Digital Commons Network^™

Optimizing Itpa R178c Assays Via Hplc, Jared J. Reisnouer, Wally D. Pines

2026 Symposium

Two of the major nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA (Adenine and Guanine) are derived from the purine Inosine Monophosphate (IMP). IMP may occasionally form the noncanonical nucleotide Inosine Triphosphate (ITP) within the cell and become incorporated into DNA during replication, leading to potentially lethal errors. To combat this, human cells produce the “housekeeping” enzyme Inosine Triphosphatase (ITPA) to revert ITP to IMP. A mutation of this protein that replaces the 178th amino acid Arginine with Cysteine (R178C) is associated with a fatal infantile encephalopathy. Previous assessments of enzyme-substrate binding and catalysis for ITPA variants have been run at a …

The Burden Of Neglect: Examining Environmental And Health Risks At Kiteezi Landfill, Uganda, Rebecca Martha Nantale, Nfn Dangpa Wandji Nana, Bright Agbotui, Maame Yaa Okrah, Emmanuel N. Clottey

Montview Journal of Research & Scholarship

The Kiteezi Landfill, located near Kampala, Uganda, exemplifies the severe environmental and health challenges arising from inadequate urban waste management. Established in 1996, the landfill was designed to handle the city's waste but has been operating beyond its capacity for years. By 2024, it had received between 1,500 and 2,000 tons of solid waste daily, far exceeding its intended limits by more than 200%. This study investigates the environmental and public health impacts of the Kiteezi Landfill in Uganda. The primary research question is: How has inadequate waste management at Kiteezi Landfill contributed to environmental degradation and public health crises? …

Sub-Lethal Exposure Of Culcicidine Mosquitoes To Pyriproxyfen: A Gateway To Pyrethroid Resistance, Ava Luckey, Andrew Duncan

Liberty University Research Week

Mosquito borne diseases are a global health concern, requiring effective methods of vector control. Pyriproxyfen (PPF) is an insect growth regulator that prevents larvae from becoming adult mosquitoes. The adults exposed to PPF often have difficulties in reproduction. Pyrethroids, however, are an insecticide meant to kill mosquitoes. Oftentimes PPF and pyrethroids are used together and resistance has become an increasing concern. This study would investigate if a sublethal larval exposure to PPF will cause increased resistance to pyrethroids in adult Culcidine mosquitoes. Two separate mosquito groups would be reared with or without larval PPF exposure. The adults from both groups …

Differential Effects Of Curcumin And C646 On Mitogenic And Metabolic Signaling In Insulin-Stimulated Hepg2 Cells, Davis Raz, Rachael De Klerk

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Antimicrobial Properties Of Spotted Lanternfly Contaminated Honey, Davanna Mcclellan

Liberty University Research Week

This study aims to investigate how the antimicrobial properties of pure honey and spotted lanternfly contaminated honey differ. The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive species that has been in the U.S. since 2014. This species has wreaked havoc on many different industries, such as the agricultural and tobacco industries. However, the relationship between the lanternfly and the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) has not been researched. One facet of their relationship shows that honey bees will use lanternfly secretions called honeydew to make honey. Honey possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities due to the antimicrobial peptides present within honey …

Before The Flood: A Theoretical Research Proposal On Prediluvian Traditions And Göbekli Tepe, Donald Thomas

Liberty University Research Week

This theoretical research explores whether the prediluvian “Pillars of Knowledge” described in ancient Jewish traditions may correspond to the archaeological site of Göbekli Tepe. By comparing early textual sources referencing preserved antediluvian knowledge with current archaeological findings and interpretations of Göbekli Tepe, this study evaluates whether meaningful parallels exist or whether similarities are coincidental. Using interdisciplinary historical and textual analysis, the project seeks to contribute to ongoing discussions about the relationship between mythological memory, flood traditions, and prehistoric monumental architecture.

