Digital Commons Network^™

Analyses And Reconstructions Of Crash Scenarios For Class 8, Long-Haul Trucks, Monish Dev Sudhakhar, Rohan Khaire, Jeffrey Wishart, Yan Chen

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

Knowledge and analysis of crash scenarios from naturalistic driving data can provide insight into the causes of crashes and thus motivate or benefit the future design of automated driving systems (ADSs). The circumstances commonly resulting in crashes for human-driven, light-duty vehicles were previously compiled into the 37 pre-crash scenarios by NHTSA [1]. However, crash analyses and reconstructions for Class 8 long-haul trucks have not yet been explored in the literature. The Crash Investigation Sampling System (CISS) database has been used as the crash data source for compiling a dataset containing details on a nationally representative sample of thousands of heavy-duty …

Combining The Concrete Representational Abstract Framework And Video Modeling To Increase Basic Addition Skills Among First Grade Students, Sara Ebner

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

Proficiency in mathematics is fundamental for academic success and is linked to numerous skills that are essential for success in the real-world. Despite its importance, many students struggle with math, leading to nationwide declines in math proficiency. This decline highlights the need for effective interventions that are accessible, able to be individualized, and feasible for implementation across settings. In the present study, a single case multiple probe across participants design was used to assess the efficacy of a concrete-representational-abstract (CRA) framework with video modeling intervention on the basic addition problem-solving accuracy of three first-grade students. Results show that participants’ accuracy …

The Critical Role Of Nac1 In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Stemness And Immunosuppression, Chrispus Ngule

Theses and Dissertations--Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogeneous and the most lethal breast cancer (BC) subtype. We report here a new role of nucleus accumbens associated protein 1 (NAC1) in maintaining stemness signature and features of TNBC and controlling the status of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, which accounts for its role in tumor progression and metastasis. This report demonstrates increased NAC1 amplification in TNBC metastatic samples compared to nonmetastatic tissues. In vitro, NAC1 depletion in TNBC cells suppressed their proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion. In vivo, NAC1 knockdown in TNBC cells reduced tumorigenic ability, diminished tumor growth rate, and abolished …

Forage News [2024-12], University Of Kentucky

Forage News

No abstract provided.

8th Cauthen Seminar (2024) Program, Cauthen-Seminar

Veterinary Science Presentations

Contained here is the complete program for the 8th Annual Cauthen Seminar held at the Gluck Equine Research Center.

The Cauthen seminar series was started in 2017 as a tribute and memorial to respected and beloved farrier and teacher, “Tex” Cauthen, developed to encourage the sharing of best practices, technology, research, experience, and insight among all communities in the equine industry, from owners, farriers, track managers, veterinarians, and jockeys.

The annual series has been hosted at the Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY along with a live broadcast as a Zoom webinar, offered free …

A Combinatory Approach To Understanding The Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence And Financial Labour Markets, Michael Samers, Yujia He

Geography Faculty Publications

This paper provides a critical conceptualization of the relationship between artificial intelligence and financial labour markets in the United States. In doing so, we ask first, what are the characteristics of ‘actually existing AI’ in the financial sector? Second, what are the various ways in which the relationship between AI and its effects on financial labour or employment over approximately the last decade are approached theoretically, conceptually, or methodologically? Third, what are the (spatial) consequences of AI for financial labour markets in the United States? In responding to these questions, we develop a combinatory approach that integrates a ‘financial ecologies’ …

The Intersection Of Kinesthetic Empathy And Observation In Concert Dance Performance, Kate Walker

Gaines Fellow Senior Theses

When watching concert dance, observers unconsciously process movement information by forming reflections of their own experiences, resulting in an emotional connection. The artist, however, also has a part in forming meaning around something they create. If meaning is formed in the creation of the work by the artist, and also through observation by an audience, where does meaning reside? The relationship shared between the artist and their audience is valuable, so something must connect these two groups. An artist’s job is to suggest meaning through their work, but once the piece is subject to observation, the process of kinesthetic empathy …

