Digital Commons Network^™

Is This Cultural Property Law?: The Emerging Norm Of Voluntary Repatriations, Erin L. Thompson

Chapman Law Review

As the public’s awareness of the histories of theft and smuggling that brought many cultural artifacts from their communities of origin to American collections has grown, attitudes toward the ethics of retaining these artifacts has also shifted. This presentation will first consider challenges posed by existing legal remedies available for source countries who seek to reclaim their heritage and then discuss the emerging practice of voluntary repatriations, which occur when the current owner of an artifact returns it to a source country or community even though legal authorities would likely not compel its surrender.

A Scoping Review Of The Social Determinants Of Pediatric And Adolescent Obesity, Deepali K Ernest, Elizabeth A Onugha, Bipin Singh, Shreela V Sharma, Jayna M Dave

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Context: Social determinants of health (SDOH) play a large role in pediatric and adolescent metabolic health worldwide.

Objective: The study is aimed at exploring key SDOH related to childhood obesity, worldwide.

Methods: Primary research articles from PubMed, Embase, and Medline databases published between 2013 and 2023, had a study population of 0-19-year-olds, and examined the association between WHO-defined SDOH and childhood obesity were included. Non-English papers and those outside WHO-defined SDOHs were excluded. Two reviewers independently performed a blinded screening of titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text assessment of selected articles.

Results: Of the 703 initial articles, 22 duplicates …

Mapping Epidermal And Dermal Cellular Senescence In Human Skin Aging, Grace T Yu, Clarisse Ganier, David B Allison, Tamara Tchkonia, Sundeep Khosla, James L Kirkland, Magnus D Lynch, Saranya P Wyles

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics enable unprecedented insight into cellular and molecular pathways implicated in human skin aging and regeneration. Senescent cells are individual cells that are irreversibly cell cycle arrested and can accumulate across the human lifespan due to cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic stressors. With an atlas of single-cell RNA-sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, epidermal and dermal senescence and its effects were investigated, with a focus on melanocytes and fibroblasts. Photoaging due to ultraviolet light exposure was associated with higher burdens of senescent cells, a sign of biological aging, compared to chronological aging. A skin-specific cellular senescence gene set, termed …

Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite And T3 Profiles Of Orphaned Elephants Differ From Non-Orphaned Elephants In Zambia, Daniella E Chusyd, Janine L Brown, Steve Paris, Nicole Boisseau, Webster Mwaanga, Moses Kasongo, Lisa Olivier, Stephanie L Dickinson, Bailey Ortyl, Tessa Steiniche, Steven N Austad, David B Allison, Michael D Wasserman

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: Elephants provide valuable insight into how early-life adverse events (ELAEs) associate with animal health and welfare because they can live to advanced ages, display extensive cognitive and memory capabilities, and rely heavily on social bonds. Although it is known that African savanna elephants that experienced ELAEs, such as being orphaned due to human activities, have altered behavioral outcomes, little is known regarding the physiological consequences associated with those stressors.

Methods: We compared fecal glucocorticoid (fGCM) and thyroid (fT3) metabolites as well as body condition scores (BCS) in rescued and rehabilitated orphaned (early-dry season: n = 20; late-dry season: n …

Food-Related Behaviors Of Rural (Asaase Kooko) And Peri-Urban (Kaadjanor) Households In Ghana, Prince Kwabena Osei, Megan A Mccrory, Matilda Steiner-Asiedu, Edward Sazonov, Mingui Sun, Wenyan Jia, Tom Baranowski, Gary Frost, Benny Lo, Alex Kojo Anderson

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: "Food-related behaviors" range widely and include food acquisition, storage, cooking, meal sharing, eating practices, among others. Food-related behaviors can influence nutritional status and health outcomes, and likely vary between rural and peri-urban households; however, there is limited documentation on such differences.

