Digital Commons Network^™

Building Bridges: Industrial Trade Unions In A Changing Climate, Nicole Möller

Dissertations - ALL

This dissertation examines how German industrial trade unions and workers in the automobile and coal industries navigate the profound challenges of the green transition. Workers’ experiences are situated within a broader political-economic context shaped partly by market-led decarbonization efforts, welfare retrenchment/austerity, erosion of progressive institutions in society, and global competition, as well as a global restructuring of value accumulation. The analysis critically engages with unions’ current responses to a market-led transition and their implications for labor’s future. The dissertation develops its argument across three empirical chapters. Chapter 2 investigates workplace-level changes in coal mining and automobile production, analyzing how workers …

Balancing Robustness And Practicality In Model Compression, Personalization, And Healthcare Interventions, Sawinder Kaur

Dissertations - ALL

Advances in machine learning have enabled significant progress in generating robust solutions. However, designing solutions that balance robustness while meeting the practical constraints of diverse applications, such as limited resources and data, remains a challenge. We explored three key aspects of this interplay: verified robust compressed neural networks, context-wise robust personalization, and reliable counterfactual interventions for healthcare. First, we introduce VeriCompress, a novel framework to streamline the synthesis of compressed neural networks with formal guarantees of adversarial robustness. This enables the deployment of reliable and efficient models in resource-constrained environments, such as smartphones. Second, we developed CRoP (Context-wise Robust Static …

On Detecting Change-Points Of A Segmented Logistic Regression Model, Jingwen Li

Dissertations - ALL

This dissertation investigates the problem of change-point detection in segmented logistic regression models, where the total number of change-points is unknown. We consider both unconstrained models, which allow discontinuities at change-points, and constrained models, which impose continuity across change-points. The central challenge is to determine the number of change-points and to accurately estimate their locations, while ensuring valid statistical inference for the associated regression coefficients. We begin by introducing a set of regularity assumptions that underlie the theoretical analysis throughout this work. For a given number of change-points, we present algorithms to estimate their locations and obtain the maximum likelihood …

Three Essays On The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap): Examining External Shocks, Protective Effects, And Administrative Challenges, Hyojeong Kim

Dissertations - ALL

Abstract In this dissertation, I present three studies that examine how different forms of inconsistency—arising from timing disruptions, eligibility structures, and administrative churn—shape the functioning and effectiveness of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Although SNAP is designed to provide a reliable source of food assistance, access to benefits is not always predictable, continuous, or evenly accessible. The studies show that inconsistencies can emerge through external shocks that alter the timing of benefit delivery, through eligibility rules tied to disability determinations in other programs that may exclude self-reported disabled households from accommodations, and through administrative procedures that generate temporary interruptions …

Mapping Research Trends On Mental Health Literacy Among University Students: A Bibliometric Systematic Review, Eko Pramudya Laksana, Muslihati Muslihati, Arbin Janu Setiyowati, Salsabila Kholifahtun Nisa, Muhammad Nur Hudha, Margaret Kehinde Soetan

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

Mental health is a global issue that has received increasing attention, particularly among university students. Mental health literacy (MHL) is an important factor in promoting students' psychological well-being through knowledge, attitudes, and the ability to recognize and address mental health problems. This study aims to map the developmental trends of MHL research among university students in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the direction and focus of studies in this field. This research employed a bibliometric literature review approach by analyzing 48 journal articles indexed in the Scopus database and published between 2021 and 2025. The findings indicate that …

Bridge Damage Detection And Bim Localization Methods Based On Image Recognition, Li Yu, Guo Hongjun

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To overcome insufficient information of 2D detection data in traditional bridge maintenance,which hinders precise decision-making,this study proposed an automated method based on deep learning and structure from motion (SfM ) technology,which realized the complete process from image recognition to the accurate mapping of damage information in a building information model (BIM ).First,the YOLOv 8 deep learning model was used to automatically detect bridge surface damage.Second,the SfM technology was applied for the local 3D reconstruction of the damage area and to determine the 3D coordinates of the damage.Then,the least squares method was used to align the local coordinate system with the …

