Digital Commons Network^™

Us Race/Ethnic Disparities In Diabetes Technologies: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of 950 000 Individuals, Maria L. M. Rego, Maxim Barnett, Maria Helena Siqueira Tavares De Melo, Ana Rivadeneira

Einstein Health Papers

PURPOSE: To provide a descriptive summary and to quantitatively examine racial and ethnic disparities in the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) among people living with diabetes in the United States.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We followed the Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD420251124678). Search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane up to August 2025. Observational studies were included if they (1) were conducted in the United States, (2) evaluated the use of CGM/CSII across different races/ethnic groups, and (3) reported odds ratios (ORs) for between-group comparisons. Three-level random-effect meta-analyses examined OR in …

An Interactive Multi-Objective Programming Approach For Optimizing Fully Trapezoidal Spherical Fuzzy Linear Programming Problem With Application, Sultan S. Alodhaibi, Hissah Ibrahim Almuzini, Hamiden Abd El-Wahed Khalifa

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

In this paper, a linear programming framework with completely uncertain parameters is investigated by employing trapezoidal spherical fuzzy numbers (TrSFNs). The proposed formulation incorporates a spherical fuzzy (SF) decision environment in which the optimization process simultaneously maximizes the degree of positive membership while minimizing the corresponding neutral and negative membership degrees. By utilizing the concept of the α -cut associated with TrSFNs, the original fully fuzzy linear programming problem is transformed into an interval-valued linear programming model with confidence levels. To rank and compare the resulting interval objective values, an interval ordering approach based on the decision maker's preferences—considering the …

Interval-Valued Neutrosophic Dombi Bonferroni Mean Aggregation Operators In Medical Diagnosis And Sustainable Energy, Maryam Faisal, Muhammad Nadeem, Muhammad Kamran

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Medical diagnosis is one of the most difficult fields in which decisions must be made due to the fact that medical information often has characteristics of uncertainty, incompleteness, imprecision and even contradiction. Traditional aggregation and decision-making methods are often not well suited to such complexities, and may result in less reliable diagnostic outcomes. In order to overcome these drawbacks, the authors propose a new approach using a novel representation of Interval-Valued Neutrosophic Sets (IVNSs), the Dombi operational laws, and Bonferroni Mean (BM) aggregation operators. The proposed framework is specifically aimed at coping with uncertainty, indeterminacy and falsity all at once …

Liver Function Tests, Calcium, And Phosphorus Levels In The Graves' Disease Patients, Munaf Faraj Rashid, Haider Abd. Jabbar Alammar, Abbas Mahdi Rahmah

Al-Qadisiyah Medical Journal

Background: Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ located in the anterior of the neck. In this case, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, leading to the overproduction of thyroid hormones. The most common result of Graves' disease is an overactive thyroid gland, which produces an excess of thyroid hormones (thyroxine or T4 and triiodothyronine or T3). This can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, heat intolerance, and increased sweating. The thyroid gland may become enlarged, causing a noticeable swelling in the front of the neck. …

Lipase And Tcf7l2 Polymorphism As Indicators Of Pancreatic Dysfunction In Patients With Breast Cancer, Dhay Ihab Al-Jdooa, Ahmed Ghdhban Al-Ziaydi

Al-Qadisiyah Medical Journal

Background: Pancreatic dysfunction is widely acknowledged as a critical issue in individuals with breast cancer. These biomarkers like insulin, lipase, and amylase or polymorphisms such as TCF7L2 can be correlated in assessing breast cancer in conjunction with other medicine relations such as pancreatic health. Objective: The aim of this particular study is to assess the role of breast cancer in pancreatic dysfunction by assessing the aforementioned biomarkers and gene polymorphisms. Methods: Following ethical guidelines, a case-control study was conducted involving female patients diagnosed with breast cancer and other breast cancer-free women. Various combined diagnostic tests, including ROC curve analysis and …

