Digital Commons Network^™

(De)Centralized Water Futures: Key Dimensions Of Infrastructure, Governance, And Operations, Alicia Dailey Cooperman, Jenny Linder Rempel, Ellis Adjei Adams, Alida Cantor, Manuela Muñoz Fuerte, Jeremiah Osborne-Gowey, Nicole J. Wilson, Cassandra L. Workman, Melissa Beresford, Leila M. Harris, Linda E. Méndez-Barrientos, Sameer H. Shah, Amber Wutich, Justin Stoler

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Water system centralization and decentralization have variously been promoted as key to achieving household water security and Sustainable Development Goal 6.1. We argue that the lack of specificity with which scholars and practitioners use the terms centralization and decentralization limits our understanding of different water system configurations and their impacts. In this Primer, we provide a framework for thinking about levels of (de)centralization across three linked system dimensions: infrastructure, governance, and operations and maintenance. We encourage those analyzing water systems to characterize (de)centralization with respect to these multiple dimensions, as well as the system's broader political-economic and hydro-climatic contexts. Emphasizing …

Digital Healthcare Interventions To Support Parents With Acutely Ill Children At Home: A Systematic Review., Matt Carey, Jane Peters, Anna Chick, Bernie Carter, Lucy Bray, Damian Roland, Sarah Neill

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Background Short lived acute illness in children is common, yet their parents often feel uncertain about recognising signs symptoms of acute illness and knowing when to seek medical intervention. This has led to seeking unscheduled or delayed support. Digital and mobile technologies are being used to support individuals with healthcare needs, known as digital health interventions. Parents have access to digital health interventions that provide information regarding children’s health, yet there is limited exploration of how these are used to support decision-making when caring for acutely ill children. This systematic review was undertaken to explore digital interventions to support parents …

Young People’S Experiences Of Living With Endocrine Conditions., Hannah Godfrey, Alyson Norman, Susan Jackson, Yasmin Steven

School of Psychology

Background: The management of endocrine conditions can beproblematic and have a detrimental impact on mental wellbeing. Despitethe large number of young people with a range of endocrine conditions,research is limited on the psychological and physical impact of theconditions on their daily lives.Aim: To explore the lived experiences of young people aged 10 to 25 withendocrine conditions regarding condition management and psychosocialsymptoms.Methods: Nine young people aged 11 to 25 years (all female) took part insemi-structured interviews about the impact of their condition. Data wereexplored using thematic analysis.Findings: Three themes were identified: impact on daily life (includingcondition management, organisation, impact on work …

British Academic Psychiatry At A Crossroads: Lessons From The Past 20years And Priorities For The Next 20 Years, Rohit Shankar, Laura Bowater, Richard Laugharne, Derek K. Tracy, Hugo Critchley, Allan H. Young, John R. Terry, Dinesh Bhugra, Regi Alexander

Peninsula Medical School

The past twenty years, British academic psychiatry has made significant scientific advances in neurosciences, psychopharmacology, imaging and genetics with patients increasingly being involved as research partners. However, this progress has coincided with marked structural deterioration. Despite a 50% expansion in medical school places and rising mental health needs, full-time academic psychiatrists numbers fell from 330 in 2004 to 206 in 2023. This reduction has constrained research capacity, limited educational opportunities, and exacerbated regional disparities. The current academic landscape is precarious. While research-active services deliver demonstrably better patient outcomes and service outcomes (productivity/efficiency), the research workforce remains small and unevenly distributed. …

A Retrospective Cohort Study Of Valproate And Infertility In Men With Epilepsy Or Bipolar Disorder Using International Health Data, Lance Watkins

Peninsula Medical School

Valproate is highly effective at treating epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It faces prescribing restrictions in men due to concerns it causes testicular dysfunction and infertility. These mostly stem from animal models – the human evidence is limited and conflicting. We report the largest ever retrospective cohort study of infertility in men with epilepsy or bipolar disorder, using real-world healthcare data from TriNetX. 91,917 of the men are exposed to valproate, and 535,803 unexposed. Cohorts are propensity score matched for a comprehensive set of baseline covariates, and survival analysis is undertaken using Cox-proportional hazards models. No significant difference is seen between …

Alpiscorpius Huyukensis Sp. N., An Unexpected New Species From Sultan Mountains, Konya Province, Turkey (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae), Ersen A. Yağmur, Halil İ. Yaylı

