Digital Commons Network^™

A Medical Home: How Pediatrics Challenges Systemic Barriers Through Relationships And Time., Doris Serrano , ‘26

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

No abstract provided.

Beyond Algorithmic Equality, Tatiana Dancy

Northwestern Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property

Algorithms can predict the risk that a given offender will reoffend, on the basis of statistical observations about the relationship between certain attributes and proxies for criminal behavior (e.g., arrest or conviction). These predictions inform a range of decisions within the realm of criminal justice across the world, including sentencing, security classification, and parole. The variables that can increase an individual’s risk score, which are not widely publicized by those who develop or use risk tools, include financial stress, the criminality of friends or family, parental neglect, and experiences of domestic violence. In this way, algorithms may treat individuals as …

Measuring Legal Importance: From Case Citations To Linguistic Shifts, Bao Kham Chau

Northwestern Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property

This Article introduces a novel empirical method for measuring judicial importance beyond traditional metrics, such as citation counts, which often undervalue decisions that shape legal practice without generating extensive case law. Drawing on techniques from computational text analysis, it proposes linguistic shifts—systematic changes in the length, language, and structure of legal documents—as an alternative proxy for a judicial opinion’s legal significance.

The Article applies this method to a case study involving Blackboard, Inc. v. Desire2Learn, Inc., 574 F.3d 1371 (Fed. Cir. 2009), a Federal Circuit decision that has received relatively little attention under conventional citation-based measures. By programmatically analyzing …

Und Leads Outreach Event Posters, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Implementation Documents

Poster materials prepared for the March 2026 UND LEADS outreach event. The presentation supports LEADS storytelling and campus engagement by presenting visual materials connected to UND LEADS implementation and the plan’s core values.

Und Leads Event Stories: Service, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Implementation Documents

No abstract provided.

Is Nostalgia The Hidden Mechanic Of Mmorpgs?, Zoee Sowders

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

Since the advent of online gaming, MMORPG video games have allowed players to socialize and collaborate within the bounds of a virtual world. For many, these online worlds were an escape from their daily lives, a place where they could meet people with similar interests and embark on adventures impossible in real life.1 While many of the early MMORPG games faded into obscurity after the genre lost its shiny new sparkle, there are still a handful today that maintain player counts in the millions even after nearly two decades of operation. Specifically, World of Warcraft, Runescape, and Final Fantasy XIV …

2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Keynote Lecture, Madiba Dennie

Villanova Law Review (1956 - )

No abstract provided.

Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Pathologic Breakdown Of One Of Neuro-Oncology's Greatest Challenges, Rosemary Westphal, Ms

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common adult primary tumor with a grim median survival time of 14.6 months. It is characterized by rapid progression, diffuse infiltration, and rather poor clinical outcomes. The WHO classifies GBM as a grade 4 diffuse astrocytic tumor with distinctive histopathological features including high mitotic activity, marked cellular atypia, microvascular proliferation, and necrosis. Advances in molecular diagnostics have further classified GMB into IDH-wild type and IDH-mutant subtypes, with important therapeutic and prognostic implications. Key genetic alterations, such as EGFR amplification, PTEN loss, TP53 mutations, TERT promoter mutations, and MGMT methylations, have been identified as contributing to …

Predicting Ventilation From Single Breathing Phase Non-Contrast Ct Using Swin Transformers, Yi-Kuan Liu, Hsu-Ting Kuo, Alaa Melek, Richard Castillo, Yevgeniy Vinogradskiy, Lili Zhao, Girish Nair, Edward Castillo

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary ventilation imaging enables functional avoidance radiotherapy treatment plans by quantifying regional lung function. However, current clinical standards, such as 99𝑚Tc-based single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), rely on radioactive tracers, which can introduce imaging deposition artifacts. CT ventilation imaging (CTVI) methods based on both physical models and deep learning approaches currently require multiple CT images as input, such as the inhale/exhale phases of a 4DCT. While the theoretical foundation of physics-based CTVI is built on multi-phase information, the feasibility of single-phase deep learning CTV models has not been determined.

