Digital Commons Network^™

Optimal Control Analysis Of Mob Dynamics Using Generation Z Youtube Channel Behavior, Tahidu Alhassan

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Digital media communication technologies have changed how people organize and act together. During the Generation Z event, social media platforms (e.g., X, YouTube, Facebook) played a major role in spreading information and mobilizing collective actions online and offline. In this work, we modified a mathematical dynamic model of the social media mob using an optimal control technique to adjust the rate of spread in response to social interactions. We examined the susceptible-quarantined-counter-infective-recovered (SQCIR) epidemiology model on a YouTube dataset covering Gen-Z data spread in Nepal from 8 to 13 September 2025. Using high-temporal-resolution real-world social media data will help to …

Assessment Of Airborne Cultural Fungi Indoors And Outdoors In A Rural Veterinary Clinic, Elena Ortez, Oluwatosin Jegede, Dorothy Seybold, Daeshjea Mcgee, Atin Adhikari, Ally Holmes

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Background and Objectives: Veterinary clinics can inadvertently release and propagate bacteria through several mechanisms, primarily due to contaminated surfaces, insufficient cleaning protocols, and, in some instances, direct transmission from infected animals or staff. Given that these clinics are high-traffic environments, they can serve as hotspots for clinic-acquired infections if rigorous hygiene practices are not upheld. This study evaluated airborne bacterial concentrations in different areas of a veterinary clinic compared to outdoor ambient air by calculating the indoor-to-outdoor ratios.

Methods: Airborne culturable bacterial samples were collected using a Biostage Impactor across eight internal zones including waiting areas, treatment rooms, and wards …

Coupling Deep Learning With Time-Dependent Scir Model For Predicting Social Media Mob Behaviors, Bismark Ampaw Offei

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

In this study, we modified an epidemiological model of social media mob using deep learning methods to investigate information transmission using COVID-19 Twitter data from April to June 2021. Data collection was done using keywords, such as “covid 19”, “vaccine”, “lockdown”, and “quarantine” to simulate activity trends during the pandemic. In this work, we combine deep learning methods, including LSTMs and GRUs, with the susceptible-counter-infective-recovered (SCIR) model to forecast time-dependent parameters. Primary qualitative analyses, including the social media mob free equilibrium (MFE) point, the endemic equilibrium point, and the basic reproduction number ℜ₀, were performed. Our analysis shows …

Multigraded Betti Numbers Of Squarefree Monomial Ideals From Maximal, Nonattacking Rook Arrangements, Gwendolyn Flaherty

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

This project investigates algebraic structures that arise from combinatorial constructions using tools from commutative algebra, combinatorics, and topology. Many natural combinatorial objects give rise to squarefree, pure monomial ideals. One can construct minimal free resolutions of these ideals and study their graded and multigraded Betti numbers, which measure the complexity of the resolution. The connection between monomial ideals and Betti numbers is provided by Hochster’s formula, which expresses the Betti numbers of a squarefree monomial ideal in terms of the reduced homology of associated simplicial complexes.

The primary goal of this work is to develop combinatorial interpretations of these Betti …

An Analysis Of Soil Moisture Under Different Atmospheric Conditions, Justin Peabody

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This project presents analysis of data from a field research site at the Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus. Data was collected from soil moisture  sensors installed in onsite pots. This project provides preliminary assessment of quantitative relationships between soil moisture, atmospheric temperature, and precipitation, as well as preliminary indications of water absorption rates by uncovered soil. Funding was recently obtained from the Alvin J. Baum Foundation to install soil cover materials, temperature sensors and precipitation gauges onsite, allowing for more accurate assessment of relationships and comparison of rainwater absorption rates between various ground surfaces on the Lakeshore Campus.

