Digital Commons Network^™

National Durc Capacity Building Program: A Novel Ipe Model For Responsible Life Science Research Education, Wael Elrayes, Ali Asy, Maha Farid

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Background: Educating scientists on Dual-Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Responsible Use of Life Science Research (RULSR) requires innovative approaches that overcome geographic and expertise barriers while maintaining engagement and educational rigor. This project utilized a novel IPE approach engaging scientists and researchers across multiple health professions disciplines within a One Health framework. We developed and implemented the world's first national-level DURC capacity-building program using a hybrid educational model. Methods: The program employed a two-phase hybrid design combining virtual and in-person modalities. Phase I delivered 13 virtual sessions over three months by international faculty from four countries, engaging 140 scientists …

Modulation Of Pulpal Mmp-8 And Vegf-Alpha By Bioactive Calcium Silicate And Blood Cockle Shell Extract Combination In Rats, Angelia Conny Nidiaty, Noor Hikmah, Kezia Rachellea Mustakim, Wahyuni Suci Dwiandhany, Hafsah Katu, Juni Jekti Nugroho

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: This study evaluated MMP-8 and VEGF-Alpha expression in rat dental pulp inflammation after application of bioactive calcium silicate combined with blood cockle shell extract.

Methods: Forty mandibular incisors were randomly assigned to four groups: 100% bioactive calcium silicate (control) and three treatment groups containing 25%, 50%, or 75% shell extract with the remainder calcium silicate. Direct pulp capping was performed, and samples were collected on days 1, 3, 7, and 14.

Results: Immunohistochemistry and one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in MMP-8 expression on days 1 and 3, and VEGF-Alpha expression across all time points (p < 0.05). The 75% shell extract group showed the lowest MMP-8 and highest VEGF-Alpha expression.

Conclusions: These findings suggest …

Cigarettes Versus Electronic Cigarettes: The Effects On The Oral Cavity, Paolo Boffano, Muhammad Ruslin, Andrea Melle

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: To date, there is a large amount of scientific evidence on the effects of smoke-free products on oral health, highlighting their potential in reducing the risk of causing and progressing smoking-related diseases. In contrast to the last statement, other studies confirm the cytotoxic and tissue effects of nicotine-containing e-cigarette liquid. The purpose of this study was to review the literature and to evaluate the damage caused by cigarette smoking in comparison with that caused by e-cigarettes.

Methods: Our study considered the consultation of the bibliographic databases “Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System”. The research was carried out by using …

Exact Soliton Solutions Of The Nonlinear Time-Fractional Schrödinger Equation Via Atangana–Baleanu And M-Truncated Operators, Bahadır Kopçasiz, Fatma Nur Kaya Sağlam, Mehmet Şenol

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

The main objective of this work is to obtain exact soliton solutions for a nonlinear time-fractional equation model describing wave profiles arising in various physical systems. To derive different wave structures associated with the considered model, two analytical techniques are employed: the extended G'\G^2-expansion method and the modified auxiliary equation (MAE) approach. A wave transformation is applied to reduce the nonlinear time-fractional equation to a nonlinear ordinary differential equation (NLODE) by means of the M-truncated and Atangana-Baleanu (AB) fractional operators. Several classes of solutions, including exponential, hyperbolic, and trigonometric wave forms, are obtained. Over and above the analytical results, graphical …

Dynamical Analysis And Optimal Control Of The Mpox Transmission Model With Stratified Susceptibility, Tuhfatul Janan, Fatmawati Fatmawati, Cicik Alfiniyah, Santi Martini, Dipo Aldila, Agus Hasan

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

This study develops a mathematical model of Mpox transmission that combines stratified susceptibility (low-risk and high-risk groups) with vaccinated and asymptomatically infected compartments. The analysis of the model begins with examining the well-posedness, boundedness, and nonnegativity conditions for the solutions. The local stabilities of the equilibria are examined through the Jacobian matrix and phase plane analysis, while the global stabilities are provided through Lyapunov functions. The estimated parameters are verified using epidemiological data on Mpox cases in the United States, with an MAPE of 2.20% and R_0 > 1, indicating that Mpox remains endemic. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the contact rate …

What Is Alive? Students’ Conceptions Of The Traits That Unite Living Organisms, Jeremy L. Hsu, Meredith A. Dorner, Kate Hill

