Digital Commons Network^™

Head Over Heels: Women In Supply Chain Management, Mary Margaret Mobley

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Being a woman in the Supply Chain Management major, I have seen the challenges females face in a male-dominated field. Just why is it that we see so few women in executive roles in the Supply Chain field? Is it because of the gender challenges, or is there another underlying issue that is causing the lack of women in upper-level Supply Chain roles? Through this research study, twelve female participants will tell about their experiences being an entry-level woman in Supply Chain field. These challenges will help to determine if these entry-level challenges are the reason why women are either …

Predicting Patients’ Outcomes In Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Procedure, Danika Dorris

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Despite the improvement in patient outcomes following ventral hernia repair due to the adoption of abdominal wall reconstruction procedure, the operation can still result in major complications, and possibly death. We investigated historical data to determine the factors contributing to complications in past patients to guide future decisions regarding hernia repair patient care. More specifically, we retrospectively analyzed patient demographics and intraoperative factors (a total of 60 features) collected from 102 patients who underwent open abdominal wall reconstruction over 49 months from 8/11 to 9/15 at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, FL. Out of 102 patients, 29 experienced wound complications …

Does Dietary Choline Supplementation Mitigate The Effects Of Adolescent Stress On Working Memory In Rats?, Abigail Diana Owens

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Stress exposure during development increases risk of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Choline is a dietary nutrient important for brain function, and rodent models demonstrate that supplementing the diet of pregnant dams with choline buffers the negative effects of prenatal stress on offspring anxiety and memory function in adulthood. However, it is unknown whether dietary choline supplementation during adolescence buffers the effects of adolescent stress. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that adolescent choline supplementation mitigates the effects of adolescent stress on working memory using the radial arm maze. If our hypothesis is correct, adolescent stress will impair …

The Evaluation Of Nonpharmacological Interventions With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (Nas), Sydney York, Chelsea Hancock, Palmer Gleason, Hannah Ledbetter

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Abstract

Problem Statement and Background:

The prevalence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is increasing, as is the need for evidence-based interventions to treat it. While both pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods are used, nonpharmacological methods are the focus of this review. One hospital’s protocol for treating NAS includes the nonpharmacological interventions of swaddling, rooming-in, and decreasing stimulation. Breastfeeding may also help in treating NAS.

Purpose and Research Question:

To determine if the nonpharmacological interventions in this hospital’s protocol reflect evidence-based practice and if the literature supports the practice of breastfeeding for the treatment of NAS. The research question addressed is: Do …

Spring City Kayak Launch & Amenities Design Project, Sydney Lin Adcock

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Exemplar Engineering was requested by SETDD to perform engineering calculations and prepare contract documents in order to improve the infrastructure in Spring City, Tennessee. The SETDD has been working with Spring City in an effort to construct a public access area on a 30-acre peninsula on Watts Bar Lake. Exemplar will be responsible for designing a small park area for the town of Spring City. The construction of this park area will be separated into different phases that coincide with funding. These phases include designing and constructing underground piping and utility work, a small restroom facility, a pavilion structure, an …

Hpv Vaccination Receptivity, Katie D. Scott

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a prevalent health concern for college students. The HPV vaccine has the power to significantly impact rates of infection. This study sought to understand how the strength of a provider’s recommendation for the HPV vaccine impacted perceived quality of medical care, as well as how PQMC impacted willingness to pursue vaccination. In a quantitative survey with a sample of 126 participants ages 18 to 26, a positive correlation was found between strength of recommendation and PQMC. A positive correlation was also found between PQMC and willingness to pursue vaccination. No difference was found between …

Is Changing Your Layout Worth The Payout?: The Impact Of Office Layout On Employee Wellness And Reactions, Samantha Nicole Steichen

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

With an increase in focus on company culture over the past few years, thousands of companies are spending millions of dollars to renovate their office buildings. These investments are occurring with no research that proves that certain office layouts benefit employees more than others. Research in this area could not only save companies millions of dollars, but it could lead to an overall increase in employee wellness and reactions. The objective of this study is to find a correlation between the physical layout of work and employee wellness and reactions. This study is broken down into 5 separate parts: Office …

