Digital Commons Network^™

Irp Commercial Trailer Data Feasibility Study, Brian Howell, Jennifer Walton

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study evaluates the feasibility for developing and maintaining a comprehensive tractor truck trailer database. The commercial motor vehicle (CMV) community currently lacks a cross-jurisdictional, centralized repository for commercial trailers registered in United States and Canadian jurisdictions. Existing federal databases provide information on interstate commercial motor carriers, vehicles, and drivers but exclude trailers. Similarly, IRP and IFTA do not collect trailer-level data, and trailer data is displayed inconsistently across its customer base. Approximately one fifth of violations in Kentucky during inspections from 2020 to 2022 were attributed to trailers, including worn tires, inadequate brakes or improper registration. The rise of …

Analysis Of Traffic Crash Data In Kentucky 2020-2024, Paul Ross, Eric Green, Christopher Blackden, Christopher Van Dyke

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Lung Cancer Prevention Among Appalachian Kentucky Women, Jessica R. Thompson, Nancy E. Schoenberg, Pamela C. Hull

Anthropology Faculty Publications

Purpose: Appalachian Kentucky (KY) residents experience the highest lung cancer rates in the US with declines lagging among women; we sought to uncover barriers and facilitators to lung cancer prevention for Appalachian KY women and to identify community-specific interventions. Approach: We utilized concept mapping, a participatory mixed method, to generate consensus on perceived barriers and facilitators. Setting/Participants: We recruited 71 adult women from Appalachian KY counties. Method: After collecting online concept mapping data, we used multidimensional scaling to generate a point map of perceived similarities and hierarchical cluster analysis to create a thematic cluster map. We compared average cluster ratings …

Healing Communities Study, Svetla Slavova, Jennifer Villani, Daniel J. Feaster, Austin Booth, Ja Nae L. Holloway, Peter J. Rock, Lindsey R. Hammerslag, Aimee Mack, Charles E. Knott, John V. Mccarthy, Jeffery Talbert, Marc R. Larochelle, Bridget Freisthler, Brent J. Gibbons, Gregory Patts, Matthew J. Bullard, Sharon L. Walsh

Physiology Faculty Publications

Introduction: The HEALing Communities Study (HCS) tested a community-based intervention in 67 communities across Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio to reduce opioid overdose deaths. This paper introduces the HCS measures for monitoring the intervention uptake, reports crude rates for benchmarking, and highlights the importance of interpreting jurisdictional trends in the context of state policies. Methods: We present technical specifications for the HCS measures and the common data model. Crude rates for the evaluation period (July 2021- June 2022) are reported by state and study arm (intervention/Wave 1 or wait-listed/Wave 2 communities), along with longitudinal trends from 2017 to 2023. …

Multidimensional Biocircuitry Of Exercise Adaptation, Jeremy S. Mcadam, Zachary A. Graham, S. Craig Tuggle, Kaleen M. Lavin, Marcas M. Bamman, Jeremy S. Mcadam, Zachary A. Graham, Brandon Peoples, Regina S. Seay, Kaleen M. Lavin, Amber B. Gargus, Sufen Yang, Samia M. O’Bryan, Devin J. Drummer, Christian J. Kelley, Margaret B. Bell, Inmaculada Aban, Gary R. Cutter, Marcas M. Bamman, Michael P. Craig, Jin Zhang, Akshay Hira, Timothy J. Broderick, Madhavi P. Kadakia, Zachary A. Graham, Kalyani Peri, Margaret B. Bell, Inmaculada Aban

Physiology Faculty Publications

In a randomized, dose-response trial, we used molecular and phenomic profiling to compare responses with traditional moder ate-intensity endurance and resistance training (TRAD) versus high-intensity tactical training (HITT) that encompassed explosive whole-body interval training and high-intensity resistance training. Ninety-four participants (18–27 yr) completed 12 wk of TRAD or HITT followed by 4 wk of detraining. Although similar performance and body composition improvements were observed in response to HITT and TRAD, some dose-dependent differences were observed for: 1) ex vivo muscle tissue changes in myofiber size, capillarization, satellite cell frequency, and mitochondrial function and 2) differential gene expression (DGE) of muscle …

Satellite Cells Choreograph An Immune Cell-Fibrogenic Cell Circuit During Mechanical Loading In Geriatric Skeletal Muscle, Nicholas T. Thomas, Camille R. Brightwell, Allison M. Owen, Alexander R. Keeble, Sabin Khadgi, Yuan Wen, Christopher S. Fry, Kevin A. Murach

