Digital Commons Network^™

The Cost Of Cargo Preference: How Shipping Requirements Hinder Food Aid Efficiency, Grace Pattara

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

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 …

Instagram, Tiktok, And Athlete Identity: Exploring Social Comparison In Subjectively Judged Youth Sports, Jenna Moffat, Brooklyn Woodard, Danner Allen, Greta Snukis, Kalie Orefice

Liberty University Research Week

This study aims to examine the effects of social media platforms, Instagram and TikTok, on the mental health of adolescent athletes who are in subjective sports. Many athletes look at other athletes' performances on social media or scroll on Instagram or TikTok without realizing the harm that it can cause to their mental health and individual performance. When referring to mental health, athletes are specifically being asked about anxiety and depression, and if they notice an increase in these mental health symptoms or struggle with comparison after looking at these platforms. The research question is: How does comparison negatively impact …

Preparation A Redox Auxiliary Appended Nitrosobenzene, Michael Polito, Austin Bennett

Liberty University Research Week

Nitrosobenzenes (NBs) are benzene structures containing a nitroso functional group and are observed to be both monomer and E/Z dimer. NB is capable of dimerizing into azodioxides, but dimerization is generally limited to NBs with electron withdrawing groups (EWG). The EWG pulls electrons towards itself, reducing NBs electron density. This reduces resonance through the NB, disfavoring the formation of a quinoidal structure, which inhibits dimerization. This reduced electron density increases the potential for dynamic covalent bonding (DCB), leading to dimerization. However, NBs with electron donating groups (EDG) do form quinoidal structures (through resonance). This quinoidal form prevents DCB, which ultimately …

Financial Return On Investment Of Super Bowl Advertising: A Six-Month Post-Air Sales Analysis, Emma Jennings, Hannah Wood, Jenna Nicely, Kaleb Macklin

Liberty University Research Week

This proposed study aims to examine the return on investment (ROI) of Super Bowl advertisements for individual companies utilizing a comparison of six-month periods before and after the commercials are originally aired at the game. The Super Bowl is a highly favored social event where millions of people gather both in person on location and around television screens. Whether it is the teams, the half-time show, or the commercials, there is clearly something about this event that brings people together, and the publicity does not go unnoticed. Companies pay millions of dollars for a 30-second advertisement. This begs the question …

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 …

An Experimental Investigation Of Guest Trust In Hospitality Contexts Comparing Personalized And Written Recommendations, Cortina Hendrickson, Emma Campbell, Lauren Riefenstahl, Sophia White

Liberty University Research Week

This study will investigate the relationship between personalized recommendations or a pre-made list of suggestions versus the guests' trust in the recommendation. The hypothesis is that visitors who get a personal, unscripted recommendation from a hotel employee will gain a higher trust score than visitors who only get the list of suggestions that are already made. Many studies have been conducted on the guests’ perception of scripted recommendations; however, there is very little data comparing the level of trust a guest has in a pre-made or a personalized recommendation. This research proposes the use of a 5-point Likert Scale survey …

Post-Games Adaptive Reuse And Long-Term Sustainability Of Summer Olympic Villages: A Comparative Multi-Case Study, Meron Wells, Carolyn Crotts, Ella Fancher, Emma Frantz, Jordyn Meunier

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Acl Injury Incidence On Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass In Elite Male Football Players: A Critically Appraised Topic, Ethan Austell

Liberty University Research Week

Context: Artificial turf has been shown to be controversial despite being a cost-effective alternative to natural grass because of the potential risks it has on athletes’ lower extremity (LE) injury, specifically the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Elite male football players were chosen as the population of choice to determine the risk of ACL injury incidence on artificial turf compared to natural grass. The purpose of this critically appraised topic is to appraise the best available literature to identify the impact of artificial turf on knee injury rate in male elite football players.