Objective: To assess food-related behaviors of rural and peri-urban households in Ghana to inform the design and implementation of a field study to validate passive wearable camera technologies for dietary assessment.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study in rural (Asaase Kokoo) and peri-urban (Kaadjanor) communities, Ghana. Forty key informants (20 rural and 20 peri-urban) were interviewed about …

Regulatory B Cells, The Key Regulator To Induce Immune Tolerance In Organ Transplantation, Jinfeng Liao, Yixin Yang, Jisong Li, Zheng Liu, Siyuan Song, Yu Zeng, Yi Wang

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

In solid organ transplantation, especially renal transplantation, for the induction of immune tolerance, accumulating evidence has revealed that Regulatory B cells (Breg) play a crucial role in stimulating immune tolerance, alleviating immune responses, and improving graft survival. We describe the heterogeneous nature of Bregs, focusing on their defining surface markers and regulatory functions. Meanwhile, the major cytokine secretion function and the correlation between Breg and Treg or other immune checkpoints to balance the immune responses are addressed. Furthermore, we summarized the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways or costimulatory stimuli for the differentiation from naïve B cells. More importantly, we summarized the …

General Kernel Machine Methods For Multi-Omics Integration And Genome-Wide Association Testing With Related Individuals, Amarise Little, Ni Zhao, Anna Mikhaylova, Angela Zhang, Wodan Ling, Florian Thibord, Andrew D Johnson, Laura M Raffield, Joanne E Curran, John Blangero, Jeffrey R O'Connell, Huichun Xu, Jerome I Rotter, Stephen S Rich, Kenneth M Rice, Ming-Huei Chen, Alexander Reiner, Charles Kooperberg, Thao Vu, Lifang Hou, Myriam Fornage, Ruth J F Loos, Eimear Kenny, Rasika Mathias, Lewis Becker, Albert V Smith, Eric Boerwinkle, Bing Yu, Timothy Thornton, Michael C Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Integrating multi-omics data may help researchers understand the genetic underpinnings of complex traits and diseases. However, the best ways to integrate multi-omics data and use them to address pressing scientific questions remain a challenge. One important and topical problem is how to assess the aggregate effect of multiple genomic data types (e.g. genotypes and gene expression levels) on a phenotype, particularly while accommodating routine issues, such as having related subjects' data in analyses. In this paper, we extend an existing composite kernel machine regression model to integrate two multi-omics data types, while accommodating for general correlation structures amongst outcomes. Due …

The Significance Of Asthma In Dentistry, William J. Maloney

Bulletin of the Ninth District Dental Association

Dentists and members of the dental staff must be aware of the many possible medical emergencies which may arise during dental treatment. Asthma is one such condition and, as such, all dental professionals must be familiar with its triggers, recognize the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack, know what to do when an asthma attack occurs, and be familiar with strategies to mitigate the likelihood and severity of an asthma attack. Dentists must also be aware that asthmatics have an increased incidence of dental erosion, caries, periodontal disease and decreased salivary flow.

Message From The Ada President: A Year Of Building Our Cathedral - Together, Brett Kessler

Bulletin of the Ninth District Dental Association

A message from ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., reflecting on the 2025 year at the ADA.

A Dream Come True, Stuart Segelnick Dds, Ms

The New York State Dental Journal

There are many facets of a well-made journal. Producing an exceptional publication such as The NYSDJ takes a lot of time, effort and commitment by its staff: Editor Chester Gary, Managing Editor Mary Stoll, Advertising and Sponsorship Manager Jeanne DeGuire and Art Director Ed Stevens, as well as its contributors and Editorial Review Board members. Dr. Gary has done an amazing job these past eight years at the helm, writing award-winning editorials and working tirelessly to help bring ADA Commons, our indexing platform, to fruition. He has also been an inspiration and trusted advisor to me, as were past editors …

The Open Apex Challenge: A Case Series, Joseph C. Stern D.D.S.

