Digital Commons Network^™

Comparison Of Ischemia-Modified Albumin Levels In Children With Pneumonia And Bronchiolitis, Elife Capan Gun, Feyza Husrevoğlu Esen, Yakup Cag, Yasemin Akın

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objectives: Bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia are important causes of hospitalization in children. Many biomarkers are used in monitoring the clinical course of these diseases, grading severity, and making hospitalization decisions. This study is therefore intended to evaluate the role of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) level in the differential diagnosis of pneumonia and bronchiolitis and to compare it with other biomarkers used in the diagnosis. Methods: Thirty patients with pneumonia and thirty patients with bronchiolitis were included in our study. Patients were diagnosed based on history, physical examination, posteroanterior chest radiography, as well as serum C-reactive protein (CRP), sedimentation, procalcitonin (PCT), hemogram, and …

Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio In Neonates: A Predictor Of Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis, Thi Thanh Binh Nguyen, Khanh Linh Tong, Hoang Mai Linh

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: Early-onset neonatal sepsis (EOS) is a common cause of mortality in the neonatal period. The purpose of the study was to determine the value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the early diagnosis of EOS. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. A total of 102 newborns with early-onset infection (EOI) were enrolled within the first 72 hours of life in the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary referral hospital, the largest pediatric center in central Vietnam. Results: Among 102 newborns, 32 were identified as having EOS, while the remaining 70 were classified as EOI. The median NLR …

The Covid-19 Pandemic’S Impact On General Pediatric Ward Admissions: A Single-Centre Study, Ashwaq Aleed, Abdullrahman Alsalamah, Abdulaziz O. Alharbi, Ahmad Alrashedi, Abdullah Al-Nafeesah, Osama Al-Wutayd, Manal A. Al-Batanony

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: A decline in healthcare utilisation and hospital admissions resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, severely affecting many aspects of life. In this study, we sought to evaluate the pandemic impact on general paediatric admissions by comparing the one-year pre-pandemic period. Methods: From the hospital records, all paediatric admissions from the beginning of March 2020 to the end of February 2021 and the corresponding period in 2019–2020 were included in this descriptive study. Results: A total of 4,179 hospitalisations met the study’s inclusion criteria; 2,778 occurred before the pandemic, and 1,401 occurred during the pandemic. The total paediatric hospitalisations decreased by …

Treatment Method Of Hydatid Disease In Children, Which Is A Problem In Developing Countries, Fatma Özcan Sıkı, Mehmet Sarıkaya, Metin Gündüz, Tamer Sekmenli, Alaaddin Nayman, Numan Kılıçlı, İlhan Çiftci

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: Hydatid disease (HD) is a parasitic disease caused by ingesting Echinococcus granulosus parasite eggs. HD is a common disease in developing countries. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of medical, percutaneous, and surgical treatments in pediatric HD cases. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on pediatric patients diagnosed with HD between January 2013 and January 2023. Data on patients were analyzed. The files of 93 patients who had treatment of 112 hydatid cysts were reviewed. Results: In the study, hydatid cysts were most frequently seen in the liver (65,6%), followed by multiple organ involvement (28.9%) and isolated …

The Impacts Of Fluconazole On Invasive Fungal Infection, Colonization, And Overall Mortality In Preterm Infants: An Updated Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Tiehui Huang, Xue Zhang, Xueqiao Lei

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: Invasive fungal infection is not uncommon in preterm infants, and fluconazole has been reported to prevent fungal infection. The impacts of fluconazole on invasive fungal infection in preterm infants can be evaluated using an updated systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Methods: The log risk ratio was transformed using the risk ratio and 95% confidence interval to assess the impacts of fluconazole on fungal infection in preterm infants. After selection, eleven randomized clinical trials of 1097 preterm infants with fluconazole prophylaxis and 953 preterm infants in the control group were enrolled. The focused outcome was the risk …

Soft-Polymeric Contact Lenses Brands Evaluation According To User Preferences, Lina M. Shaker, Wan Nor Roslam Wan Isahak

AUIQ Technical Engineering Science

The development of soft-polymeric contact lenses (SPCLs) has significantly enhanced vision correction by integrating advanced polymeric materials with optimized optical properties. This study examines the impact of refractive index (RI), oxygen permeability (Dk/t), and water content (EWC%) on visual quality and ocular health, correlating material properties with user-reported experiences. A survey of 5,585 medical SPCL users revealed that 31% experienced ocular fatigue and redness, often linked to optical aberrations and replacement frequency. Notably, commercially available SPCLs exhibit RI values ranging from 1.37 to 1.43, deviating from the natural ocular tissue RI (∼1.33), which contributes to light distortions and reduced visual …

