Digital Commons Network^™

Downing Spies In The Sky: Clarifying The Military’S Legal Authority To Counter Foreign Drone Surveillance On American Soil, Hannah M. Miller

DePaul Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Academic Research And Writing Camp: Collaborating On An Intensive Thesis Workshop For Graduate Students, Stephanie Crowe, Sam Nesbitt Zelick

Transforming Libraries for Graduate Students

Academic libraries at master’s and PhD-granting institutions frequently end up fielding questions about thesis and dissertations that we are often missing context to answer thoroughly. These sorts of questions can be more frequent at institutions such as ours, which is a relatively new high-research activity (“R2”) campus that is still in the process of developing supports for graduate-level research.

Having seen this need in our own context, the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) began a semesterly Academic Research and Writing Camp workshop in Spring 2025 as a partnership between UNCW Library, the University Learning Center, and the Graduate School. …

From Boomers To Zoomers: Closing The Communication Gap, Cassy Bajek, Mindy Peterson

Purdue Road School

Effective communications help pave the way for success inside (and outside) the workplace. What we say and how we say it matters. Understanding generational communication can make a real difference in reducing misunderstandings and improving collaboration. This short crash course in understanding Boomers to Zoomers can help improve teamwork, productivity, morale, and the work being produced. Improve your communication and improve your relationships!

Call For Papers For The Journal Of Social Encounters’ Special Issue On Global And Regional Governance: The Past Present And Future

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Review Of Chosen Peoples: Christianity And Political Imagination In South Sudan, John Ashworth

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Management Of Roadway Network Restrictions, Philip Labrash, James Reitz, Ethan Black

Purdue Road School

Fort Wayne Public Works managed more than 2,100 requests to restrict its roadway network in 2024 and was projected to do so again in 2025. This presentation will provide an overview of the permitting system and describe common restriction requests such as construction, utility installations, building maintenance, festivals, and special events. The City has developed a multifaceted communications strategy to convey restrictions to the public which includes development of an interactive website, geographically customizable daily email bulletins, and interlocal coordination.

Review Of Engaging Thomas Merton: Spirituality, Justice, And Racism, Paul Pynkoski

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

The Relevance Of Fr. John A. Kaiser For Human Rights And Peace Advocacy Today, Otieno Ombok

The Journal of Social Encounters

This essay explores the relationship of the work of Fr. John Anthony Kaiser to Kenya’s 2010 Constitution. His life, work, and death embody the very principles and struggles that the new constitution was designed to address. The author also discusses how to continue the work for peace and justice in the spirit of Fr. Kaiser.

Dating Among University Undergraduates Living With Disability In South-Western Nigeria, Usman A. Ojedokun, Bukunmi I. Oluborode, Lateef J. Adeyemo

The Journal of Social Encounters

In many university campuses in Nigeria, undergraduates living with disability are visible and functionally involved in academic, political, social, and religious activities. However, the social life of these students is hardly the focus of scholarly research. Therefore, this study explored dating behaviours among undergraduates of selected public universities in south-western Nigeria living with disability. The social disability model was employed as the conceptual framework. Data were elicited through in-depth interview and focus group discussion methods.  Findings showed that the choice of partners among undergraduates living with disability was guided by trust, communication, emotional safety, shared values, and acceptance of disability …

Sanitation System Options For Public Health Promotion For Post-War Khartoum, Sudan, Gazi Nouman

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Emergency Response Rooms In Sudan: From Revolutionary Grassroots Organization To The Management Of Life In A Context Of Political Collapse, Salih Mustafa

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Review Essay: The Islamic Moses And Muslim-Jewish Relations, Kareem Rosshandler

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Festival Diplomacy (Ceremony Diplomacy) As A Lesser-Known Form Of Cultural Diplomacy By Emerging Non-State Actors: The Newroz Legacy Of The Kurdish Regional Resistance In Iraq And Syria, Khaled Sheykholeslami

