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A Preliminary Study To Evaluate The Exposure Of Human Fetus To Heavy Metals In The Umbilical Cord Blood In Syria, Maryana Kabbaa, Ekbal Fadel, Flora Mayhoub

The Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Science

The environmental situation in Syria needs a comprehensive assessment, especially in light of the conditions have been experienced for thirteen years, which have exacerbated pollution with heavy metals (HM) in various areas, including the coastal area.

This preliminary and first survey in Syria aims to evaluate the exposure of human fetus in the population to HM by measuring the toxic metals spread in the coastal environment in the umbilical cord blood (UCB), which are lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni).

The study was conducted between May 2022 and April 2023 among healthy newborns …

Biological Buffer Tris As A New Capping Agent For The Synthesis Of Zero-Valent Nickel Nanoparticles, Weaam Esam Saleh Hakami, Ekram Yousif Danish, Amna Nisar Khan, Mohammad Aslam, Muhammad Tahir Soomro

The Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Science

We present a straightforward and effective approach for synthesizing highly stable, pure, and well-dispersed zero-valent nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) with a distinct bipyramid morphology in an aqueous medium. The synthesis was carried out at room temperature through the sequential addition of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and ascorbic acid. In this method, NaOH serves to adjust the pH, while ascorbic acid functions as the reducing agent. The amine groups of Tris coordinate with Nickel(II) nitrate hexahydrate (Ni(NO₃)₂.6H₂O) via lone pair electrons, promoting the formation of a more stable Ni(II)-amine complex. At an alkaline pH …

Modeling Bounded Count Environmental Data Using A Contaminated Beta-Binomial Regression Model, Arnoldus F. Otto, Antonio Punzo, Johannes T. Ferreira, Andriëtte Bekker, Salvatore D. Tomarchio, Cristina Tortora

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Bounded count data are commonly encountered in environmental studies. This paper examines two environmental applications illustrating their relevance. The first investigates the effect of winter malnutrition on mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) fawn mortality. The second application analyzes public perceptions of environmental issues using data from the Eurobarometer 95.1 survey (March–April 2021), which includes a question rating the perceived severity of climate change on a scale from 1 to 10. Together, these studies demonstrate the need for flexible bounded count models in environmental research. In this context, the binomial and beta-binomial (BB) models are widely used for bounded count data, with …

The Impact Of Imo Regulations On Ship Emission Research: A Bibliometric Analysis, Halil İbrahim Sönmez

Seatific Journal

The regulation of ship emissions has become an important issue in the context of global environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, and maritime policy. This study examines the impact of International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations on academic research related to ship engine emissions using a bibliometric methodology. A dataset consisting of 1,275 publications from 1995 to 2025 was extracted from the Scopus database and analyzed using the Biblioshiny package in RStudio. The average age of the studies was 5.77, while international collaboration was determined to be 28.08%. Outcomes show a 185.19% increase in post 2018 academic outputs following the implementation of …

Conflict And Community Building In Waste Water Management: The Case Of Azrou Morocco, Jack V. Kalpakian

Peace and Conflict Studies Journal Conference

Climate change is forcing Morocco to institute a wide program of wastewater treatment. Despite legal and bureaucratic problems, the water is being reused directly or indirectly. But the construction of water treatment plants is leading to conflicts with farmers that depended on the untreated water and the use of treated water for green spaces and parks is also often viewed with suspicion. Using the case of the Azrou water treatment plant, this paper argues that while the infrastructure and technical adjustments to climate change have been effective, a gap in understanding between the water managers and the public they serve …

Forest Aboveground Biomass In The Southwestern U.S. From Misr And Gedi: Assessment With Nasa Carbon Monitoring System Data, Mark J. Chopping, Zhousen Wang, Crystal B. Schaaf, Michael Bull

Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Forest aboveground biomass (AGB) density mapping initiatives generally use one of three remote sensing approaches: lidar, radar, or near-nadir multispectral imaging leveraging machine learning methods, or a combination thereof. However, the active instrument record is limited and near-nadir multispectral imaging data are relatively insensitive to canopy physical structure. Multiangle imaging enables annual wall-to-wall mapping with a global record that extends back to 2000 as these data are highly sensitive to forest AGB. This paper describes work to validate estimates in a published annual, wall-to-wall record of forest AGB on a 250 m grid, derived using 672 nm imagery from the …

Writing From The Rift: Queer Temporality And The Refusal Of Resolution, Daniela Ruiz Perez