A Lack Of Cultural Diversity In Leadership In Multinational Corporations, Amelia Smalls

Liberty University Research Week

Organizations increasingly rely on culturally diverse teams to support global collaboration and innovation. However, many organizations continue to struggle to translate workforce diversity into improved communication, team cohesion, and performance outcomes. This study examines how leadership behaviors influence communication dynamics and relational processes within culturally diverse teams in multinational organizational environments. Guided by transformational leadership theory, servant leadership theory, and leader–member exchange (LMX) theory, the research explores how leadership practices shape communication clarity, team cohesion, and organizational effectiveness. A qualitative research design supported by descriptive survey data was employed. Data was collected from 33 professionals working in multinational organizational contexts …

The Effect Of Enzyme Inhibition & Release Of Hydrogen Sulfide: A Medicinally Therapeutic Study, Chase Shinabery, Jonah Petri

Liberty University Research Week

Based on information reported in previous studies, the release of a gaseous compound called hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to increase medicinally beneficial effects in patients with glaucoma. These positive effects are expressed as a decreased level of pruritus (itchiness) and pain located in the eyes. Ongoing research strives to maximize these positive effects through the formation of various compounds in the endocannabinoid system that release hydrogen sulfide when applied to patients who have glaucoma. Through the formation of various thioureas and carbamates, researchers at Liberty University have found that trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide are released in biologically …

The Effect Of Hormonal Contraceptives On Acl Tear Incidence: A Critically Appraised Topic, Ellen Jones, Bethany Lyons

Liberty University Research Week

Context: Female athletes are at an elevated risk for ACL injuries due to fluctuating hormones throughout the menstrual cycle, along with anatomical and neuromuscular factor such as an increased Q angle, intercondylar notch size, joint laxity, muscular size, and landing mechanics. Hormonal contraceptives are widely used in female athletes not only for contraception but also to regulate menstrual cycle and menstrual related symptoms by stabilizing hormonal fluctuation. Fluctuations in menstrual hormones have also been shown to influence knee laxity, which is considered one of the strongest risk factors for ACL injury. This leads to the clinical question, “Do hormonal contraceptives …

Vaccine Or No Vaccine? A Sudden Rise In Ancient Diseases, Krista Coipel, Atika Ali, Ifeoluwanimi Shobayo, Naa Komley Commey

Liberty University Research Week

Introduction/Background: In recent years, numerous vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, tuberculosis, and polio, that were previously deemed controlled or eradicated have reappeared in different communities. The decline in vaccination rates, fueled by misinformation, obstacles to access, and vaccine hesitancy, presents an escalating threat to public health. This study investigates the connection between vaccination behaviors and the resurgence of these "ancient" diseases, within the framework of the Healthy People 2030 objectives.

Methods: Peer-reviewed journal articles, public health surveillance reports, and policy documents were systematically gathered through academic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO and CDC/WHO repositories. Search terms employed included …

Barriers To Breastfeeding In Marginalized Communities In The U.S, Naa Komley Commey, Wuraola Awosan

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal method of infant nutrition, offering numerous health benefits for both mothers and infants. Breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates in the U.S. vary significantly based on factors such as age, income, education, and race, because marginalized communities encounter various barriers that hinder breastfeeding success. Addressing these barriers is crucial for promoting breastfeeding as a public health imperative. This study aims to investigate the primary barriers to breastfeeding in marginalized populations in the U.S.

Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases were searched using predetermined search terms for literature published between 2020 and 2025. The …

Impact Of Family On Child Nutritional Health: A Literature Review, Julia Randall

Liberty University Research Week

Background

The nutrition habits of children depend entirely on the influence of parents via imitation, which has many implications for a child’s health and well being. A review of literature can effectively understand current health status and direct intervention efforts to reach children through parental education.

Methods

Articles for the review were selected based on rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in 19 articles for analysis. 149 articles from CINAHL Ultimate or ProQuest databases written within the last four years began the evaluation process, which utilized a PRISMA research reporting system (Moher et al., 2009).

Results

Through the development of …

Pfas Exposure And Its Influence On Fetal And Early Childhood Development, Benson Varghese, Chelsea Mazonde, Fadzai Nyarugwe, Ifeoluwanimi Shobayo, Melissa Lartey, Tahirou Diallo

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental chemicals widely detected in humans. Prenatal PFAS exposure has been linked to adverse fetal and early childhood growth outcomes, raising significant public health concerns. This study investigates the influence of PFAS exposure on fetal and early childhood development.

