Digital Commons Network^™

The Future Of Foreign Language Learning In The Age Of Artificial Intelligence: A Critical Analysis Of Trends, Challenges, And Opportunities, Ahmad Aljanadbah, Rashid Hamad Al Marri, Hamad Mubarak Almarri

All Works

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in foreign language education is transforming how languages are taught and learned. This study investigates the current trends, advantages, and challenges of AI applications in language acquisition. Employing a qualitative content analysis method, the research analyzes scholarly publications and practical innovations in AI-based tools, such as adaptive learning systems, intelligent chatbots, and automated writing feedback. The findings highlight AI's potential to enhance personalized instruction, boost learner engagement, and expand access to authentic language materials. Nonetheless, the study also reveals notable limitations, including concerns about data privacy, diminished human interaction, and ethical risks related to …

Re: Butte Mine Flooding Operable Unit Berkeley Pit And Discharge Pilot Project – May 2025 Monthly Discharge Monitoring Report, Mark Thompson, Dave Griffis

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Teaching Verbs Of Motion In A Task-Based Russian As A Foreign Language (Rfl) Course, Joan Castellví, Elena Markina

Russian Language Journal

The paper focuses on one of the most complex topics in Russian as a Foreign Language (RFL) instruction: verbs of motion (VoM). We introduce an innovative approach to teaching these verbs, grounded in Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), and contrast it with the traditional approach that follows the Presentation-Practice-Production (PPP) framework, which has dominated the field until now. By analyzing a sample of widely used textbooks specializing in VoM, we show that introducing the VoM system—specifically, the sequence in which the verbs are presented—follows the PPP design and is primarily grammar-oriented. This approach is based on the concept of “directionality,” which …

Do Your Abc: Teaching Tense And Aspect With Verbs Of Motion, Irina Six

Russian Language Journal

This paper examines the continued application of a content-based approach initially developed for teaching Russian verbs of motion (VoM) at the novice level (Six). It begins by introducing the ABC principle, a method that presents prefixed and unprefixed VoM together in their most typical contexts, rather than separately. The ABC principle ("A+B+C=D", as in поплыл + плыл + приплыл = плавал) helps visualize a three-leg journey and introduces students to two distinct sets of stems: Directional stems for A, B, and C verbs, and Non-directional stems for D verbs.

The paper then explores extending the ABC principle to intermediate-level …

Predicting The Influence Of Aggregate Size And Distribution On Cementitious Concrete Properties: A Review, Innocent J. Macha

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Cement concrete has been in use for centuries as one of the primary construction materials. Its demand in the construction industry is expected to continue for several centuries before the full development of alternative products. However, one of the main areas of research interest is understanding how its constituents can be tailored to make its properties predictable to reduce risks associated with structural failures, reconstruction and reduced durability. These hindrances associated with cementitious concrete result from several attributes, including constituent material characteristics, mixing ratios and workmanship. Understanding the predictability of cement concrete properties requires computer modelling tools to provide reliable …

Towards Future Sustainable Infrastructure: The Role Of Technical Audit In Tanzania’S Public Works, George C. Haule

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study aimed to investigate the vital role and impact of technical audits in promoting sustainable infrastructure development in Tanzania. The role and effects of technical audits in long-term infrastructure development were studied using a mixed-methods approach with both quantitative and qualitative parts. Data were collected through analysis of technical audit documentation, a semi-structured questionnaire, and stakeholder interviews. The study revealed the various dimensions of infrastructure investment projects, including initiation and planning, design, procurement of contractors and consultants, contract management, environment, health, and safety. The technical audit findings reported weaknesses or non-performance issues in infrastructure planning at the national level …

Knowledge Of Hiv Transmission And Prevention Among University Students In Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study, Muhammad Saleem, Sajid Masood, Shahid Hussain

Journal of Bioresource Management

HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health problem internationally, with young adults being especially at risk because of behavioral and knowledge deficits. In Pakistan, cultural inhibitions and suboptimal health education are the main reasons for limited awareness, particularly among university students. This study had the objectives of determining the knowledge level about HIV transmission and prevention among undergraduate students in Kohsar University Murree (KUM) and to investigate correlations with salient demographic variables. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 510 students aged 18-27 years through a pre-validated, standardized questionnaire with 12 knowledge-based items. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were utilized to …

