Carolyn Wilson Digital Collections (Lipscomb Univ.)
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1413 research outputs found
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Evaluating the Impact of Precast vs. Cast-in-Place Concrete: A Life Cycle Assessment of a Parking Garage in Nashville
No full textConcrete is one of the most widely used building materials in the construction industry, generating $64 billion in revenue, according to the Concrete Financial Insights Index. Given the material’s extensive use, construction professionals seek ways to optimize construction project budgets and schedules. Precast concrete, which is manufactured offsite and then transported to the project when needed, is a potential solution for these goals. This research aims to quantify the benefits of precast concrete over typical cast-in-place methods using a life cycle analysis for a parking garage structure located in Nashville Tennessee.
The data for the two materials will be compared to determine their economic differences while giving insight into the effect that precast concrete can have on overall construction costs over the life span of the structure. This study will compare costs associated with materials, implementation, maintenance, and other factors such as recycling or demolition. By performing a comprehensive analysis of the life cycle costs of this project, this research will provide engineering and construction professionals with solid data to allow them to make more cost-effective decisions when choosing between precast and cast-in-place concrete
AI Photography-Based Gradation Feasibility Study for Streams and Rivers in Davidson County, TN
No full textArtificial Intelligence (AI) has demonstrated significant potential in engineering applications, specifically in soil gradation analysis using two-dimensional imagery. While studies have shown experimental success, AI-based soil gradation methods are not widely used in industry due to the lack of field research performed. Moreover, the current methodology is suitable but lacks advancement. The motivation behind the research was to aid in bridging this gap between experimental research and industry application by determining whether existing AI tools can and/or should be applied to bank soil in streams and rivers in the Greater Nashville Area. Several locations next to streams and rivers distributed throughout Davidson County, Tennessee were selected to collect soil samples to comprise a soil gradation profile for the Greater Nashville Area. This data, combined with a literature review of existing AI gradation tools, provided metrics to determine which existing AI tool may be most applicable to the Greater Nashville Area. Additionally, this study includes a comparative analysis between AI image analysis and standard sieve analysis for river- and stream-bank soil gradations, focusing on time and cost differences between the two methods. This analysis provides the basis for determining whether such AI tools should be applied professionally. Based on small particle size distribution from field testing, AI tools that classify fine gravel and sands would be of more use to the Greater Nashville Area. These AI tools, however, require high resolution microscopic imagery, which may be difficult to obtain in the field
Theological Perspectives on Faith and Science: Insights from Protestant Ministers in the Southeastern U.S.
No full textAbstract
In both religious and educational spheres, the relationship between faith and science is an ongoing issue frequently marked by a perceived conflict between the two. This study investigates how theological mindsets potentially contribute to these perceptions by surveying ministers from various protestant Christian denominations in the Southeastern United States. Our research specifically explores interpretations of Genesis 1-11, views on human origins, and attitudes toward the compatibility between faith and science. Utilizing Ian Barbour’s framework for categorizing faith and science perspectives, the study examines the theological, cultural, and denominational factors potentially shaping the theological outlooks of pastors/ministers. We report clear distinctions between different denominations as well as several cultural factors influencing a pastor’s perspective on faith and science. From this data, we hope to identify discrete approaches to move the dialogue on faith and science forward for pastors as these individuals play an influential role in shaping congregational views. Altogether, we hope the data from this study contributes to the ongoing faith and science conversation and encourages greater integration of faith and science across diverse Christian contexts
Green roof
No full textGreen roofs, a concept dating back over 100 years, offer a sustainable solution to urban environmental challenges such as poor air quality, the urban heat island effect, and increased stormwater runoff. This study focuses on green roofs as an effective way to address these issues in cities like Nashville, which are experiencing rapid urbanization. By transforming rooftops into green spaces, green roofs can improve air quality, manage stormwater, and reduce urban heat, while also enhancing the aesthetic value of urban environments. The research explores the integration of green roofs, considering factors like substrate composition, plant selection, and environmental conditions. Key findings highlight the importance of native plants, recycled materials, and microbial interactions in ensuring green roof sustainability. This study advocates for a holistic approach to green roof design to optimize its environmental and economic benefits, especially in urban areas facing climate change and limited green space. Nashville has had success in implementing a green roof on the top of Music City Center, but the goal is to allow more locations to implement this strategy
