Digital Commons Network^™

Clinical Correlation Between Preoperative Hypocalcemia And Post-Thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia In Patients With Goiter, Dauda Bawa, Saleem Khan, Yasser M. Khalifa, Chinedu M. Mbalisigwe

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Medical Sciences

Many patients undergoing thyroidectomy present with subclinical hypocalcemia preoperatively, the prevalence and significance of which remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and impact of preoperative hypocalcemia in goiter patients undergoing thyroid surgery, a complication often encountered postoperatively. Out of the 255 patients examined, the study found a preoperative hypocalcemia rate of 20.4%, which rose to 26.1% following thyroidectomy, specifically peaking at 21.1% in instances of total thyroidectomy. Postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia occurred in 8.9% with a mean serum calcium level of 1.87 mmol/L. In the linear regression analysis, a negative correlation was observed between thyroid procedures and overall …

Factors Contributing To Intestinal Parasitic Infestations In Children Attending Primary Private And Public Schools In Central Benghazi, Asmaa A. Alfarisi, Samira S. Garboui, Fawzeia H. Elmhalli, Maha A. Kattou, Suhaila Elabbar, Hajir A. Alabede, Zahrah A. Alawami

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Medical Sciences

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among school-aged children are a significant public health issue in many parts of the world, with high prevalence rates in many regions. The study aims to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of IPIs among school children.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected primary school children aged 6 to 9 years in central Benghazi from April to September 2021. Stool samples were collected from 700 schoolchildren and analyzed using the wet-mount technique. Also, questionnaires were distributed, and general information on each child was recorded.

Results: The study revealed a …

Positive Fetal Outcome Following Severe Early Onset Fgr With Abnormal Flow Pattern In The Ductus Venosus, Nedaa M. Bahkali, Felipe M. Moretti

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Medical Sciences

Background: Growth restriction of the fetus (FGR) is a major cause of perinatal death and, if present, has many perinatal complications at enhanced risk. Early FGR, in particular, presents staggering clinical challenges for management, as there are no uniform diagnostic criteria or best-practice procedures. The lack of data from clinical trials also makes it difficult to provide uniform management recommendations, leading to substantial variation in practice and outcomes. Case: This case report describes a healthy 30-year-old woman in her third pregnancy, who was diagnosed with severe early-onset FGR at 25 weeks after abnormal Doppler results, such as reversed a wave …

From Companionship To Grief: Lived Experiences Of Adolescent Dog Owners At De La Salle University, Dave Edrich Lao, Oel Bes, Zachariah Moscardon, Renzy Sabandal, Noel Bedia

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

Pets have long been part of people’s lives, but today, they are often viewed as family, especially by adolescents who rely on them for comfort, support, and companionship. For many, the bond with a pet runs deep, making their loss emotionally devastating. However, the emotional and psychological impact of this grief, particularly among adolescents, remains largely overlooked in academic research despite growing recognition of the human-animal bond. This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of seven adolescent dog owners (ages 18–23) from De La Salle University Manila, focusing on understanding how they form attachments to pets, navigate caregiving responsibilities, and …

Awareness And Misconceptions About Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors And Related Behaviors Among Medical Students And Interns In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Waad S. Alhumaidi, Abdullah M. Alagha, Mariyam A. Aljadani, Faisal A. Almahyawi, Shahad S. Balubaid, Abdelrahman M. Attia, Shimaa M. Yousof

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Medical Sciences

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide, making awareness of its risk factors and the adoption of healthy behaviors critical, especially among future healthcare professionals. This study aimed to assess awareness of CVD risk factors, misconceptions, and health-related behaviors, in addition to the relationship between academic year and CVD awareness among medical students and interns at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah City.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 381 medical students and interns. Participants answered questions about CVD risk factors, health behaviors, and the sources of information. A linear regression analysis was performed to explore …

Cesium-137 Accumulation In Marine Fish And Associated Dose Exposure: A Global Review, N.A.A. Kamarulzaman, M.S.M. Sanusi, H.N. Idris

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science

Establishing baseline data for natural radiation exposure and radioactivity levels is essential for radiological health and safety programs, particularly during the implementation and development of nuclear power initiatives. This review evaluates gamma radiation exposure and anthropogenic cesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs) levels in the world’s oceans and marine fish, analyzing their radioecological impact. Data from 30 peer-reviewed publications indicate that ¹³⁷Cs activity concentrations in seawater range from 0.07 Bq kg^–1 to 6.4 kBq kg^–1, with fish values between 0.01–3.50 kBq kg^–1. Regression models developed from these studies predict the correlation between ¹³⁷Cs levels in …

