Digital Commons Network^™

Guns, Bombs, And Pollution: Unraveling The Nexus Between Warfare, Terrorism, And Ecological Devastation In Iraq, Hogr Tarkhani

The Journal of Social Encounters

Iraq's environment has experienced significant pollution and degradation, earning it the dubious distinction of being one of the most polluted and degraded regions globally, according to the Globe Pollution Review. The past three decades of armed conflict have exacted a heavy toll on the country, resulting in widespread human suffering, including countless fatalities, injuries, and a massive displacement of people. Amidst this death and destruction, the ecosystem has also endured severe damage, and its decline carries long-lasting implications.

The environmental crisis in Iraq has been worsened by the presence of extremist groups such as the Islamic State (ISIS) and various …

On Dialogue And Beyond: Positive Environmental Peacebuilding In Palestine, Elsa Barron

The Journal of Social Encounters

In Palestine, environmental management has been used as a tool of military occupation and oppression. Yet even within that context, many community-based organizations have established programs relating to environmental peacebuilding. Of these initiatives, environmental dialogue programs have received significant attention and resources, even more so since the war in Gaza began in October, 2023. However, a deeper interrogation of these programs reveals the danger that dialogue and collaboration devoid of a critical analysis of power and injustice further perpetuates systemic oppression. Moving these programs into the realm of positive environmental peacebuilding requires a willingness to engage in this structural analysis. …

Environmental Peacebuilding: Yesterday, Today, And Tomorrow, Ken Conca

The Journal of Social Encounters

The field of environmental peacebuilding emerged as a counter to the idea that violent conflict was an inevitable byproduct of environmental change. Two decades ago, my colleague Geoffrey Dabelko and I published a book, Environmental Peacemaking, sketching the argument that ecological interdependencies could be instrumentalized as a force for peace (Conca & Dabelko, 2002). Other early works from this period focused on the peace opportunities in biodiversity conservation (Matthew et al., 2002) and transboundary protected areas (Brock, 1991; Ali, 2007). Since that time, a substantial community of research and practice has emerged around these ideas. In this essay I discuss …

Prenatal, Perinatal And Postnatal Risk Factors Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorder In Palestine: A Case-Control Study, Mustafa Ghanim, Mariam Al-Tell, Samaa Staiti, Maha Rabayaa, Johnny Amer, Malik Alqub, Sameeha Atout, Nihad Al-Othman, Marwa Ismail

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopment disorder. Several prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors are suggested as risk factors for ASD. This study aimed to correlate prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors in a limited number of ASD cases in Palestine. Methods: A case-control study involved 120 children (60 typically diagnosed with ASD and 60 healthy matched with the ASD group). The parents of the children in both groups were asked to fill out the questionnaire. Results: The study showed a higher male-to-female ratio in the ASD group. A family history of ASD was reported in 38.3% of the …

The Attitudes Of Islamic Educational Teachers' Towards E-Learning In Light Of Corona Pandemic In The District Of Education At Al-Qasr Region: Karak Governorate, Zeyad Ahmad Limoun

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

The study aimed to identify the attitudes of Islamic educational teachers towards E-learning in light of the Corona pandemic in the Directorate of Education at Al-Qasr region, and the effects of the following variables (Gender, Academic Qualification, and Years of Experience). To achieve the study’s objectives, the researcher followed the technique of descriptive approach. The sample consisted of (100) teachers. The study tool consisted of (30) items were built to measure trends towards E-learning. The validity and reliability were verified. The results of the study indicated that, the attitudes of Islamic education teachers towards E-learning in light of the Corona …

The Relationship Between Psychological Capital And Self-Compassion Among Yarmouk University Teachers, Mai Ahmad Muheidat, Mohammad M. Al-Anqara

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

This study aimed to find out the relationship between psychological capital and self-compassion among Yarmouk University teachers. The study sample consisted of (104) teachers from Yarmouk University who were selected randomly. To achieve the objectives of the study, the two researchers used the psychological capital scale and the self-compassion scale. The appropriate random design was used for the sample, and the results showed a positive correlation between psychological capital and self-compassion and also revealed a negative correlation between the two dimensions of isolation and excessive autism with psychological capital among Yarmouk University teachers. The study recommended the need to implement …

Returning To School After A Pandemic: K-6 Special Education Teachers Perspectives On Students With Disabilities Returning To School In Regard To Mindset, Behavior, Social Connections, And Academic Achievement, Andrea Xenios

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to determine K-6 special education educators’ perceptions of the impact on students with disabilities returning to school after the trauma of a pandemic for 2 years with regard to behavior, academic achievement, mindset, and social connections.

