35989 research outputs found
Sort by
ETSU Today - Winter 2025
No full textIt is no exaggeration to say that Appalachia is one of the most vibrant and complex regions in America. Often overlooked, underestimated, and misunderstood, Appalachian communities are both incredibly resilient and uniquely vulnerable. The rugged and ancient mountain range for which the region is named inspires a deep connection to the land that is increasingly uncommon in modern society. A place of breathtaking, rough-hewn beauty, Appalachia has long inspired poets and artists who have cultivated a profoundly soulful artistic legacy. Far from the homogeneous stereotype often portrayed in the media, Appalachia is home to a vibrant culture, history, and experience that should be celebrated and studied. For centuries, the difficulties of traversing the region’s challenging topography encouraged a culture of self-reliance, creating and preserving unique cultural enclaves and folk traditions that both evoke our nation’s heritage and serve as a guide to a brighter future — one that might be built on kinship and deeply felt community connections. East Tennessee State University has stood at the center of this rich tapestry for more than a century. Since its founding in 1911, the university has remained focused on a singular mission, to improve the quality of life for people in the region. Throughout the pages of this magazine, you will find evidence of that work in action. In fact, I believe, no other university has done more to enhance life and promote prosperity in the Appalachian region than ETSU. From transforming the educational landscape of the region at the turn of the last century to driving economic growth in emerging and cutting- edge fields today; from caring for the physical well-being of the region’s citizens to nourishing their intellects and shared humanity, ETSU makes a tangible, meaningful difference in our communities. This mission and region-focused purpose are at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. Our goal is not simply to be a university of global distinction situated in Appalachia, but to be a distinctly Appalachian university whose excellence commands the attention and admiration of the world. We often talk about state flagship institutions. But at ETSU, our impact and reach go beyond state lines. We are the flagship of Appalachia — and we fly that flag proudly. Godspeed, and go Bucs! - Brian Noland, Presidenthttps://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-today/1047/thumbnail.jp
Diversity in Beauty Brand Marketing on Instagram: The Case of Fenty Beauty
No full textDiversity in beauty brand marketing is increasingly important as platforms like Instagram shape consumer perceptions. This study analyzes how Fenty Beauty, MAC Cosmetics, and L’Oréal represent diversity, particularly skin tone, in their Instagram content, using source credibility theory and social identity theory. A content analysis was conducted to evaluate how visual elements relate to engagement, measured by likes, comments, and shares. Findings show that Fenty Beauty features more dark-skinned models than its competitors. However, posts with darker-skinned models do not receive higher engagement. Instead, factors like model attractiveness and hair type, especially curly hair, drive interaction. Although Fenty’s posts generally garner higher engagement, the limited impact of skin tone alone suggests that representation does not directly translate into audience interaction. This study adds to digital branding scholarship by revealing the complex dynamics between inclusivity and engagement in beauty marketing on social media
Management of a Patient in Septic Shock with Necrotizing Fasciitis and Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Get PDFEach 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 physical exam the patient was cold, bradycardic at 52 bpm, and hypotensive at 100/58 mmHg. Examination of the legs showed wounds on both feet with gangrenous necrosis and visible bugs crawling from old bandages. Lab results showed significant values of blood glucose of 841mg/dL, creatinine of 2.62, WBC count of 15.6K/uL, and lactate of 2.5mmol/L. The patient received 2L of normal saline in-route and an additional 1L on arrival. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were started with vancomycin, cefepime, and clindamycin. Norepinephrine was begun at 6mcg/min, and insulin started for elevated blood glucose. CT scan showed subcutaneous gas in the left lower extremity, general surgery was consulted for necrotizing fasciitis and performed above knee amputation. Post-operative complications included: blood cultures growing group B streptococcus, severe hypernatremia, and acute kidney injury. The patient was successfully discharged to rehabilitation facility after 2 months. This case focuses on the importance of rapid recognition of sepsis and adherence to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines. Future education should be dedicated to improving public knowledge of the warning signs of sepsis to increase early recognition. Treatment of this patient required a multi-disciplinary team and would not have been successful if not for well-trained providers with up-to-date knowledge of guidelines