The Evolution Of Accounting: Historical Bookkeeping And Double Entry, Linda N. Moua

Research & Creative Achievement Day

In present-day accounting, technology  has transformed the efficiency and effectiveness of transaction recording.  Microsoft Excel has become a standard tool since its launch in the 1980s and has  quickly replaced handwritten work. This research aims to analyze the origins  of accounting, specifically in bookkeeping and double-entry, and how it has  proven to be the language of business from the beginning. This research will  initially look at stone tablets from the Mesopotamian Era and into the  development of double entry, with how its evolved origins are still similar  and different today. Other than the history of bookkeeping and double entry,  there …

Analyzing Accessibility Issue Detection Differences Between Wave And Google Lighthouse Using A Controlled Wcag Violation Webpage, Saabiriin M. Abdi

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Automated accessibility evaluation tools, such as WAVE and Google Lighthouse are widely used to assess compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). However, prior studies indicate that these tools often disagree, vary in the success criteria they support, and differ in the type of issues they detect. Because most evaluations were conducted on real websites, where the precise number of accessibility violations is unknown. Without a ground-truth baseline, it is impossible to measure false negatives, false positives, or the accuracy of detection.

This project addresses that gap by creating a controlled HTML webpage containing 40 intentional WCAG 2.1 Level …

Aerodynamic Performance Analysis Of High-Powered Rocket Airbrakes, Simon Babcock, Samuel Worthington, Sophia Batchelor

Liberty University Research Week

This research investigates the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to derive a coefficient-of-drag (Cd) profile for a high-powered rocket with an active airbrake control system to drive precise apogee control and trajectory prediction. High-fidelity CFD simulations are used to produce a reliable drag-coefficient function across relevant Mach numbers with airbrakes retracted and extended into the relative airstream, enabling more accurate trajectory modeling and control strategies for rockets employing aerodynamic drag modulation. This accurate drag characterization is critical as small deviations in the rocket’s Cd can significantly alter the predicted launch behavior and stability during high-powered flight. Prior work in …

Area Approximation Of Jordan Curves Via The Isoperimetric Inequality And Cauchy-Crofton Formula, Nikita Veselkin, Rashad Kaiyal

Mathematics Colloquium Series

We combine the Isoperimetric Inequality (Dido's Problem) and the Cauchy-Crofton formula to approximate the area enclosed by Jordan curves in the 2D plane. The Cauchy-Crofton formula provides a consistent estimate of a curve's length, which the Isoperimetric Inequality then uses to approximate the enclosed area. We additionally present software that automates the Cauchy-Crofton length computation, making the method practical for real-world use. Empirical testing validates the accuracy of this combined approach, with potential applications in tumor segmentation from MRI scans.

Temporal Variation In Dna Methylation Over 115 Years Post Introduction Facilitate Success Of House Sparrows, M. Ellesse Lauer, J. Dylan Maddox, Kevin D. Kohl, Mark Ravinet, Lynn B. Martin, Aaron W. Schrey

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

House sparrows (Passer domesticus) have colonized most continents within the last 200 years. As such, they represent a unique study system for understanding the role that epigenetic mechanisms play in an individual’s responses to rapid environmental changes. DNA methylation facilitates the introduction success of non-native sparrows by compensating for reduced genetic diversity and supporting changes to phenotypes. In non-native populations of house sparrows, more recently introduced populations have higher variance in DNA methylation and respond to simulated infections with a greater magnitude of change in DNA methylation. To determine how DNA methylation changes temporally across 115 years post …

Piranesi And Neptune: How Susanna Clarke’S Spellbinding Story Orbits Planet Narnia, Jennifer Agee

Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature

This essay is a critical consideration and celebration of the novel Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. The book makes clear references to the Chronicles of Narnia; these connections have been noted and explored elsewhere. But what hasn’t been noticed is Piranesi’s connection to Dr. Michael Ward’s critical theory as described in Planet Narnia (2008). Ward claims that the Narnia books are secretly organized around a medieval planetary scheme that incorporates the atmosphere, imagery, and influence of the “visible planets,” which C.S. Lewis believed were spiritual symbols of permanent value. This essay briefly explains Dr. Ward’s theory and argues that Susanna Clarke …

