Digital Commons Network^™

Redesigning William Edmonson Homesite Park: Improving Community Wellbeing Through Nature-Based Solutions, Jonathan R. Loftis, Reese Cobb, Darlene Panvini

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The Edgehill neighborhood, North of Belmont University, is often overlooked by city designers and planners for revitalization and redesign efforts. The William Edmonson Homesite Park sits 0.5 miles from the university’s main campus and became the focal point of a redesign effort in Dr. Panvini’s Urban Ecology course. Classmates Ryder Loftis and Reese Cobb searched for an answer to the question, “Why are the community members of the Edgehill neighborhood not using the William Edmonson Park for more recreational activities, and what ecological improvements could be made to the park in order to make it more appealing to community members …

Adapting A Behavioral Intervention For Caregivers Of Children With Down Syndrome Or Fragile X Syndrome: A Pilot Study Of Rubi-Dd., Allison D. Blackburn, Walker S. Mckinney Ph.D., Allison M. Birnschein, Anna J. Esbensen, Shelley Mckinley, Hilary Rosselot, Emily K. Hoffman, Craig Erickson, Rebecca Shaffer

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Challenging behaviors, including noncompliance, aggression, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, are common among individuals with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) and Down Syndrome (DS). To identify treatment needs specific to these populations, we conducted focus groups with caregivers and educators and used their input to adapt an evidence-based caregiver training program originally designed for caregivers of autistic children (i.e., The Research Units in Behavioral Intervention; RUBI). We then completed a feasibility trial in which five families of children with FXS and four families of children with DS completed a nine-session caregiver training program targeting behavioral principles, syndrome-specific information, and visual supports tailored to …

Influence Of Ceramic Thickness And Cad/Cam Ceramic Materials On The Fracture Resistance Of Indirect Restorations: An In Vitro Study, Lara El Hanach, Karim Corbani, Nabil Ghosn, Ryan Harouny, Cynthia Kassis

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: This in-vitro study aimed to evaluate the impact of different CAD/CAM materials (IPS e.max® CAD and Cerasmart®) and thicknesses (0.7 mm, 1 mm, and 1.5 mm) on the fracture resistance of indirect overlay restorations.

Methods: Sixty-three human third molars were divided into 7 groups (n=9) based on material and thickness, including a control group of 9 sound teeth. Only 54 specimens were prepared using a thin-section cutting machine, scanned, and their scans were used to fabricate overlays from different materials and thicknesses. After adhesive cementation, the overlays underwent thermal cyclic loading (5,000 cycles between 5°C and 55°C). A universal …

The Case For Recognizing Informally Adopted Children As Heirs In Arkansas, Joel Gaffney

Arkansas Law Notes

Americans are steadily moving away from the nuclear family towards an understanding of family less defined by shared DNA or last names. This is especially prominent in the way children are raised. More children are being born to single or unmarried parents, and a fair number of children are being raised by nonparents. Such nonparental caretaking can manifest as “informal adoption,” where there is no biological or legal parent-child relationship but there is a functional parent-child relationship. Certain areas of the law sometimes struggle to keep up with these changes in the meaning society assigns to “family.” Statutory probate law …

Analysis Of Novel Cannabis Products Labeled As Containing Thc-Jd, Kaelas R. Munger, Carlton C. B. Bone, Killian M. Anreise, Robert M. Strongin

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objective:

THC-JD (tetrahydrocannabioctyl) is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid with an eight-carbon C3 side chain, present in only trace amounts in hemp, requiring synthesis for commercial use. It has been promoted as potentially 19 times more potent than delta-9-THC, consistent with enhanced CB1 receptor affinities for cannabinoids with 7-8 carbon C3 side chains. While one peer-reviewed report identified THC-JD (tetrahydrocannabioctyl) in Japanese online products, an anecdotal report from the U.S. suggests mislabeling. Method: To inform regulatory efforts and consumer awareness and to address these discrepancies, this study chemically analyzed five U.S. commercial cannabis vape products marketed as containing THC-JD. Results: Utilizing GC-MS …