The New York State Dental Journal

Aim: To describe different endodontic techniques for managing immature necrotic teeth. Managing immature necrotic teeth has always posed challenges because of the unpredictable nature of treating roots with wide open apices that lack an apical stop. Traditionally, treatment involved placement of long-term calcium hydroxide, which was often tedious and required multiple visits. Compliance was frequently an issue, especially since many patients in this category are children and as a result, many teeth were lost due to infection or fracture. Recently, with the introduction of more biocompatible materials, a shorter treatment approach has been advocated using calcium silicate materials, such as …

Bridging The Dental Care Gap: Addressing Oral Health Disparities In New York State Nursing Homes, Apeksha Phulgirkar B.D.S., Pgcert, M.P.H., Stacy Mcilduff Cfre

The New York State Dental Journal

Oral health is a critical component of overall wellbeing, yet disparities in access to dental care disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly elderly residents in nursing homes. Poor oral hygiene is linked to systemic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cognitive decline. Despite federal regulations mandating oral health assessments in nursing homes, many facilities lack adequate resources, and care often falls to undertrained staff. This study assesses the availability of onsite dental care services in New York State’s nursing homes and the role of mobile dental clinics in bridging the access gap, especially in rural and underserved areas. A …

Pathological Changes In Soft Tissues Associated With Radiographically Normal Impacted Teeth: A Critical Update And Meta-Analysis, Adesh S. Manchanda M.D.S., Ramandeep S. Narang M.D.S., Komaldeep Kaur Sandhu B.D.S

The New York State Dental Journal

The purpose of the study was to conduct a retrospective analysis of histopathological diagnosis of all pericoronal tissues associated with impacted teeth and to correlate it with a hypothetical classification of pericoronal follicular space to improve our clinical management of treating impacted teeth. Materials and Method. The study was carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Dental Sciences, Amritsar. Data revealed that during a 12-year period, 1,268 patients reported with a pericoronal follicular space associated with the crown of an unerupted tooth, which was subsequently submitted for histopathological evaluation. Panoramic …

Naïve Bayes Based Android Adaptive User Authenticationprototype For Young Internet Of Medical Things Users, Prudence Munyaradzi Mavhemwa Mavhemwa, Marco Zennaro, Philibert Nsengiyumva, Frederic Nzanywayingoma

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

The increasing use of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) in healthcare highlights privacy and security concerns surroundingsensitive health data. This research focuses on enhancing the security and usability of IoMT for young users through arobust, adaptive continuous authentication model using physiological biometrics on Android devices and heart rate data fromsmartwatches. By integrating user behavior, environmental context, and health conditions, the model dynamically determinesrisk, trust, and authorization decisions. Machine learning techniques analyse data related to devices, networks, locations, anduser habits while considering demographics like age and medical conditions to assign suitable authenticators. The model balancesaccuracy and usability, favouring correct positive …

Cleancity Iot: A Vehicle-Mounted Platform For Real-Time Urban Air-Quality Monitoring And Forecasting In Resource-Constrained African Cities, Eric Nizeyimana, Damien Hanyurwimfura, Gabriel Uwanyirigira, Bonaventure Karikumutima, Jimmy Nsenga, Irene Niyonambaza Mihigo

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Urban air pollution is a growing public-health challenge in African cities, yet traditional monitoring stations are sparse and expensive. The paper presents CleanCity IoT, a deployed, low-cost, vehicle-mounted air-quality platform that combines IoT sensors, GSM connectivity, cloud aggregation, and machine learning to produce near-real-time exposure maps and 2- hour forecasts for multiple pollutants. Each device integrates lowcost sensors for PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, O₃, SO₂, and CO₂, alongside temperature and humidity. Measurements are geotagged and transmitted over mobile networks form vehicles to a cloud backend, where data are validated, stored, and visualized through a user-friendly dashboard that also issues automated alerts …