Quantatative Analysis Of Microbial Abundance Within Arctic Fjord Sediments Assessed Through Direct Counting, Alex Taylor Swystun

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Microbes found in the marine sediments are responsible for the production of nearly half of the carbon dioxide found in the atmosphere (Arrigo, 2005). The fjords of Svalbard (79°N) are not considered typical marine sediments because high iron content influences unique subsurface redox chemistry. Radiotracer studies have shown that these sediments contain active bacterial sulfate-reducing communities (Finke et al., 2016). In addition to bacteria, archaeal cells within these sediments have been in aggregates encompassed by sulfate-reducing bacteria (Ravenschlag et al., 2001). These anaerobic organisms participate in mediating environmental biogeochemical cycles, including the oxidation of methane (Ravenschlag et al., 2001) and …

Validating Geospatial Analysis With Community Risk Perception Survey In Big Island, Hawaii, Darcy Ann Ayers

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Military vehicle-generated particulate matter released into the atmosphere are possible concerns for human health. The author’s prior geospatial research has been to identify, using GIS analysis, the local populations surrounding a military installation in Hawaii that are most at-risk from the vehicle-generated particulate matter. A continuation of the past research, this project aims to assess the perceived impact of the identified dust pollution among local residents by conducting a survey through both qualitative and quantitative methods. The survey of health and public perception is then used to validate the model developed in the previous GIS analysis. This research is a …

Evidence For The Priming Effect In Single Strain And Simplified Communities Of Estuarine Bacteria, Abigail Amina Edwards

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Through their transformation of naturally occurring organic matter, coastal marine bacteria play an essential role in carbon cycling. A phenomenon termed the priming effect (PE) occurs when microbial communities remineralize recalcitrant organic matter faster in the presence of labile organic matter and may be prevalent in coastal systems. To understand how microbial community members interact to induce PE, it is essential to first understand the mechanisms underlying PE in single strains and simplified bacterial communities. The effect to which different concentrations and sources of labile carbon stimulated the production of bacterial biomass from riverine organic matter by two marine bacteria …

Ontogenetic And Systematic Study Of Eucystis (Diploporita: Echinodermata), Sarah Rebecca Johnson

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Our understanding of growth patterns, paleoecology, and systematics of the diploporitan echinoderm Eucystis, is poorly understood, leaving a number of questions concerning their evolutionary history. Eucystis has the longest temporal range (Ordovician-Devonian) among diploporitan echinoderms and one of the widest geographical ranges, with fossil collections from Laurentia, Gondwana, and Baltica. Eucystis is identifiable by comparatively long, multibrancing ambulacra that end in a varying number of brachiole facets, ovate to spherical theca, pentagonal thecal plates, and a holdfast attachment structure of varying size and shape.

Juvenile specimens are rare, and often are absent from research collections, and the preservation of most …

Neuroanatomical Differences Between Boys And Girls With Adhd: A Critical Review And Implications For Treatment, Shelby Clouthier, Jessica Anderson

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; 5th ed., American Psychiatric Association, 2013). About 5% of school age children are diagnosed with this disorder and about 65% will have symptoms that persist beyond adolescence (Friedman and Rapport, 2015). Although girls with ADHD exhibit different symptoms relative to boys with ADHD, there is a lack of research on sex-differences in ADHD-related neuroanatomical structures. There is evidence, however, that girls with ADHD have a 10% decrease in total cerebral gray matter volume compared to …

The Salk Institute, Sydney Ann Bittinger, Emily Gowder

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

After numerous iterations and red lines we've come to create pages that accurately describe the visual and physical properties of the world renowned institute. Not only did we form an understanding of a space that we were once unfamiliar but we were able to share our knowledge with our classmates and the visiting professors.

