Digital Commons Network^™

Clean Water Crisis In The Democratic Republic Of Congo: Assessing Challenges And Developing Sustainable Solutions, Samy Tshileu

Liberty University Research Week

Water is essential for both spiritual and physical well-being. Just as Jesus offers us living water for spiritual growth, clean drinking water is necessary for physical health, survival, and human flourishing. From a scientific perspective, human bodies begin to show signs of dehydration and fatigue after just three days without water, with this scarcity ultimately leading to life-threatening conditions. This truth highlights the crucial role of water in sustaining human life. However, many developing nations do not have access to clean drinking water. One of these nations is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the United Nations Environment …

Global Trends In Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Consumption And Impact To Chronic Diseases In North America: A Retrospective Longitudinal Analysis (1990 – 2021), Ginika Muomah

Liberty University Research Week

Introduction: Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are a primary source of added sugars in global diets, strongly linked to adverse health outcomes, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Despite extensive research, excessive sugar intake remains a significant public health issue. This study aims to evaluate the association between SSB intake and the prevalence of chronic diseases across World Bank regions. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal analysis was conducted using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) from 1990 to 2021. This dataset includes information from 204 countries, categorized into seven World Bank regions. …

Simulation-Based Design Optimization Of Active-Control Rocket Canards In Subsonic Flight, Simon Babcock, Christopher Jaus, Evan Carmello, Judah Finley, Kaelyn Haynie, Robert Rivera, Samuel Worthington, Zizai Liu

Liberty University Research Week

Rocket canards are small, vertical control surfaces located above a rocket’s main rear fins, typically just below the nosecone, providing active-control maneuverability during flight. When an internal mechanism rotates the canards about their center relative to the rocket air frame, they achieve an angle of attack and produce a lifting force perpendicular to the airflow and tangential to the curvature of the air frame. This lifting force causes a moment relative to the rocket’s center of gravity along both the roll and pitch axes, which can be used to stabilize the rocket mid-flight by providing corrective adjustments to the rocket’s …

Exploring Preclinical Signs And Markers For Neurodegenerative Diseases Via Indirect Testing Of Blood-Brain Barrier Stability, James Brown, Abiha Jafri, Cathryn Martinez, Corey Snyder, Efosa Osayamwen, Emily Dykema, Hadley Brockbank, John Hoegerl, Joseph Ponce, Joshua Ashworth, Karen Kang, Ryan Deweese, Sanobar Shaikh, William Dedmond

Liberty University Research Week

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) arises from inflammation and internal damage occurring within the brain and its surrounding tissues. By the time the various MCI symptoms and systemic inflammation present clinically, significant damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has already occurred. Given current understanding and treatment options, little can be done to reverse the damage; thus, treatment is primarily reactive. This study seeks to evaluate patients presenting with known dementia risk factors (i.e., medication history, relevant pre-existing medical conditions, genetics, etc.) and potential pre-clinical serum-based biomarkers (i.e., GFAP, NfL, IL-6, MMP-3, etc.) identified through a comprehensive literature review. Utilizing a combination …

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome After Intramedullary Nailing For A Distal Tibial Fracture: A Case Study, Taylor Swartz

Liberty University Research Week

Background: The gold standard for tibial shaft fractures includes tibial fixation with intramedullary nailing. There are several complications following this surgical procedure, but Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) was not included in research. Patient: A 19-year-old female Division I soccer player had an open treatment of a right tibial shaft fracture with intramedullary nailing after a distal transverse fracture while playing soccer. Due to pain with kicking, the distal nails located on the distal tibial shaft were removed. Post surgically, the patient reported a significant increase in shin pain while returning to activity, which was later attributed to medial tibial …

Effects Of Ph And Ionic Strength On Aggregation Of Surfactants And Preservatives In Biologic Drug Formulations, Bethany Elmore

Liberty University Research Week

Multi-injection biologic drugs, such as insulin, must be formulated with different excipients to remain stable and sterile. In particular, use of nonionic surfactants and small molecule preservatives increases drug stability and prevents antimicrobial contamination, respectively. Nonionic surfactants or preservatives on their own are well soluble in water and cause no aggregation. However, when combined, aggregation occurs creating adverse turbidity and instability. Previous work shows that preservatives such as phenol in combination with the surfactants such as poloxamer 188 (P188) result in micelle formation and ultimately unstable turbidity. This occurs at concentrations well below the solubility limits of each individual material. …

Application For Prediction Of Heart Failure; The Next Step In Machine Learning For Healthcare, Amy Adyanthaya, Dawn Bowerman, Rachel Liercke, Robert Slater

