This section contains titles and abstracts of working papers. I am open to further collaborations and developing. Email me: ascott25@gardner-webb.edu or Brad.Scott@rccc.edu 

Title: Searching for religion: Examining U.S. Google Trends Data during COVID-19*

Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between Google search trends for religious activities and macroeconomic indicators during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research aims to understand how individuals cope with uncertainty and stress by seeking spiritual solace and economic support. By analyzing Google Trends data for search terms related to religious activities and macroeconomic indicators, the study reveals a significant positive relationship between the frequency of Google searches for prayer and rosary and searches for unemployment benefits. However, no significant relationship was found between searches for The Bible, Bible verses, and inflation. This paper uses Poisson regression, negative binomial regression, and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) to understand relationships of collected Google search terms. The findings suggest that during times of crisis, individuals turn to religion and spirituality as a coping mechanism to deal with uncertainty and stress. This information may benefit religious leaders by highlighting geographic religious curiosity and help scholars and researchers better understand consumer behavioral patterns when faced with uncertainty.

*This was sent out for review and received feedback.

Title: Porter’s Diamond: Applied Market Approach to U.S. Pharmaceutical Industry*

Abstract: The United States pharmaceutical industry, a critical player in global public health, has faced complex changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aims to explore the competitive dynamics and market trends of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry in the post-COVID-19 era through Porter's Diamond Model. Leveraging an array of variables including research and development (R&D) spending, annual wages, employment levels, annual revenue, market size, and patent counts, the study bridges an evident gap in empirical research practices. A panel data analysis with a fixed effects regression model was conducted to understand the influence of R&D and patent generation on firms' competitiveness. Results demonstrated that a unit increase in R&D expenditure was associated with an approximately 0.45 unit increase in the competitiveness score. This significant relationship between R&D, patent generation, and competitiveness, corresponds with the 'Factor Conditions' and 'Firm Strategy, Structure, and Rivalry' aspects of Porter's Diamond Model. This paper suggests that R&D and strategic actions such as patenting are critical drivers of competitiveness for pharmaceutical companies.

*Desk rejected.