Physiology Faculty Publications

Muscle stem cells, or satellite cells (SCs), decline in number throughout the lifespan and may become senescent in very old age. Whether and how remaining SCs contribute to muscle adaptation in the oldest-old is unclear. Using acute mechanical overload in geriatric SC replete and depleted mice (28-month-old) combined with single-cell RNA-sequencing, we show: (i) subsets of geriatric SCs display signs of senescence as well as normal fate progression during overload, (ii) SCs express markers that may contribute to the regulation of innervation, (iii) the presence of SCs during overload enhances global intercellular communication and increases mRNA levels of the cell …

One-Pot Synthesis Of Sustainable Aviation Fuel From Brown Grease Using Multifunctional Zeolite-Supported Catalysts, Clara Mongelli, Great Umenweke, Tyler St Clair, Gilles Caboche, Olivier Heintz, Robert Pace, Eduardo Santillan-Jimenez

Chemistry Faculty Publications

The most viable way to decarbonize aviation in the near term is through Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), most of which is currently produced via the deoxygenation of fats, oils, and greases (FOG) followed by a separate isomerization step. Multifunctional zeolite-supported catalysts offer several advantages over existing formulations, such as enabling the use of waste FOG streams, performing their deoxygenation via decarboxylation/decarbonylation (deCO_x), and effecting the synthesis of SAF in one-pot. Previous work has shown that while supported Ni-Cu catalysts can afford excellent results in the conversion of waste FOG to fuel-like hydrocarbons via deCO_x, zeolitic materials …

Noncontact Diffuse Optical Imaging Of Blood Flow And Oxygenation Distributions In Reconstructive Rat Skin Flaps, Samaneh Rabienia Haratbar, Fatemeh Hamedi, Mehrana Mohtasebi, Faraneh Fathi, Faezeh Akbari, Dara Singh, L. I.U. Xuhui, Li Chen, Lesley Wong, Lei Chen, Guoqiang Yu

Surgery Faculty Publications

Perioperative identification of ischemic-hypoxic tissue is essential for reducing the risk of mastectomy skin flap necrosis (MSFN), a major complication following mastectomy. Implant-based breast reconstruction is jeopardized in the presence of MSFN. However, existing technologies are limited by depth insensitivity, dye-related risks, the need for contact sensors, and an inability to simultaneously assess both blood flow and oxygenation. A multi-wavelength speckle contrast diffuse correlation tomography (MW-scDCT) system was developed for noncontact, dye-free, and depth-sensitive imaging of tissue hemodynamics in a rat model incorporating four distinct flap scenarios: sham (SH), implant (IM), half necrosis (HN), and full necrosis (FN), representing varying …

Microwave Ablation For Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Cirrhotic Patients With Diuretic-Resistant Ascites, Sawyer Blair, Jack Newcomer, Driss Raissi

Surgery Faculty Publications

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions in patients with pre-existing diuretic-resistant ascites. There is logical hesitation among clinicians to pursue MWA in these decompensated patients for fear of worsening an already bleak prognosis, but there is limited evidence to justify this behavior. Material and Methods: A retrospective review of HCC treated with percutaneous MWA at a single center was performed. 18 patients who underwent CT-guided MWA with pre-existing diuretic-resistant ascites were identified. A control group of 29 patients …

Identification Of Metabolic Pathways And Hub Genes Associated With Ultrasound Subcutaneous Fat And Muscle Depth Of The Longissimus Muscle In Cull Beef Cows Using Gene Co-Expression Analysis, Harshraj Shinde, Kyle R. Mcleod, Jeffrey W. Lehmkuhler

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Beef production is an important component of the world’s food supply, with production being near 59 million tons in 2023 (USDA, 2023). Enhancing our understanding of the factors influencing metabolism will lead to improvements in production efficiency. Using RNA-seq and WGCNA of longissimus muscle samples, gene expression and metabolic pathway analyses were performed to examine relationships with ultrasound and body mass variables. In this study, body weight (BW), ultrasound back fat (BF), ultrasound muscle depth (MD), and body condition score (BCS) were traits recorded for 18 cull beef cows. As expected, all production-related traits monitored (WT, BF, MD, and BCS) …