Fabrication Of A Pineapple Peeling Machine And Performance Evaluation As Influenced By Pineapple Dimensions, Dare E. Ibiyeye, Olusegun J. Adedipe, Oluwole S. Ariwoola, Taiye R. Afolabi, Funmilayo B. Okanlawon, Paul O. Ogunbamowo, Afolake E. Roberts

Journal of Bioresource Management

A pineapple peeling machine was completed, and the functionality was. The Central composite rotate strategy CCRD involving three variables at five (5) stages was employed for the investigations plus the investigational variables been weight, diameter and height of pineapple, while weights of peeled pineapple and peel, machine peeling time and efficiency were the dependent variables. Data was analysed using quadratic interaction regressions model at P ≤ 0.05 levels of significance, then the working variables were correlated to the pineapple machine peeling efficiency. The investigational outcomes were applied to confirm the predicted optimal settings. Maximal pineapple peeling efficacy of 91.89 % …

Revisiting The Twin Deficits Hypothesis: An Empirical Analysis Of The Relationship Between Budget Deficits And Trade Deficits In Tanzania (2003–2023), Enock S. Mwakalila, Rosemary S. Taylor

Tanzanian Economic Review

The Twin Deficit Hypothesis has been extensively examined across various economic contexts, yet its applicability often depends on a country’s unique economic structure and dynamics. This study revisits the hypothesis in Tanzania, analyzing the relationship between the budget and trade deficits using quarterly time series data from 2005 to 2023. Employing a Granger Causality test within a multivariate Vector Error Correction Model, this research explores the direction of causality between the two deficits. The findings confirm a significant short and long-run relationship between the budget and trade deficits. Specifically, the results reveal a unidirectional short-run causality from the trade deficit …

Do Poverty Traps Exist In Uganda? Household Level Evidence From Panel Data, Alex Aliga, Susan Kavuma, Oryema John Bosco

Tanzanian Economic Review

This study aimed at providing new evidence on the existence of poverty trap among Uganda’s households using Uganda National Panel data. Evidence of the existence of a poverty trap is fundamental in guiding the development of sound policies and interventions targeted to assist in pulling households out of poverty trap. Analysis was based on two sets of panel data comprising 8,122 households from 3 waves (2009/2010-2011/2012) and 12,199 households from 4 waves (2013/2014-2019/2020). Using the PCA constructed asset index approach based on a parametric regression model, we show that a poverty trap exists. This is revealed by the negative quartic …

Understanding The Complementarity And Substitutability Of Cooking Fuels In Developing Countries: Evidence From 2020/21 Tanzania National Panel Survey, Samwel Saimon Lwiza, Monica Sebastian Kauky

Tanzanian Economic Review

Increasing access to alternative energy sources in developing countries might be a potential for multiple energy consumption rather than switching from traditional to modern ones. This study aims to examine the complementarity and substitutability of cooking fuels and factors influencing households’ choices of such fuels in developing countries. Two categories of cooking energy were considered: traditional (dirty) fuels - firewood, charcoal and kerosene; and modern (cleaner) fuels - Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and electricity. Based on a nationally representative sample of 5,199 households from the Tanzania National Panel Survey (NPS) of 2020/21, results from a Multivariate Probit model indicate that …

Manufacturing Exports Drivers In Tanzania: The Applicability Of H-O Theorem, Mugisha R. Rweyemamu

Tanzanian Economic Review

This paper analyses the drivers of manufacturing exports in Tanzania to demonstrate the applicability of the Heckscher–Ohlin theorem through new trade theories in the manufacturing sector. The study hypothesises that: the labour force positively determines manufacturing exports; GDP has a positive impact on manufacturing exports; and manufacturing production has a positive impact on manufacturing exports. The paper employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) approach. Lagged manufacturing exports, labour force and trade liberalisation were found to be significant drivers of manufacturing exports. The findings support the H-O theorem and its complements by new trade theories for the Tanzanian manufacturing sector. The …

A Revisit Of The Causal Effect Of Debt Burden On Inflation Dynamics In Tanzania, Cornel Joseph, Mirau N. Mbise

