Digital Commons Network^™

Successful Treatment Of Recalcitrant Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis With Dupilumab, Miguel Mansilla-Polo, Fernando Navarro-Blanco, Javier López-Davia, Rafael Botella-Estrada

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterised by the appearance of excoriated papules involving the face, neck, trunk, and root of limbs. It is a rare disease, and most treatments rely on reports of isolated cases or small case series. Numerous treatments have been employed throughout history, with variable effectiveness, including indomethacin, corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, dapsone, cyclosporine, tetracyclines, isotretinoin or narrowband ultraviolet B therapy. We report the successful treatment of a 77-year-old female patient who presented to a tertiary care hospital in Valencia, Spain, in 2024 with refractory EPF, which significantly affected her quality of life due …

Hegemonic Entrepreneurial Masculinities In Patriarchal Contexts: Exploring Men's Entrepreneurship In War-Torn Territories, Doaa Althalathini, Theodore A. Khoury, Nick Rumens

Business Faculty Publications and Presentations

This article examines how the war-torn context in Iraq has affected men’s entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial masculinities. Drawing on the entrepreneurship masculinities literature, Connell’s notion of hegemonic masculinity and in-depth interviews with 21 Iraqi men entrepreneurs, this article demonstrates the complex interplay between entrepreneurship, masculinity and patriarchal dynamics in the context of wars and economic instability in Iraq. Study findings show how Iraqi men often turn to entrepreneurship out of necessity to meet patriarchal expectations of them as primary providers for their families. We contribute to the literature on entrepreneurship, men and masculinities by demonstrating how entrepreneurship not only serves as …

Advancing Political Science With Machine Learning: A Gaussian Process Approach, Yehu Chen

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

The proliferation of data in recent decades including including survey, image and text data, has significantly transformed the landscape of political science research. Machine learning methods have played an instrumental role in analyzing these datasets, yet their application poses challenges in areas where political concepts are not directly measurable or the primary focus of inference is causality. In addition, the essence of machine learning algorithms being trained for prediction performance in a black-boxed manner, makes their outputs hardly interpretable and even unappreciated. This dissertation addresses these issues by proposing a novel methodological framework that employs Gaussian Process (GP) models, a …

Accounting For Stillbirths In Maternal Health Metrics: A Cross-Country Analysis Research In Context, Ursula Gazeley, Hallie Eilerts-Spinelli, Joshua Wilde, Hannah Blencowe, Li Liu, Wendy Graham, Veronique Filippi

Publications, Reports and Presentations

Background: Live birth is only one of four potential pregnancy outcomes, alongside stillbirth, miscarriage, and induced abortion. While morbidity and mortality associated with all pregnancy outcomes are included in the numerator of many maternal metrics, often only live births are included in the denominator. This inconsistency makes interpreting trends challenging and may exacerbate the deprioritisation of monitoring other pregnancy outcomes. We assess the effect of using (1) total births (live births and stillbirths) or (2) total pregnancies (total births plus miscarriages/induced abortions) as the denominator on estimates of maternal and pregnancy-related mortality ratios (MMR and PRMR). Methods: Using data from …

Religious Identity, Linked Fate, And Political Ideology: Explaining Civil Rights Philanthropy Among Muslim And Jewish Americans, Rafeel Wasif, Afshan Paarlberg, Shariq Siddiqui, David King

Public Administration Faculty Publications and Presentations

Social identity theory predicts that individuals prefer to give to people with the same identity as themselves. However, individuals have multiple identities that interact simultaneously. For instance, religion is an essential identity for many individuals, particularly those from racialized minority groups, such as Muslims and Jews, who are often discriminated against due to these identities. Moreover, individuals like to support faith-based causes. However, they may also feel that they have a linked fate identity, where they perceive a commonality with other persecuted minorities due to similar experiences of discrimination. Moreover, political ideology is another vital identity marker for many individuals. …

Replicating Associative Learning Of Rodents With A Neuromorphic Robot In An Open-Field Arena, Tianze Liu, Kang Jun Bai, Hongyu An

