Digital Commons Network^™

Arid: Agglomerative Regionalization Via Information Divergence, A Novel Clustering Algorithm For Geo-Spatial Data, Joshua David Sills

Dissertations and Theses

Regionalization is a clustering problem that seeks to partition geospatial data into geographically contiguous regions while remaining internally homogeneous in their attributes. It has been successfully applied towards the development of urban planning, natural resource discovery, and ecological analysis. Existing popular approaches optimize homogeneity using Euclidean or variance-based criteria, which ignore distributional differences such as variance shifts, multimodality, and higher-order dependence. This thesis introduces ARID (Agglomerative Regionalization via Information Divergence), a spatially constrained agglomerative clustering framework that replaces distance-based merging with an information-theoretic, Ward-like criterion that utilizes the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence. ARID constructs a neighborhood graph from coordinate space and …

Drowning Prevention In The West: Who Did It Better?, Arran Hedley

University Honors Theses

This paper aims to communicate the differences on how the US, UK and Australia have approached drowning prevention in each of their nations. This paper addresses drowning statistics within each nation, national, state and local policies, access to public facilities, and the preventative strategies, swim lessons and Lifeguarding. These are the criteria each nation is being graded upon, because each criteria is a factor that can help mitigate drowning deaths.

For literature around this subject, there are many papers on each individual nation's approach to drowning but in researching there does not appear to be a comparison of the nations' …

Precision Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Travis M Wilson, Uzair Munaf, Nafhat Shaikh, Affan Rizwan, Riyan Siddiqui, Hafeez Ul Hassan Virk, Mahboob Alam, Umair Khalid, Muzamil Khawaja, Tanawat Attachaipanich, Larisa H Cavallari, Tania Ahuja, Michael G Nanna, Samin K Sharma, Lloyd W Klein, Gary S Mintz, Chayakrit Krittanawong

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Precision-based percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) integrates contemporary strategies across the pre-, intra-, and post-procedural phases to improve outcomes and minimize complications. Emerging evidence underscores the value of these strategies in reducing adverse events and improving procedural efficiency. While artificial intelligence and pharmacogenomics hold long-term promise for enhancing personalization, their clinical utility in PCI remains in the early stages of development.

Early Nodal Metastasis In An 81-Year-Old Woman With Subcentimeter Retroareolar Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: A Case That Defies Indolence Expectations, Christopher M. Ahmad, Rachana Tadakamalla, Rae-Anne Kastle, Andrea Weitoschova, Amer Abboud

Student Publications

Retroareolar invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) represents an anatomically distinct subset of breast cancers that may evade early clinical detection. In elderly patients, small, estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumors with low proliferative indices are often presumed to follow an indolent course. We report the case of an 81-year-old woman diagnosed with a 0.6-cm Grade II/III retroareolar IDC exhibiting strong ER expression, low Ki-67 (~6%), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negativity, yet with synchronous axillary lymph node metastasis confirmed at initial biopsy. This case underscores the limitations of relying on tumor size, age, and proliferation markers alone to estimate metastatic …

Beyond The Loop: Accountability And The Legal Abyss Of Autonomous Weapon Systems, Ahmad Khalil, Anandha Krishna Raj S

Indonesian Journal of International Law

The emergence of autonomous weapon systems (AWS) poses unprecedented challenges to international humanitarian law (IHL), particularly in relation to criminal responsibility. This article critically examines the existing legal vacuum concerning accountability for violations committed by AWS in the context of armed conflict. By analyzing the fluid and evolving nature of military autonomy and the consequences of removing human oversight from lethal decision-making processes, the article undertakes an in-depth assessment of international criminal law (ICL) mechanisms, including direct and command responsibility. It demonstrates the inadequacy of established legal doctrines to attribute criminal liability to designers, programmers, operators, or commanders when AWS …

Navigating Reintegration: A Qualitative Exploration Of The Challenges And Success Factors For Women Offenders In Society, Arabella Grace A. Velasquez, Beatrice Gabrielle Z. Dyquiangco, Vylet Xummer E. Pimpinio, Tamachi Agnesia Varent, Lander James Luke T. Villanueva, Alfonso B. Astudillo Iii

