Digital Commons Network^™

The Indian Fourth Branch: Developing A New Institutional Morality, Abhinav Ravi

National Law School Journal

Contemporary discourse on democratic decline in India has often emphasised the need for stronger fourth branch institutions to safeguard constitutional democracy. However, fourth branch institutions are marked by a fundamental tension. They are deeply embedded in the very political contexts that they are designed to resist. The operational independence of fourth branch institutions is not merely a function of their design (that is, their structural independence), but also of the political climate, institutional leaders, and informal organisational factors.

Similar design features can produce divergent outcomes across time and contexts, with institutions displaying distinct phases of assertiveness and accommodation. While institutional …

The Basic Structure In Malaysia: Less Than Meets The Eye, Benjamin Joshua Ong

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

At first glance, studying the basic structure doctrine in Malaysia can be frustrating due to its inconsistent judicial treatment. While early cases such as Loh Kooi Choon and Phang Chin Hock rejected the doctrine, it was later accepted in landmark decisions like Sivarasa Rasiah, Semenyih Jaya, and Indira Gandhi. In 2020, scholars such as Jaclyn Neo and Yvonne Tew suggested a judicial embrace of the doctrine and its global trend toward constitutional unamendability. However, the Federal Court’s 2021 decision in Maria Chin Abdullah appeared to reject it once more, illustrating the doctrine’s precarious status. The resurgence seen in Dhinesh a/l …

Operationalising The Social Licence To Operate Along The Belt And Road: The Case For A Mediation-Focused Approach, Mark Mclaughlin

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

This article examines the intricate dynamics of community representation and stakeholder influence in the realm of international investment law. More specifically, it considers the most effective method by which to operationalise the concept of the ‘social licence to operate’ when attempting to resolve investor-state disputes. By utilising disputes relating to China’s Belt and Road Initiative as a case study, it is shown that the social impact of foreign investment projects is often a catalyst for arbitration claims. Community interests are insufficiently represented at the stage of procurement or admission of investment, which has led to violent clashes between investors and …

Characterization Of Lactobacilli-Containing Catheter Segments Developed By Using Selective Laser Sintered Mold., Caden Maners

Master of Engineering Theses

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a major healthcare burden with current prevention strategies offering limited success. This study presents a novel, self-coating biomaterial approach using a silicone-based bioink embedded with thermally sensitive probiotic strains (L. crispatus, L. rhamnosus, and L. reuteri). Catheter segments were fabricated via bio-injection molding using 3D-printed CAD molds. These Lactobacilli, selected for their probiotic and antimicrobial potential, serve as a non- antibiotic strategy to reduce infection risk. These segments were evaluated for mechanical strength (Shore A hardness), thermal stability (TGA/DSC), porosity and bacterial presence (SEM), biofilm formation (crystal-violet assay), as well as mass retention in …

Chapter 3. Moroccan Arabic-Spanish Bilinguals’ Linguistic Profile And Their Perspectives And Experiences On Learning Standard Arabic, Ramsés Ortín, Pilar Garrido

Writing and Language Studies Faculty Publications

We surveyed a group of Moroccan Arabic-Spanish speakers in the Region of Murcia, Spain, to examine their linguistic profiles, their attitudes towards their native Arabic dialect, their motivations to learn Standard Arabic and their learning experience with Standard Arabic. We found varying degrees of dominance in this group along with fluctuating patterns of dominance, proficiency and language use according to age and onset of acquisition of Spanish. This group displayed generally positive attitudes towards their own dialect and their motivation to learn Arabic was related to their religious and cultural connections. Most of them indicated that they had engaged in …

The Impact Of Instructional School Design: The 6–12 School Model As A Strategic Response To Increase Black Boys Self-Efficacy, Xavier E. Edwards

Education Doctoral

This dissertation investigated the impact of the 6–12 instructional school design on the self-efficacy of Black boys, utilizing the theoretical frameworks of Bandura's self-efficacy model and Yosso's community cultural wealth model. The research explored how this specialized school structure supports Black boys' academic achievement, aspirations, and resilience—addressing longstanding disparities in educational and social outcomes. Through qualitative interviews with Black male alumni of 6–12 school models, the study identified factors within the design that positively influence self-efficacy both within and beyond the classroom. Findings indicated that sustained relationships with supportive teachers, a keen sense of brotherhood among peers, and consistent engagement …

Measuring Teaching Success In College Foreign Literature Programs: An Evaluation Perspective Using Double Framed Superhypersoft Set, Lingling Chen

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of College Students' Innovation And Entrepreneurship Abilities In The New Media Environment Using Tree Soft Set And Neutrosophic Modeling, Xiang Lou

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

No abstract provided.