Stimulant Medications Affect Arousal And Reward, Not Attention Networks, Benjamin P Kay, Muriah D Wheelock, Ryan V Raut, Roselyne J Chauvin, Athanasia Metoki, Aishwarya Rajesh, Andrew Eck, Jim Pollaro, Anxu Wang, Vahdeta Suljic, Babatunde Adeyemo, Noah J Baden, Kristen M Scheidter, Julia S Monk, Forrest I Whiting, Nadeshka Ramirez-Perez, Samuel R Krimmel, Anita Randolph, Jarod L Roland, Ginger E Nicol, Timothy O Laumann, Scott Marek, Evan M Gordon, Marcus E Raichle, Deanna M Barch, Nico U F Dosenbach, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Prescription stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate) are thought to improve attention, but evidence from prior fMRI studies is conflicted. We utilized resting-state fMRI data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (n = 11,875; 8-11 years old) and validated the functional connectivity findings in a precision imaging drug trial with highly sampled (n = 5, 165-210 min each) healthy adults (methylphenidate 40 mg). Stimulant-related connectivity differences in sensorimotor regions matched fMRI patterns of daytime arousal, sleeping longer at night, and norepinephrine transporter expression. Taking stimulants reversed the effects of sleep deprivation on connectivity and school grades. Connectivity was also changed in salience …

Phospholipid Scramblase 1 (Plscr1) Regulates Interferon-Lambda Receptor 1 (Ifn-Λr1) And Ifn-Λ Signaling In Influenza A Virus (Iav) Infection, Alina Xiaoyu Yang, Lisa Ramos-Rodriguez, Parand Sorkhdini, Dongqin Yang, Carmelissa Norbrun, Sonoor Majid, Sanghyun Lee, Yong Zhang, Michael Holtzman, David F Boyd, Yang Zhou

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) is an interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) that has several known anti-influenza functions. However, the mechanisms in relation to its expression compartment and enzymatic activity have not been completely explored. Moreover, only limited animal models have been studied to delineate its role at the tissue level in influenza infections. Our results showed that influenza A virus (IAV)-infected

Perceptions Of Lumbee Tribe Members On Participating In Diabetes Type Ii Prevention Practices, Jeremy Wesley Lowery

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Type II diabetes (DB2) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, whether directly or as a comorbidity. This is especially alarming for Native Americans, who have the highest DB2 prevalence and death rates when compared to their non-Native American peers. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of Lumbee Tribe members in Robeson County regarding DB2. The health belief model was used as a lens through which to understand and interpret findings. In-person semi-structured audio-recorded interviews were conducted with 12 participants recruited through social media. Data were coded and analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. …

Antifungal Activity Of Nutmeg Mace (Myristica Fragrans Houtt) Ethanol Extract Against Candida Spp., Muhammad Akbar Yandji, Eka Astuty, Fitri Kadarsih Bandjar

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Candida infections are increasingly common worldwide and represent one of the leading causes of death after cardiovascular disease. There are three types of candida that often infect humans, namely Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis. In the standard treatment used, immunity and side effects of treatment have been found. Therefore, other treatment options are needed, one of which is by using mace (Myristica fragrans Houtt) which is a native plant of Maluku and has secondary metabolite compounds that can be antifungal agents. This study aims to test the ability of ethanol extract of mace nutmeg ( …

Group Counseling Deactivation Mode To Improve Psychological Well-Being Of Students, Muya Barida, Dian Ari Widyastuti, Yuanita Dwi Krisphianti, Aslina Ahmad, Nurul Hidayati Rofiah, Andriyani Andriyani, Riana Mashar, Emiko Saraswaty

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

Life moves dynamically, profoundly impacting adolescents and often causing deep anxiety due to numerous pressures. The gap between expectations and reality frequently exacerbates this anxiety. Ideally, adolescents should be equipped to manage their inner lives to prevent excessive anxiety, and individuals can better manage anxiety if they possess strong psychological well-being. This study aims to improve psychological well-being through a group counseling deactivation mode. The research applied an experimental research method with a one group pretest-posttest design. Participants consisting of junior high school students in Yogyakarta, selected through purposive sampling for their low psychological well-being levels. Data on psychological well-being …

Online Counseling In Improving Achievement Motivation Over The Last Decade: A Bibliometric Review, Shopyan Jepri Kurniawan, Bambang Dibyo Wiyono, Mohd. Aziz Zulazmi

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

This research aims to determine online counseling research trends to increase achievement motivation. The method used in this research is bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer. The data used is the Scopus database for the last 10 years. Research findings found that there were 4302 documents that met the specified criteria. The number of online counseling studies increased gradually over the 2013-2022 research period. The largest source of documents comes from 3691 articles. Meanwhile, the annual distribution of 100 or more citations will be the highest in 2022 with 16. The keyword ``achievement motivation'' is not included in the top 10 keywords, …

Quantitative Evaluation Of Tunnel Rock Mass Integrity Based On Mwd Technology, Zhang Kunmu, Peng Hao, Liang Ming, Han Yu, Song Guanxian