Methodology: This qualitative study interviewed 10 special education teachers who taught before, during, and after the pandemic in Orange County, CA. Semi-structured open ended interview questions was the main source of data collection with other sources including observations, and artifacts. Data was coded and the researcher analyzed the data for themes and patterns.

Findings: The study …

Predicting Gratitude Based On Personality Traits: A Meta-Analysis, Nancy Frye, Selenay Aytac, Michele M. Dornisch

Post Library Faculty Publications

Research demonstrates benefits of gratitude, ranging from health to behavior. Interventions can increase it, but gratitude also has trait-like properties. Although investigations of gratitude control for personality, the relationship of gratitude and other personality traits can provide insight into the nature of gratitude. We systematically searched PsycINFO, PsycArticles, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science according for empirical articles published in English prior to February 8, 2024. Out of 43 included studies, we examined thirty published studies that included correlations between gratitude and the dimension of the Big Five. Confidence intervals computed across studies suggest that gratitude is related with each …

Treatment And Mortality Following Cancer Diagnosis Among People With Non-Affective Psychotic Disorders In Ontario, Canada: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Jared C. Wootten, Lucie Richard, Melody Lam, Phillip S. Blanchette, Marco Solmi, Kelly K. Anderson

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Publications

Background and Hypothesis People with psychotic disorders have a higher risk of mortality following cancer diagnosis, compared to people without psychosis. The extent to which this disparity is influenced by differences in cancer-related treatment is currently unknown. We hypothesized that, following a cancer diagnosis, people with psychotic disorders were less likely to receive treatment and were at higher risk of death than those without psychosis. Study Design We constructed a retrospective cohort of cases of non-affective psychotic disorder (NAPD) and a general population comparison group, using Ontario Health (OH) administrative data. We identified cases of all cancers diagnosed between 1995 …

What Special Education Teachers Need To Remain: A Qualitative Study, Corey Michael Sharp

Theses and Dissertations

The persistent challenge of teacher attrition, particularly in special education positions, is examined within the context of the East Dillon School District in Dillon, IL. Despite efforts to recruit and retain special education teachers, vacancies remain unfilled, leading to a disruption to the educational experiences of students with disabilities and the practice of special education teachers lacking training and support. This phenomenological qualitative research study examined the experiences of six special education teachers at Lion Middle School. Using Job Embeddedness Theory, Ethics of Care, and Aptitude-Treatment Interaction Theory as the conceptual framework, this study sought to provide the training and …

“You Take My Place; Let’S Switch!” What It Means To Be A Woman Powerlifter In Parasport, Aaron Carl S. Seechung, Maria Luisa M. Guinto

The Qualitative Report

Gendered disability in elite sport has emerged as a pertinent area of inquiry in sport psychology. However, qualitative research aimed at amplifying the voices of marginalized subgroups is notably sparse. Employing a phenomenological approach, we examined the lived experience of a Filipina para powerlifter, probing the intersection of gender, disability, and socioeconomic status in shaping how the participant made sense of life and identity, both within and outside the realm of sport. Three personal experiential themes were generated from the interview data's interpretative phenomenological analysis: “survival of the fittest,” “the voices in my head did not allow me to give …

How To Develop A Qualitative Evaluation Plan For A Complex National Intervention: Key Steps And Reflections From The Radx-Up Program, Shelly A. Maras, Josephine Mckelvy, Kelley Milligan, Allyson Kelley, Valerie A. Lucas, Tara Carr, Abisola Osinuga, Leah Frerichs, Gaurav Dave

The Qualitative Report

This article describes the formative process of developing and implementing a Qualitative Evaluation Plan (QEP) for a large-scale, National Institute of Health (NIH) supported program: Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics — Underserved Populations (RADx-UP). RADx-UP includes over 137 projects in the United States that aim to ensure that all Americans have access to timely, accurate diagnostics for COVID-19, with a specific focus on populations the pandemic disproportionately affects. As part of a comprehensive, mixed-methods strategic evaluation plan, our team developed the QEP. We employed qualitative methods to understand RADx-UP academic and community partners’ experiences implementing community-engaged research strategies, and to understand …

