Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Determination Of Optimum Macro- And Micro-Nutrients Combination Rate For Hydroponic Fodder Production Of Barely, Gebre Kiross Meko, Nigussie Dachassa, Mengistu Urge, Tamado Tana

The Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Science

A greenhouse experiment was[-14pc]AU: Please specify the corresponding author name. conducted to determine the optimum macro and micronutrient combination rate for hydroponic fodder production of barley at Haramaya University. The experiment was laid out in a CRD design comprised of five nutrient combinations in four replications using the HB1307 barley variety. The seeds were cleaned, washed, disinfected with 1.5% NaOCl, and sprouted. The sprouts were spread on aluminum trays and grown for ten days through the application of nutrient solutions twice a day. Every ten days the required agronomic data were collected for four growing cycles. Total fresh and dry …

Unraveling The Impact Of Heat Stress On Gut Microbiota In Broiler Chickens: A Bibliometric And Literature Review, Mohammed A. Almatary, Jamal Sabir, Sherif Edris, Ahmed Bahiedin

The Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Science

As climate change intensifies, heat stress poses a significant challenge to sustainable poultry production, threatening global food security and animal welfare. Broiler chickens, genetically selected for rapid growth and efficient feed conversion, are particularly susceptible to heat stress, which disrupts their physiological balance and impairs intestinal health. Although the role of gut microbiota in food metabolism and immune function is well-established, the impact of heat stress on microbial dynamics in broilers remains inadequately understood. This review synthesizes bibliometric and literature analyses to explore the current state of research on heat stress and gut microbiota in poultry. Data were systematically gathered …

Raw Data Files Contributing To "Changes In Apoe And Timp-1 Expression Correlate With Outer Blood-Retinal Barrier Disruption In An In Vitro Model Of Retinal Aging", Elizabeth Vargis

Browse all Datasets

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Unfortunately, the early stages of this disease are poorly understood, which has led to limited treatment options. Investigating normal changes in tissues eventually affected by AMD can further elucidate the mechanisms of disease progression and lead to novel therapeutic targets. The primary cell layer affected in AMD is the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which forms the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB). Beneath the RPE lies Bruch’s membrane, a proteinaceous layer that naturally thickens and stiffens with age. These changes to Bruch’s membrane are also implicated in RPE dysfunction and AMD …

Topological Data Analysis Of New York City Taxi Trip Data Using Advanced Dimensionality Reduction And Clustering Techniques – Uncovering Structure And Timeliness, Mahalakshmi Sakthivel

Theses and Dissertations

In this project, we used Topological Data Analysis (TDA) to explore the shape and structure of high-dimensional data and the timeliness dimension of information quality through topological data analysis, with the long-term goal of automatically computing timeliness values that reflect how useful data items are for decision making. The project followed a two-phase approach: in the first half, we employed the Kepler Mapper library along with techniques like Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP), T-SNE (t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding) and Customized Embedding to analyze and visualize complex datasets. In the second phase, we specifically applied our …

Biology Department Publications: 2025, Sam Lindgren

Biology Department Bibliographies

This document is a non-comprehensive list of publications made by graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty members in the Biology Department in 2024. It indexes those publications available through PubMed, and serves as an archival record of the Department's robust scholarly contributions.

Microbial Communities And Biogeochemistry Of A Melting Rocky Mountain Glacier, Pacifica Sommers, Elizabeth Traver, Alison Orthel, Andrew G. Fountain, Jacki Klancher, Steven K. Schmidt

Geology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Mountain glaciers are disappearing rapidly, and with their disappearance, we may be losing unstudied biodiversity and genetic resources. A variety of habitats for microorganisms exist on glaciers, especially within pockets of supraglacial sediments (cryoconite) that support high levels of biological activity and diversity. We used biogeochemical approaches, high-throughput DNA sequencing, and microscopy to describe the biogeochemistry and microbial communities of supraglacial sediments on the Dinwoody Glacier in the Wind River Range, Wyoming. Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) concentrations were high, and C:N ratios were close to the Redfield ratio indicating active nutrient cycling. We found unique microbial communities in sediments …