Love And Lust: A Philosophical Assessment Of The Morality Of Watching Pornography In Romantic Relationships Through Aristotle’S Function Of Rationality And Virtue Ethics, Missy Gabrielle Magtibay Dimayuga, Kaisser Brent Sanchez Eufemio, Annika Almhyr B. Rivera, Aiyana Chantel Go Tuvilla, Maria Karla Ysabelle Ticzon Vesorio, Naoemi Mikka Ella Weill

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

This study examines the moral acceptability of watching pornography while being in a romantic relationship. It explores the role of consent and intent in determining whether the aforementioned act is morally acceptable or morally unacceptable. Using Aristotle’s Function of Rationality and his Virtue Ethics, the study establishes that the moral acceptability of pornography consumption is subjective, and its acceptability is not dictated by a universal and unconditional moral rule, but is rather dictated by the perspective, situation, and dynamic of the individuals in a relationship themselves. The study argues that the act may be morally acceptable given that there is …

Water Quality In Estero De Balete Using Moringa Oleifera-Enhanced Bokashi Balls: Heavy Metals, Turbidity, And Acidity, Alliyah Kirstyn B. Rafols, Gian Rafael T. Bergania, William Bradley S. Catli, Sheila Mae E. De Leon, Marie Antoinette V. Robles, Shalee Mae C. Gregorio, Ma. Cassandra G. Carbon, Juris Faith E. Calibjo, Eushabelle Hope C. Uy, Rian Kyle A. Aragon, Czhenn Kellie A. De Guzman, Mickaella Rosewyn E. Urzabia, John Albert D. Gurtiza

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Water pollution threatens public health and the environment, particularly in developing countries. Estero de Balete in Manila, Philippines, a tributary of the Pasig River, is affected by heavy metal contamination, murky water, and highly acidic water. This study examined Moringa oleifera-enhanced Bokashi balls for bioremediation purposes. The Bokashi balls were prepared with effective microorganisms (EM-1), molasses, rice hulls, and garden clay soil, incorporating varying concentrations of Moringa oleifera seed powder and pods (0.10 g, 0.25 g, and 0.40 g) in comparison to a control setup. Water samples were tested for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), turbidity, and pH. The results revealed …

Star Apple (Chrysophyllum Cainito) Leaf & Banana (Musa Acuminata) Peel Extract As A Hydrophobic Coating For Cardboard, Ferdinand F. Begnaen, Missy Noelle C. Velasco, Mary Catherine M. Alfonso, Sharee Mae A. Tamayo, Ashley Irish V. Balneg, Crizanne R. Barsatan, David Isaiah S. Gengania, Rivi N. Wacnisen, Nikah Mei I. James

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

This research aims to find a natural way to make cardboard more water-resistant, increasing its recyclability and lifespan by using banana peels (BP) and star apple leaves (SAL). The inspiration behind this study comes from commercial coatings that are made from synthetic chemicals, such as fluoropolymers and silicone, that can harm the environment. Since cardboard easily absorbs water, the researchers tested different mixtures of BP and SAL to determine which combination works best as a coating. Using ethanol maceration to extract hydrophobic compounds, epicuticular wax was obtained from SAL, while powdered BP was macerated with hexane. The extracts were concentrated …

Asclepad: A Sustainable Wound Dressing Pad Using Chitosan And Vitamin C Infused Milkfish (Chanos Chanos) Skin For Advanced Wound Care, Diether Mark A. Lucero, Ramon Jacob L. Caluag, Juan Miguel M. Elayda, Marcelino G. Gigantone Jr.

