Digital Commons Network^™

Online Learning During Covid-19: A Case Study Of Ict Equity And Access In A Rural Ghanaian Primary School, Angelina Arrington

Howard University Journal of African Studies (HUJAS)

The COVID-19 global pandemic has caused significant disruption to the continuity of instruction in many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (Africa Centers for Disease Control, 2020). School closures that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated Sub-Saharan Africa’s acute problems with the education systems, especially in terms of access to human and financial resources to effectively make education accessible and equitable to all students. Education in Sub-Saharan Africa has been recognized by education researchers and policy makers as one of the world’s most significant problems (Asongu and Odhiambo 2019; Dembélé and Lefoka 2007; UNESCO Institute for Statistics 2011). The continuation of …

Adaptation Of Digital Environment For African Postgraduate Training And Research-Capacity-Strengthening Networks, Florah Karimi, Beatrice Muganda

Howard University Journal of African Studies (HUJAS)

This article focuses on the experiences of two established postgraduate training and research-capacity-strengthening networks in Africa that sought to remain resilient during the pandemic period through their engagement in the digital environment. These networks are the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) and the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR). The article seeks to examine how the digital environment featured in postgraduate training and research-capacity-strengthening initiatives prior to the pandemic, how the two networks’ programs adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic constraints, and how these adaptations are being carried over to the post-COVID-19 period. Through CARTA and …

Potential For Effective Telerehabilitation Of Upper-Extremity Orthopedic Injuries In Cameroon: A Mini Review, Thierry Y. Lienou, Mikayla Rai

Howard University Journal of African Studies (HUJAS)

In this mini review, we aimed to critically assess the effectiveness of telerehabilitation interventions for patients with upper-extremity orthopedic conditions, particularly in resource-limited areas such as Cameroon. We employed a rigorous article selection process, resulting in a final set of 13 studies published between 2009 and 2022. These studies examined various upper-extremity conditions across diverse patient demographics and utilized multiple outcome assessments, including standardized functional scores and range of motion measures. We analyzed telerehabilitation platforms, including video conferencing, virtual reality interfaces, mobile applications, and phone-based supervision. Our findings indicate that nine of the 13 studies demonstrated statistically significant improvements in …

Covid-19, The Threat That Became An Opportunity For Digital Learning In Public Higher Education In Africa: Case Study Of Senegal, Yankhouba Seydi

Howard University Journal of African Studies (HUJAS)

Higher Education in Africa has been hit hard by the impact of COVID-19 because of overpopulation and infrastructure shortage at all levels of higher learning system. In such a context where both physical and social distancing measures are counterintuitive to people raised in gregarious social values, the only decision to take seems to be a forced pause until the situation returns to normalcy. In Senegal, universities closed, and students were sent home pursuant to a presidential decree issued on March 16, 2020. However, seven years earlier, the new political authorities of Senegal had launched an ambitious reform agenda through a …

Author Biographies, Mohamed Saliou Camara

Howard University Journal of African Studies (HUJAS)

No abstract provided.

Prompt Engineering For Lawyers: Free Your Mind: Flipped Interactive Prompting And Perspective Switching, Cliff Mckinney

Arkansas Law Notes

The next prompt engineering method we are going to evaluate could be considered a form of the Socratic Method. The flipped interactive prompting method asks the artificial intelligence model to ask clarifying questions in response to a prompt, thereby refining and deepening the analytical quality of an answer. This method can be especially useful in litigation or when an issue is controversial or subject to multiple interpretations.

After exploring prompt engineering, we will then turn to perspective switching. Perspective switching allows the artificial intelligence model to switch between different viewpoints or roles. For instance, the model might start by acting …

Parents' Experiences And Reported Outcomes Of Family-Centred Care: A Qualitative Systematic Review, Cansel Kocakabak, Agnes Van Den Hoogen, Melissa Rothfus, Marsha Campbell-Yeo, Aurelia Abenstein, Anna Axelin, Patricia Schofield, Jos M. Latour