Molecular Docking And Antibacterial Activity Of Sesterterpenoids From Hyrtios Erectus, Hajer S. Alorfi, Nawal A. Albalawi

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science

The search for new antibiotics remains urgent due to the continuous evolution of microbes and their resistance to currently available antibiotics. The organic extract of a specimen of the Red Sea sponge Hyrtios erectus collected off Jeddah coast was subjected to sequential chromatographic fractionation. Three sesterterpenoids (1–3) along with an indole alkaloid (4) were isolated from H. erectus. Structure elucidation of the isolated was accomplished using NMR, UV, and IR spectroscopy along with MS spectrometry. The antibacterial activity of the isolated sesterterpenoids (1–3) was assessed against a set of Gram-positive and negative …

A Systematic Literature Review Of Sustainable Ports Strategies And Initiatives In The Arabian Gulf Ports – Lessons For Saudi Arabia And Uae, Osayd Helal, Jane Haider, Jean-Paul Skeete, Sehwa Lim

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science

This systematic review provides a comprehensive evaluation of sustainability strategies in Arabian Gulf ports, focusing on the interplay between technological advancements, green initiatives, and regulatory challenges. While Industry 4.0 technologies—such as automation, artificial intelligence, and electrification—have been integrated to enhance operational efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, the extent to which these innovations align with regional policy frameworks and geopolitical constraints remains insufficiently analysed.

To address this gap, this review synthesises insights from 25 peer-reviewed studies, employing a comparative framework to assess the adoption of sustainability practices in Arabian Gulf ports, focusing on their approaches toward sustainable port development. It is …

Causal Functional Mediation Analysis With An Application To Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data, Yi Zhao, Xi Luo, Michael E Sobel, Martin A Lindquist, Brian S Caffo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

A primary goal of task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies is to quantify the effective connectivity between brain regions when stimuli are presented. Assessing the dynamics of effective connectivity has attracted increasing attention. Causal mediation analysis serves as a widely implemented tool aiming to delineate the mechanism between task stimuli and brain activations. However, the case, where the treatment, mediator, and outcome are continuous functions, has not been studied. Causal mediation analysis for functional data is considered. Semiparametric functional linear structural equation models are introduced and causal assumptions are discussed. The proposed models allow for the estimation of individual …

Opening Paths: Subjective And Professional Trajectories In Psychosocial Intervention For Victims Of The Armed Conflict In Colombia, Edwin Alexander Hernandez Zapata, Diana Vanessa Vivares Porras, Juan David Soto-Fadul

The Qualitative Report

In this study, we analyzed the affective experiences and labor subjectivation processes of community psychologists working in intervention programs implemented by state institutions in Colombia for victims of the armed conflict, a conflict that remains ongoing in various regions of the country. By labor subjectivation processes, we refer (drawing on Foucault) to the ways in which individuals come to relate to themselves and to others through the norms, discourses, and practices that shape their roles within a given historical and institutional context—in this case, the field of psychosocial labor. To conduct this research, we used discourse analysis and semi-structured interviews …

Use Of Generative Ai In Academia: Collaborative Autoethnographic Perspectives From Nnes And Nes Scholars, Tianshi Hao, Ziyue Guo, Jade Winn, Paul Sparks

The Qualitative Report

The advancement of Generative AI (GenAI) has shaped the ways people learn, teach, and perform research in the field of academia. However, there is a lack of studies that explore how GenAI makes differences on both Native English Speaking (NES) and Non-Native English-Speaking (NNES) scholars' academic work and experiences. This study aims to examine the experiences and perceptions of two Asian NNES Ph.D. students and two American NES professors regarding the use of GenAI tools in their academic work, through a Collaborative Autoethnography (CAE) approach. Data were collected through individual and group reflections, analyzed using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). …

Methodological Aspects In The Construction Of The Protocol In Semi-Structured Interviews, Eli Malvaceda-Espinoza, Gianpiero Flores-Pereyra

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this study is to identify the methodological aspects in the construction of the semi-structured interview protocol. The development of the protocol implies the methodological articulation (i.e. the coherence between question, objective, research object, design, scenario, participants, and the technique to be used). Regarding the construction of the semi-structured interview protocol, four specific phases are considered: (1) the identification of the research topics, (2) the construction of the interview script, (3) the external evaluation of the protocol, and (4) the piloting and fine-tuning of the protocol. Each of these phases guarantee greater rigor in the qualitative research under …

