Digital Commons Network^™

Review Essay: Welcoming Iranian Refugees And Immigrants To Toronto, Canada, Paul Pynkoski

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Review Of Shia Islam And Politics: Iran, Iraq, And Lebanon, Christopher Anzalone

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 …

United States Middle East Policy In The Age Of Donald Trump, Gary Prevost

The Journal of Social Encounters

This essay on the foreign policy of the United States in the Middle East in the middle of the second Trump administration and the continuing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank makes the case for decades of consistency in US policy but also some nuances from the current US administration. The author makes the case that there have been three constants in US policy since the era of the Second World War. First, is the guarantee the flow of reasonably priced oil to the United States and its allies.  Second, the maintenance of the state of Israel as a …

Geopolitical Transformation In The Post-October 7 Middle East (2023–2025): Power Shifts Vs. Structural Shifts, Nael Shama

The Journal of Social Encounters

This essay investigates the geopolitical shifts that unfolded in the Middle East from October 2023 to the end of 2025, stimulated by the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent events it triggered. These included military confrontations between Israel and each of Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The essay demonstrates that these developments have reshaped power positions and alliances in the Middle East, leading to a more complex and unpredictable geopolitical landscape. It sketches out the new regional balance of …

Countering Social Encounters: Darwish’S “Speech Of The Red Indian”, J. Kristen Urban

The Journal of Social Encounters

In June 2025 the Washington D.C. Arab Center held a conference at the National Press Club titled, “A Historic Juncture: Israel’s Destruction of Gaza and the Palestinian Future.”  The discussion sparked an incisive question: Would such a future follow a Palestinian-owned trajectory?  Incisive, because Palestinians have not owned their trajectory since the 1915 Sykes-Picot Agreement, have consistently been defined in negative terms, and have lived with the ambiguity of existing while remaining unrecognized.  Growing up within Israel, Palestine’s national poet, Mahmoud Darwish (1941-2008), experienced this paradox firsthand, and explored it directly in “Speech of the Red Indian,” a poem written …

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, …

The Musicale Newspaper: Volume 3, Number 9

Arthur Saft Family Papers

Volume 3, Number 3 of The Musicale Newspaper on December of 1917. Helen Saft is mentioned in one of the newspaper reports.

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 …

Integrating Gis Mapping And Phytochemical Profiling To Identify Bioactive Medicinal Herbs For Community-Based Product Development In Northern Thailand, Wirinya Rojanateratham, Nattanida Jantarach, Varitha Ariyabukalakorn, Taweewun Srisookkum, Narongsuk Munkong

Journal of Health Research

Background: Global interest in herbal bioactive compounds as alternative therapies has increased in recent years; however, scientific data on their distribution across species and on the active constituents of local medicinal plants remain limited. This study examined medicinal herbs cultivated by farmers in Mae Chai District, Phayao Province, Thailand, and assessed their antioxidant activities, as well as their phenolic and vitamin C contents, to support the development of evidence-based alternative medicine.

Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods design combining scientific experimentation with qualitative approaches. A total of 34 key informants participated. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, reflecting discussions, and …

Girls' Preferences For Coaches' Supportive Behaviors, Efrat Abadi

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

Participation of girls in sports is associated with positive outcomes; however, girls continue to face barriers to participation due to gender, age, and cultural factors. Coaches play a pivotal role in girls' persistence in sports, with influential mechanisms including providing social support and cultivating high-quality coach-athlete relationships. Nevertheless, limited research has explored girls' specific preferences regarding coaches' supportive behaviors, particularly within diverse cultural contexts. Much of the existing literature is based on data from Western countries, with findings often generalized across cultural settings - without considering girls from Mediterranean populations, who remain underrepresented in research. This study employed a qualitative …

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 …

A Pilot Study Of A Comprehensive Mental Health Intervention For Collegiate Athletes., Joshua Celebre, Philip Sullivan, Mishka E.V. Blacker

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

Research on mental health interventions for athletes have recognized systematic limitations in the field (i.e., a dearth of randomized control trials, and lack of long-term follow up measurement). The current study summarized the pilot study of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Talk Today mental health intervention within collegiate sport. Four teams (two male (n = 64), two female (n = 74)) were randomly assigned to an intervention or a wait-list control condition. Mental health literacy, stigma, psychological distress, and help-seeking were measured at four different timepoints, including a 6-month follow up. There were no significant effects between the …