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Introduction: Having an infant admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) is a distressing experience for parents. Family-centred care (FCC) has been shown to improve outcomes for both infants and parents. However, there is inconsistency in reporting outcomes in FCC studies. The aim of this qualitative systematic review is to synthesise the experiences of parents related to FCC and to identify outcomes derived from these experiences to inform a Core Outcome Set (COS) for FCC in neonatal research and practice. Methods: This review included qualitative studies exploring parental experiences of FCC in NICUs. Databases searched were MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane …

Sex Differences In Proteomic Response To Ischemic Stroke, Christopher J. Mclouth, Hunter S. Hazelwood, Jacqueline A. Frank, Jordan P. Harp, David Dornbos Iii, Justin F. Fraser, Keith R. Pennypacker

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Background: Women often experience greater disability after ischemic stroke than men, but the biological mechanisms underlying these differences remain unclear. Proteomic analysis may identify sex-specific molecular pathways that contribute to stroke rehabilitation and recovery.

Methods: We analyzed plasma samples from 141 patients enrolled in the Blood and Clot Thrombectomy Registry and Collaboration (BACTRAC). Expression of 184 inflammatory and cardiometabolic proteins, measured proximal and distal to the clot, was quantified using Olink panels. Associations between protein expression and discharge outcomes – including the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment …

Sex Differences In Proteomic Response To Ischemic Stroke, Christopher J. Mclouth, Hunter S. Hazelwood, Jacqueline A. Frank, Jordan P. Harp, David Dornbos, Justin F. Fraser, Keith R. Pennypacker

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Background: Women often experience greater disability after ischemic stroke than men, but the biological mechanisms underlying these differences remain unclear. Proteomic analysis may identify sex-specific molecular pathways that contribute to stroke rehabilitation and recovery.

Methods: We analyzed plasma samples from 141 patients enrolled in the Blood and Clot Thrombectomy Registry and Collaboration (BACTRAC). Expression of 184 inflammatory and cardiometabolic proteins, measured proximal and distal to the clot, was quantified using Olink panels. Associations between protein expression and discharge outcomes – including the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) – …

Development Of Resources To Support Independence In And Access To Nature-Based Activities, Riley Carpender

Capstone Projects

This capstone paper discusses the need for resources that support independence in and access to nature-based activities that support health and wellbeing. Occupational therapists (OTs) have expertise in recommending and implementing adaptations to increase individuals’ engagement in nature-based activities. There is currently a gap in the literature regarding access to nature-based activities, and a lack of understanding of how these activities may be implemented, either by caregivers, educators or healthcare professionals. During my capstone I created a guide with modifications for gardening activities for children, wrote an article on how to adapt nature journaling to be more accessible, coded and …

Curbing School Interruption During The Initiation Period: The Role Of School Governing Bodies In Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Jurnal Pendidikan Humaniora

This study investigates the persistent disruption of schooling caused by traditional male initiation practices in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga Province, and critically examines the role of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) in mitigating such interruptions. Initiation rites, often extending beyond official school holidays, result in prolonged learner absenteeism and have significant consequences for academic performance, particularly in rural communities with limited remedial support. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi -structured, in -depth interviews with twelve purposively selected participants, including parents, principals, and teachers. Thematic analysis revealed key concerns such as compromised learner performance, misalignment between cultural practices and schooling …

Antecedent And Anaphora: A Window Into Efl Students' Linguistic Development

Jurnal Pendidikan Humaniora

This study investigates the understanding and challenges of using antecedents and naphors in sentences made by English as a foreign language (EFL) students at Tadulako University, focusing on nominal antecedent and pronominal antecedent (indefinite pronouns, quantifiers, demonstrative pronouns, and distributive pronoun), pronominal anaphora and adjectival anaphora. The purpose of this study is to identify which element is more difficult between antecedent and anaphora used by EFL students as well as what factors affect their difficulty. This study used a quantitative descriptive approach, with data collected through tests and questionnaires from 148 third-semester students. The results show that antecedent usage is …

The Impact Of Training And Career Development On Employee Performance, With Job Satisfaction As A Moderating Variable In The Yemeni Universities

