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Self-Sovereign Digital Identities
Get PDFIn today\u27s digital landscape, the dominance of internet giants over our digital identities raises concerns regarding user control and privacy. These companies aggregate vast amounts of data from diverse sources, ranging from online interactions to personal information shared on their platforms. This centralized control impedes individual autonomy and privacy. To address these challenges, we propose Self-Sovereign Digital Identities (SSDIs) as a solution. SSDIs empower individuals with control over their online identity information, encompassing ownership, security, privacy, and portability. By decentralizing identity management, SSDIs offer users autonomy and enhance privacy protection. Moreover, we introduce Sans-Chain Smart Contracts, a novel approach to deploying smart contracts without relying on a blockchain. This innovation eliminates the scalability and cost constraints associated with traditional blockchain-based smart contracts, while retaining the benefits of automation and trustworthiness. Our work contributes to the advancement of user-centric digital identity solutions and decentralized technologies
Utilizing Machine Learning to Predict Workplace Violence in Hospitals
Get PDFRandom forest machine learning models are a form of classification model, which attempts to sort data into one of two predefined categories. When trained on a set of data from a hospital, where each entry is listed as either conditions for workplace violence or not, a random forest model can begin to classify new data as it comes in. We developed a way to automatically poll hospital systems for the required data needed to make a prediction on the potential for workplace violence at any one given moment. Our team was unable to gain access to real hospital data, so we researched risk levels associated with various factors, and then generated plausible sample data based on our research. Our model performed very well against our sample data, but would likely need to be retrained with real data
Restorative Parks and Emotional Wellbeing in Camden City, NJ
Get PDFThe content presented in this poster is associated with two projects that focus on the intersection of restorative park design and the emotional and mental wellbeing of park users within the context of the City of Camden, NJ, a community that has faced environmental injustices for many decades. Both projects are initiated by the Rowan University Community Planning + Visualization Lab, with one funded by NASA and the other by the Rowan University Catalyst Grant program. Collaborators include Rowan students, faculty, as well as researchers from external entities, both national and international. Additionally, the Rowan University Planning Studio 2023 participated in these projects to some extent, and the studio report was awarded the Outstanding Student Project Award 2023 by the American Planning Association NJ Chapter. The content on this poster showcases a few aspects of the broader projects
Characterization of Lysozyme Stability in the Presence of lonic Liquids
Get PDFHen egg white lysozyme (Lyz) has been a well studied model system in biophysical investigations for decades. The protein is a small, primarily helical, highly soluble protein that is both commercially available and easily accessible. lonic liquids (ILs), often referred to as room-temperature ionic liquids or molten salts, have garnered great interest in the last 15-20 years as potential components of electrochemical devices or applications. More recently, the biocompatibility of these molecules has developed an increased interest in the field, especially considering that some IL species can stabilize biomolecular structures while other ILs strongly destabilize 3D structures. In this study, we used fluorescence spectroscopy to characterize the unfolding of lysozyme and the impact imidazolium-based ILs had on this process. The ILs 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride were first evaluated for their impacts alone, and subsequently on their ability to destabilize the lysozyme when denatured with Guanidinium HCl. Consistent with previous findings, the alkyl chain length had an impact on the destabilization potential of the ILs. Subsequent studies on the denaturation process in using thermal-induced denaturation, as well as quenching studies throughout the process, were also investigated to gain insight into the denaturation process. Overall, longer alkyl chain length ILs more strongly destabilize the lysozyme 3D structure
Gender Matters
Get PDFWithin each process of genocide, there is a penchant for targeting groups that cannot resist the oppression laid upon them. As such, the role of gender in the perpetration, experience and aftermath of these processes is vastly overlooked. This project looks over three major case studies to better understand gender within the process of genocide; China, Myanmar and Rwanda. Using the lenses of gender studies, sociology and history, we seek to understand the methodology behind gendercide as well as the social, malicious and religious motivations behind it. Within China, we look at the Uyghur population, a culturally Muslim minority which has been targeted since 2014, and has had numerous cases of women being sterilized in order to prevent the culture of the Uyghur people from spreading. In Myanmar is a similar case, the culturally Muslim Rohingya people have been targeted for their Hijra group, which consists of trans individuals. The genocide in Myanmar also targets the boys and men of the Rohingya, mutilating their genitalia, forcing themselves upon their partners or assaulting them outright. Within the Rwandan genocide, women were targeted as subjects of sexual assault, with approximately 49% of the women experiencing rape at the hands of the perpetrators. Using these instances, this project seeks to answer the question “Does gender matter?” within the context of genocide studies. Using these metrics, we explore the roles of gender and cross reference them with numerous genocidal processes in which they were present to determine the answer. In looking into the roles that gender plays within genocide, we can better understand our approach to the matter while not only bolstering our ability to address it in the future, but possibly preventing it outright
Visual Field Deficits in Albinism in Comparison to Idiopathic Infantile Nystagmus.
Get PDFPURPOSE: This is the first systematic comparison of visual field (VF) deficits in people with albinism (PwA) and idiopathic infantile nystagmus (PwIIN) using static perimetry. We also compare best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography measures of the fovea, parafovea, and circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer in PwA.
METHODS: VF testing was performed on 62 PwA and 36 PwIIN using a Humphrey Field Analyzer (SITA FAST 24-2). Mean detection thresholds for each eye were calculated, along with quadrants and central measures. Retinal layers were manually segmented in the macular region.
