Digital Commons Network^™

Monetary Incentives For Producing Counterfeit, Adulterated, And Misbranded Medicine: Case Studies And Examples, Heather R. Campbell, Robert A. Lodder

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Pharmaceutical fraud can be very profitable. Those working in pharmaceuticals are in a tempting position as the nature of the product and supply is complex, making detection of fraud difficult and expensive. However, a reliable pharmaceutical supply can often be a life-or-death situation for patients. Thus, when detection of fraud occurs, a Regulator's Dilemma often emerges (recall a drug for which a supplier is the sole source, or allow a substandard product to be sold)—generally resulting in pharmaceutical companies receiving minimal penalties even for the worst acts. Despite pharmaceutical companies' unique leverage over regulators and profitability, studies are rare …

Chinese-Invested Smart City Development In Southeast Asia - How Resilient Are Urban Megaprojects In The Age Of Covid-19?, Yujia He, Angela Tritto

Diplomacy and International Commerce Reports

Smart cities are emerging as major engines for deploying intelligent systems to enhance urban development and contribute to the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG). In developing economies facing rapid urbanization and technological change, new cities are being built with smart technologies and ideals, complete with business districts and residential, retail, entertainment, medical, education facilities to entice businesses and talents to relocate. Governments tout the potential of such “greenfield” smart cities for innovation and sustainability. Yet such urban megaprojects are often extremely expensive, prompting governments to partner with private players such as property developers, investors, and tech firms to …

Storytime Programs As Mirrors, Windows, And Sliding Glass Doors? Addressing Children’S Needs Through Diverse Book Selection, Maria Cahill, Erin E. Ingram, Soohyung Joo

Information Science Faculty Publications

Much research suggests that exposure to diverse books that feature the lived experiences of people with marginalized or underrepresented identities influences how children perceive their own value and the significance of others who do and do not look like them. Library associations have recently called for greater attention to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion to be reflected across all aspects of library services and programs. The purpose of this study was to examine the print materials used in public library storytime programs to identify the extent to which storytime exposes children to diverse people. Results indicate that, across all …

Aggregated Generic Load Curve For Residential Electric Water Heaters, Huangjie Gong, Oluwaseun M. Akeyo, Tim Rooney, Brian T. Branecky, Dan M. Ionel

Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky Faculty Publications

Advanced control techniques may be used to regulate the operation of residential appliances to establish a virtual power plant. The electric water heater may be regarded as a “uni-directional battery” and a major component of a hybrid residential energy storage system. One of the main constraints of implementing demand response with EWH relates to the unpredictable customer behavior, which influences the domestic water tank temperature as well as the EWH operation cycle. This study analyzes the operation of multiple water heaters and develops an aggregated generic water heater load curve for the average residential customer based on experimental data retrieved …

Content Analysis Of Digital Media Coverage Of The Human Papillomavirus Vaccine School-Entry Requirement Policy In Puerto Rico, Vivian Colón-López, Vilnery Rivera-Figueroa, Glizette O. Arroyo-Morales, Diana T. Medina-Laabes, Roxana Soto-Abreu, Manuel Rivera-Encarnación, Olga L. Díaz-Miranda, Ana P. Ortiz, Katelyn B. Wells, Coralia Vázquez-Otero, Pamela C. Hull

Behavioral Science Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: In August 2018, Puerto Rico (PR) became the 4th state or territory in the United States to adopt a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine school-entry requirement, for students 11-12 years old. Evidence suggests that the content of media coverage may impact people's perception of HPV vaccine and their willingness to vaccinate. This study aimed to analyze the content of digital news coverage related to the implementation of the policy in PR.

METHODS: A content review was conducted of digital media published from January 2017 through December 2018. The content reviewed was carried out in two steps: 1) creating a matrix …

Drag Queen Storytimes: Public Library Staff Perceptions And Experiences, Sarah C. Barriage, Vanessa Kitzie, Diana Floegel, Shannon M. Oltmann

Information Science Faculty Publications

Since their first appearances in public libraries, drag queen storytimes (DQS) have frequently been featured in news stories and professional literature. These events feature drag performers leading various aspects of otherwise typical storytimes, including reading books, singing songs, and leading crafts and other activities with young children and their families.