Methods: A systematic review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2026 was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies assessing maternal PFAS exposure during pregnancy and outcomes such as birth weight, gestational age, fetal growth trajectories, and early childhood anthropometry were included.

Results: Higher prenatal exposure to PFAS was associated with lower …

Rising Waters And Resilient Hollers, Judah Wilson

Liberty University Research Week

Storytelling has served as a primary method for preserving cultural identity and sharing historical experiences within Appalachian communities. This research investigates the relationship between narrative traditions and natural disasters in the region, concentrating on how stories document and depict experiences with storms, floods, and landslides. Using a combination of archival sources and textual analysis, the study identifies recurring themes of communal resilience and solidarity despite environmental erosion, industrial expansion, and systemic neglect. Appalachian literary works serve as both historical records and insights into response mechanisms, revealing frameworks for analyzing and addressing environmental crises. The findings suggest that Appalachian storytelling is …

Emergency Department-Initiated Buprenorphine And 30-Day Moud Engagement In U.S. Adults With Opioid Use Disorder, Prince Osei Sarpong, Emmanuel Owusu, Manasvi Shiyani, Michael Ago Tetteh, Naa Komley Commey

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Emergency departments are a critical point of contact for adults with untreated opioid use disorder, particularly after overdose or withdrawal. Emergency department-initiated buprenorphine may improve linkage to medications for opioid use disorder, but its effect on treatment engagement remains to be synthesized.

Study objective and hypothesis: To synthesize U.S. evidence on whether emergency department-initiated buprenorphine improves 30-day treatment engagement among adults with opioid use disorder. We hypothesized that emergency department-initiated buprenorphine would increase 30-day engagement.

Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted. Included studies were U.S.-based, involved adults presenting to the emergency department with opioid use disorder-related conditions, evaluated …

Mining And Agricultural Expansion–Driven Deforestation As A Determinant Of Malaria Risk: A Comparative Narrative Review Of Zimbabwe And Nigeria, Chelsea Mazonde, Benson Varghese, Chukwuma Elisha, Fadzai Nyarugwe, Ifeoluwanimi Shobayo, Tahirou Diallo

Liberty University Research Week

Introduction: Deforestation caused by agricultural land expansion and mining has been recognized as a key environmental factor affecting malaria transmission. Changes in land use can impact malaria risk by affecting local temperatures, biodiversity, and the creation of mosquito breeding sites such as stagnant pools of water. Both Zimbabwe and Nigeria remain heavily affected by malaria and have seen trends of increasing deforestation related to agriculture and extractive industries.

Methods: Peer-reviewed literature published between 2019 and 2025 was systematically reviewed with a narrative approach. Articles focusing on deforestation, land-use change, malaria transmission, vector ecology, and policy within Zimbabwe and Nigeria were …

The Mentality Of Women: The Accuracy Of Mental Illness Treatment In Dreaming In Cuban, Jadyn Brueske

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Evolving Marxist Criticism Of Steinbeck's "The Grapes Of Wrath": Theological Tensions, Class Consciousness, And Cultural Relevance, Kimberly Fore

Liberty University Research Week

This study examines the evolution of Marxist literary criticism applied to John Steinbeck’s 1939 novel "The Grapes of Wrath" across the decades following its publication.Textual analyses conducted by successive generations of scholars demonstrate that critical interpretations have shifted from the early objections to its perceived religious sentimentality that were common in initial Marxist reviews, through a Cold War-era reframing that sought to align or distance the novel from prevailing political ideologies of the time, to 1980s scholarship focused on collective identity and the potential for group solidarity in proletarian narratives. Subsequent perspectives, including examinations of racial dynamics in the depicted …

Executive Succession And Organizational Stability In Community Health Centers: A Theory-Integrated Framework, Jisa Kusanthan, Timothy Sumarsono