Navigating Religious Attitudes Towards Assisted Reproductive Technology, Gretchen Ruschman

Gaines Fellow Senior Theses

As global infertility rates increase, the growing utilization of assisted reproductive technology (ART), specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF), has introduced a range of ethical concerns. Religious beliefs play a crucial role in shaping societal norms and guiding individual ethical deliberation, which is also true in navigating the ethical framework surrounding ART. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge the role of religion in shaping perspectives on ART and explore the role of religion in ethical decision-making on an individual and a community scale. This study explored different religious perspectives on ethical issues surrounding the current state and potential future advancements of …

To The Hen, Jessica Miller

Gaines Fellow Senior Theses

No abstract provided.

Resonancethe Interdisciplinary Design Process + Site Specific Work In An Interative Lens, Danica Hak

Gaines Fellow Senior Theses

This thesis serves as a lineage of research exploring the relationship between dance and design, emphasizing and encouraging interdisciplinary design processes that are cyclic and iterative. As the push for diversity, equity, and inclusion rises in the design field, experimentation in other disciplines and their relationship with design promotes more thoughtful, human-centered spaces. The overlaps of design and dance highlight the relationship of body and space through circulation patterns, ergonomic design, public performance, and site-specific work. Nontraditional performance (anything that is not in a typical proscenium viewing) allows a fostering, mutualistic relationship between performer, audience, and the environment.

Personal Narratives As Mechanisms To Explore The Stem Undergraduate Research Experience, Isha Chauhan

Gaines Fellow Senior Theses

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) has popularly been labeled as reliant on objective analysis, while, conversely, humanities are rooted in engaging human virtue and creating connections between people. A particularly interesting piece of the humanities is storytelling, which allows people of unique backgrounds to develop creative connections to their work. In this way, STEM and the humanities are united by personal experience and the ability to convey such. This connection can be demonstrated through the STEM undergraduate experience, which has been greatly underrepresented in the form of personal narratives. With the format of personal narratives being conducive to discussion …

The Fruits Of Our Labor, Joseph Cox

Gaines Fellow Senior Theses

Fruits of labor are the triumphs of determination and resiliency. We often place ourselves in the world by referencing those around us. Or those beyond us. When I found myself disoriented, it was looking inward that gained my footing. These friends of mine are all a little fruity in their own way. If you pause and take it in, they’ll remind you that it’s not a label or image that we share, but a strength to love the way we differ. The Fruits of our Labor works to facilitate these connections through shared experiences of creativity. It examines Queer lifestyle …

Move The Table, Elizabeth Browning

Gaines Fellow Senior Theses

This creative thesis project is based on autoethnicgraphical methodology and queer feminist crip analysis, and borne from homegrown loving and learning. In recounting my own experience with education within feminine culinary spaces, I am affirming the teachings of particularly American mothers of color in resistance against oppressive politics in public education. In doing so, I validate my own knowledge and implore higher education institutions to explore collective access for us all. Using autoethnography, cooking as inquiry, historical information, and family recipes and narratives, I will analyze the ways in which the women in my family have created feminist midrash in …

Acceptability And Feasibility Of Screening With A Pediatric Care Provider-Led Social Determinants Of Health Identification Tool, Alison Eyre, Janice Cohen, Sarah Funnell, Lynsey James, Sheena Guglani, Hounaida Abi Haidar, Lindy Samson, Michelle Ward, Radha Jetty, Megan Harrison, John Lyons Dr., Leigh Fraser-Roberts, Susan Bennet, Douglas Archibald, Soha Khorsand, Tobey Audcent

Health Management and Policy Faculty Publications

Background Complex social determinants of health may not be easily recognized by health care providers and pose a unique challenge in the vulnerable pediatric population where patients may not be able to advocate for themselves. The goal of this study was to examine the acceptability and feasibility of health care providers using an integrated brief pediatric screening tool in primary care and hospital settings.