The Rider (2026-01-20), Daniela Chapa-Reyes

The Rider Archives

Vol. 11, No. 15

The Effectiveness Of Window Shopping Cooperative Learning In Enhancing Creativity And Understanding Of Earth Structure Concepts, Dhiana Wahyu Kusuma Wardhani, Agung Mulyo Setiawan, Wahyu Hadi Susilo

Journal of Innovation and Teacher Professionalism

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the window shopping cooperative learning model in enhancing grade 8 students’ creativity and conceptual understanding of earth structure in science learning. The model was introduced as an alternative to address issues of low engagement and uneven participation in classroom activities. The research employed a classroom action research (CAR) design with three meetings representing the planning, action, and reflection stages. The participants were 29 students of class VIII F at SMPN 24 Malang. Data collection techniques included classroom observations, field notes, and a post-test. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically to capture participation, motivation, …

Dapagliflozin Attenuates Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity In Rats Through Modulation Of Ros/Nf-Κb, Bcl2/Bax And Pink1/Parkin Signaling Pathways, Esraa K. Khallaf, Eman A. Ramadan, Mohey M. Elmazar, Marwa M. Safar

Pharmacy

Dapagliflozin (DPG), an anti-diabetic drug, has gained attention for its renal protective effects through multiple molecular pathways, yet its impact on mitophagy in cisplatin (CIS) nephrotoxicity remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the impact of DPG against CIS-induced nephrotoxicity in rats, targeting mainly PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and inflammatory/apoptotic pathways. Male Sprague Dawley rats received DPG (10 mg/kg; p.o) daily for 14 consecutive days and AKI was induced by a single injection of CIS (7 mg/kg; i.p) on day 10. Blood glucose, serum levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen, oxidative stress, inflammatory, apoptotic, mitophagy markers, and histological changes were assessed. DPG …

Cognitive Dysfunction In Women With The Fmr1 Premutation During Midlife: The Lassi-L Reveals Curvilinear Cgg-Dependent Risk Buffered By College Education, Jessica Klusek, Jillian Gierman, Amanda Fairchild, Andreana M. Benitez, Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, Marsha R. Mailick

Faculty Publications

Background

The FMR1premutation (FXPM) is a common genetic variant (∼1:151 females) linked to increased risk for neurodegenerative disease. Midlife cognitive phenotypes remain poorly defined.

Objective

To characterize episodic memory performance in midlife FXPM women and examine potential risk moderation via genetic (i.e., FMR1CGG repeat expansion size) and environmental (i.e., college degree attainment) influences.

Methods

Eighty-eight FXPM women and 84 matched controls, aged 30–55, completed the Loewenstein-Acevedo Scales for Semantic Interference and Learning (LASSI-L), a measure of specific episodic memory processes sensitive to subtle Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related cognitive and neuropathological changes.

Results

FXPM women demonstrated deficits in proactive semantic …

The Effectiveness Of Problem-Based Learning In Object-Oriented Programming Instruction: A Classroom Action Research Study, Elva Hidayatul Haque, Slamet Wibawanto, Winda Sulistyana

Journal of Innovation and Teacher Professionalism

This study aims to examine the implementation of object-oriented programming (OOP) instruction using a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach to enhance students’ programming skills at SMKN 9 Malang. The research employed a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design conducted through three iterative cycles to systematically improve the learning process. The first cycle focused on the planning stage, in which learning objectives, instructional materials, and problem-oriented learning strategies aligned with OOP concepts were developed. The second cycle involved the implementation of the PBL approach, where students actively engaged in solving contextual programming problems requiring the application of object-oriented principles. During this stage, observations …

2026 Mlk Celebration, Dr.Adrienne Coleman

MLK Celebration

One Dream, Many Voices:

Uplifting Black and Brown Excellence Presented by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Brotherhood-Sister Circle (BHSC), and Featuring Poetic Justice.

