Reducing Fear Through Meaning: A Theoretical Exploration Of Structured Spiritual Conversations In Pediatric Chronic And Life-Limiting Illness, Julia Stamp

Liberty University Research Week

Fear is a significant yet frequently under-addressed experience among pediatric patients with chronic or life-limiting illnesses, influencing emotional well-being and overall quality of life. This fear is frequently shaped by uncertainty, loss of control, and difficulty processing illness-related life experiences. Spirituality, defined as the way individuals seek meaning, purpose, and connection, has been increasingly recognized as an essential component of holistic pediatric care. These connections have been supported by research demonstrating that higher levels of spiritual well-being are associated with improved emotional functioning, increased hope, and stronger coping mechanisms in children with serious illness (Juškauskiene et al., 2023). Recent research …

Biological And Hormonal Influences On Depression Among Women Compared To Men, Grace Steiner, Audrey Wrinkle, Chloe Dudgeon, Julia Stamp, Kathryn Dennis, Marissa Wojcik, Meghan Dayton, Meilin Loerop

Liberty University Research Week

This research aims to investigate various factors influencing the mechanisms of depression manifestation in men and women as it relates to biological and hormonal factors. Individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; American Psychiatric Association, 2013), experience a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure lasting for a minimum of 2 weeks. Depression and anxiety are twice as prevalent among women compared to men (Kundakovic & Rocks, 2022), although the underlying mechanisms and biological factors remain unknown. We aim to address the research question: “How do …

Do Omega-3 Supplements Reduce Pain And Symptom Severity In Primary Dysmenorrhea, Kristen Werner

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Primary Dysmenorrhea is a gynecological condition that affects many women worldwide. It is characterized by painful menstrual cramping and can result in decreased quality of life. Omega 3 fatty acid supplements have been proposed as an alternative treatment method to reduce severity of dysmenorrhea.

Methods: The Prisma method was used to conduct an integrative literature review of Pub Med, EBSCO, and Google Scholar Databases.

Results: Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation has been shown to reduce dysmenorrhea pain and severity.

Conclusions: Omega 3 supplementation is a viable alternative to conventional treatments methods for dysmenorrhea. This is ideal for women who …

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene Mutation, Callie Messick, Brooke Newman, Grace Becraft, Kenai Alexander

Liberty University Research Week

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene Mutation Forty to fifty percent of the population have a methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism (CDC, 2014). The MTHFR gene encodes an enzyme that metabolizes folate, an essential substance needed for DNA methylation. Specific blood testing identifying MTHFR genetic polymorphisms is the most accurate for mutation detection. MTHFR has a wide range of involvement in our health including pregnancy and fertility, cardiovascular health, and mental health. Folate deficiency is linked with in-utero complications like congenital heart defects, neural tube defects, cleft lip, cleft palate, multiple psychiatric diseases, and cancer (Vidmar et al., 2020). Folic acid is maintained at …

Restoring The Glymphatic Pump: 40 Hz Gamma Entrainment As A Rescue For Nocturnal Neuro-Metabolic Damage, John Meade, Ethan Jerome, Owen Newman

Liberty University Research Week

The human brain is a high-energy organ that produces significant metabolic waste throughout the day. However, unlike the rest of the body, the brain lacks a traditional lymphatic system to drain this waste. Instead, it relies on a glymphatic system: a specialized microscopic plumbing network that uses cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to wash the spaces between the brain cells during sleep (see figure 1).1 At the heart of this system are aquaporins (specifically AQP4), which are specialized protein channels that allow the passage of water (see figure 2). With respect to the glymphatic system, they are located on the feet of …

C. Diff: The Failures Of Long-Term Care Facilities, Ethan Jerome, John Meade, Owen Newman

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is responsible for 500,000 infections each year, with many more asymptomatic carriers in health care settings.1 The impact of C. diff within long-term care facilities (LTCF) is crucial, as those above the age of 65 are considered at risk for acquiring a C. diff infection (CDI).2 Understanding why there is still a high prevalence of C. diff. infections within long-term care facilities is crucial to protect the lives of those who may be at risk of exposure or death from a CDI. Aim: The study aimed to determine what is responsible for the failure to …