Methods: A computerized search strategy was done from …

Predictors Of Home Game Attendance In Ncaa Division I Softball: A Case Study Of Liberty University., Luke Barnett, Grace Bennett, Micah Dannelly, Moses Batchelor, Zachary Wood

Liberty University Research Week

This study investigates the attendance of the Liberty Softball Program. The reason for this study is due to the success of the softball team. In 2025, the team defeated the number one seed in the country, Texas A&M, and advanced to super regionals in the college softball playoff. This is an achievement for any school, but especially for a school that is the size of Liberty. However, Liberty averages low attendance numbers, even in these recent years of on the field success. In this, what is the relationship between team performance, game factors, and home game attendance for the Liberty …

The Power Of Cult Rhetoric, Daniel Murphy

Liberty University Research Week

What moves individuals to leave families, sell businesses, and reconstruct their identities in devotion to a charismatic leader? This study explores the communicative movement at the heart of cult recruitment, persuasion, and retention. Grounded in social identity theory, this qualitative phenomenological research investigates how cult leaders strategically mobilize identity, language, and belonging to attract and sustain followers.

Existing literature that applies social identity theory to persuasive language will be examined, alongside documentary and textual analysis, to understand how individuals interpret and internalize these communicative strategies. Drawing from existing literature and rhetorical analysis of leaders such as Marshall Applewhite, Warren Jeffs, …

A Patient-Centered Framework For Overcoming Barriers In Tuberculosis Care, Owen Newman, Ethan Jerome, John Meade

Liberty University Research Week

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, yet it is both preventable and curable. The disease disproportionately affects populations living in poverty, with significant global impact:

1.23 million deaths in 20241

10.7 million new infections globally1

80%+ of cases in low- and middle-income countries1

~50% of TB households face costs >20% of income1,2

This study argues that TB persists due to social determinants, such as poverty, malnutrition, and stigma, rather than medical limitations alone. We propose a three-domain framework that maps where standard medical care fails the individual: systemic infrastructure, economic burden, and psychosocial isolation. By addressing these three …

Helmet Design Advancements Impacting Head Injuries In The Nfl, Lucas Slear, Cole Swiader, Jackson Katona, Ryan Valliere

Liberty University Research Week

This research study will investigate how helmet designs in the National Football League have changed in response to concussion concerns and player safety. Development of soft-shell helmet technology (Guardian Caps) and advancements in the padding inside of NFL helmets have caused concussion numbers to decrease and have caused head injuries to be less severe in the NFL over the last 25 years. The severity of these head injuries can be seen in recovery time for NFL players after sustaining a concussion. Our study aims to address the question: “How have advancements helmet design and engineering in the NFL impacted the …

Vitamin D Relation To Bone Mineral Density In Female Athletes: Critically Appraised Topic, Baylee Klindworth

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Vitamin D is important for overall bone health, muscle function, and injury prevention, especially in female athletes who may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency that are limited to sunlight exposure, high training demands, and dietary intake. In young female athletes and adults, the relationship between vitamin D and bone mineral density (BMD) is not clear. The purpose of this critically appraised topic is to review current evidence on the relationship between vitamin D levels and bone health in female athletes and adults. Methods: Four cross-sectional studies were included: Fields et al., Brännström et al., Lim et al., …

Injury Risk On Nfl Playing Surfaces: A Comparison Of Natural Grass And Artificial Turf, Caden Woosley, Jonathan Taylor, Joseph Layne, Luke Whelan, Ryan Delaney

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Genotype-Dependent Cardiac Responses To Caffeine: Acute Electrocardiographic Effects Across Cyp1a2 Gene Variants, Ethan Pedersen

Liberty University Research Week

It is estimated that approximately 70% of individuals worldwide consume caffeine daily. A plethora of genes contribute to caffeine metabolism, out of which CYP1A2 is responsible for 90%. Two prominent CYP1A2 alleles are *1A and *1F which metabolize caffeine at fast and slow rates respectively. Retrospective research has demonstrated *1F possessing individuals are at an increased risk for nonfatal myocardial infarction. However, the acute electrocardiographic and physiological cardiac responses to caffeine across a range of doses remain poorly characterized. The goal of the proposed study is to evaluate the physiological changes of the heart, using an ECG, in individuals who …

Analysis Of Instructional Asl Resources For Ddeaf Children, Rayah Finstad

Liberty University Research Week

Living in a digital age, online resources are commonly used to teach, entertain, develop skills and build connections for both Hearing and dDeaf1 children around the world. However, no research has been conducted to determine what makes these videos successful in reaching their goals. Literature in the fields of education, dDeaf education, American Sign Language (ASL), and dDeaf spirituality is limited in scope. The current research demonstrates that dDeaf individuals primarily learn through visual means, namely, ASL. In communicating, consideration must be given to culture, language preferences, and visual methods. While educational studies mention some effective strategies for teaching literature …