PURPOSE: While deep learning methods have predicted SPECT ventilation from …

Yield And Agronomic Response Of Maize (Zea Mays L.) To Municipal Organic Waste-Derived Biochar Amended With Vermiculite Or Gypsum And Npk Fertilization, Umar Kyari Wulgo, Samir Gamil Al-Solaimani, Khurram Shahzad, Mohamed Hassan Abd El-Wahed, Muhammad Imtiaz Rashid

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Meteorology, Environment and Arid Land Agriculture

This study investigated the influence of biochar, produced from municipal organic waste, amended with either vermiculite or gypsum, and varying rates of NPK fertilizer on the agronomic response and yield performance of maize (Zea mays L.). A field experiment using a split-plot design was conducted across two growing seasons (2023 and 2024), with NPK fertilizer rates (150, 300, and 600 kg/ha) as the main plots and eight different biochar formulations as the subplots. The key agronomic parameters measured were fresh biomass, cob dry weight, shelling percentage, and harvest index. The findings revealed that vermiculite biochar and gypsum biochar …

Chopchop: The Digital Cookbook, Dominc Mcdevitt, Shane Misley, Katie Cerda, Kobie Henson, Adolfo Duran

Presentations - 2026

Problem With traditional recipe organization methods,

● Recipes are scattered across paper, PDFs, Word docs, and notes

● Paper recipes can be lost, damaged, or left at home

● Digital recipes are difficult to edit, store, and organize

● Manually typing or updating recipes is time-consuming

● Sharing recipes is inconvenient and often confusing

● Limited or inconsistent cloud access reduces accessibility

● Formatting is messy and inconsistent across platforms

● No simple, centralized system for managing recipes

Budgeting Apps, Financial Literacy, And Financial Control, Max Masabo, Abdullah Mohammad Mahi

Presentations - 2026

Our paper shows the real hidden connections between budgeting app usage and financial wellbeing of U.S Households

The Acute Effects Of Heat Exposure On Cognitive Function, René Barbier

Presentations - 2026

Passive heat exposure negatively impacts: •Executive function & response inhibition •Attention & processing speed •Workplace productivity

Older adults face heightened vulnerability to cognitive decline under heat stress (Schlader et al., 2015).

Who is most affected?

•Outdoor & industrial workers •Athletes training in summer heat •First responders (firefighters, EMTs) •Older adults with thermoregulatory decline

San Antonio context: persistent summers, growing population, occupational health implications.

Match-A-Fit, Adan Diaz De Leon, Juan Marco Saca Dada, Brianna Mendoza, Arsalan Kataneh, Theophile Nsabimana, Pedro Jacobo

Presentations - 2026

Welcome to Match-a-Fit! Match-a-Fit is an iOS application that allows the user to create a digital closet by uploading images of their clothing items. With AI, the program can generate outfits based on the digital closet, the time, and the occasion. Match-a-Fit’s purpose is designed to help users who struggle to get ready, run out of time, or can’t decide on an outfit, by easily generating outfit options based on the occasion.

Cure Sound Project: Library Loudness, Jordan Cosgrove, Adrian Cruz, Lilliana Cantu, Izabella Grinnell, Idaly Oropeza, Maria Gamez, Regina Losoya, Kayla Martinez, April Martinez, Emiliano Rueda

Posters - 2026

The Louis J. Blume Library has three floors. Each floor has a different purpose and expected sound level. Ideal sound levels can vary based on task. Tasks requiring intense concentration may be negatively impacted by high sound levels1. However, for tasks requiring creativity, higher sound levels may be beneficial2-3. The purpose of this study is to examine noise levels on all floors of the library and determine which floor is most suitable for different tasks and studying types.

Ai Vs. Human Imagery In Advertising: Do Consumers Care?, Belyn Thompson

Posters - 2026

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming digital marketing, with AI-generated images increasingly used in advertising and brand communication. While these visuals allow companies to reduce costs and experiment with creative ideas, it remains unclear how consumers perceive AI-generated content compared to human-created visuals. Advances in platforms such as DALL-E and Midjourney have made AI images more realistic and difficult to distinguish, raising questions about transparency and ethical disclosure in advertising. This study examines how AI-generated images and disclosure strategies influence consumer perceptions, including purchase intent, aesthetic appeal, and perceived realism across different product categories.