The Journal of Social Encounters

Kurds as the second largest ethnic groups in Iraq and Syria are the only nation in these two major-Arab countries that celebrate Newroz every year. However, as a minority community divided among different Middle Eastern countries, the arrival of the new year and the celebration of Newroz seem to have taken on a political significance beyond merely celebrating spring and the end of winter. This essay argues that Newroz has evolved from a cultural celebration into a strategic instrument of non-state cultural diplomacy used by Kurdish actors in Iraq and Syria to resist centralizing state power and project transnational identity. …

Islamic Relief As A Transnational Advocacy Network In Building Global Solidarity For Gaza, Nura Alanda Nabila, Zhafirah Fatin Azzah, Nuraeni -, R. Dudy Heryadi

The Journal of Social Encounters

This article examines the role of Islamic Relief in supporting Palestine from the perspective of the Transnational Advocacy Network. The conflict in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, raises the central question of how non-governmental actors contribute to global advocacy efforts amid the large-scale civilian suffering. The article is based on qualitative research, utilizing a literature review as a data collection technique, with constructivism as the theoretical framework. This study positions Islamic Relief as a transnational humanitarian organization whose work is shaped and rooted in Islamic values. The findings showed that the efforts to address the crisis in Gaza are carried out …

Food, Faith, And Sustainability: Rethinking Ramadan Consumption Practices In Qatar, Tamim Raihan

The Journal of Social Encounters

This essay examines the paradox that Ramadan’s ethical horizon of restraint and moral accountability often coincides, in contemporary Qatar, with heightened provisioning and recurrent food waste. Bringing Émile Durkheim’s sacred–profane distinction into dialogue with Nancy Ammerman’s “lived religion,” the analysis treats commensality as a privileged site where religious meaning is socially produced, renewed, and contested through embodied practice. It further mobilizes Benjamin Smith’s critique of Market Orientalism to caution against culturalizing narratives that frame Gulf “excess” as moral deficiency while obscuring political-economic conditions, labor arrangements, and infrastructures that normalize surplus. Methodologically, the article is a theory-driven, interpretive conceptual essay grounded …

Gender Justice Lessons From North-East Syria Amidst Patriarchal Perpetuation In The New Syrian Arab Republic?, Theresa Wagner

The Journal of Social Encounters

The overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, whose family had ruled Syria for over sixty years, and his government by Hai’at Tahrir asch-Scham (HTS) signified for many the beginning of a new era of democracy and freedom after thirteen years of civil war. People in the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES), a self-governing region that had not been ruled by the Syrian state since 2012, joined in with the celebrating crowds. However, they remained skeptical of HTS, which originated as a branch of al-Qaeda, known back then as Jabhat al-Nusra. Since taking on government responsibilities in the new …

Introduction: The Arab World And Middle East In An Age Of Dynamism And Change, Eslam Elbahlawan, Mawa Mohamed, Ron Pagnucco

The Journal of Social Encounters

On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel began a massive joint military attack against the Islamic Republic of Iran to which Iran has responded. At the time of the publication of this issue, the fighting continues and could become more widespread; the ultimate outcome of the conflict is unknown.  This conflict highlights the importance of a deeper understanding of the region.

In the shadow of these events, people of the Middle East once again find their lives reordered by decisions taken far above their heads and far beyond their borders. The current war not only devastates cities, infrastructure, …

Aircraft Misfuelling Awareness After Sustainable Aviation Fuel (Saf) Integration, Jiahao Yu, Sooyon Jin, Mary Johnson

Purdue Road School

Misfuelling or delivering the wrong type of fuel to an aircraft can cause serious economic losses and catastrophic safety risks if not detected before fueling or aircraft departure. Using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) alongside existing fuel infrastructure (Jet Fuel, Avgas, among others) can create potential issues and operational hazards. This presentation will cover different types of aviation fuel, risks linked to incorrect fuel or additives, preventive measures, and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF).

