Digital Commons Network^™

Optimal Control Strategies For Infectious Diseases: A Numerical Simulation Approach, M. Abu Salek, Jannatun Nayeem, Romana Yesmin, M. Haider Ali Biswas, M. Humayun Kabir

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

Various infectious diseases, such as Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B virus (HBV), caused by Mycobacterium bacteria and hepatitis B virus, respectively, pose serious threats worldwide. This paper examines the spread of these diseases using a mathematical model that incorporates control measures, including vaccination and awareness programs. We use a system of differential equations with control variables and apply Pontryagin's principle to determine optimal control strategies. The stability of the Disease Free Equilibrium (DFE) has been analysed and demonstrated to be both locally and globally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number remains below unity, thereby ensuring disease elimination. Furthermore, the Endemic …

On The Scientific Stature Of Data Science: The Epistemological Unicorn, Ernest Fokoue

Articles

Data Science has ignited unprecedented academic, industrial, and pedagogical fervor, yet its status as a \textit{science} in the classical sense---comparable to physics or biology---remains profoundly unsettled. This article interrogates the epistemological foundations of Data Science by examining its hybrid theoretical lineage, from the Universal Approximation Theorem to the No-Free-Lunch Theorems, with special emphasis on the fundamental Bayesian optimality results for both regression and classification. We argue that Data Science is in a vigorous \textit{gestational period}, characterized not by an absence of principles but by a creative tension between empirical pragmatism and deep mathematical theory. The Cross-Validation score emerges as the …

Learning Ordinal Geometry: Semantic–Aware Kernels For Ordered Categorical Data, Ernest Fokoue

Articles

Ordinal data arise ubiquitously in survey research, psychology, medicine, economics, and recommender systems, yet kernel methods for such data typically rely on either nominal encodings or arbitrary numeric codings. The former discards order information; the lat- ter imposes a fictitious metric structure. This paper develops a principled framework for kernel design on ordinal scales and introduces a new class of Semantic–Aware Ordinal Ker- nels (SAOK) that simultaneously capture ordinal order and semantic proximity between categories. We begin by formalizing order–preserving embeddings of finite chains and characterizing a broad family of chain distances that are conditionally negative definite. Through Schoen- berg …

Saturated Hierarchical Atomic Incremental Learning (Shail): A Behavioral Learning Perspective On Staged Mastery And Saturation, Ernest Fokoue

Articles

We introduce Saturated Hierarchical Atomic Incremental Learning (sHAIL), a learning paradigm in which complex tasks are approached through a sequence of simpler atomic subtasks, each mastered to saturation before progression. The central mechanism is a saturation criterion that detects when learning dynamics enter a plateau region, triggering consolidation and subsequent ascent to a higher level of task complexity. We develop a theoretical framework for sHAIL and show that it naturally gives rise to \emph{staircased convergence}: alternating phases of rapid improvement and genuine plateau. Within each level, classical convergence guarantees apply under standard smoothness conditions, while the hierarchical transitions are driven …

No Intelligence Without Statistics: The Invisible Backbone Of Artificial Intelligence, Ernest Fokoue

Articles

The rapid ascent of artificial intelligence (AI) is often portrayed as a revolution born from computer science and engineering. This narrative, however, obscures a fundamental truth: the theoretical and methodological core of AI is, and has always been, statistical. This paper systematically argues that the field of statistics provides the indispensable foundation for machine learning and modern AI. We deconstruct AI into nine foundational pillars—Inference, Density Estimation, Sequential Learning, Generalization, Representation Learning, Interpretability, Causality, Optimization, and Unification—demonstrating that each is built upon century-old statistical principles. From the inferential frameworks of hypothesis testing and estimation that underpin model evaluation, to the …

On Fibonacci Ensembles: An Alternative Approach To Ensemble Learning Inspired By The Timeless Architecture Of The Golden Ratio, Ernest Fokoue

Articles

Nature rarely reveals her secrets bluntly, yet in the Fibonacci sequence she grants us a glimpse of her quiet architecture of growth, harmony, and recursive stability \citep{Koshy2001Fibonacci, Livio2002GoldenRatio}. From spiral galaxies to the unfolding of leaves, this humble sequence reflects a universal grammar of balance. In this work, we introduce \emph{Fibonacci Ensembles}, a mathematically principled yet philosophically inspired framework for ensemble learning that complements and extends classical aggregation schemes such as bagging, boosting, and random forests \citep{Breiman1996Bagging, Breiman2001RandomForests, Friedman2001GBM, Zhou2012Ensemble, HastieTibshiraniFriedman2009ESL}. Two intertwined formulations unfold: (1) the use of normalized Fibonacci weights -- tempered through orthogonalization and Rao--Blackwell optimization -- …