How Can Generative Ai (Genai) Enhance Or Hinder Qualitative Studies? A Critical Appraisal From South Asia, Nepal, Niroj Dahal

The Qualitative Report

Qualitative researchers can benefit from using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), such as different versions of ChatGPT—GPT-3.5 or GPT-4, Google Bard—now renamed as a Gemini, and Bing Chat—now renamed as a Copilot, in their studies. The scientific community has used artificial intelligence (AI) tools in various ways. However, using GenAI has generated concerns regarding potential research unreliability, bias, and unethical outcomes in GenAI-generated research results. Considering these concerns, the purpose of this commentary is to review the current use of GenAI in qualitative research, including its strengths, limitations, and ethical dilemmas from the perspective of critical appraisal from South Asia, Nepal. …

Visualizing Voices: Exploring The Use Of Architectural Visualization To Present Complex Qualitative Findings, Oriana Abboud Armaly

The Qualitative Report

In this paper, I discuss the promising use of visual architectural drawings to present findings of qualitative studies, particularly when dealing with a complex, multidimensional human experience. I examine an interdisciplinary integration between qualitative research and architecture that embraces visual elements. I propose using visual drawings borrowed from architecture as a tool to present deep meanings of human experience within a social phenomenon and make the findings visually transparent. The architectural drawings offer distinct views: one provides an overall view of the building, while the other exposes its hidden layers. I employ this visual means to highlight deep meanings obtained …

Non-Fiction: How We Got Here, Faisal Bari

Faculty Research - Newspaper and Magazine Articles

Where comparing oneself with one’s neighbours is not the best way to think about oneself and how one is doing, done at the national level it can be enlightening and can have many lessons for what could change and how as well. And we, in Pakistan, do compare ourselves a lot with our neighbours, India and Bangladesh, in South Asia. And there are good reasons for it other than the fact that we might be nosy. We share a common history, culture and traditions, we were part of the same country at one point, we started our individual development journeys …

Voices Unheard, Stories Untold: An In-Depth Phenomenological Exploration Of Workplace Bullying Among Indian Primary School Teachers, Mridul M, Aditi Sharma

The Qualitative Report

Workplace bullying adds significantly to toxicity in workplaces. The present phenomenological study aims to unravel the experiences of primary school teachers who have faced bullying at work. Such studies in India are still sparse, and in-depth qualitative examination of the target’s experiences provides deeper insight into their view regarding anomalous behaviours and bullies. Semi-structured interviews of seven teachers were conducted and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The analysis resulted in three themes: “Workplace dynamics,” “I can tell what their problem is,” and “Coping with the problem.” The identified acts were linked to the extant model (Duluth model) describing the …

Breaking Silence: Women And Men’S Experiences Of Preventing Ipv, Fatmeh Ahmad Alzoubi, Reem Ali

The Qualitative Report

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious problem in all cultures. This study aimed to identify Jordanian men’s and women’s strategies of preventing IPV using focus groups and open-ended questionnaires. Participants identified many strategies to prevent IPV, which fell within three themes: (1) shields of prevention; (2) understanding the triggers of IPV; and (3) resources of prevention. Participants described their opinions on preventing IPV and discussed the role of extended family, financial dependence, triggers of IPV, and coping strategies used by women. Preventing IPV requires substantial changes in the personal characteristics of men and women, communication skills, and law enforcement.

The Development Of 2 Clonally And Histologically Distinct Subtypes Of Extranodal B-Cell Lymphomas In The Brain And Skin In 1 Individual, Daniel Joffe, Thomas Z. Rohan, Jenna Mandel, Jayson Suriano, Lauren Banner, Alexander Valiga, Pierluigi Porcu, Jerald Z. Gong, Jason B. Lee, Onder Alpdogan, Neda Nikbakht

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Planktonic Marine Fungi: A Review, Xuefeng Peng, Anthony S. Amend, Federico Baltar, Leocadio Blanco-Bercial, Eva Breyer, Gaëtan Burgaud, Michael Cunliffe, Virginia P. Edgcomb, Hans Peter Grossart, Paraskevi Mara, Hossein Masigol, Ka Lai Pang, Alice Retter, Cordelia Roberts, Judith Van Bleijswijk, Allison K. Walker, Syrena Whitner

