Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Birth Order On Reading Comprehension, Allison Haverdink

Celebration of Research

Reading comprehension is important in everyday life. Being able to read and interpret what is being read is vital to living a competent life. Learning if any external factors may affect one’s reading comprehension is important. The purpose of this study was to consider the relationship of birth order with reading comprehension scores. A sample of 121 (78 women, 42 men, and 1 unidentified) participants answered a demographics questionnaire regarding their birth order and then completed a reading comprehension test. No statistically significant differences were found in reading comprehension scores related to birth order. However, the women who completed the …

Transubstantiation And Physics: Validity In Science Vs. Validity In Religion, Martha Stein, Emily Grace

Celebration of Research

Catholics believe Transubstantiation is the process of converting bread and wine into Jesus’ body and blood. There are no physical signs of change, but the substance changes. From a scientific perspective, there is no application of heat or light and no physical sign of change, therefore there is no change. Physics as we understand at an undergraduate level assumes Earth is a closed system. This assumption no longer applies if there can be substance change without physical modification from an energy source. I refuse to believe that science and religion are unrelated entities, yet I accept that this unexplainable phenomenon …

An Assessment Of Surgical Weight Management Compared To Pharmacological Therapies For Treatment Of Type 2 Diabetes, Olivia Becker Pa-S, Ava Gonsorowski Pa-S, Cassandra Schmiesing Pa-S

Celebration of Research

Diabetes is one of the highest leading causes of death in the United States with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) being the most prevalent type. Despite many methods available for treatment, none have proven to be a curative option for patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Recently, the use of surgical weight management has piqued interest with its ability to cause remission in DM2. This literature review compared the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), laparoscopic gastric bypass, and pharmacotherapies alone. These methods showed improved outcomes of the following: hemoglobin A1c, weight loss, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, blood pressure, and …

The Mud And Water: The Impact Of The Great War On A Soldier In The Trenches, Piper Williams

Celebration of Research

There is nothing clean, comforting, easy, or organized about war. Even in its temporary conclusions, the prolonged pauses between the onslaught of shellfire and monotonous marching, are found trauma and maddening unrest. Those that survive its terrors are equalized, left to relive its ceaseless barrage of indiscriminating, violent introspection; death the only true consolation.

Directly inspired by Henri Barbusses’ Le Feu, this art work explores the post-war struggle of an American soldier of the first world war; his experiences on the battlefield seeping into his daily life, consuming him, holding him captive somewhere between the tumult of the trenches …

Soul: The Power Of Giving Back, Thomas Anderson, Sarah Hummel

Celebration of Research

The idea for Soul started really small with connecting two businesses in Orange City, The Genesis House and the Hair Clinic. We came up with the idea to support The Genesis House by providing them with free hair cuts for a certain amount of time. The owner told us that she had been looking for something to do to give back to the community, but she was not sure what it could be. We realized that there are plenty of local businesses in Orange City, Alton, and Sioux Center that want to give back to their communities too, yet they …

Single-Molecule Dynamics: Fluorescent Tracking And Analysis Techniques, Jacob Mcdowell, David Arnett

Celebration of Research

Scientists studying biological molecules often use single-molecule fluorescence techniques to observe individual molecules in real time. This approach allows researchers to track the movements and interactions of molecules as they behave naturally. To prepare samples for fluorescence measurements, scientists typically immobilize molecules on a cover slip using various techniques. These include purification, labeling the molecules with fluorescent tags, and attaching the molecules to the cover slip. Once the sample is ready, researchers use fluorescence spectrometers to excite the fluorescent tags and detect the emitted light, revealing the individual molecules' locations and behaviors. Software is then used to analyze the fluorescence …

Metabolic Characterization Of Porcine Hepatocytes, Kip Cullinan, Sophie Swart, Zachary Varpness, Ryan Schulze

Celebration of Research

In order to be approved for human trials, new drugs need to be tested on mammalian liver cells to determine toxicity. Currently, mouse and rat models are used with limited results because of their vastly different metabolisms. Model systems that utilize primate livers cells are going out of favor because of ethical issues. Cytotheryx Inc. is developing a porcine model system for use in drug trials that are metabolically similar to humans without the ethical concerns. In our research, we developed techniques to characterize porcine liver cell metabolism.1

Efficacy Of A Low Fodmap Diet And Probiotics In The Treatment Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Adults, Melinda Kubesh Pa-S, Kyle Nathan Pa-S, Mariah Nathan Pa-S, Sandra Muyskens Mpas, Pa-C

Celebration of Research

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disease characterized by abdominal pain in relation to altered bowel habits. Theories regarding the mechanisms underlying IBS include poor absorption of foods containing fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs), leading to a build-up of gas, and an altered intestinal barrier due to the overabundance of pathogenic bacteria. A diet low in FODMAPs and adjuvant therapy with probiotics may reduce symptoms in some individuals. This presentation examines the efficacy of a low FODMAP diet, supplementation with probiotics, and a combination of the two in the treatment of IBS in adults.