Liberty University Research Week

Leadership transitions are difficult for organizations to manage. This is especially true for Community Health Centers (CHCs). The departure of a long-tenured leader can have a host of secondary effects on the culture, employee morale, and employee retention. This study explores the effects of a CHC leader on the organization's stability and proposes practical steps that CHCs can take to implement effective succession planning. A theory-integrated framework is used to apply Schein's Organizational Culture Theory, Social Identity Theory, and Institutional Theory to better understand the effects of a CHC leader on the organization's cultural foundation. A three-phase succession process is …

"Thank God For Michigan": Michigan Troops In The Civil War, Lydia Granger

Liberty University Research Week

The Civil War in the United States often focuses on the troops and soldiers from the East coast states. But what about the men that served from a state other than New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Virginia? Michigan sent its fair share of men and sacrificed as much as other states in the Union. The stories of those soldiers and their efforts to preserve liberty and union in the United States deserve to be heard and remembered. Future generations need to appreciate and learn from their sacrifices. These men fought for their country in a terrible and destructive war, and …

The Effects Of Ultra- Processed Foods On Metabolic Health Among Young Adults, Cynthia Ilechukwu, Atika Ali, Fadzai Nyarugwe, Ifeoluwanimi Shobayo, Krista Coipel, Naa Komley Commey, Tahirou Diallo

Liberty University Research Week

Introduction/Background

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), as defined by the NOVA classification system, are industrially produced foods that are high in added sugar, sodium, unhealthy fats, and additives while being low in fiber and essential nutrients. Young adulthood is a crucial period for developing long-term dietary habits, yet many young adults consume a disproportionately high amount of UPFs. Evidence suggests that diets high in UPFs can negatively affect metabolic health, increasing the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at relatively early ages. Understanding the impact of UPFs in this age group is important for developing preventive strategies …

Systematic Review On Tertiary Policies And Programs For Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence In The U.S. (2020-2024), Brittany Carman, Haley Gebhard, Krista Coipel, Raymond Suonyir

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men in the United States, yet tertiary interventions supporting survivors remain understudied compared to primary and secondary prevention efforts. This systematic review identifies and evaluates existing tertiary prevention programs and policies addressing IPV in the U.S., focusing on their effectiveness in reducing IPV-related fatalities and promoting survivor recovery, safety, independence, and long-term stability.

Methods: This study systematically reviewed literature published January 2020-December 2024 across five leading journals using the Scopus database. From 861 initial results, 24 articles met inclusion criteria following PRISMA guidelines.

Results: Interventions clustered …

Limited Access To Reproductive Health Care And Maternal Health Outcomes In Lynchburg, Virginia, Akuchinyere Titus-Okpanachi, Oyebolu Aderinola Akinkugbe, Wuraola Awosan

Liberty University Research Week

Maternal mortality remains a vital public health concern, with a global rate of about 197 deaths per 100,000 live births and a rate of | 8.6 in the United States. Black women face a much higher rate of 50.3. Virginia reports 57 pregnancy-related deaths, which equal 70.1 per 100,000 live births, highlighting significant racial disparities. In the Central Virginia Health District, access to prenatal care varies, with 17.9% of Hispanic women receiving inadequate care, compared to 11% of Black women and 6.3% of White women, exposing inequities in maternal health services. This study conducted a descriptive research design, involving secondary …

Effects Of Ses, Bedtime Rules, And Screen Time On Adolescent Obesity, Great Onyedika Okereke

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Adolescent obesity affects nearly 1 in 5 U.S. teens and is influenced by behavioral and social factors. Excessive screen time and poor sleep are known contributors, but less is known about how these risks interact with socioeconomic status (SES) and household routines. Understanding these interactions is essential for designing effective, equitable interventions.

Methods: We conducted a literature review of peer-reviewed studies from the past five years exploring the relationship between screen time, sleep, and obesity among U.S. adolescents, with attention to the moderating roles of SES and family routines (e.g., parental monitoring, bedtime rules).

