Digital Commons Network^™

Latent Subtypes Of Comorbidities In Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Insights From Social Media, Laxmi Manasa Gorugantu, Nevine Nawar, Omar F. El-Gayar

Research & Publications

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic neurological disease associated with various physical and cognitive impairments. Individuals with MS might also experience medical and psychiatric comorbidities that can exacerbate the severity of the disease and lower their overall well-being. Therefore, it becomes essential to identify these co-occurring health conditions at the early stages to optimize treatment and improve patient outcomes. Consequently, the objective of this study is to explore the commonly occurring comorbidities among MS patients around the globe from social media discourse. Furthermore, it aims to unveil public perceptions, providing insights that might not be captured via clinical research methods. The …

Highlighting Competency Gaps In Health Informatics Education Using Advanced Text-Embedding Models, Omar F. El-Gayar, Abdullah Wahbeh, Mohammad Al-Ramahi, Ahmed Elnoshokaty

Research & Publications

The healthcare sector anticipates substantial growth, with 125,000 job openings by 2026, including 69,000 middle-skilled positions. Despite this growth, data use and integration inefficiencies cost the sector $750 billion annually. Health informatics, an interdisciplinary field blending healthcare, computer, information, and cognitive sciences, can address these challenges through enhanced healthcare management via information technology. However, there is a critical disparity between competencies taught in educational programs and those demanded by the job market. This study examines competencies from job postings on Indeed.com and accredited health informatics programs, comparing them with the Health Information Technology Competencies (HITComp) database. Utilizing advanced text-embedding models, …

Generative Ai And Academic Integrity In Higher Education: A Systematic Review And Research Agenda, Kyle Bittle, Omar F. El-Gayar

Research & Publications

This systematic literature review rigorously evaluates the impact of Generative AI (GenAI) on academic integrity within higher education settings. The primary objective is to synthesize how GenAI technologies influence student behavior and academic honesty, assessing the benefits and risks associated with their integration. We defined clear inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on studies explicitly discussing GenAI’s role in higher education from January 2021 to December 2024. Databases included ABI/INFORM, ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, and JSTOR, with the last search conducted in May 2024. A total of 41 studies met our precise inclusion criteria. Our synthesis methods involved qualitative analysis …

A Systematic Literature Review Of Ai, Education, And Change In Radiology Practice, Cherie Noteboom, Vahini Atluri, Sai Mounika Chintalapudi

Research & Publications

Radiology is undergoing a role change as Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in clinical workflows, reshaping the roles, responsibilities, and educational needs of radiologists. As professionals known for their autonomy and expertise, radiologists face significant transitions that require effective change management and educational support. The systematic literature review is guided by the PRISMA methodology and synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed research between 2019 and 2024 to explore how AI integration influences radiology practice and training. Anchored in the GrandFusion Framework—a novel theoretical synthesis of Dewey’s Experiential Learning, Simon’s Bounded Rationality, Lewin’s Change Management, Davis’s Technology Acceptance Model, and Rogers’s Diffusion …

From Imaging To Insights: Ai’S Role In Radiology Transformation Through 2pdt And 4aim, Cherie Noteboom, Sai Mounika Chintalapudi, Vahini Atluri

Research & Publications

Artificial intelligence (AI) is progressively integrated into radiologists' processes, improving diagnostic precision, decision-making, and operational efficiency. This systematic literature review (SLR) is a Meta- analysis utilizing the PRISMA framework that investigates the transformative impact of AI in radiology by analyzing studies published from January 2019 to December 2024 across the academic databases of ACM Digital Library, IEEE/IET, Elsevier ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and PubMed. The research employs the People, Process, Data, and Technology (2PDT) framework to classify AI technologies and assess their effects on patient outcomes, radiologists' experiences, and healthcare system performance. The findings indicate the substantial contributions of AI, including enhanced …

A Systematic Literature Review On Ai Chatbots In Automating Customer Support For E-Commerce, Sai Mounika Chintalapudi, Omar F. El-Gayar, Cherie Noteboom