Risk-Based Construction Inspection, Timothy Taylor, Shannon Rush, Steve Waddle, Hala Nassereddine, Ryan Griffith, Makram Bou Hatoum

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Retirements and other forms of attrition have reduced employment levels at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) over the past 20 years. Left in the wake of staff departures is a younger and more inexperienced workforce that shoulders numerous responsibilities. Although operations throughout the Cabinet have been affected by staff losses, construction inspection has suffered disproportionately. Strategies for mitigating the impacts of staff loss include robust knowledge management and risk-based construction inspection. This project developed several tools to help KYTC implement a risk-based construction inspection program, including (1) heat maps that qualitatively rate the levels of risk for different construction activities; …

Covid-19 And The Impact On Rural And Black Church Congregants: Results Of The C-M-C Project, Lovoria B. Williams, Anita F. Fernander, Tofial Azam, Maria L. Gomez, Junghee Kang, Cassidy L. Moody, Hannah Bowman, Nancy E. Schoenberg

Clinical and Translational Science Faculty Publications

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had devastating effects on Black and rural populations with a mortality rate among Blacks three times that of Whites and both rural and Black populations experiencing limited access to COVID‐19 resources. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the health, financial, and psychological impact of COVID‐19 among rural White Appalachian and Black nonrural central Kentucky church congregants. Secondarily we sought to examine the association between sociodemographics and behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs regarding COVID‐19 and intent to vaccinate. We used a cross sectional survey design developed with the constructs of the Health Belief and Theory …

Knowledge In Practice: Exploring Rancher's Ecological Knowledge In Nw Colorado, Corrine Noel Knapp, Maria Fernandez‐Gimenez

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

Community-Based Efforts Aim To Improve The Food Environment Within A Highly Obese Rural Appalachian County, Rachel Gillespie, Emily M. Dewitt, Heather Norman-Burgdolf, Brynnan Dunaway, Alison A. Gustafson

Dietetics and Human Nutrition Faculty Publications

Rural communities in Appalachia are displaying increased obesity prevalence, yet traditional interventions have not provided a broad enough impact to improve dietary consumption patterns. Therefore, expanding efforts that address the food environment and incorporate behavioral nudges through community-developed marketing strategies may be a viable mechanism to improve food and beverage choices within this unique population. This study installed shelf-wobblers across n = 5 gas stations in one rural Appalachian county in Kentucky. Smart Snacks were identified from store inventory lists utilizing the CDC Food Service Guideline for Federal Facilities calculator and were categorized into high-protein snacks, low-fat carbohydrate snacks, meal …

Mapping Complex Land Use Histories And Urban Renewal Using Ground Penetrating Radar: A Case Study From Fort Stanwix, Tyler Stumpf, Daniel P. Bigman, Dominic J. Day

Anthropology Graduate Research

Fort Stanwix National Monument, located in Rome, NY, is a historic park with a complex use history dating back to the early Colonial period and through the urban expansion and recent economic revitalization of the City of Rome. The goal of this study was to conduct a GPR investigation over an area approximately 1 acre in size to identify buried historic features (particularly buildings) so park management can preserve these resources and develop appropriate educational programming and management plans. The GPR recorded reflection events consistent with our expectations of historic structures. Differences in size, shape, orientation, and depth suggest that …

Inheriting And Advancing The Essence Of Nomadic Culture, And Searching For A New Course Of Harmonious Development On The Grassland, Zhongling Liu, Cunzhu Liang, Lixing Wang, Dunyuan Hao, Huaming Liu

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

People, Culture And Nature In The Rural‐Urban Fringe: Impressions From A Study Of Rural Gentrification In The English Midlands, Martin Phillips

