Digital Commons Network^™

Mathematics As Creative Structure: A Review Of Marcus Du Sautoy’S Blueprints, Sangeetha Balakrishnan, Latha R

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Marcus du Sautoy’s Blueprints: How Mathematics Shapes Creativity (2025) makes a provocative claim that creativity emerges not in opposition to constraint, but through it. Working through nine mathematical “blueprints” — symmetry, randomness, the Fibonacci sequence, among others — du Sautoy traces recurring structural patterns across artistic practice, natural phenomena, and mathematical thought. The argument is ambitious and persuasive. In this review we consider what the book adds to longstanding conversations about the relationship between scientific and humanistic ways of knowing, and reflect on what it means to reframe mathematics as an imaginative and exploratory enterprise rather than a purely technical …

College Algebra: A Key Element To Degree Completion, Christopher Charlie Jett, Gregory Downing

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

College Algebra is often under scrutiny because it serves as a critical gateway to graduation for students enrolled in our nation’s undergraduate degree programs. In this paper, we problematize the authority typically ascribed to this course and discuss meeting students’ discipline-specific needs in core mathematics courses such as it. To help facilitate college student success with respect to mathematics course requirements, we recommend that educational constituents and leaders expand dual-enrollment opportunities, infuse culturally relevant practices, and leverage other core mathematics courses as alternatives to College Algebra. In doing so, we add to the ongoing conversation about addressing this issue in …

Graduate Student Reflections On Mentoring Undergraduate Researchers In Mathematics, Melissa Beerbower, Jillian Cervantes, Pamela E. Harris, Kimberly J. Harry, Matt Mcclinton, Gabriella Pinter

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

This is an interview with four graduate students who for the first time mentored undergraduate students during a summer research program. The interviewees present their lessons learned in mentoring and advice to other graduate students looking to mentor students.

Preparing Undergraduates To Philosophize With Children About Mathematics, Lawrence M. Lesser

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

This paper shares my reflections and insights from preparing and facilitating a session in a weeklong inaugural study away program for undergraduate students (especially philoophy majors). My session was a vehicle for helping these students experience or visualize how the program’s Philosophy for Children (P4C) approach could be applied to exploring and discussing mathematics with children.

The Dynamics Of Vincent Van Gogh, Monica Morales Hernandez

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

This article explores the interplay between Vincent van Gogh’s distinctive artistic style and principles of fluid dynamics, particularly through metaphorical comparisons. Van Gogh’s swirling, turbulent brushstrokes in works such as The Starry Night and Wheatfield with Crows evoke the chaotic and dynamic behaviors found in fluid motion, like vortices and turbulence. Although there is no documented scientific influence from fluid dynamics on van Gogh’s art, the parallels between his emotive, flowing techniques and the mathematical principles governing fluid behavior offer a unique lens to appreciate both his artistic innovation and the science of fluid dynamics.

Mathematicians Against The Tide, Nicola Ciccoli

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Mathematicians in popular culture are often depicted as people obsessed by their studies but with little connection to society, poor social skills, mental issues and narrow interests, and more generally a dull life. Adding to these explicit stereotypes, subtler and more implicit ones also abound, regarding mathematicians’ gender, ethnicity, age; they are all supposed to be white middle-aged men. In this paper I describe a project aimed at disrupting such stereotypes that culminated in a book containing short comics and biographies of twentieth-century mathematicians that were, with respect to the perceived image of mathematicians, against the tide.

Waiting For The Magic: A Historical And Mathematical Study Of Queues In Disney Theme Parks, Nina E. Becket

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

This paper, written as part of an honors research project in high school, provides an introduction to the line and queuing systems at Disney theme parks. We begin with a brief history of Disney World and its creators. We then introduce the basics of queuing theory and queuing notation. Finally, we examine modern line systems at Disney (as of 2023) and the future of its different queue systems.