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Medical waste is an overlooked issue posing a significant environmental and public health threat, with 4.7 billion tons generated annually, accounting for 3% of overall waste, and wound dressing pads being a major contributor. Vitamin C, involved in all phases of wound healing, demonstrates synergy with Chitosan, a polysaccharide ideal for medical and cosmetic applications. Milkfish (Chanos chanos) skin, a dominant commercial fish in the Philippines, shows synergy with Chitosan and Vitamin C in wound healing. Thus, aligning with SDGs 3, 12, and 13, this study aims to synthesize and evaluate AsclePad, a sustainable wound dressing pad infused with Chitosan …

Analysis Of Ghg Emissions From A Local Production Of Coconut-Based Biodiesel And Its Market Delivery: A Case Study In The Philippines, Andre Faytaren Bacod, Dmitri John A. Omahoy, Derrick Francis F. Pua, Jose Antonio Mendoza Vidal, Jeremias A. Gonzaga

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

As the world continues to strive for sustainability, different advancements in sources of energy have been made in hopes of reducing the dependency on non-renewable sources. These include the production of biofuels like biodiesel, which involves the conversion of different biomass. However, while the production of biodiesel has been proven to be more beneficial to the environment, there are other factors regarding its production that contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). The transportation and distance between different sectors of the biofuel supply chain indirectly affect the total amount of GHG produced in its life cycle. This research aims …

A Vector Autoregressive (Var) Model For The Hourly Forecasting Of Climatological Data In General Santos City, Jezzu Morrisen C. Quimosing, Feevol S. Into, Ayeesha Kate N. Castro, Criss Allyn C. Hongoy, Bai Ashfahana A. Abdullah, Ma. Sofia Franchesca P. Dizor, Leo James M. Podador, Joshua Caleb G. Pagalan, Ralph Laurence Valdueza

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

With rising concerns over climate change and its impacts, this study develops and evaluates a Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model to forecast climatological data in General Santos City: surface pressure, specific humidity, wind speed, air temperature, precipitation, UVA and UVB irradiance, with data from January 1, 2001 to June 30, 2024. Mean hour calculations confirmed seasonality via the QS test (p < 0.001) for all variables except precipitation; Mann-Kendall tests indicated significant trends for all tested variables, and UV irradiances were the only variables with no significant long‐term trend. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller Test (p < 0.001) established stationarity of variables, and Granger‐causal relationships were identified. Results indicated a bidirectional Granger-causal relationship between variable pairs (p < 0.001). The AIC-based model selection identified VAR(168) as the best-fitting model, effectively capturing cyclic patterns up to one week. The residuals passed the Ljung-Box tests for no residual autocorrelation (p > 0.05), and OLS-CUSUM plots indicated structural stability. Mean root-mean-square error determined out-of-sample forecasting accuracy to be good for most variables, and poor for UVA and UVB irradiance; therefore, while the VAR(168) model does generate accurate forecasts, it still presents challenges. …

Optimization Of Iron (Iii) Removal Using Mango (Mangifera Indica) Peel Activated Carbon Biosorbent With Varying Adsorbent Dosage, Contact Time, And Temperature, Enzo Damian Berosa Magbatoc, Janssen Cahayon Mendoza, Pierre Cyrus Austria Obando, Fiona Bianca Tabares Saulon, Shelah Alfaro

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Heavy metal contamination in natural water sources poses a significant threat to public health, aquatic ecosystems, and environmental safety in affected communities. This study explores the utilization of Mango Peel Activated Carbon (MPAC), derived from ripe mango (Mangifera indica) peels, as a biosorbent for removing Iron(III) from aqueous solution, which underwent a sequence of physical and chemical activation processes. This examined key parameters such as A: adsorbent dosage (0.025–0.1 g/L), B: contact time (15–35 minutes), and C: temperature (25–35 °C), in order to assess its potential as a sustainable clean water solution. A Box-Behnken Design under Response Surface Methodology (RSM) …

Critical Heavy Metal Contamination In The Tigris River, Baghdad: A Comprehensive Assessment Using The Metal Index (Mi), Talib Kamil Abed, Abass J. Kadhem, Muwafaq Hussein Al-Lami

