Digital Commons Network^™

The Repeal Of Welfare Lifetime Ban, Sympathy Sutton Huggins

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Welfare Lifetime Ban imposed severe restrictions on women’s access to essential resources during the critical period following incarceration. By denying housing assistance, food aid, and employment services, the policy created significant barriers to reintegration and undermines both criminal justice and social welfare reform. Little is known about the long-term impacts of the ban or the absence of effective rehabilitative policy alternatives. Few studies have examined its outcomes within the framework of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). The findings within (PRWORA) enactment briefly stabilized a decline in welfare recipients, and employment rates increased temporarily for single …

Qualitative Insights Into The Complexity Of Calling: Moving Beyond Quantitative Boundaries, Jeannel King

The Qualitative Report

Why are deeply personal and lived experiences often reduced to standardized measurements? Calling is one such experience. Although widely recognized as complex, personal, and contextually shaped, the concept of calling has most often been researched through quantitative methods over the past two decades. This study employed qualitative content analysis (QCA) to examine how calling was researched across 267 peer-reviewed journal articles, trace methodological patterns, and consider how those choices influence the field’s conceptualizations of the construct. The analysis integrated deductive coding of methodological features and inductive identification of conceptual themes, refined through abductive synthesis. This hybrid strategy positioned the study …

Rattlesnakes And Enlightenment Science: An Unlikely Epistemology Of Early American Herpetology, Sahir Hismiogullari

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the hybrid epistemologies developed by early American naturalists, such as Hans Sloane, Pehr Kalm, John and William Bartram, and Benjamin Smith Barton that blended empirical observation, spiritual frameworks, and Indigenous ecological knowledge. These figures, implicitly or explicitly challenging the dominant mechanistic and reductionist models of Enlightenment science, pioneered a more holistic ecological thinking, even as they operated within colonial power structures.

Through historical and textual analysis based on letters, natural histories, and other written sources, the study reveals how these naturalists synthesized multiple ways of knowing, particularly in their encounters with New World peoples and environments. Within …

Parents’ Experiences With The Social-Emotional Development Of Toddlers With A Diagnosis Of Autism Spectrum Disorder After Completing Early Intervention, Veronica Bayer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The social-emotional development of autistic toddlers is a critical area of concern for parents and early childhood professionals. Parents need to understand how early intervention programs influence this development, as it can significantly impact long-term outcomes for children with autism. Grounded in the DIR (Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based) theory by S. I. Greenspan and S. Wieder, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the experiences parents had with their autistic toddlers’ social-emotional development after completing an early intervention program. The participants comprised of eight parents whose toddlers completed an early intervention program and were later diagnosed with autism. …

Exploring Public Health Nurses’ Perceptions Of Syringe Services Programs In Southern Rural Areas, Joel Lowery

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Public health nurses are potentially key stakeholders in syringe services program (SSP) implementation in rural areas, where they can act as liaisons between public health, private healthcare, and the community. However, little research reflects an in-depth understanding of how public health nurses perceive SSPs in rural areas. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of syringe services programs held by public health nurses practicing in rural areas with no existing SSPs in southern states and ascertain their potential roles in facilitating harm reduction for people who inject drugs. This study was guided by a conceptual framework …

Moderating Effect Of Age And Supervisory Status On Telework And Job Satisfaction Among Federal Employees, Chelsea Eckert

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The postpandemic U.S. federal workforce has experienced shifts in policies and practices about telework, with mixed empirical evidence on its relationship with job satisfaction. Federal government leaders must understand this impact on telework and job satisfaction. Guided by self-determination theory and socioemotional selectivity theory, the purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between telework usage and job satisfaction among federal employees, with age and supervisory status as moderating variables. Secondary data were from the 2023 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, with approximately 625,000 participants. The results of the multiple linear regression were statistically significant, F(11, 552,670) = …

Cancer Screening Disparities Among Women With Disabilities In The United States, Kathleen Young

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Breast and cervical cancer screening reduces mortality; however, women with disabilities and mental health challenges experience persistent disparities in access to preventive services. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationships between self-reported serious difficulty hearing, serious difficulty seeing, and frequent mental distress with breast (mammogram) and cervical (Pap test) cancer screening use among women in the United States (mammogram model, n = 844; Pap model n = 774), using the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System dataset. The social-ecological model provided the framework. Two logistic regression models were conducted, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, education, income, marital …

Fragile Balance: Managing Bone Health In People With Intellectual Disability And Epilepsy, An English Multi-Site Study, Rohit Shankar

Peninsula Medical School

BackgroundPeople with intellectual disability (ID) experience poorer health outcomes than the general population, with epilepsy and polypharmacy contributing to further risks. Bone health is a neglected area, despite the established association between antiseizure medications (ASMs), especially those cautioned by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and reduced bone mineral density. We aimed to evaluate prescribing practices, fracture risk, and bone health management in adults with ID and epilepsy attending specialist ID services.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted across three English specialist ID epilepsy services between August 2021–August 2022. Data were collected from case-note review, including ASM prescribing, falls …

