Digital Commons Network^™

Assessment Of Soil Particle Size Distribution Under Four Land Covers In Nachusa Grasslands Of Northern Illinois, Reni Truhtcheva Owikoti, Diana Acosta, Markeia Scruggs, Xiaoyong Chen

Research Days

Soil particle composition is one of the main physical properties of soil that affects soil fertility and quality. The fractal dimension of soil particle size distribution (PSD) can be used to quantitatively evaluate the particle composition of soils. Land cover change with corresponding management practices is recognized as one important driving force affecting soil PSD alterations. The objective of this project was to determine the changes in soil PSD under four plant covers (Woodland, Wetland, Prairie, and Savannah) at the Nachusa Grasslands in North Illinois. The soil PSD was determined by their settling rates in an aqueous solution using hydrometer. …

Nitrate Removal And Patterns Of Ph-Induced Flocculation In High-Lipid Producing Algae Ochromonas Danica, Abigail E. Armstrong, Timothy Gsell Dr.

Research Days

Algae have grown in popularity as a source for biofuels as some algae species, like Ochromonas danica, can produce energy-rich lipids for biofuels while simultaneously removing nutrients from wastewater. As such, use of biologic systems to mitigate pollutants are an attractive method of pollution control. Given the unique metabolic properties of O. danica, this organism is a promising candidate organism for this purpose. This study seeks to characterize the basic metabolic parameters of these algae as well as their population behaviors with attention to their growth rates and nitrate removal at varying pH over time. To do this, live cultures …

Foreign Aid Allocation And Conflict In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Spatial Analytical Approach, Yi Duan

Faculty Research Day

This project uses geographic information systems (GIS) skills to test the effect of foreign aid on conflict occurrences and fatalities at local level in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using lagged aid variables as the instruments for current aid, negative relationship between current aid and future conflict is detected. Aid is effective to deter conflict when conflict events happening in short period or particular types of conflict events are under way. Income per capita, with night lights per capita as proxy, has non-linear impacts on conflict occurrences. Foreign aid can alleviate conflict and help Sub-Saharan countries to jump out of the low-income-conflict trap.

Association Of Age, Gender And Race In Chronic Kidney Disease Patients With And Without Dialysis, Busayo Onatolu, Shimin Zheng, Hemang Panchal, Edward Leinaar

Appalachian Student Research Forum

ASSOCIATION OF AGE, GENDER AND RACE IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT DIALYSIS

¹Busayo Adeyemi Onatolu, ²Hemang Panchal, ³Edward Francis Leinaar, ^1*Shimin Zheng, ²Timir K. Paul

¹Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614

²Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, ETSU, Johnson City, TN, 37614

³Department of Health Services Management and Policy, CPH, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614

*Sponsoring faculty

Introduction:

Studies have shown that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common among adults in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control …

Personal Health Records Interoperability, W. Kent Willis, Alberto Coustasse

Faculty Research Day

Implementation of Personal Health Record interoperability requires the adoption of national standards. These standards have been driven by regulation. The Center for Information Technology Leadership (CITL) estimates PHRs could result in an annual net value of nineteen-billion dollars. This is based on cost savings to healthcare providers and payers over a ten-year implementation period with an 80% U.S. adoption rate.

Explaining Airline Competition Differences Between The Eu And U.S., George Vergara

European Union Policy Studies Graduate Symposium

The airline industry generates billions of euros and dollars of revenue each year for the European and American economies. Despite similar levels of economic development, modernization, and number of passengers taking to the skies each year, airline competition in the European Union (EU) and the United States (U.S.) varies significantly. This paper aims to further explain why airline competition varies so greatly in the U.S. compared to the EU despite their similarities in other aspects. While acknowledging that a multitude of factors have contributed to the variation, the present paper focuses on governmental structural differences between the EU and the …

Public Capital Budgeting In Germany, Natalia Ermasova

Research Days

According to the WEF Global Competitiveness Report (2017), Germany’s infrastructure ranked eighth in the world. The public investment in Germany has increased significantly in last thirty years. The government gross fixed capital formation increased by 37% in 2018 in comparison to 1990 (German Finance Ministry, 2018). The government gross fixed capital formation in relation to nominal GDP (the investment-to-GDP ratio) was 2.6% in 2018, compared with 1.7% in 2001.These outstanding public infrastructure system and investment profiles are likely a consequences of the country’s healthy public finances, robust institutional framework, structural reforms, and continuous public investments to boost competitiveness.