Michigan Tech Publications

This study emulates associative learning in rodents by using a neuromorphic robot navigating an open-field arena. The goal is to investigate how biologically inspired neural models can reproduce animal-like learning behaviors in real-world robotic systems. We constructed a neuromorphic robot by deploying computational models of spatial and sensory neurons onto a mobile platform. Different coding schemes—rate coding for vibration signals and population coding for visual signals—were implemented. The associative learning model employs 19 spiking neurons and follows Hebbian plasticity principles to associate visual cues with favorable or unfavorable locations. Our robot successfully replicated classical rodent associative learning behavior by memorizing …

Modeling Reemergence Of Vaccine-Eliminated Infectious Diseases Under Declining Vaccination In The Us, Mathew V Kiang, Kate M Bubar, Yvonne Maldonado, Peter J Hotez, Nathan C Lo

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Importance: Widespread childhood vaccination has eliminated many infectious diseases in the US. However, vaccination rates are declining, and there are ongoing policy debates to reduce the childhood vaccine schedule, which may risk reemergence of previously eliminated infectious diseases.

Objective: To estimate the number of cases and complications in the US under scenarios of declining childhood vaccination for measles, rubella, poliomyelitis, and diphtheria.

Design, setting, and participants: A simulation model was used to assess the importation and dynamic spread of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases across 50 US states and the District of Columbia. The model was parameterized with data on area-specific estimates …

"Mattering" Is The Foundation Of Identifying 'What Matters' In Patient Care, Kieran Green, John Downey, Sheena Asthana, Joanne Watson

School of Nursing and Midwifery

No abstract provided.

Autistic Traits In Fibromyalgia Are Associated With Hypersensitivity And Central Sensitisation, Helen Johnston, Alison Bacon

School of Psychology

Fibromyalgia presents with symptoms of central sensitisation (CS). Allodynia is the defining symptom, with evidence for general hypersensitisation extending beyond the pain symptoms that characterise fibromyalgia, to sensory and psychological domains. Generalised sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) may increase vulnerability to hypersensitisation; while a direct association exists between sensory sensitivity and autistic traits in autistic people, CS symptoms are also associated with autistic traits in a broader participant sample. This study complements previous lines of enquiry by examining the relationship between SPS, CS symptoms and autistic traits in samples with and without fibromyalgia. It proposes that SPS is indirectly associated with …

A Road Map For Uniform, Comprehensive Long-Term Follow-Up After Curative Therapy For Sickle Cell Disease, Shalini Shenoy, Julie Kanter, Adetola Kassim, Courtney Fitzhugh, Elizabeth Stenger, Monica Bhatia, Lydia Pecker, Lakshmanan Krishnamurti, Allison A King

2020-Current year OA Pubs

An increasing number of allogeneic transplant and autologous gene modification transplant therapies seek to eradicate sickle hemoglobin and the consequent hemolysis, vasculopathy, functional compromise, morbidity, and mortality. Because these modalities are used in parallel, it is important to be able to define the spectrum and stability of correction, long-term effects, and the pros and cons of each modality. A comparison between interventions that will be sought by providers and patients undergoing intervention requires uniform assessments that evaluate disease- and intervention-related effects for informed decision-making. This expert summary outlines a pathway to functional evaluations with timing recommendations, provides broad management guidelines, …

Tune-Able, Piezoelectric Acoustic Source, Baker Hughes Company

Defensive Publications Series

Piezo-electric devices are widely used, in static as well as dynamic applications. This invention disclosure is concerned with dynamic applications, that involve the use of a piezo stack. A piezo stack is an electro-mechanical device that converts electrical in mechanical energy or vice versa. It is characterized by one or more resonance frequencies that depend on the physical properties of the piezo stack. However, these properties depend on how the piezo stack is configured exactly. Since this configuration can be changed ‘on the fly’ (i.e., during operation), we can use one single piezo stack to operate at different resonance frequencies. …

Proactive Personal Safety Systems Using Artificial Intelligence, Sumukh Ashok Shevde, Kamran Mustafa, Abhijit Adsule

Defensive Publications Series

This document describes techniques that enable a mobile computing device (e.g., a smartphone, smart watch, wearable device, augmented reality glasses, vehicle infotainment system, etc.) to generate context data (e.g., location data, movement patterns, audio data, biometrics, traffic hazards, recent crimes, etc.) for use by a proactive personal safety system. The proactive personal safety system may include an intelligent software agent (e.g., artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning model, etc.) hosted locally on the mobile computing device, on a companion device (e.g., tethered smartphone), on a cloud server, etc. The mobile computing device may continuously monitor diverse environmental factors and user behavior …