Forecasting Lung and Colon Cancer Mortality Trends in Jamaica and the U.S. Using Multivariate Time Series Analysis
Get PDFLung 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 12 years beyond 2014. A comparative analysis will then be conducted to identify disparities, similarities, and potential factors influencing mortality differences between the two countries. Model selection and validation are conducted using statistical performance metrics such as Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) to ensure the most accurate forecasting models. To enhance predictive robustness, Monte Carlo simulation techniques generate probabilistic forecasts, accounting for variability in future mortality trends. This study provides data-driven insights into lung and colon cancer mortality trends in Jamaica and the U.S. By integrating multivariate forecasting and simulation approaches, this research contributes to the development of advanced statistical models for understanding and predicting cancer mortality, aiding in future public health planning and policy development. Keywords: Cancer Mortality, Time Series Analysis, VARMA, Multivariate Forecasting, Monte Carlo Simulation, Predictive Analytics, Public Health, Geographic Analysis: Jamaica, U.S
From Game of Thrones to Romantasy: Representing the Female Experience in Medievalist Fantasy
Get PDFThis thesis seeks to understand to extent to which fantasy media is founded upon patriarchal tendencies, the ramifications of which affect the publishing industry today. To define fantasy, I use J.R.R. Tolkien’s definition which includes a secondary world with rules that contradict those of our own world but that are understandable within the context of that world. Particularly, I explore the origins of medievalist fantasy stories, with the understanding that this particular branch of fantasy media (which emphasizes tropes and idealizations of the Middle Ages) creates the basis for the modern cultural schema of fantasy. With medievalist intentions come an inherent tendency toward misogyny embedded within the systems and storylines of fantasy media that then become normalized in the pursuit of “realistically” portraying a medieval-inspired world. I posit that the use of sexual violence and nonconsensual sexual narratives within medievalist fantasy is representative of patriarchal limitations and the male gaze within fantasy today. I then contrast those with narratives, of fantasy literature in particular, which emphasize consent and romance within portrayals of sexual scenarios, which have become immensely popular in the last decade. In contrasting these two narratives, as well as how they are received by readers and discussed within popular discourse, I find that the medievalist fantasy schema privileges the male gaze at the expense of female readers and even female fantasy authors in the publishing world. On the other hand, the current popularity of fantasy novels written by women, often with romantic plotlines, demonstrates the possibility of a fantasy schema that values the female experience as well
Racial and Geographic Disparities in Primary Care Transitions for Postpartum Women with Gestational Diabetes and Hypertension in South Carolina
No full textIntroduction Gestational diabetes (GDM) and gestational hypertension (GH) are significant public health issues with lasting implications for maternal and child health (MCH). Despite clinical guidelines recommending postpartum care for all women, especially those with chronic conditions, less than 50% receive a visit within 12 months of childbirth. Recent policy changes extend postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months. This study assessed differences in postpartum care visits by race/ethnicity and geography after the extension of postpartum coverage in South Carolina. Methods A retrospective cohort of 27,056 women (aged 20-44) who gave birth in 2021 were analyzed using Medicaid claims data. Primary outcomes included visit to any postpartum care, primary care, and obstetrics care further stratified into different time-periods. Independent variables included race/ethnicity and geographical location. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with MCH key partners to verify postpartum coverage expansion in South Carolina.
