PMPs from outpatient and private clinics in Al-Diwaniyah City, Iraq. This study describes demographic distribution, migraine characteristics, associated symptoms, familial history, trigger factors, and treatment outcomes of PMPs. Patients and Methods: The dataset had the following variables: age, sex, duration and severity of the migraines, frequency of attacks, associated symptoms, family history, trigger factor, types of treatments, and follow-up duration. Descriptive statistics were …

The Role Of Il-13 Serum Levels With Its Genetic Polymorphism In The Risk Of Developing Chronic Rhinosinusitis, Baneen Mohammed Ali Hussein, Ibrahim Abdulmajeed Mustafa

Al-Qadisiyah Medical Journal

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) represents a prolonged inflammatory condition of both nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses which extends more than 12 weeks without any sign of improvement. This condition affects work attendance along with productivity levels and quality of life detrimentally. Objective: To find out whether IL-13 rs1800925 C/T-1055 genetic polymorphism and its serum levels have a risk value for CRS disease. Methods: Three groups have been used as the basis for a case-control study. Thirty patients with a history of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp; thirty patients with a history of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyp; and thirty healthy …

Official Development Assistance (Oda) In Nigeria: A Political Economy Perspective, Robert Idoko Ogwola

Bullion

This study examines the effects of Official Development Assistance (ODA) on Nigeria’s economic growth, social welfare, and political development from 1960 to 2024. Using thematic content analysis, the findings reveal that ODA’s impact has been marginal, falling short of expectations. Instead of fostering economic growth and strengthening social and political systems, ODA often generated unintended outcomes. The study recommends that Nigeria reduce dependence on foreign aid, strengthen national institutions, tackle corruption, and reform public debt management to achieve sustainable development that aligns with relevant targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Adapting To Price Fluctuations: A Case Study Of Street And Market Vendors In Tarlac City, Gavie A. Mariñas, Roselyn V. Magapuro, Ivan Karlo S. Pating

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

This study examined the experiences and adaptive strategies of vendors in response to price fluctuations using a qualitative case study approach. Focusing on a bounded case of six purposively selected street and market vendors, the study identified patterns of resilience, negotiation, and vulnerability by emphasizing how vendors deal with uncertainty in a fluctuating economic environment. One of the most significant findings was a considerable drop in sales across vendors following price increases, resulting in fewer client visits. Despite their resourcefulness, vendors have challenges due to limited government assistance, which frequently forces them to rely primarily on their own abilities. Based …

Cytomegalovirus As A Potential Trigger For Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Case Of Nstemi In A Previously Healthy Patient, Hussam Al Hennawi, Muhammad Sabri, David Teng, Maxwell Berman, Botros Shenoda

Abington Jefferson Health Papers

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has been implicated in endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis, yet its role as a potential trigger for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains underrecognized. We present a case of a 32-year-old male with no prior medical history who developed non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and was subsequently found to have active CMV infection. The patient had no known history cardiovascular disease, though subsequent testing did reveal additional underlying risk factors. This case highlights the need to consider infectious etiologies, including CMV, as contributors to ACS in young, otherwise apparently healthy individuals. Understanding the interplay between viral infections and atherosclerotic …

The Influence Of Ai Use On Innovativeness In Higher Education Institutions, Joanna Zimmer, Katarzyna Tworek

European Management Studies

Purpose: The aim of the study is to analyse the influence of AI tools use on innovativeness through Employees’ Dynamic Capabilities (EDC) among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), taking into account regulation concerning AI and its possible moderating impact on that relation.

Design/methodology/approach: A critical literature review was combined with empirical research. The empirical research was conducted using a survey questionnaire on a group of 529 university employees from four European countries: France, Poland, Spain, and Great Britain. To ensure a diverse dataset, responses were collected from multiple sources, including an internal collaborative network and a purchased respondent panel. Data …

The Landscape Of Silver Diamine Uoride Research In Dentistry: A Bibliometric Analysis Of Trends And Future Directions, Wong F. Jak, Tengku Nnt. Hamzah, Thaddius H. Maling, Nor Am. Nor

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

Objective: To update the bibliometric profile of global SDF literature, focusing on publication trends, contributing countries, study designs and mapping thematic research evolution.

Material & Method: Publications were searched in the Scopus database from inception to 20 April 2025. Data were extracted and cleaned using biblioMagika® and OpenRefine. Study designs were manually classified through abstract review. Publication trends were analysed using SPSS software. Data visualisations were generated using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny.