Development Of A Digital Career Literacy-Based Gamification Application To Improve Career Readiness Of Students With Special Needs, Agus Afriliyanto, Vesti Dwi Cahyaningrum, Ratna Wulandari, Mohamad Da'i

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

The development of digital technology has opened up new opportunities in education, including for students with special needs who often face obstacles in acquiring career skills, resulting in low career literacy and impacting their career readiness. This study aims to develop a digital career literacy-based gamification application as an innovative learning medium to improve the career readiness of students with special needs, with a scope covering design, development, and testing in accordance with their cognitive characteristics and learning needs. The study used a simplified Borg & Gall R&D model consisting of five stages, involving 30 students with special needs from …

Protocol For Assessing And Managing Radon Gas Exposure Risks In Caves: A Case Study Of Altamira And Paleolithic Cave Art Of Northern Spain World Heritage Site, Sergio Sanchez-Moral, Javier Lario, Soledad Cuezva, Juan Carlos Cañaveras, Tamara Martín-Pozas, Angel Fernández-Cortés

International Journal of Speleology

Exposure to radon and its progeny poses a significant health risk for workers in tourist caves. Implementing protective measures is challenging due to increasingly strict gas concentration and dose limits in new regulations. This study evaluates the annual effective radiation doses received by workers and researchers, considering seasonal and spatial radon variability. Radon levels, temperature, and ventilation patterns were continuously monitored for at least one year in each cave. Results show significant radon fluctuations influenced by seasonal ventilation regimes driven by thermal gradients between the cave and external atmosphere. Using International Commission on Radiological Protection guidelines, the study calculates the …

Typography In Furniture Design With Emphasis On Minimalism & Postmodernism As Features In Experimental Product Design, Besfort Salihu

UBT International Conference

In contemporary furniture design, the integration of typography has moved beyond traditional graphic applications, evolving into a multidisciplinary design strategy that merges visual communication with material function. This paper investigates three primary approaches to the incorporation of typography in furniture: Typographic Structure, Typographic Patterns, and Typography as a Narrative Layer. The aim is to explore how letterforms can shape not only the aesthetic character but also the structural, functional, and emotional dimensions of furniture design. Through case study analysis, visual documentation, and comparative design methodology, the research examines how typographic elements influence the form, surface, and semantic expression of furniture …

Artistic Illustrations In Bi Monthly Journal “Jeta E Re” During The Years 1970–1973, Milot Gusia

UBT International Conference

This research examines the contribution of twelve Albanian artists in bi monthly journal on literature “Jeta e Re” during the period of the years 1970-73. Drawing from 18 issues that were published by the Kosovar publishing journal “Jeta e Re”, this research tries to uncover the artistic styles and illustrations that prevailed in the printed matters of the forementioned period. The issues were uncovered in the archives of the National Library of Kosova mainly presented in the form of drawings, etchings and rare painting reproductions in black and white printing. Because the journal “Jeta e Re” was focused mainly on …

The Impact Of Chemical Parameters Of Surface Water Quality In Prizren And Sources Of Pollution, Sami Gashi, Vehebi Sofiu, Nexhat Balaj, Besar Veseli

UBT International Conference

Our study investigates several chemical indicators of pollution whose parameters have negative impacts on surface water quality in Prizren, focusing on several seasonal months and identifying pollution sources. During a one-year period, water samples were taken at key locations, in the Lumbardh River of Prizren, to analyze several parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS). Surface water quality is subject to more frequent pollution of these parameters especially in different months of the year and were closely monitored to understand their impact on water quality during droughts. The …

Impacts Of Pesticides And Herbicides On Air, Soil, And Water Ecosystems, Ibush Luzha, Smajl Rizani, Jehona Luzha Beqiraj

UBT International Conference

Pesticides and herbicides, widely used agents in modern agriculture and environmental management for controlling pests and weeds, contribute to increased food production. However, their massive and often uncontrolled use has raised serious concerns about negative impacts on natural ecosystems. This paper comprehensively analyzes their effects on three key environmental components: air, soil, and water. In terrestrial ecosystems, these chemicals alter microbial biodiversity, harm beneficial organisms such as earthworms and pollinating insects, reduce soil fertility, and persist and bioaccumulate. In aquatic ecosystems, they contaminate surface and groundwaters through runoff, leaching, and atmospheric deposition, cause acute and chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms …

The Impact Of Sugar And Artificial Sweeteners On Consumer Health Through Beverage Consumption, Besa Salihu, Vlora Rama Demiri