AUIQ Technical Engineering Science

One of the most important rivers in Iraq is the Tigris River, which serves as the primary source of drinking water and irrigation for agricultural purposes. In recent events, researchers have identified growing concerns about heavy metal contamination in the river. To decide the status of the Tigris River, the metal index (MI) was used in this study. To conduct this study, three locations were chosen along the river, and eight likely harmful heavy metals were examined: iron (Fe), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu). The results were worrying. The metal …

Aquifer Characteristics And Groundwater Flow Modeling For Sustainable Water Resources Development And Planning Using Modflow Software In India, Ravi Sharma

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

MODFLOW is one of the most commonly used numerical models for simulating groundwater flow. Its structured data design and compatibility with GIS tools make it suitable for groundwater assessment and planning. Groundwater forms an important part of the hydrological cycle and occurs within the pore spaces of sedimentary rocks or within fractures in hard rock terrains. Although its distribution beneath the surface is not always uniform or predictable, it is still considered one of the cleanest, most accessible, and quickly available freshwater sources. Numerical groundwater models help convert complex subsurface processes into simplified relationships that describe flow behavior. Even though …

Amniotic Membrane Patches Vs Fibrin Glue: Alternative Methods To Retinal Detachment, Nehum Koti

Mentorship Program 2025-2026

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Effect Of Rna Interference Of X-Box Binding Protein 1 (Xbp1) On Survival And Fecundity In Acyrthosiphon Pisum, James Balthazor, Jacob Lutgen

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Acyrthosiphon pisum (pea aphid) is a major pest of Fabaceae (legume) crops, causing direct feeding damage and transmitting plant viruses. Conventional control relies on broad-spectrum insecticides and natural enemies, both of which can harm non-target organisms and ecosystems. RNA interference (RNAi) offers a promising, species-specific alternative by silencing essential genes via double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). This study targeted X-Box Binding Protein 1 (XBP1), a key transcription factor in the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) pathway that regulates proper protein folding in the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER). This chaperone promotes folding of newly synthesized polypeptides and helps manage misfolded proteins. Silencing the XBP1 gene …

Addressing The Problems Of Data Variations, Quality, And Scarcity In Training Deep Neural Networks, Jian Sun

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The performance of deep neural networks (DNNs) is strongly influenced by the characteristics and quality of the underlying datasets. This Ph.D. dissertation addresses three pervasive data challenges-imbalance, quality degradation, and scarcity-that commonly hinder the effectiveness of DNNs in computer vision (CV) and natural language processing (NLP) applications.

Class imbalance remains one of the most frequent causes of degraded model generalization. While Focal Loss effectively mitigates inter-class imbalance by assigning higher weights to minority classes, it struggles with intra-class imbalance, particularly in video datasets where longer clips dominate feature representation. To address this, I implement and utilize …

Contribution Of G4 Structure To Alzheimer’S Disease And Tau Pathology, Lena Michaela Kallweit

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The occurrence of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is rapidly increasing as our global population ages. With the majority of therapeutic drugs in the last couple of decades failing clinical trials, new molecular targets are needed to combat the expected influx of new AD cases. AD pathogenesis is associated with abnormal protein aggregation, characterized in part by intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). RNA has been identified as a major non-proteinaceous component of NFTs and has been implicated as an active cofactor in tau aggregation and spread. Recent work has shown that aggregates from AD brains contain almost …

Problematizing The Critical Dimensions Of Whiteness With Educational Leaders, Lerita Yvette Cavness

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This action research examines whether and how whiteness is “weaponized” by a P-12 educational leader, the impact whiteness has on their identities, and whether engagement with Critical Whiteness Studies (CWS) will increase pro-equity behaviors. The research employs a layered mixed-methods approach, and a deductive analysis triangulation plan framed by the Critical Dimensions of Whiteness Model (CDWM). This N-of-1 case study included a four-phase intervention workshop series and one post interview. The findings identify how one educational leader engaged in the selfweaponization of whiteness. The findings identify that CWS supported by the CDWM is a disruptive but healing path to awareness …