The conditions within the separate mechanical floors and the minimally connected towers for the offices create such unique spaces that were a vital part of the design of Louis Kahn. The custom rafters and capability to consistently update technological systems creates an ideal setting for scientific …

Pictorial Inscriptions, Jonathan W. Winfiele, Emily R. Gowder

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

PICTORIAL INSCRIPTIONS is an exploration into the nature of paint graffiti and street art and its contribution to the character of the city. Art has been used as a prevalent and effective means of communicating ideas throughout human existence. As it has evolved to present day, street art has become a way to display ideas that people are passionate about, voice opinions on social and economic events or even as a canvas that pop culture has extended onto. These displays can reflect the pride, hate, love, frustration or joy that the artists have in their work. It can voice the …

Mode I Fracture Behavior Of Bisphenol-A Epoxy Resin, Gillian Suzanne Mcglothin

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

As part of a research initiative funded by the US Navy, the Computational Mechanics and Structures group at UT is working to increase its understanding of the behaviors of composite patches that are currently being used in ship and plane repair. These composite patches are comprised of a metal base layer and a more flexible resin layer (whose purpose is to allow the patch to conform to the contours of the repaired body). By studying how the resin behaves independently of the metal, we can better understand how to properly adhere the resin to the metal and create a durable …

Interactions Of Trehalose Wth Model Folate Compounds, Carolyn R Ware

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Folate (vitamin B9) is an essential element in cellular metabolism. Folate is obtained from dietary intake, as the human body is unable to produce it, and it is required for the synthesis of many basic subunits used to compose both DNA and RNA. Previous studies have shown that folate interacts weakly with osmolytes, small molecular weight compounds produced by the cell when under stress, when the cell is crowded with them. Moreover, it has also been demonstrated that there is weaker binding between dihydrofolate reductase and dihydrofolate in the presence of these osmolytes and when the cell is under osmotic …

Clinical And Subclinical Mastitis Causing Pathogens In Tennessee Dairy Cattle, Michelle Marie Untch

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Milk quality impacts the producers and consumers. Higher milk quality leads to a longer shelf life, improved cheese making ability, and improved taste. Milk quality can be severely impacted by intramammary infections which can result in mastitis. Identifying the common mastitis causing pathogens in milk samples collected from subclinical and clinical mastitis cases can assist the producer in managing mastitis. This can lead to improved milk quality, improved cow health, and reduced need for antibiotics to treat mastitis. This study investigates the prevalence of bacteria causing intramammary infection in dairy cattle of Tennessee. Milk samples were collected from 9 farms …

2017 Eurēca Program Book, Office Of Undergraduate Research

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Includes schedule and listing of posters.

2017 Eurēca Abstract Book, Office Of Undergraduate Research

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Listing of student participant abstracts.

Wastewater Treatment Improvements For Rush Strong School, Kelli Michelle Grissom, Christina Sanford, Katie Gipson, Sharon Counts

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

In 2000, Rush Strong Elementary School implemented a recirculating sand filter to treat their low-flow wastewater effluent. The existing wastewater treatment system was producing effluent that did not meet the regulations of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Jefferson County School System requested that Rocky Top Water Solutions create a design that would bring the school into compliance with TDEC regulations in a cost-effective manner. In order to satisfy this request, the team developed multiple alternative designs. These designs consider the client’s preferences and employ a multi-criteria decision matrix that was used to evaluate the alternatives based on four …

Evaluation Of Foldable Tractor Roll-Over Protective Structures (Rops) Clearance, Luke Martin

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Tractor rollovers are a leading cause of death in the agricultural industry. While rollovers continue to happen, Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS) have shown great ability to prevent or reduce the casualties and injuries associated with rollover events. Foldable ROPS provide a practical solution to various issues faced by tractor operators. However, a ROPS is not meant to be used in the folded down position, as they are commonly used.

This study determined the operator protection provided by ROPS in the extended and the folded positions relative to the applicable engineering standards. To accomplish this, six different sized tractors with different …

Histomonas Elisa, Jessica L Martinez

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Histomonas meleagridis is a protozoan parasite of avians and is the causative agent in Histomonosis, commonly known as Blackhead Disease. Current methods for diagnosing the presence of H. meleagridis are limited to parasite culture or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify target DNA. This project aims to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for faster and more sensitive diagnosis of Histomonas infections. Cultures of H. meleagridis parasites were purified, and surface antigens were extracted using a spectrum of chemical solutions. The various antigen solutions were subjected to an ELISA, with serum from birds immunized for H. meleagridis as positive controls. …