Law Journal Vol. 50 Winter 2026 Masthead

Southern Illinois University Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Policy - Vol. 50, Winter 2026

Southern Illinois University Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Mark-Brian Kline V. Alien Property Custodian Representative

2026 Decisions

USDC for the District of New Jersey

Efficiency Comparison Of Reduced Graphene Oxide (Rgo) Composite-Incorporated Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibrous Filters For Respirable Crystalline Silica Dust And Coal Dust, Mahsa Moradi, Ashish Kakoria, Lina Zheng, Guang Xu

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The health of miners working in underground mines is greatly threatened by their exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) found in coal dust. While coal dust includes RCS, it is important to know the specific filtration efficiency for RCS particles compared to coal dust to improve protective measures. This study compares the filtration efficiency of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite-incorporated Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibrous filters at four different concentrations of rGO (0, 2, 6, and 10 wt.%) for RCS particles and coal dust. The filters were made using the electrospinning method. They were tested separately with RCS particles and coal dust …

Organic Management Of Pillbugs And Sowbugs In Strawberries And Other Fruits, Briger Carey, Marion Murray, Emilie Demard, Jennifer R. Reeve

All Current Publications

Pillbugs and sowbugs are collectively known as isopods that typically feed on soil organic matter, but under certain conditions, they can be a pest of many young plants and berries. This fact sheet reviews identification, life cycle, damage, and organic management strategies for pillbugs and sowbugs.

Impeachment By Conviction With Crimes Of Dishonesty Or False Statement: The Automatic Admit Feature In Rule 609(A)(2), David Crump

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Examining The Role Of The Cbn's Agent Banking Policy In Its Financial Inclusion Drive From A Mechanism Design Theory Perspective, Umar Yakub Yakub Mr

Bullion

This paper analyses CBN’s Agent Banking policy and its role in promoting financial inclusion through the lens of mechanism design theory. It sought to evaluate how effective the policy has been in bringing together the incentives of key stakeholders—customers, agents, and banks—with the ultimate goals of the Bank’s financial inclusion policy. The scope covers the design and evolution of the policy, the incentives of the different stakeholders, and finding potential information asymmetries, moral hazard, and adverse selection issues. It assesses the impact of the policy based on available evidence and concludes with mechanism design-informed recommendations for improving the policy’s effectiveness …

Ten Years After Windsor And Obergefell: The Inequalities Of Marriage Equality, Anthony C. Infanti

Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review

Looking back over the decade that has elapsed since the Supreme Court’s landmark marriage equality decisions in United States v. Windsor and Obergefell v. Hodges, this article explores the complex relationship between legal and social change through the prism of the impact that these decisions have had on the tax landscape for the LGBTQ+ community. The article examines the gap between the promise of “equal” treatment and respect for members of the LGBTQ+ community embodied in these legal decisions and a social reality in which discrimination—tax and otherwise—stubbornly persists.

The article begins by examining how the Court’s marriage equality …

Cardozo Law Introduces New Course On Theatre Law, Benjamin N. Cardozo School Of Law

Cardozo Law News Archive

Cardozo School of Law introduced Theatre Law, the first law school course devoted entirely to the legal framework of the live stage industry. Taught by Adjunct Professor Ben Feldman, the course explores contracts, intellectual property, labor relations, licensing, financing, and other legal issues unique to theatrical productions, providing students with specialized training in entertainment law.

Jonathan Difraia V. Kevin Ransom

2026 Decisions

USDC for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Children’S Perspectives On Playfulness: A Child-Centred Qualitative Study, Risa Rylander, Stephanie Burns, Jocelyn Dautel

International Journal of Playwork Practice

This qualitative study examines children’s lived experiences of play and playfulness through interviews and creative methods with 10 children aged 8–11 in a Playwork setting. Thematic analysis identified three core themes: playfulness as an internal experience; the contextual nature of playfulness; and Playwork theory in practice. Children described play as joyful, immersive, and intrinsically motivated, shaped by factors such as comfort, outdoor access, social relationships, and autonomy. They valued adult support that preserved freedom. Findings challenge narrow definitions of playfulness, emphasizing calm, solitary, and open-ended play, with implications for designing responsive, child-centred play environments.

