Digital Commons Network^™

Plant Genetic Engineering For Cost-Effective Expression Of Therapeutic Proteins, Bikram Giri

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Plant expression system offers a versatile platform for producing bioactive molecules, including monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and therapeutic proteins, offering a scalable, rapid, and cost-effective alternative to mammalian cell systems. Aim 1 of this project is to achieve a high expression level of therapeutic proteins. As a proof-of-concept, we selected Rituximab, a commercialized therapeutic mAb, to expressin N. tabacum. We also developed IgG Fc tag fusion constructs for cancer targeting protein production. However, one limitation of plant expression systems is that plant-specific N-glycans, such as β1,2-xylose and core α1,3-fucose, limit clinical translation, altering antibody effector functions eliciting immunogenic responses in humans. …

One Pot Conversion Of Cellulose To Dipropyl Ether And Dodecane, Katelyn Maness

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Cellulose is one of the most abundant renewable biopolymers, and its conversion into alkane hydrocarbons represents a critical step towards meeting increasing demands for sustainable fuel production. Traditional processes for this conversion require high hydrogen pressures and extreme temperatures, with molecular hydrogen often sourced from petroleum refining. Cellulose is typically broken down into smaller hydrocarbons, deoxygenated, and undergoes catalytic hydrogen transfer to form desirable products. This study, however, demonstrates an alternative pathway for conversion of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) by employing metal oxides and hydrogen metal oxides (bronzes) under a modified ASTM E3417-24 acid hydrolysis protocol. Toluene allowed for extraction of …

Synthesis And Evaluation Of Dirhodium(Ii) Acetate Tolunitrile Complexes As Catalysts In Cyclopropanation Reactions, Kimia Ataran

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

In nature, chrysanthemum flowers naturally produce pyrethrin, a naturally occurring insecticide. A key feature of its chemical structure is a three-membered ring called cyclopropane. Synthesizing cyclopropane rings in the laboratory presents challenges, as a catalyst is required to facilitate the reaction. As a metal catalyst, dirhodium(II) tetraacetate has been used since 1976. Based on the structure of rhodium acetate bis-tolunitrile, one compound has a methyl group in the meta position and the other has a methyl in the para position. The hypothesis was that the meta-tolunitrile complex would facilitate the synthesis of cis-cyclopropane over trans-cyclopropane. The two isomers of rhodium …

Dental Hygiene Students’ Perceived Knowledge, Attitudes, And Confidence In Treating Patients With Sensory Processing Disorder, Hannah Dougherty

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), may experience barriers to oral healthcare, including lack of dental provider knowledge, preparedness, and attitudes (Cermak et al., 2015). According to a qualitative study conducted by Dao et al. (2005), over 60% of dentists feel either poorly prepared or completely unprepared to safely and effectively treat patients with sensory disabilities. Additionally, a Qualtrics Likert-scale survey conducted by Lynch et al. (2023) studied the attitudes and behaviors of dental providers toward treating patients with special needs. Following analysis, the researchers determined the average dental provider’s confidence in treating patients with special needs …

Self-Compassion And Health In Sexual Minorities: Do Reductions In Internalized Homophobia, Better Sleep, And Less Depression Explain The Link?, Jordan Godfrey

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Purpose: LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual) individuals experience persistent health disparities, including poor general health. Internalized homophobia, or negative attitudes directed toward one’s identity, is related to such outcomes, potentially via its deleterious impact on sleep and mood. However, self-compassion, encompassing self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness, may mitigate these effects. Methods: We hypothesized that self-compassion would be positively associated with general health, and that this association would be serially mediated by internalized homophobia, sleep quality, and depression. Our national sample (N = 441) completed self-report measures. We conducted bivariate correlation and serial mediation regression analyses, covarying …

Product Of Arachidonic Acid Oxidation Inhibits Neutrophil Migration By Forming The Inflammatory Substrate For Integrin Αmβ2, Jared Casteel

