Digital Commons Network^™

Investigating The Use Of Antidepressants In Treating Major Depressive Disorder: Insights From A Retrospective Study In Saudi Arabia, Hassan A Alsaad, Wajd A Alfaraj, Maryam M Alrababi, Ali M Sonbaa, Dalal M Albakr, Ali Saleh Abensaad, Fadhel A Alomar

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To investigate patterns of antidepressant prescribing and continuation rates among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) in Saudi Arabia and to identify factors associated with treatment persistence. Method: A retrospective study was conducted at King Fahad Hospital of the University between May 2023 and February 2025. Data on patients' demographic characteristics, diagnostic information, and prescribed medications were collected. Initial antidepressant therapy and treatment continuation were evaluated, and potential influencing factors were analyzed. Results: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) accounted for most first-line prescriptions (71%), followed by SSRI/atypical combinations (11%) and serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (5%). Of the 220 patients …

Prognostic Significance Of Lymphovascular Invasion In Breast Cancer: Insights From A Retrospective Analysis At A Tertiary Care Center, Nora Trabulsi, Shayma Alotaibi, Mohammed Bahabri, Hussain A. Alkhalifah, Ghady D. Alshehri, Sultan K. Alshali, Ali Farsi, Marwan Alhajeili, Hassan Al-Turki, Salma Sait, Alaa Shabkah, Rana Ajaboor, Hessa Aljhdali

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To explore the relationship between lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and outcomes across different histopathological subtypes, tumor grades, clinical stages, hormone receptor profiles, and treatment modalities. Lymphovascular invasion is a well-recognized histopathological feature associated with tumor dissemination in breast cancer. However, its prognostic weight is under-reported in Middle Eastern cohorts. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from 828 women treated for invasive breast carcinoma at King Abdulaziz University Hospital from 2010 to 2020. Clinicopathologic variables, treatments, and outcomes were extracted. Overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were estimated and tested using Kaplan–Meier curves; independent predictors were identified with stepwise Cox models. …

Growing Evidence For Distinct Clinical Features And Early Diagnostic Age Of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma In Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study In A Tertiary Care Center, Abdulhadi Jfri, Renad Fayez Alharthy, Mariya Yahya Ashqan, Hassan Omar Bogari, Al-Anoud Yousef Alkhashan

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To examine trends in Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL) disease presentation in the Western Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) have heterogeneous clinical presentation, and disease characteristics can vary between regions and ethnic groups. Methods: We conducted a local observational study at the Princess Noorah Oncology Center and King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, with CTCL patients referred to and treated in the Saudi Arabian National Guard facilities from January 2017 to December 2023. Medical records of included patients were retrospectively reviewed. Main outcome measures were demographics and clinical characteristics. Results: The cohort comprised 69 …

Incidence And Risk Factors For Post-Thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia: A National Study From Saudi Arabia, Saad M. Alqahtani, Bader E. Alsharari, Abdulaziz H. Al-Shahrani, Shehata F. Shehata, Moneer E. Almadani, Yousef S. Alalawi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: Post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia is the leading cause of post-thyroidectomy hospitalization, adversely affecting patient quality of life. The current study sought to determine the incidence of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia, identify risk factors and their clinical significance, and provide an overview of the incidence in different Saudi Arabian cities. Methods: This retrospective analysis included all patients who underwent thyroidectomies at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital Northwestern Region, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia between 2015 and 2021 and had available pre- and post-operative calcium levels and clinical, surgical, and pathological data. Various risk factors were evaluated using binary logistic regression to determine their impact on the …

Evaluation Of Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio And Platelet-To-Lymphocyte Ratio As Biomarkers In Missed Abortions, Ayse Yigit Sonmez, Defne Ay Tuncel

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To evaluate the usability and clinical significance. Missed abortion, a common complication in early pregnancy. Diagnosis typically relies on ultrasonographic findings and clinical criteria. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio have attracted considerable interest. Methods: A total of 120 women participated, with 60 diagnosed with missed abortion and 60 with healthy intrauterine pregnancy. This is a retrospective case-control study. Information for the study was gathered from patient file records. Mann-Whitney U Test was used. Logistic regression analysis assessed the magnitude and direction of the relationships between the variables. Results: The youngest participant was 23, while the oldest was 42. …

