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The Liberty To Bind Oneself: Chesterton And The Oath Of Fëanor, Matthew Mckenna

Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature

This paper does two things. First, it reads the oath of Fëanor in The Silmarillion through the lens of Chesterton’s philosophy of oaths, and suggests that Tolkien was speculatively influenced by Chesterton on this topic. It accomplishes this by an exposition of Chesterton’s philosophy of vows followed by an in-depth exposition of the oath of Fëanor throughout The Silmarillion. Its thesis is that the oath of Fëanor works according to the mode of Chesterton’s philosophy of oaths, that is, the oath compels the oath-taker to act. Viewing the oath of Fëanor through the framework of Chesterton’s philosophy of oath …

The Middle-(Un)Man Of Desire: A Girardian Reading Of Perelandra, Clinton Manley

Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature

The French polymath René Girard presents a compelling argument that all desire is mimetic. According to Girard, we don’t actually know what we want; instead, we imitate the desires of others. These models of desire act as mediators, indicating what objects or ways of being are worth pursuing. For Girard, desire exists in this middle place between a subject, a model, and an object. He famously argues that all great literature leverages an awareness of mimetic dynamics; the greater the work, the more mimetically perspicacious the author.

Given Girard’s theory, we would expect the greatest fantasy authors to erect their …

Divinity And The Void In Chinese And Thai Translations Of The Ainulindalë, Eric Reinders

Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature

This article treats Chinese and Thai translations of the opening lines of the Ainulinalë, not to evaluate their fidelity to the original, but to explore the surplus meanings inherent in those languages. From a close reading of the first line emerge several new variations, including a new reading of the name Eru in Chinese, and a changed linguistic register of the Thai version. In each case there is some attempt to resolve the paradox of Eru as primal deity and Tolkien’s use of lower-case “he”—which one would expect to be “He.” Lacking capital letters, the Chinese and Thai translators use …

An Aspirational Cultus? Tolkien Fandom At The Borders Of Belief, Tom Emanuel

Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature

This paper draws upon fan studies, sociology of religion, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s theory of sub-creation to theorize the religious implications of Enyalië (Quenya: remembrance), the emotionally charged graveside memorial which closes the U.K. Tolkien Society’s annual gathering in Oxford. Employing a framework of religion as sacred worldbuilding, the author argues that Enyalië is best understood as the “secondary liturgy” of the “secondary faith community” that is Tolkien fandom. The paper concludes that Tolkien’s fiction, his community of devoted fans, and the lineaments of religious ritual have combined, in Enyalië, to produce a fan practice which troubles the boundaries …

No Ragnarök, No Armageddon: Pagan And Christian Interpretations Of The Lord Of The Rings, Matthew Thompson-Handell

Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature

Critical responses to The Lord of the Rings from its publication up to 1981 (the year in which The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien was first published) often considered pagan and Christian elements in the work. To the extent that pagan and Christian views were opposed to each other, such opposition is grounded to a greater extent in the ambiguity present in The Lord of the Rings (at least in terms of its theology or world-view), than in any contradiction in the work. The distinction between ambiguity and contradiction is important, especially in the context of the significance of contradiction in …

Editorial, Janet Croft

Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature

No abstract provided.

Improving Access To Ophthalmic Care For Medicaid Patients In Tennessee, Rupert Congmon

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Prior AAO data has determined that 93.8% of Tennesseans live as close or closer to an ophthalmologist than to their nearest Walmart. This study intends to analyze access to care for patients in Tennessee’s Medicaid program (TennCare). TennCare comprises four different health plans administered by three different Managed Care Organizations (MCOs): UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Wellpoint (formerly Amerigroup), BlueCare, and TennCare Select, the latter two being administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. In the vulnerable population receiving TennCare coverage, there are concerns about care across various specialties. This project aims to quantify ophthalmologist access for TennCare patients. Tennessee ophthalmology practices were …

Neuroplasticity Of Sympathetic And Serotonergic Pathways To Improve The Recovery Of Cardiovascular Activity After Spinal Cord Injury, Aubreigh Morgan

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can severely impair bodily function, making early intervention crucial for recovery and preventing further damage. Injuries at or above the sixth thoracic (T6) vertebra impair neural cardiovascular regulation, leading to bradycardia, reduced blood flow, and hypotension. This is important because early intervention and participation in physical therapy are critical for recovery of motor function after SCI, and impaired cardiovascular regulation limits participation. Brainstem regions, including the raphe nuclei, contain serotonergic neurons with axons that project to the spinal cord and release serotonin (5-HT), a neurotransmitter essential for regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and motor control. SCI …

Healing In The Highlands, Olivia Rogers, Bindiya Srinath, Noorayn Shaikh, Elisabeth Denis

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

This alternative break allowed students to learn about the disaster of Hurricane Helene and provided important insights into community response. While many students were from an impacted area, this experience allowed all students to understand the lasting effects of the disaster in our region. This service learning experience taught students how they can continue to help the community after the alt break whether through service or advocacy.