Modelling And Optimization Of Microgrid With Combined Genetic Algorithm And Model Predictive Control Of Pv/Wind/Fc/Battery Energy Systems, Maklewa Agoundedemba, Chang Ki Kim, Hyun-Goo Kim, Raphael Nyenge, Nicholas Musila

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Microgrid systems with hybrid renewable energy resources, such as PV, wind, have been widely used with storage devices to supply power to certain load demands. However, technical issues and fewer benefits can occur due to their intermittent nature and the high investment costs associated. So, an accurate model, sizing, and management approach are required to maximize the operational benefits of the microgrid with battery energy storage systems and fuel cells. This study used the combined genetic algorithm (GA) and model predictive control (MPC) to size and optimize the hybrid renewable energy PV/Wind/FC/Battery subject to certain constraints on the power flow …

A Machine Learning Approach To Lithology Classification In Mining Using Measurement While Drilling And Exploration Data, Gbétoglo Charles Komadja, Erik Westman, Aditya Rana, Anye Vitalis

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Accurate lithology classification is essential as variations in rock formations can significantly impact the cost and efficiency of mineral exploration and mining. Initial exploration maps provide insights into subsurface formations, though typically collected at widely spaced intervals. This study examines the use of early exploration data and Measurement While Drilling (MWD) data for lithology prediction through machine learning. The research specifically evaluates the benefit of incorporating spatial coordinates with MWD parameters to enhance classification accuracy, using support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and extra gradient boosting (XGBoost) classifiers with tenfold cross-validation. The models were trained on 235,501 data points …

Synthesizing Knowledge About Tree Diversity, Density, And Distribution In The Savanna Woodlands Of Sudan, Ahmed M.M. Hasoba, Ahmed A.H. Siddig, Kornel Czimber, Ali Omer, Nasradeen A.H. Gadallah, Mohamed M.A. Adam, Audrey Barker Plotkin

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Savanna ecosystems comprise a complex and diverse biome, marked by the balanced cohabitation of trees and shrubs alongside a rich assembly of herbaceous flora, particularly grasses. In Sudan, savanna ecosystems provide invaluable services that sustain the livelihoods of millions of people. Here, we synthesized the existing knowledge about tree density, diversity, and distribution in the savanna woodlands of Sudan to assess tree diversity, evaluate tree conservation status on the basis of tree abundance and distribution according to IUCN guidelines, and map tree diversity and density in savanna woodlands. The research process started with an extensive search for relevant literature across …

Wolbanking77: Wolof Banking Speech Intent Classification Dataset, Abdou Karim Kandji, Frédéric Precioso, Cheikh Ba, Samba Ndiaye, Augustin Ndione

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Intent classification models have made a significant progress in recent years. However, previous studies primarily focus on high-resource language datasets, which results in a gap for low-resource languages and for regions with high rates of illiteracy, where languages are more spoken than read or written. This is the case in Senegal, for example, where Wolof is spoken by around 90% of the population, while the national illiteracy rate remains at of 42%. Wolof is actually spoken by more than 10 million people in West African region. To address these limitations, we introduce the Wolof Banking Speech Intent Classification Dataset (WolBanking77), …

Conserving Carbon Stocks Under Climate Change: Importance Of Trees Outside Forests In Agricultural Landscapes Of Mongala Province, Democratic Republic Of Congo, Jean Pierre Azenge Bokoy, Aboubacar‑Oumar Zon, Jean Pierre Pitchou Meniko, Jérôme Ebuy, Justin N’Dja Kassi, Paxie W. Chirwa

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

This study aimed to evaluate the role of trees outside forests on agricultural land (TOF‑AL) in preserving the initial aboveground biomass (AGB) of forests within the agricultural landscape of Mongala province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2024, tree inventories were conducted over four months in the forests and agricultural lands of Mongala province to analyse AGB. The effects of artisanal logging and charcoal production activities on the AGB conservation rate were considered. This study indicates that 78.3% of the trees encountered in agricultural lands were large‑diameter trees (diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 60 cm). In forest areas, …