Greenspace And Survival Among Older Women With Breast Cancer, Jean C. Bikomeye, Emily L. Mcginley, Yuhong Zhou, Sergey Tarima, Jamila L. Kwarteng, Andreas M. Beyer, Tina W.F. Yen, Aaron N. Winn, Kirsten M.M. Beyer

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major noncancer cause of death among BC survivors. Although greenspace is linked to better CVD and BC-related outcomes, its effect on BC survival is unknown. Objectives: This study investigates the association between urban greenspace and survival among older BC survivors in the United States and examines regional differences. Methods: Data from the 2010 to 2017 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare BC cohort was used. Women aged 66+ with invasive BC, enrolled in Medicare (Parts A and B) for 12 …

Prospective Cohort Study Of Fentanyl Test Strip Use And Distribution In Three States, Janet E Childerhose, Kitty Gelberg, Rachel Vickers-Smith, Megan E Dzurec, Emmanuel Oga, Mallory Harris, Rachel Caspar, Denise C Babineau, Megan E Hall, Beth S Linas, Katherine E Marks, Amanda Fallin-Bennett, Laura C Fanucchi, Louisa Gilbert, James L David, Mary Russo, Kathryn E Lancaster, Soledad Fernandez, Michael Konstan, Redonna K Chandler, Carter Roeber, Jennifer Villani, Rebecca D Jackson, Bridget Freisthler, Sharon L Walsh, Nabila El-Bassel

Epidemiology and Environmental Health Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: The Stay Safe Study is the first observational prospective cohort study investigating fentanyl test strip (FTS) use by people who use drugs (PWUD) and distribution by community organizations that provide harm reduction services (e.g., naloxone distribution) in three states (Kentucky, New York, and Ohio). The purpose of this paper is to describe the study design, along with implementation successes and challenges. A related goal is to provide recommendations and encourage researchers to undertake multi-state and multilevel studies of FTS use and distribution.

METHODS: The Stay Safe Study has one primary, five secondary, and three exploratory objectives. From May-December 2023, …

Danicamtiv Reduces Myosin’S Working Stroke But Activates The Thin Filament By Accelerating Actomyosin Attachment, Brent Scott, Lina Greenberg, Caterina Squarci, Kenneth S. Campbell, Michael J. Greenberg

Physiology Faculty Publications

Heart failure is a leading cause of death worldwide, and even with current treatments, the 5-y transplant-free survival rate is only ~50 to 70%. As such, there is a need to develop new treatments for patients that improve survival and quality of life. Recently, there have been efforts to develop small molecules for heart failure that directly target components of the sarcomere, including cardiac myosin. Danicamtiv is one of these molecules; however, its direct effects on myosin’s single molecule mechanics and kinetics are not well understood. Using optical trapping techniques, stopped flow transient kinetics, and in vitro reconstitution assays, we …

Understanding The Relationship Between The Crystal Structure Elastic-Plastic Properties Of Discrete-Molecule Organic-Inorganic Halide Perovskites, Jacob L. Hempel, Michael D. Wells, Sean Parkin, Yang Tse Cheng, Aron J. Huckaba

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Discrete-molecule hybrid perovskites with different organic and inorganic molecules can provide a wide array of tunable optoelectronic and piezoelectronic properties. In this study, we report the elastic modulus and hardness, obtained from instrumented indentation measurements, of three new and three known discrete-molecule single crystal halide metalates, with an aim towards understanding the relationship between their microstructure and mechanical properties. We find a correlation in the mechanical properties and the density of the crystal structure, as well as with the number of hydrogen bonding sites available on the organic cation. These two observations suggest that denser crystal structures with more hydrogen …

Real-Time Dynamic Hazard Maps For Shallow Colluvial Landslides In Eastern Kentucky, Lindsey Sebastian Bryson, Nathaniel O'Leary

Civil Engineering Research Data

Landslide hazards pose a persistent threat to communities and infrastructure in Eastern Kentucky, where steep slopes, shallow colluvial soils, and variable hydrological conditions drive frequent slope failures. This work advances landslide hazard mapping (LHM) through the development of dynamic, spatiotemporal models for shallow colluvial landslides. Two studies refine the use of a limit equilibrium framework to enhance predictive capability. The first study establishes a novel LHM workflow that integrates Hydrus-1D simulations of soil moisture dynamics, driven by precipitation and evapotranspiration data, into slope stability analysis. Factor of Safety (FS) parameters are applied to statistics-based landslide susceptibility maps (LSM), producing accurate, …

