Digital Commons Network^™

The Integration Of Environmental Concerns And Philosophy Into Business Strategies, Johann Thorne

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

My thesis focuses on how a business can better integrate environmental philosophies and principles into their business model without detracting from the business's primary objectives, specifically that of generating profit. However, this thesis also seeks to extend the business's objectives to include the environment using these environmental philosophies, arguing that the business should have some obligation to the environment in terms of morality, as well as social obligations. This is an evolution of some common ethical theories used within the business world, but I argue they do not suffice to protect the environment. Instead, I develop an ethical pluralist framework …

The Constitutional Case Against State-Controlled Fact-Checking: A Case Comment On Kunal Kamra V. Union Of India, Abhinav Ravi, Aravind Sundar

National Law School of India Review

The Bombay High Court in Kunal Kamra v Union of India struck down the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023, which had established a centralised fact-checking unit to issue takedown orders against social media posts that were identified as “fake or false or misleading”. The Rules threatened the safe harbour protection of social media intermediaries for failing to adhere to such takedown orders. The Court held that the establishment of the fact-check unit violates the rights of free speech, profession and equality under the Indian Constitution. This article explores the free speech implications of …

Enrollment Of Females In Randomized Trials For Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists: A Systematic Review, Frederick Berro Rivera, Mc John Caro Ybañez, John Vincent Magalong, Mario Prado, Eloise Arias Aguirre, Ana Patricia Ting Cañares, Janos Marc Rubia, Allyn Ralph Hiyas, Polyn Luz S. Pine, Kyla Lara-Breitinger, Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, Martha Gulati

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

Background

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) form the basis for therapeutic recommendations for both males and females. Historically, females have been significantly underrepresented in RCTs.

Objectives

The authors sought to determine the trends of representation of females in GLP-1RA RCTs from 2007 to 2024.

Methods

We reviewed eligible studies and extracted important variables. The proportion of females among the total participants was obtained per study. This was compared over time (year) of publication and over mean age of participants. This proportion was also compared between specific types of GLP-1RA received, diabetes status, indication of …

Genome-Wide Expression Profiling And Phenotypic Analysis Of Downstream Targets Identify The Fox Transcription Factor Jumeau As A Master Regulator Of Cardiac Progenitor Cell Division, M. Rezaul Hasan

Bakerman Student Research Awards

Forkhead box (Fox) transcription factors (TFs) mediate multiple conserved cardiogenic processes in both mammals and Drosophila. Our prior work identified the roles of two Drosophila Fox genes, jumeau (jumu) and Checkpoint suppressor 1-like (CHES-1-like), in cardiac progenitor cell specification and division, and in the proper positioning of cardiac cell subtypes. Fox TF binding sites are also significantly enriched in the enhancers of genes expressed in the heart, suggesting that these genes may play a core regulatory role in one or more of these cardiogenic processes. We identified downstream targets of Jumu by comparing transcriptional expression profiles of flow cytometry-sorted mesodermal …

Kinetics Of Naturally Induced Binding And Neutralising Anti-Sars-Cov-2 Antibody Levels And Potencies Among Sars-Cov-2 Infected Kenyans With Diverse Grades Of Covid-19 Severity: An Observational Study, John Kimotho, Yiakon Sein, Shahin Sayed, Reena Shah, Mansoor Saleh, Ann Karanu, Viviane Oluoch, Jasmit Shah, Julius Mutiso, Zaitun Nneka, Alfred Mburu, Peter Betti, Francis M. Ndungu

Pathology, East Africa

Background: Given the low levels of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine coverage in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA), despite high levels of natural severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) exposures, strategies for extending the breadth and longevity of naturally acquired immunity are warranted. Designing such strategies will require a good understanding of naturally acquired immunity.

