Digital Commons Network^™

Multicriteria Analysis For Identification Of Potential Urban Green Spaces In Gjakova (Kosova), Eli Binxhija, Edon Maliqi

International Journal of Business and Technology

Green spaces are essential for maintaining the quality of life. Due to rapid urbanization, they are rapidly disappearing in Gjakova. This study aims to automate the process of identifying the suitable areas for future urban green spaces in Gjakova city, considering multiple criteria, including: topographic, environmental and socio-economic. The study has integrated multi-criteria spatial analysis in Geographic Information System (GIS), in order to evaluate the suitability of the site selection of urban green spaces. It combines a number of factors in both data models (vector and raster), such as land use/land cover, elevation, slope, existing green areas, proximity to road, …

Assessment Of Microbiological And Physicochemical Parameters In Ground Beef From Fast Food Outlets In The Prishtina Region, Diora Kastrati, Veton Haziri, Ibrahim Mehmeti, Violeta Lajqi Makolli, Arianeta Nura, Flutura C. Ajazi

International Journal of Business and Technology

Fast food consumption has significantly increased, particularly in fast-paced cities like Prishtina. Hamburgers, one of the most consumed products in this industry, rely on ground beef, which poses notable food safety risks due to potential contamination and inadequate hygiene practices. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected microbiological and physicochemical parameters in ground beef from fast food outlets in the Prishtina region. The research involved analyzing 12 samples from various fast-food establishments in Prishtina, collected during June-July 2024. Microbiological analyses focused on total mesophilic aerobic bacteria and Escherichia coli, using standard cultivation methods on Plate Count Agar and …

A Systematic Literature Review: Big Data Maturity Model In The Telecommunication Industry, Fatmir Desku, Adrian Besimi

International Journal of Business and Technology

This paper presents a systematic literature review focused on Big Data Maturity Model, with a specific emphasis on its application within the telecommunications sector. It addresses two primary research questions: the models currently available for assessing Big Data Maturity and the models predominantly used within the telecommunications industry. The review reveals that several models, such as Gartner's Data Maturity Model (GDMM), IBM's Big Data & Analytics Maturity Model, The Data Warehousing Institute (TDWI's) Big Data Maturity Model, the Data Management Maturity (DMM) Model, and the Big Data Maturity Model (BDMM), are widely recognized. However, no single model has been predominantly …

Applying Lasso Regression For Property Price Prediction In Emerging Markets: An Empirical Study Of Prishtina's Real Estate Sector, Visar Hoxha, Albana Shala, Veli Lecaj, Fuat Pallaska, Hazer Dana

International Journal of Business and Technology

This study employs Lasso Regression (LR) to forecast apartment prices in Prishtina, analyzing a dataset of 1,468 transactions from the Kosovo Department of Property Taxes (2019-2023). Focusing on variables like distance to the central business district and apartment size, LR was selected for its ability to perform feature selection and regularization, applied using Python. The preliminary model included variables such as distance to central business district, distance from main road leading to central business district, size, floor, distance from bus stations, distance from ambulances, distance from schools, distance from green spaces, income status of inhabitants per apartment, and distance from …

Comparative Evaluation Of Microcontrollers For Real-Time Heart Rate Monitoring And Tachycardia/Bradycardia Detection, Arxhend Jetullahu, Luan Mulaku, Saranda Demolli

International Journal of Business and Technology

The growing demand for portable healthcare devices has led to combining microcontrollers with machine learning models to enable real-time health monitoring. It's quite paramount, specifically in the context of identifying irregularities in heart rate, like tachycardia—where the heart races unusually fast—and bradycardia, an instance of a sluggish heartbeat. The neat thing is that this study takes a stab at contrasting the effectiveness among three popular microcontroller types—the ESP32, the Raspberry Pi, and the Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense—in terms of real-time tracking of heartbeats and spotting any oddities (using, of course, a model developed with some machine learning elements). At …

The Interplay Of Stress, Health, And Well-Being Among Health Providers In Primary Health Service, Anita Sadikaj, Rinor Berisha