Thermochemical Conversion Of Oily Sludge, Composition, Hazards, And Treatment Strategies: An Overview, Mahmod A. Abdulqader

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Oily sludge (OS) is considered one of the most complex by-products produced in the petroleum industry as an unwanted. This work aims to provide a comprehensive review focused on the dangers of stockpiled OS, its sources and contents, as well as its complex composition. This study also analyzes the global annual generation and stockpiling quantities of OS. Therefore, the thermochemical conversion, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) char produced via HTC called hydrochar, pyrolysis (PY) char produced via PY named pyro-char, and microwave (MW) processes, while the char produced MW labeled micro-char. In conclusion, this study will facilitate researchers and provide a clear …

University As A Platform: Systems And Platform Thinking For Business Model Innovation And Ai Transformation In Higher Education, Evangelos Katsamakas, Oleg V. Pavlov

Northeast Journal of Complex Systems (NEJCS)

Higher education institutions (HEIs), such as colleges and universities, face many challenges and competitive pressures and must innovate. How can ideas from complexity and a systems approach help a HEI understand how it creates value and potentially drive business model innovation? This article provides a university-as-a-platform (UaaP) framework that integrates platform thinking and systems thinking to help HEIs think about value creation, innovation, and the design of new business models. Platform thinking is used to provide a platform conceptualization of the university and define the framework's main elements. A HEI creates value by facilitating the participation and value-creating interactions of …

Agent-Based Modeling To Stress Test New York State Healthcare Robustness, Brandon Bedenbedner

Northeast Journal of Complex Systems (NEJCS)

This study presents an agent-based model (ABM) to assess the resilience of New York State’s healthcare system during public health crises. The model simulates patient interactions, disease spread, and resource allocation, identifying critical vulnerabilities and evaluating strategies to avoid system collapse. Simulation results indicate that with just 10\% of the population infected, hospitals statewide can reach full capacity within ten days, causing significant care delays and an estimated 32,104 deaths within a 30-day period.

Sensitivity analysis revealed infection rates, base mortality, and travel-related delays as primary drivers of system outcomes. These findings highlight the critical need for expanded surge capacity, …

Into The Spectrum: Investigating The Range Of Color Vision In The Foraging Behavior Of Diacamma Rugosum (Asian Bullet Ants), Manjho Aron Ricalde Broniola, Ethan Jay Ocampo Dayandante, Patricia Erin Denosta Sotto

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Ants showcase that size does not always matter. Through their small stature, they continue surviving in the land they live in, continuously being resourceful for their colony. In their colonial structure rises a matriarchal system led by queen ants, serving as the heart of their operation. Each ant serves their purpose of building, hunting, and growing their colony. Through this, they ensure their community remains strong and birth new generations that will serve the queen. The secret behind this seemingly perfect operation is their seamless ability to communicate. They used their heightened senses to communicate danger, routes, and food sources …

Physicochemical Properties Of Squash (Cucurbita Maxima L.) Seeds For Biodiesel Production, Frances Sofia A. Maddela, Lea Rose P. Inoval, Keightleen Faye L. Nicolas, Randolph M. Rosales, Hanz Hilary Villareal, Krishedd Champion M. Ocson, Mark Brandon U. Kahulugan, Alyanna Faye O. Huet, Kirsten Luv Loyola, Princess Neilyn Joy E. Mabajen

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

This study explores the potential of squash (Cucurbita maxima L.) seeds, an underutilized agricultural waste product, as a feedstock for biodiesel production. The resulting biodiesel was compared to a conventional biodiesel from a waste soya bean cooking oil, focusing on the parameters of kinematic viscosity and flashpoint. A 1:10 (w/v) sample-to-solvent ratio was utilized through Soxhlet extraction, followed by rotary evaporation to maximize oil extraction. Subsequently, acid-base titration determines the oil’s Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content to be 2.08%, indicating its suitability for base-catalyzed transesterification. A stoichiometric minimum oil-to-methanol ratio of 1:3 and 1% w/w sodium methoxide as the catalyst …

Analysis Of Ghg Emissions From Local Coconut-Based Biodiesel Supply Chain In Luzon Area Of The Philippines, Andre F. Bacod, Dmitri John A. Omahoy, Derrick Francis F. Pua, Jose Antonio M. Vidal, Jeremias A. Gonzaga