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Oxidation of arachidonic acid generates biologically active derivatives that play a critical role in shaping the inflammatory response. One such derivative, carboxypropylpyrrole (CPP), is a stable end-product of arachidonic acid oxidation that has been previously described and detected in inflamed tissues; however, its pathophysiological contribution to inflammation has not been investigated. CPP forms covalent adducts with the extracellular matrix and plasma proteins, altering their biochemical properties and receptor-binding characteristics. Here, we examined how CPP formation impacts neutrophil migration during acute inflammation. Using cell adhesion assays and biolayer interferometry, we identified integrins αMβ2 and αDβ2 as receptors for CPP-modified proteins. Among …

Evidence-Informed Triage For Ophthalmology Consultation In Orbital Fracture Patients At Risk For Open Globe Injury, Rupert Congmon

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Orbital fractures are common in facial trauma, yet only a subset of patients sustain vision-threatening ocular injuries such as open globe injury (OGI) requiring emergent ophthalmic intervention. Prior national electronic health record analysis demonstrates measurable but non-universal co-occurrence between orbital fracture and OGI, supporting development of risk-based rather than reflexive consultation strategies. We performed a targeted synthesis of peer-reviewed ophthalmology, emergency medicine, trauma surgery, and radiology literature to identify reproducible clinical and imaging predictors of severe ocular injury in orbital fracture patients and to translate convergent findings into a practical, risk-stratified consultation framework. Across heterogeneous retrospective cohorts, decreased visual acuity …

Promoting Resilience And Emotional Well-Being In Appalachian Middle School Students Through The Learning To Breathe Curriculum, Kinner Flaglor

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Background: Adolescents in the Appalachian region face disproportionately high rates of mental health problems and suicide, a disparity driven by geographic and social isolation, limited access to mental health services, and socioeconomic challenges. School-based, positive mental health interventions are a promising avenue for protection during the middle school developmental period. We utilized Learning to Breathe (L2B), an evidence-based, school-based mindfulness intervention designed to enhance emotion regulation, attention, and stress management skills. Hypothesis and Methods: We hypothesized that students participating in L2B would show significantly higher resilience scores post-intervention. Following IRB approval and parental opt-in, 18 students received the L2B intervention …

Reduced Hypoxia-Dependent Signaling As A Potential Hemodynamic Mechanism Of Anemia Following Acute Kidney Injury, Shreya Priyadarshi

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Anemia frequently develops after acute kidney injury (AKI), yet the mechanisms underlying its onset remain unclear. Our laboratory has shown that AKI produces disproportionate reductions in glomerular filtration rate relative to renal blood flow, potentially reducing renal oxygen demand more than delivery. We hypothesized that these hemodynamic alterations attenuate post-ischemic hypoxic signaling, leading to reduced hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)-mediated erythropoietin (EPO) expression and anemia. This study examined whether increasing severity of renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury promotes anemia and alters indices consistent with reduced hypoxic signaling during early AKI. Male rats underwent right uninephrectomy with sham IR (n=3) or left renal IR …

Appalachian Therapies, Emma Marie Wilson

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

It is predicted that by 2050, deaths due to antibiotic resistance will supersede cancer and cardiovascular disease as the number one cause of death in the world. The present research aims to study the polymicrobial interactions of microbial communities in the Appalachian region. Microbial samples were obtained from mountains surrounding East Tennessee State University, isolated and screened against common human opportunistic bacteria. One particular bacterium, S1S4-10, was found to be antagonistic against Bacillus subtilis and created zones-of-inhibition on agar media. Reverse testing found that the B. subtilis did not have a counter inhibition against S1S4-10. Co-cultures found that S2S4-10 could …

Using Comparative Auditory Morphology To Explore Sensory Adaptation In Extinct And Extant Red Pandas, David Johnson

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Modern red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) persist today across fragmented habitats of the eastern Himalayas, whereas extinct members of the family (Ailuridae) were more broadly distributed across much of the Northern Hemisphere during the late Miocene and early Pliocene. This disparity is likely the result of differences in ecological tolerances and/or behavior. Unfortunately, most fossil ailurids are fragmentary and/or poorly preserved. However, Pristinailurus bristoli, from the Gray Fossil Site of eastern TN, is represented by two nearly complete skeletons, including unusually well-preserved skulls, affording the opportunity to test that hypothesis. Preliminary analysis of dental morphology and locomotor adaptations of P. bristoli …

Examining The Need For A Regional Crime Gun Intelligence Center: Enhancing Firearm Investigations Through Real-Time Intelligence, Sandra Darko, Bamidele Adeolegan Ogundipe

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Gun violence continues to be a serious public safety issue in rural areas of East Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and western North Carolina. While these communities face many of the same firearm-related crimes seen in larger cities, the challenges are often greater due to wide geographic coverage, limited law enforcement resources, and weak coordination between agencies.