Masters Theses

This thesis develops a phenomenological method for reading speculative literature as a site where queer ecological temporality is experienced rather than explained. Working with Annihilation (2014) by Jeff VanderMeer, The Day of the Triffids (1951) by John Wyndham, and Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals (2020) by Alexis Pauline Gumbs, the project treats reading as a bodily practice shaped by forms of attention. Texts are not interpreted for stable meaning and instead I remain with moments where resolution is withheld. The work is informed by a Marxist attention to how capitalist time organizes labor, productivity, and value, and how …

Urban Forestry In Selected Nepali And Us Cities: Assessment, Analysis, And Recommendations, Ambika P. Adhikari, Keshav Bhattarai

Himalayan Research Papers Archive

Urban forest delivers several benefits to urban area residents. The benefits include shade, dust control, noise mitigation, water retention, ecological services, pedestrian comfort, aesthetic improvements, and economic benefit to the community, including the provision of food. Nepali urban areas face several environmental and infrastructure-related problems that include air and noise pollution, frequent street flooding, and unclean roads and sidewalks. Further, a vast majority of pedestrians in cities face discomforting, unpleasant, unhygienic, and unsafe conditions. Urban forests can help alleviate many of these problems at a low cost as trees provide shade to the pedestrians, absorb dust and noise, and can …

Food Green Cities For Urban Sustainability (Book), Ambika P. Adhikari, Keshav Bhattarai, Drona Rasali, Sunil Babu Shrestha

Himalayan Research Papers Archive

The book delves into the essential role of urban agriculture, forestry, and sustainable practices in ensuring food security while addressing the challenges of climate change and urbanization. It highlights urban greening and sustainable land use as strategies to create livable cities and mitigate environmental degradation. Through its chapters, the book offers a rich compilation of research, practical solutions, and transferable strategies for application in other developing countries.

A Conversation Between Jackson Katz And Douglas Kellner On Guns, Masculinities, And School Shootings, Jackson Katz, Douglas Kellner

Fast Capitalism

No abstract provided.

On Werner Herzog's Documentary Grizzly Man: Psychoanalysis, Nature, And Meaning, John W. White

Fast Capitalism

No abstract provided.

Bonnie Kime Scott, Taking Place: Environmental Change In Literature And Art (Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, 2024), C. 250 Pp., Zineb Halifi

SOROUD: The journal of Literacy Criticism

No abstract provided.

Scientific Research In Geography In Morocco: Origins, Challenges And Perspectives, Anass Benichou, Said Abannay

SOROUD: The journal of Literacy Criticism

Geographical research in Morocco plays a strategic role in understanding territorial transformations, urban expansion, rural migration, and climate-related challenges. Since the colonial period, the discipline has evolved from descriptive mapping to an applied science integrated within national universities. Moroccan geographers have contributed to sustainable resource management, urban planning, and major development projects, linking scientific knowledge with public policy. Despite these advances, the field faces structural, financial, and methodological constraints, limiting its international visibility and practical impact. The adoption of digital tools such as GIS, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence has enhanced predictive and analytical capacities. Future development depends on methodological …

Butte Medical Monitoring Working Group Meeting, Mike Mcanulty, Eric Hassler

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Non-Invasive Monitoring Of Camel Hair From A Free-Grazing Herd As A Biomarker In Linking Environmental Exposure And Nutritional Status In Desert Ecosystems, Ibrahim Albokhadaim

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Camels are vital livestock in arid regions, yet their elemental exposure remains underexplored, particularly through non-invasive biomarkers. This study is novel in applying camel hair as a non-invasive, long-term biomarker to assess nutritional adequacy and environmental exposure in a free-grazing desert herd, with age-stratified evaluation of essential and toxic element accumulation. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was conducted on a herd of 18 apparently healthy camels (≤6 months: 28%; >6 months: 72%). Initially, hair samples were collected, washed, digested, and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The samples were then analyzed to determine the concentrations of 12 …

Urban Sprawl And Residential Carbon Emissions: Evidence From Indonesia And The Philippines, Yi Jiang, Taylor Lathrop, Alexander D. Rothenberg, Yao Wang

Center for Policy Research

This paper studies how neighborhood density affects residential carbon emissions, using detailed data from Indonesia and the Philippines. To address simultaneity, we instrument density with soil characteristics, and to address sorting, we control for community averages of observed characteristics. Unlike cities in developed countries, we find that density is positively correlated with residential energy use. After controlling for sorting, we find a precise null relationship between density and residential carbon emissions. Our results suggest that policies to control urban sprawl may not be successful in reducing residential carbon emissions in developing country cities.