Women’S Participation In Middle Eastern Politics: Between Cultural Norms And Democratic Aspirations, Siham Abidi, Thomas Sheku Marah

Journal Of Middle East and Islamic Studies

Women’s political participation in the Middle East remains shaped by the complex interaction of cultural norms, religious interpretations, and democratic reform processes. While existing scholarship has examined these factors extensively, limited attention has been devoted to explaining why women’s political participation varies across states with broadly similar socio-cultural and religious contexts. This study addresses this gap through a qualitative comparative analysis of Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. Guided by Feminist Institutionalism and Political Opportunity Structure theory, the study draws on secondary data from peer-reviewed literature, legal documents, and policy reports. The findings demonstrate that women’s political participation is not determined …

The Efficiency-Profitability Paradox: A Comparative Analysis Of Digital And Conventional Customer Acquisition In Islamic Banking, Andra Prayudha

Journal Of Middle East and Islamic Studies

This study investigates the strategic dilemma faced by banking institutions in allocating resources between digital and conventional customer acquisition channels. Using a unique panel dataset from 38 Islamic bank branches, we analyze the comparative effectiveness of digital (Online Onboarding) and conventional (Payroll and Branch Registration) strategies on branch-level financial performance. Our findings reveal a significant efficiency-profitability paradox: a digital-dominant strategic orientation is associated with superior operational efficiency but does not translate into higher profitability. Furthermore, our analysis uncovers a critical nuance in conventional strategies through the discovery of inconsistent mediation: the institutional Payroll channel, while directly boosting margins, simultaneously erodes …

Religious Trauma And Social Identity Af Santri: A Qualitative Study In A Pesantren Environment, Himmatuz Zakiyah

Journal Of Middle East and Islamic Studies

This qualitative study examines religious trauma experiences among Santri in a modern Indonesian pesantren, focusing on how teachers weaponize Qur'anic verses and hadiths as tools of symbolic violence. Data were collected through semi structured interviews with five Santri and alumni from Bumi Shalawat Islamic Boarding School, a pseudonym. Findings reveal that selective quotation, decontextualization, and threat based hermeneutics, which I term scriptural violence, are systematically used to enforce conformity, suppress doubt, and induce shame. This scriptural violence operates through three mechanisms. Theological gaslighting denies Santri's interpretive agency. Eschatological blackmail threatens divine punishment. Prophetic proof texting misuses hadiths to legitimize authoritarian …

Clinical And Hematological Correlates Of Common Viral Respiratory Infections In Patients With Acute Illness In Iraq, Israa Habeeb Naser

Journal of Bioresource Management

Background: Acute viral respiratory infections are considered as the leading causes of illness and hospitalization worldwide. Influenza virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Adenovirus are general respiratory pathogens linked with significant clinical problems in Iraq. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of common respiratory viral infections and their clinical and hematological associations between Iraqi patients with acute-illness.

Methods: This a cross-sectional study was done on 160 patients showing acute febrile and/or respiratory-symptoms. Viral detection for Influenza virus, RSV and Adenovirus was performed using rapid-antigen and ELISA assays. Hematological tests including total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count, hemoglobin and …

Protective Effects Of Yogurt Against Sodium Fluoride-Induced Liver Dysfunction In Rabbits, Rasool Bux, Rehana Buriro, Shamsuddin Bughio, Kashif Ali Malak, Muhammad Aqeel, Fayaz Ali, Ali Raza, Abdul Sallam

Journal of Bioresource Management

Fluoride (F-) is among the most important compounds that can damage hepatic tissue and increase level of ALT, ALP, Bilirubin, GGT, and decreases the albumin. Present study was conducted to explore protective role of yogurt on hepatic dysfunction induced by sodium F- at different doses. Animal were divided into seven experimental groups (6 rabbits/group). Group A (Control), Group B (F- 50 mg/kg), Group C (yogurt 15 g/kg), Group D (F- 50 mg + yogurt 15 g/kg), Group E (F- 100 mg/kg), Group F (yogurt 30 g/kg), Group G (F- 100 mg/kg B.W. + yogurt 30 g/kg). In F- treatment groups …

