Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring Attentional Mechanisms Of Speech-Gesture Integration, Lisa Gallo, Elizabeth Wakefield

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Gestures are hand movements that provide information and can clarify ambiguous speech. For example, in the sentence “Sparky is a pet”, the type of pet is unclear; however, if the speaker produces a flapping arm gesture, listeners could infer that Sparky is a bird.

Despite gestures sometimes providing the only information needed to resolve ambiguity in a spoken message, not all individuals integrate gesture into their understanding of speech (e.g., Winter & Duffy, 2020; Demir-Lira et al., 2018). The mechanisms underlying this variability remain unclear.

Here, we investigate one potential mechanism supporting integration: visual attention to gesture. We ask:

1) …

The Polysemous Word Flow Task: A Novel Way Of Understanding Creativity, Brady Flanagan

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Creativity is defined as the generation of new ideas to solve problems and likely involves the interplay of three brain networks:, the Default Mode Network (DMN), the Executive Control Network (ECN), and the Salience Network (SN). The recently developed Polysemous Word Flow Task (PolyFT) may serve as a model to assess triple network activity. In this study, we plan to use Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to correlate two components of the PolyFT, clustering and switching, with the triple network model. We predict that the clustering component is tied to DMN function while the switching component is tied to ECN function.

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 Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces) On The Development Of Reckless Behavior In Adulthood, Cheyenne Harvey

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Current literature suggests that there is a correlation between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and behaviors in adulthood (e.g., substance use, crime). Research also shows that childhood trauma can lead to increased risk-taking or reckless behavior later in life. A study by Assini-Meytin et al. (2021) found that having a higher number of ACEs is linked to more risky behaviors in adulthood. These risky behaviors are often ways to deal with emotional problems caused by early stress. Anda et al. (2006) points out that these experiences can cause lasting changes in brain development, especially in areas that handle impulse control. The …

Copyright Page, Georgia State University College Of Law

Georgia State University Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between Emotional Dysregulation, Self-Esteem, And Body Dissatisfaction, Daisy D. Trader

Research & Creative Achievement Day

The research literature suggests that body dissatisfaction may have a relationship with eating disorders (Costantini et al., 2026). Thus, an examination of factors related to body dissatisfaction (BD) could be a helpful avenue for better understanding eating disorders. Research suggests that low self-esteem (SE) and emotional dysregulation (ED) may be relevant factors in this relationship (Brytek-Matera et al., 2021). The current study aimed to examine these relationships to better understand disordered eating in adults. Research suggests that low self-esteem is correlated with body dissatisfaction (Abdoli et al., 2025). For example, Stapleton et al. (2017) found that self-esteem significantly predicted body …

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 …

N-Bromosuccinimide Bromination Of 2-Heptene: Determination Of All Allylic Bromide Products, Natalie L. Olsen

Research & Creative Achievement Day

The main goal of this research was to demonstrate the occurrence of allylic rearrangement in the reaction of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) with 2-heptene. Thus, we aimed to demonstrate using 1H NMR and HPLC that (E)-2-bromo-3-heptene (E-2-3) and (E)-4-bromo-2-heptene (E-4-2) are formed in roughly equal amounts. This is important because several references claim that allylic rearrangement does not occur to a significant extent in this reaction. The reaction was run using 2.1mL (15 mmol) of 2-heptene, 1.84 g of NBS (10 mmol), and 0.008g of benzoyl peroxide (0.03 mmol), in cyclohexane (9.4 mL) under reflux. 1H NMR of the product mixture clearly …

Comparing Dissection Vs Literature Data Of Cestodes In Ducks, Sophia B. Cross

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Cestodes are a class of parasites that are often found in vertebrate animals, specifically ducks. Research conducted by Winona State University students showed that cestodes were the most prevalent type of parasites found within ducks. However, outside research provides controversy as to whether this is actually true. Ducks were dissected by Winona State students over the past seven years, and their internal organs were carefully inspected under a light microscope. Ducks were donated by hunters, mostly harvested along the Mississippi River, from Buffalo City, WI to Winona, MN. Parasites were obtained, stored, and labelled from each duck. A dichotomous key …

Self-Esteem, Self-Control, And Self-Acceptance As Predictors Of Grit And Resilience, Ava N. Krolnik

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Introduction: The debate between whether grit and resilience are the same thing or different concepts has long been discussed. While they may have different definitions, many claim that they measure the same thing while others claim that they are indeed separate ideas. During this debate, many studies have found that self-control, self-esteem, and self-acceptance are all positively correlated with both grit and resilience. Despite these positive correlations, it is unclear which of these self-factors is the strongest predictor of grit and resilience and if they are the same for both. The current study aims to delve deeper into these connections …

Reframing Alpha-Gal Syndrome As A One Health Oral Health Risk: A Theoretical Model For Dental Safety And Policy Reform, Oyebolu Aderinola Akinkugbe, Akuchinyere Titus-Okpanachi, Oluwatosin Marylyn Oduneye

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Notification Efficiency, Lashundra Rucker