Effect Of Aflasafe Tz01® On Aflatoxin Reduction And Emerging Challenges With Fusarium Mycotoxins In Maize From Rural Tanzania, Sambwe Fundikira, Martin Kimanya, Rashid Suleiman, Marthe De Boevre, Kokeb Tesfamariam Kokeb Tesfamariam, Sarah De Saeger

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species and are common contaminants of many crops including maize. Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains, formulated as biocontrol products such as Aflasafe® TZ01, that comprises a mixture of four native atoxigenic strains, are used as pre-harvest agents to suppress toxigenic strains and reduce aflatoxin levels. This study assessed the intended and potential unintended impacts of Aflasafe® TZ01 on mycotoxin contamination in maize. A total of 158 samples 79 from treated and 79 from untreated fields were collected from Chemba and Kiteto districts in Tanzania. Multi-mycotoxin analysis was conducted using liquid chromatography coupled with …

Molecular Evidence Of Brucella Abortus Circulating In Cattle, Goats, And Humans In Central Equatoria State, South Sudan, Emmanuel Philip Lasuba Lita, Ernatus M. Mkupas, Erneo B. Och, Gerald Misinzo, Henriette Van Heerden, Robab Katani, Jacques Godfroid, Coletha Mathew

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease in most developing countries, including South Sudan. Precise identification of Brucella species is crucial for addressing public health and epidemiological concerns associated with brucellosis. The study aimed to identify Brucella species using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) from seropositive samples that were acquired from an earlier investigation. A total of 143 genomic DNA samples were extracted from brucellosis Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) seropositive samples from humans (n=7), cattle (n=103) and goats (n=33). The samples were collected from Terekeka and Juba counties, Central Equatoria State (CES), South Sudan. The qPCR targeting the Brucella-specific IS711 …

Jstmapp: A Web-Based Joint Spatiotemporal Modelling And Mapping Application For Epidemiologists, Alfred Ngwira, Samuel O.M Manda, Esron D. Karimuribo, Sharadhuli I. Kimera

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Disease mapping models help create disease risk maps, which public health policymakers can use to design disease control and monitoring programmes. These models are now routinely implemented using spatial statistical software packages that use frequentist estimation methods, such as SaTScan and HDSpatialScan, and Bayesian estimation methods, such as the Windows version of Bayesian inference using Gibbs sampling (WinBUGS) and R integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA). We aimed to develop a user-friendly joint disease spatiotemporal modelling and mapping application (JSTMapp) for epidemiologists and health statistics analysts based on Bayesian methods. Using the R package Shiny and utilising the proven and embedded …

Meta-Analysis Of The Prevalence Of Tuberculosis In Cattle And Zoonotic Tuberculosis In Humans In Sub-Saharan Africa, Alfred Ngwira, Samuel Manda, Esron Daniel Karimuribo, Sharadhuli Iddi Kimera

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Background Tuberculosis (TB) in cattle negatively affects the cattle economy in Africa, with zoonotic TB posing drugresistance issues in humans. The burden of TB in cattle and zoonotic TB in humans in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is not well understood. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of both TB in cattle and zoonotic TB in humans in SSA through meta-analysis. Methods Research on TB prevalence was sourced from multiple databases. A random effects meta-analysis model estimated TB prevalence in SSA and its regions, while meta-regression identified risk factors. The analysis included 114 studies for cattle and 59 for humans. Results …

Effect Of Malt Barley Cluster Farming On Food Security In Amhara Region, Ethiopia, Betelhem Tsedalu Adane, Irene Susan Egyir, Ama Asantewah Ahene-Codjoe, Taeyoon Kim