An Examination Of The Effect On Health Protective Behaviour Of Diabetes And Obesity Awareness And Personal Characteristics In Adults: Structural Equation Modeling, Ayşe Soylu, Pinar Şahin

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: The World Health Organization has reported that obesity-related diabetes cases are increasing rapidly. The aim of this study was to examine the effect on health protective behaviour of diabetes and obesity awareness and personal characteristics in adults. Method: This descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted with 1241 participants. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Diabetes and Obesity Awareness Scale and Health Protective Behaviour Scale. Data analysis was performed with IBM SPSS vn.23 and IBM AMOS vn.24 software. STROBE was used in reporting. Results: Of the total participants, 45.4% had no diabete and obesity awareness and in …

Clinical Significance Of Ikbkb Mutations: A Focus On Ikbkb-Related Immunodeficiency, Alhomidi Almotiri

Saudi Medical Journal

Inhibitory kappa B kinase beta (IKBKB, IKK2, or IKKβ ) acts as an activator of the nuclear factor (NF)-κ B signaling cascade that is involved in regulating normal physiological processes and is dysregulated in several pathological processes including immunological disorders. Mutations in IKBKB have been found to cause immune deficiency syndromes. Inherited loss-of-function mutations in IKBKB lead to severe or lethal immune deficiency. In this review, the clinical significance of IKBKB mutations will be reviewed in the context of immune deficiency syndromes. All published clinical cases of IKBKB mutations relevant to immune deficiency, either caused by loss- or gain-of-function mutations …

Brief Geriatric Assessment (Bga): An Evidence-Based Tool For Improving Care Of Older Adults, Assim M. Alabdulkader

Saudi Medical Journal

The Brief Geriatric Assessment is an approach for rapidly identifying high-risk older adults and guiding timely interventions in busy clinical settings. Unlike the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, albeit the gold standard, which is resource-intensive, the Brief Geriatric Assessment offers a scalable alternative by using validated, time-efficient tools to screen for common geriatric syndromes. This narrative state-of-the-art review synthesizes the evidence and best practices regarding the concept, structure, and clinical application of the Brief Geriatric Assessment. It compares the Brief Geriatric Assessment and Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment from theoretical and practical perspectives and outlines how the former can be integrated into healthcare settings, …

Sleep Disorder Phenotypes And The Risk Of Incident Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis With Mendelian Randomization Validation, Fang Yan, Lihua Fan, Yunhu Chen

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To quantify how specific sleep-disorder phenotypes are related to incident heart failure (HF) using a meta-analysis of cohort data and to probe causal relevance via 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: Fourteen cohorts comprised of participants without HF at baseline were pooled (49,501 exposed; 337,317 controls). A random effects meta-analysis produced pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A bidirectional two-sample MR was used to evaluate the causal effects of sleep phenotypes on HF. Results: Overall, sleep disorders were linked to a higher incidence of HF (pooled HR 1.46; 95% CI 1.30–1.63; pp < 0.001), whereas insomnia was not independently associated with HF (pooled HR 1.11; 95% CI 0.75–1.62; p = 0.609). The …

Walking The Ancient Path: Theology Course Prepares Students For Camino De Santiago, Elisabeth Watson

College of Arts and Sciences Newsroom

UD's annual Camino de Santiago program includes a spring course to prepare students for the physical and spiritual trek across Spain.

