Digital Commons Network^™

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

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Medical Sciences

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

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

The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Enhancing Infection Control In Hospitals: A Systematic Review, Khalid M. Alquthami, Ali M. Alahdal, Sadiq A. Serdar, Mazin M. Kheyami, Mohammed A. Alwadani, Razaz A. Barashi, Mohammad M. Alkhozaee, Basem A. Jawa

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Medical Sciences

Hospital-acquired infections represent a critical global healthcare challenge, affecting 7–10% of hospitalized patients worldwide with 1.4 million annual deaths. This systematic review examines the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in infection control through predictive analytics, real-time surveillance, and antimicrobial stewardship. Analyzing 50 peer-reviewed studies, we demonstrate the effectiveness of AI tools in reducing infection rates by 35% and improving antibiotic utilization by 90%. We identify key implementation barriers, including data integration challenges, algorithmic bias, and ethical concerns. By synthesizing real-world case studies and proposing a three-phase implementation model, this review bridges the gap between technological capabilities and hospital infection control …

Strongyloides Stercoralis Infection In Humans, Shaymaa A. Abdalal

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Medical Sciences

Strongyloides stercoralis (S. stercoralis), commonly known as the threadworm, is a soil-transmitted helminth that infects humans and causes strongyloidiasis. Despite being a significant public health concern, it remains one of the most neglected tropical diseases. The infection is prevalent worldwide, except in Antarctica, and often results in asymptomatic chronic gut infections that can persist for decades. However, in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those on long-term corticosteroid therapy, hyperinfection syndrome can occur, leading to mortality rates as high as 87%. Challenges in managing strongyloidiasis include its wide range of clinical presentations, the lack of highly sensitive diagnostic tests, and the potential for …

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

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science

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

Lead Bioremoval By Halotolerant Bacteria Isolated From Mangrove Rhizosphere Soils Of Saudi Arabia, Reda H. Amasha, Rawan A. Alhazzani

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science

Bioremediation of hypersaline environments contaminated with heavy metals is challenging due to high salinity levels, particularly when using conventional microorganisms. This study aimed to isolate and identify halotolerant and halophilic bacteria from various mangrove rhizosphere soil samples in Saudi Arabia and to evaluate their ability to remove heavy metals under high-salinity conditions. Out of 27 isolated strains, LD57 and LR40 demonstrated the highest resistance to lead ions. Both isolates grew well at 37 °C in the presence of 3 M NaCl and recorded growth at varying concentrations of lead nitrate, ranging from 100 to 4500 ppm. The lead’s minimum inhibitory …

Assessment Of Microplastic Pollution In Economically Significant Fish Species From Libya’S Northeastern Mediterranean Coast, Mousa Kateesh, Tarek A. Temraz, Rafat Afifi Khattab

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science

Microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems has become a pressing global environmental issue. However, there is limited information on the distribution of microplastics in Libyan territorial waters. This study investigates plastic waste pollution in five commercially important fish species from various marine habitats along the eastern Libyan coast (Ain El-Ghazala, Sousa, Ras Hilal, Alhaniyah, and Alhamama). A total of 75 fish specimens were collected, comprising 15 individuals from each species. The findings revealed that 38% of the sampled fish had ingested plastic debris, with microplastics being the predominant form. The Sousa region exhibited the highest contamination rate (54.46%), while Alhaniyah had …

Urbanization Impacts On Microplastic In Benthic Organisms And Sediment Of Small Islands, Andrio Wibowo, Suyud Warno Utomo

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science

Indonesia is an archipelago country comprising thousands of islands, including small islands. Currently, small islands have experienced urbanization in the forms of land use developments and conversions from pristine ecosystems to settlements and tourism facilities, leading to the contamination of microplastics. Despite growing numbers of research on microplastic in water, there is still limited information about microplastic in the sediment and benthic, in particular in developed small island environments. This study compared the types of land use on the island from reserved areas, tourism, and settlement. The microplastics were characterized based on the shapes. The results confirm that land use …

New Fish-Based Multimetric Index For Appraising Shatt Al-Arab Ecological Quality, Laith Faisal Lazem