Euscorpius

A new scorpion species, Alpiscorpius huyukensis sp. n., is described from the western foothills of the Sultan Mountains, Konya Province, in the Aegean Region of western Turkey, based on morphological characters. The species is assigned to the genus Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al., 1999, due to the presence of three trichobothria in the em series on the external surface of the pedipalp patella. A. huyukensis sp. n. can be readily distinguished from its all congeners by its yellowish-orange or greyish-orange body and yellow metasomal coloration, the fifth metasomal segment bearing distinct ventrolateral carinae, the presence of six trichobothria in the …

Low Energy Availability Prevalence, Dietary Habits, And Sleep In Female Army Rotc Cadets, Hannah K. Eberhardt, Brandon D. Willingham, Matthew F. Brisebois, Patrick G. Saracino

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 1030-1046, 2025. Low energy availability (LEA) results in numerous health and performance decrements. While a high prevalence of LEA and sleep disturbance has been observed in male Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets, no data exists in females. This study aimed to determine LEA prevalence, dietary habits, and sleep quantity and quality in female U.S. ROTC cadets. Following an overnight fast, ten cadets (22±4 yrs, 166.0±6.1 cm, 67.1±9.1 kg, 26.1±6.2% body fat, 49.2±4.8 kg fat-free mass (FFM)) had their body composition and resting metabolic rate measured. Validated questionnaires assessed LEA symptoms and sleep. …

Class Or Series?: Chancery Court Clarifies Process For Validating Flawed Spac Stockholder Votes, Robert S. Reder, Alexander Stanham

Vanderbilt Law Review En Banc

No abstract provided.

A Comparative Study Of Cities To Develop An Assessment Framework For Climate-Resilient Cities, Aya Mohamed Elsawaf, Ayman G. Abdeltawab, Engi Ibrahem El-Darwish, Walaa Abou El-Haggag Mehanna

Journal of Engineering Research

As climate change intensifies, urban areas face increasing hazards from extreme weather events such as rising sea levels, heat waves, and heavy rainfall. Resilient cities—those developed to absorb, recover, and adapt to these shocks—are crucial in protecting residents and infrastructure. This paper explores the concept of urban resilience, highlighting its multifaceted aspect, including recovery, adaptability, and transformation. It focuses on how to solve these climate change challenges by implementing resilience strategies and practices that achieve a number of criteria and indicators to be a climate-resilient city. A collection of global frameworks for measuring resilience in general is discussed in addition …

Urban Sprawl's Effect On Social And Behavioral Changes In Desert Environments, Huda Abozaid Esmail, Dr- Engy Ibrahim Al-Darwish, Dr. Ahmed Hussein Abo Al-Saadat

Journal of Engineering Research

As one of the most important modern urban dynamics that reshapes social structures and redefines residents' psychological frameworks, this study explores the behavioral and social effects of urban sprawl in desert environments. In order to investigate the complex effects of unchecked urban growth, the study employs four interconnected analytical frameworks: social capital, fragmented urbanism, urban alienation, and social change. Rapid and uncontrolled urban growth in delicate ecosystems, like desert cities, weakens conventional social cohesion, breaks communal links, and fosters increased sentiments of spatial detachment and alienation, according to the report. It also examines the effects of these changes on communal …

Addressing The Gap: A Review Of Egyptian Graduate Skills And Career Readiness In Online Architectural Education, Ahmed H. Aboulsaadat

Journal of Engineering Research

No abstract provided.

Enhancement Of The Received Signal Strength In Smart Grid Communication Systems, Doaa Talaat Elsherbiny, Mona Mohamed Shokair Prof., Mohamed Shalaby, Salah Elden Khamis, Sameh A. Napoleon

Journal of Engineering Research

Smart grids are networks that contain intelligence from the generation stage to the distribution stage. These grids can actually have excellent power efficiency and automated control thanks to intelligence. Within smart grids, the communication mechanism is a crucial area of study. There should be a dependable communication system in the smart grid. A comprehensive mathematical model for a communication system within smart grids is derived in this work. Additionally, the simulation findings validate the mathematical model that was derived. Additionally, experiments are being conducted to apply polar convolutional parallel code PCPC to enhance the performance of the suggested communication system. …

Comparative Evaluation Of Change Detection Techniques In New Alamein City Using Sentinel-2 Satellite Imagery, Mohammed Adham Elsharkawy, Hafez Abbas Afify, Samah Ramadan Abo Ramadan