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

This study explores the different challenges and success factors women ex-offenders face during their reintegration into society after being incarcerated. With the help of 11 women on parole and probation in Baguio City from interviews, the researchers were able to examine their experiences and perspectives. A qualitative research design with descriptive phenomenology was used to gather in-depth insights through face-to-face interviews. Participants were selected through purposive sampling with the assistance of the local Chief Probation and Parole Officer. Data were collected through voice recordings and observations, then transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Superordinate themes emerged, namely Reintegration Struggles and …

Shades And Shapes: Intersectional Perspectives On Filipino Women’S Skin Color And Body Build, Aliah Jazz G. Alonte, Kelly Nyle M. Baligod, Mi Tang, Yuzhu Zhao, Liezl R. Astudillo

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

This study examines how Filipino women evaluate physical attractiveness, likeability, and social competence based on variations in skin color and body build, traits shaped by colonial legacies and reinforced by contemporary media. A 2×2 factorial experimental design was used, involving 180 female college students (ages 18–24), who rated target images that varied by skin color (light vs. dark) and body build (slim vs. large). While neither skin color nor body build alone had a significant main effect on perceptions of attractiveness, a significant interaction emerged: slim, dark-skinned individuals were rated more attractive than their light-skinned counterparts, whereas light-skinned individuals were …

Navigating Ambiguity: An In-Depth Exploration Of Situationships In Contemporary Romantic Relationships, Shiywonee Khanalee D.J. Delizo, Yonah Adamae R. Dapliyan, Hildebrand Tridant A. Ban-Eg, Calvine Audric F. Canlas, Eliecea Red Yusingco, Neil Ivan D. Tong, Alfonso B. Astudillo Iii

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

This qualitative study examined the phenomenon of situationships, which is defined as a romantic involvement that lacks clear commitment, boundaries, and labels. Situationships have surfaced in the context of modern dating culture with the rise of dating apps, in which people may display behaviors typical of couples but are contradictory to their traditional definitions of romantic relationships. This study explored the characteristics that define situationships, how people manage their inherent ambiguity, and why individuals prefer situationships over traditional established relationships. The data was gathered through in-depth interviews with 12 participants and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis of their experiences. The …

Love Across Borders: A Qualitative Exploration Of Cultural Dynamics In The Romantic Relationships Of Foreign Students And Their Filipino Partners, Charlene Lorraine P. Jandoc, Katrizza Tabangcura Pingil, Frances Niña Gaffud Co, Gabrielle Malig Dayoan, Simon Sebastian Tampoc Hiyadan, Rhiezhan Ghael Espiritu Jamorabon, Alfonso B. Astudillo Iii

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Globalization has significantly impacted education in the Philippines, notably with the influx of international students coming into the country for educational opportunities. This phenomenon has led to numerous studies examining the various aspects of their experiences, such as their cultural adaptation processes, academic difficulties, and economic contributions. However, their interpersonal relationships, particularly their more intimate connections, have been largely overlooked. This study aims to probe into this, focusing on the dynamics, navigation strategies, and external influences that shape these relationships. Utilizing both online and face-to-face interviews, as well as online surveys, the experiences of nine (9) intercultural couples, each of …

Beyond Sunday: The Lived Experience Of Gen Z Practicing Christians In The 21st Century, John Ramzel Dylan C. Galido, Isabel Anne M. Alano

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

This study investigates the lived experiences of Generation Z practicing Christians in the 21st century, examining how they sustain their faith amid secularization, technological advancements, and shifting societal norms. Employing a phenomenological approach, in-depth semi-structured interviews with 5 Gen Z Practicing Christians revealed key themes: (1) their faith is characterized by a dynamic, personal relationship with God, nurtured through daily practices rather than rigid rituals; (2) they actively negotiate tensions between biblical values and secular culture, often prioritizing divine principles over societal expectations; (3) familial teachings and faith-based communities play foundational roles in shaping their spiritual identity; (4) personal struggles, …

Beyond The Swipe: Understanding Observers’ Perceptions Of The Motivations And Behaviors Of Online Dating Users, Sarah Maxine A. Lucero, Maria Nicole C. Moreno, Calvine Felice T. Santiago, Liezl Astudillo