Methods: We measured whole-spike immunoglobulin G (IgG) and spike-receptor binding domain (RBD) total immunoglobulins (Igs) on 585 plasma samples collected longitudinally over five successive time points within six months of COVID-19 diagnosis in 309 COVID-19 patients. We measured antibody-neutralising potency against the wild-type (Wuhan) SARS-CoV-2 …

Perceptual Hash Based Content Matching, Nicholas Daniel Chenevey

Master's Theses

The proliferation of video content and AI generated imagery has introduced a number of new challenges in content identification and verification. The ability to trace content back to its source has become a critical problem as video content increases both naturally and synthetically through AI generation. This thesis provides the design, analysis, and experimental verification for a perceptual hash based framework aimed at addressing these challenges. Perceptual hashing is a method for encoding the visual content of images into compact and easily comparable binary strings. This process is used as the foundation for content matching in videos and source verification …

The Integration And Validation Of A Class 3b Laser For Stereo Particle Imaging Velocimetry, Jensen Lam

Master's Theses

Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) is a laser flow diagnostic measurement technique used to measure spatial and temporal velocity fields. In an effort to promote experimental aerodynamic research, specifically an entry point for students to learn Particle Imaging Velocimetry, an in-house Class 3B laser PIV system was developed and its experimental results were verified with a Class 4 laser. Both systems were integrated on the Cal Poly Water Tunnel Laboratory. The work emphasizes the application of lasers controlled by a micro-controller to perform microsecond-based pulses and integrating a newly-developed device with an old system consisting of software, cameras, and synchronizers. The …

Generating A Novel Legislator Organization Score, Brandon Lin

Master's Theses

Ever since the 2010 Citizens United v. FEC, corporations and organizations have been able to contribute expenditures and resources into political legislators and campaigns. It has become apparent over the years that organizations can excise significant influence in direct ways to influence campaigns across the United States. During this period, Digital Democracy has collected large amounts of data pertaining to legislative bill information, voting patterns, and donations on behalf of the California public to raise awareness. Digital Democracy has also released its own scoring system that compares the amount of aligning votes between a legislator and an organization. However, this …

Law And Equity On Appeal, Aaron-Andrew P. Bruhl

Faculty Publications

Most lawyers know that the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure merged the divergent trial procedures of the common law and of equity, but fewer are familiar with the development of federal appellate procedure. Here too there is a story of the merger of two distinct systems. At common law, a reviewing court examined the record for errors of law after the final trial judgment. In the equity tradition, an appeal was a rehearing of the law and the facts that aimed at achieving justice and did not need to await a final judgment. Unlike the story of federal trial procedure, …

An Analysis Of Policies, Practices, And Barriers To Create A Multi-Dimensional Approach To Renewable Energy Transition For Us Communities, Hanan Wehbi

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The transition from fossil fuel-derived energy resources to clean, renewable, affordable, and reliable energy necessitates a comprehensive approach. This approach must incorporate an interdisciplinary contribution to ensure the sustainability, efficiency, and resilience of the energy system. In the United States, many communities and local governments are developing ambitious plans, regulations, and targets to support the renewable energy transition and enhance energy efficiency. This research builds on the principles of sustainable development planning and transition theory to develop a framework that assists communities in planning their renewable energy (RE) transition and integrate these plans in their long- and short-term development approaches. …

Perceived Barriers And Facilitators Of Behavioral-Health Modality Change Adoption During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review, Nicholas Sims-Rhodes, Hannah E. Cornwell, Emily Barena, Vandy C. Dubre, Kimberly S. Elliott, Eman H. Nabulsi, Nelly Yuen, Sarah Sass, Anastasia Miller, Yordanos M. Tiruneh, Karan P. Singh

Presentations and Publications

Introduction: During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic, there was a surge in demand for mental health services worldwide, presenting challenges for healthcare institutions as they navigated changes in policy and safety regulations. In the United States, this resulted in many behavioral health modality changes to remain in compliance with the Center for Disease Control guidelines. A growing body of literature has documented these, yet few explored barriers and facilitators affecting the adoption of these modality delivery changes. The researchers conducted a systematic review using the PRISMA method, focusing on service delivery changes across healthcare systems in the United States from …