Black National Anthem  “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johnson, Performed by IMSA Chamber Choir

Postdischarge Pediatric Mortality In Nigeria For Children Under 5 Years Of Age, Philomina Nwaugo Chukwudike

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Child mortality has remained a public health issue that is prevalent among families living in Nigeria and low- and middle-income countries. Factors associated with post-discharge pediatric mortality among children under 5 have not been explored. The study involved examining associations between timely individual follow-up visits, availability of healthcare facilities for follow-up care, and likelihood of post-discharge mortality among children under 5 while adjusting for household income, geographical location, mothers’ age, and mothers’ education. The theoretical framework was the social ecological model. Data were generated from the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey. A sample size of N=21,671 was used to determine …

Simulated Complex Cells Contribute To Object Recognition Through Representational Untangling, Mitchell B Slapik, Harel Z Shouval

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The visual system performs a remarkable feat: it takes complex retinal activation patterns and decodes them for object recognition. This operation, termed "representational untangling," organizes neural representations by clustering similar objects together while separating different categories of objects. While representational untangling is usually associated with higher-order visual areas like the inferior temporal cortex, it remains unclear how the early visual system contributes to this process-whether through highly selective neurons or high-dimensional population codes. This article investigates how a computational model of early vision contributes to representational untangling. Using a computational visual hierarchy and two different data sets consisting of numerals …

Innovative Applications And Development Paths Of Digital Earth Technology In Marine Environmental Support, Junyi Liu, Xiongfei Liu, Zongji Wang, Zhihong Zeng, Huiping Xie, Siye Liu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The convergence of Digital Earth technologies and the field of marine environmental support represent a significant trend in global scientific and technological advancement. In response to the characteristics of marine environmental data such as sparsity, dynamic complexity, and multi-scale interdependence, and by integrating the evolution of international Digital Earth technology with China’s independent innovation practices, this study constructs three core methodological paradigms. The first is the element-integrated ontology, which proposes a hybrid representation paradigm of “spatiotemporal embedded field + ontology” to achieve integrated and dynamically evolving modeling of marine physical environments alongside geological, biological, chemical, and other multidimensional elements. The …

Thoughts On Accelerating The Capture Of Technological High Ground For Precise Marine Environmental Assurance, Yuantao Wu, Mingyue Wan, Deke Chen, Danhong Dong, Yao Yu, Miao Chen

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The marine environment serves as a critical foundation for the development, utilization, protection, and governance of the ocean. Marine environmental support holds significant strategic importance for the exploitation of marine resources, ecological and environmental conservation, and the safeguarding of maritime rights and interests. It has become a strategic high ground in the new wave of marine technological innovation and development. This paper reviews the current status of global marine environmental support technologies, with a focus on the establishment and capabilities of the comprehensive “observation–forecasting–application–assessment” precision support technology system for the marine environment developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It …

Frontiers In Ocean Non-Equilibrium Dynamics And Challenges In Operational Oceanography Application, Yuhong Zhang, Yan Du, Tianyu Wang, Minyang Wang, Qin Duan, Xinlong Li, Yuhang Zheng, Yifan Xia, Shilin Tang, Yineng Li, Jianping Yin

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Ocean circulation exhibits complex multiscale dynamics, among which non-equilibrium processes, marked by transient behavior, strong perturbations, and pronounced nonlinearity, are of particular importance for maritime environmental support. However, limited observational capability has long constrained the study of subsurface non-equilibrium dynamics, leaving numerical models insufficiently validated and positioning this issue at the forefront of modern physical oceanography. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a promising pathway to overcome this bottleneck. Built on this concept, the “iEddy” AI large ocean model can efficiently reconstruct high-resolution, high-accuracy three-dimensional temperature, salinity, and velocity from sea-surface remote sensing data, demonstrating strong capability in capturing non-equilibrium ocean currents …

Current Status And Prospects Of Ocean Data Reanalysis, Chuanyu Liu, Fan Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Ocean data reanalysis (ODR) is a technique that combines ocean observational data with ocean circulation models to produce gridded data with higher accuracy and greater spatiotemporal coverage. The generated reanalysis data serve as a foundational dataset for conducting oceanographic research and developing artificial intelligence-based large ocean models. This study reviews the technical approaches of ODR, the current status of global and regional ocean data reanalysis systems developed in the world, and puts forward recommendations for the development of China's ocean reanalysis system.

