University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
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Do Environmental NGOs Matter? Correlations Between ENGO Operational Years and CO₂ Emissions in U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas
No full textThis study investigates the relationship between environmental non-governmental organizations (eNGOs) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) across the United States from 2013 to 2022. The primary goal is to assess whether the total operational years of eNGOs within an MSA are correlated with changes in carbon dioxide emissions over time. Drawing on secondary data sources, the analysis integrates carbon dioxide emissions data, eNGO activity data, and a range of control variables, including population change, average January and July temperatures, percent of the population below the poverty level, percent of workers in manufacturing, percent of workers who drive alone to work, and the presence of local climate policies. Using robust linear regression models, this quantitative study finds evidence of a relationship between greater cumulative eNGO operational years and the degree of change in carbon dioxide emissions. While the findings suggest that eNGOs may contribute to shaping urban decarbonization trends, the analysis also highlights the influence of additional factors, such as socioeconomic characteristics and policy environments, in driving these outcomes. The research does not claim causality but provides insight into the potential institutional role of eNGOs as actors in climate governance at the metropolitan level. The results contribute to the broader literature on civil society and climate action by offering quantitative data-driven evidence on how eNGO presence may be linked to emission patterns in urban areas. This work informs future studies aiming to disentangle the mechanisms by which eNGOs affect environmental outcomes and provides practical implications for policymakers and advocacy groups working toward urban sustainability and carbon reduction goals
The Effects of Acute Plantarflexor Stretching on Ankle Biomechanics during Pickleball Maneuvers
No full textBACKGROUND: Although there is literature on the effects at the ankle for forward and lateral lunges, and variations in their execution, little is known about pickleball-specific movements investigated and their effects on the lower extremity, specifically the ankle.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study will be to investigate effects of acute static stretching on ankle biomechanics during pickleball-style movements.
METHODS: A priori power analysis was performed using G*Power v3.1 software. For a medium effect size of 0.5, an alpha of 0.05, and 80% power, 27 participants will be needed to test for statistically significant pre-test versus post-test within-subjects mean differences. Participants will be at least 18 years old and have played pickleball at least once. Participants will also be recreationally active at least 3 days per week for a minimum of 30 minutes each session. This will require two separate days to test for baseline and experimental measurements. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be used to detect differences between the pre-test and post-test dependent variables.
RESULTS: We hypothesize that 1) static ankle stretching will increase ankle dorsiflexion range of motion during pickleball cutting and lunge tasks; 2) ankle angular velocity would increase after stretching during cutting tasks; 3) external ankle moment would not be different after stretching; and 4) ankle power would not be different after stretching.
CONCLUSION: Understanding these injury mechanisms can highlight the importance of further researching dangerous pickleball maneuvers with the sport’s increasing popularity
Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs: A Multicriteria Framework for Energy Audit Software and Evaluation Methodologies for Energy Conservation Measures
No full textThe transition to more energy-efficient residential buildings, particularly in low-income households, requires innovative methodologies and tools to address the complexities of energy conservation. This thesis aims to enhance the effectiveness of residential energy audits by developing a comprehensive multi-criteria framework, demonstrating its application with existing energy audit software, and establishing a systematic methodology for evaluating the lifetimes of energy conservation measures (ECMs). The study\u27s first objective was to develop a holistic framework that integrates over 50 factors under 14 criteria, addressing energy and non-energy considerations such as health, safety, and socio-economic impacts. The framework provides a structured approach for evaluating energy audit software, equipping stakeholders with tools to select solutions that align with the specific needs of low-income households. The second objective involved applying the framework’s utility to three widely used energy audit software tools – REM/RATE, Weatherization Assistant, and TREAT. The comparative