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

This study explores how observers—individuals who observe but do not engage in online dating—perceive the motivations and behaviors of dating app users. While research has extensively explored the experiences of active users, a notable gap exists in understanding the perspectives of those who remain outside these digital spaces. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), it captured how observers constructed meaning around online relationships within the Philippine cultural context. Interviews with 11 young adults elicited that observers generally perceive online dating as convenience-driven and less genuine than conventional relationships. Notably, participants compared app-based connections to culturally established rituals such as “panliligaw,” or …

Beyond The Dark Hours: A Qualitative Exploration Of The Experiences And Coping Strategies Of Graveyard Shift Workers, Jerelie Robert Muyalde Alcause, Rhuss Maico Mangahas Bartolome, Jayvee Ysulan Bagaporo, Salvador Franz Niño Vargas Aquino, Ian Patrick P. Aquino, Arbee Ray Tokyas Akit, Alfonso B. Astudillo Iii

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Graveyard shifts are often correlated with poor working hours and may lead to a reduced level of cognitive and emotional function. Current studies focus on the physical effects of this schedule but often overlook the unique challenges of maintaining a work-life balance under such conditions. Through in-depth interviews, this study explores the psychological and emotional impact of long-term graveyard shifts, along with the coping mechanisms workers use to balance their work and personal lives. The findings of this study reveal that graveyard shift workers commonly experience social isolation, often distancing themselves from friends and family. Emotionally, they report feelings of …

A Multiple Narrative Case Study Of Young Filipino Leaders In Faith-Based Youth Organizations, Julianna Mariey M. De Vera, Maria Karmela G. Dizon, Elise Maegan P. Paragua, Mia N. Villanueva, Belle Beatrix Alemania

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Given the scarcity of studies on leadership beyond Roman Catholicism in the Philippine context, this study explores the lived experiences, motivations, and beliefs of youth leaders from diverse religious backgrounds, including Born Again Christianity, Buddhism, Iglesia ni Cristo, Protestantism, and Islam. Using a multiple-case narrative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted among eight youth leaders from various Faith-Based Youth Organizations and analyzed using Reissman’s Narrative Approach (2005). Findings show that leadership in FBYOs is driven by various spiritual, social, personal, and familial factors, with the most dominant being spiritual commitment, social responsibility, personal growth, and familial influence. These roles have been …

Civil Status, Single: The Emotional Experiences And Transformations Of Single Teenage Filipino Mothers Across Generations In Their Transition To Adulthood, Ana Sofia V. Collado, Gabrielle Lumongsod, Ramona Motos, Ysabel Ronquillo, Susan Grace Tana Neri

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Single teenage mothers in the Philippines face unique emotional and psychological challenges as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. These challenges often stem from societal stigma, guilt, and the loss of personal aspirations, which negatively affect their mental health and self-identity. Guided by Intersectionality theory, this study explores the emotional experiences of single teenage Filipino mothers, aiming to understand how early motherhood influences their emotional well-being, identity formation, and personal growth. Six Filipino women, aged 18 to 55, were purposively selected to provide a diverse range of generational perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using Braun …

Protocol For Spatial Profiling Of Immune Cells In The Mouse Cornea And Conjunctiva Using Nanostring Geomx Dsp And Ncounterpro Platforms, Lois Kim, Karthikeyan Ramasamy, Ajay Sharma

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Quantification of immune cells and their activation status in a spatially specific manner in a healthy or diseased tissue is a valuable tool in immunology. Here, we present a protocol for the spatial profiling of immune cells in the mouse cornea and conjunctiva. We describe steps for immunostaining with photocleavable oligonucleotide-conjugated antibodies, selecting regions of interest (ROIs), and collecting UV-cleaved oligonucleotides using GeoMx DSP. We then detail procedures for hybridizing collected oligonucleotides, cartridge blotting using nCounter Pro Prep, data acquisition, and data analysis.