Laser Beam Profiling And Crystallographic Analysis, Jacob Mcdowell, Tim Kaltenberger, Emily Grace, Karissa D. Carlson, Eric Jones

Celebration of Research

Lasers and x-rays are widely used in the modern world for studying biomolecules. For the purposes of the physics department, future research requires certainty that lasers have Gaussian profiles, though the lasers used often deviate from this ideal. In this project, we investigate methods to measure and analyze laser beam profiles. We first reviewed the theory of Gaussian beams and their properties. We then measured our laser’s profile using two techniques: a knife-edge method and a cell phone photography method. The first involved moving a razor edge across the beam to measure transmitted light, while the second involved visualizing the …

The Fatalism Of The American Dream: Housing Discrimination, Schools, And The Church, Emma Geary

Celebration of Research

Housing discrimination in Kansas City has led to perpetual low socioeconomic status in the Black community, lower ACT scores, and segregation in churches. The socioeconomic and religious divide between Black and White communities in Kansas City can be traced back to housing discrimination. Actions and prejudices of the white church continually pushed this divide, and they held Black communities to the standard of the American Dream which was never attainable to the Black community in the first place. The association of the American Dream with Christianity in white evangelical churches pushed away the Black community.

College Athletes And Mental Health: How Gender, Year, Sleep, Injury, And Social Support Affect Anxiety, Madison Jones

Celebration of Research

This study aimed to identify the effects of gender, year, sleep, injury, and social support on anxiety in college athletes. Participants were college athletes at a small, private Christian college in a midwestern community. It was hypothesized that female college athletes would experience greater levels of anxiety than male college athletes, and that upperclassmen college athletes would experience greater levels of anxiety than underclassmen college athletes. It was also predicted that the more sleep an athlete gets, the lower levels of anxiety they will experience. The final two hypotheses stated that athletes who experience injury and/or worry about the effects …

Deconstructing Petrine Succession: A Historical-Exegetical Inquiry Into Roman Dogma, Samuel Johnson

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Textual or Investigative

Origins Of Evil And Its Grip On The Human Body, Paige Farquhar

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Textual or Investigative

Freedom, Mystery, And Kinds Of Desire: The Doctrine Of Theosis And Free Will's Intelligibility Question, Aaron Milkie

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Textual or Investigative

Middle School Students: Science Outreach, Math Anxiety, And Resiliency, Teyah Rivers, Karissa Carlson, Emily Grace

Celebration of Research

When students reach Middle School level academics, it is observed that their interest in STEM decreases. There are many theories that have been tested to discover why this shift occurs, however, it is thought that Math anxiety is the main contributor to this decline. Furthermore, there have been indications suggesting that Math anxiety is closely related to Resiliency. In this study, we are interested in looking at the relationship between Math anxiety and Resiliency in Middle School students. In doing so, a science outreach day was designed to both increase Middle school student's interest and attitudes interest towards STEM. The …

Faith Constructs: How Imagining God Effects Religiosity, Jadyn Williams

Celebration of Research

The current study aimed to identify the relationship between absorption and religiosity. Participants were 72 undergraduate students (females = 49, males = 23). It was predicted that absorption scores would be positively correlated with religiosity scores. It was also predicted that women would have higher religiosity scores than men, and upperclassmen would have higher religiosity scores than underclassmen. Pearson’s r correlations revealed no significant relationship between absorption and religiosity. An Independent samples t-test revealed there were no significant difference between women’s and men’s religiosity scores. A one-way ANOVA revealed no significant difference between religiosity scores for upperclassmen and underclassmen. Results …

Understanding The Antiproliferative Activity Of Plant Extracts, Abigail Bastian, Parker Fryer, Sadie Gilmeister, Jackson Hofland, Blake Johnson, Lauren Jurrens, Keziah Knudson, Madeline Kvatek, Erika Mckenney, Abigail Noonan, Alexa Olguin, Emily Schmidt, Martha Stein, Anneka Sterk, Sophie Swart, Jonas Tiensvold, Alaena Trevino