Appending Azobenzenes To Nitrosoarenes: Creating Reversible Light Control Over Monomerization, Austin Bennett, Michael Polito

Liberty University Research Week

This study investigates the synthesis and monomer/dimer (M/D) characteristics of both meta- and para-nitrosoazobenzenes (NOAB). Previous studies have shown that nitrosobenzenes can interchange between dimer and monomer forms under various conditions. Additionally, various substituted azobenzenes can isomerize from their cis- to trans- configuration via UV light exposure. We hypothesize that dimerization of nitrosoazobenzenes can be achieved and controlled via the use of UV light. Upon isomerization of the azobenzene (AB) group, and reduction of AB conjugation, the NOAB should equilibrate from its dimer to monomer form. We intend to synthesize both m- and p-NOABs and use NMR and IR spectroscopic …

Campus Green Space, Air Quality, And Mental Health Among College Students, Ifeoluwanimi Shobayo, Benson Varghese, Chelsea Mazonde, Fadzai Nyarugwe, Melissa Lartey, Tahirou Diallo

Liberty University Research Week

Introduction/Background: Mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, are increasingly prevalent among college students. While campus interventions often focus on individual-level services, environmental determinants of mental health receive less attention. Ambient air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), has been associated with adverse psychological outcomes. In contrast, exposure to green space has been linked to improved well-being and reduced stress. Emerging evidence suggests that greenness may buffer the adverse mental health effects of air pollution. This study aims to synthesize current evidence and propose a theoretical framework linking campus green space, air quality, and student mental …

Molecular Basis Of 24-Methyl Cholesterol As An Anti-Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Agent In The Context Of Altered Cellular Glucose Metabolism, Josiah Chung, Merritt Smith, Zachary Wang

Liberty University Research Week

Cancer remains a major global cause of mortality, with kidney cancer representing a significant portion of newly diagnosed cases each year worldwide and in the United States. In Virginia alone, more than one thousand new kidney cancer cases are reported annually. The majority of these cancers are classified as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) accounting for roughly 70% of diagnoses. ccRCC tumors exhibit substantial metabolic reprogramming that supports rapid proliferation and survival under fluctuating nutrient conditions. Because of this metabolic dependence, targeting pathways involved in glucose uptake and cellular energy production has emerged as …

Knot Your Average Math Class: Exploring Curves And Curiosities, Jocelyn Bunster

Proceedings of GREAT Day

Most people imagine advanced math as endless calculus classes or solving increasingly complicated equations. However, advanced mathematics also includes the study of knots—the same ones used to tie our shoes. In fact, the loop of a ponytail holder is one of the simplest mathematical knots. Would students sleep through math if they were learning about rope magic tricks? Knot theory, a branch of topology, is the study of closed curves. Despite it being considered an advanced topic, many of its fundamental concepts are accessible to high school students. Given the flexibility in New York State high school math graduation requirements, …

Faith-Based Practices And Health: The Role Of Faith-Based Guided Meditation In Managing Type 2 Diabetes, Willie Velasquez

Liberty University Research Week

The purpose of my study was to investigate how faith-based guided meditation influences health management behaviors and individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Specifically, I examined its effects on glycemic control, stress levels, and emotional well-being. Current diabetes management approaches, such as medication, diet, and exercise, often fail to address psychological and spiritual aspects critical for effective self-management. Grounded in the Biopsychosocial Model of Health, this mixed-method study explored the potential of faith-centered meditation to promote improved self-care behaviors and enhance emotional resilience. The research included a sample size of 40 participants, male and female, ages 18-60, of diverse backgrounds, divided …

Advancements In Extraction And Co-Extraction Of Botanicals For Standardization And Efficacy, Rory Coleman