Research & Publications

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed the e-commerce sector, particularly through the integration of AI-powered chatbots. This study conducts a systematic literature review to examine how chatbots align with the eight foundational features of e-commerce technology: ubiquity, global reach, universal standards, interactivity, information richness, information density, personalization/customization, and social technology. Guided by the PRISMA framework, the review addresses two primary research questions: (1) How do AI-driven chatbots support the unique features of e-commerce technology? and (2) What technological advancements enhance their functionality in this context? Relevant literature was retrieved from five major academic databases: ACM Digital …

Mapping The Intersection Of Blockchain And Project Management: A Bibliometric Review, Cherie Noteboom, David Zeng, Sai Neelima Seru, Sai Mounika Chintalapudi

Research & Publications

This study presents a bibliometric analysis of 93 peer-reviewed articles examining the intersection of blockchain technology and project management. Utilizing PRISMA and analytical tools such as VOSviewer, bibliometrix R, and python, it identifies publication trends, keyword co-occurrence, and three thematic clusters: blockchain infrastructure, project management, and industry application domains. Results reveal rapid growth since 2018 and conceptual tensions between centralized project methods and decentralized technologies. This analysis contributes a structured overview of how blockchain is reshaping project environments, offering insights for both researchers and practitioners seeking to align emerging technologies with project governance and execution models.

Systematic Review Of Lattice-Based Cryptography Algorithms For Securing Blockchain Networks In The Post-Quantum Era, Salim Arfaoui, Omar El-Gayar

Research & Publications

The rise of quantum computing threatens blockchain security as traditional cryptographic schemes become vulnerable. Lattice-based cryptography has emerged as a promising quantum-resistant solution. This systematic literature review uniquely provides an in-depth, blockchain-specific analysis of lattice-based cryptographic integration challenges. Following PRISMA guidelines, we analyzed 48 studies published between 2017-2025 from major academic databases. Unlike previous reviews that broadly examine post-quantum cryptography, we identify critical blockchain-specific implementation barriers, performance bottlenecks, and standardization gaps. Key challenges include computational overhead, protocol compatibility, and the need for lightweight cryptographic standards. Despite these challenges, lattice-based cryptography demonstrates significant potential for enhancing blockchain security in the quantum …

Knowledge Management Processes For Improving Supply Chain Performance - A Systematic Literature Review, Sai Neelima Seru, Omar El-Gayar

Research & Publications

This study presents a systematic review of 36 articles published between 2020 and 2025 to explore how knowledge management processes improve supply chain performance. Using the Resource-Based, Knowledge-Based, and Dynamic Capability View as theoretical lenses, the review examines KM processes - creation, storage, sharing, and application across the People-Process-Technology (PPT) dimensions. The findings show that KM enhances collaboration, agility, resilience, innovation, and sustainability by balancing human enablers, structured processes, and digital technologies. The review positions KM as a strategic capability and suggests that future research should explore KM integration with AI and blockchain to build smarter, more adaptive supply chains.

Germination Capacity Of Artemisia Umbelliformis Lam. Wild Populations And Agro-Techniques To Enhance Seedling Production, Matteo Case, Eric Mozzanini, Andrea Mainett, Íris Marisa Maxaieie Victorino, Erica Lumini, Sonia Demasi, Valeria Bianciotto, Laura Poggio, Valentina Scariot

All Grantees Publications

Artemisia umbelliformis Lam. is an alpine herbaceous species that grows in the wild and is mainly used for producing génépi liqueur. It has applications as an ingredient in several food products. Its propagation and cultivation have become the only way to ensure a sustainable supply, thus conserving its occurrence in natural habitats. However, low success rates in seed germination usually limit its propagation. Selected seeds and fine-tuned agro-techniques are priorities in nursery production systems. The current research explored seed germination in three wild A. umbelliformis populations from Valnontey, Soana, and Urtier in the Italian Alps. We evaluated seed germination ability …