Dry Bones Can Live Again : Best Practices For Replanting Independent Christian Churches, R. Steve Bolin

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Perceptions Of Developmental Dysplasia Of The Hip Among Pregnant Women In Jordan

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess the awareness of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) among pregnant women in Jordan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among pregnant females, aged 18 years and above, who had visited 3 hospitals in Jordan. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and responses were recorded using a Google form by the researchers. Results: A total of 605 women completed the questionnaire. Most participants correctly reported DDH as the cause of ambulation problems (n=531, 87.6%), and approximately 60% reported it as painful. The majority agreed that DDH is diagnosed using x-ray imaging (80.5%), usually in the …

Clinical Efficacy Of Simultaneous Versus Staged Stent Implantation After Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy In Ivcs Patients With Acute Ifdvt

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess the clinical outcomes and prognoses of various stent implantation timings after percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) in patients with iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) complicated by acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (IFDVT). Methods: A total of 99 patients diagnosed with IVCS with acute IFDVT from December 2016 to February 2024 at our institution were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A underwent simultaneous iliac vein stent implantation, while Group B received staged stent implantation after local urokinase thrombolysis. The 2 groups were compared on the basis of limb edema resolution within 3 days postsurgery, urokinase …

Impact Of Hypocalcemia On Dickkopf-Related Protein 1 And Hmgb1 In Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Patients, Haneen Azeez Falih

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) is associated with various symptoms including anaemia and bone problems. There is a need for more biomarkers of calcium disorders in TDT patients. In the present study, DKK 1 and HMGB1 are studied in TDT patients with hypocalcemia (TDT+Hypocalcemia) and normocalcemia (TDT+Normocalcemia) as a function of inflammation. Methods: TDT patients were classified according to the cut-off value (2.12 mM) of the adjusted serum calcium (Adj.T.Ca) into TDT+Normocalcemia (n = 54) and TDT+Hypocalcemia (n = 41) groups. Forty healthy controls have participated in the present study. DKK1 and HMGB1 were measured using the ELISA technique. Results: Both …

Ihpp 2024 Annual Report, Institute For Health Policy And Practice

All Materials

No abstract provided.

Foxo Factors’ Ability In Binding To And Inducing Tcf7 In Glioblastoma Cells, Stephanie Oyervides

Theses and Dissertations

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive astrocytoma tumor type with a poor prognosis and limited immunotherapeutic options for those inflicted. Stem gene expression of this cancer indicates a direct relationship with the transcription factors, Forkhead box subfamily O (FOXO-1, -3 and - 4). These transcription factors are evolutionarily conserved, partially redundant. They are involved in diverse and fundamental biological processes such as cell survival, stem cell homeostasis, cell fate determination, cell cycle maintenance, metabolism, and apoptosis. Increasing evidence suggests interconnectivity between the WNT Pathway and FOXO transcription factors; however, the mechanism and full extent to which these interactions play a …

Predicting Enzyme-Substrate Association Using Heterogeneous Knowledge Graph, Jannatul Ferdaus

Theses and Dissertations

Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation are dynamic processes that control many aspects of cellular activity, such as metabolic pathways, cell cycle progression, and signal transduction. Protein activity and interactions are modulated by the reversible addition or removal of phosphate groups, which allows cells to react abruptly to evolving conditions. Although kinase-specific phosphorylation site prediction has advanced, phosphatase-specific dephosphorylation site computational prediction is still a major obstacle that prevents us from fully comprehending the extent of cellular regulation. In this study, we constructed a knowledge graph for the prediction of enzymes (kinases and phosphatases) and their associated substrates with specific phosphosites. As part …

Contributions Of Citizen Science Data To Butterflies Of The Lower Rio Grande Valley, Akane Jazmyn Benitez

Theses and Dissertations

Citizen science-provided insect data inherently exhibits variability in accuracy. In the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV), butterfly occurrence reporting is predominantly reliant on citizen science contributions. My research compared fieldwork conducted monthly over a year to occurrence records submitted by visitors at the National Butterfly Center and in Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas. I hypothesized that butterfly occurrences at the Center would be maximized during the fall and minimized during winter and summer months. My research findings revealed that butterfly taxa richness is contingent upon the following factors: 1) the impact of citizen science submitting reports, and 2) monthly butterfly activity …

Optimization Of Thermoelectric Energy Harvester To Power Wireless Onboard Bearing Health Sensors During Rail Service, Danna Cecilia Capitanachi Avila

Theses and Dissertations

This work presents the optimization of a thermoelectric energy harvester designed to supply power to a wireless onboard bearing health monitoring device for critical freight rail components. The study demonstrates an enhancement in the circuitry through the integration of an energy management subsystem (E-Peas AEM20940), which features a boost converter with lower self-start voltage. The harvesting system was tested on dynamic bearing test rigs to closely replicate field service conditions. Test plans were conducted using common freight speeds and loads to simulate a representative urban route. The thermoelectric energy harvester was able to operate at temperature differentials as low as …

Returning To Nature: A Virtue-Based Approach To Urban Sustainability, Liam A. L. Cormack

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

This paper advocates for a pragmatic and virtue-ethics-based approach to urban sustainability initiatives that prioritizes the consideration of moral responsibility. Looking at literature on rewilding, this paper argues that the principle of ecophronesis, and the larger discipline of ecopracticology, offers a compelling framework for integrating diverse opinions on the future of conservation from different disciplines and ecological stakeholders. Ultimately, an ecophronetic approach to urban sustainability initiatives facilitates a sense of conceptual rewilding that disregards the nature-culture dualism paradigm limiting Western environmental thought and may help address the perceived alienation from nature characterized by nature-deficit disorder.