A General Predictive And Conceptual Model For Repulsive Electronic States In Valence Ionized Molecules, Luka Dockx, Bálint Sztáray, Anthony Dutoi

College of the Pacific Faculty Articles

Valence photoionization generates photoions with excess internal energy, often resulting in statistical dissociation, well described by RRKM theory. Yet, numerous small photoions with electronegative substituents (e.g., F, Cl, Br, OH) have been shown to exhibit nonstatistical behavior, undergoing direct dissociation from repulsive electronic states to yield radicals such as F• or OH•, along with their corresponding fragment ions. Here, we present a general, predictive model that rationalizes this mechanism and extends it to molecules bearing electronegative substituents capable of forming 2P (F•, Cl•, Br•) or 2Π (OH•, SH•, N3•, NCO•) radicals. Nonstatistical dissociation arises from ionization of p- or π-localized …

Παράδοσις: A Comparative Analysis Of Paul And Oneness Pentecostals, John Calvin Carroll

Masters Theses

Tradition is an inescapable element of institutional life, including religious institutions. Traditions inevitably emerge whether in churches, corporations, families, or nations. Within the Christian faith, the critical issue is not the presence of tradition, but the authority and function ascribed to it. This study concerns itself with the role of tradition in both individual and communal expressions of Christianity. Traditions can foster cohesion and identity within Christian communities. However, their specific forms often vary across cultural contexts—for instance, between churches in North America and other continents worldwide. Traditions about men’s and women’s modesty may take on different forms between North …

Incivility, The Impact, And The Ability To Overcome, Angela K. Gilbreth

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Incivility is a notorious issue in the nursing profession and has negative consequences for both nurses and patients. Research exists regarding the positive effects of implemented healthy work environment (HWE) initiatives on nurse satisfaction; however, research has not been expanded to evaluate the effect HWE initiatives have on incivility. The purpose of this project is to implement a HWE initiative at a community hospital to mitigate and prevent incivility. The implemented HWE initiative has the potential to positively influence nursing practice and patient outcomes.

Methodology: Selected floors experiencing significant change at a 144-bed community hospital were analyzed to determine the …

The Degree Of Nondensifiability In Hausdorff Locally Convex Topological Vector Spaces And Applications, Gonzalo Garcia

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

The so called degree of nondensifiability, DND, has been studied in Banach spaces through several studies, and some fixed point results using the DND have been proved. In the present paper, we extend the concept of DND to a Hausdorff locally convex topological vector space (LCTVS). Its main properties, as well as the differences between the DND in Banach spaces and the DND in a LCTVS, are analyzed. Furthermore, under suitable conditions, we provide some fixed point results in a LCTVS by using the DND, and as an application, we prove the existence of solutions of certain Volterra integral equations.

Existence Of Positive Periodic Solutions For A First-Order Semilinear Functional Differential Equation With An Iterative Source Term, Ahlème Bouakkaz, Rabah Khemis

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

In this paper, we will establish the existence of positive periodic solutions for a class of first order iterative functional differential equations by using a powerful and effective technique based on the Krasnoselskii fixed point theorem together with some useful properties of a Green's function. The obtained results that complement some previous works, are illustrated with an example.

Simplicity In Le-Semigroups Via Partitions Of Full Words, And Its Applications To Regularity Conditions Induced By Linear Inequalities, Nareupanat Lekkoksung

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

The concept of simplicity in le-semigroups has been used to characterize the coincidence of ideal elements and to study Khayopulu–Green’s relations. Several types of simplicities are known, including two-sided simplicity, left simplicity, right simplicity, bisimplicity, quasisimplicity, and biinterior simplicity. A natural question arises: are there further notions of simplicity for le-semigroups? If so, how are they related? By employing the notion of partition ideal elements, we observe that several potential simplicities have not yet been explored. In this paper, we introduce new forms of simplicity in le-semigroups defined via partitions of full words, and we investigate the …

On The Semigroups Of Order-Preserving And Orientation-Preserving Full Contraction Mappings On A Finite Chain, Gonca Ayik, Hayrullah Ayik

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

Let OPCT_n (OCT_n) denote the semigroup consisting of all orientation-preserving (order-preserving) full contraction mappings on the finite chain X_n = {1 < ··· < n}, and let OPDCT_n (ODCT_n) denote the subsemigroup of OPCT_n (OCT_n) consisting of all order-decreasing transformations. The purpose of this paper is to determine the cardinalities of OPCT_n, OPDCT_n, N(ODCT_n), and N(OPDCT_n), and to identify generating sets of minimal size, thereby determining their ranks. Moreover, the number of idempotents of OPDCT_n is determined.

