Digital Commons Network^™

But Their Emails! Investigating Ideological Language Signatures In Presidential Campaign Emails And Text Messages, Jordan L. Thompson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Although emails and text messages are important means of connecting voters with political candidates, the content of political campaign emails and text messages is understudied. The purpose of these studies is to identify linguistic patterns in candidate emails and texts from the 2024 US presidential election (Study 1) and to determine which linguistic styles are most convincing to readers (Study 2). I examined the linguistic trends in campaign emails and text messages using Linguistic Inquiry Word Count, random forests, and Structural Topic Modeling. Democratic messages had higher LIWC dictionary scores for cognitive processes and word count, providing potential evidence for …

Role Congruence Meets Feminist Identity: Disaggregating Causes Of The Double Bind On Women Political Candidates, Sarah Shair-Rosenfield, Melody E. Valdini, Jeanette Morehouse Mendez, Tracy Osborn

Politics and Global Affairs Faculty Publications and Presentations

Studies in social psychology and political science have noted the negative impact of the “double bind” facing women leaders and candidates, which suggests that women must demonstrate both masculine and feminine attributes in order to achieve the same success as men can achieve by demonstrating only masculine attributes. Less attention has focused on how feminist identity conditions these evaluations. We focus on whether individuals’ evaluations of men and women are affected by (1) the gendered attributes associated with a candidate and (2) feminist identity. Using data from an original survey experiment in the US, we investigate the relationship between respondents’ …

Disability, Inclusion And Language-In-Education Policy In The Global South: The Colombian Context, Rosa Dene David, Kimberley Brown

Applied Linguistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper calls for a shift related to English language-in-education policy and inclusive education initiatives in Colombia to ensure that English language learners with disabilities receive equitable and inclusive classroom instruction that is context-appropriate. We call for English language initiatives and policies to draw from theories and practices from both the Global South and the Global North in order to teach towards inclusive education. Trends in both English language teaching and inclusive education have drawn upon the Global North for solutions, which cannot be systemised to fit one international standard. Instead, using the Colombian context as an example, the present …

Making Sense Of The Body: Cognitive Science, Disability, And Embodiment, Cheyne L. Joslin

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project is to analyze different methodological approaches in the philosophy of cognitive science, with the goal of determining their usefulness for explaining and understanding bodily awareness and skill-acquisition over time. The examples of skill-acquisition are limited to motor control, impaired by various kinds of disability—but then acquired over time, via technological or rehabilitative means. These phenomena of motor learning are then viewed through the lens of two competing theoretical approaches in cognitive science: neuromechanical cognitive science, and radical enactivist cognitive science.

The strengths of the neuromechanical framework are found in its historical pedigree, and in the …

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

Opulace, Charisse Isabel V. Alagar, Michael Andre M. Mempin, Kristianna N. Naron, Zei Alexa S. Salazar, Christine A. Maranon

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Opulace is a student-led business founded in October 2024. It responds to the increased demand among Generation Z consumers for stylish, affordable accessories or ‘anik-aniks.’ The brand sells shoe charms, shoe chains, and mesh shoelaces, offering customers jewelry for leveling up their fashion in a unique manner: by adorning their footwear. Operating as a sole proprietorship, Opulace is controlled by four founders: Zei Salazar (General Manager), Andre Mempin (Operations Manager), Kristianna Naron (Finance Manager), and Charisse Alagar (Marketing Manager), whose positions align with their respective strengths. Mentors Chester Lin, Christine Marañon, and Norie Ecija support the team and provide strategic …

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 …

Rethinking The Revolution: Reimagining The Relationship Between People And Power Through Rousseau’S General Will, Avah Jimaria N. Marzan, Terrence Luis M. Reyes, Miguel Jae P. Asido, Ma. Angelica Therese Soriano Abiera, Armione Kiera M. Magadia, Kataryna Theriz M. Dato-On, Naoemi Mikka Ella Weill

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

The 1986 EDSA Revolution was a pivotal moment in Philippine history, where Filipinos united to oppose the tyranny under the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.. However, the country still faces long-term instabilities in its aftermath. Thus, by accounting for the facets contributing to the discourse of the general will, the paper examines EDSA through Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s theory to ascertain whether political rallies are compatible under a social contract—an agreement concerning individuals’ rights and responsibilities to stimulate respectful coexistence and law adherence. This paper argues that political rallies are compatible if they uphold the general will and when the …

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 …

The Role Of Social Media In Philippine Disaster Management: A Systematic Literature Review, Maxim Alexandrite V. Inoferio, Rich Angelo P. Santos, Henry Joshua A. Hernandez, Jeyson T. Taeza

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Despite the Philippines being one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, research on the role of social media in its disaster risk management remains limited. This study addresses this gap through a systematic review of existing literature on social media use in Philippine disaster risk management. The analysis is framed within the context of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and its four thematic areas: Prevention and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Rehabilitation and Recovery, which guide disaster risk reduction efforts in the country. Results show that social media is primarily employed in response to typhoons and earthquakes, …

“Neither Living Nor Dead”: From Nazgûl To The Sídhe In Tolkien's The Fellowship Of The Ring (1954), Noelia Ramos

Journal of Tolkien Research

This study explores the influence of Celtic supernatural folklore, particularly the banshee tradition, on Tolkien’s depiction of the Nazgûl in The Fellowship of the Ring. Using W.B. Yeats’ Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry (1888) and the Celtic Twilight movement as a comparative framework, it analyses “A Short Cut to Mushrooms” and “A Knife in the Dark”, focusing on liminality, spectral presence, and supernatural dread. These parallels are further contextualised through reference to early Irish texts The Táin Bó Cúailnge and The Boyhood Deeds of Fionn, central works within the Celtic literary compilation known to Tolkien …

Facing The Constitution: How Facial Recognition Technology Threatens Fourth Amendment Protections And Deepens Racial Inequality, Bailey Mandell

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights and Social Justice (ERSJ) Blog

It is very unlikely you have ever consented to a police lineup. Yet if you have a driver’s license or a social media account, you may already be in one. A new kind of digital lineup has emerged, one that never ends and requires neither your knowledge nor consent. Facial recognition technology (“FRT”)is a biometric identification method that creates a digital template of a person’s face using measurements such as the distance between the eyes, the width of the nose, the length of the jawline, and the shape of the cheekbones. Algorithms then compare that template either to a second …

Keirkegaard And The Algorithm, John Egan

Philosophy Student Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Analyzing Methods To Support Students Left Behind In Colorado Primary/Secondary Schools, Grace Hudson

Undergraduate Theses, Capstones, and Recitals

In the United States, there has been an increase of deportations, since 2024, of undocumented immigrants. This has disproportionally affected Mexicans and others from Latin American countries (Dreby 2012) due to them being the largest group of undocumented people in the United States. One effect of these deportations is an increase in children that are left in the United States while their parent(s) are in detention or have been deported. Some of these children are in mixed-status families, which means that the child has a different citizenship status than their parents or other members in their family, which allows for …

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 …