Epigenetic Variation Of American Alligators (Alligator Mississippiensis) In The Okefenokee Swamp, Mark Hoog, Kimberly M. Andrews, Aaron W. Schrey

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

An animal's survival is heavily influenced by how well adapted it is to the environment in which it lives; however, phenotypes are only able to change so quickly. Epigenetics allows for greater phenotypic plasticity through molecular mechanisms without altering the DNA sequence. DNA methylation is the most widely studied epigenetic mechanism. It has shown the ability to alter gene expression and may even be able to compensate for a lack of genetic variation. Changes in DNA methylation are often caused by stressors that range from anthropogenic causes to natural occurrences. We sought to examine the effect of environmental factors on …

Computational Investigation Of Ruthenium Complex Interactions With Dna For Anticancer Applications, Mikayla A. Ertz

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Ruthenium complexes are being studied as potential alternatives to platinum-based cancer drugs because they are often less toxic and more selective for cancer cells. This project uses computational modeling to investigate how a ruthenium complex interacts with DNA, which is an important target for anticancer activity. All simulations were performed using the MSI Agate supercomputing system through Termius. The complex was first tested in the major groove of DNA with and without a leaving group, followed by the same set of simulations in the minor groove. Binding energies were analyzed to compare interaction strength and determine how groove position and …

Growing Large Single And Multi-Crystals From Alum Powder, Owen Paulson, Mayra G. Aguilar, Owen T. Maloney, Kole C. Koehler

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Crystal growth science is used to replicate the growth of crystals that form in nature. Channels of hot fluid with concentrations of minerals created the crystals found as gemstones. At low concentrations, no crystal grows. At high concentrations, a multitude of crystals grow. At the ideal concentration, a single, clear crystal grows. Four solution concentrations were used to create seed crystals. Those Alum seed crystals were attached to a string and suspended in various concentrations of Alum solution to find concentrations that create no crystal, a single crystal, and a multi-crystal.

Co-Precipitation Synthesis Of Magnetic Nanoparticles (Mnps) Fe3o4 And Their Photocatalytic Performance, Leo Doan, Natalie R. Chouinard, Kahun N. Vue

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared and evaluated for their photocatalytic activity in degrading methylene blue (MB). MB is widely used in different industries and is difficult to remove from waste due to the benzene groups, so the removal of MB becomes an emergency problem. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), Fe3O4, were successfully synthesized using a co-precipitation method between FeCl3.6H2O and FeCl2.4H2O. The point of zero charge (PZC) was determined to be approximately at pH 6.37. The NPs were examined under UV light irradiation, and their catalytic activity was monitored using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The λmax of MB was determined to be approximately …

Growing Alum Crystals, Todd Carroll, Daniela Gutierrez Rubio, Kevin Dang, Samuel J. Whempner

Research & Creative Achievement Day

One of the easiest crystal growth experiments uses Alum powder to dissolve in water. The dissolved material slowly forms with seed crystals to create larger crystals. As the dissolved material is depleted, more is added to continue the crystal growth. Four different concentrations were used for seed crystal growth. Those crystals were attached to a string and hung in a bath of Alum solution. Different strategies were used to grow crystals and in some cases dissolve crystals.

Exploring The Mandelbrot Set In Real Algebras, Shane Weimar

Liberty University Research Week

The Mandelbrot set is a fractal in the complex plane. Its boundary is chaotic, and very difficult to determine completely. In recent years, mathematicians have put considerable effort into understanding the Mandelbrot set, since understanding the Mandelbrot set would give insight into how fractals and chaos work in general. However, very little research has been conducted into the Mandelbrot set in abstract algebras. This research will categorize some of these algebras and compute the Mandelbrot set in them.

