Digital Commons Network^™

Executive Succession And Organizational Stability In Community Health Centers: A Theory-Integrated Framework, Jisa Kusanthan, Timothy Sumarsono

Liberty University Research Week

Leadership transitions are difficult for organizations to manage. This is especially true for Community Health Centers (CHCs). The departure of a long-tenured leader can have a host of secondary effects on the culture, employee morale, and employee retention. This study explores the effects of a CHC leader on the organization's stability and proposes practical steps that CHCs can take to implement effective succession planning. A theory-integrated framework is used to apply Schein's Organizational Culture Theory, Social Identity Theory, and Institutional Theory to better understand the effects of a CHC leader on the organization's cultural foundation. A three-phase succession process is …

A Study In Coffee: Characterization Of The Pathway Utilized By Enterolactone To Stimulate Glut4-Dependent Uptake And Incretin Activity, Merritt Smith, Aidan Clancy

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Nonlethal Pyrethroid Larval Exposure Aedes Albopictus Mosquitoes, Le Gia Han Nguyen, Alexandra Irwin, Paule Ann Telus

Liberty University Research Week

Aedes albopictus is an invasive mosquito species and an important disease vector, making the development of effective control strategies critical. Chemical insecticides, such as deltamethrin, are widely used to reduce mosquito populations. However, their extensive use has raised concerns about the development of resistance, especially following sublethal deltamethrin exposure in the larval stage. We hypothesize that larval exposure to deltamethrin at a nonlethal dose can result in pesticide resistance in adult mosquitoes, and through that the undelying mechanisms can be explored by analyzing transcriptomic profile to characterize gene expression patterns.

"Thank God For Michigan": Michigan Troops In The Civil War, Lydia Granger

Liberty University Research Week

The Civil War in the United States often focuses on the troops and soldiers from the East coast states. But what about the men that served from a state other than New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Virginia? Michigan sent its fair share of men and sacrificed as much as other states in the Union. The stories of those soldiers and their efforts to preserve liberty and union in the United States deserve to be heard and remembered. Future generations need to appreciate and learn from their sacrifices. These men fought for their country in a terrible and destructive war, and …

Pfas Exposure And Its Influence On Fetal And Early Childhood Development, Benson Varghese, Chelsea Mazonde, Fadzai Nyarugwe, Ifeoluwanimi Shobayo, Melissa Lartey, Tahirou Diallo

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental chemicals widely detected in humans. Prenatal PFAS exposure has been linked to adverse fetal and early childhood growth outcomes, raising significant public health concerns. This study investigates the influence of PFAS exposure on fetal and early childhood development.

Methods: A systematic review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2026 was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies assessing maternal PFAS exposure during pregnancy and outcomes such as birth weight, gestational age, fetal growth trajectories, and early childhood anthropometry were included.

Results: Higher prenatal exposure to PFAS was associated with lower …

Impact Of Family On Child Nutritional Health: A Literature Review, Julia Randall

Liberty University Research Week

Background

The nutrition habits of children depend entirely on the influence of parents via imitation, which has many implications for a child’s health and well being. A review of literature can effectively understand current health status and direct intervention efforts to reach children through parental education.

Methods

Articles for the review were selected based on rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in 19 articles for analysis. 149 articles from CINAHL Ultimate or ProQuest databases written within the last four years began the evaluation process, which utilized a PRISMA research reporting system (Moher et al., 2009).

Results

Through the development of …

Emergency Department-Initiated Buprenorphine And 30-Day Moud Engagement In U.S. Adults With Opioid Use Disorder, Prince Osei Sarpong, Emmanuel Owusu, Manasvi Shiyani, Michael Ago Tetteh, Naa Komley Commey

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Emergency departments are a critical point of contact for adults with untreated opioid use disorder, particularly after overdose or withdrawal. Emergency department-initiated buprenorphine may improve linkage to medications for opioid use disorder, but its effect on treatment engagement remains to be synthesized.

Study objective and hypothesis: To synthesize U.S. evidence on whether emergency department-initiated buprenorphine improves 30-day treatment engagement among adults with opioid use disorder. We hypothesized that emergency department-initiated buprenorphine would increase 30-day engagement.

Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted. Included studies were U.S.-based, involved adults presenting to the emergency department with opioid use disorder-related conditions, evaluated …

Mining And Agricultural Expansion–Driven Deforestation As A Determinant Of Malaria Risk: A Comparative Narrative Review Of Zimbabwe And Nigeria, Chelsea Mazonde, Benson Varghese, Chukwuma Elisha, Fadzai Nyarugwe, Ifeoluwanimi Shobayo, Tahirou Diallo

Liberty University Research Week

Introduction: Deforestation caused by agricultural land expansion and mining has been recognized as a key environmental factor affecting malaria transmission. Changes in land use can impact malaria risk by affecting local temperatures, biodiversity, and the creation of mosquito breeding sites such as stagnant pools of water. Both Zimbabwe and Nigeria remain heavily affected by malaria and have seen trends of increasing deforestation related to agriculture and extractive industries.

Methods: Peer-reviewed literature published between 2019 and 2025 was systematically reviewed with a narrative approach. Articles focusing on deforestation, land-use change, malaria transmission, vector ecology, and policy within Zimbabwe and Nigeria were …

Systematic Review On Tertiary Policies And Programs For Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence In The U.S. (2020-2024), Brittany Carman, Haley Gebhard, Krista Coipel, Raymond Suonyir

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men in the United States, yet tertiary interventions supporting survivors remain understudied compared to primary and secondary prevention efforts. This systematic review identifies and evaluates existing tertiary prevention programs and policies addressing IPV in the U.S., focusing on their effectiveness in reducing IPV-related fatalities and promoting survivor recovery, safety, independence, and long-term stability.

Methods: This study systematically reviewed literature published January 2020-December 2024 across five leading journals using the Scopus database. From 861 initial results, 24 articles met inclusion criteria following PRISMA guidelines.

Results: Interventions clustered …

Analysis Of The Contents Of Oral Histories From The Voices Of 9.11 Archive And The Naval History And Heritage Command Records Of 9/11 At The Pentagon, Timothy Johnson

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Ses, Bedtime Rules, And Screen Time On Adolescent Obesity, Great Onyedika Okereke

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Adolescent obesity affects nearly 1 in 5 U.S. teens and is influenced by behavioral and social factors. Excessive screen time and poor sleep are known contributors, but less is known about how these risks interact with socioeconomic status (SES) and household routines. Understanding these interactions is essential for designing effective, equitable interventions.

Methods: We conducted a literature review of peer-reviewed studies from the past five years exploring the relationship between screen time, sleep, and obesity among U.S. adolescents, with attention to the moderating roles of SES and family routines (e.g., parental monitoring, bedtime rules).

Results: High screen use and …

Breastfeeding And Infant Health In Virginia: A Systematic Review (2015-2025), Haley Gebhard, Rebecca Martha Nantale, Tahirou Diallo, Treasure Nkemdilim James, Yiwei Huang

Liberty University Research Week

Breastfeeding has long been recognized as the optimal nutritional option for infants due to its extensive health benefits for both infants and mothers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding serve as protective factors infant morbidity and mortality.1 Despite the knowledge on breastfeeding and its significance to infant growth and development, breastfeeding rates remain suboptimal worldwide. Even in the U.S., public health has identified increasing breastfeeding rates as a national goal, especially targeting low-income areas. The purpose of this study is to systematically identify and evaluate studies examining breastfeeding practices and infant outcomes among the …

Breastfeeding And Infant Health In Guatemala: A Systematic Review (2015–2025), Haley Gebhard, Alexandra Mixan, Manasvi Shiyani, Shaira Neupane

Liberty University Research Week

Breastmilk provides ideal nutrition for infants during early life, supporting physical growth, development, and long-term health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding protects against infant illness and child malnutrition by ensuring a consistent source of energy and nutrients.1 The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding, which means no other liquids or solids except medicines or supplements, for the first six months of life to reduce negative health outcomes for infants and children.1 Only about 44% of infants worldwide are exclusively breastfed through six months of age, well below the WHO global nutrition target of 70% by 2030. In Guatemala, chronic …