Tanzanian Economic Review

This research paper delves into the impact of national debt on inflation in Tanzania. It uses the autoregressive distributed lag model and the Granger causality approach, with quarterly data from 2003 to 2023. The findings show that total debt stock and public external debt have a negative effect on inflation in the long run. Meanwhile, long-term inflation is positively influenced by both private and public external debt. The study also reveals that national debt has a one-way causal relationship with inflation in Tanzania. These results suggest that the government should focus on managing public debt when making decisions to control …

Who Bears The Burden? An Assessment Of Vulnerability And Resilience To Consecutive Disasters In The Portland Metro Region, Idowu Ajibade, Jason Sauer, Matthew Walter, James M. Done, Ming Ge, Elliot Gall, Aswatha Raghunathasami, Paul C. Loikith, Chris Lower, Heejun Chang, Arun Pallathadka, E Mae Sowards

Geography Faculty Publications and Presentations

Climate-related disasters threaten urban areas worldwide, yet gaps remain in understanding how multiple stressors interact to shape resilience. This study examines exposure, vulnerability, and resilience across three consecutive extreme events in the Portland metro area: the September 2020 wildfire-related air pollution, the February 2021 snowstorm, and the June 2021 heatwave. We used geographically weighted regression and Spearman rank correlation analysis to investigate relationships between hazard impacts, the social vulnerability index (SoVI), Baseline Resilience Indicators for Communities (BRIC), and proximity to community-based organizations (CBOs) in 416 census tracts. Our analysis reveals strong spatial correlations between wildfire-related air pollution, winter storm impacts, …

The Role Of Pastinformation, Time, And Emotional Pressure In Heuristic Decision-Making, James Albanus, Martin Chegere

Tanzanian Economic Review

Unlike the assumptions of classical rational choice theory, decision-makers are far less rational and not always self-interested. Decision-makers normally have less than perfect information, face limited time to make decisions, fall into cognitive biases, and reciprocate. Behavioural economics argues that decision-makers typically face bounded rationality and adopt simple, intuitive “rules of thumb” instead of calculating optimal solutions for every decision they make.

Using insights from behavioural economics, this paper explores how people with economic goals make decisions under time and emotional pressure. Specifically, it examines how a goalkeeper, as an economic agent, makes decisions during a penalty session using data …

Russian Verbs Of Motion In L2 Acquisition: Testing The Efficacy Of A Usage-Based Approach, Tobias-Alexander Herrmann

Russian Language Journal

Unprefixed Russian motion verbs present unique challenges for second language (L2) learners as they encode distinct types of motion events. Traditional, directionality-based methods of teaching these verbs have faced criticism, prompting the adoption of alternative, cognitively informed approaches. This article builds on usage-based methodologies, such as those proposed by Nesset and Janda (2022), to investigate whether teaching unprefixed verbs of motion (UVoMs) as constructions can enhance L2 instruction. Using the frequent UVoM pair idti and xodit′ , both meaning ‘walk’, as a case study, I pursue two main goals. First, drawing on corpus data, I examine the construction UVoM + …

From Gesture To Coded Knowledge: Rediscovering And Redefining Tpr When Teaching Russian Motion Verbs In An Outdoor Classroom, Elena Susanna Weygandt

Russian Language Journal

The necessity to move my Russian as a second language (L2) classroom in an event tent during the “main” pandemic year encouraged me to create lessons engaging students’ movement and thus rediscover the Total Physical Response (TPR) method. This article presents the case for using TPR-inspired teaching as a mode to be considered in instruction of Russian verbs of motion (VoM). TPR, a teaching method and language acquisition theory suggested by James Asher in the 1960s, has further evolved in TPR role-playing and TPR storytelling and is used in L2 instruction today (e.g., Cook, 2008, p. 132; Davidheiser, 2002; Elliott …

Directionality Of Motion In Second Language Acquisition: With A Focus On L1-Korean L2-Russian Speakers, Hakyung Jung, Hyug Ahn, Jacee Cho