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

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

Pinenergy: A Sustainable Bio-Piezoelectric Generator From Queen Pineapple Crown Leaves (Ananas Comosus [Linn.] Merr.) For Energy Generation, Harvesting, And Conversion, Angelyzha Julienne V. Carpio, Rhionna Marie M. Mayor, Mark Cyril C. Brazil

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Energy is one of the necessities in life. The Philippines has abundant energy resources; however, as the energy demand increases, energy reserves are diminishing faster than they can be replenished, and alternatives remain underutilized due to cost and ethical challenges, resulting in a shortage in energy production. To combat this, bio-piezoelectricity, which transforms mechanical forces into electrical energy through an organic material, offers a secure substitute for current energy resources. This study aims to determine the efficacy of queen pineapple crown leaves (QPCL) as a bio-piezoelectric generator in energy generation, harvesting, and conversion efficiency. The leaves served as the primary …

Kasambahay Ako!: Exploring The Dynamics Between Domestic Workers’ Perceived Social Role And Personal Agency, Charmi Ysabella S. Onia, Justin Kobe T. Atianzar, Alyssa Jaye J. Azcarraga, Jaime Luis R. Hebron

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Filipino domestic workers, known as kasambahays, fulfill essential societal roles while navigating social positions. Despite legal frameworks like the Kasambahay Law, the dynamic and evolving relationship between their perceived social role and personal agency remains an underexplored area. This phenomenological study delves into the lived experiences of kasambahays in the Laguna province to understand how they perceive their social position, exercise agency, and navigate the intricate interaction between these dimensions. Using purposive sampling, conversational interviews (Pakikipagkuwentuhan) were conducted with four female domestic workers with at least five years of experience. Thematic analysis, guided by self-determination theory and social role theory, …

The Power Of Influence: A Thematic Analysis Of Tiktok Content On Restaurant Perceptions, Calvin Kurt Bugayong Ocampo, Marcos Zheng Yang Barsena Lee, Dean Xyram Oblea Ruiz, Dastin M. Tabajunda

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

With the massive rise in popularity that social media has gained in recent years, platforms like TikTok have experienced exponential growth. The search interest for TikTok has increased by a staggering 227% in the past five years (Howarth, 2024). As TikTok’s short-form content dominates the digital space, product and restaurant reviews have become a staple on users’ “For You” pages. Despite this trend, there is limited research on how food influencers shape public perception through persuasive speech. This study addresses that gap by using thematic analysis to examine the rhetorical strategies employed by influencers in TikTok restaurant reviews. The research …

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

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

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

Digital Feasts And Cultural Narratives: Analyzing Eating Practices And Audience Responses In Filipino Mukbang Content, Felicia Phen P. Labrador, Marison Claire B. Aristorenas, Miel Alaena S. Frias

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Mukbang is a digital eating broadcast that originated in South Korea. Over the years, it has gained popularity in the Philippines. Filipino mukbang content creators not only entertain but also showcase local food, traditions, and social values, while engaging with their audience. This study explores how eating behaviors are portrayed in Filipino mukbang content and how viewers respond to them, aiming to uncover the cultural and psychological implications of this digital trend. Using a qualitative netnographic approach, researchers analyzed the top 15 most-viewed mukbang videos by Filipino content creators on YouTube. Through semiotic analysis and deductive content analysis, the researchers …

Unraveling Greenwashing Awareness: A Narrative Case Study Among Miriam College High School Students, Mica Adriana C. Nangpi, Kelcy Reign R. Cruz, Romina Alyssandra Reyes, Elisha N. Espina, Leanne C. Romales

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Greenwashing is a deceptive marketing tactic involving false eco-friendly claims regarding products or services. Since this topic is not well-versed, especially within the high school student context, this study aims to assess the greenwashing awareness of Miriam College High School (MCHS) students and the factors that contribute to it. This was done by utilizing a focus group discussion (FGD) as the main data gathering instrument, with a pre-survey beforehand to classify which focus group the students belong to. After conducting focus group discussions, the significant factors that lead to high and low greenwashing awareness were identified; for those with high …