Born Too Soon, Dying Too Early: Preventable Neonatal Deaths In Rural Uganda, Rebecca Martha Nantale, Nfn Dangpa Wandji Nana

Liberty University Research Week

Neonatal mortality remains one of the most persistent public health challenges in Uganda, particularly in rural communities where access to quality maternal and newborn care remains limited. Despite global progress in reducing under-five mortality, deaths within the first 28 days of life continue to account for a substantial proportion of child mortality. Most neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries occur from preventable causes such as birth asphyxia, neonatal infections, and complications related to prematurity. This study examines the structural and healthcare determinants contributing to neonatal mortality in rural Uganda, with particular emphasis on place of delivery and skilled birth …

Extreme Heat Exposure During Pregnancy And Adverse Birth Outcomes In Sub-Saharan Africa, Maame Yaa Okrah, Bright Agbotui, Naa Komley Commey, Raymond Suonyir, Yenigat Abate

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Extreme heat is an emerging issue in public health, given the rise in temperature globally because of climate change. Pregnant women are at risk of being adversely affected by extreme heat, as changes in body physiology during pregnancy compromise its ability to regulate temperature. Recent studies have shown that exposure to extreme heat is associated with adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is limited evidence. This study sought to examine the potential association of extreme heat exposure in pregnancy with adverse birth outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: This study undertakes …

Mythological Literature And The Metamodern Turn: An Augustinian Analysis, Elyse Penton, Brady Cullins, Dennis Nicholson, Nathan Redford

Liberty University Research Week

First articulated by Timotheus Vermeulen and Robin van den Akker, metamodernism is a cultural sensibility emerging after postmodernism that describes an oscillation between modern sincerity and postmodern irony. Metamodernism is characterized by “informed naivete,” renewed emotional investment and a desire for meaning despite awareness of ambiguity. One significant feature of this cultural shift is the renewed presence of mythological narratives in contemporary literature and media. This research asks how metamodernism contributes to a resurgence of myth and how this phenomenon may be interpreted through an Augustinian “Inside Out” framework. Myth, as defined by folklorist Lauri Honko, is a narrative concerning …

Standing Firm: The Theological Significance Of Στήναι / Στῆτε In Ephesians 6:10–20, Angela Brown

Liberty University Research Week

Building upon prior research that examined the armor of God as an expression of divine empowerment in Ephesians 6:10–20, this study offers a focused syntactical and discourse analysis of Paul’s repeated use of ¿st¿µ¿ (st¿¿a¿ / st¿te). Particular attention is given to the aorist infinitive st¿¿a¿ (6:11, 13) within purpose constructions (p¿¿¿ t¿ d¿¿as¿a¿ ¿µ¿¿ st¿¿a¿) and the aorist imperative st¿te (6:14), evaluating their aspectual force and imperatival nuance. Rather than conveying punctiliar or once-for-all action, the aorist forms are interpreted within current verbal aspect theory as undefined in internal temporal structure but rhetorically urgent, summoning decisive, covenantal resolve. The …

A Preventable Tragedy: Taking A Look At The Great Molasses Flood In Boston, 1919 And Its Effect On The United States, Eleanor Clough

Liberty University Research Week

On January 15, 1919, Boston’s North End was struck with a tragedy unlike anything its residents could have imagined. A wave of molasses ranging from 15 to 40 feet high washed across several blocks, destroying everything in its path. This Great Molasses Flood, caused by the collapse of a molasses tank made three years earlier by United States Industrial Alcohol, had devastating consequences. In its wake, it left twenty-one people dead and many more injured. Yet strangely enough, very few people know about it today. This project aims to introduce the event to those who are unfamiliar with it and …

The Effect Of Enzyme Inhibition & Release Of Hydrogen Sulfide: A Medicinally Therapeutic Study, Chase Shinabery, Jonah Petri

Liberty University Research Week

Based on information reported in previous studies, the release of a gaseous compound called hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to increase medicinally beneficial effects in patients with glaucoma. These positive effects are expressed as a decreased level of pruritus (itchiness) and pain located in the eyes. Ongoing research strives to maximize these positive effects through the formation of various compounds in the endocannabinoid system that release hydrogen sulfide when applied to patients who have glaucoma. Through the formation of various thioureas and carbamates, researchers at Liberty University have found that trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide are released in biologically …