SMU Data Science Review

Heart failure (HF) is a serious medical condition affecting approximately 6.7 million U.S. adults and is expected to impact 8.5 million Americans by 2030 [1]. Heart failure is a complicated clinical ailment and characterizes the final course of numerous heart diseases [2]. This paper introduces a machine-learning-based application that utilizes Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), and XGBoost models, implemented through the Python Flask framework, to predict HF risk using clinical data. The results indicate high model performance, with precision and recall metrics underscoring the application’s reliability in identifying at-risk patients. By providing real-time, accessible insights, this tool aims …

Multi-Agent Translation Team (Matt): Enhancing Low-Resource Language Translation Through Multi-Agent Workflow, Anishka Peter, Mai Dang, Michael Liu, Joaquin Dominguez, Nibhrat Lohia

SMU Data Science Review

Like humans, large language models (LLMs) benefit from revision and refinement, especially for complex tasks requiring critical thinking. Inspired by human collaborative problem-solving, this study introduces a novel multi-agent workflow designed to enhance LLM translations from English to low-resource languages. Multi-Agent Translation Team (MATT) involves the collaboration of agents that are assigned specific roles, such as translator, evaluation coordinator, and various levels of editing, to refine the initial translation into the most desired version possible. The agents work collaboratively in an iterative loop until the translation loss meets a satisfactory threshold. It stands out from other multi-agent workflows by combining …

Enhancing Animal Shelter Operations With Time Series And Machine Learning, Sakava L. Kiv, Donald L. Anderson, Shivam Negi, Jacquelyn Cheun

SMU Data Science Review

Enhancing animal shelter operations through machine learning involves employing a variety of advanced techniques aimed at increasing efficiency, promoting animal welfare, and optimizing resource allocation. This paper explores predictive analytics for adoption rates using regression models to estimate the likelihood of adoption based on historical data, encompassing variables such as breed, health status, and previous adoption trends. Additionally, classification algorithms are utilized to categorize animals by adoption probability, facilitating better resources and marketing prioritization. Clustering algorithms are employed to group animals according to behavior patterns and/or physical health, enabling tailored medical care and enrichment activities that improve their mental and …

Enhancing Network Security Through Dual-Layer Log Analysis: Integrating Machine Learning Classifiers With Large Language Models For Intelligent Anomaly Detection, Anthony Burton-Cordova, O'Neil Gray, Mohammad Al Rousan

SMU Data Science Review

This paper presents an innovative approach to enhancing network security by integrating machine learning algorithms with fine-tuned large language models (LLMs) to provide an expert assistant querying. The proposed method utilizes machine learning for efficient preprocessing and feature extraction from log data, followed by the application of a fine-tuned LLM to analyze and interpret anomalies with greater accuracy. This dual-layer detection system is designed to improve the identification of subtle and sophisticated security threats. The research team’s extensive evaluation using real-world log datasets indicates that the combined approach increases detection rates and communicates results in an understandable manner, demonstrating its …

The Effects Of Palm Cooling On Repeat Sprint Ability Following A Fatigue Inducing Protocol In Collegiate Female Athletes, Ella Wrabley, Britta Lagerquist, Grace Smith, Rachel Jones, Madeline Mcneilly, Jeff Buxton, Hayden Gerhart, Phillip Prins

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(3): 415-426, 2025. Cooling glabrous skin sites, such as the palms, can mitigate core body temperature rise and delay fatigue during physical activity, potentially enhancing performance. However, research on palm cooling (PC) in female athletes remains limited, and existing devices are often costly or impractical. This study evaluated the effects of PC using a novel, cost-effective portable device on repeat sprint ability in female collegiate athletes after a fatiguing protocol. Twenty female athletes (age: 20.1±1.4 years; height: 166.7±6.9 cm; mass: 66.6±9.8 kg; BMI: 24.0±3.9 kg/m²; body fat: 24.9±4.6%) participated in a randomized crossover study. Sessions …

The Tax Adviser, Volume 17, Number 2, February 1986 [Whole Issue], American Institute Of Certified Public Accountants

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Tax Trends, Nicholas J. Fiore

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Thumbtax, Sandra K. Lewis

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Trade Or Business Status: Recent Judicial Interpretations, Daniel M. Slattery, Susan Nordhauser

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Post-Reconstruction Sec. 367: New Rules And New Dangers, Wesley Yang, Davis W. Nelson

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Tax Clinic, Thomas Ochsenschlager

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Disclaimers As Premortem And Postmortem Estate Planning Tools, Travis P. Goggans, Michael R. Harmon

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of The Reverse Triangular Merger Regulations, Robert Willens

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Kutztown University 2025 Composition Conference Program, English Department, Kutztown University

KUCC -- Kutztown University Composition Conference

Program Booklet

Research Days 2025 Program, Governors State University

Research Days

No abstract provided.