UBT International Conference

The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and artificial sweeteners is an important health issue, being linked to metabolic and other chronic diseases. This research examines the impact of these substances on consumers' health and their perceptions of the safety of these products. This study aims to assess the impact of sugar and artificial sweetener consumption on health, analyze consumers' perceptions, and examine their awareness of the effects of these substances. Quantitative methodology was used through an online questionnaire distributed on Google Forms, with a total of 57 participants. The data were analyzed using the SPSS program to identify consumption patterns and …

International Conference On Civil Engineering And Infrastructure, University For Business And Technology (Ubt) In Kosovo

UBT International Conference

UBT Annual International Conference is the 14th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make them be aware of the recent …

International Conference On Law, University For Business And Technology (Ubt) In Kosovo

UBT International Conference

UBT Annual International Conference is the 14th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make them be aware of the recent …

International Conference On Information Systems And Security, University For Business And Technology (Ubt) In Kosovo

UBT International Conference

UBT Annual International Conference is the 14th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make them be aware of the recent …

Dasisedu’ Program For Seismic Response History Analysis Of 2d Frame Structures With Different Seismic Protection Systems, Isak Idrizi

UBT International Conference

Over the past decades, a lot of effort has been put in studying the mechanical behavior of various base isolation and energy dissipation devices subjected to a range of extreme design situations. This led to the development of validated theories that can describe the dynamic behavior of various seismic base isolators (with the lead-rubber and friction pendulum isolators being amongst the most prominent types used in USA). The authors of this paper took these developed theories as basis for developing the so called ‘DASISedu’ computer program for interactive simulation of the dynamic behavior of typical planar structures (both multistory building …

New Method Of Proportional Prestress Tendon Line (Mpptl) For Continuous Prestressed Concrete Beams With Non-Concordant Cables, Xhemshir Mulliqi

UBT International Conference

This paper presents a new physically consistent analytical approach for continuous prestressed concrete (PSC) beams with non-concordant tendons — the Method of Proportional Prestress Tendon Line (MPPTL). Unlike traditional approaches (Lin [1], Eurocode 2 [2], CEBFIP [3]), which describe moment redistribution empirically, the MPPTL introduces a physical parameter λ–θₚ that correlates the proportional displacement of the prestress tendon line (compression line) with the development of plastic rotation. The method ensures energy balance between the support and midspan regions, establishing a continuous transition from elastic to plastic behaviour. An upper limit for λₘₐₓ is proposed according to the Eurocode 2 redistribution …

Integrating Seismic Survey Data With Zoning Maps For Enhanced Urban Safety And Structural Resilience, Shemsi Mustafa, Visar Krelani, Besian Sinani, Hazir Çadraku

UBT International Conference

Designing a safe and earthquake-resistant environment in seismically active regions requires detailed consideration of the seismic characteristics of urban areas. This study reviews the current frameworks for earthquake risk resistance in urban areas, highlighting the critical role of integrating seismic survey data with seismic zoning maps. Such integration is essential for designers to enhance resident safety and minimize structural damage. Therefore, it is necessary to holistically integrate seismic, geotechnical, geological, topographic, and design data to provide architects and planners with relevant and practical information for construction and land-use planning. Despite this, many cities in Kosovo, located in active seismic zones, …

The Difference Between The Total And Differential Leukocyte Counts In Patients With Symptoms Of An Infection And Healthy Patients, Valon Durguti, Agnesa Hasangjekaj, Norma Budima Basha

UBT International Conference

Infections are one of the most common reasons for seeking medical help and the accurate identification of their nature, bacterial or viral – remains a key step in determining the appropriate treatment. This study work, which was part of a bachelor’s degree thesis of a UBT student from the medical-biochemistry program, aimed to analyze in a laboratory way the total and differential number of leukocytes from the blood of patients with symptoms of an infection, comparison with healthy patients, and how much these analyses can help in clinical diagnosis. The study was conducted at the biochemical and hematological laboratory “NORMA” …

The Challenges Of The Digital Transformation Of A Hospital According To The Trends Of Innovative Technological Development, Vehebi Sofiu, Faton Kabashi, Lamir Shkurti, Mirlinda Reqica, Mirlinda Selimaj, Greta Ahma

UBT International Conference

This research discusses the process of managing and digitally transforming a hospital by integrating advanced technologies. The focus of this transformation is patient care and the protection of institutional data through the implementation of Block chain technology to enhance security measures. The goal of this topic is to take preventive measures against information security breaches and cyber threats. The transformation model addresses institutional deficiencies in managing healthcare information and patient records through electronic records. Additionally, it advances technological development to align the use of artificial intelligence with medical care infrastructure. This technology enables training for staff involved in hospital communication, …