Evaluating Marketing Decision Systems Under Experimental Constraints, Vatsal Modi

AMTP Proceedings 2026

Marketing organizations increasingly rely on algorithmic decision systems to guide targeting, budget allocation, and personalization. While these systems are widely deployed, evaluating their incremental impact remains challenging when traditional experimentation approaches, such as geo-based or large-scale randomized tests, are infeasible due to operational, regulatory, or interference constraints. This study examines how marketing decision systems can be rigorously evaluated under such conditions. Drawing on recent advances in causal inference and marketing analytics, we develop a decision-centric evaluation framework that integrates synthetic control methods, quasi-experimental designs, and incrementality diagnostics to approximate counterfactual performance. The framework emphasizes methodological transparency, robustness checks, and practical …

International College Athletes’ Perceptions Of Nil And Its Impact On Their Experiences: A Theory Of Capital Approach., Jessica K. Brougham, Rebecca M. Achen

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

The name, image, and likeness (NIL) policy altered the landscape of college sports and provided college athletes with new opportunities to monetize their talents and personal brands. However, while the NCAA stated that all athletes would be able to participate in NIL deals and be compensated for the use of their NIL, international college athletes (ICAs) soon discovered they were restricted from participation while located in the U.S., due to their student visa status. Through nine semi-structured interviews of current and former ICAs we identified themes related to Bourdieu’s theory of social capital and Bauder’s theory of citizenship capital that …

Behind The Jersey: Exploring Athletic Identity And Depression In College Athletes, Matt A. Moore, Lana Loken, Anne Kelly, Mastano Nambiro Woleson Dzimbiri, Payton Bennett, Lawrence W. Judge

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

A significant increase in mental health concerns among college athletes has fueled interest in the impact of athletic identity on psychological outcomes. Research has produced mixed results regarding the association between athletic identity and mental health. This study sought to clarify this relationship and to improve our understanding of depression among NAIA college athletes, especially those who attach a great degree of importance and strength to the athlete’s role in relation to other activities. Voluntary college athletes aged 18-years-old or older and attending an NAIA member institution participated in the study (n = 361). They completed a web-based instrument that …

Florencia, Selina Samantha L. Chua, Denise Ysabel P. Cosio, Marian Aleia P. Gonzales, Jane Lyndi M. Gutierrez, Ruth Angelie B. Cruz

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Florencia, established in May 2024 as part of a business simulation project, is a business enterprise specializing in handmade, nature-inspired jewelry made from preserved flowers encased in resin. The business concept was developed after identifying a market gap, wherein such products are either limited in availability or positioned as high-priced items. Florencia seeks to address this by offering hypoallergenic, sustainable necklaces that reflect elegance while remaining accessible to a broader market. Florencia initially focuses on sales through bazaars at De La Salle University and online orders via Jotform. Marketing efforts include social media campaigns targeting consumers who value affordable and …

Brewed Hues: Sustainable Innovations In Art Supplies, Xander Yuri E. Abalos, Leov Justin V. Dalmacio, Drinnie F. Dioquino, Myco A. Lamano, Gian Lawrence R. Sontillano, Nerisse Estrada-Esguerra

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Established in May 2024, Brewed Hues is a social enterprise dedicated to rethinking art through sustainability. It provides handcrafted coffee-paint kits made through a VOC-free production process, limiting environmental damage while fostering creativity. The brand has utilized both Instagram marketing and events, such as ABM Bazaar, to connect and create genuine engagement with conscientious consumers. Brewed Hues, situated in the arts and crafts industry, is in a growth stage, having completed its first sales and currently diversifying its offerings with culturally themed designs and planning to upcycle used coffee grounds. Brewed Hues' innovation comes in the form of repurposing organic …

Duette, Ariane Gabrielle H. Atotubo, Mirari E. Gatus, Jayd Matthew R. Gomez, Amy Julia P. Ong, Chessica Fiona C. Sadey, Patrick R. Hariramani

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Duette was founded in 2024 by five senior high school students from De La Salle University-Manila to challenge the rise of fast fashion in the Philippine Fashion Industry by offering affordable, convertible women’s clothing that reduces waste and encourages mindful consumption. Currently in its early development stage, the brand has engaged in extensive product development and market analysis, promoting through social media campaigns and school bazaars. Duette’s flagship product, a 2-in-1 garment that transforms from a top into a skirt, caters to Filipino women aged 16 to 24 who are growing increasingly conscious of sustainability and value wardrobe versatility. The …

Blending Convenience With Style: Designing A Fashion-Forward Bottle Bag For The Modern Consumer, Ivie Nyrelle L. Adiong, Justyn Kenryk S. Ang, Amanda Justin B. Decano, Sophie Aleksa Maitim, Mary Therese G. Sevilla, Ruth Angelie B. Cruz