A Qualitative Examination Of Mentoring Practices For First-Generation, Low-Income Stem Students Through A Critical Intersectionality Lens, Christina Torres Garcia, Laura Zamudio-Orozco, Martin Meraz Garcia

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of Arts and Humanities

This study examines the mentoring experiences of first-generation, lowincome, and underrepresented students in STEM through the lens of Critical Intersectional Mentoring (CIM). Drawing on testimonios from McNair Scholars, this study identifies the systemic barriers and power dynamics that shape mentoring relationships and limit academic success. Traditional mentorship models often ignore intersecting identities, leading to experiences of marginalization, mentor absenteeism, and cultural disconnection. The CIM framework integrates Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality, and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy to reframe mentoring as a social justice practice grounded in equity, empowerment, and relational trust. Using qualitative content analysis of pláticas, the study uncovers three key …

Maddenlite, Sergio Pena

Posters - 2026

Sports simulations often rely on opaque, proprietary algorithms (like EA's Madden NFL). MaddenLite bridges the gap between sports analytics and interactive gaming by utilizing historical NFL Play-by-Play (PBP) data to drive a transparent, mathematically accurate simulation engine. The goal was to create a lightweight, UI-driven desktop application where users can simulate cross-era matchups (e.g., 2007 Patriots vs. 2025 Chiefs), manipulate rosters, and simulate entire seasons complete with official NFL tiebreaker protocols.

Turn Out, Having Latinx Faculty Doesn't Mean The School Sucks: The Faux Relationship Between Latinx Saturation Rate And Institutional Prestige, Julianne Pena

Posters - 2026

• 25% or more full time students that are of Latinx decent (U.S. Department of Education) • Since 1992, enrollment and attendance of students increased (Vela & Gutierrez, 2017) • Latinx students more likely to enroll in HSIs over non HSIs (Vargas et al., 2019) • Latinx faculty to Latinx students 146:1, White faculty to White students 10:1 (Vargas et al., 2019) • Overrepresentation of White faculty and Underrepresentation of Latinx faculty (Robertson, 2023) • Diverse faculty is impactful (Contreras, 2017; Dayton et al., 2004; Turner & Gonzales, 2014) Purpose: The purpose of this topic is to bring awareness to …

Foxbuddy, Luis Eduardo Garza Jr.

Posters - 2026

Emergency preparedness remains a significant challenge for individuals due to disorganized resource management and lack of accessible guidance. Additionally, cybersecurity risks during emergencies are often overlooked, leaving individuals vulnerable to digital threats such as phishing, scams, and data exposure. FoxBuddy provides a centralized, user-friendly platform that enhances both physical preparedness and cybersecurity awareness.

Evaluation Of An Affordable Prosthetic Liner In Resource Limited Settings, Samerial Brown

Posters - 2026

The lower limb prosthesis is an important assistive technology for persons with limb amputations and differences. The interface (prosthetic liner) between the rigid prosthetic socket and the residual limb is often made of silicone, urethane or thermoplastic elastomer gel. This material provides cushioning and support as well as suspension for the transtibial (below knee) prosthetic leg. Unfortunately the cost of liners range from $3-$600. This cost precludes its use in resource limited settings such as Sri Lanka. As a result patients are fit with a foam liner which has less cushioning and suspension capabilities than a gel type liner. This …

Optimizing Retail Grocery Inventory Using Ai And Large Language Models: Evidence On Forecast Accuracy, Waste Reduction, And Cost Efficiency, Robert Miller, Stephen Garcia, Brandon Ermis

Posters - 2026

Aim: To evaluate how AI and LLMs improve forecasting accuracy, reduce waste, and enhance inventory decision-making

Agglomeration Of Particles Streaming Down A Zigzag, Juan Llamas

Posters - 2026

Zigzags or “letdown ladders” limit the flow speed of dry grains as they flow downward by gravity when loading silos, ships, barges, railcars, or trucks.