Results: Of 727 records identified, 659 publications were included in the analysis. Laboratory studies (45.83%) dominated, followed by clinical trials (19.58%) and reviews/guidelines (15.78%). Publication output rose modestly until …

The Effect Of Fixed And Variable Practice Based On Distance And Target Size On Developing Shooting Skill Performance In Futsal Players, Ismael Qasim Jameel

Modern Sport

The importance of the research lies in identifying exercises in the fixed and variable styles, using targets of different sizes and working at varying distances to improve players' skill performance. The research aimed to prepare exercises according to the distance and size of the targets and to identify the extent of the impact of these exercises on the scoring skill performance of futsal players by measuring the accuracy and speed of the skill. The researcher used the experimental method with a two-group design, selecting the research sample purposively from the College of Arts, University of Baghdad, futsal team. The sample …

Haptic Journey Through Circular Textiles Design Practices, María Tamames-Sobrino, Adriana Cagigas-Gil, Laura Saldaña-Puentes, Carlota Gramunt, Mariana Gramunt

Artículos científicos

This paper presents an analytical framework designed to explore the educational barriers hindering the transition towards sustainability in the textile and fashion industry. The approach is based on the analysis of the ongoing Sustentare Project, which focuses on circular design methodologies and adopts the Textile Strategy Approach. Through the analysis and discussion of this project, we argue that textiles play a significant role in shaping cultural, economic, and ecological regeneration. Moreover, the established framework offers a more refined understanding of how design can drive sustainability transitions. It introduces additional analytical tools to circular design thinking, allowing for a deeper exploration …

Uab Libraries Q4 2025 Employee Updates, Uab Libraries

UAB Libraries News

No abstract provided.

Inflammatory Co-Regulation Of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels And Na,K-Atpase In Metastatic Breast Cancer, Steven D. Scahill, Kelly Jean Sherman, Dennis Paul

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Sodium regulation is a potentially major driver of cancer metastasis. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and Na,K-ATPase are sodium transporters that are upregulated in many advanced carcinomas and are implicated as metastatic drivers. However, little is known about what drives this overexpression, how these proteins influence metastatic behavior, or whether these complementary sodium transporters are co-regulated in cancer. Using sodium transporter regulation in healthy neurons as a model, the present study demonstrated that the inflammatory mediator tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) affects the expression of VGSCs and Na,K-ATPase in an in vitro model of metastatic breast cancer. Acute TNFα challenge increased …

Penerapan Scaffolding Pada Zone Of Proximal Development Dalam Pembelajaran Sejarah Kelas X Ips, Ika Wara Yuni Antisna, Joko Sayono

Journal of Innovation and Teacher Professionalism

Effective teaching is an ideal form of instruction that optimizes students’ abilities. Various instructional strategies can be applied to achieve optimal learning outcomes, one of which is scaffolding. This study aimed to analyze the implementation of scaffolding within the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) in history instruction for Grade X Social Sciences 3 at SMA Laboratorium UM and to evaluate its impact on students’ understanding and learning independence. The study used a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, and document analysis. The findings showed that scaffolding was highly important in history learning because students still required teacher …

Implementasi Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi: Penerapan, Tantangan, Dan Solusi Di Sma Negeri 49 Jakarta, Rodeo Bagus Pratama, Acep Musliman

Journal of Innovation and Teacher Professionalism

This study examined the implementation of differentiated instruction at SMA Negeri 49 Jakarta, focusing on the identification of learning needs, the application of differentiation strategies, the challenges encountered, and the solutions adopted. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. Lead teachers used cognitive and non-cognitive diagnostic assessments to group students according to their initial abilities and improve instructional effectiveness. Differentiation was implemented by modifying content, processes, products, and the learning environment. The main challenges included teacher workload, limited facilities, and students’ negative perceptions of grouping. Proposed solutions included the use of social media, appropriately …

Full Issue, Socio-Legal Review

Socio-Legal Review

No abstract provided.

Forecasting Inland Waterway Container On Barge Volume: A Machine Learning Approach Using Economic Features, Fan Bu, Heather Nachtmann

Industrial Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study presents a machine learning approach to predict Container-on-Barge (COB) volume in Inland Waterway Transportation (IWT) systems, focusing exclusively on using economic features as predictors. Five machine learning models were trained using European economic features to forecast COB volume, while historical COB volume was used solely for validation and hyperparameter tuning. Among these models, the convolutional neural network combined with long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM) exhibited superior performance, achieving a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 1.08% when forecasting eight consecutive quarters of COB volume in Europe. The results demonstrate the feasibility of accurately forecasting COB volume using economic features. …

Health Risk Assessment (Hra) In Home-Based Ironing Businesses: Risk Identification, Intervention, And Evaluation In Johar Baru District, Central Jakarta, Heru Alfares, Irawadi Darmaputra, Marsen Isbayuputra, Muhammad Ilyas

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Home-based ironing businesses in Johar Baru District, Central Jakarta, are part of the informal sector, vulnerable to health risks due to suboptimal working conditions. This study aims to identify, assess, and control health risks through a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) approach.