analysis highlighted each tool’s strengths and limitations, such as REM/RATE’s strong alignment with renewable energy modeling and WA’s superior scalability features, while identifying opportunities for improvement in user-friendliness and sustainability modules. The third objective focused on developing a methodology for systematically and repeatably assessing ECM lifetimes across diverse measure types. This methodology integrates statistical techniques, manufacturer data, and field testing to produce reliable lifetime estimates. It also addresses long-term economic analyses, emphasizing the challenges of uncertainty in evaluating ECMs with lifetimes exceeding 30 years. This thesis contributes to advancing residential energy efficiency by offering tools and methodologies to streamline energy audits, enhance decision-making, and maximize the benefits of energy conservation for low-income households. The findings have implications for software developers, program administrators, and policymakers, providing actionable insights to improve energy audit processes and achieve equitable energy savings at scale
On agricultural eddy covariance atmospheric storage term: Developing a system to measure carbon dioxide concentrations and energy exchange inside a maize canopy
No full textThis dissertation examines CO2 and H2O fluxes, and energy storage terms over a maize field. An experimented program conducted in 2023 at a site in eastern Tennessee utilized a new multiport profile system to assist in the interpretation of eddy fluxes and to determine atmospheric storage rates of heat and CO2. Flux measurements were made within and above the canopy. Energy balance closure was calculated with and without considering energy storage terms. CO2 fluxes were partitioned to gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (Reco) to estimate net ecosystem exchange (NEE). Additionally, the pooling effect of carbon dioxide was explored. The results demonstrate the need to assess storage rates in field studies of the surface energy budget and to account for the heat used to support photosynthesis. Both depend on the time of day and the prevailing meteorology, as well as subsurface properties like the soil water content. Depending on the time of day and prevailing meteorological conditions, photosynthesis can contribute 7 to 18 W m-2 to the surface heat energy imbalance reported elsewhere
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Eph Receptor A2: Understanding mechanisms of activation and therapeutic resistance of receptor tyrosine kinases
No full textReceptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are an essential class of membrane proteins that translate extracellular signals to the intracellular space. Dysregulation of RTKs commonly results in cancer, and continued investigation of the activation and signaling mechanisms of RTKs is essential to the development of new anti-cancer therapeutics. This work focuses primarily on two RTKs, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the Eph family type A2 receptor (EphA2). Individually, these RTKs are interesting therapeutic targets, but there is also evidence that the interaction between these proteins is responsible the development of tumor resistance to EGFR-targeting therapies. We first develop a novel peptide inhibitor of EGFR that functions by binding the transmembrane domain, an uncommon method for RTK inhibition (Chapter II). We then further investigate the basic mechanisms of EGFR-EphA2 interactions. We test novel styrene maleic acid copolymer derivatives for the ability to co-solubilize EGFR and EphA2 (Chapter III). We then understand the effects of the negatively-charged lipid PIP2 (Chapter IV) and ligand-directed endocytosis (Chapter V) on the EGFR-EphA2 interaction. Finally, we begin to understand how glycosylation of EphA2 regulates the receptor’s activity with the end goal of determining how EGFR modulates EphA2 glycosylation (Chapter VI). Collectively, these findings contribute to basic knowledge of EGFR-EphA2 interaction mechanisms, which will inform RTK pharmaceutical development in cancer
The Medievalish McCarthy: Medieval Afterlives in Appalachian Literature
No full textThis dissertation argues for a more adaptive reading of medieval texts by viewing them as artifacts of culture throughout time rather than solely in their time of creation. In essence, it explores the afterlives of medieval texts. Using Cormac McCarthy’s first five novels—The Orchard Keeper, Outer Dark, Child of God, Suttree. and Blood Meridian—as illustrations, this study shows how McCarthy adeptly employed medieval elements in his writing to present a curated depiction of Appalachian people and their region. Themes of idealized medieval nature, Arthurian legend, language, and names permeate the novels, and Child of God even functions as a retelling of Beowulf with Lester Ballard as an analog for Grendel. Aside from the published novels, this project also includes evidence from early draft manuscripts, McCarthy’s correspondence, and first-hand accounts of his literary interests
What Do You Mean, Information Scientist ?