The goal …

Med Conformity: Enhance Adherence With Prescription Opioids, Nafees Qamar

Research Days

A person dies in America approximately every 16 minutes from opioid overdose. It is estimated that one in four patients receiving long-term opioid therapy in a primary care setting struggles with opioid addiction. Medication non-adherence causes unfavorable healthcare outcomes and raises healthcare costs through increased service utilization. We need to provide tools and information for healthcare professionals working on overdose prevention and treatment, and increase awareness and share best practices with providers and patients. Developing a digital health application to run on a smartphone is an inexpensive solution for addressing medication non-adherence. Objective data captured on a digital device can …

Identifying Multiple Risk Factors Of Hypertension For Reducing The Prevalence Of Peripheral Arterial Disease In Rural Central Appalachia, Olufeyisayo Odebunmi, Sylvester Olubolu Orimaye, Moboni Tosin Mokikan, Adeola Olubukola Awujoola, Adekunle Olumide Oke, Amy Poole, Timir Kumar Paul, Terrie Walker, Gerald Blackwell, Arsham Alamian, David W. Stewart, Hadii Mohammed Mamudu

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Introduction

Hypertension occurs when there is persistent increase in the pressure of blood vessels in the body; this condition affects about 75 million people in the United States (U.S.). Hypertension is a major risk factor for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries in legs, stomach, arms and head regions of the body except the heart. Research has shown that hypertension can be life-threatening for patients with PAD. Moreover, research supports an evidence of a low threshold for blood pressure treatment in patients with PAD. Additionally, current American Heart Association guidelines recommend treating hypertension in …

Carbon Tax: A Political Tool Or An Impactful Environmental Policy?, Marisa Lewis

European Union Policy Studies Graduate Symposium

Many European states have introduced carbon tax regimes into their national policies, as a way to combat the growing concerns of global warming and climate change. This paper explores the impact of national carbon tax regime in European states on the amount of carbon dioxide that is produced. It does this by comparing carbon tax regimes in Norway, Sweden, and France, in order to understand how each of these regimes works within their respective state and establishes national limitations on the amount of carbon dioxide that is produced. This paper then goes into an analysis of the amount of carbon …

Family Size And Risk Of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study, Kido Uyamasi, Kesheng Wang, Kiana R. Johnson

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Background: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) refers to a group of auto-immune conditions involving joint inflammation that first appears before the age of 16. In the United States, about 294,000 children are affected. Although JIA can be widely attributed to genetic factors, the consensus is that environmental factors also play a role. Attempts to assess the role of environmental factors, though scarce, have focused on the role of infections, smoking exposure, and breastfeeding. Hygiene hypothesis, which suggests that adaptive immunological response improves with higher frequencies of pathogen exposure in early childhood, has been used to try to explain the risk of …

Effective Practices To Facilitate Rural Reentry: A Policy Analysis, Alyssa P. Gretak, Jill D. Stinson

Appalachian Student Research Forum

The United States is home to a large percentage of incarcerated individuals, a majority of whom re-offend upon release. Reentry efforts focus on lowering recidivism through policy and programming to help returning citizens successfully reintegrate into society and become productive, law abiding citizens. Although research on reentry has increased, the primary focus has been on urban reentry programming. Thus, the unique challenges that plague rural reentry, such as rural employment, housing, treatment and healthcare, transportation, and cultural qualities have been largely neglected. The current policy analysis used the rational model of policy analysis in which information on existing policy and …