Methods Research methods include direct observation, interviews, environmental measurements, health screenings, and ergonomic surveys using the BRIEF (Baseline Risk Identification of Ergonomic Factor) instrument.

Results The results indicate that the temperature in the ironing area reaches 33°C, exceeding the comfort standard, and that 80% of workers have dark yellow urine, indicating a high risk of dehydration. Risk assessment …

Returning To Work On Chef With Graves’ Disease: A Case Report, Izzatul Abadiyah, Dewi Sumaryani Soemarko

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Graves’ disease has adverse effects on quality of life, because of somatic psychiatric symptoms and an inability to work. Chefs face many occupational hazards that can aggravate certain medical conditions, worsen the disease, and pose safety risks at work. This case report aims to assess the returning-to-work evaluation and program for a chef with Graves’ disease.

Case Description A forty-seven-year-old Indonesian male who was diagnosed with Graves’ disease from characteristic clinical features and biochemical abnormalities was admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath. TSH concentration was 0.001mU/L, FT4 concentration was 2.85 ng/dL, hemoglobin level was 10.6 g/dL, and …

Burden Of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Associated Risk Factors And Perceptions On Prevention Among Airport Baggage Handlers, Ashish A. Trivedi Md, Alice Lai, Mahmud Tasim, Nik Tuah

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background Airport baggage handlers are involved in manual handling of heavy loads, predisposing them to the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aimed to determine the burden of self-reported MSDs and their associated factors among airport baggage handlers in Brunei Darussalam.

Methods In this cross-sectional study, we used a self-administered questionnaire to collect demographic and work profile data. We also incorporated the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to assess body-part MSD symptoms over a 12-month period. Baggage handlers’ perceptions of the likelihood of specific work tasks related to MSDs and of preventative measures were also sought.  The data were …

The Role Of Politicians In The Literature Industry (From The Establishment Of The Abbasid State To The End Of The Fourth Century Ah) “Analytical Descriptive Study”, Abdul Rahman Abdul Hameed Al-Sharqawi

Journal of Arts and Social Sciences

This study uncovers the role of political patrons, caliphs, emirs, viziers, and commanders, in shaping literature from the founding of the Abbasid state to the end of the fourth century AH. It examines how rulers supported literati and assesses the effects of that patronage on literary production. Using a descriptive-analytical method grounded in a survey and cataloguing of major literary works and poetry collections, the research describes the literary landscape, delineates its institutional and social frameworks, and identifies features of political care for literature. Findings demonstrate that rulers cultivated poetic talent through encouragement, stipends, and rewards; assigned writers and poets …

The Beliefs Of The Fatimid State And Its Impact On The Culture And Economy Of The Maghreb (297 Ah / 910 Ad – 358 Ah / 969 Ad), Abdul Raouf Ahmed Arsan Jarrar

Journal of Arts and Social Sciences

This study examines the beliefs of the Fatimid state and its impact on the cultural and economic life of Morocco through a systematic and academic approach. The research reveals that the Fatimids brought scholars, poets, and literary figures close to their court, engaging with them, listening to their views, and granting them generous financial rewards and gifts. Consequently, they established libraries and founded centers for copyists, who fulfilled a role comparable to printing in the present day. This intellectual and cultural model spread throughout the cities of Morocco during the Fatimid era. The Fatimid caliphs and princes possessed a high …

Visitor’S Satisfaction And Loyalty Of Heritage Food: An Experimental Study Of Saudi Food Feast Festival, Yasser Hashem Emad Alhiagi

Journal of Arts and Social Sciences

This study aims to explore visitors’ satisfaction with the features of heritage food festivals and their impact on visitor loyalty, using experimental research findings from the Saudi Food Feast Festival, one of the largest food festivals in Saudi Arabia, which was held in Riyadh from December 13-29, 2022. The study provides new data and insights for developing local festivals in Saudi Arabia, contributing to literature on service quality and visitor’s satisfaction in the context of heritage events. Additionally, it seeks to enhance emotional and behavioral loyalty among visitors, thereby contributing to the sustainable success of these events as part of …

The Concept Of Law In Biopower Duaa Nassar And Amer Shatara, Duaa Nassar, Amer Shatara

Journal of Arts and Social Sciences

The study aims to reveal the transformation of the concept of law in biopower, and the impact of this transformation on the formation of society. According to the perceptions of the French philosopher Michel Foucault, the concept of the norm emerged as an alternative to law, as the concept of law was transformed from a set of controls for the behavior of the individual or “citizen” in the state, to a “standard” based on discrimination between the population based on race and gender. The study follows a key question of how the norm as a legal alternative contributes to biopower …