Jurnal Pendidikan Humaniora

This study investigates the impact of training and career development on employee performance in Yemeni universities, with work satisfaction serving as a moderating variable. The major goal is to determine how training programs and career development effor ts might improve employee performance and organizational effectiveness in higher education settings, particularly in light of Yemen's budget restrictions. The study uses Human Capital Theory and Social Cognitive Theory to investigate how skill development, career advancement, and job satisfaction interact to create a motivated and efficient workforce. The primary findings show that training considerably improves employees' abilities, whereas career development increases loyalty and …

Coping Strategies To Reduce English Speaking Anxiety Problems

Jurnal Pendidikan Humaniora

Speaking anxiety in English remains a significant barrier to effective communication among language learners, particularly in academic settings. This qualitative phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of Andrew (a pseudonym), a university professor who experienced intense English speaking anxiety during his undergraduate years. Through in -depth interviews, the study investigates the coping strategies he employed and how these contributed to his eventual communicative competence. The findings reveal five key strategies used to manage his anxiety: participation in a community development camp (social support), self -reflection and mental imitation (cognitive strategy), recitation of religious texts (spiritual grounding), physical adjustment during presentations …

Development Of Jeungki Media As An Educational Tool For Aud Student Games Based On Aceh Culture To Increase Student Apt

Jurnal Pendidikan Humaniora

This research aims to develop jeungki media as a game educational tool for AUD students to increase student APT at SPS TGK DIKUTA. The development method used is Research and Development (R&D), namely using the ADDIE model to produce certain products and test the effectiveness of these products. This research involved 15 SPS TGK DIKUTA students. The research instruments used were validation questionnaires and observation sheets. Analysis techniques are used to determine the suitability of the jeungki media being assessed. The results of the research show that the jeungki media as a game educational tool for AUD students developed has …

Language Barrier And Its Impacts On Motivation And Academic Achievement Among International Students At Universitas Indonesia

Jurnal Pendidikan Humaniora

Language barriers significantly impact the academic achievement and motivation of international students at Universitas Indonesia, where Bahasa Indonesia is the primary medium of instruction. This study explores how linguistic challenges affect students' ability to engage in coursework, participate in discussions, and integrate into academic and social life. A quantitative research approach was employed, using a Google Form-based questionnaire distributed to international students, yielding 72 responses. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed that over 90% of students faced challenges in academic writing, lecture comprehension, and subject-specific terminology, leading to reduced confidence and lower academic performance. Additionally, over 80% of students reported that language …

Techno-Enviro-Economic Analysis Of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Production From Carbon Dioxide In Cement Industry Flue Gas And Calcium Hydroxide, Natalia Debora Panggabean, Widodo Wahyu Purwanto

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

CCUS is a technological solution to reduce emissions from the cement industry, which is the second largest CO2-intensive industry. This study aims to analyze technical, economic, and environmental performance of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) synthesis in cement industry flue gas. The process simulation includes the CO2 capture system from cement plant, CO2 captured used as feedstock for PCC synthesis process through its reaction with calcium hydroxide. The simulation was carried out using ASPEN Plus software. Technical analysis was performed to determine the CO2 capture efficiency and PCC synthesis efficiency. Economic analysis was conducted to calculate CO2 capture cost and production …

Feasibility Analysis Of Thermal Oxidizer To Determine Remaining Life Using Fitness- For-Service Level 3 Method, Yudhi Yudistirawan, Donanta Dhaneswara, Wahyuaji Narottama Putra, Gama Widyaputra, Dewi Kurnia Suci, Agung Putra Mahardhika

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

An aged thermal oxidizer (TOX) in the oil and gas industry necessitates a comprehensive evaluation to ensure its continued safe operation. This study presents a Remaining Life Assessment (RLA) and a Fitness for Service (FFS) evaluation for the four main components of the TOX, in accordance with API 510, API 579/ASME FFS-1, and ASME BPVC Section VIII Div-1 standards. The investigation includes the determination of maximum stress and maximum temperature required to assess the operational viability of the reactor. The four components are radiant, convection, transition, and stack sections—were modeled using the finite element method (FEM). Following the geometric modeling, …

Risk Identification Of Green Hydrogen Supply Chain In Ammonia Industry In Indonesia Using Delphi And Topsis Methods, Ananda Priatama, Sheila Tobing