Optimization Of Bioethanol Production From Potato Peel Waste: A Study On Yield Enhancement And Efficiency Improvement Through The Application Of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles (Agnps), Prestan Eli Galang Antonio, Darlene Kaye Logao Ampoc, Jim Raegan Damot Galdones, Raven Mars J. Gines, Kyle Wilner Anoyan Mangiwet, Mary Grace D. Diso

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

This study explores the potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to enhance bioethanol production from potato peel waste. By using the abundant and low-cost nature of potato peels and the catalytic properties of AgNPs, this research aims to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solution. The study examines the effect of varying AgNP concentrations on bioethanol yield and its other properties, including sugar content, purity, and yield percentages. A comprehensive methodology was employed for milling, nanoparticle synthesis, pretreatment, fermentation, and purification. The results, supported by ANOVA analysis, will demonstrate whether the AgNP concentrations significantly improve bioethanol yield. The …

Into The Spectrum: Investigating The Range Of Color Vision In The Foraging Behavior Of Diacamma Rugosum (Asian Bullet Ants), Manjho Aron R. Broniola, Ethan Jay O. Dayandante, Patricia Erin D. Sotto, Lawrence P. Belo

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Ants showcase that size does not always matter. Through their small stature, they continue surviving in the land they live in, continuously being resourceful for their colony. Each ant serves their purpose of building, hunting, and growing their colony. They used their heightened senses to communicate danger, routes, and food sources from which they could contribute to the colony. Typically done via pheromones, also known as their “scent.” Previous studies have raised the preference of other ant species to be colors of short wavelengths. Now, this study deals with the ethology of ants, specifically regarding their foraging behavior, raising the …

Session Ia: Natural Sciences Presentation 3 - Review Of Dihydroartemisinin And Its Potential As A Neutral Chemotherapeutic, Matthew Mccoy Stowe

Life of the Scholar Multidisciplinary Conference

No abstract provided.

Session Ia: Natural Sciences Presentation 1 - Elucidating Elimia: Affinities Of North Carolina Freshwater Snails, Andrew Wilson

Life of the Scholar Multidisciplinary Conference

Study of Pleuroceridae snail variation and evolutionary relationships.

The Case For Lgbtq+ Adoption Rights In The Post-Roe Era, Tate Craft

Kentucky Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Modeling And Optimization Of Ppsu/Cu-Bdc Mmms And Ppsu/Cooh-Mwcnt@Cu-Bdc Mmms For Enhanced Water Treatment Performance, Ghaidaa M. Jaid, Adnan A. Abdulrazak, Sunarti Abdul Rahman, Muayad Al-Shaeli, Vahid Vatanpour, Qusay F. Alsalhy

Engineering and Technology Journal

Water quality is increasingly of concern today due to industrial wastewater that contains heavy metals, particularly lead (Pb²⁺). What follows is a study aiming at adjusting operational variables affecting the performance of two types of mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) used for lead ion removal from simulated wastewater. The first employs polymer polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) by embedding copper-organic frameworks (Cu-BDC), and the second MMMs incorporate a novel COOH-MWCNT@Cu-BDC nanocomposite in the same polymer. MOF nanoparticles were added to the matrix to improve membrane performance, hydrophilicity, contact angle, porosity, and fouling resistance. Three operating parameters were modeled and optimized for their influence …

Stratifying Renal Risk In End-Stage Renal Disease: Evidence From A Population-Based Dialysis Registry In Northern Saudi Arabia, Reem Eltayeb, Naif K Binsaleh, Ghaida A Alsaif, Mona Hm Ahmed, Ahmed M Taha, Abdelhameed Abdelzaher, Zinab Alatawi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: We examined the relationship of age, gender, smoking, nationality, and place of residence with renal dysfunction severity in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of ESRD registry data collected from King Khalid Hospital in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Adults (≥ 15 years) treated from March 2023 - February 2024 were enrolled. Serum creatinine and urinary albumin concentrations were measured (based on primary [≥ 625 μmol/L and ≥ 18 mg/L, respectively] and sensitivity thresholds). Bivariate analyses, interaction testing, sensitivity models, and multivariable logistic regression were employed. Results: Of 212 patients (50.9% male), based on primary thresholds, …