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

Dysregulation Of Systemic Immunity In Aging And Dementia, Jenny Lutshumba, Barbara S. Nikolajczyk, Adam D. Bachstetter

Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Neuroinflammation and the tissue-resident innate immune cells, the microglia, respond and contribute to neurodegenerative pathology. Although microglia have been the focus of work linking neuroinflammation and associated dementias like Alzheimer’s Disease, the inflammatory milieu of brain is a conglomerate of cross-talk amongst microglia, systemic immune cells and soluble mediators like cytokines. Age-related changes in the inflammatory profile at the levels of both the brain and periphery are largely orchestrated by immune system cells. Strong evidence indicates that both innate and adaptive immune cells, the latter including T cells and B cells, contribute to chronic neuroinflammation and thus dementia. Neurodegenerative hallmarks …

Blood Transfusion Errors Within A Health System: A Review Of Root Cause Analyses, Elizabeth A. Lancaster, Elizabeth K. Rhodus, Mary B. Duke, Andrew M. Harris

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Introduction
Blood transfusions are lifesaving treatments which require critical attention to processes and details. If processes are not followed, grievous errors can lead to sentinel events. A review of investigations completed due to reported events will show the error trends associated with systems used throughout the blood transfusion process.

Methods
This study employed root cause analyses (RCAs) within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to review the events leading to blood transfusion errors. Data was pulled from the RCA databases within the VA National Center for Patient Safety. The time frame was October 2014 to August 2019. A total of 53 …

The Impact Of Contact Tracing On The Spread Of Covid-19: An Egocentric Agent-Based Model, Andrew Pilny, Lin Xiang, Corey Huber, Will Silberman, Sean Goatley-Soan

Communication Faculty Publications

At its core, contact tracing is a form of egocentric network analysis (ENA). One of the biggest obstacles for ENA is informant accuracy (i.e., amount of true contacts identified), which is even more prominent for interaction-based network ties because they often represent episodic relational events, rather than enduring relational states. This research examines the effect of informant accuracy on the spread of COVID-19 through an egocentric, agent-based model. Overall when the average person transmits COVID-19 to 1.62 other people (i.e., the R₀), they must be, on average, 75% accurate with naming their contacts. In higher transmission contexts (i.e., …

Sources Of Variation In Bourbon Whiskey Barrels: A Review, Jarrad Gollihue, Victoria G. Pook, Seth Debolt

Horticulture Faculty Publications

Oak barrels serve two purposes in the production of distilled spirits: storage containers and reaction vessels. It is the latter function which bestows barrel aged spirits with their unique and highly sought after flavour profiles. However, achieving consistent flavour profiles between barrels is notoriously difficult as no two barrels are comprised of the same source of oak. Source variation is due to a range of factors, beginning with the genetic and topographical background of the oak tree from which the barrel staves originate, the spatial region of the tree from which the stave was taken and continuing through each step …

Donnan Potential Across The Outer Membrane Of Gram-Negative Bacteria And Its Effect On The Permeability Of Antibiotics, Olaniyi Alegun, Ankit Pandeya, Jian Cui, Isoiza Ojo, Yinan Wei

Chemistry Faculty Publications

The cell envelope structure of Gram-negative bacteria is unique, composed of two lipid bilayer membranes and an aqueous periplasmic space sandwiched in between. The outer membrane constitutes an extra barrier to limit the exchange of molecules between the cells and the exterior environment. Donnan potential is a membrane potential across the outer membrane, resulted from the selective permeability of the membrane, which plays a pivotal role in the permeability of many antibiotics. In this review, we discussed factors that affect the intensity of the Donnan potential, including the osmotic strength and pH of the external media, the osmoregulated periplasmic glucans …

Equity-Oriented Conceptual Framework For K-12 Stem Literacy, Christa Jackson, Margaret J. Mohr-Schroeder, Sarah B. Bush, Cathrine Maiorca, Thomas Roberts, Caitlyn Yost, Abigail Fowler