Investigating Tree Diversity And Structure Across Varying Land Cover Classes And Altitudes In The Savanna Woodlands Of Sudan, Nasradeen A. H Gadallah, Zoro Bertin Gone B, Victor Ongoma, Abdelhakam Esmaeil Mohamed Ahmed, Ahmed M. M. Hasoba, Ahmed A. H Siddig

All Grantees Publications

Climate and land use changes significantly endanger tree species’ structure and diversity in savanna woodlands. The destruction of these ecosystems hinders the achievement of several global environmental and development targets, notably SDGs 2, 13, and 15, which underscores the need for continuous tree monitoring to inform decision-making on biodiversity conservation. This study aims to characterize the relationships between tree diversity and structure across different land cover (LC) classes—Dense tree cover (D), Sparse tree cover (S), Grasslands (G), and Wetlands (W)—and altitudinal gradients (AGs) in Alain forest, located in Sudan’s savanna woodlands. A systematic sampling was used across varying AGs and …

Biobased Emulsion Breakers: Investigating Red Onion Skin And Orange Mesocarp Extracts For Oilfield Application, Victor-Oji Cynthia Onyekachi, Emechebe, Stanley Chijioke, Ikwani Chizurumoke God’Sdelight, Opusunju Allwell, Akaranta Onyewuchi

All Grantees Publications

Oilfield emulsions pose significant operational challenges, affecting crude oil recovery efficiency and refining processes. Conventional chemical demulsifiers, often derived from petroleum-based compounds, pose environmental and economic concerns due to their toxicity and high production costs. This study investigates the potential of plant-based alternatives—Red Onion Skin Extract (ROSE) and Orange Mesocarp Extract (OME) - as environmentally friendly, cost-effective demulsifiers. This novel approach leverages the bioactive compounds in these extracts to destabilize oil-water emulsions efficiently. Four demulsifier formulations were developed: ROSE, OME, ROSE-NaBenzoate (ROSE-NaB), and OME-NaBenzoate (OME-NaB). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of active functional groups responsible for interfacial …

Insights Into The Optoelectronic And Thermoelectric Properties Of Lead-Free Rb2nairf6 Double Perovskite Compound: A First-Principles Study, Mwende Mbilo, Robinson Musembi, John Peter Kachira, Wisley Nyangau Onsate, Fanuel Mugwanga Keheze, Refilwe Edwin Mapasha

All Grantees Publications

This study investigated the structural, electronic, elastic, mechanical, thermodynamic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of the Rb2NaIrF6 lead-free double perovskite compound using first-principles methods. The structural stability of the perovskite was confirmed by the Goldschmidt tolerance and octahedral factors. Dynamic stability was confirmed through the negative energy of formation and positive frequency modes of the phonon dispersion curve. The dynamic stability results suggest that the studied compound could be potentially synthesised experimentally. The Rb2NaIrF6 compound is a direct semiconductor with electronic band gaps within the range of 2.14–3.76 eV, computed using different approximations. The mechanical stability was confirmed by the elastic …

Geagrow: A Mobile Tool For Soil Nutrient Prediction And Fertilizer Optimization Using Artificial Neural Networks, Olusegun Folorunso, Oluwafolake Ojo, Mutiu Busari, Muftau Adebayo, Joshua Adejumobi, Daniel Folorunso, Femi Ayo, Orobosade Alabi, Olusola Olabanjo

All Grantees Publications

Introduction: Most farmers in Nigeria lack knowledge of their farmland’s nutrient content, often relying on intuition for crop cultivation. Even when aware, they struggle to interpret soil information, leading to improper fertilizer application, which can degrade soil and ground water quality. Traditional soil nutrient analysis requires field sample collection and laboratory analysis; a tedious and timeconsuming process. Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) leverages Machine Learning (ML) to create detailed soil maps, helping mitigate nutrient depletion. Despite its growing use, existing DSM-based ML methods face challenges in prediction accuracy and data representation. Aim: This study presents GeaGrow, an innovative mobile app that …

Cleancity Iot: A Vehicle-Mounted Platform For Real-Time Urban Air-Quality Monitoring And Forecasting In Resource-Constrained African Cities, Eric Nizeyimana, Damien Hanyurwimfura, Gabriel Uwanyirigira, Bonaventure Karikumutima, Jimmy Nsenga, Irene Niyonambaza Mihigo

