Digital Commons Network^™

Perceived Coaching-Based Leadership As A Predictor Of Employee Communication Quality, Rachel Gaines

Liberty University Research Week

Effective workplace communication plays a critical role in employee engagement, collaboration, and overall organizational effectiveness. Leadership behaviors significantly influence communication climates; however, limited research has examined how coaching-based leadership specifically predicts the quality of employee communication. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study is to examine whether perceived coaching-based leadership predicts the quality of employee communication in organizational settings. Coaching-based leadership emphasizes behaviors such as reflective thinking, developmental feedback, and supportive guidance, which may foster communication environments characterized by clarity, openness, and constructive feedback. Data will be collected from approximately 100–150 working adults across sectors, including healthcare, education, and nonprofit …

Dual Time Cosmology, Mauro Montenegro

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation For Treatment-Resistant Depression In Elderly Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Case Report On Differential Symptom Response, Assessment Challenges, And Long-Term Spousal Caregiver Burden, Connor Welz

Liberty University Research Week

This case report describes the use of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder comorbid with dissociative identity disorder (DID) and chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a 73-year-old veteran male with 59 years of marriage. Severe spousal distress influenced treatment selection toward neuromodulation rather than trauma-focused therapy requiring extensive caregiver involvement. The patient completed two 36-session courses of dTMS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex 6-months apart. Baseline assessment employed clinician-administered scales (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, HDRS-17; Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5, CAPS-5) and self-completed questionnaires. Significant discrepancies between self-reported and clinician-rated scores prompted a shift …

Ethical Discernment In Virtual Supervision: Implications For Supervisory Practice, Joshua Freeman

Liberty University Research Week

As counselor supervision increasingly occurs in virtual settings, supervisors must attend not only to ethical standards and professional judgment, but also to how technology reshapes communication, relational dynamics, and ethical interpretation. Virtual environments alter the conditions under which supervisory presence, power, and meaning-making are experienced, introducing new ethical complexities, especially when addressing values, spirituality, and religious worldviews in clinical work. This presentation advances a conceptual framework positioning ethical discernment as a primary mediating process in virtual supervision. Drawing from the Discrimination Model of supervision and professional ethical standards, the framework integrates supervision theory, ethical decision-making, spirituality, and worldview considerations within …

Deaf Development In The Church: The Importance Of Deaf-Led Ministries, Emma Chupp

Liberty University Research Week

This study examines the lived experiences of Deaf pastors across the United States to identify gaps of resources and technical Deaf ministry training and better understand how dDeaf pastors are being equipped to lead dDeaf churches. For the purposes of this study the capitalization of Deaf refers to culturally deaf individuals and the term dDeaf refers to the entire dDeaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. In the United States and around the globe, it is common for the dDeaf community to be excluded from mainstream Christian churches – not out of intention but cultural differences. Traditional hearing churches are not accessible nor …

Windshield Not The Rearview Mirror, Dan Fabricant

Oxford ICSB

We talk a great deal about the past at ICSB and while the history is important, we still need to skate to where the puck is going. We’ll tee up where we are and where we are going when it comes to: drug preclusion; federal preemption; state regulatory efforts; hemp/cannabis; electronic commerce platforms; claims; essentiality; and much more, like what you can do to affect real change for the future of the industry.

Functional Genomics Of Streptococcus Mutans: Identifying Critical Genes For Oral Biofilm Formation, Cara E. Pirani

Create@State

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is a pathogen found in the human oral cavity that plays a central role in the development of dental caries, or tooth decay. This pathogen thrives on the sugars consumed in the diet, contributing to the breakdown of tooth enamel, especially in the presence of poor oral hygiene. S. mutans produces a glycosyltransferase enzyme that converts sucrose into the polysaccharide glucan. Glucan allows the pathogen to attach to the enamel of the tooth and begin metabolizing the sugar on the teeth, resulting in lactic acid. The acid under the biofilm layer lowers the pH of the …

Assessment Of Total Cellular Protein Following Fatty Acid Treatment Using The Bca Assay, Carli B. Maguire

Create@State

Fatty acids can influence cellular metabolism and protein homeostasis, potentially altering total protein content within cell samples. Accurate quantification of total protein concentration is essential for standardization for further biochemical assays and ensuring reproducibility. In this study, adherent mammalian cells were treated with a defined fatty acid preparation under controlled culture conditions. Following treatment, whole-cell lysates were collected and total protein concentration was determined using the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay. The BCA assay is a colorimetric method based on the reduction of Cu²⁺ to Cu¹⁺ by peptide bonds under basic conditions, followed by formation of a purple-colored complex between bicinchoninic …