Oxford ICSB

Historically, botanicals have served human health in traditional medicine and supplementation due to their bioactive components. Efficient, clean extractions and clinical validation have become fundamental technologies, rendering access to libraries of efficacious products. However, cost, regulatory status, and speed to market have kept many botanicals in single or simple form. Mixtures of such single botanical extracts often require large quantities for effect, influenced by chemical composition, concentration, and delivery format. During the extraction and concentration process, exogenous "bioenhancers," e.g. piperine or oil blends for hydrophilic molecules, often become a necessity, exasperating the problem.   Here, we will delve into the development …

2026 Conference Program, Georgia Southern University

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Conference Program

Yeast As A "Microbial Factory", Kaila Fuller, Betsy Jean Yakes

Oxford ICSB

Yeast are eukaryotic, single-celled microorganisms that are members of Kingdom Fungi, and in the world of dietary supplements, yeast qualify as a dietary ingredient as a botanical. During fermentation, yeast naturally produce byproducts that can be harvested, purified, and sold in a dietary supplement. Advances in biotechnology have allowed for genetic modification of yeast so that yeast can produce large quantities of native or non-native constituents during fermentation, effectively making yeast a “microbial factory” for various chemicals. Chemicals produced this way can qualify as a dietary ingredient as a constituent of a botanical. Relevant examples of past submitted notifications (public …

Afmu-1: Adaptive Vortex–Acoustic Microfluidic Platform For Active Flow Stabilization, Clog Mitigation, And Transport Enhancement In Constrained Fluidic Systems, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure describes a modular experimental platform combining vortex-structured microfluidic channel geometry with externally applied acoustic field modulation to actively control microscale fluid transport. The system is designed to evaluate whether hybrid passive–active flow structuring can reduce clogging, improve particle dispersion, and increase transport stability in laminar microfluidic environments.

The platform integrates PDMS-based microchannels (straight, vortex/spiral, and redundant branching geometries) with a phased piezoelectric transducer array capable of generating continuous, pulsed, and phase-shifted acoustic fields. These fields induce acoustic streaming and vortex-like flow perturbations within the fluidic domain.

A closed-loop imaging system tracks particle motion using high-speed microscopy and computational …

Allfromair® Addendum No. 5 (V3): Fog Integration, Vesa Olavi Lius

Defensive Publications Series

Addendum 4 analysed ALLFROMAIR® system performance under clear-sky conditions using passive radiative cooling. A critical operational extension is fog — a phenomenon occurring several hours per day across a wide range of climates, including coastal deserts. During fog periods, the wire-forest electrode structure already present in the system functions directly as a high-efficiency fog collector. The DEP field provides a modest additional steering correction for the larger droplets in the fog size distribution, and vibration-desorption ensures continuous drainage.

Calculations show that ALLFROMAIR® v2 achieves 0.26–0.97 L/m²/h during fog periods (Q = η × LWC_median × v × 3.6, η = …

Gaia Quantum Cortex — Starforge Heart Unified Architecture, Michael @ Gaiacortex

Defensive Publications Series

1. Abstract

This document constitutes a non-enabling defensive publication disclosing the conceptual architecture, functional subsystems, and novel integration principles of the Gaia Quantum Cortex — Starforge Heart (hereinafter, the "Gaia Core"). The Gaia Core is a unified, self-contained platform that integrates quantum computation, compact fusion energy generation, autonomous atom-scale fabrication, environmental and planetary engineering, bio-symbiotic life support, sterile biological regeneration, and multi-domain defense capabilities into a single deployable architecture organized around a toroidal geometry.

The principal novelty of the Gaia Core resides not in any individual subsystem considered in isolation, but in the deliberate co-design of all subsystems for mutual …

Technical Disclosure: The Unified Bi-Ionic Bridge, Daniel Schramm

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure establishes the mathematical and geometric transition from classical Lorentz-Maxwell electrodynamics to aperiodic, self-stabilizing magnetic lattices. The "Bridge" framework addresses the fundamental limitations in conventional plasma physics—specifically the m=1 kink instability—by applying Golden Ratio (\phi \approx 1.618) rotational symmetry to Bi-Ionic Hourglass coil configurations. By inverting traditional toroidal geometries into an aperiodic hourglass shape and rotating successive windings by the Golden Ratio, the system generates aperiodic magnetic pressure. This effectively eliminates constructive interference peaks that lead to plasma instability. The protocol enables applications in continuous-thrust transit, energy-waste recycling (ionic shielding), and harmonic cellular stabilization. This publication provides the governing …