Impact Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Mathematics Achievement And Problem-Solving Ability: Insights From Secondary Schools In India, Laishram Nirtish Singh, Anand Jyoti Sanasam, Jocyline Thokchom, Ningombam Cha Cogent, Laisom Sharmeswar Singh

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted students’ engagement with mathematics. This study aims to contribute to our understanding of the extent of this disrupting by examining differences in mathematics achievement and problem-solving ability between adjacent cohorts who learned Class 8 under different schooling conditions in India: Group A (pandemic-exposed Class 8 cohort) and Group B (post-reopening Class 8 cohort). Using a descriptive design in a natural setting, we selected a stratified sample of 1,200 students from Class 9 and Class 10 across 21 secondary schools in Manipur, India. The sample was stratified by gender, family type, school type, and locality to ensure …

"Math Is Like A Rollercoaster": Exploring Math Similes And Metaphors, Carmen M. Latterell, Janelle L. Wilson

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

In this article we explore the metaphors and similes that pre-service elementary teachers use to describe mathematics. Employing qualitative content analysis, we separately coded the metaphors and similes into conceptual categories and analyzed themes that emerged. This grounded theory approach led to the creation of seven categories of metaphors and similes and three overarching themes. Math was viewed as a journey, a puzzle, a personal experience, a creative process, an algorithm, infinite, and an embodied process. Pre-service elementary teachers viewed mathematics as a process that takes effort. Overall, mathematics is a positive experience for them. In addition, mathematics involves fitting …

Cultivating Mathematics Teacher Educators’ Hearts, Critical Consciousness, And Professional Praxis Through Book Study, Mary Raygoza, Missy D. Cosby, Sheila Orr, Barbara King, Justin T. Burris, Siddhi Soni

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

At a time when executive orders and state legislation are attempting to ban practices promoting equity, belonging, and social justice from education, specifically STEM education, in the United States, mathematics teacher educators (MTEs) remain committed to humanizing mathematics teaching and learning practices and seek opportunities to learn how to adhere to their convictions while preparing mathematics teachers for the classroom. This paper offers reflections and considerations for how the authors engaged interested MTEs to shift or strengthen their individual and collective professional praxis through a book study. Specifically, we examine the design (the what) and process (the how) of a …

Piracy, Terrorism, And The Law: Differential Equations In Hostage Situations, Gabriel Hallevy

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Pirates have taken the crew of an American ship hostage. They promise to release the hostages only if another pirate who is held in an American prison for commission of piracy crimes against American citizens, is released. Should the U.S. government enter into negotiations with them? Should they send armed forces and risk the hostages? Should they release the prisoner immediately and unconditionally? The article models and analyzes possible policies regarding sensitive situations involving hostages and other related risks using differential equations. The solutions are surprisingly simple, but not necessarily intuitive. Our analysis aims to demonstrate how powerful mathematics is …

Front Matter

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

No abstract provided.

Professional Identity Changes During The Covid-19 Era Among Pre-Medical College Students: Insights For Medical Educators, William J. Crump, Jordan Harbin, Lauren Trout, Cierra Woodcock, Kristin Wickham, Craig Ziegler

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Professional identity formation is known to be responsive to outside forces. Previous longitudinal research has shown changes occurred pre-and post-COVID-19 pandemic among medical students. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to assess changes among pre-medical students.

Methods

With a 100% response rate, 85 Career Eulogies (CE) from 2015 through 2025 recorded a free text response to the prompt: "Imagine that you are ready to retire from medicine in the distant future. In about 50 words, write a short speech outlining what you would like to be said about you at the retirement ceremony."  The responses were coded …

The Effect Of Elevated Blood Pressure And Stage One Hypertension On Perinatal Outcomes In Appalachian Gravidas: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Caroline Briggs, Austin L. Loop, Grace E. Montgomery, David G. Chaffin, Jesse Cottrell

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Introduction:  There is literature in the obstetric population that suggests any degree of hypertension (blood pressures greater than or equal to 120 systolic or 80 diastolic) can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.  We sought to determine if pregnant patients in our Appalachian population with elevated blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension have an increased risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

