Digital Commons Network^™

A Return To The Real: Elder Wisdom, Story, And The Great Mystery Of Consciousness, Patrice V. Mathon-Nerad Phd

Journal of Conscious Evolution

This essay honors the life and legacy of consciousness scholar Allan Leslie Combs by exploring elder wisdom as an epistemic, ethical, and spiritual stance grounded in openness to the great mystery of consciousness. Drawing on Combs’s writings, Charlene Spretnak’s articulation of the Real, and Malidoma Somé’s teachings on elderhood, the essay contrasts elder understanding with contemporary psychiatric approaches that impose epistemic certainty upon the vastness and lived complexity of human consciousness. Portions of this essay are adapted from the author’s 2023 doctoral dissertation, Separation from the Real: The Power of Story at the Heart of the Civil Commitment Process, …

“A Leader Or A Teacher”: A Latent Theory Of Transformative Education In James Macgregor Burns’S Transforming-Transactional Leadership Paradigm, Evan Rw Dutmer

Interdisciplinary Journal of Leadership Studies

The purpose of this paper is to uncover a latent theory of transformative teaching and learning to be found in James MacGregor Burns’s account of transforming leadership and place it in interdisciplinary conversation with transformative education. The importance of this interdisciplinary exploration consists in this: Burns’s view that good leadership and good teaching are nearly indistinguishable has powerful implications that have been too little recognized. For, if right, teachers ought to view their work as exemplifying leadership (of a mutually beneficial, elevating sort); similarly, leaders across organizations ought to look to transformative teachers as paradigmatic models of good leadership. Expanding …

The Perception Of Leader Identity: The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Interfaith Hospital Chaplains, Zachary C. Wooten, Jocelyn R. Brown

Interdisciplinary Journal of Leadership Studies

This article showcases the results of one research question in a multi-question study, specifically, “How do interfaith hospital chaplains perceive themselves leaders or part of the leadership process?” To answer this question, researchers interviewed ten interfaith hospital chaplains and employed interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). The analysis revealed the participants’ views that interfaith hospital chaplains are part of the leadership processes in hospital systems. A significant opportunity exists for chaplains and the healthcare system at large to engage in a more expansive, interdisciplinary understanding of leadership with the work of healthcare chaplaincy at the center of such discourse. This understanding moves …

Beyond Charisma: A Critical Theory Perspective On Populist Leadership In A Post-Covid Age Of Crisis, Samuel Fianko-Ofori, Stephen Apolima

Interdisciplinary Journal of Leadership Studies

This paper argues that the digital communication environment has qualitatively transformed the dynamics of populist leadership, moving it beyond a reliance on personal charisma. While the affective bonds between leaders and followers—explored by classical theorists like Weber, Freud, and Adorno—are not new, their operation within the platformed public sphere marks a distinct shift. We introduce the concept of Affective Populist Leadership (APL) to conceptualize this shift. APL is a mode of leadership sustained through the strategic cultivation and digital amplification of collective emotions. It operates through three mutually reinforcing mechanisms: (1) the perpetual theatrical framing of politics as crisis, (2) …

Synergizing Digital And Print: Leveraging Spine Surgeons' Social Media To Transform Publishing And Society Interaction, Benedikt W. Burkhardt, Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski, Choll W. Kim, Morgan P Lorio, Oscar L. Alves, Rossano Kepler Alvim Fiorelli, Sergio Luis Schmidt, Hansen A. Yuan, Alex R. Vaccaro

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Social media has fundamentally altered how information is created, disseminated, and consumed, with growing impact on spine surgeons and professional societies. Traditional academic publishing remains the standard for research validation, but digital platforms now shape much of the real-time dialogue in spine care.

OBJECTIVE: To explore strategies for integrating spine surgeons' social media presence with traditional publishing channels to enhance knowledge dissemination, support clinical innovation, and improve member engagement within spine societies.