Paper From Food Waste: Replacing Protective Packaging In Online Shopping With Allium Sativum (Garlic) Peels, Sakura C. Alangui, Rachelle D. Dangilan, Sophia A. Nolasco, Angelina P. Ruebe, Ariston F. Zaparita

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

The environmental impact of plastic packaging is a growing global concern, with the rise of online shopping and its dependence on single-use plastics like bubble wrap. This study explores the potential of Allium sativum (garlic) peels, an agricultural byproduct, as a sustainable alternative to protective packaging. Specifically, this study tests the effectiveness of garlic peels as a protective paper packaging in terms of durability and biodegradability, compares it to commercial protective packaging, and assesses its acceptability among local businesses. This paper found that It is more environmentally friendly and with improvements in its durability, the market acceptance will enhance. It …

Self-Reflexive Vs. Engaged Senior High School Students Of Adamson University: Levels Of Social Consciousness And The Intensity Of Relational Aggression Towards Brand Boycotting, Savannah Nicole L. Granado, Anne Lizette C. Rago, John Ren L. Elamparo, Eunyce Jezreel M. Delos Reyes, Angeline L. Evangelista, Lara Julianne M. Rodenas, Lizethe Zabdiel B. Rosario, Amiella S. Fabriaga, Rael Adrian L. Alvarez, Lorenzo Matteo M. Caballa, Shelyn Cornel B. Mijares, Jasmin Faith F. Dumalanta, Emo Nabby C. De Guzman

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Brand boycotting is a form of non-violent protest that refers to people refraining from buying a product from a brand that does not align with their morals and values. There is still a significant gap in the level of social consciousness and the intensity of relational aggression of Senior High School Students in Adamson University and its correlation, to which this study aims. The study used a correlational design to assess the relationship between the two variables without manipulating it, wherein the results indicated that the respondents have a low self-reflexivity and are moderately disengaged. However, the respondents slightly lean …

Leadership In Action: Understanding The Impact Of Sangguniang Kabataan On Community Development Of Sarrat, Aisen Rone Eirholf Laguna Baluan, Charize Mae Baluran Carurucan

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

This study explores the role of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in fostering youth leadership, participatory governance, and community development in Barangays 20 and 22, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. Rooted in Republic Act No. 10742, the SK serves as a platform for empowering young Filipinos to contribute to society. The research assesses the impact of SK-led initiatives in leadership, education, and community service, while identifying challenges and evaluating collaborations with local organizations. A qualitative design was employed using open-ended questionnaires with SK officials and Katipunan ng Kabataan (KK) members. Data was analyzed through thematic analysis, revealing key themes: leadership development, civic engagement, …

Love And Lust: A Philosophical Assessment Of The Morality Of Watching Pornography In Romantic Relationships Through Aristotle’S Concept 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

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

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 …

Voices From The Highlands: Advocacy Efforts Of Cordilleran Indigenous People Activists Against Large-Scale Mining, Ashley Margarette R. Soliba, Laarnie M. Tininggal, Shifra Yumi C. Peralta, Jodelyn B. Thomas, Angeli Veniss N. Montano

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Abstract: While much attention has been given to the effects of development projects on Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the Cordillera region, limited research focuses specifically on large-scale mining and the advocacy efforts of IP activists resisting these destructive operations. This study addresses this gap by examining the motivations, methods of advocacy, and impacts of IP activism against large-scale mining in the Cordillera. The research aims to understand the factors surrounding IP activism against large-scale mining, including environmental, health, economic, and cultural concerns. Using a qualitative approach, data was collected through in-depth interviews with IP activists and analyzed thematically. The study …

Predicting Energy Consumption Trends In The Philippines (2025-2030) Using Machine Learning Models, Christine Angeline F. Vermudo, Hannah Ashley A. Mendoza, Angelica Nicole B. Constantino, Rhian Consuelo C. Ledesma

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Energy security remains a significant concern for the Philippines amid rising demand, growing population, and continuous modernization. With the history of the Philippines’ problems in energy, attention to energy is necessary. With this, the study aims to forecast the Philippines' possible annual energy consumption from 2025 to 2030, considering population growth as a potential variable influencing the Philippines’ projected energy consumption trends. The study employs a machine learning approach using the linear regression model, which was the model with the best performance in forecasting future energy consumption based on MATLAB’s Linear Regression Learner app. Prior to forecasting, historical data from …