Dynamic Remodeling Of Centrioles And The Microtubule Cytoskeleton In The Lifecycle Of Chytrid Fungi, Alexandra F Long, Krishnakumar Vasudevan, Andrew Swafford, Claire M Venard, Jason E Stajich, Lillian K Fritz-Laylin, Jessica L Feldman, Tim Stearns

Biology Faculty Publications

Cell movement and division are complex behaviors driven by a dynamic internal cytoskeleton. The molecular components and principles of cytoskeletal assembly are well studied, but less is known about cytoskeletal remodeling events, including how centrioles transition from ciliary base to centrosome. Here we address this using the chytrid Rhizoclosmatium globosum, a zoosporic fungus which has centrioles and cilia, lost in most fungal lineages. Chytrids undergo reorganization of their microtubule cytoskeleton as they grow from zoospore to multinucleated coenocyte. We use evolutionary comparison, RNA sequencing, and expansion microscopy to understand this reorganization and further develop this organism as a model for …

Intersystem Crossing Outcompetes Triplet-Pair Separation From1(Tt) Below 270 K In Anthradithiophene Films, Eman M. Bu Ali, Arnau Bertran, Gabriel Moise, Shuangqing Wang, Rachel C. Kilbride, John E. Anthony, Claudia E. Tait, Jenny Clark

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Singlet fission (SF) and triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) are processes which may be exploited to boost the efficiency of solar energy technology. Despite being studied since the late 1960s, the mechanism of singlet fission is still not fully understood. This is partly because the main technique used to study singlet fission, optical or visible/near-IR transient absorption spectroscopy, cannot distinguish between the strongly coupled triplet-pair state¹(TT), weakly interacting triplet pairs (T..T), and independent triplet states T₁+ T₁. To solve this problem, we combine transient optical spectroscopy performed as a function of magnetic field and transient electron …

Fournier Gangrene Is Associated With Increased Length Of Stay And Higher Healthcare Costs Compared To Non-Perineal Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections, Hayato Mitaka, Kristen Mcquerry, Kelsey Karnik, Alexandre R. Marra, Toshio Naito, Patrick Ten Eyck, Paul G. Auwaerter, Yuji Yamada, Takaaki Kobayashi

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Background: Fournier gangrene (FG) is a necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) of the perineum. Recent retrospective studies from quaternary centers suggest improved outcomes and a potentially less aggressive clinical course for FG than non-perineal NSTIs. However, comprehensive nationwide data remain limited. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed the National Inpatient Sample (2016-2020) to compare outcomes between FG and non-perineal NSTIs. Adult patients undergoing surgical debridement with a diagnosis of FG or NSTI were identified using ICD-10 codes. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), hospital costs, and home discharge rates. Multivariable regression analyses adjusted for patient demographics, comorbidities, and …

“Literally Made Me Cry”: The Impact Of Course Material Costs On University Of Kentucky Students, Stephen Krueger

Library Reports and White Papers

The Student Course Materials Cost Survey was administered September 16 – October 6, 2024. It was open to current students at the University of Kentucky (UK). The goals were to help UK Libraries better understand how the cost of course materials affects students at UK and to provide a snapshot of student spending across the university. The questions were based on similar research done at other institutions in Virginia (Virginia Course Materials Survey, 2021) and Florida (2022 Student Textbook and Instructional Materials Survey, 2022). Other work based on those surveys includes the 2023 Illinois Course Materials Survey (CARLI, 2023) and …

Report On The First Year Of Operation Of Kentucky’S First Utility Wind Turbine, Lawrence E. Holloway, Sophia A. Hahn, Aron Patrick

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

This report examines the first year’s operational data from Kentucky’s first utility wind turbine, the 37 m hub-height 90-kilowatt NPS100C-27, operated by the PPL Corporation Research and Development at their Renewable Integration Research Facility in Mercer County, Kentucky. During that year, the turbine was available 95% of the time, spinning 85% of the time, and generating power 78% of the time, and had a net capacity factor of 11%. This report analyzes the turbine performance and uses the collected wind data to project the performance of an example turbine more typical of larger commercial turbines recently installed elsewhere in the …

Data For Services For Children Of All Abilities In Libraries (Scale) Project, Maria Cahill, Denice Adkins, Bobbie Sartin Long, Derek Thomas Myles Daskalakes, Caroline Gooden, Melissa Stormont, Alicia K. Long, Carol Russell