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Faculty Publications

We introduce a conceptual framework of K-12 STEM literacy that rightfully and intentionally positions each and every student, particularly minoritized groups, as belonging in STEM. In order to conceptualize the equity-based framework of STEM literacy, we conducted a systematic review of literature related to STEM literacy, which includes empirical studies that contribute to STEM literacy. The literature on the siloed literacies within STEM (i.e., science, technology, engineering, and mathematics literacy) also contributed to formulate the necessity of and what it means to develop STEM literacy. The Equity-Oriented STEM Literacy Framework illuminates the complexities of disrupting the status quo and rightfully …

Algebraic Graph-Assisted Bidirectional Transformers For Molecular Property Prediction, Dong Chen, Kaifu Gao, Duc Duy Nguyen, Xin Chen, Yi Jiang, Guo-Wei Wei, Feng Pan

Mathematics Faculty Publications

The ability of molecular property prediction is of great significance to drug discovery, human health, and environmental protection. Despite considerable efforts, quantitative prediction of various molecular properties remains a challenge. Although some machine learning models, such as bidirectional encoder from transformer, can incorporate massive unlabeled molecular data into molecular representations via a self-supervised learning strategy, it neglects three-dimensional (3D) stereochemical information. Algebraic graph, specifically, element-specific multiscale weighted colored algebraic graph, embeds complementary 3D molecular information into graph invariants. We propose an algebraic graph-assisted bidirectional transformer (AGBT) framework by fusing representations generated by algebraic graph and bidirectional transformer, as well as …

Limitations In American Adults’ Awareness Of And Beliefs About Alcohol As A Risk Factor For Cancer, Marc T. Kiviniemi, Heather Orom, Jennifer L. Hay, Erika A. Waters

Health, Behavior & Society Faculty Publications

Alcohol is a carcinogen. Recommendations to reduce alcohol use to lower cancer risk are increasingly common. However, neither the beliefs of US adults about alcohol consumption and cancer risk, nor factors influencing those beliefs, are well understood. We used data from the 2019 Health Information National Trends Survey (analysis N = 4,470) to examine beliefs about whether drinking too much alcohol increases cancer risk. We compared those beliefs to beliefs for three other health problems, and examined whether believing alcohol is a cancer risk factor was related to demographics, risk perceptions, other beliefs about the nature of cancer, and alcohol …

Cd151 Drives Cancer Progression Depending On Integrin Α3Β1 Through Egfr Signaling In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Jianjie Zhu, Tingting Cai, Jieqi Zhou, Wenwen Du, Yuanyuan Zeng, Ting Liu, Yulong Fu, Yue Li, Qian Qian, Xiuwei H. Yang, Qinglin Li, Jian-An Huang, Zeyi Liu

Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Background
Tetraspanins CD151, a transmembrane 4 superfamily protein, has been identified participating in the initiation of a variety of cancers. However, the precise function of CD151 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. Here, we addressed the pro-tumoral role of CD151 in NSCLC by targeting EGFR/ErbB2 which favors tumor proliferation, migration and invasion.

Methods
First, the mRNA expression levels of CD151 in NSCLC tissues and cell lines were measured by RT-PCR. Meanwhile, CD151 and its associated proteins were analyzed by western blotting. The expression levels of CD151 in NSCLC samples and its paired adjacent lung tissues were then verified …

Opportunities To Improve Symptom Control With Somatostatin Congeners In Gep-Nets: A Review Of Key Issues, Lowell B. Anthony, Thomas M. O'Dorisio

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Octreotide acetate (octreotide) is the most prescribed and most studied somatostatin congener, or analog, for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) and carcinoid syndrome, the latter of which may be characterized by debilitating diarrhea and flushing. Approved in the U.S. more than 30 years ago, octreotide is widely used to control the symptoms of carcinoid syndrome and has been shown to demonstrate antiproliferative activity. The two formulations available in the U.S. include a subcutaneous immediate-release (IR) injection introduced in 1989 and a long-acting repeatable (LAR) intramuscular injection approved in 1999. Lanreotide depot (lanreotide), a more recent somatostatin congener, has been available in …