Energy Consumption Patterns In Residential Buildings: A Comparative Study Of Air Conditioning Systems, Asmaa R Elantary

Yanbu Journal of Engineering and Science

This study explores energy consumption patterns in residential buildings, focusing specifically on the air conditioning systems and their intricate relationship with technology, occupant behavior, and environmental impact. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, quantitative data is gathered on energy usage from utility companies and homeowner surveys, complemented by qualitative insights from interviews and focus groups. The results indicate that households equipped with air conditioning units face significantly higher electricity bills, especially during peak summer months, largely due to the inefficiencies of older systems and the common issue of oversized units. Technological advancements, including high-efficiency air conditioning systems and smart thermostats, are crucial …

Effects Of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D₃ Supplementation As A Partial Replacement For Vitamin D₃ On Laying Performance, Egg Quality, And Bone Traits In Late-Stage Laying Hens, Morakot Nuntapaitoon, Nan Choisunirachon, Somporn Techangvamsuwan, Jiramate Jittidecha

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of dietary 25-hydroxy vitamin D₃ (25OHD₃) supplementation during the late laying hens on egg quality, hen performance and bone computerized tomography (CT) scanning parameters. In total, 24,862 Hy-Line Brownmax hens of 61 weeks old were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (n = 12,368) received a diet containing vitamin D₃ at 3,000 IU/kg, and the treatment group (n = 12,494) received a diet containing vitamin D3 at 1,500 IU/kg and 25OHD₃ at 1,500 IU/kg. The dietary intervention from 61 weeks of age to …

Internet Of Things For Sustainable Transportation Systems, Ayodeji Akinsoji Okubanjo, Ignatius Kema Okakwu, Oluyinka Esther Olaifa, Matthew Babatunde Olajide, Olufemi Peter Alao, Olayiwola Abisola

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Sustainability in Engineering Sciences

This paper highlights the opportunities for the Internet of Things in the transportation industry. The need for the Internet of Things and its architecture to address various complex challenges in the transportation sector are discussed. Various smart applications of the Internet of Things and its noticeable benefits over the existing technology are well articulated. In addition, the role of new and emerging technology such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, cloud, data storage, and analysis for future sustainable transportation are highlighted with specific cases. Furthermore, smart areas of the Internet of Things in transportation are pictorially discussed. In addition, …

Pollution And Biodiversity Loss: A Comprehensive Review Of Impacts And Mechanisms, Great Iruoghene Edo, Agatha Ngukuran Jikah, Patrick Othuke Akpoghelie, Joseph Oghenewogaga Owheruo, Endurance Fegor Isoje, Ufuoma Augustina Igbuku, Arthur Efeoghene Athan Essaghah

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Sustainability in Engineering Sciences

Biodiversity plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and providing essential ecosystem services. However, human activities, including pollution and overexploitation, have led to significant biodiversity loss. Pollution has particularly emerged as a major threat to biodiversity, impacting various species and ecosystems worldwide. This article synthesizes evidence on pollution-driven biodiversity loss, emphasizing industrial, agricultural, and urban sources. We discuss cascading ecosystem impacts and propose mitigation strategies to inform policy making. Overall, the article highlights the importance of addressing the impact of pollution on biodiversity to ensure the preservation of our planet's ecology and the sustainability of our natural resources.

Biosynthesis Of Metallic Nanoparticles Using Plant Extracts: Mechanisms, Advances, And Sustainable Applications, Alice Njolke Mafe, Great Iruoghene Edo, Patrick Othuke Akpoghelie, Endurance Fegor Isoje, Ufuoma Augustina Igbuku, Joseph Oghenewogaga Owheruo, Arthur Efeoghene Athan Essaghah

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Sustainability in Engineering Sciences

Growing concerns over the environmental and health impacts of conventional nanoparticle synthesis have driven a shift toward green, plant-based methods. This review highlights the biosynthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts as a sustainable, economical and non-toxic alternative. Plant-derived phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids serve dual roles as natural reducing and stabilizing agents, enabling the production of nanoparticles typically ranging between 10 and 100 nm. Several studies have demonstrated up to 80% yield improvement when using optimized extracts from plants like Azadirachta indica and Ocimum sanctum. The review outlines recent progress, including the use of novel botanical sources, …

Systems And Methods For Training Frameworks To Optimize Model Based On Business Goals, Chinamy Narendra Sonar, Shuhan Zhang, Keyi Li, Lin Meng, Can Liu, Shubham Agrawal, Chiranjeet Chetia