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In tunnel construction,the quantitative evaluation of rock mass integrity heavily relies on information from the exposed face,and there are challenges when drilling data is used for integrity evaluation.To this end,this study introduced a novel method for quantitative evaluation of rock mass integrity during drilling,integrating numerical statistics with machine learning.A substantial dataset of digital drilling data was collected,covering three common types of rock mass integrity:relatively intact,relatively fractured,and fractured.Subsequently,a high-performance random forest model for the classification of rock mass integrity was developed through data preprocessing and hyperparameter optimization.The interpretability of the model ’s predictive results was enhanced using Shapley additive explanations (SHAP …

Mobile Markets And Farmers’ Markets: Evaluating Food Accessibility For Underserved Communities In The Bay Area, Rajeshwari Rajesh

Master's Theses

Studies indicate including farmers’ markets, mobile markets, and other local food systems improve fresh food access for low-income communities, especially when paired with food assistance programs that offer financial incentives. This study aims to evaluate mobile markets and farmers’ markets in the Bay Area using the five dimensions of food access: accessibility, availability, acceptability, affordability, and accommodation. The study is based on primary data collected from 173 in-person surveys at six mobile and eight farmers’ markets in the Santa Clara and Contra Costa counties. Key survey participants were market shoppers participating in food assistance programs. A mixed research methodology included …

Green Ai-Enhanced Deep Learning Model For Breast Cancer Detection And Classification In Mammography Images: Bc-Net-512, Nesma Abd El-Mawla, Mohamed A. Berbar, Nawal A. El-Fishawy, Mohamed A. El-Rashidy

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This study champions a sustainable approach for developing a Deep Learning (DL) model for medical image analysis, specifically focusing on breast cancer (BC) detection in mammograms. By prioritizing low-computing algorithms to achieve high diagnostic accuracy while minimizing the model's environmental footprint, that aligns with the principles of Green AI. In this paper, an innovative architecture called BC-Net-512 was constructed for the classification of BC mammography. It is composed of lightweight Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) blocks for texture, density, and structure feature extraction and detection, a thin, fully connected layer for learning complex patterns and correlations in the extracted features, and …

Association Between Vitamin D And Cholesterol In Post-Acne Hypertrophic Scars And Keloids: A Cross-Sectional Study, Yuli Kurniawati, Yulia Farida Yahya, Sarah Diba, Rina Novriani, Hasbiallah Yusuf, Ekta Martgaredta

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Post-acne hypertrophic scars and keloids result from abnormal wound healing within the pilosebaceous unit. Ruptured microcomedones create wounds that can lead to prolonged inflammation, increased collagen synthesis, and fibrinolysis inhibition, resulting in elevated scar tissue in acne lesions. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to prolonged inflammation and damage to dermal collagen. High total cholesterol levels can lead to excessive sebum production, exacerbating inflammation and fibrosis. This study aimed to determine the association between serum vitamin D and total cholesterol levels with scar severity in patients with post-acne hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at …

Extensive Superficial Dermatomycosis Caused By Cladophialophora Sp., A Deep Mycosis Pathogen: A Case Report, Nikko Vanda Limantara, Agnes Sri Siswati, Flandiana Yogianti

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Superficial dermatomycosis, predominantly caused by dermatophytes, affects approximately 20–25% of the global population. However, non-dermatophytic fungi, such as Cladophialophora species (sp.), can also cause similar cutaneous infections. Although less common, these organisms are particularly concerning in immunocompromised individuals.

Case Illustration: A 66-year-old immunocompromised male presented with widespread pruritic and erythematous patches, initially misdiagnosed as tinea corporis. Despite receiving standard antifungal therapy, his condition persisted. Further investigation through fungal culture identified Cladophialophora sp., which was resistant to common antifungal agents such as fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole. However, the fungus was sensitive to terbinafine, which has …

The Efficacy Of Tranexamic Acid In Melasma: A Review, Ninda Sari, Rachmah Diana Putri, Syahriani Syahrir, Agustina Agustina, Mikyal Bulqiah

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Melasma is a common acquired pigmentary condition presenting as dark macules or patches on sun-exposed areas of the face. Conventional treatments rely on topical bleaching agents and sun protection, while additional adjuvant options such as chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser procedures are often applied. However, recurrence is frequent, and overall therapeutic success remains modest, significantly affecting patient quality of life. Recently, tranexamic acid (TXA) has gained attention as a novel therapeutic approach. This review provides an overview of the available evidence on the efficacy of TXA, used as monotherapy or in combination regimens, for the management of melasma. …

Successful Management Of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis With Cyclosporine In Hiv-Infected Patient, Rasinta Ayudya Deltania, Anggun Putri Yuniaswan

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) can be associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, making its management more challenging and complex. This case report aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cyclosporine in HIV-associated GPP.