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Biology is the study of life, but students often hold misconceptions about what it means to be alive, with children often associating life with movement. These misconceptions can lead to biases in what students think is alive, with younger children often not thinking of plants as living given their lack of discernable movement. Despite this past work, there have been no prior studies that we are aware of that have examined how students in introductory biology conceptualize what it means to be alive. Here, we draw upon a fortuitous dataset collected from an in-class activity done on the first day …

Regulation Of Zygotic Genome Activation By The Nucleocytoplasmic Ratio, Lily Acker, Hui Chen

Faculty Publications

During early development, embryos undergo the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT), when control of development shifts from maternal factors to the newly activated zygotic genome. Decades of studies in various model organisms suggest that the nucleocytoplasmic (N/C) ratio is a key regulator of zygotic genome activation (ZGA), though this relationship is more nuanced in some organisms than others. Changing the nuclear content, nucleus size or cell size has been shown to shift the timing of ZGA. Mechanistically, the N/C ratio is linked to fundamental cellular processes that regulate genome activities, including nuclear import, repressor titration, activator accumulation, cell cycle lengthening, and chromatin …

Risk Factors Of Leptospirosis Among Agricultural Workers In Southeast Asia: Literature Review, Ronggo Adi Wibowo, Wawa Najwa Nurzakia, Meirany Sasitha Kirana, Yulia Arthemisia Wijaya, Jasmine Ayumaharani Sekaryudha, Dwi Sarwani Sri Rejeki, Rosita Dwi Jayanti

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

The agricultural sector is the primary source of livelihood for communities in Southeast Asia; however, these activities increase the risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases, particularly leptospirosis. Southeast Asia is one of the regions with the highest incidence of leptospirosis in the world. This literature review aims to identify risk factors for leptospirosis among agricultural workers in Southeast Asia. The search for research articles utilized three databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect) using a descriptive approach based on literature review and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 9,800 articles were screened for …

Predictive Role Of Mindset And Neuroplasticity Knowledge On Epistemological Beliefs Among Academic Doctors, Fahad A Somaa

Journal of Medical Rehabilitation Science

Background: Neuroplasticity the brain's capacity for structural and functional reorganization, plays a central role in learning, adaptation, and professional development. Educators' understanding of neuroplasticity, together with their mindset, may influence their epistemological beliefs and teaching practices. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which mindset and neuroplasticity knowledge predict epistemological beliefs among academic doctors working in medical and rehabilitation education. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among the 309 academic doctors working in medical colleges and teaching hospitals. Demographics, neuroplasticity knowledge, mindset and epistemological beliefs were the primary outcome measures and collected data. …

Impact Of Tropical Cyclones On Food And Nutrition Security: A Global Scoping Review And Thematic Analysis, Patience M. Chiotha, Budi Haryanto

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

The increasing frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones driven by climate change pose growing threats to food and nutrition security. Globally, an estimated 80–90 tropical cyclones occur annually, affecting approximately 119 million people. Evidence regarding their impact on food systems, dietary patterns, and nutritional status remains fragmented. This scoping review aimed to map global evidence on the impacts of tropical cyclones on food and nutrition security, identify key pathways of impact, and examine affected indicators at household and individual levels. The review followed Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and PRISMA-ScR. Searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google …

Breast Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicle Mir-425-5p (Mir-425) Promotes Brain Metastasis Via Activating Astrocytes Through The Novel Mir-425-Znf24-Ccl8 Signaling Axis, Grace L Wong, Munazza S Khan, Sara Manore, Shivani Bindal, Ravi Singh, Hui-Wen Lo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Mechanisms underlying breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) are still not well understood. Here, we identified that BCBM patient serum contained extracellular vesicles (EVs) with high levels of microRNAs (miRNAs)-107 and -425. Levels of miR-107 and miR-425 were elevated in brain metastases, and the elevation was associated with poor patient prognoses. Ectopic expression of miR-107 and miR-425 promoted mammospheres; however, the inhibition of miR-425, but not miR-107, suppressed breast cancer mammosphere formation. We further observed that EVs from miR-425-overexpressing breast cancer cells strongly activated astrocytes whereas their inhibitors abrogated the effect. Conditioned media from miR-425-activated astrocytes promoted mammospheres. To elucidate how …