Community-Engaged Learning In Geosciences At "Erwin Fish Hatchery", Rezaul Bari Ishan

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Since 2017, ETSU Principles of Hydrology course has included a 5-6 week-long field research project that engages students in an authentic field research experience with community partners. Building on this tradition, in October 2024, geosciences students from ETSU partnered with the Erwin National Fish Hatchery to meet the hatchery’s need for a detailed water quality assessment. They focused on two natural springs—critical water sources for hatchery operations—examining their hydrologic behavior and water quality, specifically whether they share an origin and how rainfall influences turbidity. Using ISCO water samplers, YSI probes, water level loggers, and turbidity meters, students tracked water levels …

Caregiver Adversity And Mental Health Predicting Children’S Healthy Psychosocial Functioning Data Are Fully Collected:, Emily Hatcher

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

In this study we aimed to explore the impact of both caregiver and child adversity, alongside caregiver mental health, on children’s psychosocial outcomes. While existing literature highlights the role of childhood adversity in predicting later psychosocial difficulties, less is known about the combined influence of caregiver adversity and mental health on children’s functioning. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the relative contributions of caregiver adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), child ACEs, and caregiver anxiety and depression to children’s mental health, as measured by the Pediatric Symptoms Checklist (PSC-17). Data were collected from 148 caregivers (N = 148), predominantly white and female, …

In Vivo Evaluation Of Cromolyn Sodium Topical Gels For The Treatment Of Atopic Dermatitis, Adela Adu Agyemang

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Cromolyn sodium (CS) is a mast cell stabilizer used for asthma and mastocytosis, with potential for treating atopic dermatitis (AD). Despite clinical support for its efficacy in AD, no commercial CS formulations are available. This study assessed the efficacy of a formulated CS gel for AD through in vivo testing in a mice model, comparing it to a topical corticosteroid. Two 4% CS gels were formulated using sodium oleate and sodium caprylate as enhancers. Hydroxypropyl cellulose (1.5%) was the gelling agent, and propylene glycol served as the base. In vitro permeation studies (24 h, porcine ear skin, 37°C) showed that …

Effects Of Ph On Products Yield Of One-Electron Oxidation To Guanine Derivatives, Abdul-Kadir Ibrahim

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

One-electron oxidation plays a major role in oxidative DNA damage in biological cells. Guanine, the most oxidizable DNA base, has been the major focus of studies on oxidative damage to DNA initiated by one-electron oxidation (OEO). Recently, the Roginskaya group has discovered a novel type of products of dGuo· dimerization, D1 and D2, formed as a result of oxidation reaction of 2´-deoxyguanosine (dGuo), initiated by OEO. A proposed reaction mechanism assumes recombination of the two dGuo· radicals and further hydrolysis of the resultant intermediates to form diastereomers of D1A and D1B along with their oxidized product D2. The oxidation of …

Exploring Transitions In Prenatal Maternal Tobacco Use: Evidence From The Prams Data, Chukwubuikem Arize

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality, with smoking during pregnancy posing significant risks to the mother, fetus, and child. Limited research exists on transitions in tobacco use during pregnancy. This study aims to identify factors associated with behavioral shifts, including transitions from exclusive cigarette smoking to dual use or from non-smoking to smoking or e-cigarette use. This study utilized national data from Phase 8 of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) (2016–2021; N=216,035). Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses examined sociodemographic, health system, and geographic factors influencing transitions in tobacco use behaviors among …

Management Of A Patient In Septic Shock With Necrotizing Fasciitis And Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Avery Conkin

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Each year over 1.7 million adults in the United States develop sepsis with 350,000 of those patients dying or being discharged to hospice. Sepsis is broken into four tiers: systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock. These tiers define the severity of the patient’s condition. This case report details a patient presenting to the emergency department in septic shock and discusses the management of his condition. A 58 year-old white male presented with altered mental status, bradycardia, hypotension, and leg wounds. On presentation, he appeared gravely ill and his last known well was 2 days prior. On …

Establishing A Mouse Model Of Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Using Video-Eeg-Ecg Monitoring, Raina Desai

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and permanent disability. Patients with TBI are at an increased risk of developing post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), and it has been estimated that PTE may account for up to 20% of symptomatic epilepsy cases in the general population. The process of epileptogenesis is defined as the mechanism by which a brain insult starts a cascade that culminates in the development of spontaneous seizures. Following TBI, the occurrence of seizures has been categorized as immediate (< 24 h), early (days), or latent (weeks). These immediate and early seizures are considered to reflect the severity of the injury itself, whereas the latent seizures are thought to result from maturation of epileptogenic pathology. The specific objective of this pilot study was to establish a protocol for video-EEG-ECG of mice following TBI to determine latent PTE development. Mice underwent surgery and EEG-ECG electrodes were placed immediately prior to TBI via controlled cortical impact. We initially chose 2 depth levels of injury (1mm and 1.5mm). We determined that 1.5 mm led to a high mortality rate, leading us to proceed with 1 mm. Currently, we have detected (and verified) seizures in two of four mice at 4 weeks post injury. An additional 8 mice have been EEG analyzed, with potential seizures detected via EEG in five out of eight (awaiting verification). We found that there was post-ictal Atrial-Ventricular block in one mouse. We also observed large fluctuations in heart rate during seizure free periods. Further analysis of ECG recordings is ongoing. Overall, our goal is to establish a 50-60% PTE development rate in our model for future applications. Our findings on ECG abnormalities mimic those observed in other models of epilepsy, suggesting that neuro-cardiac interactions in TBI warrant deeper investigation.