No full textThis essay maps and defends the disciplinary shift from Library and Information Science (LIS) to Information Science (IS), making explicit how historical definitions centered on librarianship have expanded into a broader, computationally informed science. The analysis documents the transition from a 19th-century, document-centered conception of LIS to a plural, methodologically diverse IS that encompasses modern technologies such as databases, streaming data, algorithms, and more. Accredited MSIS and MLIS programs are shown to train graduates in systematic, evidence-based methods, theoretical grounding, research and evaluation, and ethical frameworks, aligning professional practice with core hallmarks of scientific enterprise. The essay rejects the monopolization of scientific legitimacy by PhD-holders, demonstrates how practitioner-produced outputs (applied research, software, repositories, and evaluation) constitute legitimate scientific contributions, and situates librarianship as one application area within a larger IS umbrella. Clearer communication about this disciplinary evolution is urged so that professional titles, curricula, and institutional recognition accurately reflect the field’s expanded scope and the scientific work performed by both practitioners and academics
Detecting Anxiety in Adults: A Screening and Specialist Referral Protocol for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Primary Care Setting
No full textBACKGROUND: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a prevalent condition among adults, but the identification of GAD symptoms in primary care settings is often limited. Once diagnosed, effective treatments are available. In the United States, GAD affects 2.9% of adults in the general population and is frequently seen in primary care.
LOCAL PROBLEM: There were no clear protocols for screening GAD among underserved adults at the project site. Frequent documentation of anxiety by providers highlighted the need for a standardized screening process. The aim was to screen 60% of new patients visiting the clinic for routine and annual physicals, and 50% of those who score positively would be evaluated by the provider and receive resources and referrals by March 2025.
METHODS: The Evidence-Based Practice Improvement (EBPI) model guided the development and implementation of a 3-month screening protocol for adults.
INTERVENTIONS: The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 item scale (GAD-7) was completed by patients aged 18 and older. Providers reviewed the positive scores and, based on a referral list in the protocol, nurses would need to schedule appointments at a mental health clinic.
RESULTS: 73 (17.38%) adults were screened from early April to August 2025. The smaller population was due to many Spanish-speaking patients who could not be screened. Providers\u27 adherence to the protocol was a significant challenge. 0 (0%) received a referral. 44 (60.3%) scored minimal to mild, and 29 (39.7%) moderate to severe. 20 (27.4%) started new GAD medication. 9 (12.3%) with moderate-to-severe scores did not receive treatment mainly due to cultural influence.
CONCLUSIONS: While the project did not meet all aims, it helped identify and assess patients with anxiety. No referrals to mental health clinics were made as providers chose to treat patients once anxiety symptoms were identified. The project\u27s sustainability can be achieved by better securing stakeholder interest in future quality improvement initiatives
The Distribution of Areolate Mildew in West Tennessee and the Effects of Planting Styles and Row Spacings on Disease and Yield
No full textAreolate Mildew (ARM) is a new/reemerging disease in the United States. ARM can be caused by two pathogens, Ramulariopsis gossypii and R. pseudoglycines. In the 2022 growing season, ARM was observed for the first time in Tennessee. The objectives for this research were to evaluate the distribution of ARM in West Tennessee and how ARM develops in different planting practices. Additionally, an economic analysis of planting practices and their correlation to yield and a break even analysis on a fungicide application was conducted. To investigate the prevalence of ARM in West Tennessee, commercial fields were surveyed in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Symptoms of ARM were observed in nine counties in West Tennessee; specifically 26 fields on 8 different varieties. Observations of ARM in West Tennessee led to the development of field trials evaluating ARM in different planting patterns (solid and 2x1 skip) and row spacings (76 and 97 cm). In 2023 and 2024, yield, disease incidence, and severity were measured. Additionally in 2024 plant height, canopy closure, and defoliation were measured. In 2023, the 97 cm row spacing treatment had significantly more disease incidence and severity than the narrower spacing. Similarly, in 2024 greater severity was observed in the 97cm, 2x1 skip treatment compared to the 97 cm solid planted cotton, although disease severity was relatively low in 2024. Even with greater disease the 97 cm row, solid planted treatments outyielded all other treatments in 2023 and the wider row spacing outyielded the narrower row spacing and no differences were seen in planting patterns in 2024. These greater yields also influenced greater PNR in comparison to all other treatments, where 97 cm, solid planting in 2023 and the wider spacing in 2024 had greatest PNR. No differences were seen in PNR among planting patterns. Depending on the price received for seed cotton and the price of fungicide, it was determined that the protected yield needed to break even on a fungicide application ranged from 219- 374 kg ha-1. In general, greater disease was observed in wider row spacing although the same treatments provided the greatest yield and partial net returns (PNR), indicating while increased air movement and microclimate in wider rows increased disease, there was still not enough disease development to impact yield