Case illustration: A 31-year-old male with a six-year history of HIV on antiretroviral therapy presented with rapidly spreading erythematous plaques with scaling and patches, along with “lakes of pus”, involving 50% of the body surface area (BSA). He reported oral burning, dysgeusia, and odynophagia; tongue Gram stain showed budding yeast and pseudohyphae. The patient was diagnosed with GPP and oral candidiasis in the setting …

Laser And Light-Based Therapy For Hair Growth And Hair Removal, Michelle Wiryadana, Nelva Karmila Jusuf

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Recent advances in laser and light-based technologies have introduced new options for both the stimulation of hair growth for alopecia and the reduction of unwanted hair growth. However, the clinical evidence remains varied, and treatment outcomes are influenced by factors such as device type, wavelength, and individual response. Ongoing evaluation of safety, efficacy, and standardization of treatment parameters is therefore essential.

Discussion: This review provides an in-depth discussion of the principles, mechanisms, safety, and efficacy of lasers in promoting hair growth, as well as on lasers and light-based therapies used for hair removal. The mechanisms of laser-induced hair growth …

Do Digital Transformation And Macroeconomic Stability Matter For The Asean's Economic Growth?, Sri Andaiyani, Abdul Bashir, Ichsan Hamidi

Bulletin of Monetary Economics and Banking

This work assesses the association between digital transformation, macroeconomic stability, and economic growth. We employ yearly data from 2010 to 2021 in ASEAN countries. The findings show digital transformation and macroeconomic stability can increase in GDP in the long term. Digital transformation contributes favorably and substantially, while macroeconomic stability negatively and significantly affects economic growth in the short-term. The study reveals causal link between digital transformation and macroeconomic stability, causality from digital transformation to economic growth, and economic growth to macroeconomic stability. This implies that digital transformation is the engine of growth.

Evaluating The Impact Of A Community-Based Prostate Cancer Screening Program, Amy Leader, Kristine Pham, Nicola Cianci, Hannah Knapp, Fatuma Doka, Suzanne Barron, Oleksandr Kolesnikov, Jordan Dehoratius, Katie Bradley, Le'ann Robles, Robert Giamboy, Olivia Dahlgren, Leonard G. Gomella

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: One out of eight men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Black men are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from prostate cancer than other males, contributing to significant prostate cancer disparities. Early detection, often by routine screening, allows for more options for treatment and an increased chance of survival. Barriers to screening contribute to prostate cancer disparities, particularly among those who lack regular access to health care. Community based screening programs may overcome barriers to prostate cancer screening.

METHODS: An urban, NCI-designated cancer center collaborated with a national prostate cancer …

Synergistic Use Of Sentinel-1 And Sentinel-2 Data For Mapping Of Degradation In Coastal Forests And Miombo Woodlands Of Tanzania, Daria C. Kimaro

Tanzania Journal of Science

Forest degradation is one of the leading sources of carbon emission globally. In Africa, particularly in Tanzania, forest degradation is driven by selective logging and forest fires. Monitoring degradation over large areas is very challenging due to the lack of accurate and reliable methods. This study assessed degradation in miombo woodlands and coastal forests using a synergy of remotely sensed data acquired from sentinel-1 and sentinel-2 achieved by integrating their complementary strength where sentinel-1 enhanced detection of structural changes and sentinel-2 provided spectral insight into vegetation. The 3I3D, unsupervised algorithm analysing trends for three vegetation indices (3I) in a three-dimensional …

Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Effects Of Blighia Unijugata Baker Aril Protein-Rich Extract, Oludele O. Odekanyin, Ifeoluwa M. Adepoju, Tolulope A. Anjorin, Oluwatobi S. Adekoya

Tanzania Journal of Science

The study investigated the in vitro oxidative-stress-mitigating effect and anti- inflammatory potential of the soluble protein of the arils of Blighia unijugata in order to establish possible use in inflammatory therapy. Air-dried Blighia unijugata aril was pulverized into powder, defatted using petroleum ether, and homogenized in Phosphate Buffer Saline. The homogenate was centrifuged, and the supernatant was subjected to ammonium sulphate fractionation. The precipitate was thoroughly dialyzed, dialysate was freeze-dried, and termed partially purified Blighia unijugata aril protein extract (ppBUAPE). The antioxidant potential of the protein-rich extract was investigated using DPPH, H2O2 scavenging activity, and FRAP. The ability of ppBUAPE …

Enterobacteriaceae Contamination In Locally Packaged Roasted Cashew Kernels From The Coast And Morogoro Regions, Tanzania, Douglas Mushi, Silvia Francis Materu