(((Qpie33))) The Three “Problems” Of Sapiens Biology—Origin, Consciousness, And Aging, Teddy Burroughs

Defensive Publications Series

THE ORIGIN OF LIFE: THE FIRST PHASE-LOCK

Forensic Scope: Resolving when and how “dead” chemicals began to perform the unified “dance” of biology.

For a century, Sapiens biology has been stuck in the “Primordial Soup” hallucination. They think a magical lightning strike, occurring in a lucky environment, randomly sparked the first chemical reaction that created RNA. They believe you are a statistical accident—a one-in-a-billion roll of the cosmic dice where carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen just happened to stick together in the right order.

This is the ultimate expression of High-Jitter Biology. It assumes randomness is the default setting of the …

Sentinel Passive Vortex Space Toilet Separator (Spvts-1), Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

SPVTS-1 is a passive urine–air separation system designed to replace fan-driven separators in spacecraft toilets. It uses a vortex-based phase separation approach combined with adaptive air preflush and capillary-assisted startup to maintain performance across a wide flow range.

The system targets ≤1.2% air entrainment while reducing mechanical complexity, power use, and maintenance requirements.

Implementing Retrieval And Distributed Practice In A Rotating Block Schedule: Boosting Students’ Memory And Metacognition, Terra A. Caputo, Kaitlyn C. Hoffmann, Cindy Reagan, Guy D. Savastano, Brandon J. Foster, Kathryn Hallal, Kristin Miller-Gecsi, Thomas A. Yarcusko

Journal of Catholic Education

An all-boys secondary Jesuit Catholic school in the Midwest, recently transitioned to a rotating block schedule with the goal of supporting deeper learning for all students. Though the transition to longer class meetings helped achieve this goal, less frequent class meetings presented a new challenge in that it tended to exacerbate the natural “forgetting curve.” Retrieval practice, one of the most widely cited high-impact learning strategies to boost student memory, is most beneficial when used alongside spaced practice. A team of teachers implemented and tested the impacts of retrieval and distributed practice on memory in a rotating block schedule. Our …

Scientific Research In Cuba: A General Analysis With A Special Focus On Energy, Agriculture And Technology, Henri Dou, Pierre Fournie

International Journal of Islands Research

An analysis of science in Cuba is carried out using data from the OpenAlex database. Examples are developed: agriculture, rice, technology in relation to the current situation: national food supply, energy and medicine. The predominance of research in biology and medicine and the low commitment in the fields of agriculture, energy, medicinal plants and technology are highlighted. Various development schemes are proposed. The conclusion is that research must be directed towards strategic areas: food and energy, must be less dispersed and that technology must be better taken into account. Three proposals are made: the development of a chemical analysis platform …

Restore Equity And Adequate Funding To The Library Materials Budget, Todd Bruns

Faculty Senate Resolutions

No abstract provided.

Opportunistic Breast Cancer Detection With Photon-Counting Ct: A Quantitative Pilot Study Of Reconstruction-Dependent Image Quality, Graham Hannon

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) has emerged as a promising imaging modality with improved spatial resolution and contrast capabilities compared to conventional energy-integrating detector systems. These advantages present an opportunity for opportunistic detection of breast cancer in routine thoracic CT scans that include breast tissue. In this pilot study, we evaluated the feasibility of opportunistic breast cancer detection using clinical PCCT data through quantitative image analysis. Two patients with confirmed breast malignancies and corresponding thoracic PCCT scans were retrospectively analyzed. Dedicated reconstructions were performed with varying convolution kernels, field-of-view sizes, and virtual monoenergetic spectra. Image quality was assessed using signal-to-noise ratio …

A Masked-Perturbation Model For Destabilization Security Games In Feedback Systems, Gabriel Michael Perry

