Digital Commons Network^™

Enabling Rapid And Reusable Visualization Of Construction Operations Using Simulation And Game Engines, Samira Mirhasani, Joseph Louis

CIB Conferences

Meeting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals will require the fast, efficient, and economic development of physical infrastructure systems using innovative construction means and methods. However, the fragmented nature of the construction industry prevents the ready testing and analysis of the impact of such untried methods on the construction site, especially regarding their potential impact on the rest of the construction site system. This can discourage the adoption of innovative methods in the construction industry. This paper presents a solution that enables the rapid testing of novel construction methods in virtual environments by integrating discrete event simulation (DES) and visualization using …

Optimizing Responsive Hospital Operations: A New Process For Simulating Uncertain Treatment Demand, Jiaqi Suo, Claudio Martani, Hazar Dib

CIB Conferences

Hospitals face growing challenges in optimizing resource allocation to meet diverse stakeholder demands under conditions of uncertainty and variability. A pioneering approach to address this issue was recently introduced by Suo et al. (2024b), which, despite its contributions, relied on a limited and predefined set of demand scenarios due to the difficulty of realistically generating a demand model that accurately reflects the highly dynamic nature of real hospital demand. To overcome this challenge, this study presents a novel process that utilizes the Monte Carlo method to model and forecast hospital treatment demand. The process is demonstrated through the simulation of …

Geospatial Analysis Of China’S Overseas Development Finance (Codf) Projects With Protected Areas In Africa, Suyash Padhye, Jenan Almullaali, Makarand Hastak

CIB Conferences

Global infrastructure development is booming given the rise in various bilateral and multilateral infrastructure investment initiatives, like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII). These investments have covered various sectors such as transportation (road, rail, airports, ports) and energy (fossil fuels, renewables) that are expected to facilitate trade and connectivity between countries. The sub-Saharan Africa constitutes the majority of these development finance-based infrastructure projects (44 out of 149 participating BRI countries are in the sub-Saharan Africa). However, no previous study has explicitly focused on investigating the extent of the overlap between these …

A Comprehensive Approach To Strategic Research & Innovation Development: The Case Of The European Construction And Built Environment Sector, Sylvain Kubicki, Alain Zarli, Clémentine Coujard

CIB Conferences

The built environment and construction industry has an essential role to play in the socio-economic transition towards a sustainable and climate-neutral economy and society. The way we design and build our buildings and infrastructures impacts the way we live, as individuals and communities. It also impacts the climate, resources, and biodiversity on the planet. On both dimensions, industry must undergo some deep transformation to deliver a more sustainable, resilient, inclusive built environment. The role of research and innovation is instrumental in such transition, and this is why a sectoral Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) has been developed recently in …

Crayfish Microhabitats Provide A Close Association With Benthic Microbiomes To Support Cleaning Symbionts., Kyle J. Harris, John Hoverson, Matthew Becker, Matthew M. Cooke Mr

NEXUS: The Liberty Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Stream ecosystems promote variable microhabitats along a longitudinal gradient. These microhabitats support dynamic biotic assemblages. One such microhabitat in freshwater streams involves the external surface of crayfish. We investigated the microbiome of crayfish exoskeletons and the surrounding environment (water and substrate) in association with the presence and abundance of crayfish cleaning ectosymbionts (branchiobdellidans). These ectosymbionts actively consume the biofilm on crayfish as they live and reproduce in association with crayfish microhabitats. Sequenced microbes of the environment and crayfish were compared for dominant taxa. While the sample types (water, substrate, and crayfish) had significantly different microbiomes, there was not a significant …

Aristotle, Women, And Greek Tragedy, Edith Hall

Budhi: A Journal of Ideas and Culture

A paradox lies at the heart of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle’s analyses of the best type of hero in a tragedy as outlined in his Poetics, his account of women as less able to deliberate than men in his Politics Book 1, and the actual moral stature of women in the surviving tragedies. This illustrated lecture examines the tensions between his remarks about male-female relationships in his ethical and political works and his admiration for Greek tragedy, with special reference to Aeschylus’s Agamemnon, Sophocles’s Antigone, and Euripides’s Medea.

