Digital Commons Network^™

Dynamic And Stable Motivation Patterns In Intensive Second Language Learning: Insights From A Russian Summer Immersion Program, Dmitrii Pastushenkov

Russian Language Journal

Understanding what shapes student motivation is essential to improving second language (L2) programs. While motivation is among the widely studied individual differences (IDs) in second language acquisition (SLA), research has largely focused on commonly taught languages, limiting broader applicability. This mixed-methods study, grounded in Dynamic Systems Theory (DST), explores the motivational development of learners studying a less commonly taught language (LCTL), Russian, during an eight-week summer immersion program. Data were collected from 52 students across four instructional levels. Motivation was assessed through two brief online surveys, developed based on research by Gardner, Dörnyei, Lanvers, Thompson, and others, and administered during …

Why Russian? Language Choice And Enrollment In U.S. Universities, Emma Calderwood, Teresa R. Bell, Jennifer Bown, Grant H. Lundberg

Russian Language Journal

Russian language enrollments at U.S. universities have declined steadily since 2009 (MLA, 2023), yet little research has examined current student motivations for studying Russian, particularly after the 2022 escalation of the Russo–Ukrainian War. This study surveyed two groups: (a) students enrolled in any 101-level language course at University X and (b) students in Russian courses at six U.S. universities. Results show that motivations for studying Russian are primarily integrative—general interest in the language, desire to converse with Russian speakers, aspirations to travel to Russian-speaking countries, and previous Russian knowledge—rather than instrumental. Students who considered but did not choose Russian most …

The Mediating Role Of Positive Psychology: Mindfulness And Learner Beliefs In The Russian Language Classroom, Kelly Knickmeier Cummings

Russian Language Journal

Language learning is an inherently emotional process, shaped by both positive and negative experiences that influence the individual difference of learner beliefs. This article explores the mediating role of positive psychology (PP) in second language acquisition (SLA), with a particular focus on mindfulness and its potential to reshape learner beliefs in the Russian language classroom. Drawing on theories such as Seligman’s PERMA model and Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory, as well as evidence-based interventions, the article argues that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) provide practical tools for cultivating positive learner beliefs and inclusive, growth-oriented classroom environments. Examples of MBIs—including practices of noticing, savoring, exploring …

Towards Computational Methods In Medical Data Analysis: From Speech And Text To Imaging, Kristin Qi

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Early detection of cognitive decline and efficient medical image analysis remain critical challenges in healthcare. Traditional clinical assessments are infrequent and resource-intensive, while everyday speech data and unlabeled medical images remain largely unexploited. This dissertation develops computational methods integrating machine learning and artificial intelligence across speech, text, and imaging modalities to address challenges in medical data processing. For cognitive monitoring, this work first introduces methods using voice assistant systems to collect longitudinal speech data in home environments, demonstrating that incorporating historical session patterns significantly enhances detection of mild cognitive impairment. Building on this foundation, a framework combining large language model-driven …

Understanding The Fidelity And Specificity Of Dna Polymerase I, Bill R. Miller Iii, Andrew V. Yeager, Jake A. Collins, Alexis Blake, Elise Tate, Carol A. Parish, Eugene Y. Wu

Chemistry Faculty Publications

High-fidelity DNA polymerases employ complex mechanisms to catalyze template-dependent DNA synthesis while quickly discarding mismatches. Atomic-level structural details about short-lived states during nucleotide discrimination are necessary to gain insight into the kinetic checkpoints that contribute to fidelity. We performed microsecond molecular dynamics simulations of DNA polymerase I, large fragment, from Bacillus stearothermophilus (Bacillus fragment, or BF) in complex with a template guanine and a mismatched thymidine triphosphate to observe the early events in the process of selection against a mismatch. Although the nucleobases formed a wobble base pair early, the mismatched pair was blocked from fully entering the active site …

Novel Physical And Biological Applications Of Carbon Ion Radiotherapy, Danushka Seneviratne, Prapannajeet Biswal, Sunil Krishnan

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

Carbon ion radiation therapy (CIRT) is a high-LET radiotherapy, which distinguishes itself from traditional low-LET radiation, such as photons and protons, through its unique physical aspects, biological attributes, and the dramatically increased damage it causes within cellular DNA. Given its distinctive characteristics, it is expected to improve the therapeutic ratio of radiation treatments and enhance treatment outcomes in traditionally radiation-resistant tumor histologies. Despite these unique properties, much remains to be understood regarding the clinical use of CIRT before its full potential can be realized. In this review, we summarize the distinct advantages of CIRT with regard to its physical and …