Methods:  A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who received obstetric care with the Marshall University OB/GYN department and delivered at Cabell Huntington Hospital.  Delivery outcomes were obtained for 233 deliveries from March 30, 2020 to September …

Rare Case Of Subcutaneous Panniculitis-Like T-Cell Lymphoma In A Pediatric Patient, Jasmine Kaur, Omar Abdelaal, Ammar Masood, Aaron Mcguffin, Kathleen Martin

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare subtype of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that has clinical overlap with common benign conditions, thus making diagnosis challenging. SPTCL primarily affects younger adults with a female predominance. Pediatric cases are exceedingly rare and often misdiagnosed as bacterial infections, delaying proper clinical diagnosis and treatment.

In this case study, we report on a 9-year-old female who initially presented to an urgent care clinic with two weeks of an itchy, painful nodule on her right buttock and thigh. The nodule was initially misidentified as a skin abscess, and the patient was prescribed sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. The …

Finding And Using Validated Surveys In Health Science Research, Tracy Ashby

Library Class: Lunch & Learn

Join us as we introduce techniques for identifying and using validated surveys in health sciences research. Learn strategies for finding reliable, evidence-based measurement tools in the databases and gain tips on how to evaluate their quality and relevance.

Evaluating Floral Species Richness As A Predictor For Pollinator Diversity Across Crp Sites, Alayna Whitson, Ai Wen, Kenneth Elgersma, Morgan Sullivan, Greyson Brandt, Grant Van Nieuwenhuyzen

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

The Conservation Reservation Program (CRP) is the nation's largest management effort to preserve and protect fragile landscapes that have been eroded due to excessive agricultural practices.

A major consequence of vast agricultural usage includes an extreme decline in pollinators due to substantial habitat loss. In response to this crisis, a CRP incentive called CP- 42 was introduced to target habitat reconstruction through seed mixes that support these pollinators' nutritional needs. The seed mixes are made up of floral cocktails that provide an ongoing nutrient safety net from spring to fall to create a bloom cycle.

Opportunistic plants (unsown, invasive species) …

Review Of Selecting And Appraising Archives And Manuscripts, Laura Uglean Jackson

Journal of Western Archives

Review of Selecting and Appraising Archives and Manuscripts edited by Audra Eagle Yun and Chela Scott Weber.

Re-Examining Endemic Smoky Dace As An Indicator Species In The Upper Little Tennessee River Index Of Biological Integrity, Tayton C. Alvis, William O. Mclarney, Radmila Petric, Jason P. Love

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

Fish communities can be used to evaluate water quality and stream ecosystem health, helping resource managers understand the effects of anthropogenic disturbance. Fish species inform indexes of biological integrity through their ecological traits and tolerance to stressors (e.g. tolerant of disturbance, intolerant of disturbance), but these designations are difficult to determine without localized, species-specific information. The Upper Little Tennessee River watershed is subject to long-term aquatic biomonitoring, applying an index of biological integrity tailored to the region. In this index, the undescribed endemic Smoky Dace (Clinostomus sp.) is classified as intolerant based on a previous designation for the Rosyside Dace …

Pharmaceuticals Acetaminophen, Cephalexin And Levofloxacin: Elimination And Toxicity Study Via Carbon Nitride-Based Photocatalyst, Faisal Al Marzouqi, Bunsho Ohtani, Hlengilizwe Nyoni, Fahad Al Shidi, Alex T. Kuvarega, Bhekie B Mamba, Rengaraj Selvaraj

Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science

In recent times, investigators have conducted extensive studies on carbon nitride-based photocatalytic materials. Earlier research mainly concentrated on the poly-condensation technique and the uses of the produced materials, whereas less attention was given to the starting precursors, which were broadly classified as nitrogen-rich. This research offers a complete examination of the appropriate precursors, highlighting their large-scale, economical, and safe production for carbon nitride-based materials. Safety evaluations of the precursors were examined, and a cost analysis was conducted to refine the choice of accessible precursors. Afterward, the surface area, photophysical, SEM, and electrochemical properties of the materials were characterized. The differences …