Future Prospects Of Pediatrician Talent Development: Focusing On Early Childhood Health To Pioneer A New Chapter In Pediatric Care, Yueh-Ping Liu

Journal of Medical Education

Taiwan's declining fertility rate is reshaping the pediatric care landscape. The demands of child health care encompass acute and critical care, chronic disease management, complex diagnostic conditions, as well as developmental and mental health support. In response, the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Program for Excellence in Child Health Care and the Project of Holistic Physicians for Young Children represent a strategic transition toward proactive, community-anchored child health stewardship. By integrating preventive services, developmental surveillance, case management, and cross-sector coordination, these initiatives strengthen early detection and timely intervention while redefining pediatricians as key actors within the social safety net. Embedding …

Mapping Clinical Competency Assessment: Comparing Taiwanese Dpt Tools To The U.S. Clinical Performance Instrument, Szu-Hua Teresa Chen, Che-Hsuan Lin, Kayleigh Plumeau, Yueh-Hsia Chen, Yen-Tzu Wu, Chia-Ling Chen, Chieh-Yu Yang

Journal of Medical Education

Background: To align Taiwan's physical therapy clinical education with international standards, this study aimed to: (1) map Taiwan's clinical assessment tools—the Ability-Based Professionalism Assessment (ABPA) and the Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX)—to the competency domains of the United States (U.S.) Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) 3.0; (2) examine longitudinal changes in student clinical performance; and (3) explore whether developmental patterns correspond to competencies emphasized by the assessment framework.

Methods: This study integrated qualitative framework mapping and quantitative longitudinal analysis. Thirty-four fifth-year students enrolled in a six-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program at National Taiwan University who completed clinical internships during the 2022–2023 …

The Effects Of Interactive Instruction In Medical Education On Learners' Motivation, Technology Acceptance, And Learning Satisfaction, Bo-Yuan Lin

Journal of Medical Education

Purpose: Medical education is characterized by complex content and high cognitive demands, which often challenge learners. motivation and engagement. With advances in educational technology, interactive teaching approaches have gained increasing attention for their potential to enhance learning experiences. This study aimed to investigate the effects of integrating an Interactive Response System (IRS) into a medical education course on learners. learning motivation, technology acceptance, and learning satisfaction.

Methods: A single-group posttest design was employed. Participants were 23 healthcare professionals specializing in respiratory therapy who attended a professional training course on the clinical application of high-frequency ventilators. During the 50-minute instructional session, …

Taiwan Healthcare Professionals' Perception, Attitudes, And Experience About Balint Groups: A Two-Stage Pilot Study, Ing-Tiat Tiunn, Chung-Han Ho

Journal of Medical Education

Background: Balint groups have been widely implemented to support medical training in many countries. However, no empirical study has yet been conducted in Taiwan to evaluate their effectiveness.

Methods: An introductory presentation on Balint groups was held at a medical center in southern Taiwan, followed by a survey assessing attendees' perceptions and attitudes toward Balint work. Subsequently, a six-session Balint group was offered to healthcare professionals who volunteered to participate. All participants completed the 25-item Resilience Scale before and after the intervention. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data.

Results: A total of 44 healthcare professionals attended …

From Time-Based To Competency-Based: A Decade-Long Transformation Of Medical Radiation Technologist Education In Taiwan And Its Implications For System-Level Cbme Reform, Yao-Ting Lu, Shu-Yu Wen, Chiao-Ling Tsai, Cheng-Heng Liu, Wen-Tao Huang, Chia-Hung Chen, Chih-Wei Yang

Journal of Medical Education

Competency-based medical education (CBME) has reshaped physician training, yet system-level implementation in allied health professions is rarely described. In this Perspective, we examine Taiwan's decade-long national reform of medical radiation technologist (MRT) education led by the Taiwan Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (TAMRT) and distill lessons for system-level CBME. Beginning in 2012, TAMRT adapted the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies and introduced workplace-based assessments across diagnostic radiography, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine. Early national accreditation cycles revealed persistent variability in assessment quality and highlighted the limitations of time-based advancement. TAMRT therefore shifted from adding isolated tools …

An Innovative, Structured Standardized Patient Training Model For Gender Diversity: Curriculum Design And Preliminary Evaluation, Yu-Wen Wang, Ching-Ting Lien, Ching-Chung Lin, Chau-Shoun Lee, Min-Shu Wang

Journal of Medical Education

Background: Despite increasing emphasis in medical education, LGBTQ clinical sensitivity and care competencies remain insufficient. This study developed a structured Standardized Patient (SP) training model replacing traditional lecturing. It aims to alleviate role boundary blurring and psychological stress SPs face with highly sensitive topics while enhancing their professional comprehension.