METHODS: This perspective reviews current patterns of social media use among spine surgeons, focusing on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn. It analyzes benefits …

Regenerative And Wellness Medicine: A Boon Or Barrier To Surgical Innovation In Degenerative Spine Care?, Álvaro Dowling, Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski, Morgan P. Lorio, Óscar L. Alves, Rossano Kepler Alvim Fiorelli, Sergio Luis Schmidt, Hansen A. Yuan, Alexander R. Vaccaro

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Regenerative and wellness medicine is rapidly reshaping health care, particularly in the management of degenerative spine conditions. Noninvasive or minimally invasive options such as stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and holistic wellness programs are increasingly selected by patients who wish to avoid the risks, costs, and prolonged recovery associated with elective spine surgery.

PURPOSE: This perspective article examines whether regenerative and wellness approaches function primarily as a boon or a barrier to innovation in spine surgery and explores their impact on traditional, insurance-based surgical care models.

METHODS: Using a narrative, opinion-based framework, this article synthesizes current trends …

Exploring Math Word Problem Generation With Llms, Trung Hieu Vuong

Master's Theses

Math Word Problem (MWP) is an important building block for learning math. This type of problem is particularly useful for younger audiences because solving it involves two simultaneous skill sets: reading comprehension and mathematical reasoning. With publicly available large language models (LLMs), generating additional MWPs is readily achievable. While researchers have started using LLMs as MWP facilitators, there still exists a gap in studies about the diversity of MWPs generated by unmodified, publicly accessible LLMs. For that reason, our study focused on two goals: (1) to evaluate the diversity of MWPs generated by publicly available LLMs when provided with examples …

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Socioeconomic Impact And Prevention - A Narrative Review, Swarna Radhakrishnan, Harini Ramendran, Priyanga Thirunavukkarasu

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent one of the most pervasive and costly occupational health challenges worldwide. Affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, and supporting blood vessels, these conditions arise from a complex interplay of physical, psychosocial, organizational, and individual risk factors present across diverse work environments. From factory floors and construction sites to offices and healthcare settings, WMSDs contribute substantially to pain, disability, reduced productivity, absenteeism, and diminished quality of life. This narrative review synthesizes existing literature on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, and socioeconomic impact of WMSDs, with particular attention to high-risk occupational sectors. It further discusses prevention …

Feeding Difficulties And Survival Outcomes In Advanced Dementia: A Multicentre Retrospective Study From Oman, Fatma Al-Shamsi, Ahmed Al-Darmaki, Said A Al-Busafi, Hamed Al-Sinawi, Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Athba Al-Ajmi, Abdullah Mohammed Al Alawi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Feeding problems are among the most common in patients with advanced dementia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of feeding problems and evaluate survival outcomes following the onset of feeding problems in patients with advanced dementia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of adults with advanced dementia identified from the electronic patient record using diagnostic codes and keyword searches was conducted. This multicentre study took place at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman and the Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman, from January 2010 to December 2023. Results: A total of 202 patients were included. The median age was 78.5 …

Retinal Vasculature In Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder, Caroline Simon Sherman, Erik Gunnarsson, Nycole Hidalgo, Victoria Chen, Kevin Zhang, Shuo Chen, Hwiyoung Lee, Hugh O'Neill, L Elliot Hong, Osamah Saeedi

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The purpose of this research is to determine whether retinal vasculatures differ between participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) and controls. Ninety participants (51 SSD, mean age 35.8 ± 13.5, and 39 controls, mean age 35.5 ± 11.4) underwent 3 × 3 mm2 macular and 6 × 6 mm2 optic nerve head (ONH) optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) scans. En face macula and ONH region images were divided into quadrants, binarized, and then skeletonized. Skeletonized vessel densities were compared between our two groups. Additionally, the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) size and acircularity index were compared between the two groups. There …

Radiographic Assessment Of Anterior Maxillary Sites Prior To Immediate Implant Placement: A Retrospective Study On Cbct, Elissa El Alam, Abdallah Menhall, Nabil Ghosn, Pierre Lahoud

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: The purpose of this retrospective radiographic study was to measure alveolar bone width at the alveolar crest, intraosseous root length, apical bucco-palatal bone thickness and apical bone height at the anterior maxillary teeth prior to immediate implant placement. Dehiscence and fenestration at these sites were also reported.

Methods: 50 CBCTs were included in this study. Measurements were taken on the right and left sides of the central incisor, lateral incisor, and canine using a 3d slicer program. Frequency of fenestration and dehiscence at these sites were also reported.