Bifurcation Exploration Of Ion Acoustic Solitons Formation Of A Nonlinear Beta Fractional Kadomtsev-Petviashvili Burger Model In Plasma State, Mst. Razia Pervin, Alrazi Abdeljabbar, Fahad Sameer Alshammari, Mst. Shekha Khatun, Harun Or-Roshid

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

This research presents an extensive investigation of Ion acoustic soliton dynamics governed by a Beta-fractional Kadomtsev-Petviashvili-Burgurs (KPB) model. By engaging the planar dynamical system scheme in aggregation with the extended $(\phi, \psi)$ expansion, Kudryashov expansion, and the NMKM analytic schemes, we create a broad class of exact nonlinear pattern wave solutions. The local stability edifice of the fractional plasma model is explored through bifurcation theory, enabling the far-reaching classification of all admissible phase diagrams. Conforming Ion acoustic wave structures allied with every detour alignment are systematically assembled. Owing to the fractional and dissipative appearances of the model, an all-embracing assortment …

Numerical Simulations And Hyers-Ulam Stability Of A Novel Nonlocal Anthropogenic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Mathematical Model, Khalid Fanoukh Al Oweidi, Zakirullah -, Kamal Shah, Thabet Abdeljawad

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

In this work, the fractal-fractional Atangana-Baleanu derivative with the Mittag-Leffler kernel is employed to capture the memory and hereditary effects inherent to anthropogenic cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission dynamics. The Banach fixed-point theorem and contraction mapping principle are used to prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions, while Hyers-Ulam stability of the system is analyzed to demonstrate the robustness of solutions with respect to small perturbations. Using a nonlinear least-squares approach, model parameters and fractional order are estimated using epidemiological data from the World Health Organization. The basic reproduction number $R_0 = 0.53$ indicates that the disease is under control after adding …

Optimal Control And Bifurcation Analysis Of A Predator–Prey Model With Self-Limiting Growth And Predator Disease, Dipo Aldila, Muhammad Akmal Fasya, Bevina D. Handari, Chidozie Williams Chukwu, Olumuyiwa James Peter

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

We propose and analyze an eco-epidemiological predator–prey model that incorporates self-limitation and disease transmission within the predator population. The model is formulated as a system of ordinary differential equations describing logistic prey growth under the interspecific interaction with the predator. On the other hand, the predator population is divided into susceptible and infected classes, whose growth is constrained by prey availability. Three biologically relevant equilibria are identified: predator extinction, disease-free coexistence, and coexistence with endemic disease. The existence and stability of these equilibria are determined by key ecological and epidemiological thresholds, including the basic reproduction number. Using numerical continuation methods, …

Measuring Market Risk Through Entropic Var, Dragomir Nedeltchev, Tsvetelin Zaevski

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

The article aims to measure the market risk beyond the basic risk measures like the Value-at-Risk (VaR) and the Expected Shortfall (ES). The Entropic Value-at-Risk is selected among the available measures based on its advantages -- it is the coherent upper bound of the VaR and ES. This risk measure is applied to the classical Black-Scholes model as well as to some more realistic ones, such as the exponential tempered stable model (the log-returns are presented by a tempered stable L\'evy process), the stochastic volatility model of Heston, its jump extension of Bates, and another stochastic volatility model but with …

A Hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach For Sustainable Forest Fire Monitoring Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Mohamed Eassa, Ahmed Abdelhafeez, Ahmad M. Nagm

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become an effective tool for forest fire monitoring. This study evaluates UAVs for forest fire management, addressing the challenges posed by ambiguous and uncertain factors. Single-valued neutrosophic sets (SVNSs) are employed to model complex uncertainties, as they incorporate three distinct membership values: false, true, and indeterminate. The evaluation of UAVs is a multifaceted task due to the variety of factors involved. To address this complexity, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods are used. Specifically, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) are integrated with SVNS to …

Neutrosophic Probability With Dynamic Temporal Uncertainty (Nptu), Bhimraj Basumatary, Ashoke Kumar Brahma