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Fungi in marine ecosystems play crucial roles as saprotrophs, parasites, and pathogens. The definition of marine fungi has evolved over the past century. Currently, “marine fungi” are defined as any fungi recovered repeatedly from marine habitats that are able to grow and/or sporulate in marine environments, form symbiotic relationships with other marine organisms, adapt and evolve at the genetic level, or are active metabolically in marine environments. While there are a number of recent reviews synthesizing our knowledge derived from over a century of research on marine fungi, this review article focuses on the state of knowledge on planktonic marine …

Genetic Sex Validation For Sample Tracking In Next-Generation Sequencing Clinical Testing, Jianhong Hu, Viktoriya Korchina, Hana Zouk, Maegan V Harden, David Murdock, Alyssa Macbeth, Steven M Harrison, Niall Lennon, Christie Kovar, Adithya Balasubramanian, Lan Zhang, Gauthami Chandanavelli, Divya Pasham, Robb Rowley, Ken Wiley, Maureen E Smith, Adam Gordon, Gail P Jarvik, Patrick Sleiman, Melissa A Kelly, Harris T Bland, Mullai Murugan, Eric Venner, Eric Boerwinkle, Emerge Iii Consortium, Cynthia Prows, Lisa Mahanta, Heidi L Rehm, Richard A Gibbs, Donna M Muzny

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

OBJECTIVE: Data from DNA genotyping via a 96-SNP panel in a study of 25,015 clinical samples were utilized for quality control and tracking of sample identity in a clinical sequencing network. The study aimed to demonstrate the value of both the precise SNP tracking and the utility of the panel for predicting the sex-by-genotype of the participants, to identify possible sample mix-ups.

RESULTS: Precise SNP tracking showed no sample swap errors within the clinical testing laboratories. In contrast, when comparing predicted sex-by-genotype to the provided sex on the test requisition, we identified 110 inconsistencies from 25,015 clinical samples (0.44%), that …

The Unregulated World Of Your Most Personal Of Personal Information: A Proposal For A Federal Biometric Information Privacy Law, Isabel M. Vuyk

The University of Cincinnati Intellectual Property and Computer Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Protecting The Beanstalk: Folklore As Traditional Cultural Expressions, Ainsley E. Marlette

The University of Cincinnati Intellectual Property and Computer Law Journal

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Institutional Support On African American Male College Students: A Phenomenological Analysis, Samuel Leron Speed

Doctoral Dissertations

This study is a powerful call to action for higher education institutions to recognize and address the unique challenges of African American male college students. Through a qualitative phenomenological approach grounded in Swail's (2004) Framework for Student Success, the study sheds light on the institutional factors that impact the lives of these students. The research design utilized semi-structured interviews with seven African American male participants, and the analysis reveals codes, clusters, and themes that emerged from their narratives, providing valuable insights into the impact of institutional support on their lives. The study highlights the importance of peer support, the challenges …

Evaluating A Common Book Program's Effect On Gains In Knowledge And Position Toward Sustainability In The Nutrition Professions, Hallie Lanice Shupe

Master's Theses

A Common Reader Program, also called a common book, summer reading, or a one-book program, has been reported to enhance the college educational experience yet appears to have been underutilized by colleges and universities. In the case of health sciences, there can be great benefits in having students learn from the literature not typically found in textbooks used in the curricula. Common reader programs allow for different teaching methods to be implemented and using multiple teaching methods in a single program can be beneficial. In nutrition and dietetics (ND) programs there is a need for additional education regarding sustainability in …

Neurodiversifying Language Instruction, Brian Kapustka, Lara Tompkins

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

This presentation, delivered at the Alpha Mu Gamma National Convention, serves as an innovative guide for enriching the educational experience of neurodiverse learners within language classrooms. Drawing upon a rich tapestry of applied linguistics research and inclusive pedagogical frameworks, the session provided actionable insights into integrating cutting-edge learning technologies and evidence-based teaching strategies.