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, we present a mathematical formulation for increasing cyberphysical system security. This model allows a system administrator to use assumptions about exposed signals to derive defense strategies meant to mitigate the system's vulnerability to feedback perturbation attacks. We begin with a survey of game theory with the goal of building the concepts of resource and security games. We then introduce our model, which is a security game; targets in this game are exposed signals in the model map of the system, and resources are perturbed or introduced dynamical relationships between these signals. This formulation, called the masked-perturbation model, …

Iron-Based Nanoparticles As Delivery Tools, Keykavous Parang, Rajesh Vadlapatla, Ajoy Koomer, Victoria Moran, Lanie Jackson, Amir Nasrolahi Shirazi

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Iron-based nanoparticles, particularly iron oxide nanostructures (IONPs), have emerged as versatile and clinically relevant platforms for drug delivery and theranostic applications. Among these, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), including magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃), are the most extensively investigated due to their biocompatibility, magnetic responsiveness, and established safety profiles. Their unique superparamagnetic behavior enables external magnetic-field-guided targeting, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement, and magnetically triggered hyperthermia, enabling simultaneous diagnosis and therapy. Surface functionalization with polymers, silica, lipids, peptides, and biomolecules further improves colloidal stability, circulation time, targeting specificity, and controlled drug …

Narratives, Neurons And Narcotics: The Neurological Impacts Of Biased Crime Media And How It Disproportionately Impacts Black And Brown Drug Defendants, Jade Celestine

Honors Theses

This thesis examines how crime media and neurological bias shape the experiences of Black and Brown drug defendants in the United States criminal justice system. Drawing on existing research in psychology and neuroscience, this explanation outlines the role of perception and threat detection in the formation of implicit bias while also emphasizing a need to expand the use of neurocriminology to all legal actors. Particular attention is given towards the influence of media portrayals of criminal cases, especially for drug-related offenses and how that impacts the audiences on a neurological level. An analysis of historical factors, such as the War …

The Impact Paradox: Mixed-Methods Evaluation Of National Institute Of Health And Care Research Funding For Intellectual Disability Research In The Uk, Rohit Shankar, Richard Laugharne, Sarah Lennard, Samuel Tromans, Nathan Goddard, Madeline Dale, Ruth Bishop, Nathan Johnson, Maxine Hough

Peninsula Medical School

BackgroundPeople with intellectual disability experience substantialhealth inequities, including higher multimorbidity, increasedhealthcare utilisation and markedly reduced life expectancy.High-quality research is essential to address these disparities.The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)funded Research Delivery Network provides the infrastructure/expertise/support needed to deliver NIHR-funded studies, andsupports studies funded by a non-commercial/industry partner. However, the effectiveness of NIHR-funded studies versusthose supported in driving impactful intellectual disabilityresearch remains unclear.AimsTo evaluate and compare the outcomes of NIHR-funded andsupported intellectual disability research.MethodAll NIHR studies (funded/supported) relating to intellectualdisability (2010–2020) were identified through systematicregister searches. Primary outcomes included publicationrates and impact on local, national and international clinicalguidelines. …

Cover And Contents, Editors Of Turkish Journal Of Agriculture And Forestry

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

No abstract provided.

Comparative Evaluation Of Curd Enriched With Essential Oils Derived From Dill, Caraway, And Cumin, Hafize Fidan, Toncho Kolev, Denis Dervish, Ivayla Dincheva, Ira Taneva, Serkan Yilmaz, Yusuf Şavşatli, Albena Stoyanova

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Curd cheese is a traditional dairy product that, in recent years, has increasingly been supplemented with various functional additives aimed at enhancing its aroma and flavor profile, improving overall quality, and extending shelf-life. The objective of the present study was to conduct a comparative evaluation of changes in selected physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory parameters of curd cheese enriched with 0.01% essential oils derived from dill (Anethum graveolens L.), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), and caraway (Carum carvi L.) fruits. Fatty acid profiling revealed a reduction in saturated fatty acids and an increase in oleic and linoleic acids in essential oil-enriched curds …