Endophytic Actinobacteria: Deciphering Therapeutic And Industrial Potential, And Prospects Of Genome Mining In Novel Products Discovery, Yusra Waheed, Rabia Shahdin, Imran Sajid

Journal of Bioresource Management

Endophytic actinobacteria are a diverse group of Gram-positive bacteria with high G+C content, which inhabit plants’ internal tissues, and represent a significant yet underexplored reservoir of bioactive secondary metabolites. In host plants, a remarkable repertoire of metabolites, including broad-spectrum antibiotics, anticancer, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory compounds, is synthesized by these microbial allies, carrying significant medicinal and agricultural potential. These endophytes, in contrast to their soil relatives, have developed unique biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) strongly influenced by plant-associated factors, leading to the production of structurally novel metabolites. In recent years, the advances in genome mining, metagenomics, and metabolomics have accelerated …

Liver Function Test (Lfts) Revealed Ameliorative Effect Of Probiotics And Antibiotics As Therapeutic Agents Against Experimentally Induced Enterotoxemia In Goat, Muhammad Mohsen, Jam Kashif Zaman, Amjad Hussain Mirani, Nazeer Hussain Kalhoro, Benazir Sahito

Journal of Bioresource Management

Present study was conducted to evaluate the various liver enzymes in experimentally induced enterotoxemic goat inorder to ensure the therapeutic potential of probiotics and antibiotics. Experiment was conducted at Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam in which 35 non-descriptive goats were housed and experimenatally induced with enterotoxemia by inoculation of Clostridium perfringens culture surgically by performing laparotomy into intestine. After apperence of positive clinical signs of infection, goats were randomly divided into 5 treatment groups i.e. Group 1 (negative control), Group 2 (positive control), Group 3 (yogurt, 5 % solution, 50 mL/time), Group 4 (Yeast, 5 % solution, …

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles And Clinical Dynamics Of Listeriosis In Small Ruminants: A One Health Review, Muhammad Aqeel, Pervez Ahmed Khoso, Amjad Hussain Mirani, Dildar Hussain Kalhoro, Abdul Ahad Soomro

Journal of Bioresource Management

Although the incidence of listeriosis is much lower in small ruminants, it has implications for food safety, herd health and appropriate antibiotic usage as well as zoonotic potential. Both have been reported to be robust pathogens and Listeria monocytogenes is generally recognized as the most common etiologic agent, but in ovine or caprine abortion it should be included as a significant differential diagnosis. This is a narrative one health review that summarizes status of the information published to date on the epidemiology and clinical signs of infection, resistance patterns found and diagnosis and prevention methods employed in small ruminant populations. …

Prevalence And Risk Factors Association Of Babesiosis In Cattle And Buffaloes In District Naushahro Feroze, Sindh, Pakistan, Kazim Raza, Amjad Hussain, Sajid Moin, Huzaifa Arain, Muhammad Mohsen, Maria Abubakar, Erum Bughio, Barkat Ali

Journal of Bioresource Management

Background: Bovine babesiosis is a protozoan disease that is transmitted by ticks and has significant veterinary and economic impacts on tropical livestock systems. Prior to this study, no epidemiological data was available of Sindh, Pakistan.