Under Attack: Trading Digitally In The Age Of Vulnerability, Annabelle Giaccone

European Union Policy Studies Graduate Symposium

The rise in digitalization has sparked the Fourth Industrial Revolution, raising new concerns and deep divisions throughout the European Union (EU). While the adoption of the Digital Single Market Strategy on May 6, 2015 attempted to adapt to the increasingly digital world, it further highlighted differences among Member States. This paper argues that cross-national variations in digital trade restrictiveness can be explained by the number of cyber-attacks a Member state experiences. This study differs from existing explanations in that it takes a technological perspective and attempts to explain a digital question with a digital phenomenon. The paper tests this hypothesis …

Supporting The Success Of Honors Commuter Students, Isabella T. Hollingsworth

Research Days

This paper will review a variety of ways to support commuter success on campus, specifically for Honors Students. Honors Students typically have an intense workload that expects detailed focus into a variety of specific areas for class purpose as well as an expectance in extra-curricular activities and volunteer work. Because of the high expectations Honors students face, there is a need for universities to provide support networks for students. Universities can support their students in a variety of ways, however specific emphasis needs to be placed on Honors students who commute to campus. The author argues two influential ways that …

Demographic Data Of Patients Seen In A Medical Genetics Clinic For Autism Spectrum Disorders (Asd) As Part Of An Ongoing Study On “Genetic Variations In Asd”., Adekunle Oke, Rebecca Roberts, Kathryn Duvall, M J. Hajianpour

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability defined by deficits in social communication and social interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Over the last few decades, the global prevalence of autism has increased by twentyfold to thirtyfold. In the United States, the prevalence of ASD has increased rapidly with one out of every fifty-nine children (1.7%) diagnosed with the condition. With the increasing prevalence of ASD, the financial cost has been estimated to exceed those of Diabetes and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by 2025. Furthermore, ASD has been found to be about …

A Linear Mixed Model Analysis Of The Apoe4 Gene With The Logical Memory Test Total Score In Alzheimer’S Disease, Evelyn Fokuoh, Kesheng Wang

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Linear mixed model (LMM) has the advantage of modeling the corelated data. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurogenerative disease that affects the brain of the subject. No study was found to study the longitudinal effect of apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 (APOE4) genotype on the logical memory test total score in AD. A longitudinal data of 844 with AD, 2167 with cognitive normal (CN), and 4472 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) participants who underwent logical memory examination test in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) were investigated. Episodic memory of the study participants was monitored based on a short story …

Breaking Down Common Core Math, Dialah Azam

Research Days

Common Core has been at the very front of parent and teacher criticism alike for some time now. The reason there is such a gap between the excitement for a better way to teach and the utter confusion on specifically Common Core Math is the understanding of the rationale behind it. The aim of this research and presentation is to bridge that gap by introducing the background of why the math curriculum has changed, how to understand the new math strategies that have resulted from this change, and how to pass that understanding on to make math and Common Core, …

Life History Traits And Functional Processes Generate Multiple Pathways To Ecological Stability, John P. Delong, Torrance C. Hanley, Jean P. Gibert, Linda M. Puth, David M. Post

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Stability contributes to the persistence of ecological communities, yet the interactions among different stabilizing forces are poorly understood. We assembled mesocosms with an algal resource and one to eight different clones of the consumer Daphnia ambigua and tracked algal and Daphnia abundances through time. We then fitted coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs) to the consumer–resource time series. We show that variation in different components of stability (local stability and the magnitude of population fluctuations) across mesocosms arises through variation in life history traits and the functional processes represented by ODE model parameters. Local stability was enhanced by increased algal growth …

The Effect Of Two Novel Anti-Inflammatory Drugs On Sensorimotor Gating And Microglial Activation In The Poly I:C Rodent Model Of Schizophrenia, Heath W. Shelton, W. Drew Gill, Prasad Gabbita, Russell W. Brown

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Antipsychotic medications remain the first line of treatment for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (SCZ). However, antipsychotic treatment is often not compliant due to dysregulation of both the central (CNS) and autonomic (ANS) nervous systems, resulting in debilitating dose-dependent side effects. Recent work suggests a new approach for treatment of SCZ that could potentially lower treatment doses and reduce side effects. Increased neuroinflammation has been shown in patients diagnosed with SCZ, particularly within the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampal (HPC) regions of the brain. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa) is one of the key pro-inflammatory cytokines observed to be secreted during the …