All Grantees Publications

Urban air pollution is a growing public-health challenge in African cities, yet traditional monitoring stations are sparse and expensive. The paper presents CleanCity IoT, a deployed, low-cost, vehicle-mounted air-quality platform that combines IoT sensors, GSM connectivity, cloud aggregation, and machine learning to produce near-real-time exposure maps and 2-hour forecasts for multiple pollutants. Each device integrates low-cost sensors for PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, O₃, SO₂, and CO₂, alongside temperature and humidity. Measurements are geotagged and transmitted over mobile networks form vehicles to a cloud backend, where data are validated, stored, and visualized through a user-friendly dashboard that also issues automated alerts and …

Therapeutic Potential Of Brassica Carinata Microgreens Extract In Alleviating Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes In Wistar Rats, Lilian Nakakaawa, Ifeoluwa D. Gbala, Joel L. Bargul, Xavier Cheseto, John M. Wesonga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Microgreens of Brassica plants have attracted increasing research interest in the management of the prevailing epidemic of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) because of their high nutritional value. This study evaluated the antidiabetic effects of Brassica carinata Microgreens Ethanolic Extract (BMEE) in type-2 diabetic rats. For the normoglycemic assay, rats were divided into five groups and received a single oral dose of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg of BMEE while the control groups received distilled water and Glibenclamide. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were determined on a weekly basis for 28 days in diabetic rats after treatment with BMEE at …

Comparing Patency Of Pulmonary Stent Implantation And Balloon Angioplasty In Pulmonary Vein Stenosis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Izza Batool, Muhammad K. Khan, Muhammad Zohaib, Ibrahim A. Khan, Syed A. A. Bukhari, Shreeja Shah, Khaled Harmouch, Hussam Al Hennawi, Bruce D. Klugherz

Abington Jefferson Health Papers

Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is an insidious diagnosis associated with morbidity and mortality. Pharmacologic therapy may suffice initially, but advanced stages demand mechanical intervention. Pulmonary stent implantation (PSI) and pulmonary balloon angioplasty (PBA) are common strategies, both carrying restenosis risks. This meta‐analysis compares PSI and PBA to determine the superior revascularization strategy. We systematically searched databases until November 2023, identifying 11 studies with 780 patients. Studies, including those involving patients undergoing balloon angioplasty (BA) or stent angioplasty (SA) for PVS, were selected. Case reports, editorials, and cross‐sectional studies were omitted. Primary outcomes included restenosis requiring reintervention, 5‐year freedom from restenosis, …

Revascularization Strategies For Multivessel Disease In Acute Coronary Syndrome: Network Meta-Analysis, Khaled M. Harmouch, Mohammad Hamza, Nomesh Kumar, Zarghoona Wajid, Neel Patel, Masooma Naseem, Jawad Basit, Prakash Upreti, Manoj Kumar, Waqas Ullah, Yasar Sattar, Timir K. Paul, Emmanouil Brilakis, M. Chadi Alraies

Abington Jefferson Health Papers

BACKGROUND: The optimal revascularization strategy for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and multivessel disease (MVD) remains debated. This study compares the efficacy and safety of different revascularization strategies in these patients.

METHODS: We included 20 studies comparing staged, complete, and culprit-only (CO) revascularization strategies in patients with ACS and MVD. We divided the revascularization strategies into 3 distinct strategies: CO, complete index procedure (CIP), and complete staged procedure (CSP). We then compared CIP and CSP with CO. Outcomes studied are all-cause mortality, cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), need for revascularization, bleeding, contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), stroke, bleeding, and stent …

Strategic Factors For Blockchain Implementation In Supply Chains, Aravindh Sekar, Cherie Noteboom, Deb Tech

