Digital Commons Network^™

Fructosamine And Hba1c For Monitoring Diabetes In Pregnancy: Complementary Or Competing?, Yosra Htira, Chaima Jemai, Emna Fennira, Zohra Hadj Ali, Olfa Lajili, Imen Hedfi, Jihene Bettaieb, Faika Ben Mami

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to perform a comparative evaluation of glycaemic control using fructosamine and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and to investigate the correlations between the means of these biomarkers and mean glycaemia in pregnant women. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study was conducted from January to December 2020 and included pregnant women with pregestational diabetes, recruited at the National Institute of Nutrition of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia, before 12 weeks of amenorrhoea and followed-up until delivery. Results: A total of 71 pregnant women were included in this study. Glycaemic values decreased over the course of pregnancy and patients achieved …

Religiosity And Ritual In The Novel Rangsang Tuban By Padmasusastra: Literary Anthropology Study, Anggra Dini, Endang Nurhayati, Suwardi Endraswara

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

Rangsang Tuban by Padmasusastra offers a rich portrayal of Javanese social life through its depiction of traditions, religious practices, and ritual activities that shape the narrative and its characters. This study aims to examine the representation of Javanese religiosity and ritual in the novel and to explore its relevance to contemporary society. The novelty of this research lies in its analysis of ritual practices as expressions of Javanese religious syncretism, revealing interactions between formal religions and local spiritual traditions. Employing a qualitative descriptive method within a literary anthropology framework, this study analyzes textual data in the form of selected quotations …

The Representation Of Law Enforcement Authorities’ Performance In Nbc News Coverage Of The Debanhi Escobar Case: A Dialectical Relational Approach, Rachim Satria Wicaksana, Nurhayati Nurhayati, Istiqamah Idrus Sere

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

NBC News, as an international media outlet, plays a significant role in shaping public perception and moral evaluation of social issues. Its coverage of the Debanhi Escobar case in Mexico has attracted widespread international attention, particularly in relation to the handling of feminicide by Law Enforcement Authorities. Within this context, the present study investigates how NBC News represents Law Enforcement Authorities in reporting the Debanhi Escobar case and how such representations construct moral and institutional evaluations. This study applies Fairclough’s Dialectical Relational Approach (DRA) to examine the relationship between textual strategies, social practices, and power relations embedded in media discourse. …

Environmental Graphic Design Of The Great Mosque Ornaments For Strengthening Demak City Branding As The City Of Wali, Agus Setiawan, Ahmad Akrom, Khamadi Khamadi, Khairul Mustaqin, Auria Farantika Yogananti

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

This study explores the role of Environmental Graphic Design (EGD) derived from the ornamental heritage of the Great Mosque of Demak in strengthening Demak’s city branding as the “City of Wali” (Kota Wali). Motivated by the need for culturally grounded urban identity amid rapid modernization, the research examines how religious and historical visual elements can be translated into contemporary environmental design. The study adopts a descriptive qualitative approach informed by place branding and visual communication theory. Data were collected through field observations, visual documentation, interviews, and a literature review, followed by an analytical process that involved identifying local wisdom, interpreting …

Finding Meaning In A Historical Fiction Of Cold War: A Case Study Of Pamuntjak’S Question Of Red, Margihon Bayu Putra Kaumpungan

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

The Cold War and its legacy in Southeast Asia, has been considered as one of the darkest parts of the region’s history including in Indonesia. Efforts to capture the painful memory of the Cold War had been established through various means including fictional storytelling. Among many literature discussing the dark history of the era, Laksmi Pamuntjak “Question on Red” had its distinctive presence since it was written in English. The utilization of English as a medium opens the door for English speaking readers to be able to dwell into a literature work that is considerably unfamiliar to their cultural context. …

Print, Pattern, Stick: Low–Cost Gecko–Inspired Adhesives Using Embedded Diffraction Structures, Motaz Hassan, Oluwafemi Fayomi, Ajay Mahajan, Joshua Faust

University Research

Gecko-inspired adhesives offer strong, reversible, and directionally tunable adhesion, yet fabrication methods often depend on cleanroom lithography or proprietary molds, limiting scalability and accessibility. This study presents a low-cost, modular fabrication strategy combining high-resolution digital light processing 3D printing with 1000 lines/mm optical diffraction gratings to create hierarchical elastomeric adhesives. The resulting structures feature macroscale micropillars and embedded sub-micron surface topography, enabling effective contact splitting without advanced microfabrication. Mechanical testing reveals a nonlinear increase in shear performance with contact area, with maximum shear forces exceeding 80 N at 103.2 cm2. Peel testing across varied angles and surface areas demonstrates anisotropic …