Microbiological Profile And Antibiotic Resistance In Relation To Risk Of Recurrence And Fistula Following Perianal Abscess Drainage: A Retrospective Study, Saleh A. Busbait

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: The practice of obtaining routine intraoperative cultures and administering postoperative antibiotics for perianal abscess treatment continues to be debated, so far, there is no established evidence linking these practices to improved patient outcomes. This study investigated the microbial distribution together with antibiotic resistance and their relationship to abscess recurrence or fistula development. Methods: The study analyzed 242 patients who received their first perianal abscess treatment through incision and drainage procedures at a Saudi Arabian tertiary center from 2019 to 2023. Swab cultures were obtained intraoperatively. A descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests and antibiotic resistance were analyzed. Results: The most frequently …

An Investigation Of The Correlation Between Total Intracranial Volume And Body Mass Index, Walaa M. Alsharif, Fahad H. Alhazmi, Ali D. Almutairi, Rahaf M. Alharbi, Lana M. Alsaedi, Razan A. Alharbi, Amirah F. Alsaedi, Abdulaziz A. Qurashi, Adnan A. Alahmadi, Khalid M. Alshamrani, Faisal A. Alrehily, Shrooq T. Aldahery, Osamah M. Abdulaal, Reem M. Elkady

Saudi Medical Journal

\looseness-1 Objective: Total intracranial volume (TICV) is an important covariate in brain volumetric analysis that can vary significantly between participants. This study aimed to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and TICV. Methods: 152 healthy volunteers were recruited. The BMI was calculated, and T1-weighted images were acquired to estimate brain volumetric values. The data were analyzed using volBrain software. Results: Male participants have significantly higher GM, WM, CSF, TICV, cerebellum GM, cortical GM, subcortical GM and cerebrum GM volumes compared to female. There were significant differences in GM, TICV, cerebellum GM, cortical GM, subcortical GM and cerebrum GM …

A Comprehensive Analysis Of Overweight, Obesity, And Failure To Thrive In Pediatric Inpatients: Prevalence, Diagnostic Practices, And Management Approaches At A Tertiary Hospital In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Ibrahim A Al Alwan, Elaf A Alshammari, Ahmed A Alabdulkarim, Abdulaziz A Ajeebi, Afnan A Alhazimi, Nawaf A Alhamied, Deema Y Alasmari

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, diagnostic accuracy, and inpatient management of pediatric weight abnormalities at a tertiary children's hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using a retrospective cohort design. Methods: The study analyzed medical records of pediatric inpatients aged 2–14 years admitted to King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital (KASCH) in 2023. Data collected included anthropometrics, dietary history, physical activity, diagnostic workup, and treatment plans. Overweight and obesity were classified using BMI percentiles, while FTT was identified via weight-for-age and growth percentile criteria. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze diagnostic accuracy and factors influencing missed diagnoses. Results: Of 7,771 …

Mapping Health Research Involving Human Subjects In Saudi Arabia: A Text Mining And Topic Modeling Analysis, Khalid A. Alhussain

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To identify dominant and underrepresented research topics and to classify published studies by design and data sources in health research involving human subjects from Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed PubMed-indexed health articles related to Saudi Arabia from 1959 to March 2025. Text mining was used to identify studies conducted in the country involving human subjects. Eligible articles were classified by study design and data sources. Topic modeling using non-negative matrix factorization was applied to identify topics based on the primary research focus. Results: A total of 36,452 records of studies conducted in Saudi Arabia were initially identified. …