Knowledge Of Cpr And Code Status Discussions In Traumatically Injured Older Adults: Does Health Literacy Matter, Mokunfayo O Fajemisin, Ashna S Karpe, Stephanie Martinez Ugarte, Gabrielle E Hatton, Krislynn Mueck, Lillian S Kao, Martin L Blakely, Gina H Khraish, Aanand Naik, Shreyans Sanghvi, Jessica L Lee, Thaddeus J Puzio

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Code Status Discussions (CSDs), CPR understanding, and health literacy is understudied in traumatically injured older adults. We hypothesized that traumatically injured older adults and their families would have limited understanding of CPR and code status, and that lower health literacy would be associated with reduced advance care planning knowledge. We surveyed injured adults ≥65 or their surrogates to assess baseline code status, health literacy, and CPR discussions. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted. Among 201 respondents 55% had low health literacy. Only 38% had discussions about CPR, and 21% were asked about code status during admission. Surrogates similarly overestimated CPR …

Psychological Resilience As A Predictor Of Occupational Stress Among Teaching Staff In Course X, Indah Kusuma Wardani, Fajaria Nurcandra, Dr. Dyah Utari, Afif Amir Amrullah

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Workplace stress is a common condition that may be triggered by the demands of professional involvement. Psychological resilience functions as a protective factor that enables individuals to maintain their level of work engagement despite experiencing job-related stress arising from work–life imbalance. This study aimed to examine the relationship between psychological resilience and occupational stress among teaching staff at Course X. The research employed a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design, utilizing chi-square testing and Cox regression analysis, with a total sample of 98 participants. Data collection was conducted from April to June 2024. The instruments used included the Workplace Stress …

Environmental Health Risks To Children In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review Of Evidence And Gaps In Global Interventions, Tadius C. Chitambwe, Dewi Susanna

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Sub-Saharan Africa’s (SSA) children experience a disproportionate burden of environmental health risks, contributing to over half of global under-five deaths despite representing only 27% of live births ¹. This scoping review synthesised evidence from sixty-seven (67) eligible studies (2010–2025) to map out environmental exposures affecting children (0–18 years) in Sub-Saharan Africa, and to identify gaps in global interventions. Included studies focused on children (0-18 years) in SSA, addressed one or more of the four predefined environmental exposure domains (air pollution, WASH, toxic chemicals, climate-related risks), and reported on child health outcomes or interventions. Guided by the PRISMA and Arksey …

Care Navigator Role In The Management Of Patients' Access At A Mental And Behavioral Health Clinic, Bernadine Grinage

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Walden University College of Nursing This is to certify that the doctoral study by Bernadine Grinage has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Sue Bell, Committee Chairperson, Nursing Faculty Dr. Diane Whitehead, Committee Member, Nursing Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2025 Abstract The practice issue cited by clinical staff of a rural mental and behavioral clinic (RMBHC) was fragmented versus holistic care, increase emergency room (ER) visits, inadequate access and patient attrition rate …

Designing Inclusive Immersive Experiences: Intergenerational Codesign Of Heritage And Underwater Extended Reality For Older Adults, Marius N. Varga, Oksana Hagen, Rory Baxter, Alejandro Veliz Reyes, Ray B Jones, Amir Aly, Dena Bazazian, Gaudl Swen

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Despite rapid advances in immersive Extended Reality technologies, creating inclusive and accessible experiencesfor older adults remains challenging. Many Extended Realityapplications fail to account for the physical, cognitive, andergonomic needs of older users, resulting in low engagement anddigital exclusion. Cultural heritage and underwater environmentsoffer rich contexts for meaningful interaction and wellbeing.This study explored how intergenerational codesign can informthe development of immersive Extended Reality applicationsfor older adults. Two case studies were undertaken within theICONIC project: a Heritage Extended Reality experience recreating Cotehele, a National Trust heritage site, and an UnderwaterTelepresence experience simulating marine environments. Theobjective was to identify design principles supporting accessibility, …

A Rare Culprit Or An Elusive Culprit In Disguise? Unraveling Wild-Type Attr Cardiac Amyloidosis In Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Taiwo Ajani, Daniela Hernandez, Everardo Cobos