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science

In recent years, there has been a growing need to develop biometric indicators that accurately reflect an area’s environmental quality and biological integrity. Various indicators have been developed and analyzed, focusing on functional, ecological, and organism-based indicators, particularly fish-related ones. The purpose of the current paper is to create the first fish-based multimetric index designed to evaluate the quality of water in the Shatt Al-Arab River (SAAR), known as Shatt Al-Arab Fish Index (SFI), which can also be applied to the Qarmat Ali River and other water bodies similar to the SAAR ecology. Data was collected from three stations along …

Preprocessing Improves The Edna Quality For 16s Rrna Metabarcoding Of Sediment Samples Of Solar Salterns, Jayanath Gopi, Bhavya Kachiprath, Solly Solomon, Sowmya P. Mohandas, Sajan C. Raju, Rosamma Philip

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science

The present study examines the efficacy of pre- processing of sediment samples prior to DNA isolation to obtain high-quality eDNA for metagenomic analyses from crystallizer saltern pond in Goa during the salt harvesting phase. The quality of the extracted eDNA were confirmed through spectrophotometric analysis and PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. The study showed that method 2 and 3 incorporating preprocessing of the sediment samples yielded better quality eDNA compared to the direct isolation protocol (method1). By adopting the best method i.e., preprocessing by sediment suspension- filtration, followed by DNA isolation, the eDNA was procured and subjected to …

Morphometric, Physiological, And Environmental Health Assessments Of Enhalus Acoroides From The Southeast Coast Of Bali, Indonesia, Made Pharmawati, Luh Putu Wrasiati, Ni Made Gari

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science

Seagrasses function as primary producers and as spawning grounds and shelter for marine biota. Regardless of their relevance, seagrasses are under threat due to anthropogenic impacts and an increasing frequency of extreme climate events. Enhalus acoroides is a species of seagrass that is spread in the east and southeast waters of Bali, from Sanur Beach to Nusa Dua Beach. This study aims to analyze the differences in morphometry and the chlorophyll, proline, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, a marker for oxidative stress in E. acoroides leaves at Pengastian Beach, Semawang Beach, and Samuh Beach, Bali. Samples were collected using line transect …

Optimizing Kappaphycus Alvarezii Seedlings: Acclimatization And Cultivation Methods For Sustainable Seaweed Seed In Lombok Kodek Bay, Dasep Hasbullah, Fahrurrozi Fahrurrozi, Gagan Garnawansah, Zaenal Arifin Siregar, Wahyu Purbiantoro, Moh. Awaludin Adam, Idham Sumarto Pratama, Nurhalis Tarmin, Balkam F. Badi, Abdul Wahab, Raismin Kotta

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science

This study explores the combined[-10pc]AU: Please specify the corresponding author name. effects of cultivation methods and acclimatization durations on the growth performance of Kappaphycus alvarezii, a tropical seaweed widely utilized in biostimulants and bioplastics. Cultivation methods included monoculture of Spinosum (SNP), monoculture of Cottonii (DNP), and polyculture of Spinosum and Cottonii (PSP), while acclimatization treatments involved durations of 0, 2, and 4 days before planting (DBA). Results demonstrated that the SNP system achieved the highest productivity, with maximum weight (142.8 g) and relative growth rate (RGR) of 3.21% per day observed under 0 DBA. The 2 DBA treatment was …

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

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

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

Accelerated Molecular Aging In Neighborhood Poverty: A Racial/Ethnic Comparison, Jennifer Robinette, Jennifer Smith

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

In the US, racial/ethnic health disparities are undeniable and partially stem from residing in low SES neighborhoods. Associations between neighborhood SES and health may have some underlying molecular mechanisms reflected in the epigenome. Yet, neighborhood characteristics are not always experienced the same way for all residents, and questions remain regarding whether those most exposed to low SES neighborhoods build greater resilience to, or embody greater harmful and cumulative outcomes from, such neighborhoods. The present study tested the hypothesis that greater neighborhood poverty would relate to accelerated epigenetic aging on the Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, and GrimAge clocks, and that these associations …

Toxic Chemicals Lurking In Our Personal Care Products: States’ Proactive Approach To A Pressing Problem, Savannah Stanley

Georgia Law Review

The average American uses a number of personal care products daily, but the safety of many ingredients commonly used in these products is debatable. While the FDA regulates most personal care products as “cosmetics,” it only bans eleven chemicals from use in covered products. The FDA has yet to prohibit chemicals of concern like parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and PFAS (“forever chemicals”).