Purpose: To estimate the Babesia spp. prevalence and estimate the risk factors with respect to cattle and buffaloes in five tehsils of District Naushahro Feroze, Sindh, Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using 200 blood samples (100 Thari cattle; 100 Kundhi buffaloes; both sexes) in five tehsils (Kandiaro, Moro, Mehrabpur, Bhiria and Naushahro Feroze). Thin blood smears under Giemsa stain were viewed under oil-immersion …

Evaluation Of Heavy Metal And Health Risks Of Well Water In Abobo, Osara And Osaragada Communities In Kogi State, North-Central, Nigeria, Muhammed Haruna Isah, Blessing Ahmed, Dauda Tanko, Adang Kombe Lucas

Journal of Bioresource Management

Human health may be at risk if drinking water contains excessive amounts of heavy metals (HMs). To determine risks related to heavy metals, fifteen water samples were taken every month between July and September, 2024 from the communities of Abobo (Site A), Osara (Site B) and Osaragada (Site C) close to Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara. These samples were tested for ten HMs (Cu, Fe, Ni, Zn, Co, Cd, As, Cr, Hg, Pb) with the aid of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The average concentration ranges as follows: Fe (0.378-0.511 mg/l), Cu (1.643-1.720 mg/l), Ni (0.31-0.556 mg/l), Zn (0.17-0.271 mg/l), …

Isolation, Quantification, And Characterization Of Microplastics In Atmospheric Fallout Across Different Areas Of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, Muhammad Rizwan, Aqib Javed, Muhammad Javed Islam, Kashif Riaz, Asif Bilal, Muhammad Nasir, Ayesha Ali

Journal of Bioresource Management

Microplastics have become widely dispersed in our environment, and even in the air we breathe. The present research aims at identifying and determining the amounts of microplastics present in atmospheric fallout over Lahore city, which is characterized by a large population and several manufacturing industries. In order to find out the existence of microplastics, samples of atmospheric fallout were collected from various sites across hustling municipalities of Lahore that included urbanized settlements. The analysis disclosed that there are various forms of microplastic fibers, fragments and granules indicating different sources of pollution. The identified ones varied from 114.485 µm to 2034.731 …

Sensitivity Of The Mangrove Forest In The Joal-Fadiouth Marine Protected Area (Senegal) To Climate Variability (Rainfall And Temperatures), Eugenie Marie Mossane Sene, Elhadji Faye, Sylvie Brizard Zongo, Hippolyte Ditona Tsumbu, Jean-Claude Micha

Journal of Bioresource Management

Mangroves provide coastal communities with a multitude of ecosystem services. This is the case in Joal-Fadiouth. A study on its mangrove dynamics revealed a decline in area between 1974 and 2004, followed by a gradual trend after it acquired Marine Protected Area (MPA) status in 2004. Given the importance of this mangrove, the research focused on analyzing its evolution associated with rainfall and temperature variability. To do this, Spearman’s Rho correlation coefficient was performed between mangrove areas in 10-year increments from 1974 to 2024 and values of climate parameters studied for each increment, with n (number of pairs) = 6. …

Diversity, Prevalence And Associated Factors Of Gastrointestinal Parasites In Small Ruminants Of Chitral, Hindu Kush Mountains, Pakistan, Maaz Saleem, Kamran Khan, Muhammad Zahid Shah

Journal of Bioresource Management

This study investigated the prevalence of helminths parasites and the influence of associated factors including district, valley, species, gender, age, flock size, flock type, feeding system, and deworming among small ruminants in Chitral, Hindu Kush Mountains, Pakistan. Fecal samples from 401 goats and 410 sheep were analyzed. Chi-square tests were applied to determine the associated factors. The overall prevalence of helminths parasites was 59.4 %, with 58.9 % in goats and 60 % in sheep. The most prevalent coprologically detected parasite species was Toxocara spp. (27.1 %), followed by Moniezia spp. (17 %). In mixed infections, mostly Toxocara spp. with …

Fungal-Associated Deterioration Of Polythene Bags Collected From The Dumping Sites Of District Sialkot: A Preliminary Screening Study, Zarish Fatima, Brian Gagosh Nayyar, Ayesha Sarwar, Mah-E- Noor Abbas, Saira Fiaz, Wajiha Seerat