To Ban Or Not To Ban? Should Youth Social Media Use Be Regulated?, Leena Hilaly

Opinion Matters: Student Analyses of World News

This piece discusses Australia's recent social media youth ban and the negative implications of implementing sweeping government legislation on privacy, personal liberties, and state power.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange For Uncontrollable Bleeding After Platelet Inhibition With Ticagrelor: A Report Of 2 Cases, Amanda Herrmann, Brenda Mai, Yu Bai, Brian Castillo, Biswajit Kar, Kimberly Klein, Ismael A Salas De Armas, Eric Salazar, Hlaing Tint, Igor D Gregoric

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Case series

Patients: Male, 52-year-old Male, 66-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Uncontrolled bleeding following ticagrelor associated with cardiac surgery

Symptoms: Bleeding

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Cardiology Critical Care Medicine Pathology

Objective: Unusual clinical course

Background

Acute coronary syndrome is the most common cause of death in the United States. Successful intervention often requires a multi-therapeutic approach, including percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and antiplatelet agents such as ticagrelor. However, the use of antiplatelet agents can cause life-threatening bleeding, particularly during emergency procedures. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a procedure that selectively removes the patient’s plasma to eliminate harmful substances. Here, we present 2 …

How British Toy Company Jellycat Should Manage Demand And Supply-Chain Volatility In An Uncertain Economic Landscape, Ava Heckmann

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Jellycat is a London-based toy company established in 1999 that gained traction during the pandemic as a result of a viral social media craze driven by nostalgia and renewed focus on mental well-being among adults and Generation Z in particular. Jellycat toys became an international sensation–sold in 77 countries worldwide with majority of sales from the United States, China, EU, and the UK (Jellycat, n.d.). Their plush toys are produced primarily in China and Vietnam (Jellycat, n.d.). This unanticipated social media trend caused a spike in demand that the company struggled to match as supply was constrained due to recent …

Advancing Environmental Justice Through Chemical Education: Perspective From New Orleans’ Water And Air Quality Challenges, Ja’Lynn Keller, Sita Aggarwal, Rami A. Al-Horani, Morewell Gasseller, Navneet Goyal

Faculty and Staff Publications

New Orleans, Louisiana, faces profound environmental vulnerabilities arising from the convergence of industrial pollution, urban runoff, and climate change–driven weather events. This paper examines systemic challenges affecting water and air quality in the region, with particular focus on low-income and marginalized communities disproportionately burdened by environmental degradation. Drawing on educational and community-based monitoring initiatives at Xavier University of Louisiana and Southeastern Louisiana University, we highlight the integration of student learning with real-time data collection of contaminants such as fecal coliforms, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina revealed significant fecal contamination in sediment layers, …

Key Elements Of Mission-Based Urban Agriculture In The United States Aimed At Addressing The Social Determinants Of Health, Jordan Losavio

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Urban agriculture (UA) in the United States (U.S.) is increasingly positioned as a multi-domain strategy for addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), yet evidence is fragmented and often focused on participant outcomes rather than the organizational and environmental conditions that determine whether those benefits can be sustained, expanded, or maintained over time. This dissertation uses an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design to clarify (1) what SDOH outcomes are associated with UA in the peer-reviewed literature, (2) which internal and external factors leaders perceive as driving UA organizational success or failure, and (3) which factors predict comparative organizational functioning across a national …

Henri Nouwen: Theologian, Caregiver - How Do His Writings Support Informal Caregivers?, Dr. Julie Yonker

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

•Analyze the Impact and Visibility of Informal Caregivers   •Evaluate Henri Nouwen’s Theological Framework for Caregiving   •Develop Practical Support Strategies for Faith Communities

Spiritual Scaffolding: Integrating Acute Care Nursing Empathy And Caregiver Religiosity To Enhance Well-Being For The Work Of The Informal Caregiver, Dr. Julie Yonker, Alyssa Pokharel

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Informal caregivers—adults providing unpaid medical or physical care to family or friends with adult-onset conditions— are essential yet often unrecognized contributors to U.S. health care. • One in four adults serve as caregivers, providing care valued at over $600 billion (AARP 2025). • Despite their vital role, many lack training, social support, and connection to professional care networks. • Health professionals can promote sustainable, whole-person care by integrating caregiver training and referral systems into acute care practice.