In response to FDA inaction amidst growing safety concerns, states began passing laws to prohibit certain chemicals from use in personal care products. California was the first state to act. In 2020, it passed the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, banning …

Intercontinental Variation In Population Genetics And Life-History Traits In Native And Invasive Populations Of The Aquatic Plants Myriophyllum Spicatum And Myriophyllum Sibiricum, Anastasia V. Mozharova

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Biological invasions pose significant threats to freshwater ecosystems worldwide, and understanding their evolutionary, genetic, and biogeographic drivers is essential for effective management. My dissertation integrates microsatellite and ITS rDNA data to examine the dynamics of both invasive and native populations of two closely related aquatic plant species, Myriophyllum spicatum (Eurasian watermilfoil) and M. sibiricum (Northern watermilfoil).

Myriophyllum spicatum is native to Eurasia, where it inhabits a variety of freshwater aquatic habitats. Since its introduction to North America in the mid-20th century, it has become highly invasive, forming dense underwater mats that outcompete native vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and degrade water quality. …

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

The Qualitative Report

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

Bringing Vignette-Based Interviews To The Forefront: A Framework For An Underused Qualitative Research Method In Education, Norma Ghamrawi, Tarek Shal, Najah A. R. Ghamrawi

The Qualitative Report

Qualitative research in educational leadership has traditionally relied on methods such as interviews and focus groups, often overlooking alternative approaches that can generate deeper interpretive insight. Among these, vignette-based methods remain notably underutilized and under-theorized in education, despite their demonstrated potential in disciplines such as health and social sciences, where they have been effectively used to explore complex, sensitive, and context-dependent phenomena. This absence is particularly pronounced in educational research, where there is a lack of systematic, structured guidance on how to design and implement vignettes with methodological rigor. This article responds to that gap by drawing together methodological insights …

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

The Qualitative Report

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

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Revised Draft Final 2022 Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Sampling: Bres No. 30 – Atlantic-1 Site Evaluation Summary Report (Dated October 24, 2025), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Cybercrime Regulations In The National Criminal Code, Josua Sitompul

Indonesia Law Review

In early 2023, Indonesia promulgated the National Criminal Code, which will be effectively enforceable in 2026. The promulgation is considered a historical milestone in the development of Indonesia’s criminal law that has strategic consequences for the criminal justice system in Indonesia. This new code repeals criminal provisions from 29 different acts, including the Electronic Information and Transactions Act (EIT Act). Policymakers inserted and developed new concepts into the new code, one of which is the concept of cybercrime. Employing a doctrinal legal research method, this article analyses the approaches used in the new code to regulate cybercrime. The results showed …

Shifting Views, Shaping Outcomes: Exploring Relations Between Educators’ Neurodiversity-Affirming Perceptions And Their Autistic Students’ School Experiences, Josh Yen-Ho Chou

Graduate Masters Theses

School environments frequently serve as a source of socialization but also stigma and socioemotional distress for autistic students. Against this backdrop, teachers can be crucial sources of neurodiversity-affirming views and support. Teachers’ perceptions of students can also shape the quality of their relationships with students and students’ emotional and behavioral adjustment in school. This study focused on understanding how general education teachers perceive autistic students and how these perceptions shape their students’ school experiences. This study sought to investigate the degree to which teachers endorsed three dimensions of neurodiversity-affirming perceptions of their autistic students: (a) strength/deficit-based, (b) holistic/reductionist, and (c) …

Autistic Adults In-Session Experiences In Psychotherapy: A Qualitative Meta-Analysis Of Helpful And Harmful Factors From First-Person Perspectives, Elizabeth Kilgallon