Journal of Engineering Research

The rapid growth and development of newly established cities has created a pressing need for effective tools to monitor and manage land use and land cover changes in these emerging urban centers. Remote sensing and change detection techniques offer valuable capabilities for assessing urban development, making them essential for providing insights into the spatial and temporal dynamics of modern cities, such as New Alamein City. New Alamein city is a newly integrated city located in the heart of the northwestern coast of Egypt, along the international road (Alexandria–Matruh), within the administrative boundaries of Marsa Matruh Governorate. New Alamein city is …

The Real Estate Market In Egypt: Failures Of Reality And Future-Building Opportunities, Waleed Abbas Abd Elqawi

Journal of Engineering Research

The Egyptian Real Estate Market is undergoing significant transformations due to increased economic resilience, renewed government initiatives, and changing consumer preferences. This transformation requires investors who take a fancy to capitalize on emerging opportunities to have a deep understanding of the key trends reshaping the Real Estate landscape and laying the foundation for sustainable growth in the foreseeable future. In recent years, the Egyptian Real Estate Market has confronted multiple challenges, including rising housing prices beyond the actual purchasing power of various segments, slow sales activity, and an accumulation of Real Estate supply without sufficient demand, leading to a state …

The Role Of The Governance, Risk Management, And Compliance (Grc) Capabilities Model In The Planning Process, Waleed Abbas Abd Elqawi, Mohamed Badr Abdo Dr.

Journal of Engineering Research

The planning process currently confronts numerous challenges and obstacles that hinder decision-makers from developing and implementing effective strategic plans that contribute to fulfilling potential visions and targets. These challenges include limited human and financial resources, in addition to rapid changes in the external environment, including technological and legislative developments (Smith & Brown, 2021) [1]. Moreover, obstacles include unknowingness, poor coordination across different entities, a misunderstanding of planning terminology, the absence of follow-up mechanisms, a lack of flexibility in dealing with variables, and a failure to address existing issues before setting targets (Al-Hassan, 2020) [2]. This is in addition …

Analyzing Temporal Morphometric Changes In River Nile's Forced Bends Via Rs/Gis Methods: A Case Study Of The Damietta Branch In Egypt, Reham Abdel-Bar Aborahma, Ibrahim Rashwa, Asaad Matter Armanuos

Journal of Engineering Research

River Nile, among the world's longest rivers, features the crucial Damietta branch in Egypt, serving as a vital irrigation source and navigation pathway from Cairo to the Mediterranean Sea. Post the Aswan High Dam's construction, significant morphological shifts occurred in this branch, particularly impacting sedimentation and erosive patterns, notably at river bends. This study investigates the long-term morphometric evolution of six forced bends along the Damietta branch of the Nile River from 1987 to 2015 using remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. Three image classification methods—onscreen digitizing, maximum likelihood classification, and histogram thresholding—were compared for shoreline delineation …

Documenting The Visual Urban Identity In Damanhur’S Historic Core, Rania Raslan, Heba Jahin

Journal of Engineering Research

Developing countries have created a rich weaving of cultural, architectural, and urban narratives into historic Egyptian cities. However, their spatial and visual identities are seriously threatened by the fast urbanization. This study presents a documentation-based framework for examining the visual urban identity of Damanhur, a historic city in El-Behira, Egypt. By integrating historical research, architectural observation, quantitative façade analysis and digital coding techniques using QDA Miner Lite, the study develops a methodological approach for evaluating and conserving urban character. The results emphasize how landmarks, cultural narratives, and spatial continuity contribute to the formation of the city's identity. This framework provides …

The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Changing The Traditional Design Form Of Children's Museums: Towards Integrating Artificial Intelligence Technologies In Architectural Design Education., Nevine Ismail Mahmoud, Amira Fawzy Helmy Almaz, Heba Jahin

Journal of Engineering Research

Children's museums are crucial for their educational and entertainment value, but they also need to adapt to technological advancements to maintain their appeal, especially for older children. The design of these museums should vary between permanent and mobile spaces to maximize their benefits in different areas. Interactive exhibits in children's museums can bridge the gap between traditional and modern education, appealing to a wider age range, and adapting to changing educational needs in different communities by offering a mix of permanent and mobile museums.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the design process by enhancing efficiency and creativity. It helps architects …

Exploring The Role Of Localized Indigenous Knowledge In Developing Urban Water Resilience And Sustainability Strategies In Egypt, Nevine Ismail Mahmoud, Amira Fawzy Helmy Almaz, Amany Ragheb

Journal of Engineering Research

Urban areas worldwide face water challenges due to population growth, climate change, and inadequate construction. To tackle these issues, cities are experimenting with green infrastructure, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater recycling, integrating local data and sustainable construction methods to mitigate water scarcity and increase resilience.