School of Medicine Publications

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a rare disorder caused by the deposition of abnormal proteins called amyloid in the myocardium, leading to dysfunction. The 2 most common forms of amyloidosis are AL (light chain) and ATTR (transthyretin). Diagnosing amyloidosis is challenging, especially in its early stages, due to its nonspecific symptoms and overlap with other conditions. Recent studies suggest that the incidence of wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis is rising, likely due to improved diagnostic techniques and an aging population. We present the case of a 72-year-old male with lower extremity edema, progressive shortness of breath, and worsening renal function. He had a …

Invasive Candidiasis In Critically Ill Patients: Fundamental Concepts And Future Directions, María Alejandra Pérez, Wesley J Hoffmann, J Christian Pérez, Max W Adelman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Topic importance: Invasive candidiasis (IC) is a common complication in patients in ICUs. IC can be divided into bloodstream infections (candidemia) and deep-seated infections. Candida infections are associated with high mortality and longer hospital stays. Moreover, the emergence of Candida auris and other species prone to cause ICU outbreaks highlights the importance of this pathogen.

Review findings: Candidemia represents about 20% of bloodstream infections in ICU patients, whereas intraabdominal candidiasis, the most common form of deep-seated infection, predominantly affects surgical ICU patients. Regarding species distribution, Candida albicans is the most common species; however, non-albicans species have become more prevalent in …

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 …

The Evolving Therapeutic Landscape Of Nanoscale Cancer Drug Delivery Systems: Future Perspectives, Nafeesa Qudsia Hanif, Bushra Arshad, Anila Fariq, Syed Imam Hussain Abidi, Sohail Ameer Marwat, Aneela Fatima

Journal of Bioresource Management

Cancer is one of the main causes of deaths in the world. Conventional cancer therapeutic approaches such as chemo- and radiotherapy have burdened the cancer patients with arduous physical and psychological challenges. Moreover, in case of onset of this disease, huge amount is required against the medications (chemotherapy and radiotherapy). It is estimated that annually, the increasing cancer disease incidence rate is alarming. In developed countries, the health support is given by the nation. Therefore, the health managements in the developed nations are over-burdened due to heavy expanses against expansive cancer therapy treatments. Interestingly, tumor treatments have undergone a comprehensive …

Water Quality And Plankton Diversity Of Ahi River, Ohiya, Umuahia, Nigeria, Emeka Donald Anyanwu, Egor Katkov, Udeme Effiong Jonah, Amarachuku Ezinne Oji, Immaculate Chiamaka Enwereuzo

Journal of Bioresource Management

The plankton diversity of large and urban rivers has been extensively studied in Nigeria while small rural rivers that harbour rich aquatic biota receive little attention. The composition, abundance, and distribution of plankton of a rural river were assessed in relation to some physicochemical parameters. The study was carried out between May and October 2023 in 3 stations using standard methods. The physicochemical results were: temperature (25.2-27.0^oC), flow velocity (0.15-0.46 m/s), transparency (14.0-78.5cm), depth (51.0-105.0cm), pH (5.6-7.8), electrical conductivity (66.0-98.0 µS/cm), total dissolved solids (33.0-49.0 mg/l), turbidity (0.1-1.7 NTU), dissolved oxygen (3.2-6.4 mg/l), biochemical oxygen demand (1.0-2.7 mg/l), …

Effect Of Niobium Addition On Corrosion Behavior, Mechanical Properties, And Microstructures Of U6zr Alloys In An Aerated Environment, Masrukan Masrukan, Djati Handoko, Dede Djuhana, Rohmad Sigit, M. Husna Al Hasa, Wisnu Ari Adi, Siti Mardiah

Makara Journal of Science

The effect of Nb addition on the corrosion behavior of U–6Zr alloys within an aerated, demineralized water (DW) environment (pH 5.61) and its correlation of this addition with the mechanical and microstructural properties of the alloys were investigated. The U–6Zr–xNb alloys (x = 1, 4, and 7 wt.%) were synthesized by arc-melting U, Zr, and Nb. Additionally, the samples were mounted and polished, after which they were subjected to electrochemical corrosion analysis using a potentiostat. This evaluation was conducted in a DW medium (pH 5.6), representing an aerated atmosphere, at room temperature (27°C) and a potentiodynamic scan rate of 1 …

Physical Design (Pd) Modeled As A Directed Acyclic Graph (Dag) For Advanced Analytics, Avijeet Somani, Sagar Karandikar, Parthasarathy Ranganathan, Akanksha Jain