Results: Mean bone width at the alveolar crest of the central …

Effectiveness Of Different Home Bleaching Treatments On Color Change And Tooth Sensitivity: A Split-Mouth Design, Tarek Hanbali, Rim Bourgi, Carlos Enrique Cuevas-Suárez, Monika Lukomska-Szymanska, Walter Devoto, Nicolas Nassar, Naji Kharouf, Louis Hardan

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: Dental at-home bleaching is a widely recognized and effective treatment for improving the shade of anterior teeth. However, the impact of varying application times of carbamide peroxide (CP) concentrations on whitening efficacy and tooth sensitivity (TS) remains unclear.

Methods: In this split-mouth, randomized clinical trial, 80 participants were divided into two groups (n = 40 each) to receive either 10% or 16% CP gel for home bleaching. Different application times were tested. Tooth color was measured using the Optishade colorimeter, and TS was evaluated via a five-point analog numerical rating scale. The Friedman test with post hoc Tukey test …

Three-Dimensional Evaluation Of Torque Expression In Maxillary Incisors: Influence Of Crown Shape And Collum Angle, Isha Singh, Achint Juneja, Divya Shetty, Monis Raza, Payal Sharma, Udit Chaudhary

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of crown morphology and collum angle of maxillary incisors on torque expression at common bracket-bonding landmarks using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods: Twenty CBCT scans of individuals aged 18–27 years were analyzed. For each central and lateral incisor, the height of maximum labial contour (HMC), height of the labial anatomic (LA) point, collum angle (CA), and alpha angle at both HMC (αc) and LA (αLA) were measured. Stone casts confirmed LA points. Independent and paired t-tests assessed inter- and intra-tooth differences (α = 0.05).

Results: The HMC was located 2.6 ± 0.3 mm (centrals) and …

Severe Drug-Induced Gingival Overgrowth In A 21-Year-Old: A Rare Presentation And Its Surgical Resolution, Raagul Somasundaram, Sumit Malhotra, Rahul Chopra, Gaurav Das

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Gingival overgrowth is well documented side effect associated with three major classes of drugs viz, anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, and immunosuppressants. Dental Surgeons need to discuss this issue with their medical colleagues and to practice care while prescribing the drugs associated with gingival overgrowth. The aim of present article is to report a rare case of gingival enlargement with long term Drug history. Drug-induced gingival enlargement often occurs due to patient’s lack of awareness about the side effects of prescribed medications. This case report presents with an unusual rare instance of massive drug-induced gingival overgrowth in a 21-year-old male, successfully …

Management Of Anterior Teeth Affected By Molar Incisor Hypomineralization Using Resin Infiltration Technique: A Case Report, Atika Bouabid, Selsebil Laajimi, Yamina Elelmi, Fatma Masmoudi, Ahlem Baaziz

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Background: Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental enamel defect affecting first permanent molars and often incisors, presenting unique restorative challenges. In line with minimally invasive dentistry, the “Würzburg concept” promotes conservative management strategies with resin infiltration.

Objectives: This case report investigates the impact of modifications to the ICON resin infiltration protocol on esthetic outcomes and adhesion in MIH-affected anterior teeth.

Method: Three clinical cases involving MIH lesions on anterior teeth were treated using the Icon® resin infiltration system by DMG (Hamburg, Germany).

Results: Preconditioning hypomineralized enamel with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite followed by resin infiltration enhances the physical integrity of composite …

The Assessment Of Ageism In Dental Hygiene Students And Dental Hygienists: A Cross-Sectional Study, Paolo Boffano, Elena Canciani, Valeria Nikolovska, Francesca Santeusanio, Andrea Melle

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: Ageism is a common type of discrimination and prejudice that consists in the stereotyping and discrimination against individuals or groups on the basis of their age.The purpose of this study was to assess dental hygienists and dental hygiene students’ attitudes toward geriatric patients, the perceptions of curriculum suitability, and their confidence in treating geriatric patients, together with an assessment of ageism in the study population.