Bridging (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana-Ing) The Gap Between Yoga And Digestion, Trinny Duncan

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Exploration of the gut-brain axis has been at the forefront of nutrition research, and the various connections between stress and digestion have been established through a multitude of studies. Yoga is a multifaceted form of holistic therapy known for its stretching (asana) techniques, breathing (pranayama) practices, and focus on the mind-body connection; it is a common practice amongst those looking to improve flexibility, build strength, and reduce stress. The purpose of this research is to explore the connection between yoga and digestion by surveying yogis in the United States of America. The participants were at least 18 years of age …

Family Structure And Elementary Students’ English Language Arts (Ela) Achievement: A Quantitative Case Study, Sophia Coulter

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

There are many factors that affect a child’s literacy abilities, especially their family structure. Research shows that children in two-parent homes, particularly ones where parents are married and are the biological parents, have greater academic success. However, little research has examined how the number of caregivers, rather than household structure, relates to literacy achievement. This undergraduate honors thesis study seeks to address this gap by examining patterns in English Language Arts (ELA) standardized test scores of students in third grade and the number of adult caregivers in the home. Understanding these patterns may contribute to the ability of educators to …

Leveraging Mammal Mycophagy To Determine Factors Shaping Truffle Diversity In The Southern Appalachian Mountains, Brittany Hartsock

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic associations with tree roots, aiding in the absorption of water and minerals from the soil in exchange for nutrients. Many mycorrhizal fungi are hypogeous (truffle-forming), fruiting underground and containing spores that are dispersed via animals. Mycophagous mammals rely on truffles as a key food source, maintaining the feedback loop between mycorrhizal partnerships and forest regeneration through fungal consumption and spore dispersal. Despite the Southern Appalachian Mountains being a truffle biodiversity hotspot, little is known about the factors driving their fruiting in the region. Understanding these factors is particularly crucial amid rapid anthropogenic change. Because truffles are …

Investigating Polymicrobial Interactions And Antibiotic Susceptibility Of Leclercia Pneumoniae, Amber Bhimani

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Leclercia pneumoniae is an emerging Gram-negative bacterium whose polymicrobial interactions and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns remain poorly characterized, limiting our understanding of its clinical behavior and treatment response. This study investigated the growth behavior and bacterial interactions of L. pneumoniae when co-cultured with Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus to better understand competitive and inhibitory dynamics within microbial environments. It was hypothesized that co-culturing with Bacillus species would influence the growth of L. pneumoniae due to competitive interactions. Controlled in vitro experiments were conducted using monoculture and co-culture plating techniques to assess changes in colony morphology and potential zones of inhibition. Comparative …

Elevational Variation In Tree Seed Production In Southern Appalachia, Emma Grace Bradley

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Seed production is an important component of forest demography and partially determines the structure and composition of future forests. Seed production is also tightly tied to environmental drivers, and so it is imperative that we understand patterns and mechanisms associated with seed production within the context of environmental variation and change. Here, I investigate patterns of seed production in response to elevational and environmental variation in mapped tree stands in eastern Tennessee.

The Proceedings Of The International Civil Aviation English Association (2024) Conference, Malila Prado, Jennifer Roberts, Robert Fowler Jr., Capt. R. Alejandro (Alex) Perez, Alice Perez, Meng Ye, Eric Friginal, Yadan Luo, Amber Wanwen Wang, Haryani Hamzah, Ramsey Ferrer

International Civil Aviation English Association

It is with great honor that we present you with the proceedings of ICAEA 2024, which took place in Hong Kong SAR, China. ICAEA 2024 was hosted by The Polytechnic University of Hong Kong, or simply PolyU, led by Professor Eric Friginal. The conference brought together academics and practitioners, all to discuss the advancements in aviation English all over the world.