Liberty University Research Week

Service organizations rely on operational metrics to evaluate performance. Yet, traditional measures prioritize speed over value, often concealing variables that hide inefficiencies. This project introduces Notification Efficiency (NE) as a construct that utilizes a composite percentage value reflecting the resources used to achieve full operational status. In the proposed framework, a notification is defined as an artifact documenting evidence of a service recovery event. NE is designed to relate directly to resources involved in service recovery—as travel, labor, shipping, and escalation—with an extended goal of triggering early intervention opportunities. As a natural extension to field service, NE can also reside …

Migration, Culture, And Healthcare In Chicago’S Pakistani Community, Sultan Cheema

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

How does Chicago’s Pakistani community understand and access the US healthcare system? This ethnographic study will draw on 10 semi-structured interviews and five in-depth interviews to investigate how first and second-generation Pakistanis interact with healthcare in the United States. By exploring factors such as religion, length of stay, socioeconomic status, non-Western medical practices, household configuration, and education, this study will examine the relationship between cultural adaptation and healthcare decision-making among Pakistani immigrant communities.

Investigating The Quantity & Composition Of “Nurdles” At Micro & Macro Levels, Andrew Conover, Maya Worek, Olivia Schaul

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Plastic pollution is a pressing global concern. Plastic pre-production pellets, or “nurdles” are widespread in the environment, but not yet well documented in rivers. In particular, nurdles are well documented along coastlines; additional efforts are needed to report the presence and concentration of these pollutants in freshwater habitats to fully understand the scope of the problem. This project had 2 objectives: 1) use community science (i.e., volunteer-generated) data to quantify nurdle abundance in rivers at a continental scale, and 2) measure the magnitude of the distribution of nurdles in a single tributary of the Chicago River.

Why Would I Tell?: The Role Of Gender, Identity Centrality, And Responsiveness In African American Romantic Relationships, Angela Okechukwu

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

For African American couples, shared racial identity can help facilitate sharing of experiences of racial microaggressions (Nightingale et al., 2019). High partner responsiveness can help manage stressors (Reis, 2012), and should correlate with increased willingness to share. African American couples answered questions about experiences of microaggressions, ethnic identity centrality, and partner responsiveness. Women shared more regardless of their identity centrality. However, men lower in identity centrality were more willing to share if they perceived their partner as more responsive, while men high in identity centrality shared regardless of how responsive they thought their partner was.

Identification Of An Unknown Bacterial Species From A Sink Handle, Angelo Ricarte, Ahman Dye

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This project aims to identify an unknown bacterial species isolated from a sink handle. Using a series of tests, the bacterium’s physical appearance, growth conditions, and metabolic characteristics will be examined. Its shape, colony appearance, and responses to different biochemical tests will help narrow down its identity. By comparing these results with the profiles of known bacteria, this project aims to determine which species is present and better understand the types of microbes commonly found on everyday objects.

Evaluating Mental Health Providers’ Knowledge And Attitudes Towards Stigma Among Teenagers Aged 13 To 19 Years With Mental Illness, Fredrica Murray Johnson

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

Limited knowledge and poor attitudes among mental health providers contribute to stigma towards individuals with mental illness, adversely affecting treatment experience and outcomes. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an educational intervention in improving mental health providers’ knowledge and attitudes toward stigma-based practices. The clinical question stated: Among mental health providers, does an educational intervention, compared to standard practice, improve knowledge and attitudes of stigma and promote evidence-based care delivery to adolescents aged 13 to 19 with mental illness within six weeks? The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) was the framework used to implement the quasi-experimental study. The two …

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Diet And Contributing Factors: A Narrative Literature Review, Rachel Joseph, Ashley Tharpe, Sherri Ann Walker

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

Objectives: The purpose of this narrative literature review is to explore the relationship between Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and dietary habits, and identify factors that contribute to the development, progression, and potential management of NAFLD.

Methods: Search terms such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), diet, and nutrition, including plant-based and vegetarian diets, were used to identify 45 peer-reviewed publications published within the last five years.

Results: Dietary factors, biological, environmental, obesity, mental health, and genetic factors can contribute to the development of NAFLD. This multisystem problem can have economic, social, and psychological consequences that affect a person’s quality …

Resilience In Nursing Education: A Literature Review Examining The Experiences Of Ukrainian Nursing Students In The United States, Katherine Ferrell, Rachel Joseph

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the experiences of international students who originate from war-torn areas, who live in the United States (US). Drawing from peer-reviewed sources, the review examines the academic, psychological, and social challenges these students face, including trauma, cultural adjustment, and gaps in institutional support. It highlights the resilience and coping strategies employed by students, as well as the role of universities in fostering inclusive environments. The review also identifies critical gaps in current research, particularly regarding long-term mental health outcomes and culturally responsive support services. This paper aims to synthesize existing literature on …

Navigating Life And Death: A Moral Critique Of Euthanasia Practices Worldwide, Brooke Fuzie, Rachel Joseph