Mechanically Modulated Photothermal Dynamics In Au-Pdms Nanocomposites For Non-Contact Stress Sensing, Woosuk Chung, Rengaraj Selvaraj, Younghun Kim

Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science

Photothermal films used in flexible and wearable devices are inevitably exposed to mechanical deformation, yet their thermal response under such conditions remains poorly quantified. In this work, gold nanoparticle–embedded polydimethylsiloxane (Au@PDMS) films are fabricated and their photothermal behavior is examined under controlled stretching, bending, twisting, and curved-surface attachment. Gold nanoparticles were formed in situ in the PDMS matrix, producing uniformly dispersed, spherical nanocrystals with retained crystallinity. Systematic variation of Au loading reveals a proportional increase in optical absorption and light-to-heat conversion efficiency without significant aggregation. Under near-infrared irradiation (808 nm), the Au@PDMS films exhibit rapid and repeatable temperature modulation. Mechanical …

Morphological Determinants Of Multiple Courtyard Configurations In Contemporary Urban Housing: A Quantitative Analysis Of Plot Area And Frontage Width, Maha Khalaf Hammad, Hasan Abdulrazzaq Hasan

AUIQ Technical Engineering Science

In modern cities with small plots and narrow frontages, courtyard-based housing has come back as a flexible way to use space. This study seeks to quantitatively examine the impact of residential plot area and frontage width on the diversity and functional distribution of courtyards in modern urban housing. A quantitative morphological approach was used by looking at the shapes of 121 modern residential plans that included internal courtyards. Using AutoCAD, we got spatial data, and then we used Microsoft Excel to look at the relationships between plot morphology, courtyard number, area, and functional role. The results show that the courtyard …

Acts Of Sovereignty In Light Of Administrative And Constitutional Juisprudence In Palestine, Osayd Awawda, Bassam Qawasmeh

BAU Journal - Journal of Legal Studies - مجلة الدراسات القانونية

This paper examines the concept of acts of sovereignty within the Palestinian legal system by analyzing its application in administrative and constitutional adjudication, particularly in cases arising from the 2021 presidential decree postponing the general elections. The paper presents the arguments advanced by the parties before the administrative courts and the Supreme Constitutional Court, and evaluates the extent to which the judicial rulings align with constitutional principles, especially the right to litigation and the right to political participation, including voting and candidacy. The paper also discusses the theoretical and practical foundations for excluding acts of sovereignty from judicial review, and …

Mediation As A Mechanism For Resolving Family Disputes In Lebanon: An Analytical Study Of Current Practice And Development Prospects, Amer El Masry

BAU Journal - Journal of Legal Studies - مجلة الدراسات القانونية

This study examines the effectiveness of mediation as a mechanism for resolving family disputes in Lebanon, with a particular focus on the gap between the legal framework governing mediation and its practical application. The research addresses the extent to which mediation, in its judicial and consensual forms, can provide effective and fair solutions to family disputes within a legal system characterized by multiple personal status laws, diverse judicial authorities, and the absence of a specialized framework for family mediation. It further explores challenges related to the protection of vulnerable parties, the balance of power between disputants, institutional integration, and public …

The State’S Responsibility To Prevent And Investigate Violations Of The Right To Life In The Beirut Port Explosion, Ali Wehbi Dib

BAU Journal - Journal of Legal Studies - مجلة الدراسات القانونية

The right to life is recognised in International Human Rights Law (IHRL) as the "supreme right." It is considered a jus cogens norm, fundamental for both individuals and society as a whole. IHRL provides a general guarantee of the right to life. To effectively protect it, the state must take all feasible measures to prevent violations of the right to life and to respond to them. This includes investigating incidents and, when appropriate, prosecuting and punishing those responsible.