Development Trends And Implications Of Muti-Objective Marine Environmental Forecasting Technology, Yineng Li, Yuhang Zhu, Shiqiu Peng, Zhiwu Chen, Xing Wei, Junmin Li, Shaodian Li, Peiwei Xie, Jiawen Liao, Yankun Gong, Shilin Tang, Shuqun Cai

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

With the continuous expansion of global maritime activities and the steady advancement of the “maritime power” strategy, marine environmental security has become a top priority for China. In deep-sea areas, various environmental parameters such as temperature, salinity, sound velocity, wave dynamics, internal solitary waves, and nearshore rip currents play a crucial role in navigation safety and underwater equipment operations. Nevertheless, traditional single-parameter forecasting models are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of multi-objective environmental protection. As a result, there is a growing need for a high-resolution, multi-objective forecasting system that integrates basic oceanographic element predictions (such as temperature, salinity, …

Transparent West-Pacific: Frontier Advances In Earth System Science, Lixin Wu, Jiwei Tian, Weidong Sun, Hailong Liu, Tianyu Chen, Zhimian Cao, Zhao Jing

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The West-Pacific hosts a well-developed trench-arc-basin system characterized by intense fluid–solid interactions, making it an ideal region for studying multi-sphere interactions within the Earth system. Research on cross-sphere dynamic processes and material-energy cycles in the West-Pacific not only represents a core frontier in Earth System Science, but also crucial to addressing major strategic needs, such as global climate change response, sustainable use of marine resources, and protection of the deep-sea environment. This article highlights key advances achieved under the Major Program on West-Pacific Earth System Multispheric Interactions (WESPMI), in areas including multi-scale oceanic interactions, cross-sphere material exchange, plate subduction and …

Satellite-Derived Bathymetry In Island Coastal Zones: Technology, Shilin Tang, Yuye Huang, Yongming Liu, Jianping Yin, Deke Chen, Ronggang Huang, Shuang Li

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Shallow bathymetry data constitute the core foundational information underpinning the ecological, resource, and strategic values of island and coastal zones. Satellite-derived bathymetry has evolved into a key technical means for large-scale acquisition of shallow bathymetry information. Focusing on satellite-based lidar bathymetry, optical imaging bathymetry, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) bathymetry, this study systematically summarizes the core principles, applicable scenarios, technical strengths, and inherent limitations of each technology. It is shown that satellite-derived bathymetry has undergone an evolutionary shift from theoretical construction to practical application, and from single-method, single-data-source approaches to multi-technology, multi-source data fusion frameworks. In the future, to meet …

Pseudoamniotic Band Sequence Risk Factors Following Fetoscopic Laser For Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, Felicia V Lemoine, Sami Backley, Gustavo Vilchez-Lagos, Jimmy Espinoza, Edgar Hernandez-Andrade, Anthony Johnson, Ramesha Papanna, Eric Bergh

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Pseudoamniotic band sequence (PABS) is a rare but serious complication following fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). We aim to explore associations between perioperative factors and PABS in monochorionic, diamniotic twins undergoing FLP for TTTS.

Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted using a prospective cohort of 816 FLP procedures performed between 2011 and 2024 at a single fetal therapy center. All cases had confirmed absence of PABS prior to FLP via ultrasound and fetoscopic evaluation. PABS was diagnosed postnatally or suspected after FLP and confirmed after birth. Clinical and perioperative variables were compared between cases with …

Genomics Define Malignant Transformation In Myeloma Precursor Conditions, Francesco Maura, P Leif Bergsagel, Bachisio Ziccheddu, Shaji Kumar, Kylee Maclachlan, Andriy Derkach, Juan-Jose Garces, Ross Firestone, Esteban Braggio, Yan Asmann, Michael Durante, Benjamin T Diamond, Marios Papadimitriou, Malin Hultcrantz, Alessio Marella, Giancarlo Castellano, Akihiro Maeda, Marta Lionetti, Antonio Matera, Stefania Pioggia, Matteo Claudio Da Vià, Claudio De Magistris, Daniel Leongamornlert, Danny Deavila, Praneeth Reddy Sudalagunta, Rafael Renatino Canevarolo, Erin M Siegel, Phaedra Agius, Jamie Teer, Andrew Mcpherson, Yusuke Yamashita, Ariosto S Silva, Patrick Blaney, Rachid Baz, Krina K Patel, Peter Campbell, Gareth Morgan, Rafael Fonseca, Ola Landgren, Robert Z Orlowski, Kenneth H Shain, Niccolo Bolli, Saad Usmani, S Vincent Rajkumar