Potential Of Renewable Energy Resource In Middle East - Challenges And Solutions, Case Study Of Basra (Iraq), Ali Alsalman, Mei Yin Ong, Rajan Kumaresan, Badir Albadran, Samir A. B. Jabbar Aljassim, Mohammed H. Manhal, Jassim M. Abdul-Jabbar, Marwan Mansoor Naeem Zayid, Abdulazeez Alemara, Ali Mansoor, Saifuddin Nomanbhay

Terra Joule Journal

The global pursuit of a sustainable energy future has ignited a keen interest in harnessing renewable energy resources. These resources, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, tidal and biomass, offer a transformative solution to address critical challenges such as energy security, climate change, and resource depletion. Basra, strategically located in the Middle East, has historically been reliant on its oil sector for economic prosperity. However, as the world shifts towards sustainability, Basra’s energy landscape is required for a significant transformation. This paper reviews the immense potential of renewable energy sources in Basra. For instances, the long sunshine hours (∼9 hours per …

Abdominal Tuberculosis In Children, Melike Emiroglu, Gulsum Alkan, Meltem Kiymaz, Sadiye Kubra Tuter Oz, Hatice Turk Dagi, Mehmet Öztürk, Zeliha Esin Çelik

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: To provide an insight into the presentation, diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal tuberculosis in children.

Methods: We reviewed the medical records of children who were diagnosed with gastrointestinal tuberculosis, between October 2013 and October 2023. The analysis was performed using descriptive statistics.

Results: During the study period, 11 of 76 tuberculosis pediatric patients (14.5%) were diagnosed with gastrointestinal tuberculosis. Six of 11 patients (54.5%) were female. The median age of the patients was 60 months (51-205 months). Eight of 11 patients had intra-abdominal lymph node involvement, 3 of 11 patients had intestinal tuberculosis and 2 of 11 patients had …

دور المدرسة في تعزيز الهوية الوطنية لدى الطلبة, Mohammad Jamal Alazzeh

Journal of the Association of Arab Universities for Research in Higher Education مجلة اتحاد الجامعات العربية للبحوث في التعليم العالي

هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى التعرف على دور المدرسة في تعزيز الهوية الوطنية لدى الطلبة من وجهة نظر معلمي مدارس مديرية تربية لواء القويسمة. ولتحقيق هذا الهدف تم استخدام المنهج الوصفي. وقد تكون مجتمع الدراسة من جميع معلمي ومعلمات مدارس مديرية تربية لواء القويسمة في الأردن، في حين تم اختيار عينة عشوائية منهم بلغ قوامها 903 معلماً ومعلمة تم توزيع استبانة الدراسة عليهم خلال الفصل الأول من العام الدراسي 2022/2023. وقد توصلت الدراسة إلى أن دور المدرسة في تعزيز الهوية الوطنية لدى الطلبة من وجهة نظر معلمي مدارس مديرية تربية لواء القويسمة في الأردن قد جاء بدرجة مرتفعة بشكلٍ عام، كما …

2d Cuo/Rgo Nanocomposite: A Novel Architecture For Enhanced Cr(Vi) Photo-Reduction, Islam Gomaa, Nasser M. Hosny, Medhat A. Ibrahim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

he urgent need for efficient detoxification of carcinogenic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in aquatic environments has driven the development of advanced photocatalytic materials. This study presents the synthesis of 2D CuO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite via probe sonication, designed to synergistically enhance the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III). The nanocomposite was meticulously characterized using XRD, HRTEM, FESEM, XPS, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Structural analysis confirmed the formation of CuO nanosheets (average size: 396 nm, thickness: 6 nm) integrated with rGO, where the rGO acted as an electron acceptor, mitigating charge recombination. XPS revealed Cu²⁺ in CuO and …

Exploring Students’ Word Stress In Speaking: Does Ethnicity Matter?, Kardi Nurhadi, Diyenti Rusdin, Indah Werdiningsih, Nunung Suryati

Journal of English and Applied Linguistics

In recent years, many studies have examined the impact of word stress on speaking, but few have looked into how multiethnic students handle word stress in pronunciation. This gap is particularly noticeable in Indonesia, where the rich diversity of ethnicities and local dialects presents both unique challenges and opportunities for English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners. This study aims to fill that gap by examining how the ethnic backgrounds of Indonesian students from Sulawesi influence their word stress. Twelve students (6 males, 6 females, aged 19–21) from four different ethnic groups were recruited as participants. Data were gathered through interviews, read-aloud recordings, lecturer …

Portrayals Of Disabilities In Picturebooks With The Schneider Family Award, Sohyun Meacham