RESULTS: Mean detection thresholds were significantly lower than normative values for PwA (-3.10 ± 1.67 dB, P \u3c\u3c 0.0001) and PwIIN (-1.70 ± 1.54 dB, P \u3c 0.0001). Mean detection thresholds were significantly lower in PwA compared to PwIIN (P \u3c 0.0001) and significantly worse for left compared to right eyes in PwA (P = 0.0002) but not in PwIIN (P = 0.37). In PwA, the superior nasal VF was significantly worse than other quadrants (P \u3c 0.05). PwIIN appeared to show a mild relative arcuate scotoma. In PwA, central detection thresholds were correlated with foveal changes in the inner and outer retina. VF was strongly correlated to BCVA in both groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Clear peripheral and central VF deficits exist in PwA and PwIIN, and static VF results need to be interpreted with caution clinically. Since PwA exhibit considerably lower detection thresholds compared to PwIIN, VF defects are unlikely to be due to nystagmus in PwA. In addition to horizontal VF asymmetry, PwA exhibit both vertical and interocular asymmetries, which needs further exploration
Variables Contributing to The Psychosocial Strain on Caregivers of Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Get PDFThis research, conducted at the Rowan-Virtua Integrated Special Needs (RISN) Center, Sewell, New Jersey, explores the psychosocial strain on caregivers of patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Utilizing the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), we assessed multiple psychosocial dimensions, including time dependency, emotional health, development, social relationships, and physical health. Data was extracted from a total of 295 patient charts; this poster analyzes the initial sample of 99 patients by incorporating demographic variables and caregiver burden scores into a tailored database for comprehensive analysis. Our findings reveal a statistically significant correlation between the age of patients and increased developmental scores in the CBI, suggesting that older patients tend to impose higher developmental demands on caregivers. Gender analysis showed no significant correlation with CBI scores. The study underscores the persistent psychosocial challenges faced by caregivers, pointing to the necessity for enhanced supportive measures and further research into the factors influencing caregiver burden. This ongoing project continues to expand with the aim of contributing to better-informed care strategies for both ASD patients and their caregivers
Updates to Acne Vulgaris Treatment: A Review of a Topical Androgen Receptor Inhibitor
Get PDFAcne Vulgaris is an inflammatory skin disorder that is common among adolescents and young adults. Acne is defined as a chronic inflammatory dermatosis which consists of open comedones (blackheads), closed comedones (whiteheads) and inflammatory lesions.1 There are many ways to combat acne, one of which is to stop the effects of androgens on androgen receptors. Here we will review Clascoterone, a medication approved for the treatment of acne. Clascoterone is the first topical medication to target the hormonal pathogenesis of acne. It was approved by the FDA in 2020 and is effective in treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older.
Singh Thattha Beard Covering Technique and Quantitative Fit Testing of a Tight-Fitting Filtering Facepiece (FFP3)
Get PDFThe study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Singh Thattha beard covering technique when quantitatively fit testing tight-fitting filtering face masks (N95 respirators) on male members of the Sikh religious group. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sikh healthcare workers faced the difficult decision of either shaving their unshorn beards to continue their profession or finding alternative solutions to maintain adequate respiratory protection. The study used a quantitative fit test method to measure the number of particles inside and outside the mask, calculating a fit factor. Participants performed exercises while wearing an N95 respirator and then repeated the exercises with a Singh Thattha Beard Cover, which consisted of FEI CanDo exercise bands. The overall fit factor was calculated, and an N95 filtering facepiece respirator must achieve a minimum of 100 to be deemed acceptable for use. The results showed an improvement in fit factor in 96% of bearded men, however the improvement was not always enough to achieve the minimum 100 fit factor. The study concluded that using bands to create a proper seal between the N95 mask has proven successful, but further research may be warranted to explore ways to achieve higher or passing fit factors
Economic review of point-of-care EEG.
Get PDFAims: Point-of-care electroencephalogram (POC-EEG) is an acute care bedside screening tool for the identification of nonconvulsive seizures (NCS) and nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). The objective of this narrative review is to describe the economic themes related to POC-EEG in the United States (US).
Materials and methods: We examined peer-reviewed, published manuscripts on the economic findings of POC-EEG for bedside use in US hospitals, which included those found through targeted searches on PubMed and Google Scholar. Conference abstracts, gray literature offerings, frank advertisements, white papers, and studies conducted outside the US were excluded.
Results: Twelve manuscripts were identified and reviewed; results were then grouped into four categories of economic evidence. First, POC-EEG usage was associated with clinical management amendments and antiseizure medication reductions. Second, POC-EEG was correlated with fewer unnecessary transfers to other facilities for monitoring and reduced hospital length of stay (LOS). Third, when identifying NCS or NCSE onsite, POC-EEG was associated with greater reimbursement in Medical Severity-Diagnosis Related Group coding. Fourth, POC-EEG may lower labor costs via decreasing after-hours requests to EEG technologists for conventional EEG (convEEG).
Limitations: We conducted a narrative review, not a systematic review. The studies were observational and utilized one rapid circumferential headband system, which limited generalizability of the findings and indicated publication bias. Some sample sizes were small and hospital characteristics may not represent all US hospitals. POC-EEG studies in pediatric populations were also lacking. Ultimately, further research is justified.
Conclusions: POC-EEG is a rapid screening tool for NCS and NCSE in critical care and emergency medicine with potential financial benefits through refining clinical management, reducing unnecessary patient transfers and hospital LOS, improving reimbursement, and mitigating burdens on healthcare staff and hospitals. Since POC-EEG has limitations (i.e. no video component and reduced montage), the studies asserted that it did not replace convEEG