Defensive Publications Series

Physical design (PD) within very-large-scale integration (VLSI) is complex, iterative, and time-consuming, featuring extended design cycles and requiring significant manual debugging that is heavily reliant on individual experience of the engineer. This disclosure describes techniques to model the entire PD lifecycle of a VLSI design as a conceptual graph by leveraging historical PD data. The conceptual graph can be employed to represent the entire design history as a directed acyclic graph (DAG). The DAG can help capture the cause-and-effect relationships between jobs with sequential edges representing stage transformations and iterative refinement edges documenting causes for re-runs. The DAG can be …

Simulation-Based Learning In Oral Radiology: Students’ Perceptions Of Training In Intraoral Radiographic Techniques Across Two Dental Institutes, Abeer A. Almashraqi, Ankur Jethlia, Rebecca Glanville, Hanin Daas, Kamran Ali

Peninsula Dental School

Objective: Simulation-based learning (SBL) in oral radiology offers a safe, structured environment that supports students’ transition to clinical practice. However, limited research has captured students' perceptions of SBL for intraoral radiography training. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of dental students about SBL in intraoral radiography using a mixed-methods approach across two dental institutions. Methods: Third-year undergraduate dental students from two institutions were recruited. All students were trained on both periapical (paralleling technique in Institution A and bisecting angle technique in Institution B) and bitewing radiographs using a mannequin. Data were collected through a 9-item Likert-scale survey and three …

An Exploratory Approach For Teaching Systems Of Linear Odes With Real Repeated Eigenvalues, Biyong Luo, Li Zhang

CODEE Journal

In this paper, we present a project that aims to pique students' interest and facilitate their engagement in learning. Students will be encouraged to take an active role in their learning of systems of linear ODEs with real repeated Eigenvalues. Through discussion and completion of a set of guided questions given in the project, students will gain a deeper understanding of the topic. Also, students will use the technology tool Bluffton App to draw solution trajectories in a phase plane, and then learn necessary skills for explaining the movements of the trajectories and their long term behaviors. This project may …

Revisiting Underwater Image Enhancement For Object Detection: A Unified Quality–Detection Evaluation Framework, Ali Awad, Ashraf Saleem, Sidike Paheding, Evan Lucas, Serein Al-Ratrout, Timothy C. Havens

Michigan Tech Publications

Underwater images often suffer from severe color distortion, low contrast, and reduced visibility, motivating the widespread use of image enhancement as a preprocessing step for downstream computer vision tasks. However, recent studies have questioned whether enhancement actually improves object detection performance. In this work, we conduct a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of nine state-of-the-art enhancement methods and their interactions with modern object detectors. We propose a unified evaluation framework that integrates (1) a distribution-level quality assessment using a composite quality index (Q-index), (2) a fine-grained per-image detection protocol based on COCO-style mAP, and (3) a mixed-set upper-bound analysis that quantifies …

Grid Realistic Voltage Drop Patterns For Structural Testing Of Integrated Circuits, Aditya Girish, Praphulla Pandey, Srinivas Vooka, Vaibhav Gupta

Defensive Publications Series

During the testing of integrated circuits (IC), simultaneous switching of instances in a region of the IC increases transient current and causes a voltage drop (also referred to as IR drop). Such voltage drops can interfere with proper testing of the chip and complicate fault detection. This disclosure describes techniques that leverage power-aware analysis to predict the locations of IR hotspots that may arise during ATPG testing of integrated circuits. Compared to traditional structural analysis, the techniques improve the accuracy of prediction of IR hotspots, refine switching activity constraints for ATPG, and generate patterns with realistic power. The techniques produce …

Synthesis Of Schiff Base Based On Aminopolysaccharides A Chitosan Apis Mellifera With Salicylic And Glutaraldehydes, Alisher Mengliev

Technical science and innovation

Chitosan is a linear aminopolysaccharide. Using methods of chemical modification of chitosan, a number of new biologically active materials have been created. The main interest in these products is due to the preservation of the basic physicochemical and biological properties of the original polymer and the acquisition of new properties depending on the nature of the introduced groups. Modified chitosan can be used in various fields such as drug delivery, textiles, wastewater treatment and a number of biomedical applications. The purpose of this work is to extract chitosan from the remains of ApisMellifera bees and synthesize a Schiff base with …