This paper discusses using natural data in urban water management to tackle water scarcity, flooding, and quality issues. It suggests that this data can improve urban practicality and human well-being by addressing shared urban areas and the physical environment. Implementing natural enhancements like water harvesting, floodplain management, and shared filtration systems can enhance water quality and …

The Effects Of Recent Modifications In Egyptian Building Regulations On Urban Development And Socioeconomic Conditions Over The Past Decade, Mohamed M. Abohelal

Journal of Engineering Research

Over the past decade, Egypt has witnessed significant transformations in its urban regulatory framework, particularly through successive amendments to the Unified Building Law No. 119 of 2008. These legislative changes, implemented in 2015, 2021, and 2024, reflect evolving state strategies to manage urban growth, streamline construction processes, and address challenges in regulatory compliance. The 2015 amendments sought to enhance administrative coordination and facilitate permit acquisition, while the 2021 reforms imposed stringent restrictions on building height, coverage ratios, and facade dimensions, provoking widespread controversy due to their misalignment with local urban realities and economic capacities. In response to ensuing public and …

Morphological Changes Downstream Beni-Suef Bridge On The Nile River In Egypt, Muhammad Ahmad Abdul-Muttalib, Ahmed Moustafa Moussa, Gamal Helmy Elsaeed, Suzan Ahmed Mohammed

Journal of Engineering Research

The construction of the Beni-Suef bridge, spanning 550 meters over the Nile River, resulted in sediment accumulation and hindered navigation. This study investigates the causes of the morphodynamic changes and explores the impact of dredging as a mitigation measure through the area which extended approximately 2.6 kilometers downstream the bridge. A one-dimensional numerical model (HEC-RAS) was employed, utilizing bathymetric surveyed cross-sections from 1982, 2002, and 2004, along with discharge data from downstream Assuit Barrage and water levels from upstream Delta Barrage as boundary inputs. The model was calibrated and validated using measured water and bed levels. Sediment properties and bed …

A Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision-Support Model For Planning Land Use Allocation A Case Of Neighborhood Urban Park Site Selection, Mohamed M. Youssef Associate Professor, Ali Alshehhi Technical Director, Bahaa Alboshy Associate Professor

Journal of Engineering Research

- This paper examines the crucial role of GIS capabilities in spatial multi-criteria decision-making modeling for enhancing land use allocation in Ajman City, UAE, amidst the challenges posed by rapid population growth and unplanned urbanization. As urban areas face increasing pressure from informal housing and sprawl, GIS emerges as a critical tool for informed decision-making and sustainable development. By integrating GIS with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), this study aims to optimize the selection of neighborhood park sites, address spatial issues, and promote sustainable land use practices. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that combines spatial data analysis and Expert-Based engagement, the …

A Framework For The Role Of Vegetation Selection In Enhancing Educational Outdoor Spaces Through Ai Technology., Amira Mohamed, Mirette A. Esmat, Amira Mahrous Dr

Journal of Engineering Research

Well-designed outdoor spaces are increasingly recognised as critical components of environmental sustainability and community building within higher education institutions. Among the most influential elements in shaping these spaces is the strategic selection of vegetation, which must balance aesthetics, functionality, ecological value, and long-term maintenance. However, traditional plant selection methods remain time-consuming, labour-intensive, and often dependent on subjective judgement, posing significant challenges for landscape architects and campus planners. This paper explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative solution to enhance the plant selection process in educational outdoor environments. It introduces a comprehensive AI-driven framework that integrates key variables—including …

The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Promoting Diversity And Inclusion In Urban Public Spaces Aspects Contributing To Mental Health Preservation, Rania B. Shokry

Journal of Engineering Research

I.

Cities are complex systems shaped not only by infrastructure but also by the emotional, sensory, and socio-political experiences of their inhabitants. Despite this multidimensional nature, urban planning is often guided by conventional frameworks that overlook the lived realities of residents. As critical components of the urban fabric, public spaces play a significant role in shaping social identity, cohesion, and psychological well-being.

This research explores the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing diversity and inclusion within urban public spaces, with a particular focus on its impact on mental health. Social segregation remains a major barrier to inclusive urbanism; …

Enhancing The Design Efficiency Of Building And Finishing Materials: "An Analytical Study On The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Streamlining The Architectural Façade Design Process", Marwa Emad Fikry Elbishry

Journal of Engineering Research

The architecture and design sector is witnessing a profound transformation due to technological advancements, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its integration into architectural design processes. AI has empowered designers with intelligent analytical tools that support more precise and efficient decision-making.