International Journal of Business and Technology

Stress, health, and well-being are intrinsically connected in a complex interplay that has captured the attention of researchers, healthcare professionals, and individuals seeking to lead healthier lives. The delivery of healthcare services in Primary Health Services relies heavily on the dedication and resilience of healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and support staff. These professionals are the backbone of the healthcare system, ensuring that essential medical care is provided to individuals and communities. However, the demanding nature of their work, which often involves long hours, heavy workloads, and complex patient interactions, places them at risk of experiencing high levels of stress. …

Physicochemical And Biological Evaluation Of Aque-Duct Water In Kosovo, Demokrat Nuha, Arbër Bytyçi, Fisnik Laha, Pajtim Bytyçi, Osman Fetoshi

International Journal of Business and Technology

The study analyzes the water quality of aqueducts in Drenas, Prishtina, Lipjan, and Shtime, Kosovo, in June and August 2024. The parameters assessed include physicochemical properties like color, turbidity, pH, free chlorine, chlorides, conductivity, and metal ions (Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, Al), alongside biological indicators such as coliform bacteria. The results indicate that most parameters are within acceptable limits, reflecting overall good water quality. However, variations were noted: Prishtina's low chlorine levels may pose microbial risks, and the increased chlorides and conductivity in Lipjan suggest the impact of urban runoff or industrial activities. Seasonal shifts, especially during August, influenced the concentration of …

Bone Ring Technique, Sinan Arllati, Kreshnik Syka

International Journal of Business and Technology

Tooth extraction is accompanied by vertical reduction of the alveolar ridge as a result of the bone atrophy. In cases where we are dealing with the upper jaw, changes in alveolar bone dimensions can also be accompanied by pneumatization of the maxillary sinus. These changes are even more often after the extraction of the maxillary first and second molars, and especially after the extraction of two or more teeth in a row in the distal maxillary region. Different techniques and materials are used to provide adequate bone support for dental implants in these cases. In the presented case, the autogenous …

Determination Of General Parameters, Total Phenols And Total Flavonoids Content For The Assessment Of The General Quality Of Herbs From The Two Sideritis Species (S. Scardica And S. Raeseri), Bujar Qazimi, Shpend Dragusha, Hyrije Koraqi, Gentiana Balaj, Vesel Qazimi

International Journal of Business and Technology

The determination of general parameters (loss on drying test, total ash, and ash insoluble in dilute HCl) as well as the determination of total phenols content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) were determined in the aerial part of Sideritis scardica and S. raeseri collected in different localities in North Macedonia and Albania. In the analyzed samples of S. scardica and S. raeseri loss by drying was 6.65-8.01% and 7.08-8.42%, the content of total ash was 4.91-7.41% and 4.72-7.74%, while the content of total ash insoluble in diluted HCl was 0.13-0.27% and 0.05-0.75%, respectively. The amounts of phenolics content and …

The Hidden Cost Of Metformin: Deficiency Of Vitamin B12 In Iraqi Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Noor Mohammed Obaid, Halla Talib Salih, Mohammed Abdulzahra Hussein, Yousif M. I Al-Mohammed Amin, Mustafa Raheem Oglah

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Metformin remains a cornerstone in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, extended use has been increasingly linked to vitamin B12 deficiency, contributing to neuropathy, anemia, and cognitive impairment.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among Iraqi patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving long-term metformin therapy and to identify associated clinical and demographic risk factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 500 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients on metformin for ≥18 months. Serum vitamin B12 levels were measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Correlations with demographic and clinical variables (including smoking, hemoglobin, and fasting blood sugar were …

Project Zenith -- Utopias, Tony Barnstone, English, Emy Contreras, Cameron Weaver, Sidney Martinez

First Year Seminars in Project-Based Learning

No abstract provided.