Information Science Faculty Data

The University of Kentucky, in collaboration with the University of Missouri and Emporia State University, and in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives, the State Library of Kansas, the State Library of Missouri, the Kansas State Department of Education, the Kentucky Department of Education, and the Kentucky Governor’s Office of Early Childhood, engaged in a four-year exploratory stage, multi-state, Research in Service to Practice project investigating the effectiveness of library services, practices, and behaviors effective for serving children with disabilities and/or developmental delays who span ages birth to 5-years. Aligned with the IMLS agency-level Promote Lifelong Learning …

Evaluation Of Real-World Evidence To Assess Health Outcomes Related To Deprescribing Medications In Older Adults, Kaleen N. Hayes, Joshua David Niznik, Danijela Gnjidic, Frank Moriarty, Nha Tran, Antoinette B. Coe, Andrew R. Zullo, Sirui Zhang, Matthew Alcusky, Dimitri Bennett, Sirpa Hartikainen, Marie Laure Laroche, Xiaojuan Li, Joshua K. Lin, Jennifer L. Lund, Maurizio Sessa, Shahar Shmuel, Caroline Sirois, Denis Talbot, Miia Tiihonen, Xuerong Wen, Mouna J. Sawan, Daniela C. Moga

Epidemiology and Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Observational studies using real-world data (RWD) can address gaps in knowledge on deprescribing medications but are subject to methodological issues. Limited data exist on the methods employed to use RWD to measure the effects of deprescribing. To describe methodological approaches used in observational studies of deprescribing medications in older adults, we conducted a systematic review in Medline for observational studies published in English (January 1, 2000, to September 14, 2023) that examined the health effects of medication deprescribing in older adults. We described study characteristics and methods, focusing on the operationalization of deprescribing as an exposure and potential time-related biases. …

Impact Of Manganese And Metal Mixtures In Blood, Hair, And Soil On Child Adaptive Behaviors In Southeast Side Chicago, Christine Kim, Timothy J. Hilbert, Kelly J. Brunst, Anthony A. Mangino, W. Jay Christian, Patrick J. Parsons, Christopher D. Palmer, Julio Landero, Susan Westneat, Ian Papautsky, Kim N. Dietrich, Erin N. Haynes

Epidemiology and Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: Manganese (Mn) is essential in growth and development, yet higher levels of Mn are associated with deficits in neurodevelopment. Elevated air Mn was identified near Mn alloy processing facilities in Southeast Side Chicago resulting in community concern about child exposure and health. Methods: Blood, hair, and soil samples were collected and analyzed for multiple metals for children ages 7–17 years and a parent/primary caregiver completed surveys. We used generalized estimating equations to assess associations between metals and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System 3rd Edition (ABAS-3) scores. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to determine effect modification by child sex on associations …

Guidance On Minimum Information Requirements (Mir) From Designing To Reporting Human Biomonitoring (Hbm), Maryam Zare Jeddi, Karen S. Galea, Jillian Ashley-Martin, Julianne Nassif, Tyler Pollock, Devika Poddalgoda, Konstantinos M. Kasiotis, Kyriaki Machera, Holger M. Koch, Marta Esteban López, Ming Kei Chung, Jihyon Kil, Kate Jones, Adrian Covaci, Yu Ait Bamai, Mariana F. Fernandez, Robert Pasanen Kase, Henriqueta Louro, Maria J. Silva, Tiina Santonen, Andromachi Katsonouri, Argelia Castaño, Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá, Elizabeth Ziying Lin, Krystal Pollitt, Ana Virgolino, Paul T.J. Scheepers, Lisa Jo Melnyk

Epidemiology and Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Human biomonitoring (HBM) provides an integrated chemical exposures assessment considering all routes and sources of exposure. The accurate interpretation and comparability of biomarkers of exposure and effect depend on harmonized, quality-assured sampling, processing, and analysis. Currently, the lack of broadly accepted guidance on minimum information required for collecting and reporting HBM data, hinders comparability between studies. Furthermore, it prevents HBM from reaching its full potential as a reliable approach for assessing and managing the risks of human exposure to chemicals. The European Chapter of the International Society of Exposure Science HBM Working Group (ISES Europe HBM working group) has established …

Tobacco Marketing Exposure And Lifetime And Current Nicotine Pouch Use Among Us Youth, 2022, Saber Feizy, Delvon T. Mattingly, Melinda Ickes, Mary Kay Rayens, W. Jay Christian, Melissa Abadi, Seth Himelhoch, Shyanika W. Rose