Future Teachers’ Views On Their Science Teachers: A Case Of Turkey, Mehmet Karakaş

The Qualitative Report

Here future elementary and middle school teachers reflect on their experiences with science teachers encountered throughout their education and highlight their characteristics. The aim of the study was to create a program where teachers were given the explicit opportunity to reflect on their experiences through journaling that promoted reflective thought. Participants were 173 non-science and 120 science major prospective teachers enrolled in a small university in northeastern Turkey. Data were collected using document analysis. Findings show that effective science teachers do experiments, use teaching materials, and show special interest in students; also, their positive personality affected students’ positive attitude towards …

Disruption Of Protein-Protein Interaction Hotspots In The C-Terminal Domain Of Mlh1 Confers Mismatch Repair Deficiency, Keri M. Fishwick, Diego Gomez Vieito, Giada Greco, Giulio Collotta, Marco Gatti, Anastasija A. Kulik, Raphaël Guérois, Ivan Corbeski, Ashutosh S. Phadte, Issam Senoussi, Petr Cejka, Anna Pluciennik, Antonio Porro, Alessandro A. Sartori

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

MutLα, a heterodimer of MLH1 and PMS2, plays a key role in DNA mismatch repair (MMR), which maintains genomic stability by correcting replication errors. Loss of MLH1 function causes MMR deficiency (MMRd), leading to elevated mutation rates and increased cancer susceptibility. However, MMRd can offer a therapeutic advantage, as high tumour mutational burden enhances the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibition. MMR also drives somatic expansion of CAG repeats linked to Huntington’s disease (HD) pathogenesis. The C-terminal domain (CTD) of MLH1 contains at least two distinct protein–protein interaction (PPI) sites. The S1 site supports heterodimerization with the PMS2 endonuclease, whereas the …

Patterns Of Llm Weaponization: A Comparative Analysis Of Exploitation Incidents Across Commercial Ai Systems, George Antoniou

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

This comparative study examines patterns of Large Language Model (LLM) weaponization through systematic analysis of four major exploitation incidents spanning from 2023-2025. While existing research focuses on isolated incidents or theoretical vulnerabilities, this study provides one of the first comprehensive comparative frameworks analyzing exploitation patterns across state-sponsored cyber-espionage (Anthropic Claude incident), academic security research (GPT- 4 autonomous privilege escalation), social engineering platforms (SpearBot phishing framework), and underground criminal commoditization (WormGPT/FraudGPT ecosystem). Through comparative analysis across eight dimensions: Adversary sophistication, target selection, exploitation techniques, autonomy levels, detection evasion, attribution challenges, defensive gaps, and capability democratization, this research identifies critical cross-case patterns …

Characterization And Biocompatibility Test Of Chitosan-Alginate-Fucoidan Hydrogel As Potential Socket Preservation Material: In Vitro Study, Ainiyyah F. Zaizafun, Nurlindah Hamrun, Erni Marlina, Lenni Indriani, Nurhayaty Natsir, Asdar Gani, Arifin

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

Objective: This study aimed to characterize and evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility of chitosan-alginate-fucoidan hydrogel at different concentrations as a potential socket preservation material.

Material and Methods: Hydrogels were prepared using various concentrations of chitosan-alginate-fucoidan formulas. Alginate and fucoidan which were extracted from brown algae, were dissolved in purified water with stirring, then mixed with chitosan from white shrimp skin, which was prepared in 2% acetic acid. The hydrogels were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Biocompatibility was assessed using KUSA cells through cell viability, cytotoxicity, and cell adhesion. Data were analyzed using a one-way …

Simplified Direct Composite Restoration On Class Iv With Bertholdo/Riccie/Barrotte (Brb) Matrix Technique - Case Report, Alfajri I. Suwir, Wandania Farahanny

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

ABSTRACT

Background: Direct composite restoration could produce restorations that look like natural teeth with a simple and quick process. Composite resin material might reconstruct teeth by accurately replicating the micro- and macrostructure, chromatic characteristics, and tooth symmetry of the original dentition. However, we still need extra instruments and the clinician's experience to get this result. This case study aims to describe a simple biomimetic technique for repairing anterior tooth defects with the Bertholdo/ Riccie/ Barrotte (BRB) matrix. Case Report: A 23-year-old man complained about a fracture of his anterior teeth. He had an accident 3 years ago. This tooth was …

Antibacterial Activity Of Ethanol Extract Of Cocoa Beans (Theobroma Cacao L): In Silico And In Vitro Study, Rudy Joelijanto, Rina Sutjiati

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cocoa beans ethanol extract gel on Streptococcus mutans, and prediction interaction between the active compound of cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao L.) and the antibacterial protein in silico.