"My Sos Dishwasher", Jiajing Chen

INRW/Coreq Student Showcase

Fall 2025 Student Showcase

"Paws, Hearts, And Health: Positive Impacts Of Owning A Pet", Sadia Binta Shahid

INRW/Coreq Student Showcase

Fall 2025 Student Showcase

Serum Ccr7 As A Diagnostic Biomarker In Acute And Chronic Pyelonephritis In Iraq, Dhafer Rahman Abed Al-Janabi, Ahmed Abduljabbar Jaloob Aljanaby

NJF Biomedicine Journal

Background: Pyelonephritis is a serious kidney infection primarily caused by E. coli. This study evaluated serum CCR7 levels in patients with acute and chronic pyelonephritis.

Objectives: To assess serum CCR7 concentrations and determine its potential as a diagnostic biomarker.

Methods: A cross-sectional study included 30 acute, 30 chronic pyelonephritis patients, and 29 healthy controls. Serum CCR7 was measured using ELISA and analyzed by one-way ANOVA.

Results: CCR7 levels were significantly higher in pyelonephritis patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). Chronic cases showed higher CCR7 levels than acute cases, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Elevated CCR7 is associated with pyelonephritis and may serve as a supplementary diagnostic biomarker. Further studies are required …

Impact Of Various Laboratory Techniques Upon Accuracy Of Hemoglobin Measurement, Ali Saleem Abdulridha Aridhee

NJF Biomedicine Journal

Introduction: Hemoglobin is one of the most important biological substances in the body, as it is the primary carrier of oxygen to the body's cells. Without this essential element, cells cannot receive oxygen, nor can they remove carbon dioxide. Hemoglobin has many types, one of which is normal, and many diseases are related to the synthesis and types of hemoglobin. These diseases are called anemia, and there are many types of anemia depending on the abnormal type of hemoglobin. The ideal way to diagnose such diseases is by measuring the hemoglobin concentration in the blood. Over the past decades, various …

Enhancing Sepsis Prevention In Long-Term Care Facilities: Development Of An Infection Prevention Sepsis Toolkit, Emmalyn A. Tuhin

Student Scholarly Projects

Objectives: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to create, validate, and refine an Evidence-Based Sepsis Prevention Toolkit to enhanced early sepsis recognition and interprofessional coordination of care within long-term care facilities (LTCFs).

Background: Sepsis remains a leading cause of mortality and preventable transfer to the hospital for the elderly residents within the LTCFs. A significant practice gap persists because sepsis in this population often presents atypically, resulting in delayed or inaccurate diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: This project was guided by the following PICOT question: For healthcare professionals caring for patients aged 65 years and older …

Serum Ccr7 As A Diagnostic Marker In Acute And Chronic Pyelonephritis: Findings From A Cross-Sectional Study In Iraq, Dhafer Rahman Abed Al-Janabi, Ahmed Abduljabbar Jaloob Aljanaby

NJF Biomedicine Journal

Background: Pyelonephritis is a serious kidney infection primarily caused by Gram-negative bacteria, notably Escherichia coli. Understanding the host immune response is essential for developing diagnostic tools. This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of CC-chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) in patients with acute and chronic pyelonephritis. Objectives: To assess serum CCR7 concentrations in patients with acute and chronic pyelonephritis, compare them to healthy controls, and determine the potential of CCR7 as a diagnostic biomarker. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Najaf, Iraq, involving 89 participants: 30 with acute pyelonephritis, 30 with chronic pyelonephritis, and 29 healthy …

Applications Of Nanoparticle Systems In Drug Delivery Technology, Sadeq R. Atiyah, Samer Ali Hasan, Ali Jaaen Seger, Mohamed A. Akl

NJF Biomedicine Journal

The nanoparticle-based drug delivery system (DDS) is thought to be a viable cancer treatment method. Nanoparticle-based DDS outperforms standard DDS in terms of drug and protein half-life, hydrophobic drug solubility, and overall efficacy. providing for regulated and targeted medicine release at the sick location. The nexus of nanotechnology and medicine gave rise to the relatively new area of nanomedicine. Its basis is the medical manipulation of materials at the nanoscale. In certain situations, drugs with a superior safety profile—like chemotherapeutic cancer treatments, which carry a significant toxicity risk—can be delivered by nanotechnology. The fact that living cells are tiny virtual …