The papers in this volume reflect part of the rich discussions of the conference. Themed Research and Development in Aviation Communications: Practical Applications in Training and Assessment, the conference showcased keynotes, presentations, and workshops about the evolving field of …

Effects Of Solvent Type, Storage Time, And Storage Temperature On Free Radical Stability And Concentration In Model Radical Systems And Complex Vegetable Oil Matrices, Rachid Ismail Daboussi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Free radicals are reactive species with unpaired electrons that occur and form within a range of biological, physical, and chemical systems. These highly reactive entities can interact with each other and/or with other molecules present in a mixture, often leading to significant changes in the system. Control over free radical concentration and free radical reactions is necessary in various fields depending on the aim of the process. For instance, free radical addition reactions play an essential role in the synthesis of polymers, where controlled radical behavior is necessary. However, in the thermal cracking of oil, free radical addition reactions are …

Evaluation Of Remote Sensing Soil Moisture Datasets In Arid Regions And Their Prospect For Leak Detection In Water Distribution Systems, Alaa Shakfeh

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis is concerned with the evaluation of satellite-based soil moisture (SSM) datasets in arid regions and their potential application to leak detection in water distribution systems. The work focuses on the SMAP Level-4 soil moisture product and a Sentinel-1 SAR-based (SAR4SM) retrieval framework, used in conjunction with in-situ observations from the International Soil Moisture Network (ISMN) and historical leak records from the Al Ain Distribution Network (AADC), currently part of TAQA Distribution. The main objectives are (i) to quantify the performance of SMAP and SAR4SM surface soil moisture estimates over arid environments against ground-based measurements, and (ii) to develop …

The Effectiveness Of Equine-Based Therapy In Developing The Social Skills Of Children With Developmental Disabilities In The Uae: Parents’ Perspectives, Fatima Mohammed Alkatheeri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis explores parents’ perspectives on the effectiveness of equine-based therapy (EBT) in improving social skills among children with developmental disabilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Equine-based therapy has gained increasing international attention; however, research in the Gulf region remains limited, especially qualitative studies exploring parents’ lived experiences. The main objective of this thesis is to explore parents’ perceptions of changes in their children’s social development following participation in equine-based therapy and to examine the cultural relevance, benefits, and challenges of EBT implementation within the UAE context. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 …

Ai In Insurance Industry: Using Machine Learning To Improve Insurance Risk Predictions, Simbarashe Ngonyamo

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

• Insurance companies rely heavily on accurate risk prediction to identify potential customers, make marketing easier, and reducing the chances of loosing money.
• Traditionally, actuarial models such as logistic and Probit regression have been widely used because they are interpretable and statistically solid.
• However because of the rapid growth of data, insurance companies have started to shift from these traditional methods to machine learning techniques that can capture more complex and nonlinear relationships which traditional models may miss
• Therefore, this study investigates whether modern machine learning techniques—specifically Random Forest and XGBoost—can outperform traditional actuarial models in predicting customer interest in vehicle …

Aging Across Cultures: How Cultural Attitudes Shape Senior Care In Japan And The United States, Ella Gunn, Melinda Heinz

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

This study examines how cultural perceptions of aging influence the structure and delivery of care for older adults in Japan and the United States. By comparing cultural attitudes, this study identifies implications for senior care in each country. While cross-cultural studies comparing senior care systems exist, many lack the cultural context that shapes expectations about aging and care. This work focuses on this distinction. Results revealed 2 major themes: (1) Perception of burden with a subtheme of fear of burdening others, and (2) Perception of successful aging with a subtheme of aging as contentment vs. engagement. U.S. participants reflected an …

Teachers’ Perspectives On And Experiences With Using Ai In Education: A Comparative Study Between China And The Us, Dona Dinithi Ferdinando, Timea Chen, Yunhan Hwang, Leah Stoeger, Min A. Lee, Xumei Fan