Faculty Publications

This study analyzed the portrayal of disabilities in picturebooks that have received the Schneider Family Award, a well-known children’s literature award in the United States focused on disability representation. The purpose of the study was to conduct an intersectional analysis of these picturebooks to explore how characters are positioned across multiple categories such as disability, race/ethnicity, gender, class, age, and language. Using the Rating Scale for Quality Characterizations of Individuals with Disabilities in Children’s Literature, the study analyzed all 17 picturebooks appropriate for early childhood that received the Schneider Family Award from 2004 to 2020. The analysis found that these …

Sea Turtle Nesting On Nourished Beaches With Different Construction Designs: A Case Study In Southeast Florida, Usa., Lara Novalvos Hernandez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the influences of different beach nourishment designs and subsequent post-nourishment profile adjustments on loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles nest survival and reproductive success. Data on time-series post-nourishment beach-profile changes, positions and elevations of turtle tracks and nest/false-crawl apices, and sea turtle nest hatch/emergence success were collected on five high density nesting beaches along the east coast of Florida: Melbourne Beach, Jensen Beach, Jupiter Island Beach, Juno Beach, and South Hutchinson Island Beach. The field data collection was conducted in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022 with the main goal of documenting and comparing turtle …

Behavior And Land Use Of Eastern Gray Squirrels In Urban And Suburban Environments, Laura F. Engel

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Urbanization has significantly altered natural habitats, impacting wildlife behavior and distribution. This study examines the behavior and land use of eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) in urban and suburban environments at the University of South Florida. Using a combination of point count surveys and time-activity budgets, squirrel presence was assessed in relation to tree genera, nest locations, human activity, and infrastructure. Results indicate a significant association between squirrel presence and tree genera, with a preference for Quercus species, as well as a strong positive correlation between human infrastructure and squirrel presence. However, no significant relationship was found between human presence …

Newly Designed Curcumin-Loaded Hybrid Nanoparticles: A Multifunctional Strategy For Combating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, And Infections To Accelerate Wound Healing And Tissue Regeneration., Heidi Abdel-Mageed, Nermeen Abuelezz, Ahmed Ali, Amira Emad Abdelaziz, Dina Nada, Sahar Abdelraouf, Shahinaze Fouad, Abir Bishr, Rasha Radwan

Pharmacy

Effective treatment of skin wounds remains a clinical challenge owing to factors such as microbial infections, impaired fibroblast activity, disrupted angiogenesis, and collagen remodeling. In this study, we developed and evaluated novel curcumin–cyclodextrin hybrid nanoparticles (Cur/CD-HNPs) as a multifunctional platform for enhanced wound healing. Nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared via nanoprecipitation. Physicochemical and structural properties were systematically characterized by determining the encapsulation efficiency (EE), particle size, zeta potential, X-XRD, FTIR, SEM, in vitro release, and stability studies. The optimized Cur/CD-HNPs demonstrated a uniform particle size of 150.5 ± 2.8 nm, a surface charge of − 18.5 ± 0.59 mV, a PDI …

Sustainable Fishmeal Alternatives: Impact Of Partially Defatted Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) Meal On Growth And Health Of Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola Lalandi), Luke Pilmer, Lindsey Woolley, Alan J. Lymbery, Michael Salini, Chinh Dam, Md Javed Foysal, Gavin Partridge

Fisheries Research Articles

Reducing fishmeal (FM) in aquaculture diets is essential for improving sustainability and reducing reliance on marine resources. Black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) larvae meal is a promising alternative protein source. This study evaluated the effects of replacing FM with BSF meal on the growth and health of juvenile yellowtail kingfish (YTK) (Seriola lalandi, initial weight ~22 g). Fish were reared in 24 tanks (three replicates per treatment) and fed for 33 days under controlled conditions. Eight diets were tested: a control (40% FM) and seven diets with BSF meal replacing FM at 25%, 50%, or 75%, …

Using Stomach Content Analysis To Determine The Trophic Ecology Of Omosudis Lowii, A Deep-Sea Predator In The Gulf Of Mexico, Claire De Noyo

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Little is known about the feeding dynamics of deep-sea communities, despite their significant ecological importance. Deep-pelagic communities contribute to marine biodiversity and ecosystem stability while directly offsetting climate change via carbon sequestration. Omosudis lowii is an understudied, deep-sea fish found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, including the Gulf of Mexico. Omosudis lowii have large jaws and distensible stomachs, allowing them to capture prey items larger than their body size. The present seminal study used stomach content analysis to quantitatively describe the O. lowii trophic ecology, providing baseline data regarding diet composition, feeding selectivity, and factors that impact prey selection. …

Branching Corals Modulate Their Hydrodynamic Environment, Enhancing Capture Rates Of Evasive Prey, Kelsey Daniels