Nashville Bus System Efficiency
No full textNashville’s recently approved “Choose How You Move” plan creates a dedicated funding source for transportation improvements in the city. A key component of the plan is to increase transit service throughout Nashville to make it more accessible and reliable. In order to optimize the use of the funding, an analysis of existing conditions would allow officials to locate and target specific areas in need of improvement. The aim of this research is to determine the efficiency of different bus routes in Nashville based on ridership and on-time rates. The analysis will focus on the eight primary bus routes in the city and compare existing conditions to the desired ones listed in the “Choose How You Move” plan. Specifically, the analysis will look at factors that influence bus usage as well as overall WeGo ridership during different months to determine where improvements can be made. The on-time rates of these routes will also be analyzed to determine if buses are providing reliable service to the busiest areas of Nashville. All of this information will allow transportation officials to better understand the transit system and appropriately allocate funding to improve public transit in Nashville
Investigating the Effects of Body Composition Assessment on Dietary Intake in Division I Football Players
No full textBCL-2 Regulation as Seen in Alzheimer\u27s Disease
No full textAlzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a degenerative and destructive disorder causing progressive impairment and loss of the nerve cells, eventually leading to further impairments of cognitive functions. Calcium ions (Ca2+) are vital for cell signaling and muscle contraction. The Bcl-2 protein family helps regulate cell death by controlling the release of Ca2+ from the ER. Bcl-2 can also block pro-apoptotic proteins from puncturing the mitochondria and causing intrinsic apoptosis. In AD, the presence of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles downregulates Bcl-2 production. The loss of Bcl-2 leads to mitochondrial damage, heightened calcium levels, and oxidative stress. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer\u27s, a number of symptom management options and medications that may slow the progression of the disease are available
A Small Red Flame: Negative Theology and Divine Presence in Brideshead Revisited
No full textIn Evelyn Waugh’s novel Brideshead Revisited, Captain Charles Ryder slowly and unassumingly converts from atheism to Catholicism. Waugh subverts the stereotypical conversion narrative, which defines systematic theology strictly defines as a person’s “turn” or “move towards” God. Negative theology, also known as apophatic theology, is an approach that relies on negation to describe divine nature. Looking at Brideshead Revisited through the lens of negative theology notices a subversion of the conversion narrative to see how God works invisibly, overtime, and in ways not translatable to the human vocabulary. Through memory, Charles Ryder’s experience transforms. He glimpses divine presence at work within his suffering and human relationships, always leading him towards redemption
Every Drop and Every Breath Poem Abstract
No full textEvery Drop and Every Breath Poem Abstract For the poem, “Every Drop and Every Breath,” I aimed to create an artistic interpretation of the relationship and connection between at least two different body systems within the human body. The approach taken with this goal in mind was a poem describing the crucifixion and sacrifice of Jesus, but through an anatomical lens. To write this piece I researched the crucifixion process and how it affects the body. Then, I connected that with what is described in the Bible and the anatomical processes that would likely be happening, such as sweating blood. This work artistically portrays the beautiful work of the Father in first creating our bodies and all of its intricate inner workings, and then the greatest sacrifice ever given. Its purpose is to give each of us a better understanding of both the physical and spiritual suffering that Christ endured for each of us
Have you had your vitamins today? An LC-MS/MS method to simultaneously measure B vitamins in plasma from study participants in a “greens” nutritional supplement clinical trial.
No full textObjectives: This study assessed the absorption of key vitamins and other nutrients from amulti- ingredient “greens” nutritional supplement using a newly developed LC-MS/MS method capable of analyzing B vitamins in a single run.
Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial with a number of healthy participants to measure plasma nutrient appearance over 8 hours after supplement consumption. Participants consumed either the nutritional supplement (13g) or placebo after a 10-hour fast, with treatments separated by a one-week. Serial blood samples were collected pre-consumption and at specified intervals post-ingestion. Our novel LC-MS/MS method simultaneously quantified biotin, nicotinamide, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and thiamin, while additional assays measured calcium, zinc, folate, and vitamin C. Area-under-the-curve (AUC₀₋ₜ) was calculated to assess nutrient bioavailability.
Results:The nutritional supplement consumption resulted in significantly higher plasma AUC₀₋ₜ (p
Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that vitamins in the supplement are effectively absorbed into circulation following consumption. The developed LC-MS/MS method provided efficient, simultaneous analysis of B vitamins, confirming that complex powder blends of vitamins are suitable formats for micronutrient supplementation without compromising nutrient bioavailability