Forecasting Lung And Colon Cancer Mortality Trends In Jamaica And The U.S. Using Multivariate Time Series Analysis, Shanice Douglas

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Lung and colon cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with significant variations across different healthcare systems. This study applies multivariate time series modeling and forecasting to analyze lung and colon cancer mortality trends in Jamaica and the United States, examining each cancer type separately within each country and comparing trends between the two regions. The research employs Vector Autoregressive Moving Average (VARMA) models to assess the interdependence between lung and colon cancer mortality from 1960 to 2014 within Jamaica and the U.S. Multivariate forecasting will be performed separately for both countries to evaluate country-specific trends for …

Access To Rehabilitation Services For Cardiovascular Patients: Rural Vs. Urban Counties, Mercy Falade

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with rehabilitation services playing a critical role in secondary prevention and patient recovery. However, disparities in access to these services persist between urban and rural areas. This study examines geographical differences in access to rehabilitation facilities using county-level data from the Area Health Resources File (AHRF). A cross-sectional analysis of 3,142 U.S. counties was conducted to compare facility distribution using two measures: (1) rehabilitation facilities per 100,000 residents and (2) the average number of facilities per county. Facility availability was assessed based solely on the number of rehabilitation …

Adoption Communicative Openness, Hannah Araba Baidoo

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Adoption communicative openness refers to dialogue about adoption related issues between adoptive parents and their adopted child. It is through this form of communication that adoptive parents provide adoptees with information about their birth family, answer the adoptee’s questions, and explore other adoption related issues, and as a result aids in the psychological well-being of adoptees as they age. While it is important and beneficial for adoptees’ development, existing research has demonstrated the importance of adoption communicative openness (ACO) from the perspective of the parent in the interest of the adopted child without inquiring from the perspective of the adoptive …

The Biafran War (1967-1970) And Its Humanitarian Crisis, David Odey

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

A devastating conflict ravaged the eastern region of Nigeria between 1967 and 1970, known as the Biafran War, resulting in catastrophic humanitarian crisis. This conflict, otherwise known as the Nigerian Civil War, was an attempt by the Eastern region to secede from the country and form an independent state called Biafra. An estimated two million civilians of Eastern Nigerian origin perished from the conflict. The survivors contended with severe malnutrition, widespread disease outbreaks, and forced displacement, exacerbating the humanitarian disaster. The war posed a significant challenge to the effectiveness and relevance of the United Nations Security Council in the maintenance …

Using The Reverse Testing Algorithm To Detect A Case Of Ocular Syphilis, Emily Rhoton

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), incidence rates of syphilis have been steadily increasing in the United States over the last 5 years, despite well-established treatment and prevention precautions. Importantly, ocular syphilis can be the only presenting symptom in up to 40% of patients diagnosed with syphilis. This case report aims to identify symptoms, investigative factors, and ethical considerations involved in ocular syphilis to better recognize and manage future cases. An IRB-approved descriptive study and thorough chart review was conducted to examine the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and medical management course of a male in his mid-50s …

National Security Law, Barbara Linney, Orga Cadet, Geoffrey Goodale, Jonathan Meyer

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

International Trade, Theodore P. Brackemyre, Dharmendra N. Choudhary, Jake Frischknecht, Cynthia C. Galvez, Geoffrey M. Goodale, Jordan C. Kahn, Molly O'Casey, Vidushi Shrimali

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

International Animal Law, Daina Bray, Paula Cardoso, Jessica Chapman, Hira Jaleel, Rajesh K. Reddy, Joan Schaffner

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

Export Controls And Economic Sanctions, John Boscariol, Sylvia Costelloe, Abigail Cotterill, Mary Mikhaeel, Timothy O'Toole, Christopher Stagg, Lawrence Ward

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

Customs Law, Adrienne Braumiller, Shannon Fura, David J. Glynn, Geoffrey Goodale, Lawrence Hanson, Jeremy Page, Michael Roll, George Tuttle Iii

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

International Section Ethics Committee, David Levine, Amy Bowers, Antonia Iragorri, Tiffany Comprés, Roland Potts

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

International Refugee Law, Banke Olagbegi-Oloba, Marie Isabelle Dumont, Marlyse Sime, Reuben Moses

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

International Human Rights, Daniel L. Appelman, Carlos De Miguel Perales, Corrine Lewis, Shauna Curphey, Lawrence C. Locker, Sara Sandford, Cyreka Jacobs, Jaclyn Fortini Laing, Morvarid Bagheri, Constance Z. Wagner

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.

International Family Law, Robert G. Spector, Melissa A. Kucinski

The Year in Review

No abstract provided.