A Study Of The Impacts Of Infusing Data Analysis And Research In An Interdisciplinary Environmental Economics Course, Sean P. Macdonald

Numeracy

This paper explores the impacts of introducing quantitative literacy skills in an interdisciplinary Environmental Economics course typically taught as an issues and policy course without a quantitative component. The study examines the effects of infusing an engaging, student-selected data collection and analysis assignment on students' quantitative reasoning skills, as well as their interest in and attitudes about data analysis and quantitative information. Using data gathered from a set of pre- and post-assessment questions designed to measure changes in quantitative reasoning skills and attitudes, the findings point to significant attitudinal impacts, gains, but smaller, insignificant gains in quantitative reasoning skills.

Quantitative Reasoning In Calculus Iii: Advancing Student Engagement, Confidence, And Aspirations At An Hsi, Tanvir Prince

Numeracy

This study examines the impact of integrating Quantitative Reasoning (QR) into a Calculus III course at a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) on student engagement, confidence, and aspirations. The course is offered at Hostos Community College in the South Bronx. It incorporated QR-focused projects on economic inequality, environmental pollution, and access to healthcare. These projects allowed students to apply advanced calculus concepts to real-world social issues. A pre- and post-survey design was employed to assess changes in students’ mathematical confidence, perceptions of relevance, and career and educational goals. Results showed statistically significant gains in confidence and in the belief that advanced math …

Dna Of Leadership To Guide Our Existential Purposes Toward Kindness, Hakan Kapucu

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

This article examines the intersection of leadership and humanity’s quest for existential purpose, highlighting the role of human values such as kindness, empathy, respect, and ethics in guiding individuals toward meaning. It examines how existential purposes—shaped by philosophical, spiritual, social, and scientific perspectives—align with values that foster personal fulfillment and collective well-being. The article highlights the potential of leaders to address existential struggles, such as the dread of insignificance or isolation, by creating purpose-driven workplaces. Two leadership styles, servant leadership and technoversal leadership, are presented as exemplary models. Servant leadership prioritizes community, fostering environments where individuals discover purpose through shared …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of The One Paleopathology Workshop, Julianne R. Stamer, Mario Apata Mamani, Bernardo Arriaza, Robin Bendrey, Kelly Blevins, Tessa Campbell, Nicole Gottdenker, Rebecca Gowland, Haagen Klaus, Carina Marques

Anthropology Faculty Publications

Background and objectives: One Paleopathology is a novel concept in Paleopathology that extends the One Health paradigm into the past. A workshop at the University of Durham, UK, was held prior to the 2024 International Society for Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health (ISEMPH) meeting, firstly to define and expand the concept of One Paleopathology and secondly to generate transdisciplinary research and outreach under this framework. This article presents a logic model to evaluate how effectively the workshop met its goals.

Methodology: Two surveys were conducted, one immediately following the workshop and at the 1-year mark. These surveys assess the direct …

The Regionalisation Of Blockchain Technology As Asean Cybersecurity Strategy Against Terrorist Financing Through Cryptocurrency, Sabda Ningsih, Syuryansyah Syuryansyah

Global: Jurnal Politik Internasional

Through this study, the authors question how the prospects for ASEAN regionalisation relate to the development of blockchain technology as a cybersecurity medium. Based on previous research, ASEAN is facing a problem of terrorism, which is difficult to handle over time. The finding further exacerbates the fact that transnational terrorist groups have begun to use virtual currency as one of their strategies for funding organisations. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia, according to results of several surveys, includes areas with high numbers of cryptocurrency users, making it a target for blockchain technology companies to establish main offices. Within the framework of ASEAN regionalism, …

Owning The Green Grid: The Political Economy Of Renewable Energy Policy Design, Joshua A. Basseches

Faculty Scholarship

How corporate ownership of the electricity grid matters to state-level renewable energy policymaking.