Epidemiology and Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Objective: The rising popularity of nicotine pouches among youth necessitates an understanding how marketing exposure influences their use, to inform regulation. This study examines the associations of tobacco marketing exposures with nicotine pouch use among adolescent students in the United States. Methods: We analyzed data from 26,860 middle and high-school students in the United States who participated in the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey. The survey was administered during January–May 2022. Weighted logistic regressions with and without covariates (i.e., sociodemographic characteristics, other tobacco product use, and social media use) were used to evaluate the relationships between exposure to a variety …

The Effects Of Overexpressing K2p Channels In Various Tissues On Physiology And Behaviors, Alaina C. Taul, Elizabeth R. Elliott, Douglas A. Harrison, Robin L. Cooper

Biology Faculty Publications

Two-pore-domain K⁺ channels (K2p), known previously as leak channels, are responsible for maintaining the resting membrane potential of cells. Fifteen subtypes are known to exist in humans and eleven are known in Drosophila melanogaster, as well as six subfamilies; however, little is known about the expression of these subtypes in various animal tissues or the impact of altered expression on cellular physiology. The Drosophila melanogaster model allows for selective misexpression of certain neuron subsets, providing insight into individual cell types and the animal’s physiology more generally. Prior research on the overexpression of K2p channels and the resulting behavioral and …

The Macroevolutionary Consequences Of The Association Between Frugivory And Carotenoid-Dependent Plumage Coloration In Passerine Birds, Verónica A. Rincón-Rubio, Rosana Zenil-Ferguson, Alejandro Gonzalez-Voyer

Biology Faculty Publications

Biotic interactions influence evolutionary pathways, impacting diversification positively and negatively. Here, we examine the coevolutionary dynamics between frugivorous diets and carotenoid-dependent plumage coloration in passerine birds—a highly diverse order in which nearly half of species exhibit carotenoids in their plumage. Plumage coloration is crucial for species recognition and mate choice. As birds cannot synthesize carotenoids, they must obtain them from the diet. We analyze data from 90% of passerines and explore correlations between frugivory, a key carotenoid source, plumage coloration, and diversification rates. Our Bayesian analysis reveals a strong evolutionary correlation between frugivory and the presence of carotenoid plumage coloration. …

Bike/Ped Data Collection And Model Calibration, Eirini Stavropoulou, Dionysios Tzamakos, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Reginald Souleyrette, Teng Wang

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Motivated by an uptick in pedestrian and bicycle traffic, as well as the inclusion of pedestrian and bicyclist weights in the Strategic Highway Investment Formula For Tomorrow, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has made significant investments in transportation facilities for nonmotorized users. Despite an intensified focus on the needs of nonmotorized users, KYTC has not yet established a formal program to track the number of people walking, biking, skateboarding, and using micromobility devices statewide. Based on a review of methods and technologies for counting nonmotorized users; analysis of counting programs established by local, state, and regional transportation agencies; and a …

Congestion And Travel Time Reliability Performance Measures For Shift 2026, Mei Chen, Eugene Antwi, Xu Zhang

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Researchers obtained and processed probe speed data from HERE Technologies and integrated them with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s highway inventory to develop congestion and travel time reliability performance metrics. This report summarizes analyses conducted using HERE speed data for 2022 – 2023. HERE data were processed using an established methodology, after which they were aligned with Kentucky’s highway inventory network. Analysis found that 2022 – 2023 HERE data offer significant improvements in coverage and quality over previous years. For locations that lacked sufficient data, researchers used HERE’s speed model to estimate hourly speeds. Data were used to calculate congestion and …

Understanding The Potential Impact Of Ostracism On Lgbtq Health Disparities, Ellen D.B. Riggle

Political Science Faculty Publications

Research finds harmful impacts of ostracism on the health and well-being of the ostracized individual (as well as the ostracizer and members of the community). While often conceptualized as social (interpersonal), ostracism may originate at multiple levels of the socio-ecological system, including forms of political and institutional ostracism. The ostracism of LGBTQ people originates in cultural stigma and is reproduced and reinforced at all levels, from discriminatory laws and institutional policies (e.g., workplace, educational), to the actions of community or family members, to interactions with strangers. Ostracism, acute and chronic, creates increased risk for psychological and physical harm to LGBTQ …