Defensive Publications Series

[0001] The present disclosure provides a system and method for providing training frameworks to optimize model based on business goals. The processor of the training framework system introduces novel model evaluation metrics which are directly aligned with business goals and capture most business use cases for A2A fraud detection models. Metrics can be used in model training and evaluation. In the first approach, the processor of the training framework system sets validation criteria to a new metric but training the model with traditional loss. In the second approach, the processor of the training framework system trains and validates the model …

Disseminated Diaper Dermatitis With Concomitant Body Rash: A Case Report., Catherine F Alapatt, Eileen Condren, Tanya Kadrmas-Iannuzzi

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Diaper dermatitis is a rash typically localized to the genital area and may have various etiologies, including irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. In most cases, it resolves on its own with minimal to no medical intervention, and when treatment is necessary, it usually responds promptly. Here, we present a prolonged case of diaper dermatitis accompanied by a nearly full-body rash that was resistant to initial treatment with steroids, antibiotics, and antifungals.

Institutional Animal Care And Use Committees And The Challenges Of Evaluating Animal Research Proposals, John J. Pippin, Jarrod Bailey, Mark Kennedy, Debra Dubow Press, Janine Mccarthy, Ron Baron, Stephen Farghali, Elizabeth Baker, Neal D. Barnard

Non-Animal Methods and 3Rs

In the U.S. and many other countries, oversight committee approval is a common requirement for conducting research and publishing its findings. However, in evaluating whether research aims could have been achieved by methods other than the use of animals, these committees face a challenging task. In the U.S., there is no requirement that committee members have expertise in the research areas under review or in methods that could replace animal use, nor could expertise in such vast technical areas be expected. Consideration of alternatives to painful procedures is not required at all for experiments on animals not covered by the …

Tariffs: Maybe They Are Not Really A Bad Idea, Nicholas M. Zacchea, Nick Zacchea

Business: Faculty Publications

A recent news article suggested that imported commodities will cost consumers a lot more money because of recently implemented tariff policies in the United States. It has sounded to a lot of people that tariffs are a very bad idea.

But are tariffs really not a good idea? Tariff policy and tariffs are relatively complex subjects. Both need to be better understood to decide whether a country’s current tariff policies and the resultant tariffs are a good idea, a bad idea, or maybe a little bit of both.

It is true that a tariff might increase the price of an …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Temperature- And Ph-Responsive Pia-B-Pnipam@Fe3o4 Nanocomposites, Swati Kumari, Cayla Cook, Fatema Tarannum, Erick S. Vasquez-Guardado, Olufermi Ogunjimi, Keisha Walters

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Stimuli-responsive polymers (SRPs) have garnered significant attention in recent decades due to their immense potential in biomedical and environmental applications. When these SRPs are grafted onto magnetic nanoparticles, they form multifunctional nanocomposites capable of various complex applications, such as targeted drug delivery, advanced separations, and magnetic resonance imaging. In this study, we employed a one-step hydrothermal method using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTES) to synthesize APTES-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (APTES@Fe3O4) featuring reactive terminal amine groups. Subsequently, via two consecutive surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerizations (SI-ATRP), pH- and temperature-responsive polymer blocks were grown from the Fe3O4 surface, resulting in the formation of poly(itaconic acid)-block-poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Temperature- And Ph-Responsive Pia-B-Pnipam@Fe3O4 Nanocomposites, Swati Kumari, Cayla Cook, Fatema Tarannum, Erick Salvador Vasquez-Guardado, Olufemi Ogunjimi, Keisha B. Walters

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Stimuli-responsive polymers (SRPs) have garnered significant attention in recent decades due to their immense potential in biomedical and environmental applications. When these SRPs are grafted onto magnetic nanoparticles, they form multifunctional nanocomposites capable of various complex applications, such as targeted drug delivery, advanced separations, and magnetic resonance imaging. In this study, we employed a one-step hydrothermal method using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTES) to synthesize APTES-modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (APTES@Fe₃O₄) featuring reactive terminal amine groups. Subsequently, via two consecutive surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerizations (SI-ATRP), pH- and temperature-responsive polymer blocks were grown from the Fe₃O …

Feeling Underqualified And Out Of My League: Motivational And Affective Paths To Adaptive And Maladaptive Behaviors, Gamze Koseoglu, Sejin Keem, Aysegul Karaeminogullari, Berrin Erdogan, Talya N. Bauer, Eyup Burak Sancak