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

The development of green hydrogen in Indonesia, while promising for supporting industrial decarbonization, remains in its early stages and faces various challenges across technical, economic, and regulatory domains. This study aims to identify and prioritize the risks linked to green hydrogen supply chain in Indonesia, particularly for applications in the ammonia industry. A set of 49 potential risk factors was initially compiled through literature review and prior studies. The Delphi method was employed with a panel of experts to validate these risks, ultimately refining the list to 27 critical risk factors. Subsequently, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to …

Hormetic Ethanol Effects On Fitness And Attraction In Irradiated Aedes Aegypti, Kayden Robey, Gabriel Borg, Immo Hansen

The Agora

Sterile insect technique (SIT) is an increasingly important strategy for controlling mosquito populations while reducing reliance on chemical insecticides and genetically modified organisms. A major limitation of SIT is the reduced fitness and competitiveness of irradiated male mosquitoes, which can compromise population suppression efforts. This study investigates whether hormetic ethanol exposure improves post-irradiation fitness in Aedes aegypti males, a primary vector of dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Adult male mosquitoes were fed either a standard sugar solution or a sugar solution supplemented with 5% ethanol prior to irradiation. Males were sterilized using X-ray irradiation at 50 Gy and assessed for …

Organic Synthesis Of A Hydrazine Functionalized Ammonium Compound For Improved Capture Of Aldehyde Metabolites From Exhaled Breath, Po'iu N. Burgo

Undergraduate Theses

Breath analysis has emerged as a non-invasive and inexpensive way to screen for respiratory diseases. This technique involves measuring concentrations of specific metabolites found in exhaled breath that serve as a biomarkers for disease. A subclass of volatile organic compounds called α,β-Unsaturated aldehydes, products of the lipid peroxidation mechanism, are underrepresented as biomarkers of lung cancer. These have been found to have relatively increased concentrations in the exhaled breath of lung cancer patients compared to a healthy patient. One of the reasons that these metabolites have been underreported is that the techniques used to measure and characterized exhaled metabolites do …

Becoming Laser-Focused On Sustainability Leadership In Higher Education Institutions, Ray F. Coleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explored leadership responses to integrating sustainability into higher education institutions (HEIs). Specifically, it compared statistical differences between self-perceptions of leadership and student, staff, and faculty perceptions regarding leadership effectiveness for sustainability in two Florida based HEIs: one holding a sustainability certification and one without such certification. In response to a shortage of survey instruments regarding this topic, I produced a new instrument to assess perceptions of leadership sustainability, made statistical comparisons between these two institutions to inform others of those perceptions, and synthesized several leadership components into a proposed change process identified as the Attitude Based Cognitive Dissonance …

Natural History Of 15 Patients With Autosomal Dominant Wfs1 Pathogenic Variants Associated With Sensorineural Hearing Loss And Optic Atrophy, Jessica P Roberts, Abby F Tang, Daniela Hernandez, Brianna Carman, Liam Oiknine, Cris Brown, Stacy Hurst, Yunshuo Tang, Fumihiko Urano

2020-Current year OA Pubs

OBJECTIVE: Autosomal dominant pathogenic variants in WFS1 cause a spectrum of disorders with phenotypic manifestations including low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, optic nerve atrophy accompanied by low- to mid-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, non-syndromic diabetes mellitus, and early-onset cataracts. These conditions are generally milder than autosomal recessive Wolfram syndrome, except for Hattersley-Urano syndrome. Despite growing recognition of these disorders, data on clinical progression and long-term outcomes remain limited. This study aims to expand knowledge on disease severity and progression in autosomal dominant WFS1-related disorders. APPROACH: Clinical data were obtained from the Washington University International Registry and Clinical Study for Wolfram Syndrome and …

Uncovering Endometriosis, Gabriella Viana Wilson

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

Dnp Final Report: Can Implementing A Mindfulness-Based Program Help Reduce Stress In Nursing Students?, Shelby Devreeze Msn, Rn, Cpn, Cne-Cl

DNP Final Reports

Stress among nursing students is a well-documented problem that contributes to physical, mental, and emotional issues, substance abuse, and program dropout. A mindfulness-based stress reduction program was implemented with nursing students to evaluate its impact on perceived stress levels over a five-week period. A review of evidence-based articles provides strong evidence that this intervention correlates with reduced reported stress. An MBSRP was implemented with nursing students who completed a Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS-10) before the intervention and again after five weeks.