Montana Kaimin, February 5, 2026, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

The World's Largest Saddle Dam At Risk: Multisensor Geohazard Analysis And Downstream Impacts, Hesham El-Askary, Hesham Morgan, Surendra Maharjan, Ali Elgendy, Wenzhao Li, Rejoice Thomas, Austin Madson, Cyril Rakovski

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Saddle Dam, which holds approximately 89% of the main reservoir's live storage, is one of the largest and most critical auxiliary dams globally; its construction on Ethiopia's Blue Nile has consequently raised significant regional and international concerns regarding potential environmental impacts and geohazard risks. This study presents a comprehensive risk assessment of the GERD Saddle Dam by integrating high-resolution satellite data (GRACE, Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, WorldView-3), hydrological modeling (SWAT), Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI), geospatial analysis, and advanced statistical techniques. The results highlight critical structural vulnerabilities, including groundwater infiltration estimated at approximately 41 ± 6.2 billion …

The Setd2 L1609p Mutation Found In Leukemia Disrupts Methyltransferase Activity And Reduces Histone H3k36 Trimethylation, Christina Michail, Jérémy Berthelet, Ariel E Mechaly, Linh-Chi Bui, Haopeng Yang, Duo Cai, Amira Al Mahi, Aowei Xie, Valeria Bisio, Valentina Sirri, Jean-Marie Dupret, Fabien Guidez, Ximing Xu, Nicolas Joly, Leslie Regad, Mireille Viguier, Frédérique Deshayes, Nicolas Dulphy, Michael R Green, Ahmed Haouz, Fernando Rodrigues Lima

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

SETD2 is the primary methyltransferase responsible for generating H3K36me3, an epigenetic mark that is essential for transcriptional regulation and chromatin integrity. SETD2 mutations are frequently observed in various cancers and tend to cluster within its catalytic SET domain. Despite the clinical relevance of SETD2 missense mutations in cancer, their biochemical and structural consequences remain insufficiently characterized. Here, we present the enzymatic and structural characterization of the SETD2 L1609P mutant enzyme identified in leukemia. The L1609 residue is located in the SET domain within a conserved hydrophobic pocket that is involved in substrate H3K36 recognition. Interestingly, site-directed mutagenesis of residues within …

College Student Perceptions Of Ai Teaching Assistants: Bridging Technology And Human Connection For Effective Learning Support, Sarah Steimel

International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

This study examines college students’ perceptions of AI Teaching Assistants (AITAs) in higher education, focusing on their communication experiences and expectations. Using qualitative data from (n=89) open-ended survey responses, six key themes emerged, spanning differences in information processing, social interaction, and task efficiency. Students appreciated AITAs for their speed, availability, and potential to provide unbiased feedback, yet expressed concerns about accuracy and trustworthiness. While AITAs were seen as approachable for simple or low-stakes inquiries, students emphasized the importance of human instructors for complex, nuanced, or emotional support. The findings highlight a preference for maintaining human connections in education while leveraging …

Development And Initial Validation Of The Comprehensive Ai Integration Readiness Survey (Caiirs), Richard D. Amoako, Jennifer A. Morrow

International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in higher education, improving learning and optimizing administrative operations. However, the adoption and integration of AI in learning environments have received limited research attention until recently. Consequently, this research aimed to develop and validate a scale to assess readiness and preparedness among higher education faculty members for the integrative adoption of AI in learning and teaching practices. A nationwide survey was used to collect data from faculty at universities and colleges in the United States. The CAIIRS scale was developed after an extensive review of scholarly literature. Exploratory factor analysis was …

Tuktuit: Caribou, William L. Blizek, Monica Blizek

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a review of the short film, Tuktuit: Caribou (2026), directed by Lindsay Aksarniq McIntyre.

Taga, William L. Blizek, Monica Blizek

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a review of the short film, Taga (2026), directed by Jill Marie Sachs.

Together Forever, William L. Blizek, Monica Blizek

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a review of the short film, Together Forever (2026), directed by Gregory Barnes.

The Passenger In 12a, Cristopher G. Cando

Night Flight: Online Literary Journal

This short story follows Mateo Alvarez, a TSA officer whose life has settled into a rigid routine, and Elena, a passenger beginning a new chapter in her life. Their brief interaction during a routine security screening becomes a quiet but meaningful exchange, which centers on kindness, memory, and the courage to move forward. As Elena carries her father's journal with her on a flight toward a new opportunity, Mateo is reflecting on the choices he has avoided and the life he has placed on pause. Through parallel perspectives, this story explores themes of transition, human connection, and the impact of …

Advances In 2025: The Year In Review, Richard Alweis, Elizabeth Mamo, Christina Goodermote

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

No abstract provided.