Macrobotanical Analysis Of The Topper Site (38al23), Sierra Snively Roark

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

The Topper Site (38AL23) is a multicomponent precontact site located along the Savannah River in central South Carolina. Recent excavations conducted by the University of Tennessee have resulted in the identification,mapping, excavation, and processing of over 357 features of possible pits, postholes, and other traces of human activity. Fill from each feature was individually excavated and processed via drum flotation. This poster presents a detailed macrobotanical identification and analysis of the contents of a selection of these features using paleoethnobotanical standards. This project provides insight into Native American foodways, structure locations, and overall daily practices which occurred in the Woodland …

Variations In Growth Rate Of Closely Related Escherichia Coli Strains, Evalynn Chassity Borrego

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Growth rate of closely related bacterial strains depends sensitively not only on their growth conditions but also on their genetic make-up. To investigate the effect of small genetic variations on different E. coli K12 sub strains, the growth rate of two strains, MG1655 and BW25113, was measured and compared in different growth conditions. The genetic differences between these two sub strains are well documented. The growth rate was obtained through measurements of the optical density (OD) of a cell culture using a spectrophotometer. The OD was assumed to be proportional to the number of cells in the culture and the …

The Resilience Of The Mayan People, Savannah G. Dixon

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

In the Western Highlands of Guatemala, the Quiche’ people sustain their culture in dress, food, and language. The k’iche’ language is spoken by over one million people in Guatemala making it the largest indigenous group and spoken language of the twenty-three indigenous populations. The Mayan people make up the largest indigenous group in the Americas with roughly six million people identifying as one of the twenty-three Mayan groups. Today, five million Mayans reside in Guatemala, and the largest group is the nation of Quiche’.

The Quiche’ nation was made famous in the 1980’s by the story of Rigoberta Menchú – …

How Short Term Mindfulness Training Affects Emotion Regulation On College Students, Holly E. Flatt, Andrea Benadives, Kriston Ramsey

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Emotion regulation (ER) is the experience and expression of emotions which aids in the balancing of positive emotions and emotional processing (Gross, 2001; Hölzel, 2011). An important advancement in the field of psychology is greater understanding of how treatments can positively influence ER. One promising intervention to improve emotion regulation is mindfulness training—the practice of being aware of one’s current internal state and thoughts to provide a greater attentiveness and acknowledgement to one’s current environment (Hoffman et. al., 2010; Langer 2000). The current study examined the effect of brief mindfulness training on emotion regulation after a sad mood induction via …

Sara Liza: A Pant Suit And A Paint Brush, Sara E. Seaman

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

I am a painter who seeks more for my art business and career than that of a “starving artist.” Trading the Pant Suit for a Paint Brush is a business plan that serves as my blueprint and foundation for becoming a well-known artist, owning a personal studio and maintaining significant gallery presence across the country. I am to accomplish this through intentional customer targeting and production mastery.

My target market is not specific to a certain demographic but instead a psychographic – original art enthusiasts and collectors. I am specifically targeting those who appreciate the value of original paintings through …

The Exhibition Of Undergraduate Research And Creative Achievement: Distress Of Parents Of Nicu Graduates, Megan Kay Borgmier

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

This is an abstract for my project regarding distress of parents of NICU graduates that will be submitted for The Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement.

Does Increased Globalization Improve Citizens' Quality Of Life?, Laura E. Hirt

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Countries are more open than ever to the outside world, however research is still undecided about what effects it will have on the country’s culture and way of life. In a world where many policy makers are worried about the expansion of free trade and cheaper foreign labor, we are not certain how a country’s strivings to reach this goal of more “open” economy will or will not give their citizens a better quality of life. I will attempt to gain insight into that question using the United Nation’s millennium goals; my research uses econometric techniques to tease out possible …

Membrane Dissection: The Bechtler Museum, Mike Lidwin, Rachel List

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

A windowless façade becomes the inspiration for an experimentation of materials. Through the use of terracotta cladding, Mario Botta crafts a local landmark and structural masterpiece in his design of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. The Bechtler Museum is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and appears as a giant terracotta-red cube in the downtown cityscape. Instead of including several exterior windows, Botta focuses on the materiality of terracotta to function as an attractive facade and as an effective enclosure system.

This research project analyzes structural and enclosure elements of Mario Botta’s Bechtler Museum. Through diagramming the building in section, …