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

In June 2024, BottleRoo was established as a sole proprietorship in the bag industry with the mission of offering products that serve as unique solutions to everyday problems. With the release of its signature product, “The Bottle Bag”, the company introduces its innovative take on a water bottle bag, showcasing a fresh product that features adjustable straps and several insulated compartments, ensuring that it addresses the most commonly associated problems with carrying water bottles while utilizing a seamless design that blends both practicality and style. The company remains committed to its mission as it hopes to diversify its products later …

Young Professionals As Catalysts: Driving Innovation And Organizational Growth, Dolan Mcmillan, Kusai Contractor, Ryan Delves

Purdue Road School

Today’s young professionals (YPs) enter the workforce fluent in AI and digital tools, bringing fresh insight that reshapes how organizations make decisions and deliver projects. This session will explore how YPs apply classroom-taught technologies to real-world challenges—leading pilots, influencing business strategy, and fostering inclusive cultures. Through the lens of Organizational Citizenship Behavior, we’ll examine how YPs’ voluntary efforts—rooted in community, collaboration, and curiosity—are redefining innovation, leadership, and organizational growth across the transportation industry.

Sa Tingin Mo: The Effectiveness Of Disaster Risk Reduction Visual Aids Across Academic Institutions, Josiah Sebastian T. Cruz, Adrienne Sofia Danielle N. Recio, Luis Manuel M. Saputil, Kimi Angela T. Vega, Francheska Monique V. Velasco, Whizvir O. Gustilo

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Visual aids are vital components of disaster risk reduction as they actively disseminate important information on preparedness and responses in disasters. However, since no established standard for effective visual aids exists in the Philippines, information is at risk of being misinterpreted or misunderstood. The research aims to determine the effectiveness of visual aids in disaster risk reduction (DRR) within the academic institution setting in the Philippines. Specifically, it identifies interactive-based and interactional-based elements across various institutions and evaluates them according to international standards. A total of nineteen (19) publicly-sourced posters—published by five (5) select academic institutions—were used to determine effectiveness …

Orthogonal Memory Projection For Alignment In Stateful Generative Models, Neel Mohbe

Defensive Publications Series

A system and method is needed to mitigate potential alignment erosion in stateful generative models where continuous learning could alter pre-trained safety priors. The technology can introduce a parallel control architecture that may operate alongside a host model to help decouple learning capabilities from alignment constraints. The system can, for example, employ a dual intervention using a runtime residual correction interface to steer immediate output away from undesirable content, and an orthogonal memory projection interface to sanitize signals before they can be written to the model's persistent memory. By mathematically projecting undesirable components out of the memory-write signals, the system …

Adaptive Peer Hedging For Dynamic Tail Latency Control In Ml Inference Pipelines, Hao Qin

Defensive Publications Series

Method and system for reducing tail latency in machine learning inference pipelines are disclosed. The system includes a primary orchestrator configured to receive an inference request from a client tier component and dispatch the request to a primary execution pool. An adaptive delay controller computes a dynamic hedge delay by optimizing a joint objective balancing tail latency and duplicate execution cost. During the delay interval, a latency risk index (LRI) module computes a LRI using telemetry signals including queue gradients, stage timing deviations, peer load metrics, and network jitter. Upon delay expiry and elevated stall risk, the primary orchestrator forwards …

What’S Critical In Critical Media Literacy? Barriers And Good Practices In Adult Education, Stefanie Mayer, Stefanie Fridrik, Josef Mühlbauer, Brigitte Temel, Viktoria Eberhardt

Journal of Media Literacy Education Pre-Prints

While there is broad consensus regarding the social and educational need for CML, its actual didactic content and especially the meaning of ‘critical’ are far from clear. The article argues for a turn to educational practices. Findings are based on empirical research on adult education in Vienna (Austria) consisting mainly of interviews with expert-practitioners in the field of adult education and media and/or digital literacy. We confront academic definitions of the critical impetus of CML with an analysis of innovative projects, which were designed for accessibility and addressed learners facing high educational barriers. Our findings encourage a turn towards the …