Development And Validation Of A Short Form For The Mcs-Dr, Anthony Ferraro, Hilary D. Pippert, James M. Duncan

Southeastern Council on Family Relations Conference [2018-2020]

Using two independent samples of parents with a shared minor child but not currently in a relationship, this study explores the development and validation of a new 12-item short form for the Multidimensional Co-Parenting Scale for Dissolved Relationships (MCS-DR12). Confirmatory factor analysis will be used to assess the four-factor structure of the MCS-DR12 and then internal reliability, construct validity, and criterion validity will be assessed. The development of this short form provides a 12-item assessment of four impactful areas of co-parenting which is invaluable, especially for those working with court-mandated parenting programs who are in need of brief instruments to …

Reopening Johnson County Hospital: The Beginning Of Interprofessional Healthcare Education At Etsu, Taylor Cox, Rebecca Neighbor, Claire Gleadhill, William Seagrave

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Johnson County Hospital was a hospital located in Mountain City, TN that existed from 1972 until its final closure in 1998. The hospital faced multiple financial challenges during its existence and was forced to close three times. In 1988 it closed for the penultimate time, and as it had in the past, it counted on the community, local business and local government to reopen the hospital. Three local businessmen were particularly dedicated to reopening the county hospital and reached out to East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and their newly formed College of Medicine. A partnership was formed between the community …

Examining The Impact Of Art Therapy Related Activities And Emotional Well-Being: Make & Take Mondays Program, Monica Simerly, Mina Mcveigh, Bethany Novotny, Jamie Brown, Cecil Blankenship

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Various emotional well-being issues often arise in college students. Participation in creative activities, regardless of previous art experience, contributes to a significant decrease in cortisol levels, resulting in less stress. However, to better understand the impact of art therapy related activities on well-being, it is important to examine what specific areas of emotional well-being may be applied to specific art activities. The Make and Take Mondays Program was implemented through the East Tennessee State University Counseling Center and provided students with the opportunity to participate in seven different art therapy related activities. Each activity examined a specific area of emotional …

Identifying Multiple Risk Factors Of Hypertension For Reducing The Prevalence Of Peripheral Arterial Disease In Rural Central Appalachia, Olufeyisayo Odebunmi, Sylvester Olubolu Orimaye, Moboni Tosin Mokikan, Adeola Olubukola Awujoola, Adekunle Olumide Oke, Amy Poole, Timir Kumar Paul, Terrie Walker, Gerald Blackwell, Arsham Alamian, David W. Stewart, Hadii Mohammed Mamudu

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Introduction

Hypertension occurs when there is persistent increase in the pressure of blood vessels in the body; this condition affects about 75 million people in the United States (U.S.). Hypertension is a major risk factor for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries in legs, stomach, arms and head regions of the body except the heart. Research has shown that hypertension can be life-threatening for patients with PAD. Moreover, research supports an evidence of a low threshold for blood pressure treatment in patients with PAD. Additionally, current American Heart Association guidelines recommend treating hypertension in …

Ewing-Like Sarcoma – Hiding In Pa View, Andrew Donahue, Abigail Cruz

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Ewing-like sarcomas (ELS) are a heterogenous group of neoplasms that typically occur in the bone and soft tissue of pediatric and young adult patients. ELS share various degrees of morphological, immunohistochemical, molecular, and clinical similarity with Ewing sarcomas. However, these tumors lack the pathognomonic molecular hallmark of Ewing sarcoma, which is defined as translocation between a gene of the RNA-binding TET family (EWSR1 or FUS) with a gene of the ETS-transcription family (FLI1, ERG, ETV1, ETV4, or FEV). Accurate classification and distinction from classical Ewing sarcomas is important for patient management. A subset of ELS harboring the BCOR-CCNB3 fusion has …

Screening, Brief Intervention And Referral To Treatment (Sbirt): Process Improvement In A Nurse-Managed Clinic Serving The Homeless, Ryan Kerrins, Jean Hemphill