Cultural Aspects Of The Use And Preservation Of Linguistic Heritage: The Impact Of Bilingualism On Identity And Social Integration Bilingualism And Its Influence On Albanians In The Diaspora, Migena Arllati

UBT International Conference

This study aimed to investigate the influence of proficiency in two or more languages on forming individual identity and social integration. To achieve this goal, a methodology was employed that was based on an analysis of the cultural aspects of bilingualism and an exploration of strategies for preserving cultural values in a linguistic environment. The article delved into the cultural facets of bilingualism in detail, specifically strategies for preserving linguistic heritage and the interaction between ethnic groups in multilingual settings. The paper also considered multinational marriages as one aspect that influences cultural heritage and bilingualism. Multinational marriages can contribute to …

Circular Aesthetics: Designing For Longevity And Emotional Durability In The Post-Fast-Fashion Era, Arana Gjoni

UBT International Conference

This paper examines the intersection of circular design and emotional aesthetics in contemporary fashion, proposing the concept of “circular aesthetics” as a design philosophy that prioritizes longevity, repairability, and emotional attachment over disposability. Moving beyond the limitations of fast fashion, the study explores how designers can cultivate deeper affective connections between users and garments by integrating material authenticity, narrative symbolism, and participatory design processes. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of Jonathan Chapman’s Emotionally Durable Design (2005), Kate Fletcher’s Sustainable Fashion and Textiles (2014), and Tim Ingold’s Making (2013), the research emphasizes fashion’s potential to evoke empathy, memory, and care as …

Analytical Design Of Continuous Prestressed Concrete Beams – Methodology, Example, And Comparison With A Simply Supported Beam, Xhemshir Mulliqi

UBT International Conference

This paper presents a complete analytical procedure for continuous prestressed concrete beams (two spans 15 + 15 m). The analysis covers moment distribution, loadbalancing method, prestress losses, thrust-line geometry, and shear verification in accordance with Eurocode 2. Continuity reduces positive bending moments in the spans to approximately wL²/24 while introducing negative moments over the internal support of about wL²/12 , compared to wL²/8 for a simply supported beam. An affine correction of the tendon profile allows fine adjustment of the thrust line without altering the equivalent load wₚ. A practical design example and comparison with numerical FEM results are provided.

An Empirical Analysis Of Requirements For An Automated Elearning Platform: The Case Of Teachers In Kosova, Bleona Çitaku, Faton Kabashi, Lamir Shkurti, Mirlinda Selimaj

UBT International Conference

This paper examines the need for developing an automated e-learning platform that supports adaptive learning for students in Kosovo. Using a mixed-methods approach—both quantitative and qualitative—the responses of 50 teachers were analyzed to understand their perceptions and the challenges associated with using platforms such as Google Classroom, Moodle, and Zoom. The findings indicate that, although there is significant potential to enhance teaching practices, key obstacles remain, including low student engagement and technological difficulties. The study suggests the development of a personalized platform powered by artificial intelligence to improve student participation and the overall effectiveness of distance learning.

Prime Numbers Through The Ages: Implementing The Sieve Of Eratosthenes In Java, Vesë Vrellaku, Hizer Leka, Alma Novoberdaliu

UBT International Conference

The Sieve of Eratosthenes is one of the oldest yet most efficient algorithms for finding prime numbers up to a given limit. This paper presents an analytical and practical implementation of the sieve, focusing on its mathematical foundations and optimized algorithmic behavior using the Java programming language. The aim is to demonstrate how ancient mathematical logic continues to be applicable in modern computational practices. The study outlines the basic sieve method, explores three critical optimizations that reduce time complexity, and evaluates the algorithm's performance in different scenarios. Moreover, this work contrasts the classical approach with similar prime-finding algorithms and emphasizes …

Digital Technologies For Modernizing Coal-Based Power Systems In Kosovo, Avni Alidemaj, Arbnor Lekaj

UBT International Conference

Proper management of electrical energy and its efficient use have gained increasing importance in recent decades due to the growing demand for energy and the need for environmental sustainability. In this context, the development of modern technologies for building automation and energy management has become an essential part of the technological transformations within the energy and construction sectors. This approach not only aims to reduce energy consumption but also contributes to creating a greener and more sustainable environment, while simultaneously enhancing safety, comfort, and control for users. This paper addresses the design and implementation of an intelligent system for energy …

The Role Of Digitalization And Artificial Intelligence In Media, Xhevahire Millaku

UBT International Conference

The digital journalism and the artificial intelligence or the technology has begun to develop a noticeable speed in all fields, but especially in the media. According to researchers and experts to the journalism, the digital journalism began sometime around the 1990s, while is the necessary condition for the functioning in its early days, so it was the computer, the electronic mail, but also the network in general. In recent years, journalism and the electronic media in general it has offered real and the good opportunities to inform the public, therefore journalists, but also readers, find it easier to read and …