Methods The framework of the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) and Pediatric Intermed tools was used to inform the selection of items for the 9-item Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths-Pediatric Complexity Indicator (CANS-PCI). …

Leveraging Local Knowledge To Contextualize The Opioid Epidemic Within Healing Communities Study Communities: A Photovoice Protocol, Peter Balvanz, Ramona G. Olvera, Margaret Louise Mcgladrey, Marisa Booty, Dacia Beard, Sylvia Ellison, Craig Mcclay, Monica Nouvong, Carrie B. Oser, Owusua Yamoah, Linda Sprague Martinez

Health Management and Policy Faculty Publications

Since its inception 30 years ago, Photovoice has gained increasing popularity as a research method and more recently has been incorporated within randomized controlled trial (RCT) designs. Photovoice is a participatory action research method that pairs photography with focus group discussions to record community strengths and concerns, build critical consciousness, and reach policymakers. Adherence of Photovoice implementation to these original tenets of Photovoice varies. This article provides the Photovoice protocol developed by the authors to improve the methodological rigor of Photovoice integration into RCTs and help contextualize the landscape for the HEALing Communities Study (HCS: NCT04111939), a greater than $350 …

Students Participating As Ambassadors For Research In Kentucky (Spark): A Health Equity Undergraduate Research Training Program, Ariel A. Arthur, Rebecca L. Delacerda Allen, Fidelis Y. Sesenu, Maxwell Groznik, Carrie B. Oser, Justin X. Moore, Jessica R. Thompson, Alexis N. James, Madeline Dunfee, Philip A. Kern, Nancy Schoenberg

Center for Health Equity Transformation Faculty Publications

The Students Participating as Ambassadors for Research in Kentucky (SPARK) program provides novel health equity research training and targeted mentorship for undergraduates, particularly those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral research and workforce. SPARK aims to address inadequate diversity in the medical and scientific research fields by providing comprehensive research mentorship and skill-building. Unlike most existing research training programs that are brief, focus on laboratory research, or are limited to graduate students and junior faculty, SPARK delivers a 16-month intensive behavioral and population health science training, equipping students with needed tools to conceptualize, plan, execute, and analyze their …

Human Trafficking In The United Arab Emirates: Analyzing The Challenges And Efforts Towards Eradication, Gianna M. Bilotta

Undergraduate Projects

This paper describes the human trafficking issue within the UAE (United Arab Emigrates).

Using The Consolidated Framework For Implementation Research To Identify Church Leaders’ Perspectives On Contextual Determinants Of Community‑Based Colorectal Cancer Screening For Black Kentuckians, Aaron J. Kruse-Diehr, Derek Cegelka, Carlee Combs, Rose Wood, Elizabeth Holtsclaw, Jerod L. Stapleton, Lovoria B. Williams

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Background Black Kentuckians experience more deleterious colorectal cancer (CRC) outcomes than their White counterparts, a disparity that could be reduced by increased screening in Black communities. Previous research has shown that Black Kentuckians may not be equitably informed of different CRC screening options by health care providers, making community‑based screening a potentially effective option among this disparate population. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify church leaders’ perspectives of con‑ textual factors that might influence community‑based screening and explore the feasibility of using church‑based screening outreach.

Methods Six participants were selected, based on leadership roles and …

Protocol For A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial Of Gentle Yoga In Older Patients Discharged From Phase Ii Cardiac Rehabilitation, Geunyeong Cha, Misook L. Chung, Nicholas R. Heebner, Ulf G. Bronas, Martha J. Biddle, Chin-Yen Lin, Junghee Kang, Jia-Rong Wu, Jessica H. Thompson, Ashmita Thapa, Debra K. Moser

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Background: Physical activity (PA) is essential following an acute cardiac event. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is commonly prescribed, and PA after CR is recommended. Because of age-related changes in functional ability and multi-comorbidity, many older cardiac patients struggle to continue performing PA at home after CR. Depressive symptoms and anxiety are prevalent in cardiac patients and associated with poor self-care, including lack of daily PA. Yoga has been demonstrated to improve psychological and physical health outcomes in cardiac patients, but it is unknown whether yoga, modified for older CR patients – Gentle Yoga – is beneficial in managing psycho- logical distress …