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

Cluster farming is the practice of merging neighbouring farms into a unified production unit to grow specific crops collaboratively. This is a promising method to enhance food security by improving agricultural productivity through coordinated resource use and enabling access to inputs, technologies, and markets. Despite this benefit, no empirical studies have examined how malt barley cluster farming affects smallholder farmers’ food security. This study adopts descriptive and econometric analysis, including the endogenous switching regression model (ESRM) and control function approach to account for selection bias and endogeneity in estimating the causal effect of malt barley cluster farming. Cross-sectional data were …

It’S Time To Stop Calling People "Stakeholders", Bethann Garramon Merkle, Evelyn Valdez-Ward, Priya Shukla, Skylar R. Bayer

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Although the term “stakeholder” has been widely used in science communication, recent expansion in the discourse around the negative connotations of the term necessitate that scientists and practitioners cease using the term. We discuss why this shift is necessary, how it affects our own praxis, and suggest resources for working through more respectful and just language. Looking to the science communication literature can help recalibrate terminology in positive ways.

Habitat Loss And Its Behavioral Effects On A Female Gray Hawk In The Lower Rio Grande Valley Of Texas, Usa, Michael T. Stewart, Ashley M. Tanner, Brian A. Millsap, William S. Clark

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Habitat loss is a major threat to wildlife worldwide. While habitat loss is commonly associated with the fragmentation, degradation, or destruction of large tracts of suitable space, habitat loss in urban environments can be much more incremental and nuanced. We tracked an adult female gray hawk (Buteo plagiatus) in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, USA, before and after 70% of the trees (7.6 ha) were cleared from the core of the nesting territory. While the hawk’s overall activity budget between within-patch and exploratory movements was unchanged, the hawk undertook substantially longer exploratory movements after the trees …

Evaluating Lethal Coyote Management In The Chicago Metropolitan Area Using A Conflict Recurrence Metric, Jeffrey T. Schultz, Scott Beckerman, Robert Erickson, Danielle Montgomery, Stewart W. Breck

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Human–coyote (Canis latrans) conflict in urban environments is prevalent in cities throughout the United States. Urban areas commonly use nonlethal techniques to mitigate coyote-caused conflicts but will also incorporate selective removal of individual coyotes when conflicts persist. However, little research has evaluated these management strategies. This study analyzed coyote removal efforts conducted in the Chicago Metropolitan Area from 2010 to 2020. To evaluate the management actions, we used “time without incidence”—the time elapsing from an initial conflict until either a subsequent conflict occurred in the same area, or when the data collection period ended—as an index of effectiveness. …

Use Of Scat Dna To Estimate Coyote Abundance On A Newly Colonized Barrier Island, Sonia M. Hernandez, Michael J. Yabsley, Sarah C. Webster, Elizabeth M. Kierepka, Rochelle R. Beasley, Carly L. Landa, Heather W. Barron, Kelly Sloan, Holly Milbrandt, James C. Beasley

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Coyotes (Canis latrans) have expanded in mainland eastern North America and are known to have successfully colonized numerous islands. However, there are scarce data on the densities of coyotes in these ecosystems, in which coyotes can have substantive negative impacts. Coyotes first colonized Sanibel Island, a barrier island off the western coast of Florida, USA, in 2011, and their presence has been linked to declines in several sensitive species. However, the population size of coyotes has only been estimated from anecdotal reports and camera traps. Our goal was to estimate the size of the coyote population on Sanibel …

Cost-Effective Strategies For Feral Swine Control: Exploring Trapping Equipment Cooperatives, Phil Kenkel, Riza Radmehr, Rodney Holcomb, Mckenzie Boyce

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Feral swine (Sus scrofa) in the United States have become a growing concern, with a population of ≥6 million and causing annual damages of ≥$1.5 billion USD. Because of their high reproductive capacity, effective control methods are crucial to reducing or slowing their population growth. While remotely monitored and triggered traps have proven to be an effective control strategy, the cost of sophisticated trapping equipment, which can cost ≥$7,000 USD, is often cost prohibitive for many landowners. Despite the pressing need to address the challenge of making effective feral swine control methods more affordable, there are few studies …