Non-Isothermal Phase-Field Model Of Pa6 Crystallization, Joshua Tozer, Ephraim Zegeye, Hayoon Kim

Liberty University Research Week

Syntactic foams are high-performance materials consisting of a material matrix embedded with hollow particles. This study investigates the crystallization behavior of a nylon 6 material with hollow glass micro balloons for the purpose of elucidating the microstructure and optimizing the properties of the composite through phase-field simulations. This work expands on existing literature by synthesizing material relationships to account for the variation of the interfacial energy with temperature, where the interfacial energy refers to not only that between the amorphous and crystalline phases of nylon 6 but that between any phase of the nylon and the glass micro balloons. Such …

Aerodynamic Performance Analysis Of High-Powered Rocket Airbrakes, Simon Babcock, Samuel Worthington, Sophia Batchelor

Liberty University Research Week

This research investigates the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to derive a coefficient-of-drag (Cd) profile for a high-powered rocket with an active airbrake control system to drive precise apogee control and trajectory prediction. High-fidelity CFD simulations are used to produce a reliable drag-coefficient function across relevant Mach numbers with airbrakes retracted and extended into the relative airstream, enabling more accurate trajectory modeling and control strategies for rockets employing aerodynamic drag modulation. This accurate drag characterization is critical as small deviations in the rocket’s Cd can significantly alter the predicted launch behavior and stability during high-powered flight. Prior work in …

Quantitative Stewardship Of The Great Commission: A Linear Programming Approach To Missionary Allocation In India, Isaiah Mellace

Liberty University Research Week

This project investigates how linear programming can be used as a decision-support tool to inform missionary allocation across unreached people groups in India. The central thesis is that quantitative optimization methods can help identify regions of greatest unmet need and minimize the number of resources required to complete the Great Commission. Prior work in operations research has demonstrated the effectiveness of linear programming for resource allocation problems in logistics, healthcare, and humanitarian aid; however, such methods have rarely been applied to missiological contexts. Using figures from Joshua Project’s South Asia data, a mixed-integer linear programming model was constructed with assumptions …

What Is Philosophy For? Reading Wittgenstein After Cavell, Maggie L. Zhang

2026 Claremont Colleges Library Undergraduate Research Award

This literature review examines two major strands of Cavellian scholarship on Wittgenstein, arguing that their relative separation has obscured the insights each offers the other. Cavell’s “therapeutic” reading of Wittgenstein understands his philosophical project not as a theory of language but as an activity aimed at dissolving the philosophical fantasy of such a theory. This approach has been taken up along two largely distinct lines of inquiry: one focused on the Tractatus and the debate between substantial and austere views of nonsense, and another centered on the Philosophical Investigations and its relation to ordinary language philosophy, particularly in light of …

Chattla+ - Can Llms Write Correct Tla+ Specifications?, Eric Spencer

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

TLA+ is a programming language used by companies like Amazon and Microsoft to mathematically prove a system is correct via specifications. We evaluate 30 LLMs on 205 public TLA+ specifications, achieving only 8.6% semantic correctness. Model size doesn't predict quality, DeepSeek r1:8B outperforms it's 70B variant. ChatTLA+, our fine-tuned GPT-OSS-20B model, uses TLC model checking as a path toward reliable formal specification synthesis through reinforcement learning.

Deep Tissue Massage-Induced Muscle Damage Associated With Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (Doms), Stress, And Rhabdomyolysis, Lily M. Ekert, Ella R. Halopka, Micah Maddio, Marisa Wood, Bailey Kerkow, Logan Murphy, Ashley Wise

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Deep tissue massage is a common treatment method used to aid in muscle recovery, reduce pain, and promote overall physical well-being. However, there is limited research explaining its biochemical effects at a cellular level, particularly in relation to muscle damage and systemic inflammation. Severe cases of muscle tissue breakdown are Rhabdomyolysis, which is discussed with an emphasis on clinical evidence rather than biochemical aspects. The goal of this study is to determine whether deep tissue massages cause cellular damage and tissue inflammation. This testing will be done through quantitative measurements of biomarkers within the bloodstream. In previous studies, four specific …