Business Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study explored the motivational and affective implications of perceived underqualification, specifically examining how it leads to increased levels of envy and help-seeking behaviors. We predicted that envy and help seeking behaviors would in turn indirectly relate to interpersonal deviance and task performance. We further hypothesized that two psychological resources, hope and self-efficacy, would moderate the relationships between perceived underqualification, envy, and help seeking. We tested our model with a sample of 149 medical school students who were undergoing a clinical rotation as well as their rotation coordinators at a university hospital located in northwestern Turkey. Data collection spanned four …

Vigorous Physical Activity As A Potential Environmental Risk Factor In Renal Medullary Carcinoma, Daniel D Shapiro, Sagar S Mukhida, Andrew W Hahn, Ayman Isahaku, Schyler M Turner, Jessica P Cheng, Pankaj K Chauhan, Susan S Thomas, Beei Chan, Zita D Lim, Nizar M Tannir, Maria Chang Swartz, Pavlos Msaouel

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a rare but aggressive kidney cancer affecting young individuals with sickle hemoglobinopathies. Prior retrospective case-control and mouse modeling studies suggest a mechanism linking vigorous intensity physical activity to increased RMC risk in individuals with sickle hemoglobinopathies. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the association between vigorous intensity exercise and RMC.

Materials and methods: This study used a validated questionnaire to prospectively assess reported physical activity in a large cohort of patients with RMC compared to the activity of individuals without RMC. Between 2022 and 2024, patients with RMC (N = 39) were prospectively surveyed …

Staff Education Project: Staff Education To Improve Nurses’ Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, And Motivation In Supporting Medication Adherence, Giovanna Happy

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Medication nonadherence among individuals with psychiatric disorders remains a significant barrier to recovery, ranging from 40% to 60%. Contributing factors include fear of side effects, stigma, cognitive limitations, and complex regimens. This staff education project addressed challenges through the implementation of a structured, evidence-based intervention to improve adherence-supportive practices among 14 outpatient psychiatric nurses. A preimplementation needs assessment revealed inconsistent application of adherence strategies and low staff confidence. The project’s objective was to evaluate whether a structured education program could improve nurses’ knowledge by 15%, confidence by 15%, and willingness by 3.5 points on a Likert scale to promote medication …

An Action Research Study On Ai Video Vs. Written Feedback: Enhancing Undergraduate Academic Writing And Critical Thinking, Sandra Baroudi, Nida Mubeen, Suha Karaki

All Works

This action research explores how AI-assisted feedback formats influence students’ academic writing and critical thinking, a gap particularly relevant in the digital learning landscape. This study involved 40 undergraduate Emirati students divided into two groups, receiving either AI-generated video or written feedback across three assignments. Using a quantitative design, data were gathered using standardized critical thinking and academic writing skills rubrics. Additionally, students completed post-surveys to capture their perceptions, engagement levels and use of AI tools in the learning process. Results showed written feedback significantly improvemed critical thinking (M = 2.80, SD = 0.75) compared to video feedback (M = …

Sturdevant, Cedric, Cedric Sturdevant

Queer Mississippi (Complete Collection)

This folder contains digital news and materials compiled from internet searches in 2025 documenting the career of Mississippi-based HIV/AIDS activist Cedric Sturdevant.   Cedric Sturdevant is a prominent healthcare activist and community leader who has dedicated over 15 years to combating health disparities, reducing HIV-related stigma, and expanding medical access in the rural Mississippi Delta. When this folder was compiled, Sturdevant was serving as the co-founder and CEO of Community Health-PIER (Prevention, Intervention, Education & Research), a grassroots non-profit organization based in Greenville, Mississippi. Prior to establishing Community Health-PIER, Sturdevant built an extensive career leading and collaborating with critical regional public …

Pharmacological Considerations For Healthcare Providers When Caring For Muslim Patients: A Practical Guide, Layla Abubshait, Nissa Tasnim, Taha Cangoz

Einstein Health Papers

Healthcare providers increasingly encounter Muslim patients with unique pharmacological considerations influenced by religious beliefs and practices. Islam, as the world's second-largest religion, includes specific guidelines affecting medication permissibility, particularly regarding alcohol and pork-derived ingredients. This educational guide examines the intersection of Islamic teachings with pharmacotherapy, providing examples of commonly prescribed medications containing alcohol or porcine-derived gelatin from our academic medical center's inpatient and outpatient formulary. We document alcohol content percentages in various medications and suggest possible alternatives as illustrative examples. Most importantly, we present a step-by-step practical framework for using National Drug Code (NDC) numbers and the DailyMed database, enabling …