• Reduce cracking and shattering of grains.

• Increase grain shelf life.

• Increase grain resale value. • Increase ability of grain to germinate.

• Reduce generation of grain dust, an explosion and environmental hazard.

How can we design a zigzag that we know will not plug?

Campus Chronicle, Jayden Park, Ben Hemmer, Kyle Twelmeyer, Megan Goughnour, Evelyn Schechinger, Makayla Janssen, Cordella Prather, Samantha Bierbaum, Andy Langager

Campus Chronicle

No abstract provided.

Cuny Oer Initiative Catalog (Ay 2024-2025), Jahanara Alamgir, Yujin Lee-Hwang, Rachael Nevins, Elliot Galvis, Rebecca Morofsky, Andrew Mckinney, Jojo Karlin

Open Educational Resources

This circulating catalog inventories the reusable teaching objects produced by CUNY campuses in AY 2024-2025! You’ll find textbooks, assignments, syllabi, videos, and more, organized by discipline and with brief descriptions of the resource. This publication (which links to all the resources) is supplemented by a by our online, filterable CUNY OER Initiative Catalog.

The CUNY OLS Research and Publishing Strategy team gathered, described and indexed the work of the campuses. OLS Fellow Hwang-Lee Yujin designed the publication.

Consent Absent Consensus: A Principles-Based Framework For Institutional Sexual Consent Policies, Tammi Walker

West Virginia Law Review

Title IX requires educational institutions to address sexual misconduct but provides no clear standard for defining consent. In the absence of federal guidance, colleges and universities operate in a regulatory vacuum, producing inconsistent definitions, legal uncertainty, and contested understandings of what consent requires. Without a structured framework, institutions struggle to balance survivor protection, due process, and practical implementation. This Article introduces a principles-based framework that supports clearer, more coherent consent policies. It identifies three interdependent elements of valid sexual consent: (1) Respect for Choices and Autonomy, which requires voluntary agreement free from coercion or pressure; (2) Informed Expectations and Transparency, …

The Last Human Question: Generative Ai's Existential Threat To Consensus And Law, Joshua Fairfield

West Virginia Law Review

The true risk of artificial intelligence (“AI”) is not that the toasters will rise up. It is that AI will be competent to perform human tasks and indifferent to human welfare. The risk is that we will be outcompeted by generative automated processes that create output similar to ours (although never the same, as this Article explains), but which need none of the outputs of the economy for food, shelter, or human flourishing. Further, a more precise and existential description of the threat is that generative AI will disrupt and crowd out humanity’s evolutionary superpower, our ability to generate agreement …

Ai And Law Milestones: From Top-Down To Bottom-Up Computational Models Of Legal Reasoning (And Back), Kevin Ashley

West Virginia Law Review

This Article introduces five research and development milestones in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Law and then discusses how large language models (“LLMs”) and generative AI (“GenAI”) are affecting each of them. The milestones include legal expert systems, lessons learned in computationally modeling legal rules and statutes, knowledge-based models of legal argument, machine learning models that classify case texts and predict outcomes, and the design and evaluation of legal applications of LLMs and GenAI. These milestones illustrate how top-down knowledge-based computational models of legal expertise have rapidly given way to bottom-up models based on machine learning. Knowledge-based models explicitly …

A View Under The Hood: Duquesne Kline's Law And Computing Program, Wesley M. Oliver, Katherine L.W. Norton, Martin Mckown, David Horrigan

West Virginia Law Review

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning Improving The Livelihood Of Individuals With Disabilities In Various Capacities, Daveon Lilly

West Virginia Law Review

Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) and Machine Learning (“ML”) are swiftly reshaping accessibility for individuals with disabilities, offering fresh opportunities for inclusion in education, the workplace, and daily life. This Note explores the integration of AI and ML into assistive technologies and discusses how this integration bolsters access and independence for people with various disabilities. It also examines the legal frameworks, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Rehabilitation Act”), that govern the implementation of these technologies and address challenges such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the digital divide. While AI and ML have made …