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

Euthanasia and physician-assisted death remain deeply debated ethical issues shaped by history, law, and cultural values. This narrative review explores how diverse ethical frameworks, shifting global legislation, and cultural perspectives inform current discourse, with special attention to the role of nurses guided by the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics. Drawing on peer-reviewed studies, legal documents, and recent case analyses published between 2013 and 2025, the review identifies three key insights. Ethical frameworks influence whether society accepts or opposes euthanasia; robust legal safeguards are needed to protect autonomy and prevent misuse; and palliative care and advance care planning, including …

Perceived Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, And Barriers Of Jordanian Nursing Faculty To Integrate Genomic Concepts In The Curriculum: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study, Rachel Joseph

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

Background: Rapid advances in genomics knowledge and the expansion of precision medicine have amplified expectations for nurses to integrate genomic concepts into education and clinical practice. Evidence regarding genomic knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers among nursing faculty in the Middle East is limited. To equip practicing and emerging nurses, faculty must be equipped. Faculty preparedness is critical to successful curriculum integration and to preparing future nurses for genomic-informed care.

Purpose: This study examined the perceived knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers related to integrating genomic concepts in the nursing curriculum among nursing faculty in Jordan.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was …

More Than Machines: Our Identity In Christ, Jerrod A. Boggs

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

No abstract provided.

Volume 3, Issue 2 - Complete Issue

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

No abstract provided.

How Is The Use Of Ai Impacting Nursing Students Education?, Lorna H. Strain

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education is rapidly increasing and reshaping how nursing students learn and engage with content. This thesis proposal takes a look at the impact of AI on the education of nursing students and explores students' perceptions of its use in their learning and education. As AI becomes more prevalent, many students are using it for study aids and content personalization, while schools are using it in simulations and textbook platforms. Many recognize its benefits, such as enhanced critical thinking, improved accessibility of materials, and more immersive learning. Concerns persist around ethical use, academic integrity, …

The Role Of Mentorship In Reducing Burnout In New Nurses And Nursing Students, Omari Andry

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Burnout among new nurses and nursing students is a consistent issue affecting the healthcare system by adding to early career turnover, emotional exhaustion, and decreased quality of patient care. Structured mentorship programs have emerged as a promising intervention to alleviate burnout by giving emotional support, professional development, and coping strategies. This proposal explores the role of mentorship in reducing burnout symptoms, improving job satisfaction, and promoting emotional resilience among new nurses and nursing students alike. Based on existing scholarly articles, the project will investigate how structured versus informal mentorship affects burnout rates, the qualities of effective mentors, and the outcomes …

Bringing Worlds Together: How Social Studies Teachers Make Content Meaningful, Harley A. Payne

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Secondary educators in social studies classes face the challenge of maintaining the attention of twenty to thirty students while they instruct them about content that often seems irrelevant or unimportant. These educators know, however, that the material these students are disinterested in is useful and crucial for developing adolescents who are learning to interact with the world. Research suggests that bridging the gap between the classroom and the real world has been linked to greater classroom engagement (Cooper 2014, Tagliaferro, 2012). Students who are engaged and exert more effort in class derive academic benefits, such as placement in advanced pathways …

Alkaloid Profiling Of Narcissus Poeticus L. Bulbs And Their Inhibitory Activity Of Cholinesterases, Maël Gainche, Isabelle Ripoche, Elodie Jagu

Oxford ICSB

The Amaryllidaceae family is well known for its rich diversity of alkaloids, including lycorine- and galantamine-type structures with potent cholinesterase inhibitory properties. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical composition and cholinesterase inhibitory activity of alkaloids isolated from Narcissus poeticus L., a species native to the botanically rich Auvergne region of France. Phytochemical analysis and bioguided fractionation of bulb extracts led to the identification of three known alkaloids, pseudolycorine, norgalantamine, and 2-O-(3’-hydroxybutanoyl)-lycorine, as well as a newly characterized tetrahydroquinoline derivative, poeticine A. The inhibitory activities of these compounds against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) were assessed using both a standard …

The Erosion Of The Imago Dei: A Qualitative Study Of Religious Identity Maintenance Among Affluent Professionals In Secularized Environments, Shawn Hall

Liberty University Research Week

While sociological research has extensively documented the decline of religious affiliation (the "rise of the Nones"), fewer studies examine the erosion of theological anthropology, the fundamental beliefs about the nature of the self among religious adherents who remain active within faith communities. Drawing on twenty years of qualitative participant observation in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, this study investigates how affluent Christians maintain or fail to maintain a "Bipartite" (Soul-Body) worldview while embedded in highly secularized, technocratic professional environments. Utilizing a reflexive ethnographic design and NVivo-supported thematic analysis, the research identifies a phenomenon of "Ontological Dissonance," where adherents profess orthodox …

Briefly Noted: Raven And Crow: The Mythology, Art And Science Of Our Favorite Black Birds By Ellen W. Williams By Ellen W. Williams, Janet Croft

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

Review of Raven and Crow: The Mythology, Art and Science of Our Favorite Black Birds by Ellen W. Williams, McFarland, 2025.

William Hope Hodgson And The Rise Of The Weird: Possibilities Of The Dark By Timothy S. Murphy, Timothy R. Granger

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

No abstract provided.