Spoiling The “Fruits Of Their Own Labor”: Mole’ V. City Of Durham, Drew Alexander

North Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

Aged 539- Internship In Agriculture Education - Waterford High School, Jennifer Pierce

Agricultural Education: Graduate Internship Reports

This report explores the development and implementation of an agricultural education program plan aimed at enhancing student engagement, community involvement, and career readiness. Drawing from established models of program planning and needs assessment, the report focuses on the integration of instructional strategies, supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) and FFA involvement to foster comprehensive student development. The plan outlines key goals such as increasing student enrollment, improving curriculum alignment with industry standards, and expanding partnerships with local agricultural stakeholders. Strategies include curriculum enhancement, teacher professional development, and the use of data-driven decision-making. The report also emphasizes the importance of evaluation and continuous …

Acute Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Supplementation Enhances Cognitive Performance In Healthy Men, Chad M. Kerksick

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Choline is an essential nutrient required for proper cell functioning. Due to its status as a precursor to acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter connected to cognition and neuromuscular function, maintaining or enhancing choline levels is of interest. Supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorycholine (A-GPC) can maintain choline levels, but its ability to offer support towards cognition remains an area of ongoing research. Methods: Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover approach, 20 resistance-trained males (31.3 ± 11.0 years, 178.6 ± 7.3 cm, 84.6 ± 11.4 kg, 15.4 ± 5.6% body fat) consumed either a placebo (PL), 630 mg A-GPC (HD), or 315 mg (LD) …

Transmission Main Construction Management - An Assessment Of Project Tracking During Transition To A Cloud Based System, Martin C. Munger

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

A massive $2B settlement between the Federal Government and the City of New Orleans to remediate the damage to municipal infrastructure from Hurricane Katrina and the failed USACE levee system required the repair of roughly 400 of 1600 miles of roadways in New Orleans. The mandated repairs included many subsurface utilities below those roads. Traditional engineering construction project management practices proved inadequate to manage such a massive undertaking on the strict timelines mandated by FEMA funding. Unprecedented volumes of work for the engineering and construction industries and the government agencies tasked with performing the work from design through construction revealed …

Sufficemi Or Life Noncyclic, Luca Van Der Heide

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Talking Cart, Abdullah Bin Naeem

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the development of a robust AI-powered detection and tracking engine aimed at revolutionizing the retail checkout experience. The foundation of this work is a comprehensive exploration of state-of-the-art Computer Vision methodologies, particularly focusing on object detection, segmentation, and tracking. The study employs a modular pipeline that integrates advanced visual recognition algorithms with a robust data processing framework.

Key to this work is the construction of a synthetic dataset using Unity3D, enabling the generation of high-quality annotated data that mirrors real-world retail scenarios. This approach addresses the challenge of insufficient labeled datasets by simulating diverse and cluttered shopping …

Implementation Of Non-Linear Filtering Techniques For Object Tracking, Shaswat Koirala

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Deep Learning Approach For Accurate Segmentation Of Oil Spills In Marine Systems, Mohamed Elsheref

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Oil spills present critical environmental hazards, threatening marine ecosystems and necessitating fast, accurate detection for effective mitigation. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery has been instrumental in detecting oil spills, but manual interpretation is often inefficient and prone to errors. This study addresses the limitations of manual methods by proposing a deep learning approach for automated oil spill detection and segmentation.

Utilizing a novel transfer learning-based semantic segmentation model, this research focuses on detecting oil slicks on the sea surface with higher accuracy and efficiency. The model leverages pre-trained networks and incorporates U-Net variants, including UNet++ and MultiResUNet, to optimize spatial …

Enhancing Password Security And Memorability Using Machine Learning And Linguistic Patterns, Jared Wise

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

In the digital age, text-based passwords remain a primary method for securing online accounts. Yet, users frequently face a dilemma between creating passwords that are easy to remember and sufficiently secure against cyberattacks. This research introduces an approach to password generation that bridges this gap by utilizing linguistic patterns, particularly song lyrics, to develop highly secure and naturally memorable passwords. Using large lyric datasets gained from web scrapes from popular song lyric websites (AZ Lyrics, Genius), features are extracted from a corpus of over 5 million lyrics using sentence structure and natural language processing in a novel way. In using …