Graduate Masters Theses

Autistic adults face heightened mental health needs yet encounter significant barriers in psychotherapy. Research on psychotherapy has often emphasized quantitative trials of specific modalities, while little attention has been paid to autistic adults’ own perspectives about in-session therapeutic processes. There is a need for clinical guidance that foregrounds autistic clients’ lived experiences of therapy, with emphasis on identifying what they find helpful or harmful, to inform accessible and affirming practice. In the present study, I conducted a qualitative meta-analysis that investigates autistic adults’ first-person accounts of psychotherapy. Thirty-three studies were included in the analysis. I used critical-constructivist grounded theory to …

Beyond The Self In Self-Compassion: Interdependent Values As A Moderator In The Mediated Relation Between Social Support, Self-Compassion, And Mental Health, Lisa Nakamura

Graduate Masters Theses

Psychological research often does not include diverse samples or focus on the experiences of people of color (POC). Western interventions have been created through an individualistic lens and are often not culturally responsive to the needs of POC. Despite the inclusion of common humanity and interconnectedness in the construct of self-compassion, research on self-compassion interventions has predominantly focused on self-oriented processes. Thus, the present study examined the associations between self-compassion, social support, and mental health outcomes, as well as the moderating role of interdependent values, among a sample of individuals who identify as POC at a U.S. university. Specifically, the …

Empowering Youth In A Changing Climate: Design, Implementation, And Evaluation Of A Salt Marsh Summer Science Program, Dan Levesque

Graduate Masters Theses

Climate change presents not only environmental challenges but also emotional challenges for today’s youth. This thesis documents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a field-based summer science program aimed at empowering adolescents with coastal salt marsh ecology while addressing climate change emotions and science identity development. The program, based in a Massachusetts salt marsh, was adapted from existing public environmental curricula and guided by place- and experience-based learning principles. Over Spring and Summer 2025, 13 students (ages 13-18) participated in extra-curricular field trips, hands-on research activities, and reflective discussions about the environment and the emotions it brings forth. Pre- and …

2025 - Tennessee Annual Climate Summary, Tennessee Climate Office, East Tennessee State University

Tennessee Climate Office Monthly Reports

Excerpt: 

The mean (average) temperature for 2025 across Tennessee was a bit warmer than normal for most of the state, with the majority of areas reporting temperatures that were 1-2°F above the 1991-2020 NOAA climate normals, with some areas, mostly in the northeastern section of the state within one degree of normal. However, there were a lot of temperature swings throughout the year with below normal temperatures for most regions of the state in January, July, August, and November, while well above normal temperatures were observed in parts of the state in February, April, May, and June [...]

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

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

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

Challenges In Implementing Artificial Intelligence In Academic Libraries In Oman: The Case Of University Libraries, Asma Abdullah Alabbadi, Jamal Matar Al-Salmi, Sallam Osman Fageeri, Nour Eldin Mohamed Elshaiekh

Journal of Arts and Social Sciences

This research explores the challenges encountered by Omani academic libraries in adopting and using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Through qualitative research that included interviews with decision-makers and technical staff, the research identified four main categories of challenges: financial, human, administrative, and technical/security. The findings revealed that high costs, limited budgets, inadequate training, resistance to change, and weak infrastructure were among the key obstacles, with most libraries relying on basic AI functionalities while advanced applications remain largely underutilized. Despite these challenges, the research uncovered a willingness among institutions to adopt AI, supported by efforts such as organizing workshops, employing cost-effective tools, …

Frailty, Home Accessibility, And Falls In Later Life, Bonnie Albright

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

As more people remain in their homes as they age, the risk of living at home with frailty and reduced function increases, which may also increase the risk for falls in the home. The scientific literature shows that frail people are more likely to experience falls, which leads to many negative outcomes, such as hospitalization, placement in a skilled nursing facility, and even death. The preference to age-in-place (AIP) is more likely to be met if older people live in accessible housing. Accessible homes may mitigate the risk for falls and promote AIP, especially among frail older people.

While there …

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

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

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

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

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

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