Digital Commons Network^™

Epidemiology And Sexual Transmission Of Mpox In Non-Msm Populations: A Systematic Review Proposal (2022-2025), Ifeoluwanimi Shobayo, Ashlan Killeen, Chelsea Mazonde, Eunice Onwuka, Michael Ago Tetteh, Prince Osei Sarpong, Rachel Williams

Liberty University Research Week

Introduction: Mpox epidemiology during the 2022–2025 global outbreaks has been extensively characterized within men who have sex with men (MSM) networks. However, transmission dynamics among non-MSM populations including heterosexual men, women, children, and mixed-population groups remain insufficiently described. This gap limits comprehensive public health understanding and response. This study aims to: (1) identify exposures and transmission routes among non-MSM populations, (2) describe demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, and outcomes, and (3) identify evidence gaps to inform preparedness strategies.

Methods: This systematic review will follow PRISMA-P guidelines. A comprehensive literature search will be conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and …

Bridging The Digital Divide In Rural America: How 2026–2030 Digital Health Policies, Perseverance Nothando Moyo

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. digital health policies have evolved from temporary emergency measures into permanent infrastructure reshaping healthcare delivery. Rural and underserved communities (~46 million Americans) face persistent access disparities, exacerbated by a projected 23% decline in rural physicians by 2030. Major federal investments include Medicare telehealth flexibilities extended through 2027, DEA telemedicine prescribing through 2026, and the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP, 2026–2030). This study examines the impact of these policies on healthcare access and patient engagement in rural and underserved areas during 2026–2030.

Methods: Policy analysis and narrative review of the U.S. digital health …

Who Delivers Care-And Does It Matter? Patient Satisfaction With Task-Shifted Mental Health Services., Perseverance Nothando Moyo, Benson Varghese, Chelsea Mazonde, Fadzai Nyarugwe, Ifeoluwanimi Shobayo, Oluwatosin Marylyn Oduneye, Tahirou Diallo

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Global mental health systems face severe workforce shortages and structural inequalities, leaving over one billion people without access to adequate care. Task-shifting, which involves training non-specialist providers such as community health workers and lay counselors to deliver mental health services, has been proposed as a scalable strategy to expand access to care. Although research has demonstrated the clinical effectiveness of task-shifted mental health interventions, less attention has been given to understanding patient satisfaction and experiences of care within these service models. Objective: To synthesize global literature examining patient satisfaction with task-shifted mental health services delivered by non-specialist providers. Methods: …

Western Blot Analysis Of A Formalin-Induced Neuropathic Pain Model In Mice, Caroline Foy

Liberty University Research Week

Neuropathic pain is a chronic debilitating condition typically caused by nervous system injury or disease. This experiment proposes that a single subcutaneous injection of formalin is sufficient to produce neuropathic pain and associated nervous tissue changes. It is hypothesized that a western blot of lumbar tissue collected from formalin-injected mice will show an increase of two key proteins indicating gliosis: GFAP and Iba1.

Balancing Risk And Reward: Examining Offensive Rebound Rates And Points Per Possession In Di Men’S College Basketball, Quinten Chiarizzio, Braden Chupp, Joshua Hines, Conor Guiltinan

Liberty University Research Week

This study aims to investigate how the number of offensive rebounders attempting to rebound a missed shot affects the offensive rebounding rate and the points per possession of the offensive team. Offensive rebounding rate is a strong indicator of success in basketball and can drastically improve a team's efficiency. Some research has been done at the NBA level, yet little research has been done at the college level into maximizing this rate without jeopardizing the defensive end. This study aims to address the research question: "How does the number of offensive rebounders impact the offensive rebounding rate and points per …

Youth Sport Specialization And Overuse Injury Risk Among Athletes Ages 8–14: A Quantitative Comparative Study, Brian Anderson, Austin Lay, Cameron Roark, Colsen Debold, Walker Mooney

Liberty University Research Week

This research paper examines the relationship between youth sport specialization and injury risk among athletes ages 8-14. The study specifically investigates whether athletes in this age range who participate in a single sport year-round minimum 8 months experience higher rates of overuse and season ending injuries compared to athletes who play multiple sports year-round. Early specialization in sport has become increasingly common as families pursue elite competition and scholarship opportunities. However, concerns have grown regarding repetitive stress and overuse injuries in young athletes whose bodies are still developing. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a …

Effects Of Hippotherapy On Motor Control In Children With Cerebral Palsy (Cp): A Critically Appraised Topic, Mckenna Coots, Katrina Myers, Lillian Cooper

Liberty University Research Week

Clinical Scenario: Cerebral Palsy has impacted a wide variety of individuals, especially children in their motor control, movement, and physical functioning. Hippotherapy has been used to improve the activities of daily living in diverse conditions and physical limitations. Specifically, studies have found a positive effect on cerebral palsy patients with this form of therapy in gait and motor function. Clinical Question: In children with cerebral palsy, was hippotherapy effective in improving motor control required for activities of daily living?

Summary of Key Findings: The authors of four high quality articles found that hippotherapy is an effective treatment for children diagnosed …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Disaster Relief Integration And Public Funding Allocation In Professional Sports Venues: A Comparative Analysis, Jayden Jackson, Andrew Holzapfel, Emma Cromer, Madison Yeager, Tyler Ondrea

Liberty University Research Week

There is a documented, ever-rising cost associated with the construction and maintenance of professional sport stadiums across the United States, especially in the southern states. While the public subsidies that support these stadiums remain highly debated among policymakers, taxpayers, economists, and community stakeholders, many facilities serve as mission-ready, high-utility community hubs during public disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and other large-scale emergencies. This study investigates whether a connection exists between a venue’s disaster relief utility and the total public subsidy it receives post-disaster over a defined period of time. Grounded in Social Exchange Theory, the study aims to determine if …

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.

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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.

The Impact Of Minimum Age Policies On Concussion Incidences In Youth Tackle Football, Andrew Garrett, Colby Douglas Green, Colin Ropella, Josiah Schrock

Liberty University Research Week

This study examines whether raising the minimum age for participation in youth tackle football reduces the incidence of concussions and other brain injuries among young athletes. Concussions and long-term neurological conditions like CTE have become a growing concern in youth football, particularly given the sport’s widespread popularity across the United States. While various leagues have experimented with different minimum age requirements, it remains unclear whether delaying full-contact play meaningfully reduces brain injury risk or produces no significant difference in outcomes. Grounded in developmental exposure framework, which suggests that limiting contact during early developmental stages reduces cumulative head impacts over time, …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.