A Geometric Property Characterizing The 3d-Generalized Clothoids, Pascual Lucas, José-Antonio Ortega-Yagües

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

In this paper, we study 3D-generalized clothoids, defined as curves for which there exists another distinct curve, with proportional arclength parameter, such that the Darboux lines of both curves at corresponding points are the same. We prove that these curves are those for which the ratio of torsion and curvature τ/κ is a linear rational function of the arclength. We also show that any 3D-generalized clothoid can be constructed from a rectifying curve, which is of constant curvature in the case of a 3D-clothoid.

Multiplicative Lorentz Matrix Multiplication And The Motion On Multiplicative Lorentz Plane, Osman Keçi̇li̇oğlu, İlayda Durmaz, Hali̇t Gündoğan

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

In this paper, we define the multiplicative determinant for general n×n matrices, extending previous studies that were limited to lower-dimensional cases. Additionally, we introduce a novel matrix multiplication operation based on the multiplicative Lorentz inner product and conduct a thorough investigation of its algebraic properties. Furthermore, we explore rotational and reflectional transformations in the two-dimensional multiplicative Lorentz space L^*₂, supported by illustrative examples of these geometric motions.

Investigation Of The Behavior Of Biparametric Potentials Associated With The Laplace-Bessel Differential Operator In Weighted Lebesgue Spaces, Çağla Seki̇n

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

In this article, we investigate the mapping properties of potential-type operators of the form J^α_β = (E + (−Δ_ν)^β/2)^−α/β, (β, α > 0), where Δ_ν is the Laplace-Bessel differential operator. We establish norm inequalities that describe the boundedness of the operator J^α_β from L_p,ν to L_q,ν under suitable conditions on α, β, p and q. The results extend and unify the known estimates for classical potential operators. In particular, the cases β = 1 and β = 2 correspond to the modified Flett and Bessel potentials, respectively.

On Fredholm Type Integral Equations In H\"{O}Der Spaces: Existence Of Solutions, Yasemi̇n Başci, Adi̇l Misir, Süleyman Öğrekçi̇

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

In this study, we investigate the existence of solutions for a quadratic integral equation of the Fredholm type. The analysis is conducted on a finite interval bounded by two arbitrary constants, where the unknown function is associated with a prescribed kernel and two operators satisfying specific regularity and boundedness conditions. The methodological framework of this work is built upon the classical Schauder fixed point theorem, complemented by the structural properties of Hölder spaces. The results obtained not only encompass but also extend several previous contributions in the literature, as the discussion is carried out within a generalized setting over the …

Exploring Topological And Game-Theoretic Properties Of Selective Covering Bispaces, Selma Özçağ

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

This paper considers set selectively star countable chain condition in a bitopological setting, exploring its fundamental topological properties and its relationships with the existing selective covering properties. Furthermore we investigate a game-theoretic characterizations of the selectively countable chain condition property in bitopological spaces.

The Killing Magnetic Curves In The Anti-De Sitter Space H31, Uğur Dursun

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

In this paper, we study space-like, time-like and light-like Killing magnetic curves derived from Killing magnetic vector fields of the anti-de Sitter space H³₁ by using the half-space model H³₁ of H³₁. We find the first integrals of the system of nonlinear differential equations that describe the Killing magnetic curves corresponding to some Killing vector fields of H³₁, and then we give some particular solutions to obtain space-like, time-like and light-like magnetic curves of H³₁. Also, we calculate the curvature and torsion of some space-like and time-like …

A Non-Newtonian Approach To Screw Motion And Dual Numbers, Esra Parlak, Zehra Özdemi̇r

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

In this paper, we define multiplicative dual numbers, multiplicative dual vectors, scalars, and vector products associated with the multiplicative dual numbers. We give the base elements of multiplicative dual elliptic quaternions and their operational properties. We explain the rotation and translation motions in multiplicative dual elliptical quaternions. We provide the matrix representations of the screw motion using multiplicative dual elliptical quaternions. Thanks to these multiplicative dual elliptical quaternions, we explain the screw motion along with rotation and translation with theorems and proofs. We visualize this screw motion with mathematical programs by applying screw-ruled surfaces.