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 …

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 …

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 …

The Correlation Between Decision-Making Skills And The Cognitive Flexibility Of The Grade 10 Students Of Theresian School Of Cavite, Marry Jasmine Christine Velante Ayson, Van Shadric Nalden Ambrocio Bacsal, Elton John E. Palero

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Adolescents often face the critical task of making informed decisions, particularly when choosing a senior high school strand and college course—decisions that significantly impact their future careers. Despite the importance of these choices, there is a noticeable gap in existing literature on adolescents' cognitive flexibility and decision-making abilities, as most studies have focused on adult populations in Western contexts. This study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-method design to determine the relationship between cognitive flexibility and decision-making skills among Grade 10 students at Theresian School of Cavite. The quantitative phase revealed a moderately positive correlation between cognitive flexibility and decision-making, suggesting …

The Impact Of Chatgpt On Reducing Anxiety And Enhancing Mathematical Performance, Reese Gabrielle P. Dimaunahan, Jenny Kinesthesia M. Tiu, Maryvic Irene B. Sumalbag, Emmielyn Q. Bardiano

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Recent advancements in technology have paved the way for the integration of artificial intelligence in education, with tools such as ChatGPT supporting learners across grade levels and disciplines, including mathematics. While numerous existing studies have investigated the potential of ChatGPT in enhancing students’ performance in mathematics, there is still much to explore regarding its possible impact on reducing one of the key factors hindering student success in math: math anxiety. This study examined the impact of using ChatGPT in addressing math anxiety and improving the performance of Grade 11 non-STEM students enrolled at De La Salle University Senior High School. …

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 …

Comparing Students’ Engagement And Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction In Blended And Traditional Learning Environments, Ryan Josh C. Suarez, Joeven A. Fabul Jr., Andrei Daniel Ken H. Go, Benedict Eric M. Adriano, Arvie S. Andal

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Student engagement has changed as a result of blended learning, a learning modality that combines in-person instruction with online course delivery. Beyond the models that are frequently studied, engagement in other blended learning environments must be examined using a clearly defined framework; hence, this study aims to address this gap. This study compared and measured the basic psychological needs and engagement levels of two student populations, enriched virtual blended learning and traditional face-to-face learning, using a causal-comparative analysis as a research design and Self-Determination Theory as a framework. 115 senior high school students participated in the data collection process; 39 …

Design And Verification Of Manned-Unmanned Collaborative Combat Capability System Based On Mbse, Fangbo Wang, Jian Guo, Chenglie Du, Yifan Liu, Pengpeng Zhang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: The traditional model-based systems engineering (MBSE) method has problems of failing to fully exhibit complex combat logics in manned-unmanned collaborative combat system modeling, neglecting the scenario constraints in interface modeling, and requiring long-term and costly algorithm verification. In order to solve the problems, a methodology and design tool based on MBSE was proposed. An integrated verification method of a system's operational logic, interface design, and algorithmic design was constructed, thus providing a digital and rapidly iterative verification approach for system simulation. A verification environment for multiple key algorithm simulations was established, effectively reducing the economic cost of building verification …

Cv: Christopher Dela Rosa (Physical Therapy), Christopher Dela Rosa

Rehabilitation Sciences Department Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Cv: Robert Sweet (Physical Therapy), Robert Sweet

Rehabilitation Sciences Department Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Onc-Safe: Oncology-Specific Fall Prevention Initiative, Aubry C. Townzen, Stella Chigbrow, Katie Mcbride, Payton Bolin

SPARK Symposium Presentations

ONC-SAFE: Oncology-Specific Fall Prevention Initiative

Aubry Townzen, Stella Chigbrow, Katie McBride, Peyton Bolin

ONC-SAFE aims to decrease fall rates and fall-related injuries on an inpatient oncology unit by improving staff adherence to bed alarm activation for high-risk patients through the use of doorframe reminder posters and targeted staff education. Falls are a significant patient safety concern in oncology populations due to cancer- and treatment-related risk factors such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, anemia, orthostatic hypotension, fatigue, muscle weakness, cognitive changes, and medication effects, including opioids, sedatives, and antiemetics. Hospitalized oncology populations identify impaired mobility, treatment-related symptoms, and medication effects as primary …