Impact Of Race On Admission, Clinical Outcomes, And Disposition In Cholangiocarcinoma: Insights From The National Inpatient Database, Tijin A. Mathew, Teresa M. Varghese, Nithya Krishnakumaran, George M. Varghese, Khwaja S. Haq, Akshita Khosla, Rojymon Jacob, Gina Vaccaro

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Cholangiocarcinoma, malignancies arising from the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, has increased in incidence in the United States over the past few decades. The reported incidence of cholangiocarcinomas is high, particularly in specific racial groups such as Asian and Pacific Islander patients. Race also significantly impacts disparities in healthcare utilization and clinical outcomes. Our study focused on the impact of race on admission, clinical outcomes, and disposition of cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of cholangiocarcinoma-related hospital admissions, using the National Inpatient Sample for the year 2022. Patients were stratified according to race into the following groups: White, …

Effect Of Exclusive Bottle Feeding On Infant‘S Serum Calcium And Serum Vitamin D3 And Its Comparison With Other Types Of Feeding In Diyala Governorate, Iraq, Hailah Othman Habeeb, Saif Hakeem Tofiq, Haider Jwad Dawod

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: The mixed feeding means that the infant gets bottle milk and breast milk. Bottle feeding serves as incomplete nutritional source for the first six months of infant’s life because bottle feeding not contains all essential nutrients that necessary for the physiological growth and development of infants.

Objectives: The aim of this research is to determine impact of breastfeeding feeding other than formula feeding,, or a mixed feeding ,on serum calcium and blood vitamin D3 levels in infants.

Materials and Methods: Fifty patients were enrolled in this study. We collected the sample from the infants and children (first 2 years …

Evaluation Of Triglyceride/High Density Lipoprotein Ratio As A Diagnostic And Prognostic Marker For Reduced Ejection Fraction Heart Failure In Comparison To Brain-Natriuretic Peptide, Safa Mohammed Hassan, Rawaa Hadi Shareef

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: heart failure is a condition that heart cannot pump blood in efficient way and this result in building up fluid and a reduced supply of oxygen to organs. Also, it can result from conditions like heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) can be used in the diagnosis and evaluation of heart failure severity. The triglycerides-to-HDL ratio is a key marker of cardiovascular risk in heart failure, reflecting insulin resistance and metabolic health. A high ratio is associated with worse outcomes, including increased inflammation and arterial stiffness.

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of Triglyceride …

Plant-Based And Plant-Predominant Diets Among Healthcare Students: A Systematic Review, Raman Abbaspour, Sarah Weisbrodt, Samal Nauhria, Madeline Chan, Ali Kasim Rawji, Parham Bokaei Jazi, Sabyasachi Maity

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

This systematic review explores the effects of vegetarian diets on the physical and mental well-being of health sciences students, a demographic known for high academic and psychological stress. We conducted a comprehensive search across major databases, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and identified 22 relevant studies. Our findings suggest that vegetarian diets are associated with lower incidences of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and obesity and promote better cardiovascular and metabolic health outcomes compared to non-vegetarian diets. Notably, vegetarian students could display lower systolic blood pressure and waist circumferences. Contrary to …

Staff Education On Colorectal Cancer Screening To Improve Knowledge And Usage, Mary Tessie Thullah Bangura

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Executive Summary: Staff Education Project Staff Education on Colorectal Cancer Screening to Improve Knowledge and Usage

Healthcare Professionals’ Experiences Regarding Barriers And Facilitators Of The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, Abrin Jacobson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP), developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, aims to reduce avoidable readmissions through financial penalties. While HRRP has been associated with modest reductions in readmissions, it has also been linked to the problem of unintended outcomes such as increased mortality and inequitable penalties for hospitals serving socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. The literature presents a limited understanding of how hospital-based healthcare professionals (HHPs) implement HRRP. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore how HHPs perceive the implementation of HRRP requirements and the barriers and facilitators that influence compliance. Grounded in Lipsky’s …

Big Five Personality Traits As Predictors Of Funeral Directors’ Job Satisfaction, Teresa Busick

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

By 2037, annual deaths in the United States are expected to exceed 3.6 million, over 1 million more than in 2015. At the same time, the funeral service industry faces a serious staffing problem, with about 50% of funeral directors leaving the profession within 2 years. These combined challenges highlight the need to understand what contributes to job satisfaction and helps to retain these workers in this essential field. This quantitative correlational study examined whether the Big Five personality traits predict job satisfaction among funeral directors. Thus, the Big Five model of personality traits was used to guide the study. …