Evaluating Movement-Based Detection Of Moose Calving Using Gps Collar Data, Lauren A. Beck

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Moose (Alces alces) give birth during a short seasonal window and exhibit distinct changes in movement behavior, including long-distance travel followed by a period of localized movement while caring for newborn calves. Previous research has shown that these patterns can be identified using GPS collar data; however, it remains unclear whether movement data alone can reliably predict calving events. This study evaluated whether movement-based metrics derived from processed GPS collar data from the 2013 calving season could be used to develop a predictive model for calving. Movement data were compiled into a dataset of daily movement features and event-level summaries, …

Growing Alum Crystals, Jackson A. Struhar, Alexis M. Freiboth, Ana N. Schneider

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Alum, also known as Potash, is used to can pickles. Alum powder was used to create seed crystals. The seed crystal was hung in a jar submerged in distilled water with alum powder dissolved to attempt to grow an Alum crystal over the Spring semester. Three different concentrations were used to determine changes associated with crystal growth and quality. Numerous strategies were employed throughout the semester as growth methods worked and did not work.

Growing Large Alum Crystals, Wyatt N. Laborde, Will Gunderson, Kyle R. Behrens

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Alum forms a colorless cubic crystal that can grow to the size of a small apple over the span of 2-3 months of growth in a concentrated solution. Many different seed crystal solutions were used to obtain large clear seed crystals. The best seed crystal was attached to a string and suspended in various concentrations of Alum solution to allow for the seed crystal to grow into a large crystal. By monitoring the weight of the crystal, the solution concentration was adjusted for optimum growth.

Agiliti Health Rental Model Development, Nicole Braun, Alissa Pettit

Research & Creative Achievement Day

In the modern healthcare landscape, managing medical technology efficiently is vital to patient outcomes. However, healthcare facilities often struggle with equipment management during volatile, influenza-driven patient surges. This project presents a data-driven reporting framework designed to transition Agiliti Health from reactive equipment management to a proactive consultative approach, ensuring hospital preparedness during peak seasonal demand. The primary objective was to design a reporting suite that transforms disconnected data streams into actionable strategic insights. The methodology involved centralizing internal logistics data from Azure Databricks and integrating external trends from the Center of Disease Control. Technical implementation required rigorous data cleaning using …

Purification And Investigation Of Bromelain Enzyme From Pineapple, Elsie J. Dahnert, Leah O. Hanson, Regan E. Stafanoni, Reyna Olson, Eion D. Hinkle, Muaj-Infinite S. Yang

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Bromelain proteins are a group of digestive protease enzymes that act as a chemical defense to prevent grazing. Bromelain is often taken as a dietary supplement in an attempt to support digestion, and it is used as a meat tenderizer in the restaurant industry. Extracting Bromelain from pineapple, especially the skin, leaves, and stem of the plant, can create a value-added product from what is widely considered to be agricultural waste. In this research, we examined the difference in Bromelain concentrations between the flesh of the pineapple and the skin, leaves, and stem of the pineapple, and the efficacy of …

2026 Conference Program, Georgia Southern University

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Conference Program

Natural Products As Multi Drug-Multi Target Therapeutics - From The Pharmacological Proof To New Approaches For Quantitative Quality Control, Olaf Kelber

Oxford ICSB

In the two decades since the mode of action of herbal medicinal products has been characterized as the Multi Target action of Multi Drug combinations [1,2, 3], the body of evidence supporting the general applicability of this principle to herbal health products has been exponentially increasing.  Key studies describing this principle, based on a wide range of pharmacological models, have been conducted in STW 5 and STW 5-II, herbal combinations used in the treatment of disturbances of the gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) as e.g. upset stomach and irritable bowel syndrome [2, 4]. They allow to characterize the contribution of each combination …