Methods: A survey was conducted among dental hygienists and dental hygiene students. The first part of the questionnaire contained questions related to demographics, and regarding their opinion on treatment in the geriatric population. The …

Comparative Evaluation Of The Solubility Of Three Commonly Used Root Canal Sealers When Exposed To Xylene And Endosolv: An In Vitro Study, Aparna Palekar, Piyush Mantri, Basawaraj Biradar, Mukund Singh, Vaidehi Joshi, Pushpal Ingle

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: This in vitro study compared the solubility of three root canal sealers, AH Plus (epoxy resin-based), MTA Fillapex (MTA-based), and Cerafill RCS (bioceramic), in two solvents: Xylene and Endosolv.

Methods: Sixty standardized cylindrical specimens were prepared using the three sealers of interest. The specimens were divided into six groups (n = 10) and immersed in either Xylene or Endosolv for 10 minutes. Solubility was assessed by calculating the percentage weight loss before and after immersion. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (α= 0.05).

Results: All sealers exhibited statistically significant solubility in both solvents (p …

A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Accurate Diagnosis Of Chronic Non-Bacterial Osteomyelitis Of The Jaw In Young Patients: An Assessment Of Clinical And Laboratory Data, Alexander Yu Kugushev, Andrey V. Lopatin, Suzan Dagher

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: Chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is a rare autoinflammatory bone disorder predominantly affecting pediatric and adolescent populations. The clinical presentation is heterogeneous, with persistent pain and swelling representing the most frequent and often initial symptoms. These manifestations are commonly localized to the mandible, although involvement of other skeletal sites, including long bones, clavicle, and vertebrae, may occur in more advanced cases. Beyond localized symptoms, some patients exhibit mild systemic features such as low-grade fever, fatigue, or malaise; however, these systemic signs are generally less pronounced than those observed in infectious osteomyelitis. The diagnostic evaluation of CNO is intricate and necessitates …

Effect Of Red Wine Immersion On The Flexural Strength Of Glass Ionomer Cement: An In Vitro Study, Niyola Crasta, Upasana Reddy, Jayaprakash Kukkila

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Background: Alcoholic beverages such as red wine are widely consumed for social and cultural reasons. Ethanol and other constituents in red wine might alter the physical properties of dental restorative materials, particularly those exposed in the oral environment. Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are commonly used in restorative dentistry for their beneficial properties, but their mechanical strength under exposure to acidic or alcoholic solutions is a concern.

Objectives: To evaluate how exposure to red wine over time affects the flexural strength of glass ionomer cement (Shofu FX Ultra Mini).

Methods: Thirty rectangular specimens of glass ionomer cement (Shofu FX Ultra Mini), …

Interdisciplinary Full-Mouth Rehabilitation Addressing Midline Shift And Gingival Discrepancies Through Crown Lengthening And Root Reshaping Procedures: A Case Report, Ghida Lawand, Roudy Khayat, Stephanie Khalaf, Tamara Rebeiz, Hani Tohme

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

This report describes a minimally invasive approach to address midline deviation and gingival discrepancies in a 50-year-old patient seeking rapid aesthetic results. Treatment included prosthetic crown lengthening, selective root modification, and biologic shaping to correct a 3 mm midline shift. Digital smile design and CAD/CAM technology guided the fabrication of zirconia restorations, achieving improved midline alignment, gingival harmony, and smile aesthetics with high patient satisfaction. This technique provides an efficient alternative for complex aesthetic cases.

The Effect Of Loading On The Success Of Dental Implants After Immediate Extraction Compared To Delayed Dental Implants: A Systematic Review, Hassen Merzouk, Samir Habibi, Ben Ali Boutabout

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: The study focuses on dental implants, which are used to replace missing teeth. A key decision in implant dentistry is when to place the implant relative to tooth extraction. This review compares two main approaches: immediate implant placement (placing the implant during the same surgery as tooth removal) and delayed implant placement (placing the implant after the extraction site has healed, typically 6 to 12 months later).

Objectives: The study aims to compare the success rates and complications associated with these two-timing strategies, especially concerning the implant’s ability to withstand chewing forces. The primary objective was to compare post-extraction …

Integrable Discrete Massive Thirring Model, Junchao Chen, Bao-Feng Feng

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

In this paper, we are concerned with integrable semi- and fully discrete analogues of the massive Thirring model in light core coordinates. By using the Hirota’s bilinear approach and the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (KP) hierarchy reduction method, we propose both the semi- and fully discrete massive Thirring models and construct their multi-bright soliton solutions.