Objectives: To develop and evaluate a structured SP training model that integrates psychological safety mechanisms to mitigate role confusion and stress in handling gender diversity topics, while enhancing SPs' professional role interpretation and cultural sensitivity.

Method: The course was implemented through systematic integration of the ``Introspection, Empathy, Deconstruction'' three-phase model: (1) …

Practice Readiness In Occupational Therapy Graduates From A Bachelor's Training Program: A Multi-Stakeholder Study In Taiwan, Kuan-Yi Li, Chi-Min Yang, Chi-Hsuan Chen, Rou-Shayn Chen, Hsiang-Han Huang

Journal of Medical Education

Introduction: The transition from academic education to clinical practice is a critical challenge for new occupational therapy (OT) graduates. While most Western countries have adopted master's or doctoral entry-level into the profession, bachelor's-level OT training remains the mainstream in Asia. This raises questions about whether such programs adequately prepare graduates for today's complex clinical environments. This study examined the preparedness of OT graduates under bachelor-level training by exploring the alignment between educational experiences and workplace expectations from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders.

Methods: A total of 547 respondents, including recent graduates, clinical educators, practicing occupational therapists, and heads of occupational …

The Impact Of Non-Technical Skills On Respiratory Therapists' Practice: A Single-Center Study At A Tertiary Hospital In Saudi Arabia, Mohamad A. Abdulsamad, Fadi A. Toonsi

Journal of Medical Rehabilitation Science

Background: Non-technical skills (NTS), including communication, teamwork, decision-making, and situational awareness, are increasingly recognized as essential for patient safety and effective healthcare delivery. Respiratory therapists (RTs) at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) frequently face high-stakes clinical situations where NTS are critical, yet limited evidence exists regarding their integration into practice and training. This study evaluated the impact of NTS on RT practice, identified key skill gaps, and proposed recommendations for curriculum enhancement. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 50 RTs with at least six months of experience at KFSH&RC in Jeddah city. Data were collected using …

Pemertahanan Eksistensi Kesenian Bantengan Di Sanggar Trah Kanjuruhan Kota Malang, Shalsabillah Eka Giri Anjani

Journal of Language, Literature, and Arts

Bantengan art is one of the traditional performing arts that has developed in East Java, particularly in the Malang Raya region. This art form combines elements of pencak silat, dance, kanuragan (mystical practices), music, and drama into a unified performance. Along with the advancement of time, Bantengan art faces challenges in maintaining its existence, especially due to globalization and technological developments. Sanggar Trah Kanjuruhan is one of the communities that consistently preserves this art by maintaining its traditional structure and presentation while also introducing innovations to remain relevant in contemporary contexts. This study aims to describe (1) the existence of …

Towards State Legislative Codification Of The Wpath Soc Guidelines, Suresh Hanubal

Duke Journal of Constitutional Law & Public Policy Sidebar

Transgender rights have increasingly come under assault in the United States. As of early 2026, twenty-seven states have passed either bans or restrictions on access to gender-affirming care. The issue has also become a central focus at the federal level. The U.S. Supreme Court decided United States v. Skrmetti, a case concerning the legality of state restrictions on gender-affirming care, in the 2024 – 2025 term. Moreover, the second Trump administration has been clear that rolling back transgender rights, including access to gender-affirming care, is a priority. In this political environment, where access to gender-affirming care in the United States …

Uab Libraries Q1 2026 Employee Updates, Uab Libraries

UAB Libraries News

No abstract provided.

Of Property And Pilgrims: The Myth Of Communal Property And The Realities Of Corporate Charters And Land Tenures In Plymouth Colony, Liam Cronan

St. Mary's Law Journal

No abstract provided.

In Bad Faith: The Binding Of The Establishment Clause On The Altar Of Free Exercise, Ian G. Klein

St. Mary's Law Journal

This Article contends that the facially unconstitutional introduction of mandatory Biblical instruction into Oklahoma public schools and mandatory posting of the Ten Commandments in Louisiana and Texas public schools reflect a deliberate strategy to bring Everson v. Board of Education[1]—which incorporated the Establishment Clause against the states vis-à-vis the Fourteenth Amendment—before the review of a hyper-‍partisan Supreme Court, with the ultimate goal of its reversal, allowing endorsement and declaration of religion on a state level.[2]  The Article will demonstrate that this is consistent with nearly two decades of Religion Clause jurisprudence, culminating in the overturn of the …