Provost Presents Faculty Research Series: "Repurpose Hope And Data: Why Central Americans Migrated To The U.S. In Caravans", Rosario Lara

CSUSB Sound and video recordings

No abstract provided.

Social Education In Disruption – From Pressure To Proactive Solutions, Aoife Prendergast

Journal of Social Care

In November 2025, FESET members gathered at the European Parliament in Strasbourg for our seminar, “Under Pressure – Social Education in Disruption.” The choice of venue was a deliberate statement of intent. By anchoring our discussions within the heart of European democracy, we underscored a fundamental truth: social education is not merely a domestic or peripheral concern. It is a vital pillar of social cohesion and the democratic fabric of the European project.

As President of FESET, it is an honour to introduce this collection of insights and research to the readers of the Journal of Social Care, reflecting …

How To Train Social Intervention Professionals In A Polarised World?, Bruno Michon

Journal of Social Care

This article examines the challenges of training social intervention professionals in an increasingly polarised society. Drawing on theoretical perspectives on political and affective polarisation, it explores how contemporary social divisions shape social work practice. The analysis includes findings from a five-year qualitative study on radicalisation prevention in France, highlighting tensions between security imperatives and the ethical foundations of social work. These tensions often generate mistrust and professional dilemmas for practitioners. The article argues that social work education must address polarisation directly. It proposes three key responses: reaffirming human rights as the ethical foundation of the profession, adopting professional stances that …

South Carolina Teacher Attrition, Mobility, And Retention Report For 2024–25, Angela Starrett, Svetlana Dmitrieva, Brian Cartiff

Reports

This report takes a comprehensive look at teacher retention and mobility in South Carolina’s public schools during a period of post-pandemic stabilization. Data show that by the 2024–25 academic year, teacher retention at the state, district, and school levels had largely returned to pre-pandemic numbers, reflecting renewed workforce stability across much of the state. At the same time, retention and mobility remain important workforce and policy considerations. Understanding where teachers move within the system—and where retention challenges persist—can help ensure instructional continuity, preserve institutional knowledge within schools, and support the long-term return on public investments in teacher preparation and professional …

Strengthening Emotional Self-Regulation Through Play: An Innovative Simulation Game For Resilience In Health And Social Professions, Amelie Büchler, Bettina Flaiz, Sabine Münzenmay

Journal of Social Care

Healthcare and social work professionals are currently facing a crisis characterised by chronic stress, burnout, and high attrition rates. While the root causes of these issues are often systemic, the emotional burden falls heavily on individual professionals, often leading to maladaptive coping mechanisms such as "cool-out" strategies or withdrawal. This article introduces the Erasmus+ project Simply4Emotions, which addresses this challenge by developing a digital-physical simulation game designed to foster emotional self-regulation and resilience. Grounded in the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and the Process Model of Emotion Regulation, the game utilises a mountaineering metaphor to create a safe …

Is Authentic Assessment Our Only Hope? Exploring The Potential Of The Integrative Framework For Social Care To Address Challenges Posed By Generative Ai., Jennifer Mcgarr, Dr. Margaret Fingleton

Journal of Social Care

Social Care education in Ireland is experiencing rapid change, driven by technological advancements and the growing influence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). While these developments create new learning opportunities, they also raise concerns about academic integrity and the erosion of critical thinking. Educators must simultaneously ensure graduates meet CORU’s regulatory standards and can adapt to the evolving scope of social care practice. CORU is Ireland’s multi-professional state regulatory of health and social care professions. Traditional assessment methods are increasingly questioned for their ability to foster professional competence, prompting interest in authentic assessment approaches that emphasise real-world application and the development …