Integrated Research To Reduce Poisoning From Oxytropis And Astragalus Spp In U.S.A., Michael H. Ralphs, B. L. Stegelmeier, K. E. Panter, Dale R. Gardner, J. A. Pfister, S. E. Lee, L. F. James, K. C. Mcdaniel, Rebecca Creamer, J. R. Valdez, D. R. Child

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

Untangling A Cat’S Cradle: Diphacinone, Acetaminophen, Trauma, And Multiple Deaths In A Kentucky Cat Colony, Megan C. Romano, Uneeda K. Bryant, Lynne M. C. Cassone, Jennifer G. Janes, Michelle N. Helm, Kyle A. Francis

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Faculty Publications

This manuscript describes an animal cruelty investigation in which several cats from a feral colony were suspected of having been poisoned. Three of the cats were submitted for complete postmortem examination by a qualified veterinary pathologist, and appropriate toxicologic analyses were selected and interpreted by a qualified veterinary toxicologist. Diagnosis in poisoning cases requires communication and collaboration between the pathologists and the toxicologist. A truly definitive diagnosis is not always possible in poisoning cases, particularly in a forensic investigation – a court of law requires a higher standard to establish a cause of death than do routine diagnostic cases. This …

Invasive Grassland‐Rangeland Plants Of China And The United States Of America, John H. Brock, Jinguo Wu

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

Planning Implementation Success Of Syncope Clinical Practice Guidelines In The Emergency Department Using Cfir Framework, Jing Li, Susan S. Smyth, Jessica M. Clouser, Colleen A. Mcmullen, Vedant A. Gupta, Mark V. Williams

Center for Health Services Research Faculty Publications

Background and Objectives: Overuse and inappropriate use of testing and hospital admission are common in syncope evaluation and management. Though guidelines are available to optimize syncope care, research indicates that current clinical guidelines have not significantly impacted resource utilization surrounding emergency department (ED) evaluation of syncope. Matching implementation strategies to barriers and facilitators and tailoring strategies to local context hold significant promise for a successful implementation of clinical practice guidelines (CPG). Our team applied implementation science principles to develop a stakeholder-based implementation strategy. Methods and Materials: We partnered with patients, family caregivers, frontline clinicians and staff, and health system administrators …

Dating App Use Among Rural Men Who Have Sex With Men And Its Relationship To Hiv Prevention And Risk Behaviors: A Mixed-Methods Analysis, Lauren Bineau, Danielle Lambert, Natalia Truszczynski, Nathan Hansen, Carolyn Lauckner

Center for Health Equity Transformation Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Men who have sex with men (MSM) in rural areas have limited access to HIV prevention and education resources. Given the growing usage of mobile dating apps among the wider MSM population, this research sought to explore their use among MSM in rural areas and their potential for delivering HIV prevention information.

METHODS: Participants were recruited from different areas of the rural Southern USA. This mixed-methods study consisted of an online survey (n=85) and follow-up qualitative phone interviews with 20 survey respondents. The survey assessed dating app use, sexual behaviors, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness, usage, and attitudes among …

Forage News [2021-06], Department Of Plant And Soil Sciences, University Of Kentucky

Forage News

No abstract provided.

Hiv Research "Year In Review" In Haiti, Chris Delcher, June Bae, Shannan Rich, Jacob Peace

Institute for Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy Reports

Introduction

For this issue of the Epidemiologic Surveillance Bulletin, we summarize the prior year’s research on populations living with HIV (PLWH) in Haiti for World AIDS Day 2020.

Methods

We retrieved 50 articles from PubMed (pubmed.gov) for articles written in English using the search term [Haiti* AND (HIV OR "human immunodeficiency virus" OR AIDS)] from December 2019 to November 19, 2020 (approximately 1 year). We included studies that of cohorts of people living with HIV in Haiti, patients enrolled from Haiti in multi-country clinical studies and studies involving populations at substantial risk of HIV in Haiti. We excluded studies of …