Research & Publications

This study identifies twelve critical factors influencing the successful implementation of Blockchain Technology (BCT) in supply chain processes, addressing the significant gap in understanding the practical and theoretical complexities of blockchain implementation. Through semi-structured interviews and grounded theory analysis, the concept of Decentralized Coordination and Sustainability was derived in addition to themes such as Strategic Alignment and Leadership Commitment, Organizational Adaptability and Resilience, Data Security and Integrity, User Preparedness and Engagement. These themes provide a novel theoretical lens to explore blockchain’s role in enhancing supply chain transparency, traceability, and collaboration. The study bridges strategic frameworks with decentralized technologies, providing actionable …

Nuclear Intron Sequence Variation Of The Bulinus Globosus Complex (Mollusca: Planorbidae): Implications For Molecular Systematic Analyses, Chairat Tantrawatpan, Kotchaphon Vaisusuk, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Warayutt Pilap, Naruemon Bunchom, Ross H. Andrews, Tongjit Thanchomnang, Wanchai Maleewong, Weerachai Saijuntha

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Urinary schistosomiasis is caused by the blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium, which is predominantly found in Africa. The freshwater snail Bulinus globosus is its main intermediate host. The species that make up the B. globosus group are genetically complex, and their taxonomic status remains controversial. Genetic variation, heterozygosity, and DNA recombination in B. globosus were examined using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and the intron 3 region of the arginine kinase gene (AkInt3). A total of 81 B. globosus snails were collected from three different localities in Kwale County, Kenya. Genomic diversity, heterozygosity, DNA recombination, and haplotype network …

Mapping Engineering Ethics Education, R Tormey, T Børsen, Shannon Chance, T T Lennerfors, Diana Adela Martin, G Bombaerts

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Writing a handbook implies describing the fundamental information needed by those teaching or researching in a field. This is a challenging task when the field is still maturing. This handbook grew from the idea that we could ‘collaboratively write’ engineering ethics education. In this introduction, we define the field in three dimensions: engineering, ethics, and education. The latter dimension is divided into three parts: the subjects that shape the teaching of engineering ethics education, the understanding of learners and learning that informs the pedagogical choices made, and the fusion of these two in the pedagogical methods used in teaching engineering …

Protein Ingestion And High-Intensity Resistance Training Decrease Respiratory Exchange Ratio Following Exercise In Females Across Various Body Compositions., Lynnsey Bowling

Dissertations

Metabolic dysfunction is associated with excess adipose tissue and interventions to elicit improvements to body composition could combat these health consequences. Acute nutritional and exercise strategies have the potential to shift metabolic processes toward those favoring fat oxidation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) and pre-exercise protein (PRO) ingestion on post-exercise respiratory exchange ratio (RER) in lean (LN) and overweight (OW) females. Twenty recreationally-active females (LN: n =10; OW: n = 10) completed two experimental sessions, consisting of HIRT and two acute nutritional interventions: PRO and placebo (PLA). RER was analyzed …

Astaxanthin Supplementation Does Not Significantly Alter Cognitive Performance Following Mental Fatigue In Females, Gavin A. Barker

Dissertations

Mental fatigue (MF) is a psychobiological state caused by prolonged periods of demanding cognitive activity, often characterized by impairments to cognitive performance. Astaxanthin (AX) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that can cross the blood-brain barrier and may preserve cognition when presented with a MF challenge. As yet, no studies have yet been conducted in an all-female cohort. This is the first study to investigate 4-weeks of AX supplementation on markers of cognitive performance (reaction time (RT), speed, and responses correct per second (RCS), visual analog scale of mental exertion (VAS-E)) following acute MF. Twenty-five recreationally active female subjects (AX: n …

The Impact Of University Engagement On Psychosocial Factors Among Division I Female Student-Athletes, Ashley A. Cook

Dissertations

Background: Female student-athletes navigate unique psychosocial challenges balancing academics and athletics, yet limited research has explored the impact of university engagement on their social and emotional well-being. This study examines the impact of university engagement on sense of social fit (SSF), nonspecific psychological distress (NPD), and loneliness among Division I female student-athletes.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among female student-athletes (n = 111) from eight sports at a mid-sized NCAA Division I university in the Southern U.S. Participants completed validated measures using the SSF scale, UCLA Loneliness scale, and Kessler-6 Psychological Distress scale. An exploratory factor analysis was performed …