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Multiple myeloma (MM) is consistently preceded by monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). While these precursor conditions are asymptomatic, they are not entirely benign and carry a lifelong risk of progression to MM. Unlike other cancers defined by pathology, malignant transformation from MGUS or SMM to MM has so far relied on demonstration of clinical end-organ damage as morphology and cytogenetics cannot reliably distinguish them. In this study, using genomic data from 374 patients with MGUS or SMM (277 training, 97 validation), to our knowledge, we demonstrate for the first time the ability to identify …

Manta Munchies: Plankton Dynamics And Feeding Behaviour Of Reef Manta Rays (Mobula Alfredi) Around D'Arros Island In The Seychelles, Dillys K Pouponeau, Joanna Harris, Henriette M.V Grimmel, Ellie E Moulinié, Robert W Bullock

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

The reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) is a threatened filter-feeding elasmobranchthat requires immediate management and protection across large parts of itsrange. Despite being well-studied, a detailed understanding of their feedingecology, which shapes their residency, movement patterns, and behaviour,remains underexplored. Both global and site-specific research is required to fillsignificant knowledge gaps essential for designing effective conservationstrategies for this species and their habitats. This study investigated M. alfredifeeding behaviour in relation to plankton biomass dynamics at D’Arros Island inthe Seychelles, the largest known M. alfredi aggregation site in the country and agazetted marine protected area. Plankton samples were collected, along withcorresponding environmental …

The Influence Of Bapineuzumab And Semagacestat On Rapid Progressors: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Kristofer Harris, Madison Shyer, Dulin Wang, Elizabeth He, Matias Cattani, Catherine Zhang, Christine M Farrell, Xiaoqian Jiang, Yejin Kim, Paul E Schulz

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: A subset of Alzheimer's disease patients progresses much more rapidly than average. These rapid progressors exhibit accelerated cognitive and functional decline. Potential differences in Alzheimer's biomarkers for rapid progressors and their responses to disease-modifying treatments remain poorly understood, with previous clinical trials and studies producing limited biomarker data and inconsistent results.

Objectives: Examine differences in rapid progressor versus non-rapid progressor outcomes in two AD treatment trials (bapineuzumab and semagacestat) and investigate cognitive and biomarker progression in the placebo groups.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Four randomized, double-blind, phase 3 clinical trials from the Center for Global Clinical Research Data …

Ionic Mechanisms Of Two-Pore Channel Regulation Of Vesicle Trafficking, Heng Zhang, Michael X Zhu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The endolysosomal system plays a pivotal role in cellular function. Before reaching lysosomes for degradation, the endocytosed cargoes are sorted at various stages of endosomal trafficking for recycling and/or rerouting. The proper execution of these processes depends on tightly regulated ion fluxes across endolysosomal membranes. Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of two-pore channels (TPCs), including TPC1 and TPC2, in endolysosomal trafficking. These channels are expressed in the membranes of distinct populations of endosomes and lysosomes, where they respond to nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) and phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate [PI(3,5)P2] to conduct Ca2+ and Na+ release from these acidic organelles. …

January 20, 2026, The Daily Mississippian

Daily Mississippian (all digitized issues)

No abstract provided.

Chemistry Education Undergraduate Students’ Mental Health Issues As Correlate To Their Interest In Chemistry Courses In Southeast Universities, Juliana Nkiru Nnoli, Obikezie Maxwell Chukwunazo, Abumchukwu Angela Adanne

Journal of Innovation and Teacher Professionalism

This study examined the relationship between mental health issues and interest in chemistry courses among Chemistry Education undergraduate students in federal universities in Southeast Nigeria (n = 2500). The research was motivated by increasing academic stress, perceived course difficulty, limited coping resources, and the influence of mental health on motivation, arousal, and self-efficacy. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. A correlational research design was employed. The sample of 2500 students was selected using proportionate stratified random sampling from the five federal universities in the region. Data were collected using two instruments: the Chemistry Mental Health Inventory (CMHI) …