Results: High screen use and …

Breastfeeding And Infant Health In Virginia: A Systematic Review (2015-2025), Haley Gebhard, Rebecca Martha Nantale, Tahirou Diallo, Treasure Nkemdilim James, Yiwei Huang

Liberty University Research Week

Breastfeeding has long been recognized as the optimal nutritional option for infants due to its extensive health benefits for both infants and mothers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding serve as protective factors infant morbidity and mortality.1 Despite the knowledge on breastfeeding and its significance to infant growth and development, breastfeeding rates remain suboptimal worldwide. Even in the U.S., public health has identified increasing breastfeeding rates as a national goal, especially targeting low-income areas. The purpose of this study is to systematically identify and evaluate studies examining breastfeeding practices and infant outcomes among the …

Mythological Literature And The Metamodern Turn: An Augustinian Analysis, Elyse Penton, Brady Cullins, Dennis Nicholson, Nathan Redford

Liberty University Research Week

First articulated by Timotheus Vermeulen and Robin van den Akker, metamodernism is a cultural sensibility emerging after postmodernism that describes an oscillation between modern sincerity and postmodern irony. Metamodernism is characterized by “informed naivete,” renewed emotional investment and a desire for meaning despite awareness of ambiguity. One significant feature of this cultural shift is the renewed presence of mythological narratives in contemporary literature and media. This research asks how metamodernism contributes to a resurgence of myth and how this phenomenon may be interpreted through an Augustinian “Inside Out” framework. Myth, as defined by folklorist Lauri Honko, is a narrative concerning …

Barefoot Shoes: The Effect On Health And Wellness, Rebecca Hofheinz

Liberty University Research Week

The development of footwear from the outset of civilizations and the rise in popularity associated with their use in the Roman Empire has led to the diversification of styles and uses for shoes that we see today. While the first shoes were rudimentary, they fulfilled the basic need of protecting the wearer’s feet from the various abrasive textures and temperatures of the landscapes they lived in. Those initial shoes were consistently represented by layered fabrics or leather wrapped around the feet before they then progressed further into the leather sandals that were displayed by the gladiators of the Roman age. …

Mental Health Consequences Of Climate-Related Hazards: A Us Case Study., Perseverance Nothando, Fadzai Nyarugwe, Wuraola Awosan

Liberty University Research Week

Background: The planet has warmed considerably over the past four decades, leading to more extreme weather events like floods, fires, and hurricanes. In the U.S., the number of climate-related disasters has surged, affecting approximately 1.7 billion people between 2010 and 2020. Projections suggest that by 2050, the U.S. population impacted by climate-related disasters could double, with a quarter of the population affected annually. Research indicates that 25% to 50% of people exposed to extreme weather events are susceptible to negative mental health consequences, such as anxiety and PTSD. This underscores the urgent need to address the psychological impact of climate …

Distribution Of Virginia Pollinator Insect Specimens From The Liberty University Natural History Collection, Sarah Gerringer

Liberty University Research Week

The Liberty University natural history collection contains a substantial number of preserved insect specimens taken from all over the state of Virginia, and which includes many families of pollinator insects. Pollinator insects play an important part in life on this planet, so the purpose of this study was to visually represent and evaluate historical pollinator habitat data. Information such as this can be used to both spread awareness of pollinator conservation and to provide a better understanding of where pollinators may be located. In this study, we compiled and examined location data from ten families of Virginia native pollinator insects …

Vicarious Trauma And Compassion Fatigue Among Counselors Serving Law Enforcement Populations, Makayla Thompson

Liberty University Research Week

Approximately 98% of clinical therapists report treating clients who have experienced at least one traumatic event (Bride, 2007). Research has established associations between clinical work with trauma-affected populations and increased vulnerability to vicarious trauma (VT) and compassion fatigue (CF) among counselors (Armes et al., 2020; Rayne et al., 2020). VT refers to cumulative and enduring changes in a clinician’s cognitive schemas resulting from sustained empathic engagement with clients’ traumatic experiences (McCann & Pearlman, 1990). CF describes emotional and physical exhaustion that diminishes a clinician’s capacity for empathy and compassion, often understood as the cost of caring for those suffering (Figley, …