The Beirut Port explosion on 4 August 2020 was one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in history. It resulted in the …

Real Estate Investment Trusts (Reits): Their Nature, Their Trading Ruling, And Their Zakat, Ali Bin Hamad Bin Yaseen Al-Salhi Al-Muq‘Adi

UB Journal for Humanities

This study examines real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are offered through public subscription and whose units are traded on the capital market, This method of offering and trading distinguishes them in certain respects from non-traded investment funds, thereby warranting a dedicated study. The research aims to clarify the legal characterization of these traded funds based on their underlying assets, as well as the rulings regarding their public offering, trading, and Zakat. The research employs an analytical methodology, relying on the analysis of specific elements to derive conclusions, and is grounded in interpretation and …

Information Technology General Controls And The Reliability Of Digital Accounting Systems In Supporting Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, Radina -. Modjaningrat, Titis Wahyuni M.Si., Zahra Raesa Ananda

Jurnal Vokasi Indonesia

Digital transformation has increased organizational reliance on the Digital Accounting Information System (DAIS) to support financial reporting, making the effectiveness of Information Technology General Controls (ITGC) a critical factor in maintaining system reliability and supporting Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICoFR). This study aims to evaluate the implementation of ITGC and explain its implications for the reliability of DAIS, Information Technology Application Controls (ITAC), Information Technology-Dependent Manual Controls (ITDM), and ICoFR. The study uses a qualitative conceptual-evaluative approach through literature studies and analysis of ITGC evaluation documents at a bank. The evaluation was conducted on four ITGC domains: Access to …

The Representation Of Suicide In Spanish Teen Fiction Tv Series: Narrative Trends And Media Literacy Implications, Patricia Palomares-Sánchez, Victoria Soto-Sanz

Journal of Media Literacy Education Pre-Prints

The present study analyses the narrative treatment of suicide in Spanish youth fiction television series produced between 2015 and 2024, aiming to identify representation trends in relation to the recommendations for responsible media coverage and their implications for media literacy. The methodology underpinning this study encompasses eight fiction TV series and combines quantitative research, derived from data collection and analysis, with a qualitative component, focusing on the interpretation and analysis of the results. Findings indicate that the representation lacks due caution in depicting the method and location of suicide, which increases the risk of imitation. Although the narratives present alternatives …

Phytochemical Analysis And Safety Assessment Of Watercress Nasturtium Officinale: Antioxidant Capacity, Heavy Metal Profiling, And Toxicity Using Brine Shrimp Model, Qurrota A’Yunin, Chamini Kasun Hemachandra, Muhaimin Rifa’I, Yoga Dwi Jatmiko, Maftuch Maftuch, Rizky Fadilla Agustin Rangkuti, Cucun Herlina, Zulfa Mahdiatur Rasyida, Moh Dliyauddin

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Medicinal plants have attracted growing attention as sources of natural bioactive compounds for sustainable aquaculture and health. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, heavy metal profile, and acute toxicity of watercress (Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton) methanol extract using maceration, qualitative and quantitative (TPC, TFC, antioxidant DPPH) phytochemical assay, XRF, and BSLA. Phytochemical screening of plant extracts showed the existence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, triterpenoids, and saponins, but not steroidal. The TPC and TFC were 20.6 mg GAE/g and 10.8 mg QE/g, respectively. The extract displayed significant antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 64.78 µg/mL in DPPH assay). …

Long-Term Outcomes Of Asymptomatic Microscopic Haematuria In An Outpatient Department, Chidjan Prommajan, Tharntip Sangsuwan, Silom Jamulitrat

Journal of Health Research

Background: Asymptomatic microscopic haematuria (AMH) is frequently detected in outpatient settings. However, its long-term outcomes and association with serious urological conditions; such as genitourinary cancer, urolithiasis, and glomerular disease, remain underexplored. Understanding these associations is essential for improving the diagnostic and management strategies within public health settings.

Methods: This study aimed to determine the underlying causes of AMH in an outpatient department after long-term follow-up. It is a descriptive longitudinal study on outpatients with AMH. Medical records from January 1, 2012., were reviewed: in total of 410 patients were included and followed up until 31 December 2022; or until a …