Financial Risk In A Changing Climate, Mashuk S. Rahman

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Essay 1:

Given the missing-not-at-random (MNAR) nature of carbon emissions figures under the voluntary disclosure regulator environment, this research imputes synthetic emissions figures for both disclosing and non-disclosing publicly traded US firms, using an IV approach adapted for sample bias correction. The forward-observing implied cost of equity capital measure is consistently higher for carbon-intensive firms regardless of disclosure decision. This higher cost found in the large swath of high-emitting firms reduces the net present value of green transition investments, thus fueling existing research on the counterproductive natures of capital allocation in efforts to reduce corporate pollution. Contrary to emerging research, …

Mission Possible: Motivating Students Toward High School Completion, Terri Howard

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Celebrated each spring, high school graduation yields many positive, long-term impacts on an individual’s life. These include better overall health, lower reliance on government resources, higher lifetime earnings, and eligibility for post-secondary educational opportunities (Levin et al., 2007; Rowley et al., 2011; McFarland et al., 2019; Uretsky, 2019). While the benefits of high school completion are clear, each year hundreds of students fail to meet diploma requirements. Autonomous motivation, both intrinsic motivation and integrated regulation, drives engagement in activities perceived as relevant to desired outcomes and is closely associated with positive academic performance, school persistence (Deci et al., 1991; Vallerand …

A Graph Motif Adversarial Attack For Fault Detection In Power Distribution Systems, Dibaloke Chanda, Nasim Yahyasoltani

Computer Science Faculty Research and Publications

Fault detection is an integral part of the protection system in a power distribution network. Due to advanced computational capabilities, deep learning-based algorithms can significantly outperform traditional methods. However, these deep learning models are prone to adversarial attacks which are not well-addressed as traditional cyber attacks in distribution systems. More specifically, to capture the structure of distribution systems, graph neural networks (GNNs) are employed. Leveraging the backdoor attack model, we propose a novel graph-based adversarial attack algorithm for fault detection in power systems. It is further shown that the adaptable structure of GNN can make them vulnerable to adversarial attacks …

Examining The Impact Of Changes In Sentencing Guidelines And Offender Demographics On Sentencing Of White Collar Offenders, Tayler Lovelace

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Using the most recent data compiled by the United States Sentencing Commission and conducted within the conceptual framework of the focal concerns perspective, the current study investigates the impact of offender characteristics, case characteristics, and legally relevant factors on the sentencing outcomes of defendants sentenced under §2B1.1 of the federal sentencing guidelines. Results shows that while gender had no discernable influence on the probability of incarceration or the length of sentence, other demographics of the offender (race/ethnicity, age, and level of education) all emerged as statistically significant. Evidence of jurisdictional variation in sentencing was also detected. Consistent with the goals …

Phantom Jam Sybil Attack In Connected Vehicular Networks, Ahmed Ali Elamin Mohamed

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) are vulnerable to Sybil attacks, mostly due to the lack of encryption in BSMs. In VANETs, multiple digital certificates (pseudonyms) are assigned to each vehicle to ensure their privacy. However, malicious nodes can exploit these pseudonyms to create ghost vehicles, inducing fake traffic jams and disturbance to other vehicles which may lead to accidents. In this work, we have developed the first sophisticated sybil attack, in which an attacker uses legitimate pseudonyms to create multiple ghost vehicles. These ghost vehicles transmit realistic kinematic data, using trajectory formulas and road maps. Additionally, the ghost vehicles randomly simulate …

"I Can Give You Something For That": Exploring The Medical Paradigm In Mental Health Through Contemporary American Literature, Brooke Pierson