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

This study examined how teachers in China and the United States perceive using AI in education, their experiences with using AI in teaching and facilitating student learning, and factors associated with AI use. Analysis of data from TALIS 2024 revealed that Chinese teachers reported more positive views of AI benefits, and American teachers had more concerns about using AI. A major reason for all teachers’ not using AI is due to their lack of knowledge and skills to teach using artificial intelligence. Teachers with a more positive view of AI benefits were more likely to report using AI in their …

Performance Analysis Of Back-To-Back Multilevel Tnpc Converters For Wave Energy Converters, Kappala Raveendrababu

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

A Wave Energy Converter (WEC) is a device that transforms the kinetic energy of ocean waves into usable electrical energy. Wave energy has the potential to become a major renewable energy source soon, as its energy density is higher than that of solar and wind power, especially as its technology advances. This thesis addresses the integration of wave energy conversion systems into the electrical grid using back-to-back multilevel power converter topologies. The study focuses on the design and implementation of a back-to-back three-level T-type Neutral Point Clamped (T-NPC) converter for a single wave energy conversion system to enhance efficiency, reliability, …

Tradition, Transition, & Identity: Models Of Masculinity In Marvel Superhero Films, Mikey Brown

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

• Media & Film
  • Shapes cultural values, social expectations and ideas about identity
• Marvel Cinematic Universe
  • One of the most influential forces in todays pop culture (Johnson 2012)
• Masculinity & Adolescence
  • Adolescence use media to understand identity & social expectations

The Effect Of Living And Non-Living Sensory Inputs (Lnsi) On Cortical Activation And Functional Outcomes In Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Experimental Mixed Method Study, Hawraa Mohammad Habeeb

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a common manifestation observed in persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), wherein the brain inaccurately interprets sensory information. Teachers often face many sensory issues in the classroom. However, it is commonly known that addressing SPD falls within an occupational therapist's (OT) responsibility. Recent research has found that promoting sensory strategies in educational training is necessary. Hence, the current experimental mixed-methods research aimed to accurately evaluate the efficacy of the sensory intervention and sensory inputs utilized in the Living and Non-Living Sensory Input (LNSI) intervention program on sensory behavior, executive function, nonverbal cognitive abilities, and cortical …

Utilization Of Commercial Phosphonium And Ammonium Ionic Liquids In Enhanced Oil Recovery Of Carbonate Reservoirs, Nada Berrandjia

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Despite advancements in renewable energy, oil and gas still dominate global energy supply, while a substantial portion of original oil in place (OOIP) remains unrecovered through conventional recovery methods. One of the most effective approaches used to mobilize residual oil is chemical enhanced oil recovery (CEOR) through mechanisms such as reduction of interfacial tension (IFT), alteration of wettability, emulsification, and improved displacement efficiency. Recently, ionic liquids (ILs) have gained interest as alternative CEOR agents due to their tunable structure and superior stability under harsh reservoir conditions. This thesis experimentally investigates the potential of low-cost and commercially available ILs for enhanced …

Missing Children: The Underrepresentation Of Youth In Mental Health Data, Sammie Mcdonald

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

While research continues to grow, it is apparent that there are still gaps in knowledge. This research was inspired by my ongoing internship at Allen Child Protection Center, where I have seen children left behind for not recognizing an outdated radio during cognitive testing, as well as my experience as a fraternal twin with a 10 year diagnosis gap between me and my brother. This led me to investigate diagnostic disparities in children’s mental health data.

To better understand if children are experiencing mental health diagnosis disparities, I am analyzing 9 waves of data from the Substance Abuse and Mental …

From Punishment To Public Health: Rethinking Addiction In The U.S And Portugal, Kenna Hall-Hoyt, Sarah Denin, Shelby Jenkins

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

Portugal's approach to combat substance use disorder has been a commonly discussed public health strategy over the last decade because it challenges the idea that punishing the drug user detours the drug issue. In 2001, the country decided to decriminalize substance use disorder and change addiction services to be under the Ministry of Health. The approach that Portugal is using in its research looks very different from places like the U.S., who over-medicate and then criminalizes drug users. Portugal, instead, steers individuals to local groups comprising of psychologists, social workers, and health professionals who work with them to find the …