Celebration of Research

Many plants possess medicinal properties. Some, such as the Pacific yew, have yielded chemotherapeutic drugs (taxanes). Scientists report that other extracts such as the leaves of Calendula officinalis (marigold), Vinca rosea (periwinkle), Viscum cruciatum (mistletoe), and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) have anti-tumor activity. In most cases, the chemical components responsible for antiproliferative activity have not been identified and it is unclear if any individual components are as effective in isolation as they are in the context of the whole extract. Furthermore, in most cases, there are no data indicating whether these extracts have synergistic effects or cause negative reactions when used …

The Progression Of Pattern Alteration, Chloe Tschetter

Celebration of Research

This project explored different methods to alter patterns to create various designs in garments. It also included drafting basic bodices based on one’s measurements to create a well fitting base to start from. Alterations included pleating, style lines, and geometric patterning. All patterns were created on paper and turned into a muslin mock-up, before a final piece was created.

Does Insulin Resistance (Ir) Have An Impact On The Reproductive And Fertility Potential In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos) Women? : Review Article, Muhjah Falah Hassan, Mufedah Ali Jawad, Rabab Zahir Al-Yasiry

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Backgrounds: Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine and reproductive disorder in the reproductive-age women. Among the pathological changes that are responsible for the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperinsulinemia due to increased insulin resistance (IR) is common and usually associated with a higher rate of ovulatory dysfunction and sub-fertility. In addition, those women have poor quality oocytes with low fertilization capability and poor quality embryos. So, insulin has a role in the reproductive function and fertility potential of reproductive age women. Conclusion: Females with PCOS usually exhibit an extreme difficulty in achieving either a successful spontaneous or …

Evaluation Of Heated Cure Acrylic Immersed In Ozonated Water, Shawq Azmi Tawfeeq, Aseel Mohammed Al-Khafaji

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Denture cleansing is an important step that can prevent the spread of infection and improve a patient's health, the durability of the dentures, and the overall quality of life; therefore, it is necessary to choose a suitable cleanser that, in addition to being effective, does not have an unfavorable effect on the qualities of the denture base resin itself when used for an extended period.

Aim: This research aims to assess the effects of ozonated water on the surface roughness and hardness of heat-cured acrylic resin by immersion technique.

Materials: Sixty bars shape made of heat-cured acrylic were manufactured. …

Patterns Of Domestic Violence And Abuse Within Intimate Relationships, Ryeana Klopfenstein

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Textual or Investigative

Effect Of Mulligan Mobilization Techniques In Addition To Cryokinetics After One Treatment And 24 Hours On Nprs, Lefs, And Wbdf Test In High School Athletes With Acute Lateral Ankle Sprains: A Case Series, Greyson Daviau

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Applied

The Effects Of Energy Drinks On Muscles Using Electromyography (Emg) Sensors- A Work In Progress, Molly Elder

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Applied

Worthy Or Worthless: A Biblical Theology Of Human Value, Bronwyn Merigold Gray

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Textual or Investigative

Understanding And Addressing The Prevalence Of Diarrheal Diseases In Monterrico, Guatemala, Asonganyi Aminkeng, Justa Ndobegang Ewalu

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Applied

Animal-Assisted Green Care Farming For Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury, Alex Sargsyan

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Animal-Assisted Green Care Farming for Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

Purpose

To examine the effects of Animal Assisted Therapies with Farm Animals (AATF) with domesticated ducks on depression and anxiety.

Aim

The proposed study will use single-group time series design and collect survey data to explore the changes in anxiety and depression in patients exposed to AATF. The study will be guided by the Self-Efficacy Theory. The study will involve 30 patients with TBI living in The Crumley House Rehabilitation Center in Limestone, TN.

Hypothesis. Engaging in AATF with domesticated ducks will be associated with decrease in anxiety and depression. …

An Exploration Into The Experiences Of Women Student Veterans And Their Campus Support Utilization: A Phenomenological Study, Alyssa Baldwin

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Applied

Development Of Graphene Oxide/Carbon Nanofiber Hybrid Structure, Greta Wilkins

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Applied

Lynchburg Headstart Vision Screening Initiative, Sharon Olowoyo, Cara Jansen, Eleftherios Vlahos, Emma Brown, Jubin Kang, Kathryn Outlaw, Kayleen Melvin, Megan Herring, Meghan Sadler, Savannah Monahan

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Applied

Design Considerations Of The Aged As It Is Applied To Senior Housing, Amanda Mcnally

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Applied