Adapting The Serious Illness Conversation Guide For Unhoused Older Adults: A Rapid Qualitative Study, Abigail Latimer, Natalie D. Pope, Chin-Yen Lin, Junghee Kang, Olivia M. Sasdi, Jia-Rong Wu, Debra K. Moser, Terry A. Lennie

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Background Older adults experiencing homelessness (OAEH) age quickly and die earlier than their housed counterparts. Illness-related decisions are best guided by patients’ values, but healthcare and homelessness service providers need support in facilitating these discussions. The Serious Illness Conversation Guide (SICG) is a communication tool to guide discussions but has not yet been adapted for OAEH.

Methods We aimed to adapt the SICG for use with OAEH by nurses, social workers, and other homelessness service providers. We conducted semi-structured interviews with homelessness service providers and cognitive interviews with OAEH using the SICG. Service providers included nurses, social workers, or others …

What Influences Trust In And Understanding Of Clinical Trials? An Analysis Of Information And Communication Technology Use And Online Health Behavior From The Health Information National Trends Survey, Aurora Occa, Allison S. Merritt, Allison Leip, Jerod L. Stapleton

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Background: Using information and communication technologies to seek, discuss, and share health-related information influences people’s trust and knowledge of several health practices. However, we know little about the associations between individuals’ information and communication technology use and their perceptions of trust and knowledge of clinical trials. Examining these associations may lead to the identification of target audiences and channels for developing effective educational interventions and campaigns about clinical trials.

Methods: In this study, we analyzed Health Information National Trends Survey data to document perceptions of clinical trial-related knowledge and trust that were recently added as questions in this annual national …

Evaluating A Rapid Coaching Intervention Delivered Remotely: Teaching Naturalistic Language Strategies To A Parent Of Child With Down Syndrome, Pallie Gullett

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

Parents of young children play a significant role in their child’s communication development during early childhood. Many parents of children with or at risk for disabilities could benefit from learning ways to promote their child’s communication. This study implemented a rapid coaching intervention to teach a parent of a child with Down syndrome how to implement naturalistic language strategies such as expanding on their child’s play, providing linguistic input during play, and arranging the environment to create an opportunity for their child to communicate.

Examining The Effects Of Technology-Signaled Noncontingent Reinforcement On Disruptive Behavior During Small-Group Instruction For Elementary Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Casey Ecklar

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

This study aims to expand upon existing research by examining the effects of teacher-implemented noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) through technology-signaled reinforcement breaks for elementary students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during small-group instruction. The primary research question guiding this inquiry is: Does the implementation of a technology-signaled NCR package, which delivers breaks on a fixed-time interval schedule, effectively reduce disruptive behavior among elementary students with ASD in a small group setting? By integrating technology into the reinforcement process, this study seeks to enhance engagement and minimize disruptive behaviors, thereby fostering a more conducive learning environment. The findings are expected to contribute …

Cancer Survivorship Care In The United States At Facilities Accredited By The Commission On Cancer, Julia Stal, Kimberly A. Miller, Timothy W. Mullett, Judy C. Boughey, Amanda B. Francescatti, Elizabeth Funk, Heidi Nelson, David R. Freyer

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

IMPORTANCE Since 2021, American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation standards require providing a survivorship program for patients with adult-onset cancer treated with curative intent. Since more than 70% of all patients with cancer in the US are treated at CoC-accredited facilities, this presents an opportunity for a landscape analysis of survivorship care availability.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence, types, and outcomes of cancer survivorship services at CoC-accredited facilities.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This survey study used an anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey conducted from May 4 to 25, 2023. Participants were CoC-accredited facilities in the US representing diverse …

Ezh2 Inhibition Promotes Tumor Immunogenicity In Lung Squamous Cell Carcinomas, Tanner Ducote, Xiulong Song, Kassandra J. Naughton, Fan Chen, Daniel Plaugher, Avery R. Childress, Abigail R. Gellert, Erika M. Skaggs, Xufeng Qu, Jinze Liu, Jinpeng Liu, Fei Li, Kwok-Kin Wong, Christine F. Brainson