Journal of Bioresource Management

Polythene bags are highly inert plastic materials made from monomers of ethylene. Due to their durability, lightweight, and low-weight characteristics, polythene bags are in high demand among consumers and retailers worldwide. This widespread use of polythene bags has led to the generation of polythene waste in the environment. This study focused on the degradation of polythene bags through fungal strains in the desired region.  In this research, three identified fungal strains, namely Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium oxysporum, were screened using two synthetic media for degradation, such as the culture plate method (CPM) and Liquid media degradation (LMD). A …

Melodrama And The Ecological Imagination: K-Dramas And Thai Lakorns As Instruments Of Soft Environmental Diplomacy, Antonio P. Contreras

Asia-Pacific Social Science Review

This paper examines how Asian serialized dramas, particularly Korean television dramas (K-Dramas) and Thai Lakorns, function as cultural texts that shape ecological imagination within the Philippine media environment. Using interpretive visual-textual analysis of Crash Landing on You, My Mister, 2gether: The Series, and Bad Genius: The Series, the study explores how visual aesthetics, emotional atmospheres, and narrative structures encode environmental values such as balance, restraint, and care. Rather than measuring audience impact, the paper interprets Filipino online audience commentary as illustrative reception discourse reflecting how viewers emotionally interpret these mediated landscapes. Anchored in theories of soft power, cultural proximity, and …

Limited Predictive Value Of Vaginal Discharge And Cervical Ectropion For Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Detected By Direct Immunofluorescence, Dian Novitasari, Willy Sandhika, Ashon Sa'adi, Lusiani Tjandra

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, often asymptomatic, yet a major cause of infertility. In clinical practice, vaginal discharge and cervical ectropion are frequently used as syndromic indicators. However, their predictive value for Chlamydia trachomatis infection remains limited, particularly in regions with restricted access to NAAT/PCR, such as Indonesia. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of vaginal discharge and cervical ectropion as predictors of Chlamydia trachomatis infection using the Direct Immunofluorescence (DIF) method. This study used a cross-sectional design conducted among 93 reproductive-aged women from coastal areas of Jember, East Java, Indonesia, who …

Patterns Recognized In Ayres Sensory Integration®: A Scoping Review, Marica Botha, Janine Van Der Linde, Zoe Mailloux

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: Associations between scores on tests of sensory integration functions demonstrated in numerous studies over six decades have contributed to the development of Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) theory and practice. Understanding these "patterns" aids therapists in their interpretation of assessment results, ensuring appropriate and effective intervention. This study aimed to describe and discuss published research on identified patterns related to constructs in the Ayres Sensory Integration® approach. Methods: Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist were used. The literature review search was guided by the following …

Scott Sees Job Approval Fall To New Low In Vermont But Holds Early Lead Over Prospective Dem Challengers 6/30/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Vermont Governor Phil Scott's job approval has fallen to its lowest point since at least April 2022, but much of this decline is due to falling approval among his fellow Republicans. Scott is seeking a sixth term as governor and holds early leads over prospective Democratic challengers Amanda Janoo and Aly Richards, who are largely unknown to likely Democratic primary voters. Former Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray leads the Democratic field to take on incumbent Republican John Rodgers and Gray leads Rodgers in a prospective general election matchup. Gerald Malloy leads fellow Republican Mark Coester in the race to challenge incumbent …

Foulkes Continues To Lead Dem Gubernatorial Primary In Rhode Island, Block Could Play Decisive Role In General 6/30/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Helena Foulkes remains the leader in the race for the Democratic nomination for Rhode Island governor in 2026, but incumbent Dan McKee has narrowed the gap somewhat since April. Foulkes leads in a hypothetical general election matchup with a generic Republican nominee and Independent Ken Block, while McKee is tied with a Republican nominee and Block. Incumbent Democratic Senator Jack Reed continues to lead challenger Connor Burbridge in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Only one-fifth of Rhode Islanders feel the state is headed in the right direction, slightly lower than in 2024.