Assessing The Relationship Between 60-Second Push-Up Performance And 1-Rep-Max Bench Press, Brennen Bargesser

Liberty University Research Week

INTRODUCTION: The push-up test has been widely used in populations with low-training age and military performance for muscular endurance testing. Comparatively, 1-rep-max (1RM) bench press testing has been used to determine maximal strength in resistance training settings across ages and disciplines. However, there is no current literature assessing the relationship between the 60-second AMRAP (as many reps as possible) push-up test and the 1RM bench press, or the practical application of utilizing the push-up test as a maximum strength testing method. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between a 60-second AMRAP push-up test and a …

Who Pays For Carbon Recovery?, Carter F. Smith

Oil and Gas, Natural Resources, and Energy Journal

No abstract provided.

Utilization Of Parametric Insurance Bonds As Part Of Nepa Permitting Reform, Paul E. Traynor

Oil and Gas, Natural Resources, and Energy Journal

No abstract provided.

Lights Out: Energy Resilience In The Air Force, Carolyn Mattingly

Oil and Gas, Natural Resources, and Energy Journal

No abstract provided.

Editor's Introduction & Front Pages, Bryce Cormack

Oil and Gas, Natural Resources, and Energy Journal

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Fea Model Connection Methods For A Structural Digital Twin, Luther Davis

Liberty University Research Week

A digital twin is a digital representation that is used to study a physical object or process. In civil engineering, digital twins are created to analyze the behavior of real structures using finite element analysis (FEA). A more accurate digital twin provides more accurate data; however, creating an accurate model introduces complex surfaces and connections that are difficult for FEA software to analyze. This research examines the optimal way to create a digital twin in the Abaqus software, to minimize computation time while preserving sufficient accuracy to generate realistic data. A section of a real truss bridge is modeled once …

Exploring Nurse Preceptors' Perception Of Effectiveness In Student-Preceptee Experiences: Implications For Faculty And Hospital Administration, Kelly Arraf

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers For Sensitive And Selective Binding Of Pfoa, Nadia Costescu

Liberty University Research Week

This study aims to progress the synthesis of novel fluorinated polymers to detect poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment. PFAS are released into the atmosphere as a result of industrial processes and consumer production, and are persistent in the environment. Bioaccumulation in animals and humans occurs through exposure via air, water, and soil, and leads to toxic health effects. Due to their resistance to environmental degradation, alternate methods are needed to detect and remove PFAS from the environment. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic polymers that are designed with regions that bind to specific molecules. They have shown …

A Numerical Analysis For Emerging Behaviors In Ferromagnetic Colloids, Cyrus Harris

Liberty University Research Week

The purpose of this project is to synthesize a CFD model which can explore the nature of vortices induced by alternating magnetic currents within colloid rollers. This type of research has been a point of interest in previous years especially for the application of targeted drug delivery. This research hopes to further establish and quantify the dynamics of these fluids in order to provide more numerical data for BioMed applications. In order to accomplish this, a simplified model of a Ginzburg Landau model (A coupled PDE solver) was created within the program Python in order to test the parameters of …

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 …

Hedging Without Derivatives: A Regime-Aware Framework For Managing Downside Risk In Long-Only Portfolios, Whittman Brown, Birhanu Kramer, Carter Hall, Ryan Natelborg, Walker Lucas

Liberty University Research Week

This study evaluates regime-based allocation strategies for downside risk management in long-only portfolios. Traditional portfolio risk management relies heavily on derivative instruments like protective puts and futures to mitigate downside. However, student-managed portfolios operate under strict regulatory and educational constraints, and lack continuous oversight required for active derivative management. Academic literature on regime-switching models and tactical asset allocation demonstrates that economic regimes influence portfolio returns, yet practical implementation studies for long-only investors remain underdeveloped. Limited empirical work examines whether systematic allocation adjustments based on regime identification provide downside protection comparable to derivative-based hedging strategies. We seek to address the research …

Effects Of Morphosyntactic And Phonological Environments On Persian Ra-Marking, Alyssa Gilliland

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.