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

In this paper, I analyze two contemporary fiction novels, My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh and My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell, through the lens of the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Moshfegh satirically critiques diagnostic psychiatry as easily exploitable, and suggests that instead of seeking asylum from pain, we should remind ourselves that happiness and pain exist in harmony; that pain is a part of life. Russell suggests the DSM-5 is imperative to understanding traumatic experiences and the mental disorders which arise from them, such as PTSD. Russell …

Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Obesity Among Undergraduate Student Population In Ghana: An Evaluation Study Of Body Composition Indices, Christian Obirikorang, Evans A. Adu, Enoch O. Anto, Anthony A. A. Awuah, Angela N. B. Fynn, George Osei-Somuah, Patience N. Ansong, Alexander O. Boakye, Ivy Ofori-Boadu, Yaa Obirikorang, Austin G. Adobasom-Anane, Eric N. Y. Nyarko, Lois Balmer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Obesity is a classified risk factor for several of the world’s leading causes of death. In this study, we combined information contained in body mass index (BMI), total percentage body fat (TPBF) and relative fat mass (RFM) to estimate obesity prevalence and examine the risk factors associated with obesity. Methods: The study recruited 1027 undergraduate students aged between 16 and 25 years using a cross-sectional study design and two-stage stratified random sampling between January and April 2019 from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Demographic, lifestyle, and family history of chronic disease data, were collected …

Intelligent System For Student Performance Prediction Using Machine Learning, Mustafa S. Ibrahim Alsumaidaie, Ahmed Adil Nafea, Abdulrahman Abbas Mukhlif, Ruqaiya D. Jalal, Mohammed M Al-Ani

Baghdad Science Journal

Accurately predicting student performance remains a significant challenge in the educational sector. Identifying students who need additional support early can significantly impact their academic outcomes. This study aims to develop an intelligent solution for predicting student performance using supervised machine learning algorithms. This proposed focus on addressing the limitations of existing prediction models and enhancing prediction accuracy. In this work employed three supervised machine learning algorithms: Random Forest, Extra Trees, and K-Nearest Neighbors. The steps of research methodology contained (data collection, preprocessing, feature identification, model construction, and evaluation). This paper utilized a dataset comprising 24,000 training instances and 6,000 testing …

Environmental Dna Identifies Coastal Plant Community Shift 1,000 Years Ago In Torrens Island, South Australia, Nicole R. Foster, Alice R. Jones, Oscar Serrano, Anna Lafratta, Paul S. Lavery, Kor-Jent Van Dijk, Ed Biffin, Bronwyn M. Gillanders, Jennifer Young, Pere Masque, Patricia S. Gadd, Geraldine E. Jacobsen, Atun Zawadzki, Andria Greene, Michelle Waycott

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Anthropogenic activities are causing detrimental changes to coastal plants– namely seagrass, mangrove, and tidal marshes. Looking beyond recent times to past vegetation dynamics is critical to assess the response and resilience of an environment to change. Here, we develop a high-resolution multi-proxy approach, providing a new evidence base to decipher long-term change in coastal plant communities. Combining targeted environmental DNA analysis with chemical analysis of soils, we reconstructed 4,000 years of change at a temperate wetland on Torrens Island South Australia and identified an ecosystem shift that occurred ~ 1000 years ago. What was once a subtidal seagrass system shifted …

Organ Pedalboard As A Rehabilitation Tool: A Qualitative Exploratory Study Of Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions And Recommendations, Mandy M.P. Kan, Wai Hang Kwok, Eric C. Fan, Fadi M. Al Zoubi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective This qualitative study explored healthcare providers’ perceptions and attitudes regarding the use of organ pedalboards as a rehabilitation tool, particularly for lower extremity conditions. The study also sought to identify the perceived barriers and facilitators to adopting organ pedalboards within rehabilitation settings, as well as gather healthcare providers’ recommendations for integrating this tool into clinical practice. Method Healthcare providers, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, music therapists, and sports therapists, were recruited for focus group interviews using purposive and snowball sampling. At the outset of the interview, participants watched an organist playing musical notes on a pedalboard and had the opportunity …