Obesity As A Health Priority: Insights From Research Productivity In The Arab World, Rania Hammami, Mirvat Alsnag

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

National Heart Center/Saudi Heart Association 2025 Guidelines For Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention And Risk Assessment, Jamilah S Alrahimi, Shukri M. Al Saif, Laith Hussain-Alkhateeb, Ali M. Albarrati, Owayed M. Alshammeri, Talal S. Alghamdi, Khalid A. Al Faraidy, Ada M Al-Qunaibet, Nada A. Alnaji, Rasha A. Alfawaz, Waleed M. Alharbi, Waleed A. Alhabeeb, Fahad M. Alnouri, Adel A. Tash

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To develop an evidence-based clinical guideline for the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Saudi Arabia, tailored to local epidemiology and healthcare needs.

Methods: A multidisciplinary task force comprising cardiologists, public health specialists, and epidemiologists from different healthcare sectors in Saudi Arabia developed the guideline. Evidence synthesis was based on a comprehensive literature review and adaptation of international guidelines, particularly the 2021 European Society of Cardiology recommendations, contextualized to the Saudi setting.

Results: The guideline provides recommendations for both primary and secondary CVD prevention. Primary prevention emphasizes risk assessment incorporating genetic, lifestyle, and clinical factors, as well …

From Text To Test: Pre-Lecture Reading Boosts Medical Students’ Comprehension And Retention, Hamad A. Alfahaad, Mohammed Y. Alasmary, Emad M. Masuadi, Mohi Eldin M. Magzoub, Henk G. Schmidt

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: Medical students frequently attend lectures without prior review of the related literature when preparing for examinations. It raises the question of whether studying the material in advance could enhance their learning outcomes during lectures.

Methods: A total of 102 medical students from a Saudi Arabian university took part in this research. Participants were assigned to one of 2 cohorts: one read a 4-page passage before a 15-minute lecture, while the other attended the lecture before reading the passage. Knowledge acquisition was measured using a test that assessed their ability to recall concepts administered 3 times—prior to the session, post …

Medication Errors Reporting And Analysis: A Comparative Study For Advancing Medication Safety Practices In Ministry Of Health Hospitals In Saudi Arabia, Saleh A. Alghamdi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To analyze and compare these stages, types, frequency, causes, and corrective actions related to medication errors (MEs) reported in Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals in Saudi Arabia, and thereby enhance medication safety through data driven decisions.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using ME reports submitted to the Saudi MOH national reporting system from January 2023 to December 2024.Data were collected from nine hospitals, covering medication involved, reporting personnel, level of harm and corrective actions. A novel stratification framework (NSF) was used to visualize emerging risks and protective trends. Statistical analyses were conducted using relative risk (RR), risk …

Research Productivity On Obesity In The Arab World: A Bibliometric Analysis (2004–2023), Jamil Adnan Samkari, Ahamd Azam Malik

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To examine obesity research trends in Arab countries to inform policies and interventions.

Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science database accessed via King Abdulaziz University’s electronic library. Publications on obesity research in Arab countries from 2004 to 2023 were analyzed using R-Bibliometrix. Key parameters included publication volume, leading authors and institutions, funding sources, keyword co-occurrence networks, and collaboration patterns.

Results: Obesity-related research output in Arab countries demonstrated consistent growth from 2004 to 2023, with a threefold increase in publications since 2015. Regional and international collaborations have intensified, although disparities in research productivity persist across …

Endovascular Thrombectomy For Acute Ischemic Stroke Among Stroke Patients In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A Retrospective Cohort Study (2024) Detailing Dual Center Experience, Abdullah M Alkutbi, Omar Abdulhamidayoub, Fawaz Mosaedalshareef, Mohammed M Alwadi, Rawan I Alqurashi, Rayan I Almaghrabi, Naif F Alharbi, Omar M Alhazmi, Ziad H Alzabidi, Nagham S Alsolaimani, Saher F Alqarni

Saudi Medical Journal

Background: Te evaluate the outcomes of Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) -treated AIS patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and explores predictors of functional recovery. Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), though patient outcomes can vary based on regional and clinical factors.

Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical records from King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) and King Fahad Hospital Jeddah (KFHJ), including AIS patients treated with EVT between January 2020 and July 2024. Neurological status was assessed using the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and clinical outcomes were evaluated with the modified Rankin Scale …

Influence Of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease On Pattern And Management Of Acute Coronary Syndrome, Elshazly Abdulkhalik, Nagat Ibrahim, Selim Sidhom, Hesham H Alqurashi, Khaled Alghashmari, Muhammad Alotaibi, Ahmed Alqurashi, Moath Alzahrani, Shahad Alqahtani, Abdulaziz Alshalan, Nouran Althumali, Mazen Aljohani, Saud Alzahrani, Haidi Karam-Allah Ramadan

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To determine the influence of metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and hepatic fibrosis on the pattern and management of patients who had acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods: Retrospective records of patients with ACS included demographic, electrocardiographic, and laboratory data of platelets count, glycated hemoglobin, lipogram, liver and cardiac enzymes. Ultrasound was used to evaluate fatty liver. Coronary angiography data included the number, site and percentage of the coronary arteries occluded. The type and outcome of treatment of ACS were recorded. Laboratory markers were measured to evaluate fibrosis.

Results: The study recruited 259 patients, and the majority were males. …

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Registry At King Abdullah Specialized Children’S Hospital (Jiar-Kasch) In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jubran T. Alqanatish, Abdullah I. Almojali, Wejdan M. Algbaiwi, Abdullah S. Alqahtani, Abdulrahman A. Alrasheed, Lubna A. Alnasser, Wafaa M. Alsuwairi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To establish and maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date registry of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) cases, and to outline the methodology used in creating it.

Methods: Retrospective and prospective data collection commenced in August 2021, using the Hospital Information System to identify electronic medical records of JIA patients. All individuals diagnosed with JIA and receiving follow-up care at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH) in Riyadh were included. A broad range of variables covering sociodemographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory results, imaging findings, and therapeutic medications were recorded in the REDCap platform. Data collection update occurs every 6 months.

Results: By December …

Clinical Characteristics And Outcomes Of Patients With Amphetamine Associated Emergency Department Visits At A Tertiary Care Hospital In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Mohammed K. Alsharef, Mahdi Almutairi, Nouf Ababtain, Mohammed Alajmi, Abdulrahman Alrajhi, Faisal Alhusain, Mohammad Al Deeb

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To investigate the demographic and clinical profiles of patients presenting with amphetamine-related emergencies at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Amphetamine use is an escalating public health issue linked to a rise in emergency department (ED) visits.

Methods: This retrospective study encompasses 14 years and focuses on individuals diagnosed with amphetamine-related toxicity.

Results: Among the 659 cases studied, a predominant 96% were male, with over half (52%) aged between 19 and 30 years. Most patients (91%) were Saudi nationals. The leading cause of presentation was trauma, accounting for 24% of cases. This was followed by altered mental status …

Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography And Neonatal Hemodynamics In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia: A One-Year Experience In Service Implementation, Abdulaziz Homedi, Kamal Ali Ali, Abdulrahman Almehaid, Mohanned Alrahili, Abdulrahman Mandurah, Mohammed Almahdi, Faisal Alamer, Eman Bazbouz, Shatha Algarni, Atheer Alshehri, Faisal Alsehli, Hanof Bakri

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a newly established targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) and Neonatal Hemodynamics consultation service on the assessment and management of neonates.

Methods: This is a descriptive retrospective cohort study that included all neonates who underwent TNE consultations in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit from October 2023 and September 2024. Clinical indications, diagnostic findings, and subsequent management were analyzed.

Results: A total of 237 TNE consultations were performed for 105 neonates. The mean gestational age was 29.9 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 1433 grams. On average, 19.8 echocardiographic scans were performed per month. The leading …

Gender Differences In Sociodemographic And Clinical Characteristics Of Methamphetamine Use In Saudi Arabia, Halima M. Adam, Mohamed Abouzed, Ahmed H. Aljadani, Benayan B. Alrasheedy, Muath A. Alarfaj, Salwa R. Alshammari, Mohamed S. Almuqahwi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To explore gender-related variations in sociodemographic factors, clinical presentations, and psychosocial characteristics among methamphetamine users in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using the electronic health records of 1,181 patients (91% male, 9% female) treated at multiple Erada Mental and Addiction Centers across Saudi Arabia (2020–2024). Data on sociodemographic characteristics, methamphetamine use patterns, psychiatric comorbidities, and psychosocial functioning were collected and analyzed using validated tools, including the Addiction Severity Index, Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory, and Quality of Life Scale.

Results: Female participants were younger than males (mean age 25.3 vs 28.5 years; p < 0.001) and initiated methamphetamine at a later age (21.4 vs 19.2 years; p < 0.001). Females had greater proportion of daily use (65.4% vs. 60%, p …