Comparison Of Post-Exercise Lipid Oxidation Rates Between Lower And 1 Upper-Body Resistance Training In Well-Trained Females, Alyssa L. Parten

Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Lipid oxidation (LOx) is a relevant physiological process linked to metabolic health. Despite growing interest in resistance training (RT) as a means to influence substrate utilization LOx responses in females remain poorly characterized, with no study examining whether lower- and upper body RT elicits different LOx patterns during the recovery period following exercise. This distinction may  be relevant because lower-body exercises involves greater fat-free mass (FFM) and energy expenditure,  whereas upper-body exercises recruit less FFM, potentially influencing metabolic effects.

PURPOSE: To  determine if LOx rates after exercise differ between lower- and upper-body RT in well-trained females.

METHODS: Twenty-two females …

Menstrual Cycle Phase Exerts No Influence On Running Economy Parameters In Recreational Female Runners, Savanna K. Knight

Dissertations

Hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout the menstrual cycle (MC) have been shown to affect substrate utilization and oxygen uptake when running. These MC induced changes could manifest as altered running economy (RE) when expressed as energy cost (Ec) and oxygen cost (O2c). Therefore, the current study aimed to determine if RE differs between MC phases, the early follicular phase (E-FP) and the mid-luteal phase (M-LP). Twelve eumenorrheic female recreational runners (ages 25 ± 4y; VO2peak 40.9±4.6 ml/kg/min) completed submaximal RE bouts (60%, 70%, 80% of VO2peak) during the E-FP and M-LP. During each bout, oxygen consumption (VO2), respiratory exchange ratio …

A Tale Of Two Educators: An Observational Case Study, Victoria Vanuitert, Lauren Zepp, Jennifer Malone, Stacy Mcguire, Alexandra Newson, Gwendolyn K. Deger, Shannon Core

Journal of Case Learning & Exceptional Learners

Increasing numbers of disabled and neurodivergent students are enrolling in postsecondary institutions, including teacher preparation programs. Although teacher educators strive to prepare their students to use strategies and provide support effectively in their future classrooms, many of these educators need tools to offer comparable services to disabled and neurodivergent preservice teachers. Specifically, disabled and neurodivergent preservice teachers have reported barriers to disclosing their disabilities and receiving access to needed accommodations. Instead, they report feeling scrutinized as to whether they are capable of being teachers due to their disability. These experiences seem to be especially pronounced during their teaching placement, and …

Bridging Theory And Practice: The Power Of A Mathematics Clinic In Teacher Preparation, Kelly A. Clark, Chrystal O. Dean, Josie Barnes, Hadley Seifert, Lauren Young

Journal of Case Learning & Exceptional Learners

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the National Council on Teaching Mathematics (NCTM) released a joint statement on the importance of preparing special education teachers to teach mathematics (NCTM & CEC, 2024). They provided implications for institutions of higher education with teacher preparation programs, one of which included requiring special education majors to take a minimum of one mathematics course with mathematics content directed specifically to PK-12 mathematics and include field-based learning opportunities within that course. Powell (2015) indicated that effective preparation in mathematics related to special education should include multiple facets, including planned field experiences. Planned field experiences …

Front Matter

Journal of Air Law and Commerce

No abstract provided.

Fake Parts, Real Threats: Combating The Infiltration Of Counterfeit Parts In The Aviation Industry, Jennifer Su

Journal of Air Law and Commerce

This Comment addresses the historic and current-day issue of counterfeit aircraft parts in the aviation industry. Counterfeit parts—also known as fake parts, bogus parts, unapproved parts, and suspected unapproved parts (SUPs)—are any parts that do not conform to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) standards and regulations. Given the lackluster availability of public information and coverage over the issue, this Comment aims to bring more attention to the very real threat of fake aircraft parts.

From the beginning of U.S. commercial aviation and the creation of regulations governing aircraft designs and parts, counterfeit parts have plagued the aviation industry. Although …