Various bioactive compounds including polyphenols have been found in cocoa beans, which have essential properties such as antibacterial effects. Material and Methods: The research was conducted in silico and in vitro study. The study was divided into 8 treatment groups and 4 repetitions. The sample group used was cocoa beans extract concentration of 25%; 12,5%; 6,25%; 3,12%; 1,56%; 0,78%; …

Navigating The Role Of Ai In Research In The Global South: A Collective Autoethnography From Researchers In The Philippines, Iraq, And Malaysia, Louie Giray, Ahmed Alkhaqani, Nurliana Kamaruddin

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This paper investigates the transformative impact and ethical dilemmas of integrating artificial intelligence into the workflows of researchers from the Global South, specifically the Philippines, Iraq, and Malaysia. Through collective autoethnography, the authors analyze how AI tools function as both equalizers and disruptors in resource-constrained academic environments. The findings reveal that AI significantly enhances productivity by dismantling language barriers for non-native English speakers, streamlining literature searches, and democratizing access to global scholarship. However, these benefits are accompanied by profound challenges, including the risk of over-reliance, the proliferation of AI hallucinations, and the potential erosion of critical thinking skills. The authors …

Ai Detection Tools: A Systematic Review Of Empirical Evidence And Their Implications For Education, Halime Nuran Caner

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence has significantly transformed academic writing practices, prompting institutions to implement tools designed to verify authorship and uphold academic integrity. Artificial intelligence detection systems have emerged as a prominent, albeit increasingly debated response to these challenges. This systematic review synthesizes empirical evidence to assess the reliability, fairness, and pedagogical implications of artificial intelligence text-detection tools in educational settings. Adhering to PRISMA 2020 standards, this review identified twenty-five peer-reviewed empirical studies, 18 of which were conducted directly within educational settings. This review synthesizes empirical studies published between 2022 and 2025, encompassing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods …

Speeding Up Interval Estimation For R2-Based Mediation Effect Of High-Dimensional Mediators Via Cross-Fitting, Zhichao Xu, Chunlin Li, Sunyi Chi, Tianzhong Yang, Peng Wei

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Mediation analysis is a useful tool in investigating how molecular phenotypes such as gene expression mediate the effect of exposure on health outcomes. However, commonly used mean-based total mediation effect measures may suffer from cancellation of component-wise mediation effects in opposite directions in the presence of high-dimensional omics mediators. To overcome this limitation, we recently proposed a variance-based R-squared total mediation effect measure that relies on the computationally intensive nonparametric bootstrap for confidence interval estimation. In the work described herein, we formulated a more efficient two-stage, cross-fitted estimation procedure for the R2 measure. To avoid potential bias, we performed …

Cost-Benefit Analysis Of Seismic Retrofitting Methods For Irregular Rc Buildings, Wu Ye, Nabilah Abu Bakar

Platform: A Journal of Engineering (PAJE)

Many existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings were constructed without considering seismic design, resulting in inadequate earthquake resistance. Irregular RC buildings, with their stiffness inconsistency, soft-story conditions, and plan asymmetries, are particularly vulnerable to seismic forces, often experiencing significant inter-story drifts and torsional effects. Addressing the critical need for cost-effective seismic retrofitting of irregular RC buildings in regions with high seismicity and limited resources, this study proposes a cost-benefit analysis framework to evaluate different retrofitting methods, namely RC jacketing, steel bracing, and a combination of both. A three-story, irregular RC building constructed before 1980 was selected as the case study. Both …

A Hybrid Reliability Framework For Spare Part Optimisation Under Uncertainty Of Marine Vessel Systems, Ahmad Fauzi Sagap, Ainul Akmar Mokhtar

Platform: A Journal of Engineering (PAJE)