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

This paper introduces Neutrosophic Probability with Dynamic Temporal Uncertainty (NPTU), an extension of classical neutrosophic probability that incorporates the dimension of time. In classical neutrosophic probability, the degrees of truth, indeterminacy, and falsity are considered static. However, real-world uncertainties evolve, and their degrees change as new information becomes available. NPTU models these uncertainties dynamically, allowing for more accurate decision-making in time-varying environments. The paper explores key mathematical properties of NPTU, including entropy, distance measures, similarity measures, and Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence, to quantify and compare temporal uncertainty states. The proposed framework is demonstrated through a case study on stock price prediction, …

Double-Valued Complex Neutrosophic Graphs, Suriyakumar G, V. J. Sudhakar, Takaaki Fujita

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

This paper introduces a novel graph-theoretic framework, called the double-valued complex neutrosophic graph, as an extension of double-valued neutrosophic set theory. Within this framework, we investigate several important classes of such graphs, including self-complementary, strong, and full double-valued complex neutrosophic graphs, and establish a number of their fundamental properties. To clarify the proposed concepts and demonstrate their structural behavior, several relevant illustrative examples are also provided.

Organic Management Of Pillbugs And Sowbugs In Strawberries And Other Fruits, Briger Carey, Marion Murray, Emilie Demard, Jennifer R. Reeve

All Current Publications

Pillbugs and sowbugs are collectively known as isopods that typically feed on soil organic matter, but under certain conditions, they can be a pest of many young plants and berries. This fact sheet reviews identification, life cycle, damage, and organic management strategies for pillbugs and sowbugs.

Neutrosophic Sets In Neural Networks: Theory, Applications, And Challenges, Vladimir Simic, Dragan Pamucar, Hafiz Muhammad Athar Farid

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

The integration of neutrosophic sets into neural networks presents a novel approach to handling uncertainty, indeterminacy, and falsity in data. Traditional neural networks typically operate under the assumption of precise and complete data, but real-world applications often involve noisy, incomplete, or ambiguous information. Neutrosophic sets extend fuzzy logic by incorporating three components: truth, indeterminacy, and falsity, allowing for a more nuanced representation of uncertain data. This paper explores the theoretical foundations of neutrosophic sets and their integration with neural networks, highlighting the challenges in computational complexity, training, and optimization. The paper also discusses the potential applications of neutrosophic neural networks …

Investigating The Interlanguage Fossilization Of English Writing In Foreign Language Acquisition, Ammar Abdul Fattah Habeeb

Journal of Language, Literature, and Arts

Interlanguage fossilization represents a common phenomenon in Foreign/Second language acquisition. The current study attempted to investigate the students’ writing compositions to reveal if interlanguage fossilization occurred or not. A diagnostic test has been used to collect the data. A sample of this study was chosen randomly from 20 EFL students of the sixth year preparatory schools in the academic year (2023-2024). The findings of this study displayed that two kinds of interlanguage fossilization are found and achieved by students. Morphological fossilization and syntactical fossilization. Morphological fossilization contained (85.63%) and syntactical fossilization consisted of (14.37) %.Low English proficiency led students’ writing …

The Representation Of Bisexuality In Avatar: The Rise Of Kyoshi By F. C. Yee, Abdurrafi Nugraha Putra, Mochamad Ilham, Supiastutik Supiastutik

Journal of Language, Literature, and Arts

LGBT identities are often perceived as deviant within society; however, their representation has increasingly appeared across various media, including films, novels, and music. This study examines the representation of bisexuality in Avatar: The Rise of Kyoshi by F. C. Yee*. The data are drawn from narrative elements that reflect bisexual themes and are analyzed using Stuart Hall’s theory of representation, supported by Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick’s concept of homosocial desire. The findings show that bisexuality is represented through Kyoshi’s relationships with two characters: Yun (male) and Rangi (female). These relationships develop through three phases: heterosexual, homosocial, and homosexual. The interaction between …

Ketone Body Supplementation Exerts Renoprotective Effects Against Adenine-Induced Kidney Injury Via Oxct1-Mediated Ketolysis In Mice, Shoji Omachi, Sho Sugahara, Junya Horiguchi, Mako Yasuda-Yamahara, Shogo Kuwagata, Kosuke Yamahara, Yuki Tanaka-Sasaki, Shogo Ida, Tetsuro Kusaba, Benjamin D Humphreys, Kenji Kufukihara, Jin Nakahara, Masami Chin-Kanasaki, Shinji Kume