Mathematical Modeling Of The Atmospheric Water Harvesting Process Using Cfd, Jasur Esirgapovich Safarov, Shakhnoza Abduvaxitovna Shaxnoza, Doston Ishmuxammat Ugli Samandarov, Azamat Bakir Ugli Usenov, Shahzod Faxriddin Ugli Dostqobilov

Technical science and innovation

This article presents the physical principles of Atmospheric Water Harvesting (AWH) technologies, including spectral radiation balance, air-sorbent interactions, thermodynamic constraints, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling approaches. The study provides models of water condensation, adsorption-desorption processes, and energy consumption. In addition, a detailed thermodynamic analysis was carried out to determine the partial vapor pressure, cooling demand, and theoretical energy limits of water extraction. The adsorption process is described using Langmuir isotherms, while desorption is represented through a kinetic model dependent on activation energy. To analyze the coupled processes of airflow, mass transfer, and heat transport, CFD models based on the …

Algorithm For Stabilizing The Reference Trajectory Of Self-Tuning Systems With A Reference Model, Isamidin Hakimovich Sidikov, Feruzakhon Botirxon Qizi Sodiqova

Technical science and innovation

The paper addresses the problem of stabilizing self-tuning systems using adaptive control methods based on a reference process model. As the optimality criterion, the functional of maximum speed of response is selected. The algorithm for synthesizing the self-tuning system is based on a relay-linear control law, which possesses the property of invariance to small disturbances. The issue of ensuring the practical stability of the system under adaptive and multiplicative disturbances is examined. An algorithm for the synthesis of a reference trajectory stabilization system has been developed on the basis of a quasi-optimal passive self-tuning system (STS) with a reference model, …

Study Of The Influence Of Material Heterogeneities In Humidity Measurements In A Closed Volume, Hulkar Asadullayevna Usmanova, Asadulla Turgunbaev, Umid Uralovich Xudaykulov

Technical science and innovation

The article presents generalized theoretical studies of the errors arising in the conversion of material moisture into informative parameters of the microwave field. Such informative parameters of a material include structural inhomogeneities, non-uniform moisture distribution throughout the volume and by the forms of moisture bonding, density, temperature, and mass. The influence of material inhomogeneities during moisture measurements in an enclosed volume on the errors of primary measuring transducers is investigated, along with the errors accompanying the conversion of moisture into the dielectric characteristics of the material and the conversion of dielectric characteristics into informative parameters of the microwave field. A …

Hubungan Persepsi Manfaat Terhadap Kesadaran Kesehatan Pengguna Wearable Device Di Kota Banda Aceh, Raihanil Fitri, Tahara Dilla Santi, Hafnidar A. Rani

Perilaku dan Promosi Kesehatan: Indonesian Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior

Background. Wearable devices are portable technologies designed to be worn directly on the body and capable of collecting and analyzing data related to various aspects of a user's health. Aim. This study aims to analyze the influence of perceived benefits on users' health awareness among wearable device users in Banda Aceh City.

Aim. This study aims to analyze association of perceived benefits on users' health awareness among wearable device users in Banda Aceh City.

Method. This research applied a descriptive quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach. Data were collected using a questionnaire from 106 active wearable device …

Pengaruh Pendidikan Pencegahan Kekerasan Seksual Berbasis Animasi Terhadap Pengetahuan Dan Sikap Remaja, Lulu Lutpia Muharomah, Irma Darmawati, Asih Purwandari Wahyoe Puspita

Perilaku dan Promosi Kesehatan: Indonesian Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior

Background. Sexual violence is a major problem that impacts the physical and psychological health of adolescents. Prevention efforts are needed through health education that is in accordance with the characteristics of adolescents. Animation media is considered effective because it can convey messages audio-visually and attractively.

Purpose. This study aims to assess the influence of Animation-Based Education on adolescents' knowledge and attitudes regarding the prevention of sexual violence.

Method. The study used a one-group pretest–posttest design with 59 student respondents in Cimahi City. The intervention was in the form of an educational animated video on sexual violence prevention of ±5 minutes …

Improving Adoption Of Evidence-Based Guidelines On Exercise For Depression In An Adult Community Mental Health Team, Jack Richards

South West Clinical School Journal

No abstract provided.

Co-Designing A Staff Intervention To Provide Meaningful Activities For Patients On An Acute Older People’S Ward, Niyatiben Bhoi

South West Clinical School Journal

No abstract provided.