Effective spare part management relies heavily on accurate reliability assessment. However, in new or complex systems, historical failure data are often limited, making traditional probabilistic reliability models inadequate. This paper proposes a hybrid reliability framework that integrates conventional reliability theory with fuzzy logic to address both aleatory (random)and epistemic (lack of knowledge) uncertainties. The approach combines crisp failure rate estimation using exponential distributions with fuzzy reliability modelling using the triangular fuzzy number (TFN) methodology and fuzzy logic to support dynamic decision-making for a maintenance plan. The degree of membership functions is derived from the TFN and provides the operator with …

Computer Applications In Electrical Engineering: Recent Trends, Future Requirements, And An Educational Review, Hemant Mehar

Platform: A Journal of Engineering (PAJE)

The integration of programming languages into electrical engineering has become increasingly pivotal as the field evolves with technological advancements. This paper explores recent trends in the application of programming languages in electrical engineering, emphasising how they enhance design, simulation, and automation. The main focus is on the use of high-level programming languages for modelling and simulation, and on various algorithm-based ML approaches for optimisation. Additionally, the paper examines future requirements for programming skills in electrical engineering, highlighting the need for continuous adaptation to emerging technologies and interdisciplinary approaches. An educational review is provided to assess current curricula and suggest improvements, …

Poetry’S Role In Shaping Critical Thinking In Indonesian Learners Of English As A Foreign Language, Hamzah Puadi Ilyas, Nani Solihati, Istaryatiningtias Istaryatiningtias

The Qualitative Report

This research investigated the role of poetry interpretation activities in fostering the development of critical thinking abilities among Indonesian English as a foreign language (EFL) students in a higher education setting. Given the scarcity of research in this area, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the subject. To this end, the research posed three research questions: (1) How does poetry influence the development of critical thinking abilities in EFL learners? (2) What types of critical thinking activities are facilitated by poetry? (3) How do students perceive the benefits of using poetry for critical thinking? A total …

Education For A Shared Society In Wartime: A Faculty Of Education Dean’S Autoethnography, Ilana Paul-Binyamin

The Qualitative Report

My autoethnographic study emerged in the wake of the Hamas–Israel war that began on October 7, 2023, placing me in a dual position as both an academic leader and a member of a society in crisis. As Dean of a multicultural Faculty of Education, I reflect on how the war disrupted longstanding efforts to promote shared society education between Jews and Arabs. Drawing on personal narratives, reflective fieldnotes, and case studies from campus life, I explore how trauma, fear, and political polarization undermined the multicultural frameworks I had developed over years of practice. I document moments of rupture—between students, faculty, …

Translating The “Preposition + Which” Construction In English Legal Texts Into Indonesian, Doni Jaya

Paradigma: Jurnal Kajian Budaya

Legal text translation is challenging because of its emphasis on semantic and syntactic faithfulness, while ST structures do not always have correspondent TL equivalents. One of such structures is the English “preposition + which” (PW) construction. This construction can be difficult to translate into Indonesian because the language does not always have ready-to-use connectors to produce a structurally faithful translation, often forcing translators to take the easy way of using ungrammatical and unnatural connectors which becomes the hallmark of the Indonesian legalese style. This research seeks to examine various ways to translate PW constructions in a more grammatical and …

European Management Studies 2025, Vol. 23, No. 4

European Management Studies

European Management Studies 2025, vol. 23, no. 4

Modular Construction And The Building Blocks Of Litigation: Navigating The Legal Framework Between The Ucc And Common Law, Rilee White

Georgia Law Review

The development of modular construction has re-raised a question central to construction litigation: whether contracts are governed by Article 2 of the UCC, which controls transactions in goods, or the common law, which controls other transactions, including those for services. Because the modular construction process involves fabrication of units off-site, it complicates the distinction between goods and services—while the final product is the service of constructing a building, the individual modules could arguably be classified as goods.

Although courts have historically treated processes involving prefabrication as the sale of goods, modern modular projects are increasingly becoming more customizable and service-driven. …

Gamesmanship In Civil Litigation, Edith Beerdsen

Georgia Law Review

In civil litigation, strategy is everywhere. Some of it is explicitly envisioned by rules of procedure, but other forms of strategy rely more on clever exploitation of gaps in the rules, sometimes through trickery, surprise, or psychological mind games. The role strategy plays in civil litigation is underexamined, which raises two concerns: first, this lack of attention entrenches strategy by default as a procedural value in competition with accuracy, efficiency, and other procedural values. Second, it amplifies the disadvantages experienced by unrepresented litigants. This Article builds on earlier work to examine how courts shape the space that litigants have for …