Exploring Early Years Practitioners’ Perspectives About The Prospects Of A Nature-Based Early Childhood Learning Approach In The United Arab Emirates (Uae), Nesreen Nowfal

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis is concerned with exploring early years practitioners’ perspectives on the benefits, challenges, and feasibility of incorporating a nature-based learning approach in the UAE’s early childhood education sector. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire that gathered both quantitative and qualitative data from early years practitioners across the UAE. The quantitative analysis conducted using SPSS while thematic analysis was employed for qualitative analysis. The findings revealed a strong belief in the benefits of nature-based education, including enhanced creativity, problem-solving skills, emotional well-being, and environmental awareness among children. While challenges such as extreme weather conditions, lack of training, …

Biogas Subsidies And The Increase In Consolidation On Industrial Hog Operations, Elizabeth Nisbet

Georgia State University Law Review

Industrial agriculture corporations operate with one goal: maximizing profits. In the name of this single objective, pig facilities fill warehouses with thousands of animals, where the costs of housing and feeding the animals can be kept as low as possible. An oft- unconsidered consequence of packing animals into warehouses is the sheer amount of waste created. Each pig creates about thirty times as much waste as a human, but industrial agriculture facilities do not have sewer systems for managing the thousands of gallons of waste produced every day. Instead, large facilities typically store their raw sewage in open air vats …

A Broken Record: A Statutory Solution To Fixing Music Copyright Infringement’S Biggest Problem, Jacob B. Hopkins

Georgia State University Law Review

In the intellectual property space, nothing quite grabs the eye of the public like music copyright infringement. The high reputational and monetary risks associated when an artist claims infringement— especially against that of a major artist—can have huge consequences, even when no infringement occurred. The two prevailing tests for copyright infringement recognize that the hearing court can determine there is not an appropriate level of substantial similarity between two copyrightable works, however this determination relies on specialized musical knowledge, something that the typical trial judge does not possess.

This Note examines the inefficiencies in our current scheme of music copyright …

Tipped Out: Would Ending Involvement In The Flsa Tip Credit System Improve Georgia’S Restaurant Wages?, Zach Ayer

Georgia State University Law Review

The Tip Credit provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) allows a restaurant employer to pay a tipped employee just $2.13 per hour if the employee earns enough in tips to raise their hourly rate to the minimum wage. Enacted in 1966, the provision intends for restaurants, an industry group known for high costs and low profit margins, to employ tipped serving staff at lower cost while ensuring the tipped employees can still earn a competitive wage. The tipping system is not without issues, however. Many of the employers’ duties under the FLSA are difficult to account for, leading …

Government-Backed Insurance For Artificial Intelligence Technologies, Renee Henson

Georgia State University Law Review

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an unpredictable technology that has the capacity to both help and harm people. Although insurance plays a key role in compensating for harms in other contexts, AI-produced damages evade traditional principles of risk pricing which limits viable commercial insurance coverage. AI requires modified insurance systems that can compensate diverse and unpredictable losses. Just like AI, at one time nuclear energy was viewed as a new and profitable, yet wholly unpredictable, technology that had the capacity to cause devastating harm. AI poses similar threats to society in certain domains, including, for example, health care (e.g., risk management …

Is Discrimination Unfair?, Jeff Sovern

Georgia State University Law Review

Though multiple federal laws explicitly bar discrimination in consumer transactions, many consumer transactions fall in the gaps between those laws. But recently, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have attempted to plug those gaps on the theory that discrimination is unfair within the meaning of statutes they enforce prohibiting unfair practices (UDAAP statutes). Angered by this view, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, joined by various banking trade groups, sued the CFPB in a federal court in Texas and persuaded a conservative judge to invalidate the Bureau’s interpretation. An appeal from the decision is pending.

But, …

A Legislative Foundation For Foundation Models, Steven Arango

Georgia State University Law Review

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not some futuristic technology—it exists in everyday products like your Uber app or the Siri voice on your nightstand. Its development is meteoric; foundation models are the latest AI advancement. These models are a type of AI that not only produces a range of products but is also integrated into other AI models. This AI Swiss army knife is proving to be an incredible asset for economic development and national security. But, like other world- altering technology, there is a pernicious side of foundation models. Their flexibility offers adversaries, such as state and non-state actors, the …

Faculty Masthead

Georgia State University Law Review

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents

Georgia State University Law Review

No abstract provided.