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Purpose

The Johnson City Downtown Day Center (JCDDC) provides integrated inter-professional primary care, mental health, and social work case management services to homeless and under-served persons who have difficulty accessing traditional systems. Because of the exponential rise in substance abuse in the Appalachian region, the JCDDC providers and staff initiated SBIRT as recommended standard of care, as endorsed by SAMHSA, United States Public Health Services Task Force, and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The JCDDC has two mechanisms by which patients can choose to participate in substance abuse treatment: SMART Recovery, and psychiatric nurse practitioner (NP) referrals. …

Chronoecology Of The Cave Dwelling Orb-Weaver Spider, Meta Ovalis (Araneae: Tetragnathidae), Rebecca Steele, Clinton Elmore, Rebecca Wilson, Darrell James Moore, Blaine W. Schubert, Thomas Charles Jones

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Circadian clocks are endogenous time keeping mechanisms that are ubiquitous among animals. They enable coordination of many essential biological and metabolic processes in relation to the 24 hour light cycle on earth. However, there are many habitats on earth that are not subject to this light cycle. This study aims to look at the potential genetic drift of the circadian rhythm of a subterranean spider, Meta ovalis, as well as gathering general natural history information on this under-studied spider. This study will fill general gaps in knowledge of this spider and its habitat, highlight the importance of studying organisms …

Osteonecrosis Of Jaw: Common Etiologies, Uncommon Treatments, Utsab Panta, Adam Chan, Debalina Das

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Introduction

First described in 2002, osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ, or avascular necrosis of the jaw) is an uncommon but potentially serious side effect of treatment with bisphosphonates. Although typically identified in patients with multiple myeloma and other malignancies, a few cases have been reported in patients taking bisphosphonates - a potent drug class used in the treatment of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption issues, including postmenopausal osteoporosis, Paget's disease, multiple myeloma, and malignant hypercalcemia. The clinical diagnosis of ONJ can be obscured by jaw pain, abscess, swelling, and fistulas, but exposed bone is a distinctive sign. This reports a case of …

Sociodemographic Factors And Health-Risk Behaviors Associated With Recent Utilization Of Dental Services Among South-Central Appalachian Adolescents, Hima Bindu Dubasi, Kiana Rachele Johnson Dr.

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Background: Oral health is crucial for overall health. Oral health care need is the most prevalent unmet health care need among children and adolescents in the United States. Youth characteristics and socio-demographic factors are known to influence dental health service utilization. While there have been studies listing the factors contributing to the oral health disparities in the Appalachian region, very few studies have inspected the risk behaviours of the youth and their association with dental health care utilization.

Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to high school students in five counties of South-Central Appalachia. The survey included a question on …

Medical Student Burnout In A Small-Sized Medical School, Adam Y. Chan, Elizabeth Farabee, Grace Wholley, Peter Blosser, Jordan L. Herring, Richard L. Wallace

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Introduction: Burnout is an occupational condition characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a low sense of personal accomplishment. While medical students begin schooling with mental health profiles similar to or better than peers who pursue other careers, there is a downward trajectory throughout school suggesting this phenomenon often originates in medical school. For physicians and residents, burnout has been linked to poor outcomes such as patient safety, might contribute to suicidal ideation and substance abuse, and may undermine professional development. Furthermore, there is a lack of surveillance of the prevalence of medical student burnout in a small-sized school setting. …

Copd Exacerbation Induced Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, Omer Sheikh, Mohd Ibrahim, Joseph Maguire, Shama Bano, Pradnya Bhattad, Dhruvil Radadiya, Amiksha Kad, Jbara Manar, Vijay Ramu, Ayah Al Qaryoute, Abdulrahman Ibrahim

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Introduction:

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or stress cardiomyopathy is a syndrome of transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction mimicking myocardial infarction, but lacking obstruction of coronary artery disease (CAD) or acute plaque rupture. A characteristic differentiation from CAD is that regional motional abnormality extends beyond a territory perfused with a single epicardial coronary artery. Clinically, it is characterized by apical ballooning of the LV due to due to depression of mid and apical segments, with hyperkinesis of cardiac basal walls. Women are affected more than men, predominantly in the postmenopausal age.

Case Report:

A 54-year-old Caucasian female with a history of COPD, hypertension, …