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Two important factors that contribute to resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are an immune-suppressive microenvironment and limited antigen presentation by tumor cells. In this study, we examine whether in- hibition of the methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) can increase ICI response in lung squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC). Our in vitro experiments using two-dimensional human cancer cell lines as well as three-dimensional murine and patient-derived organoids treated with two inhibitors of the EZH2 plus IFNγ showed that EZH2 inhibition leads to expression of both MHC class I and II (MHCI/II) expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. …

Crowdsourced Geospatial Data Is Reshaping Urban Sciences, Xiao Huang, Siqin Wang, Tianjun Lu, Yisi Liu, Leticia Serrano-Estrada

Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications

For many years, urban sciences relied heavily on traditional, authoritative data sources. However, a paradigm shift has occurred recently with the advent of citizen-driven data contribution. This evolution in data acquisition for urban science is attributable to advancements in positioning and navigation technologies, widespread use of digital devices, the rise of Web 2.0, enhanced broadband communications, and refined data management techniques. The significance of crowdsourced geospatial data in the realm of urban sciences is now widely acknowledged. A diverse array of novel data sources has been increasingly gaining prominence. These include, but are not limited to, social media platforms, street …

Crowdsourcing Geospatial Data For Earth And Human Observations: A Review, Xiao Huang, Siqin Wang, Di Yang, Tao Hu, Meixu Chen, Mengxi Zhang, Guiming Zhang, Filip Biljecki, Tianjun Lu, Lei Zou, Connor Y. H. Wu, Yoo Min Park, Xiao Li, Yunzhe Liu, Hongchao Fan, Jessica Mitchell, Zhenlong Li, Alexander Hohl

Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications

The transformation from authoritative to user-generated data landscapes has garnered considerable attention, notably with the proliferation of crowdsourced geospatial data. Facilitated by advancements in digital technology and high-speed communication, this paradigm shift has democratized data collection, obliterating traditional barriers between data producers and users. While previous literature has compartmentalized this subject into distinct platforms and application domains, this review offers a holistic examination of crowdsourced geospatial data. Employing a narrative review approach due to the interdisciplinary nature of the topic, we investigate both human and Earth observations through crowdsourced initiatives. This review categorizes the diverse applications of these data and …

Evaluating The External Human-Machine Interface Of Autonomous Vehicles On Pedestrian Safety At Mid-Block Crossings: A Virtual Reality-Enabled Simulation Study, Zizheng Yan, Hong Yang, Junqing Wang

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

No abstract provided.

Long-Term Cardiometabolic Effects Of Preconceptional And Prenatal Opioid Exposure In The Adult Offspring, Nermin Hassan Mohamed Selim Ahmed

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

Opioid use disorder (OUD), one of the greatest public health threats in the US, requires urgent attention. In 2022, the CDC reported 107,941 overdose deaths, over 70% attributed to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl (FEN). An alarming increase in opioid use disorder (OUD) diagnoses in pregnant people resulted in a 5-fold rise in cases of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). This condition elicits sympathetic overactivity, neural hyperexcitability, and a stress reaction characterized by tachycardia and hypertension. Whether prenatal exposure to fentanyl induces cardiovascular dysfunction in the offspring remains undetermined, impeding the timely development of strategies to mitigate OUD-related health risks …

Introducing A ‘Research Impact Roadmap’ In A Young University: Challenges And Opportunities, Roopa Rajashekar

Research Analytics Summit 2024

‘Research Impact’ as a defined concept is expanding and garnering more attention globally. What was once positioned more narrowly and often confused with basic outcomes reporting has since risen to a primary focus for sponsor agencies across all stages of R&D. Hence, building a comprehensive research impact framework provides a critical map for universities to strengthen the R&D ecosystems in which it engages in innumerable ways.

Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KU), located in Abu Dhabi, UAE, is a relatively a young university, by Times Higher Education definition). Even so, KU ranked 238 in the QS World University Rankings …