Results from this project showed a statistically significant reduction (t=2.725, p=0.025) in stress among the nursing student population …

Robust Non-Invasive Cardiac Index Prediction Via Feature Integration And Data-Augmented Neural Networks, Chih-Hao Chang, Mei-Ling Chan, Yu-Hung Fang, Po-Lin Huang, Tsung-Yi Chen, Tsun-Kuang Chi, I Elizabeth Cha, Tzong-Rong Ger, Kuo-Chen Li, Shih-Lun Chen, Liang-Hung Wang, Jia-Ching Wang, Patricia Angela R. Abu

Department of Information Systems & Computer Science Faculty Publications

Concurrent with the rising consumption of ultra-processed, high-calorie diets and the decline in physical activity, obesity and related cardiovascular conditions among young adults have continued to increase, becoming an important global public health concern. This study integrates non-invasive Internet of Things (IoT) sensing devices, including the TERUMO ES-P2000 blood pressure monitor (Terumo Corp., Tokyo, Japan) and the PhysioFlow PF07 Enduro cardiac hemodynamic analyzer (Manatec Biomedical, Poissy, France), with an artificial neural network (ANN) for cardiac index (CI) prediction. Through appropriate data preprocessing and model training strategies, the generalization ability and stability of the proposed CI prediction model were significantly enhanced. …

Improving Immunizations Through Pain Management Techniques: A Quality Improvement Project In Pediatric Populations, Erica Leroy

Nursing

No abstract provided.

Clinical Factors Associated With Same Day Discharge After Primary Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, Ryan Mcnassor, Lucas Haase, Brandon Fisher, Kaleb R. Howard, Justin T. Deslaurier, Elijah C. Auch, Alexander Martusiewicz, J Michael Wiater

Conference Presentation Abstracts

OBJECTIVE: Cost conservation and value are major components of orthopedic surgery and health economics. A frequent measure used to mitigate cost is the utilization of same day discharge (SDD) after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The purpose of this study was to investigate if patient travel distance is associated with safe SDD. Secondarily, we aimed to identify other patient factors associated with safe SDD. Our hypothesis was that increased travel distance would be associated with decreased SDD. METHODS: This retrospective review included all patients undergoing primary anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty by at a single institution between January 2021 to …

A Rare Presentation Of Extra-Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm Of The Anus, Pincus Joshua, Marianne Estrada, Lance Horner University Of Nevada, Las Vegas

School of Medicine Research Poster Showcase

Introduction: Mucinous neoplasm of the anus is an uncommon malignancy, representing less than 3% of all anal cancers. Even more rare is extra-appendiceal mucinous neoplasm. As a result, limited literature exists to define diagnostic strategies and optimal management. Our case report details the presentation and management of a patient with recurrent mucinous neoplasm of the anus. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed which includes clinic documentation., operative notes, pathology reports. Results: The patient is a 76-year-old male with a history of T3N0M0 anal mucinous carcinoma diagnosed in 2015 and treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation with complete pathological response. In 2024, …

Translating Predictive Models Into Clinical Practice: Fast-And-Frugal Trees For Postoperative Delirium Using Routine Data, Odette Wegwarth, Felix Balzer, Sebastian D. Boie, Niklas Gisa, Anika Müller, Jan K. Woike, Claudia D. Spies, Helge Giese

School of Psychology

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a frequent and serious complication associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Although predictive models for POD exist, they are rarely implemented in routine clinical practice, partly due to their complexity and data requirements. Simple and interpretable tools based on routinely available data may improve clinical applicability. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated Fast-and-Frugal Trees (FFTrees) for predicting POD using routine electronic health record data from 61,150 surgical patients treated between 2017 and 2020 at a large German university hospital. We assessed the transferability of previously developed FFTrees and compared their performance with logistic regression, classification …