Lamont Remains Favorite In Ct Dem Gubernatorial Primary, Leads Fazio In General Election Matchup 6/30/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Incumbent Democratic Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont continues to lead Josh Elliott in the race for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2026, but support for Elliott has inched upward in recent months. Support for Lamont is high among the political center and older voters, while those further left and young voters show more support for Elliott. Lamont leads presumptive Republican nominee Ryan Fazio in a general election matchup. Connecticut residents are split on whether the state is headed in the right direction or on the wrong track, with Democrats and women more likely to see it as headed in the …

Races Tighten In New Hampshire For Governor And U.S. Senate 6/30/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Congressman Chris Pappas continues to have the support of a majority of likely Democratic primary voters but his lead over scientist Karishma Manzur has narrowed since April, with young and left-wing voters favoring Manzur. Pappas continues to hold a clear lead over former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown in a general election matchup, but is statistically tied with former Senator John E. Sununu. In the race for Governor, incumbent Kelly Ayotte holds a small lead over presumptive Democratic nominee Cinde Warmington, with Warmington closing the gap slightly since April. Granite Staters remain mixed in their assessment of Governor Ayotte's job performance …

Navigating The Future: Language Learning, Career Readiness, And Professional Identity, Maria Shardakova, Rebecca Cravens

Russian Language Journal

The decline in Russian language enrollments reflects a broader trend of diminishing confidence in higher education, particularly in the humanities and language studies. Many Americans question whether an undergraduate degree effectively prepares students for meaningful careers, fueling skepticism about the value of language programs. Meanwhile, the job market has undergone significant shifts, with fewer lifelong careers and more frequent job transitions. In this evolving landscape, graduates must develop not only professional skills but also career management skills, including the ability to envision career paths, articulate their qualifications to employers, and construct compelling professional narratives.This longitudinal study examines the effectiveness of …

An Integrative Approach To Professionalizing Russian Language Learning And Teaching, Victoria Hasko, Olga Thomason, Alexandra Shapiro

Russian Language Journal

This article proposes an integrative framework for embedding career readiness into advanced Russian language teaching. Drawing on the experience of a U.S. Russian Flagship Program, the authors argue that career readiness requires deliberate programmatic choices: a proficiency level sufficient for meaningful disciplinary engagement and study abroad immersion; a flexible open-architecture curriculum that admits interdisciplinarity into the core of the program; faculty preparation that makes embedded career advising possible; and institutional partnerships that give language work standing in professional contexts. Framed through the Connections standard of the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages, the article positions interdisciplinary engagement not as an enrichment …

Workforce Readiness And The Humanities: Building Internship Pathways In Slavic And East European Studies, Ani Kokobobo

Russian Language Journal

As workforce readiness becomes an increasingly central metric for evaluating academic programs, humanities disciplines, particularly small language and area studies fields such as Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (SEEES), face growing pressure to demonstrate measurable employment outcomes. Drawing on national and state-level workforce policy frameworks, employer competency data, and the author’s administrative experience as Dean of Liberal Arts, this article argues that SEEES programs are uniquely positioned to meet contemporary career readiness mandates without compromising their intellectual and civic missions. The article reframes SEEES not as an at-risk humanities field, but as a high-value incubator of precisely the competencies …

Redesigning Our Curricula To Foster Career Readiness, Benjamin Rifkin

Russian Language Journal

Undergraduate majors are not engraved in stone; curricula have been adjusted and changed over the course of the history of higher education and now is the time to change our curricula once again. This article proposes a reconceptualization of the undergraduate major in Russian away from the framework of “coverage of the humanistic canon” to a framework focusing on the development of transferable or durable skills, i.e., skills that can be deployed in numerous employment contexts throughout an individual’s career trajectory to support career-readiness, in accordance with powerful frameworks offered by prominent educational organizations. This approach helps us support the …