A Cord Of Three Strands Is Not Quickly Broken: The Fortitude Of Arkansas Women's Activism, Laura L. Hennings

Create@State

Mainstream attention to Arkansas women’s activism often emphasizes work that aligned with the status quo, rather than subverting it. The key figures in this project were mothers who advocated for improvements to public health, education, and justice reform, and non-parent maternal figures who hoped to make life more equitable for all families. I scoured over one thousand pages of primary and secondary source material to determine those factors that were most vital to the successes of organizations such as the Women’s Emergency Committee, the Southern Tenant Farmer’s Union, and the Association of Southern Women for the Prevention of Lynching. Within …

Piano Aid, Christopher G. Sayers, Tyler Baugus, Gabby Taunton

Create@State

Pianos provide recreational and educational value and is a cornerstone of the culture experienced worldwide today. Despite the many benefits and enrichment music brings these benefits are often inaccessible or difficult to learn by most people but especially to those of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community due to its innate auditory nature. While adaptive instruments have been proposed to address this gap, many remain conceptual or fail to reach production because of high development costs and limited commercial markets. This project presents an economically feasible alternative in the design of an adaptive digital piano that enables both …

Robust Thermodynamic Analysis Of Flexible Protein-Ligand Binding Using Statistical Mechanics, Mitchell Dulaney

Create@State

Understanding how proteins bind small molecules is essential for accurate computational modeling of biological systems. However, calculating binding free energy (delta G), enthalpy (delta H), and entropy (delta S) becomes unreliable when proteins are flexible, and ligands are between multiple binding positions. This motion causes traditional computational methods to produce inconsistent thermodynamic values.

A computational workflow was implemented that included docking to predict likely binding positions, molecular dynamics simulations to sample how the protein and ligand move over time, and statistical mechanics analysis to calculate thermodynamic quantities. A new theoretical framework was developed and implemented in a custom program to …

Through The Lense Of The Camera Obscura, Kayla Minick, Jacob King

Create@State

Our project is to create a tangible camera obscura, a device that utilizes light passing through a small hole to project a flat image on an opposing surface. It is our goal to create a camera obscura that viewers will be able to interact with and use to create their own drawings of a still-life, which will be set up to view through the camera obscura and can be traced using the camera obscura projection. Guests will be allowed to move the objects around within the still life section to create their own scene. We chose to construct a camera …

Ma(1) Or White Noise?, Orithea Regn, Ferebee Tunno

Create@State

This project provides an over of testing an MA(1) process confidence interval while keeping the margin of error to a minimum, even for small sample sizes.

Comparison Of Levels Of Bmi, Stress, And Depression Of Women During The Prenatal Period Relative To Their Activity Levels, Kalayna King

Create@State

This study aimed to analyze the relationships between activity levels, Body Mass Index (BMI), stress levels, and depression symptoms in obese pregnant women in Arkansas. Two separate exercise intervention studies were combined in this analysis to ultimately give a sample size of 293 pregnant women who were randomized into standard of care group (control) and an exercise group (experimental) (n = 115 and n = 178, respectively). Women in the control groups were instructed to independently continue to follow the physical activity guidelines recommended by their gynecologist, whereas the experimental groups participated in a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise …

Investigating Sertraline‑Mediated Modulation Of Succinate Dehydrogenase To Sensitize Tmz‑Resistant Glioblastoma Cells, Supraja Mallapuram

Create@State

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the deadliest and most common brain tumor which remains highly resistant to temozolomide (TMZ), contributing to poor patient outcomes. Literature suggests that sertraline, a widely used SSRI, disrupts mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells. Because GBM depends heavily on succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) for oxidative phosphorylation, sertraline‑mediated SDH inhibition may increase metabolic stress and reduce functional TMZ resistance. This poster presents a literature‑based rationale and proposed experimental design to evaluate sertraline‑induced SDH modulation and its potential to sensitize TMZ‑resistant T98G glioblastoma cells. These findings will guide future experimental work.