Review Of “Shattered Anzacs: Living With The Scars Of War” By Marina Larsson, Kellen Kurschinski

Canadian Military History

Review of Shattered Anzacs: Living with the Scars of War by Marina Larsson

Review Of “War, Massacre, And Recovery In Central Italy, 1943–1948” By Victoria Belco, Cindy Brown

Canadian Military History

Review of War, Massacre, and Recovery in Central Italy, 1943–1948 by Victoria Belco

Review Of “Hitler’S First War: Adolf Hitler, The Man Of The List Regiment, And The First World War” By Thomas Weber, Andrew Iarocci

Canadian Military History

Review of Hitler’s First War: Adolf Hitler, the Man of the List Regiment, and the First World War by Thomas Weber

Development And Evaluation Of A Smart Vacuum-Assisted Suspension System For Transtibial Prostheses, Zahraa Kathem Ali, Wajdi Sadik Aboud

Al-Bahir

A prosthetic socket is essential for achieving comfort, gait symmetry, and overall satisfaction for amputees. Effective suspension systems are crucial for securely attaching prostheses, thereby optimizing comfort, functional performance, and long-term limb health. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an intelligent vacuum-assisted suspension system for transtibial prostheses to improve socket fit, gait stability, and reduce residual limb movement. The system integrates force-sensitive resistors (FSRs) and an inertial measurement unit (MPU6050) with accelerometer and gyroscope sensors, continuously monitoring interface pressure and limb motion. Real-time data from these sensors dynamically adjusts vacuum pressure based on the user's gait pattern .Quantitative gait …

Seemingly Unrelated Exponetiated Exponential Geometric Regression Model, Oluwaseun Michael Famoni, Bamidele Mustapha Oseni

Al-Bahir

In the class of seemingly unrelated regression models, the dispersion nature of the dependent variable can greatly impact the efficiency and reliability of the parameter estimates for the model. Despite this, the seemingly unrelated Poisson regression model and seemingly unrelated negative binomial model are two most commonly used count data models for these class of regression models. This study introduces the seemingly unrelated exponentiated exponential geometric regression (SUEEGR) for modelling count data which might be equi-, under, or over-dispersed. Parameters estimation for the model was carried out using the method of maximum likelihood. A simulation study was carried out to …

Evaluating The Analgesic Activity Of The Ethanolic Leaf Extract Of Ipomoea Aquatica (Convolvulaceae), Blessy H. Vale, Lenny Shai Somer, Julie Mae Suico, Roselle L. Remulta, Junnin Gay Garay

Pacific Journal of Health

Ipomoea aquatica, commonly known as water spinach, is a leafy vegetable widely consumed in tropical and subtropical regions for its nutritional benefits. This study investigated the potential analgesic activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of I. aquatica, as no prior scientific evidence supports its role in acute pain management. Male Swiss albino mice were used in an acetic acid-induced writhing test, with aspirin as the positive control and plain normal saline solution (PNSS) as the negative control. The extract was administered at low, medium, and high doses. In the writhing test, I. aquatica significantly inhibited the writhing response …

Virtual Process Modeling Of Metal Additive Manufacturing Basedon Direct Energy Deposition In-Situ Failure, Jachin J. Ramirez

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

This study builds a mesoscale finite element simulation to examine how internal stresses form during additive metal manufacturing using directed energy deposition. The goal is to track how heat and stress develop layer by layer and determine where a failure criterion could appear during the print. The model uses temperature-dependent material properties for Inconel 718 and a moving heat source defined with custom G-code.

Thermal results are mapped into a mechanical simulation to watch stress accumulate as new layers are added. Different scan paths were tested to determine whether varying heat exposure could reduce the extent of a region exceeding …

'Desplante Flamenco:’ A Study To Better Understand Its Meaning In Flamenco Dance, Chita Espino-Bravo Ph.D.

Modern Languages Faculty Publications

There are different definitions of the term ‘Desplante’ in relation to flamenco dance. In this study, we will delve deeper into this concept to understand its meaning in dance and to better interpret it. We will also explore its origins, which will lead us to reflect on what flamenco dance truly is and what influences it has received.