Russian Language Journal

This paper examines L2 acquisition of directionality of Russian motion verbs by L1-Korean speakers in terms of Slobin’s (1996) Thinking-for-Speaking (TFS) hypothesis and the markedness principle. Although directionality is lexically encoded in the verb in both Korean and Russian, the organization of this concept differs. In Russian, directionality is categorized solely by the feature [+/- directional], whereas in Korean, motion event expressions are distinguished not only by [+/-directional] but also by [+/-multi]. Experiments on L1-Korean, L1- Russian, and L1-Korean L2-Russian speakers demonstrated that (i) in Korean, the presence or absence of an explicit goal plays an important role in verb …

Introduction To The Special Issue: Searching For Alternative Approaches To Conceptualizing And Teaching Russian Verbs Of Motion: Bridging Linguistics And Teaching Practice, Maria Bondarenko

Russian Language Journal

This special issue seeks to account for the current status of an emerging trend we have observed in linguistics and L2 instruction over the last two decades: reconceptualizing Russian verbs of motion (VoM). To contextualize the contributions to the issue, in this Introduction, I will give an overview of how this trend has evolved from its inception until the present time, delineating within it two successive stages called the Cognitive Turn and Instructional Turn.

Integration Of Mechanism-Driven Computational Modeling And Public Data Resources For Chemical Toxicity Assessment, Elena Chung

Theses and Dissertations

Regulatory toxicology depends primarily on animal testing, which limits throughput, mechanistic interpretability, and applicability to human-relevant endpoints. This dissertation presents computational approaches that integrate publicly available bioactivity data with machine learning to support chemical safety evaluation. Oral carcinogenicity was modeled using curated chemicals from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) and activity data from over 1,900 PubChem assays. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models trained on statistically prioritized assays demonstrated strong predictive performance and were applied to rank the carcinogenic potential of more than 16,000 compounds. Hepatotoxicity was evaluated using a hybrid modeling approach that combined structural …

Institutional Quality And Public Debt Dynamics In Sub-Saharan Africa: Implications For Fiscal Sustainability, Abdullahi Sani

CBN Journal of Applied Statistics (JAS)

This paper examines the impact of institutional quality on public debt dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) from 2010 to 2023. Using the system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM)estimator, the study investigates how key governance dimensions (control of corruption, government effectiveness, political stability, regulatory quality, rule of law, and voice and accountability) affect public debt dynamics across 41 SSA countries. GDP growth, debt servicing, population growth, trade openness, inflation, unemployment, and government expenditure, are used to capture broader debt drivers. The results indicate that a one-unit improvement in overall institutional quality reduces debt-to-GDP ratio by approximately 0.92%. Control of corruption, government …

The Creation And Theoretical Assessment Of Polymethyl Methacrylate (Pmma) Incorporated With Sio2 Nanoparticles To Improve Optical Characteristics And Correct Contact Lens Performance, Khalid Mahdi Jasim, Zahra Al-Timimi, Hind Al-Tahan

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

This research evaluated and synthesized a contact lens material based on polymers. The foundation substance is polymethyl methacrylate, or PMMA. In order to increase the total refractive index of the lens, silicon dioxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles with an average diameter of 30 nm were added. The PMMA has been supplemented with concentrations of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% of SiO₂ nanoparticles. Investigations were conducted on how various SiO₂ concentrations affected the optical properties of PMMA lenses. An analysis using spectroscopy was performed to determine the impact of varying SiO₂ concentrations on the lens’s characteristics. By …

A Pedagogical Analysis Of How Unprefixed Verbs Of Motion Are Presented In Instructional Materials For Beginner Russian Language Learners, Elena Petrova, Kris Lewis

Russian Language Journal

It is well-known that verbs of motion (VoM) are quite challenging for Russian language learners. We analyze four VoM-specific pedagogical materials (three textbooks and one mobile application) for their usefulness in supporting second language acquisition and the development of new thinking-for-speaking (TFS) patterns in beginner-level Russian language learners. Focusing on directionality, scaffolding, comprehensible input, the use of visuals, and communicative activities, we highlight how these materials lay a foundation for understanding VoM but are not sufficient for helping learners fully develop new TFS patterns. We pose recommendations for future research, teaching, learning, and materials development in the area of Russian …

Spotlight: Russian Aspect In Conversation And Russian Grammar Youtube Channel, Margaret Godwin-Jones

Russian Language Journal

The Digital Resources Corner (DRC) offers reviews of new digital resources that could be beneficial in the teaching and/or learning of Slavic languages. It is intended for instructors looking for or evaluating different materials to use in the classroom.