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Reef-building corals obtain nutrients through two primary means: autotrophy (via mutualism with photosynthetic zooxanthellae) and heterotrophy (via feeding). The latter form of resource acquisition is understudied and many aspects of predator-prey interactions between coral and naturally occurring prey species remain unexplored. In this thesis, I elucidate the role of branching coral morphology in shaping the colony’s local hydrodynamic environment and describe how this environment impacts prey capture, particularly among evasive and hydrodynamically sensitive, but highly abundant prey such as copepods. I used acrylic cylinders of three sizes in aquaria to model the structure of coral branches across the range of …

The Case For Compulsory Dna Testing At Birth To Confirm Paternity: Ethical, Legal, And Social Considerations, Michael Mncedisi Willie

Journal of Indonesian Health Policy and Administration

Compulsory paternity testing at birth has sparked significant legal, ethical, and social debate due to its potential impact on family dynamics, child well-being, and parental responsibility. This review explores the ethical, legal, and societal implications of such testing, using Bioecological Systems Theory and Rawls' Theory of Justice to frame the discussion. This review evaluates the benefits and challenges of mandatory DNA testing at birth, particularly in reducing paternity fraud, ensuring fairness in child support allocation, and enhancing socio-economic outcomes, especially in low-income households. This qualitative review draws on multidisciplinary literature from family law, genetic counseling, social policy, and fathers' rights …

Developing A Novel Conceptual Tax Regulatory Framework For Crypto Tokens, Tamir Shanan, Doron Narotzki, Lior Zaks

Akron Law Review

This article challenges the informal and uncoordinated attempts by governments worldwide to hinder technological innovations that could potentially disrupt established monetary systems and undermine the significance of banks, stock exchanges, and financial institutions. The authors argue that the outcome, which effectively sacrifices governments' ability to tax crypto capital appreciation, impedes the widespread adoption of decentralized tokens and is more detrimental than beneficial. Instead of applying outdated tax rules developed a century ago, the article proposes the development of a new regulatory tax framework that takes into account the unique characteristics of decentralized virtual tokens. These characteristics include their pseudo-anonymity, tradability, …

Choose Your Own Reading Assignment: A Strategy To Diversify Perspectives In Class Discussion, Breena J. Brockmann

Feminist Pedagogy

This activity reimagines course reading assignments by offering students a choice between multiple texts that work together to explore a shared theory or theme. Students are invited to select readings that align with their interests or learning goals. This activity embraces the feminist pedagogical principle of collaborative learning and uses the active learning strategy of learning through teaching by asking students to work in groups to create mini lessons that teach their classmates about their selected reading. Through their discussion of multiple case studies, the class develops an understanding of feminist theory as “geographically, historically, and culturally grounded (Mohanty, 2003, …

Review: The Great Fuzz Frenzy, Rachel Schwedt

Ages 7-9

Boldness, Community, Competition, Cooperation, Courage, Duty, Gratitude, Leadership, Survival, Trustworthiness

Review: Moo, Rachel Schwedt

Ages 7-9

Cooperation, Coping, Courage, Ingenuity, Neighborliness, Perseverance, Respect, Responsibility

Review: Great Joy, Rachel Schwedt

Ages 7-9

Caring, Friendliness, Generosity, Inquisitiveness, Inspiration, Joyfulness, Kindness, Sharing

Review: Francine Poulet Meets The Ghost Raccoon, Rachel Schwedt

Ages 7-9

Courage, Cooperation, Cooperation, Fear, Humor, Pride, Respect, Responsibility, Fear, Humor, Pride, Respect, Responsibility

Review: Babe: The Gallant Pig, Rachel Schwedt

Ages 7-9

Caring, Courage, Responsibility

Review: Adventures With Waffles, Rachel Schwedt

Ages 7-9

Caring, Humor, Ingenuity

Review: A Boy Called Bat, Rachel Schwedt

Ages 7-9

Respect, Responsibility, Trustworthiness

Review: Where The Mountain Meets The Moon, Rachel Schwedt, Janice Delong

Ages 10-12

Courage, Family love, Generosity, Perseverance, Resolve, Respect, Sacrifice, Thankfulness

Review: Whittington, Rachel Schwedt, Janice Delong

Ages 10-12

Caring, Community, Compassion, Cooperation, Coping, Courage, Determination, Empathy, Encouragement, Faithfulness, Fear, Family loyalty, Friendship, Hope, Inspiration, Manners, Obedience, Persistence, Pride, Resolve, Respect, Self-control, Understanding, Work ethic