Pop Art's Influences On 1960s Mod Fashion, Erin Bryan

Create@State

Abstract

I will be exploring how the pop art movement, in particular, influenced the fashion associated with the 1960s Mod style. This style was popular among young people in Britain, as the term “Mod” is short for “Modernist”, and featured bold colors, geometric motifs, sharp lines, as well as slim and simple silhouettes.  I will be creating my own 1960s mini dress, following a vintage pattern from that time, and using fabric that reflects the bright, geometric, and colorful characteristics of pop art, all while documenting my progress. Not only will I be capturing the visual similarities between this art …

An Exploratory Analysis Of Household Liquidity, Austin D. Murray

Create@State

We use data from the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) to examine whether cross-sectional variation in household liquidity is explained by the precautionary motive. Household liquidity is measured using days’ liquidity held (DLH), defined as the ratio of liquid assets to daily expenditures. Descriptive evidence reveals substantial cross-sectional and time-series variation in household liquidity over the 2004-2022 sample period. Our multivariate results provide mixed support for the precautionary motive for household liquidity. Consistent with the investment dimension of the precautionary motive, household liquidity increases with expected future investment opportunities. However, contrary to the precautionary motive, household liquidity varies inversely with …

The Ethnic And Cultural Amalgamation In Buenos Aires And The Evolution Of Argentine Tango, Damien N. Ehie

Create@State

Ethnic and Cultural Amalgamation in Buenos Aires and the Evolution of Argentine Tango

Argentine tango is widely recognized as a national symbol of Argentina, yet it did not originate as a unified cultural expression. This project examines how large-scale immigration and urban geography in Buenos Aires between approximately 1880 and the mid-twentieth century shaped tango’s musical language and social meaning. During this period, the city absorbed massive numbers of Italian and Spanish migrants alongside existing Afro-Rioplatense communities, creating dense neighborhoods where diverse populations lived in close proximity. Shared housing, informal performance spaces, and working-class leisure environments produced sustained cultural interaction. …

Inhibitory Effects Of Novel Compounds On Biofilm Formation In Streptococcus Mutans, Graysen S. Jones

Create@State

Inhibitory Effects of Novel Compounds on Biofilm Formation in Streptococcus mutans

The Digital Museum: Classical Reception In Animal Crossing New Horizons, Anna G. Kendall

Create@State

My project examines how Animal Crossing: New Horizons brings the ancient body into a modern, digital world through its recreations of classical Greek sculptures. In the game, players can collect, study, and display famous works such as the Venus de Milo, Discobolus, and Nike of Samothrace in a virtual museum. These sculptures reveal how the Greeks represented beauty, strength, and divine movement through the human form. By interacting with them in-game, players connect with these ancient ideas of the body in a new way. The game’s system of real and fake artworks also teaches players to look closely and …

Sanitizing Escape Lines: Memory Transmission Among Wwii Airmen, Darrah S. Thompson

Create@State

Through declassified archival documents, family archives, and oral histories of WWII airmen, this poster examines how memory was impacted by wartime and post-war secrecy. Using the American Air Crew of the B-17 Flying Fortress, “Baby Dumpling,” as my case study,  I explore how the containment of sensitive information through intelligence protocols during and after WWII led to different understandings of the same catalyzing experience among the ten man crew. Following their crash—resulting in death, POW capture, or evasion—I trace how Francis B. Cater and Jack R. Zeman shared different accounts of the same event based not only on their experiences, …

Purr-Spectives: Connections Between Feline Coat Color And Human Preferences And Perceptions In Northeast Arkansas, Tiffany L. Batchelor

Create@State

Felines have played an important role in the lives of humans for thousands of years. This study investigated perceptions of felines and feline demographics in Northeast Arkansas (NEA). For Study 1, data on phenotype and health conditions was collected from 2,305 patient files from three NEA veterinary clinics. For Study 2, an anonymous survey generated using Qualtrics was published through College of Agriculture social media accounts to gather opinions from cat owners on feline coat color and ownership trends. Study 1 identified up to 6 pattern-based and up to 18 color-based phenotypes per clinic and a total of 129 unique …

Impact Of Cover Crop Species And Planting Date On Earthworm Abundance And Biomass, Sowmya Thadisina, Maheshwari Saddollu

Create@State

Cover crops help to enhance soil structure, increase soil organic matter, and increase soil biological activity in agricultural systems. Earthworms are beneficial bioindicators of soil health as they enhance soil aggregation, aeration, and nutrient cycling. Understanding the influence of cover crop species and planting date helps optimize soil biological activity.