Take The Vitals Of Council Health! Re-Empowering Shared Governance, Justin Peterson, Dave Smith, Kristiina Hyrkas

MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

Introduction:

Shared governance (SG) is a model that encourages collaboration and shared decision-making between nurses and other health care team members, their leaders and other interprofessional health care team members.

Nurses at all levels actively, and especially through councils, can participate in decision-making processes that affect their practice, including patient care, resource allocation, and unit operations, essentially sharing responsibility with leadership to improve quality and patient outcomes.

The Evidential Problem Of Evil And The Aesthetics Of Surprise, James S. Spiegel

Faith and Philosophy: Journal of the Society of Christian Philosophers

No abstract provided.

Prayer And Communion, Michael Hatcher

Faith and Philosophy: Journal of the Society of Christian Philosophers

No abstract provided.

A Comprehensive Study Of Library-Led Textbook Affordability Initiatives In The United States, Mitchell Scott, Rachel E. Scott

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

This study presents findings from a survey and interviews investigating library-led textbook affordability initiatives in the United States. The results document diverse considerations and divergences in workflows, challenges librarians face in establishing and maintaining textbook affordability programs, and the intersection of these initiatives with library and institutional strategies. Findings suggest that these programs have grown in number and scale over the past few years, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, and are sustained—even without permanent, designated funding—due to consistently positive perceptions about their impact on student success, just-in-time delivery, and alignment with library and institutional goals.

No More Mixed Message, Missing Money: Revisiting The Birth Of Icl’S Victim Restoration-Reparations Regime To Conceptualize Its Modern Reform, Gregory S. Gordon

Cardozo International & Comparative Law Review

The article argues that the International Criminal Court's (ICC) system for victim reparations is fundamentally flawed due to mission dissonance between its punitive and restorative goals, insufficient funding, and procedural limitations. It proposes the creation of an independent Atrocity Victim Reparations Tribunal (AVRT) under the UN to address these issues, ensuring more effective and victim-centered reparations.

Federated Learning Using Fully Homomorphic Encryption, Sk Golam Kuddus

Master’s Dissertations

Traditional machine learning approaches require centralizing data for training, which raises significant privacy concerns when dealing with sensitive information. Federated learning (FL) addresses this by keeping data local and enabling multiple users to collaboratively train a shared machine learning model. In spite of this, FL remains vulnerable to inference attacks, as sensitive information can still be extracted from the model’s learned parameters. While traditional privacy-enhancing techniques such as di!erential privacy introduce noise to model updates to obscure individual data points, they often present a fundamental trade-o! between privacy and utility. Furthermore, these approaches still carry risks of data leakage if …

From Our Faculty Advisors

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

No abstract provided.

In Transit, Sara Menco Arenas

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Author Statement

"This poem intends to convey the experience of coming to terms with not only growing up but also letting go—recognizing that people will leave, time will pass, you will change, and yet, it is essential to cherish every moment. When I wrote this, and even now, I still feel that accepting change amid life’s unexpected transit is one of the hardest things to do— to learn to let go."

Echoes Of You, Sara Menco Arenas

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Author Statement

"The inspiration behind this piece is an old friend who, with the passage of time, has become more of a shadow than a presence. Though many years have passed, I wanted to acknowledge the small, everyday reminders—subtle traces that only I can recognize—showing that this person still lingers in my heart and mind. However, I chose to end on a hopeful note, waiting in anticipation to meet once again, for the memory to become more than just a shadow, and for their presence to no longer be just a fleeting glimpse in my life."

Trophy, Fidel E. Perez Pujols

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement

"'Trophy' explores the cycle of death and evolution. This piece reflects on the identities we shed yet still carry within us, symbolizing transformation and reawakening. Through its eerie yet captivating form, it invites viewers to consider how loss shapes who we become."

Full Issue

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

No abstract provided.

Brain Rot, Luqman M. Gbenro

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

Artist Statement

"'Brain Rot' illustrates how vibrant color and playful composition can be combined to give a static image life. The bold composition seeks to capture a common sentiment about contemporary conscience (or the lack thereof) through hyperbolic circumstances. This piece is a visual representation of the helplessness and frustration spurred on by our digital circumstances."