The core objective was to dismantle traditional monolithic teaching approaches, replacing them with dynamic, responsive methods that celebrate the diverse cognitive profiles of students. The presentation emphasized the importance of fostering a safe, engaging, and inclusive classroom climate that actively supports a range of learning needs and …

Influence Of Maternal Supplementation With Vitamins, Minerals, And (Or) Protein/Energy On Placental Development And Angiogenic Factors In Beef Heifers During Pregnancy, Bethania J. Dávila Ruiz, Carl R. Dahlen, Kacie L. Mccathy, Joel S. Caton, Jennifer L. Hurlbert, Friederike Baumgaertner, Ana Clara B. Menezes, Wellison J. S. Diniz, Sarah R. Underdahl, James D. Kirsch, Kevin K. Sedivec, Kerri A. Bochantin, Pawel P. Borowicz, Sebastián Canovas, Lawrence P. Reynolds

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The effect of vitamins and minerals supplementation (VTM) and/or two rates of body weight gain (GAIN) on bovine placental vascular development and angiogenic factors gene expression were evaluated in two experiments: In Exp. 1, crossbred Angus heifers (n = 34) were assigned to VTM/NoVTM treatments at least 71 days before breeding to allow changes in the mineral status. At breeding, through artificial insemination (AI), heifers were assigned to low-gain (LG) 0.28 kg/d or moderate-gain (MG) 0.79 kg/d treatments, resulting in NoVTM-LG (Control; n = 8), NoVTM-MG (n = 8), VTM-LG (n = 9), and VTM-MG (n = …

Development Of An Integrated Workflow For Nucleosome Modeling And Simulations, Ran Sun

Doctoral Dissertations

Nucleosomes are the building blocks of eukaryotic genomes and thus fundamental to to all genetic processes. Any protein or drug that binds DNA must either cooperate or compete with nucleosomes. Given that a nucleosome contains 147 base pairs of DNA, there are approximately 4^147 or 10^88 possible sequences for a single nucleosome. Exhaustive studies are not possible. However, genome wide association studies can identify individual nucleosomes of interest to a specific mechanism, and today's supercomputers enable comparative simulation studies of 10s to 100s of nucleosomes. The goal of this thesis is to develop and present and end-to-end workflow that serves …

Selective Targeting Of Microglia By Quantum Dots And Green Synthesis Of Metal Organic Biohybrids; Applications In Dynamic Cell And Assay Systems, Navya Uppu

Doctoral Dissertations

Neurological disorders are the leading cause of physical and cognitive disability across the globe, currently affecting approximately 15% of the worldwide population. Part of the glioma microenvironment are microglia, resident immune cells of the CNS that were thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of diverse neurodegenerative diseases. Though it remains uncertain what triggers microglial activation in these disorders, targeting and tracking microglial functions using nanotools like Quantum Dots (QDs) could help us elucidate them in such neurological diseases. This research focuses on the comparative study of different QDs formulations and their selective uptake by brain microglia in primary cultures …

Rebound Intracranial Hypertension, Simy K. Parikh

Department of Jefferson Headache Center Papers and Presentations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Rebound intracranial hypertension (RIH) is a post-procedural treatment complication in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) characterized by transient high-pressure headache symptoms. This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical features, risk factors, and treatment options for RIH.

RECENT FINDINGS: This article discusses how changes in underlying venous pressure and craniospinal elastance can explain symptoms of RIH, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), and SIH.

SUMMARY: The pathophysiology of RIH provides a clue for how high and low intracranial pressure disorders, such as IIH and SIH, are connected on a shared spectrum.

A Building Block Approach To Implement A Telehealth Clinic And Improve Primary Care Access In The Philippines: A Large-Scale Pilot Project, Annalicia Pickering, Wardah Rafaqat, Adi Balk, Milton Chen, Limuel Abrogena, Shuhan He, Mary Showstark, Alexander Davis, Aidan Chen, Jarone Lee

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

A limited number of healthcare workers and cost constraints encumber primary care access in the Philippines. To test telehealth as a low-cost and effective solution, a large-scale digital health clinic was implemented in the selected urban and rural communities. In collaboration with local authorities, our pilot telemedicine clinic was implemented for 3 days in January 2023. Patients were registered, and their vitals were assessed before they were seen by a remote US-based licensed physician who provided treatment rec-ommendations. Medical devices with real-time streaming capabilities, such as electronic stethoscopes, were utilized to enhance remote examinations. A total of 322 patients were …