The Effect Of Enzyme Inhibition & Release Of Hydrogen Sulfide Of Various Thiourea And Carbamate Compounds: A Medicinally Therapeutic Study, Jonah Petri

Liberty University Research Week

The release of the gaseous signaling molecule hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to decrease pruritus (itchiness) and ocular pain in patients with glaucoma. Through the synthesis of various urea and carbamate derivatives within the endocannabinoid system, researchers at Liberty University have demonstrated that trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide can be released under biologically relevant conditions. These compounds were evaluated using the methylene blue assay to quantify hydrogen sulfide generation. In addition, enzyme inhibition studies were conducted to assess activity against the allosteric endocannabinoid hydrolase enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). The screening data revealed significant FAAH inhibition, indicating potential …

Unmasking Unity: A Grounded Theory Study Of Holistic Executive Functioning Intervention Development By Support Personnel For Twice-Exceptional High School Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder In A Rural Residential School Setting, Chris Chouiniere

Liberty University Research Week

The purpose of this situational analysis grounded theory study was to develop sensitizing transformative praxis surrounding the negotiations and relationships involved within the situation of the development and implementation of interventions that lead to holistic and hierarchical executive functioning development and integration by support personnel while working with newly identified twice-exceptional students with autism spectrum disorder at rural residential high schools. As a form of grounded theory, this situational analysis will be instrumental in developing a theoretical framework for understanding the interconnectedness of holistic and hierarchical executive functioning interventions for twice-exceptional students with autism spectrum disorder. The guiding central research …

Stress And Fructose Uptake In Enterocytes, Gretchka Mair, Landri Shope

Liberty University Research Week

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most prevalent form of diabetes worldwide and represents a growing global health concern. T2DM is characterized by chronic fasting hyperglycemia and is increasingly associated with alterations in the gut microbiome. This study tests the hypothesis that heat stress, a gut dysbiosis-associated stressor, will upregulate the fructose transporter GLUT5 in enterocytes. Increased GLUT5 expression may enhance intestinal fructose uptake, thereby contributing to worsened glycemic control in T2DM. While the mechanism linking inflammation and impaired glucose homeostasis remains elusive, emerging evidence supports strong associations among gut dysbiosis, systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance.

From Procurement To Personhood: Ai Governance, Constitutional Order, & The Human Person, Dawn Sutherland

Liberty University Research Week

Artificial intelligence (AI), commercial data brokerage, and administrative data fusion have advanced more rapidly than constitutional doctrine and public policy have adapted. This presentation argues that certain forms of identity-linked data, including biometric, genetic, geolocation, behavioral, and health information, should not be treated as constitutionally available to the state simply because they are commercially available in the market. Such data disclose intimate features of embodied life, relational identity, and personal vulnerability, placing personhood itself within the reach of procurement and administrative power.

The analysis begins with three contemporary developments: the Pentagon’s coercive pressure on Anthropic after the company refused unrestricted …

Reconceptualizing Grief Following The Death Of Abusive Or Toxic Family Members: A Trauma-Informed Theoretical Framework, Janita Daggy, Tammy Griffin, Tiffany Spatz

Liberty University Research Week

Grief following the death of an abusive, neglectful, or chronically toxic family member is often complex and poorly captured by traditional models of bereavement. This theoretical presentation examines grief after the death of a harmful parent, sibling, or other close family member using a trauma-informed, attachment-based, and constructivist framework. While classic grief theories emphasize loss, longing, and reunion, survivors of family abuse may experience relief, emotional numbness, anger, guilt, or identity conflict, responses that frequently fall outside socially sanctioned narratives of grief and may be disenfranchised or invalidated. Drawing on trauma and attachment theory, grief is conceptualized as a meaning-making …

Rapid Challenges In Infectious Disease And Mosquito-Borne Parasite Detection, Carrington Vines