Tanzania Journal of Science

The increased sales of locally packaged roasted cashew kernels (RCK) in Tanzania reflect growing consumer demand for healthy, convenient snacks. Despite this popularity and frequently reported cases of gastrointestinal illness, the microbial safety of these plastic- bagged products is not well-documented, posing a potential public health concern. To address this, a study was performed to evaluate packaging hygiene, package integrity, and microbial contamination of randomly selected packages of RCK (small: n=99; medium: n=87; large: n=118) from vendors in Coast and Morogoro regions, Tanzania. Package integrity was assessed using a vacuum decay leak tester while microbial contamination on surfaces including RCK, …

Modeling And Forecasting Wholesale Gasoline Prices In Tanzania Using Arima And Neural Network Autoregressive Models, Thadei D. Sagamiko, Edward K. Ngailo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Fluctuations in wholesale gasoline prices significantly impact the economy of import-dependent countries like Tanzania, making accurate forecasting essential for policymakers and market participants. This study forecasts monthly wholesale gasoline prices in Dar es Salaam by comparing the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model with a Neural Network Autoregressive (NNAR) model. Using data from January 2015 to December 2024 from the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), the models were evaluated. The ARIMA(1,1,1) model was identified as the best-fitting linear model, but the NNAR(11,7) model demonstrated superior accuracy. On the holdout test set, the NNAR model achieved a lower Mean …

Variations In Physicochemical Properties, Microbiological Profiles, And Nutrient Dynamics In The Temi River, Arusha, Tanzania: Sources And Implications, Aldo J. Kitalika

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study thoroughly investigates the physicochemical properties, microbiological profiles, and nutrient dynamics of the Temi River in Tanzania. The sources and implications of fluctuations in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nutrients during the wet and dry seasons are carefully analysed. Water samples were collected from various geographically referenced points along the river, and analyses were performed using the APHA Standard Methods for Water and Wastewater Testing. The results show that most parameters increased downstream in both seasons, with the highest DOC levels reaching 352.11 mg/L in the wet season, followed by a significant decrease to 126.00 mg/L during the dry …

Aquifer Distribution In Lukobe Ward, Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania: Mapped Resources For Sustainable Water Access, Kelvin K. Kayuni

Tanzania Journal of Science

In response to the ongoing challenges posed by the scarcity of reliable fresh-water sources in Lukobe Ward, Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania, this study applied an integrated approach that combines geospatial and geophysical datasets to identify previously undocumented aquifers. The datasets utilized include an apparent density map generated from high-resolution GGMPlus satellite gravity data, a geological map (Quarter Degree Sheet 183), a water drainage map, and a slope map created from a digital elevation model (DEM). The analysis successfully identified four unconfined, saprolitic aquifers in the study area, designated as aquifers A, B, C, and D. These aquifers span areas of 12.2 …

Performance Comparison Of Kriging Models Used For Estimation Of Rainfall Variability In The Northern Coast Of Tanzania, Salma Suleiman, Clement Mromba

Tanzania Journal of Science

Accurate rainfall estimation underpins effective disaster preparedness and sustainable socioeconomic planning. The performance of Ordinary Kriging (OK), Universal Kriging (UK), and Simple Kriging (SK) in estimation of rainfall variability were assessed across eight stations in the northern coast of Tanzania for the period from 1960 to 2020. Using ArcGIS 10.3, each method was evaluated and cross-validated using six performance metrics, namely; Mean Error (ME), Mean Square Error (MSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Root Mean Standardized Square Error (RMSSE), Average Standardized Error (ASE), and the Coefficient of Determination (R²). Performance comparison results indicate OK to have achieved the lowest bias, …

Exploring Bacterial Diversity In Seagrass Meadow Of Thalassia Hemprichii And Syringodium Isoetifolium From Tanzania’S Coast, Lucy D. Mbusi, Thomas J. Lyimo, Sylvester L. Lyantagaye

Tanzania Journal of Science

Seagrasses are highly productive coastal ecosystems that harbor diverse bacterial communities, including both culturable and unculturable taxa. These bacteria play vital roles in ecological, biogeochemical, and biotechnological processes. In this study, a metagenomic approach using Pacific Biosciences next-generation sequencing was employed to investigate bacterial diversity associated with Thalassia hemprichii and Syringodium isoetifolium collected from the Mjimwema coast, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Results revealed that T. hemprichii supported greater bacterial species diversity (117 OTUs) compared to S. isoetifolium (109 OTUs). Among plant compartments, roots harbored the highest diversity, followed by rhizosphere sediment and leaves. The phylum Proteobacteria dominated across all samples …