Gingival Inflammation And Microbial Load In Iraqi Patients Fitted With Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: A Longitudinal Study, Maryam Aljbouri, Thaer Jaber Al-Khafaji, Nebras N. Al-Dabbagh

NJF Biomedicine Journal

Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances are widely used to correct malocclusions and improve dental aesthetics and function. However, their placement can significantly alter the oral microenvironment, promoting plaque accumulation and microbial colonization, which may lead to gingival inflammation and periodontal complications. In particular, opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans have been reported to proliferate in orthodontic patients. Methods: A total of 40 (20 males, 20 females) patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment were enrolled in this longitudinal study. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected by passive drooling method (Navazesh, 1993) at three intervals: baseline (T0), two weeks (T1), and four …

Attrition Experiences Among Officers In A Texas Correctional Organization, Dewanou Frejus Aisse

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) faces employee retention challenges, and recruiting and retaining correctional officers remains TDCJ’s most significant challenge and highest priority. Correctional facility leaders need to understand these challenges as indicators of workforce sustainability. Grounded in job embeddedness theory, the purpose of this general qualitative study was to explore the turnover experiences of Texas correctional officers, to understand why officers left their jobs, and the factors that contributed to their decisions to stay in their jobs. Participants comprised 11 former correctional officers who had worked between 5 months and 6 years for the TDCJ. Data were …

The Parthenon, December 03, 2025, Baylee Parsons, Kaitlyn Fleming, Ashton Pack, Nate Harrah, Caden Adkins, Scott Price, Lilli Ross, Wade Sullivan

The Parthenon

No abstract provided.

Neuroadaptive Return On Investment In Education: A Critical Review Of Eeg And Eye-Tracking For Decision Optimization, Piper Hutson, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

This article advances a critical synthesis of a proposed neuroadaptive return on investment framework that integrates electroencephalography and eye-tracking into educational decision systems. The analysis situates neuroadaptive ROI within scholarship on neurodiversity, engagement, and adaptive learning, arguing that process-level indicators of attention, cognitive load, and persistence merit inclusion alongside conventional outcome metrics in investment models. Methodological scrutiny examines construct validity for neural and gaze indices, requirements for multimodal fusion, calibration across heterogeneous learner profiles, and threats to internal and external validity in classroom contexts. Evidence from pilot implementations suggests feasibility for real-time pacing, friction-point detection, and targeted resource triage, although …

Daily Eastern News: December 03, 2025, Eastern Illinois University

Daily Eastern News: 2025-2026

No abstract provided.

2026-27 Tuition And Fees Announced, Lindenwood University

Archived Lindenwood Press Releases

No abstract provided.

Improving Palliative Care Knowledge And Intentions Among Great Plains American Indians: Efficacy Results From A Randomized Clinical Trial Testing A Culture-Centric Palliative Care Message, Mary J. Isaacson, Kah Meng (Charlie) Soh, Christopher S. Wichman, Gina Johnson, Kelly Le Beaux, Semhar Michael, Lisa Sparks, Karla M. Hunter

Communication Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Methods

Results

Cv: Mirelya Marquez (Radiography), Mirelya Marquez

Rehabilitation and Health Sciences Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

2025-02 February Newsletter, Sammi Williams

NMOER Newsletters

No abstract provided.

How Gen Z Makes Sense Of Csr Communication: The Role Of Perceived Altruism And Cultural Ideology In Responses To Internal And External Csr, Yezi Hu, Yanni Ma, Di Mu

Communication Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study aims to examine how Generation Z consumers respond to internal and external corporate social responsibility (CSR) posts on social media. By exploring the mediating role of perceived altruism and the moderating role of cultural ideology, this research seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of how ideological orientations shape CSR communication effectiveness.

This study conducted an online experiment (N = 509) to examine how Gen Z, an emerging powerhouse of consumers, responds to corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication. Participants were randomly assigned to view a social media post highlighting either internal CSR, external CSR, or a neutral control message. …

Uc Minutes 2025-12-03, Northern Illinois University

University Council Archives

No abstract provided.

Uc Transcript 2025-12-03, Northern Illinois University

University Council Archives

No abstract provided.