Liberty University Research Week

This project examines the diagnostic challenges facing "frontier" labs in regions like Lynchburg, VA, and rural Alaska. It contrasts the "Old Guard" (manual microscopy) with the "New Guard" (PCR/ELISA), highlighting a performance jump from 70% to 98% sensitivity. However, this precision is met by a "Financial Reality" check: costs spike from $10 to over $150 per test, creating a barrier for low-volume rural clinics. To bridge this gap, the study proposes Vector-Informed Care—using mosquito surveillance as an early warning system to deploy expensive molecular tools efficiently. Grounded in the biblical mandate of the "Watchman" (Ezekiel 33:7), this hybrid strategy ensures …

“Be Early, Be Loud, Wear Red”: An Ethnographic Study Of The Performance Of Liberty University Football Fan Identity And Boundaries, Cathryn Thomas

Liberty University Research Week

Social identity theory explains how college sports fandom can shape both social and personal identities, particularly through the formation of in-groups and out-groups based on identification with a team and opposition to rivals. Sports fans often communicate and behave in ways that signal their membership in the in-group while simultaneously distinguishing or excluding out-group members. This study examines how Liberty University football fans perform these in-group behaviors and how they mark boundaries with out-group members. Through observations made during a Liberty University Homecoming football game, the study deepens understanding of how sports fans construct belonging and unbelonging, and how these …

How Enneagram Types And Communication Styles Influence Political Party Affiliation, Hadley Hunt

Liberty University Research Week

The purpose of this research is to explore how political party affiliation is associated with personality differences, as shown through Enneagram types. This study will use a quantitative survey method. Data will be collected using a survey through Qualtrics. Participants will be asked to disclose their Enneagram type and political party affiliation. This research is needed to better understand how personality traits influence political identity. It is relevant because political conversations are becoming more polarized, and understanding communication differences could potentially reduce misunderstanding and conflict. This research helps communication scholars understand the connection of personality and ideology shape communication styles.

Zonulin And Microbial Dysbiosis’ Role In Celiac Disease Pathogenesis: A Potential Pathway For Prevention, Ella Claire Horne

Liberty University Research Week

Celiac disease is an autoimmune inflammatory condition triggered by an immune-mediated response to dietary gluten. Celiac disease has traditionally been explained by the interaction between genetic susceptibility and gluten exposure. However, this model does not fully explain variability in disease onset. It is important to investigate whether gastrointestinal microbial dysbiosis promoting zonulin-mediated intestinal permeability increases immune activation in genetically predisposed individuals, contributing to celiac disease development. Current literature demonstrates that patients with celiac disease frequently exhibit altered gut microbiota composition leading to gut microbial dysbiosis, with overgrowth of harmful bacteria and decreased beneficial bacteria. This disruption in microbe diversity changes …

Optimal Tax Policy Under Inflation, Public Debt, And Political Constraints, Jerry Jelili Afolabi

Liberty University Research Week

Inflation dynamics, rising public debt and political incentives systematically limit choice in fiscal policy, how should governments construct tax policy? This paper formulates an integrated policy framework that marries the theory of optimal taxation with macroeconomic stabilization and political economy, arguing that many deviations from textbook tax prescriptions we observe reflect structural constraints foreign to standard notions of policy failure. Relying on the enhanced structure of Ramsey taxation, Barro’s tax-smoothing logic, but also more modern upgrades within behavioral public finance and fiscal monetary interactions like Saez, Werning, Stantcheva Bianchi and Alesina illustrates how inflation alters effective tax bases, how high …

Reframing Treatment For Binge Eating Disorder: Integrating Physical, Psychological, Behavioral And Spiritual Domains To Improve Treatment Outcomes, Lily Carone

Liberty University Research Week

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most prevalent eating disorder and is frequently treated using interventions designed for Bulimia Nervosa (BN and Anorexia Nervosa (AN). In fact, many programs treat clients with BED, BN, and AN in the same milieu with similar interventions. As a result, specific clinical issues are not addressed, so many clients with BED exit treatment prematurely with little to no improvement in symptoms. Traditionally, interventions for BED have been universally prescribed and include food exposure to decrease binges and cognitive behavioral therapy to improve negative self-image without addressing other important aspects of BED such as weight-related …