Architectural façades represent a vital element that embodies the identity of a building while influencing its environmental, aesthetic, and functional performance. In this regard, optimizing the design efficiency of façades through the selection of appropriate building and finishing materials stands as a central objective in the pursuit of advanced and sustainable architectural solutions.

Given that material …

Optimization Of Surface Integrity And Fatigue Life In Hard Turning Of K110 Tool Steel, Y. A. Mashal, Mohamed G. Yousef, M. H. El-Axir

Journal of Engineering Research

The influence of various machining process parameters on surface integrity elements (e.g. surface roughness and surface residual stress) and fatigue life of hard metals is an important area of engineering. This study investigates the effect of various turning parameters on the surface integrity and fatigue life of K110 hard tool steel. The determination of residual stress was performed by a non-destructive testing technique using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The experimental work extended to perform fatigue experiments using rotary bending machine which was designed and manufactured to assess the fatigue behavior under rotating bending stresses. In this investigation, single optimization of …

Sustainability Of Islamic Architecture And Integration Of Renewable Energy. Case Study Of Bait Al-Suhaimi , Historic Cairo, Ola Samy Alhinawy, Ahmed M. Essa2, Reham R. Abu Zekry

Journal of Engineering Research

Energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are among the world's most pressing global problems, which have a significant impact on the global climate. The emergence of renewable and clean energy has shown a trend to convert buildings into zero energy buildings (NZEB) The concept of "buildings as power stations" (BAPS) has been shown, which means that buildings do not consume electricity that generates an unclean card, and they help generate, store and use electricity. As energy saving, the use of renewable and clean energy is one of the most important elements of urban sustainability. It has emerged in three …

Comparative Evaluation Of Estimation Techniques For Purchasing Power Parity In African Countries Using The Country-Product-Dummy Regression Framework, Rokibat Adeola Tijani, Taiwo Abideen Lasisi, Dahud Kehinde Shangodoyin, Olasunkanmi James Oladapo

Al-Bahir

Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) is a popular macroeconomic analysis metric used to compare economic productivity and standards of living between countries. This study examines the estimation of PPP within the International Comparison Program (ICP) at Basic Heading (BH) level stage and leverages on the data from the 2011 ICP round. Focusing on five BHs out of 12 BHs across 50 Africa countries, to empirically evaluate the validity of the classical Ordinary Least Square (OLS) assumptions in the estimation of Country Product Dummy (CPD) regressions. Given the widespread use of OLS for BH level PPP computation, a rigorous examination of these …

Assessment Of Radiological Risk Hazard Indices For Diverse Environmental And Biological Samples: A Comprehensive Review, Israa K. Ahmed, Sabah S. Farhan, Jamal M. Rzaij

Al-Bahir

Radiological risk assessment is pivotal for safeguarding human health and ecosystems amid expanding radiation applications in technology and medicine. This review systematically evaluates the efficacy of hazard indices like the Annual Effective Dose Equivalent (AEDE) and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) across environmental (soil, water) and biological (tissues, crops) samples, addressing critical gaps in comparative methodologies, a PRISMA-guided systematic. Literature review was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, analyzing more than 100 peer-reviewed studies (2010–2024) that met the inclusion criteria: English-language publications, multi-index comparisons, and empirical validations. Exclusion criteria removed non-peer-reviewed works and studies focusing on a single …

Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism Of Vamorolone: Evidence From Lionheart And Vision-Dmd Clinical Trials, Ana De Vera, Paula R. Clemens, Utkarsh J. Dang, Catherine Dutreix, Ekaterina Gresko, Michela Guglieri, Laura Hagerty, Shabir Hasham, Jesse Damsker, Yetrib Hathout, Aki Linden, Anders Berglund, Rebecca Tobin, Karim Wahbi, Eric P. Hoffman

Pharmacy Faculty Scholarship

The effect of vamorolone, the first dissociative corticosteroid for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), at the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) was investigated in the Phase 1 mechanistic LIONHEART study and using serum samples from boys with DMD in the pivotal VISION-DMD trial. In LIONHEART, 30 healthy adult males were randomized 1:1:1 to vamorolone 20 mg/kg, eplerenone 200 mg, or no treatment arms. A fludrocortisone challenge was administered between –9 h and 24 h after treatment. The LIONHEART primary outcome was urinary Na+/K+ ratio; additional outcomes were pharmacokinetics, urine Na+ and K+ concentrations, and safety. In VISION-DMD, boys with DMD aged 4–7 years …