Historically (and for the foreseeable future), most public policy action in the United States to combat the global climate crisis has taken place at the state level. Former President Joe Biden’s administration marked a significant departure from that trend, as his policies pursued a strategy of “electrify everything” (transportation, buildings, and industry). But who owns the electricity system that is the linchpin of such a strategy, and how does this ownership affect the policy preferences of interest groups at the state level? Owning the Green Grid addresses …

Agrivoltaics Swot Analysis For Implementation In The United States, Vani Ramesh

UROP Posters

Agrivoltaics is the implementation of solar installations alongside agricultural land in order to improve the efficiency of land usage in both industries. Research in European and Asian countries developing agriculture and solar developments in tandem has indicated that implementation in the United States, including Virginia, is feasible and beneficial. The US has the highest energy use per capita in the world, with the increase of various technologies has resulted in land developments using higher energy levels than previously. While Virginia’s energy demand has increased with the addition of data centers. Increased energy demand and food security requirements have unearthed policy/political …

Neanderthals And Their Exhibitions Of Fine Art: Unpacking Neanderthal Art On The European Continent, Jacob T. Simpson

UROP Posters

This research project aims to bridge the gap between anatomically modern humans and our closest genetic relative, Neanderthals. By analyzing research literature on artistically symbolic artifacts potentially created by these ancient humans (focusing on populations in Europe) I hope to offer a superior speculation of Neanderthal intellect. Neanderthals potential capability to create artistic objects could transform our understanding of them and their cognitive abilities, and raise philosophical questions on what it means to be human.

Genre Based Analysis Of Sustainability In Contemporary U.S. Film Production: Inception Or Illusion?, Tanner Ennis

Interdisciplinary Studies | Senior Theses

Anthropogenic activity is actively leading to environmental degradation, highlighting the need for large industries to take responsibility for their environmental impact, particularly the film industry. While sustainable practices in the film industry such as virtual production, recycling of set construction materials, or the use of renewable energy present opportunities to improve sustainability, there is still a substantial amount of progress to be made. For example, research has demonstrated that increases in production budget correlate with higher carbon dioxide emissions, with fuel, utilities, and travel acting as the top contributors (Sustainable Entertainment Alliance, 2022). Conversation among the scholarly community is centered …

Setting The Recycling Narrative: A Thematic Analysis Of Recycling Webpages In The United States, Haley Nolde

Dissertations and Theses

Recycling is widely promoted in the United States as a central strategy for waste diversion and sustainable materials management, yet recycling outcomes remain inconsistent and public understanding is often fragmented. While substantial research examines recycling behavior, infrastructure, material science, and markets, less attention has been paid to how recycling itself is framed and communicated to the public. This thesis addresses that gap by examining narratives produced by recycling thought leader organizations (TLOs) in the United States. Using thematic analysis, this study analyzes publicly available recycling webpages from 99 TLOs, including state government agencies, state-level non-governmental organizations (NGOs), national and regional …

When Words Flow Like Water: How The Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline Environmental Impact Statement Failed To Prevent Hydrogeologic Harm In Minnesota, Carly Gutzmann

Journal of Earth and Life Science

For the aquifers of Minnesota, the environmental impact statement (EIS) was a promise of protection that never left the page. An environmental impact statement is meant to be an aid in the decision making process in order to ensure that projects consider potential environmental harms that may occur. However, they are often used instead as another regulatory box to check, rather than as active considerations when planning. As such, a project plan can be flawed from the start—if project developers only consider environmental impacts after they have already put considerable time, effort, and funding into their project as-is, they may …

Synergistic Effects Of Salinization And Artificial Root Exudates On Soil Phosphatase Activity In Coastal Soil, Nicolina Lentine, Sarah E. Krisak, Dirk W. Vanderklein, Matthew S. Schuler, Nina M. Goodey

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Coastal soil salinization from rising seawater levels has adverse impacts on soil function, seed germination, and plant growth. Root exudates play a key role in supporting microbial activity, nutrient cycling, and plant health, yet little is known about the combined effects of salinization and the addition of artificial root exudates (AREs) on soils. We investigated the impacts of sodium chloride (NaCl) and AREs, alone and in combination, on soil microbial function and the growth and survival of Chamaecyparis thyoides saplings. In a three-by-three fully factorial matrix, the combined NaCl and AREs treatment increased soil phosphatase activity more than the additive …

Virginia Commonwealth University Courses (2026), Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU Bulletins

Listing of courses for the 2026-2027 year.

Virginia Commonwealth University Undergraduate Bulletin (2026), Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU Bulletins

Undergraduate bulletin for Virginia Commonwealth University for the academic year 2026-2027. It includes information on academic regulations, degree requirements, course offerings, faculty, academic calendar, and tuition and expenses for undergraduate programs