“Absolute And Arbitrary”: How The Supreme Court’S Certiorari Power Violates The Nondelegation Doctrine, Dinis Cheian

BYU Law Review

The Exceptions Clause of Article III of the Constitution is clear that “Congress” “shall make” the rules prescribing the Court’s “appellate jurisdiction.” And so Congress did for almost 150 years. But in the twentieth century, Congress delegated its power to the Supreme Court in the form of—as Chief Justice Taft demanded—”absolute and arbitrary” discretion to pick its appellate cases. Today, under the resulting certiorari regime, the Court enjoys that unbridled discretion in selecting its cases.

Because Congress delegated its power to the Court without articulating “an intelligible principle,” certiorari jurisdiction violates the nondelegation doctrine and is unconstitutional. This Article is …

Not Her Fault: Ai Deepfakes, Nonconsensual Pornography, And Federal Law’S Current Failure To Protect Victims, Taylor Percival James

BYU Law Review

No abstract provided.

Incidental Finding Of Extra Parathyroid And Cardiac Pathologies Detected On Parathyroid And Myocardial Perfusion Scans With Technetium-99m Methoxyisobutylisonitrile: A Retrospective Study, Afnan M.F. Darwesh, Leen Albalbeesi, Adnan A.S. Alahmadi, Rawan Abdeen, Duaa Banaja, Hamzah H. Ahmed, Nadia Batawil

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Medical Sciences

Background: 99^mTc-MIBI is a lipophilic cation that can accumulate within the mitochondria of metabolically active tumor cells and is routinely used for parathyroid and myocardial perfusion imaging. Cases of incidental findings during parathyroid scintigraphy and myocardial perfusion scans using 99^mTc-MIBI have been reported previously. However, retrospective studies with more extensive sample data are lacking.

Objectives: This observational study retrospectively analyzed 99^mTc- MIBI parathyroid and myocardial perfusion images to describe incidental extra-parathyroid and cardiac uptake.

Methods: A retrospective review of 308 parathyroid and myocardial perfusion 99^mTc-MIBI scans was performed between January 2019 and …

Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids And Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among Adults In Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Sarah N. Alsharif, Doaa A. Alyoubi, Wadyan R. Alzahrani, Sali M. Alamoudi, Abeer A. Aljahdali

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Medical Sciences

Background: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are a potential modifiable factor in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. There is a dearth in the knowledge on PUFA knowledge and dietary intake among Saudis.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess PUFA knowledge and dietary intakes among Saudi Arabian adults with CVD risk factors. Furthermore, the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors related to PUFAs knowledge were investigated, shedding light on the factors associated with PUFAs.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 211 adults. The level of PUFAs knowledge was assessed using six close-ended questions, and a correct answer was worth one point. PUFAs intake was …

Vocal Hygiene Practices Among Primary School Teachers In Jeddah City, Ghadah G. Alharbi

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Medical Sciences

Background: Hygiene practices among primary school teachers in Jeddah City, focusing on their academic qualifications, teaching experience, and knowledge of vocal hygiene.

Methods: A digital questionnaire prepared using Google Forms was posted online with a description and distributed electronically to primary school teachers in Jeddah City. It consisted of 14 items, which were developed to achieve the study’s objectives.

Results: The results show high averages for "Reducing the noise in the classroom" (3.48), while "I use the microphone in large classes" is ranked last, with an average of 1.28. In addition, the results show that 38% know where to seek …

The Importance Of Measuring Quality Of Life For Orthognathic Patients, Shoroog H. Agou, Salma H. Ghoneim

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Medical Sciences

Orthognathic surgery is increasingly recognized for its dual role in correcting jaw and facial deformities and significantly enhancing patients' quality of life (QoL). Historically, the evaluation of orthognathic surgery has focused on clinical outcomes such as occlusion and aesthetics. However, recent research emphasizes the broader impact on psychosocial and functional aspects of well-being. This literature review explores the QoL outcomes following orthognathic surgery, highlighting both short- and long-term improvements in domains such as self-esteem, social confidence, and oral function. The Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) and other validated patient- reported outcome measures (PROMs) are discussed as essential tools for …