Ethics Of Artificial Intelligence For Lawyers: Standalone Resource: Model Policy And Training Program For Responsible Ai Use, Cliff Mckinney

Arkansas Law Notes

Every significant technological change in law, including computers, email, and online research, has required practical tools to implement ethically. Artificial intelligence is no different. This final installment of the artificial intelligence ethics series offers a “starter kit” for responsible adoption by law firms: a Model Law Firm Policy on the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence and a Model Training Program for Legal Professionals.

With this installment, the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence for Lawyers series comes full circle. We have moved from the first sanction cases, to the ABA’s initial guidance, to legislative and regulatory developments, and now to practical steps …

Pediatric Simulation And Emergency Nurse Confidence, Katherine E. Wright

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Nurses working in a general emergency department (GED) with a low (3.3%) pediatric patient volume expressed a lack of confidence caring for complex pediatric patients.

PICOT: In general emergency department nurses (P), how does participating in a pediatric simulation event (I), compared to current practice (C), affect nurse confidence scores caring for pediatric patients (O) over 6 weeks (T)?

Evidence: A review of over 17 evidence-based resources found good quality evidence that suggested participating in a simulation event can improve nurse confidence.

Intervention: Over six weeks, GED staff members participated in a pediatric simulation event. The simulation utilized …

Hybrid Diabetes Coaching Model: Integrating In-Person And Telemedicine Strategies To Improve Glycemic Outcomes, Sandis A. Mundackal

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: In patients with type 2 diabetes, poor glycemic control among adults remains a significant challenge in primary care settings, particularly within federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) that serve underserved populations. At the FQHC practice site, patients were managed using standard care with quarterly follow- up visits, without a structured hybrid coaching approach. This inconsistency contributed to a high number of patients with hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) levels ≥ 9%, placing them at increased risk for diabetes-related complications.

PICOT Question: In adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (HgbA1c ≥ 9%) (P), does monthly hybrid coaching delivered through in-person and/or …

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 …

An Equitable Review Process When Working With Neurodivergent Students, Rose Llanos, Ebony Lovett

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

Neurodivergent students are increasingly attending higher education. The increase in college attainment of neurodivergent students should give further attention and support in the college counseling and college admission fields. This session will dive deeper into standardizing ethical practices when supporting neurodivergent students in the college admission process through a Universal Design Learning approach.

1. Participants will understand the differences regarding the high school and college services between disability law
2. Participants in this session will learn about resources and the network of institutions for academic support services program
3. Students will understand ways in which to evaluate markers of college readiness using a …

Exploring The Intersection Of Faith, Empathy, And Healthcare Trust In The Experience Of Informal Caregivers, Dr. Julie Yonker, Elizabeth Yuniwo, Jamie Lee, Mesalenuo Tsurho, Meral Moawad, Toluwani Adekunle

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

• Informal caregivers—adults providing unpaid medical or physical care to family or friends with adult-onset conditions—are essential yet often unrecognized contributors to U.S. health care. 
• One in four adults serve as caregivers, providing care valued at over $600 billion (AARP 2025). 
• Despite their vital role, many lack training, social support, and connection to professional care networks. 
• Public health professionals can promote sustainable, whole-person care by integrating caregiver training and referral systems into practice.

Ai4qual: A Comprehensive Field Guide To Llm-Supported Qualitative Research (Tutorial), He Zhang, Jie Cai, Jingyi Xie, Chuhao Wu, Chan Min Kim, John M. Carroll

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

This half-day (≈ 180 minutes), hands-on tutorial translates recent findings on large language model (LLM) support for qualitative research into a concise, end-to-end workflow grounded in our prior studies. Part I (LLM-supported semi-structured interviewing) distills design principles for AI-generated follow-up questions—covering role assignment, engagement patterns, user perceptions, and practical tactics for integrating LLM prompts during interviews while honoring consent and study protocols. Part II (LLM-supported coding and analysis) operationalizes results from prior work on using ChatGPT/LLMs for qualitative coding: moving from open coding to categories/themes, interpreting human–LLM alignment and inter-rater reliability findings at a conceptual level, and building a lightweight …