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Ketone bodies have traditionally been recognized as glucose-sparing energy sources, with hepatic ketogenesis and peripheral ketolysis serving pivotal functions in maintaining energy homeostasis during fasting. Although they are commonly seen as harmful due to their link with ketoacidosis, recent studies emphasize their roles in organ protection. This has sparked interest in their possible use as a treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, we examined both exogenous and endogenous ketone body supplementation in adenine-induced kidney injury in mice. Supplementation with the ketone body precursor 1,3-butanediol significantly improved adenine-induced renal fibrosis, inflammation, and apoptotic cell death. However, genetically deleting …

Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus Of Prematurity Is Associated With Disruption Of Tight Junctions And Increased Macrophage Activity In The Choroid Plexus, Maria Garcia-Bonilla, Rajiv Swarup, Owen W Limbrick, Habeebah Z Vohra, Ayodamola Otun, Konrad Mckalip, William Bernhardt, Kirill Shumilov, Marie Michenkova, Jayne Crouthamel, Mackenzie Newman, Krikor Dikranian, James P Mcallister Ii, David D Limbrick

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), a common and severe complication of preterm birth, and subsequent post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH), have predominantly concentrated on the secretory function of the choroid plexus (ChP), with considerably less emphasis on its barrier function. We hypothesized that PHH is associated with immune-related alterations in the junction biology of ChP. METHODS: We examined differences in tight junctions and macrophages using a neonatal mouse model of PHH (n = 40) and in vitro ChP explants (n = 22), as well as human post-mortem samples (n = 6). To test our hypothesis, we employed histology, immunofluorescence, magnetic …

Effects Of Types And Amount Of Organic Matter On The Engineering Properties Of Soil, Afaq H. Malleh, Mohammed Y. Fattah, Hussein H. Karim

Engineering and Technology Journal

Organic soils exhibit highly variable geotechnical behavior due to differences in the type, content, and decomposition state of organic matter, which are often inadequately distinguished in engineering practice. This study investigates the influence of organic matter origin on soil behavior through a comparative analysis of sapric organic soils and sewage sludge soil tested under identical one-dimensional consolidation conditions. Laboratory tests included physical characterization, standard consolidation tests under vertical stresses of 200 kPa and 800 kPa, post-consolidation organic matter measurements, and microstructural analyses using SEM–EDS and XRD. The results show that increasing sapric organic matter content from 23% to 35% led …

The Secret Of Smerdyakov, Abigail M. Munzar

Global Tides

This paper analyzes the mysterious character of Pavel Smerdyakov from Dostoevsky’s novel, The Brothers Karamazov, by examining his loveless upbringing, motives for murdering Fyodor Karamazov, and his final conversations with Ivan Karamazov, to argue that Smerdyakov committed suicide out of guilt from his crime. Smerdyakov may have had a potential conversion to Christianity which would have triggered an identity crisis in which he was tormented between accepting Christ’s love and hanging on to his lifelong hatred. Thus, he would have committed suicide out of remorse from his sin like the biblical Judas and an inability to choose between conversion or …

Freedom Doesn't Knock, Emmah Schuster

Night Flight: Online Literary Journal

Freedom Doesn’t Knock follows Mara during the first day after leaving a strict religious community that once defined her entire life. Alone and uncertain, she moves through ordinary moments, ordering breakfast, sitting in a park, stepping into a clothing shop, that slowly reveal the emotional weight of losing her family and identity. Through these small but meaningful experiences, Mara begins to realize that freedom is not a single dramatic moment, but a series of quiet, uncertain steps toward rebuilding herself.

Volume 66-2, November 2025, Nancy Hoalst Pullen, Mark W. Patterson

The Geographical Bulletin

Volume 66-2, November 2025: Complete

Prairie, Nature, Innovation: Midwest Identity Represented In State Quarters, Kady Nolte, Gillian Acheson

The Geographical Bulletin

The US Commemorative Quarter Program, begun in 1999, was wildly popular with millions of people collecting the coins. Fifty new designs were introduced for the quarter’s reverse that intended to represent each state’s unique history and identity. These coins are a piece of material culture that can be studied to understand how they represent place identity, specifically state and regional identity in the US Midwest. In this study, quarters were examined using content analysis to understand how each design represented its state. Coins were studied individually and then wholistically to identify commonalities shared within the Midwest. Three themes were identified …

Therepairer_Vol16no9_Sep1911

The Repairer

No abstract provided.