Prioritizing Health Over Aesthetics: Reforming Brachycephalic Breed Standards, Olivia Edwards

Create@State

Selective breeding has led to extreme physical traits in companion animals such as dogs and cats. They are characterized by their shortened skulls, creating their flattened faces. These breeds remain fairly popular due to their appearance, even though these animals present various health concerns.  I conducted this research at A-state to create awareness and educate those who are not aware of this issue, and for future pet owners. It argues that the continued promotion and recognition of these animals contributes to preventable health conditions and long-term suffering in affected animals. I analyzed reports on animal welfare, reviewed policy discussions and …

Synthesizing Fluorescent 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1h)-Ones Using A One-Pot Synthesis Reaction, John R. Griggs

Create@State

In medical and pharmaceutical practices, Biginelli (3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones) products have a number of potential uses due to their anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties.  In addition, they are a possible treatment for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These compounds can be further modified to exhibit fluorescent properties. However, before using them in medicinal studies, it is useful to establish a procedure that can easily be modified and is synthetically accessible to allow for further optimization. The experiment was performed using the Biginelli compounds as a substrate, along with a variety of aromatic aldehydes and acids. After obtaining the products and purifying them with vacuum …

Cast In Steel: Horseman's Axe, Sam A. Morris

Create@State

Cast in Steel is a competition between universities across North America started by the Steel Founders Society of America. The competition is centered around giving students the opportunity to learn about casting and the steel industry in general. A prompt of a weapon or tool with some level of historical significance is given to all the teams. The prompt for the 2026 Arkansas State University team, was a Horseman’s Axe. The team designed their rendition of a horseman’s axe, worked with Southern Cast Products as their local industry parter, and fabricated a finished axe to represent Arkansas State University as …

Laser Ablation-Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Of Yttrium Plasma, Dawn Gipson

Create@State

Laser ablation is a widely used sampling method for elemental chemical analysis. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and laser ablation inductively-coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) are the two most common implementations. Application of these techniques is found throughout the sciences, including analysis in archaeological settings, geology, and medical analysis of hard tissue such as teeth or bone. Many applications benefit from the microdestructive nature of the technique. However, the relationship between the laser-ablation crater and the analytical signal is poorly understood. Laser ablation-atomic absorption spectroscopy (LA-AAS) is used in our laboratory to determine the mass of material incorporated into the plasmas in …

Future = Ai + Database: Educator’S Perspective On Ai Usage Within K-12 Classrooms, Seung Ho Jeon

Create@State

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in education is generating both opportunities and governance for K-12 systems across the United States. Conducted in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, this study examines educators’ perspectives on AI use in classrooms across multiple Arkansas school districts. The purpose is to inform the development of policy and oversight frameworks at the state and district levels. Educators completed an IRB-approved survey evaluating AI across five domains: instructional and administrative benefits, classroom concerns and potential downsides, trust and ethical considerations, governance and oversight structures, and professional support and training needs. Responses were …

Skin Pattern As A Potential Monitoring Tool For Frog Populations, Lídize Sagarnaga Rivera, Virginie Rolland Dr., Lorin Neuman-Lee Dr.

Create@State

Skin pattern as a potential monitoring tool for frog populations

Population monitoring, which requires identifying individuals, is crucial for species conservation. Common techniques involve marking, which can harm animals and alter their behaviors. Natural markings are an alternative not yet explored for amphibians. Yet, the traditional method with elastomers (fluorescent implants) is invasive and not completely reliable—the tag may become lost or hard to see. The American green tree frog (Dryophytes cinereus) possesses naturally occurring and distinct golden dots on their dorsal side.  Therefore, we aim to assess whether patterns of golden dots on the skin of green …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Thiazole Derivatives As Potential Antitumor Agents, Kaylee Leddy

Create@State

Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in both men and women in the USA. It originates in melanocytes, which make the melanin pigment that gives skin its color. While treatable in early stages, melanoma becomes nearly incurable once metastasized. Thiazole derivatives have been recognized in many pharmaceutical classes including anticancer, antimicrobial, antimalarial, anti-tuberculosis, and diuretics. They have long been researched for their natural pharmacological properties and have shown potential to inhibit melanoma cell growth. In this study, catechol-substituted thiazole derivatives were synthesized using the Hantzsch-Thiazole synthesis. A total of 13 novel compounds were made using 2-chlorodihydroxyacetophenone with various catechol-substituted …