Results Aim 1 KIIs confirmed the implementation of the extended Medicaid postpartum coverage. However, provider and beneficiary awareness gaps, enrollment barriers, and communication issues were identified. Aim 2 Overall, 63.72% of women utilized postpartum care within 12 months. Proportion of visits among non-Hispanic White mothers (70.38%) was higher than non-Hispanic Other (62.4%) and Hispanic (31.3%; p\u3c0.001) mothers. Adjusted analysis noted a substantial lower odds of postpartum visits among Hispanic (AOR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.17-0.25) mothers. Women residing in rural areas (66.57%) had higher odds (AOR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.05-1.18) of postpartum care visits compared to urban residents (62.58%). Individuals with GDM (66.09%) and GH (71.01%) were more likely (AOR:1.17; 95% CI: 1.07-1.27 and AOR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.39-1.58, respectively) to utilize postpartum care compared to those without these conditions. Aim 3 No significant differences were found in postpartum care utilization between rural and urban groups within racial categories. However, larger disparities between urban White and both rural and urban Hispanic women were seen, suggesting that racial disparities in postpartum care are more pronounced than geographic ones among women with chronic conditions. Conclusion The extension of Medicaid Postpartum Coverage doesn’t seem sufficient, targeted interventions are needed to address both racial/ethnic and geographic disparities in postpartum care utilization
FabriNation: Procedural Systems in Game Design
Get PDFProcedural and parametric methods have brought the automated creation of digital assets, with the assistance of tools made with procedural algorithms has allowed for a semi-automated and non-destructive workflow for the creation of finely detailed and high-quality assets in game design and more. This paper explores the important tools and methods that are used to create these assets and custom tools made for the creation of these assets, concerning three-dimensional models and game maps that can be generated at runtime. Tool creators can use rules, noise, modifiers, and generative algorithms to give users the ability to create massive content with minimal input of time and attention. The right tool can dramatically reduce production time while supplying a more consistent result for uses in interactive media, film, and simulations
Effects of pH on Product Yield of One-electron Oxidation to Guanine Derivatives
Get PDFOne-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). The current study aims at understanding the mechanisms of photooxidation of guanine derivatives with OEO in acidic medium. D1A* and D1B*, which are the products of dGuo in acidic medium, were obtained from dGuo upon photolysis at 485 nm of the reaction mixture in the presence of S2O82- as the oxidant and Ru(II)(bpy)32+ as a photosensitizer. D1A* and D1B* were purified by semi-preparative HPLC, and their structures were confirmed by 1H-NMR. Results indicate that the OEO of isolated D1A* and D1B* does not produce D2* in acidic medium and were fairly stable at physiological conditions, which indicates that the structures of D1A*, D1B*, and D2* are different from the structures of D1A, D1B, and D2, respectively
Not Just a Good Ole Boys Club: Studying the Personal, Performance, and Professional Roles of Women in Bluegrass
Get PDFThis study investigates gender disparities in professional bluegrass music. Through a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative data from festival lineups and qualitative interviews with six professional female bluegrass musicians, this research provides a comprehensive view of gender dynamics in the industry. The quantitative analysis of eight major festivals in the Appalachian region reveals that women comprise on 8.87% of performers on average, indicating systemic exclusion. Qualitative data from interviews and participant observations at Blue Highway Fest explores the social and institutional practices that sustain these disparities, revealing roles such as the “singer girl” sex appeal, manager, and token female. This research suggests that while individual successes exist, broader structural changes are needed for gender equity and representation in the field
Effects of Adolescent Nicotine Exposure on Acute and Chronic Ethanol Consumption in a Heritable Model of Psychosis
No full textSchizophrenia (SZ) is characterized by sensorimotor gating deficits, disordered thought processes, and hallucinations. Individuals diagnosed with SZ often exhibit comorbid substance abuse, particularly nicotine and alcohol (EtOH) use disorder. Our laboratory has established a novel heritable model of schizophrenia administering neonatal quinpirole (NQ), a dopamine (DA) D2-like receptor agonist (1 mg/kg), which results in permanent increases of DAD2 receptor sensitivity throughout the animal\u27s lifetime. We have shown offspring of male-female pairs of NQ-treated rats (QQ) demonstrate heritability of increased DAD2 sensitivity, consistent with clinical data. In the current study, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats that were postnatal day (PND) 28-48 days of age were given a two-bottle choice (2BC) test with water or water with 10% ethanol for 24 hours daily. On each day, animals were administered intraperitoneal (IP) injections of nicotine (0.6 mg/kg base). We assessed drinking of EtOH at the 3- and 6-h post-injection time points. Chronic drinking was assessed based on 24-h drinking measurements. Following 21-days of EtOH/nicotine exposure, nicotine injections and EtOH ceased from PND 49-62. During this period, locomotor activity was recorded as a measurement of withdrawal over 4 days of testing. In adulthood, a 2BC test was also conducted from PND 63-76. Results revealed adolescent nicotine exposure enhanced EtOH drinking in QQ animals. During withdrawal, QQ females given nicotine demonstrated enhanced locomotor activity and showed lack of habituation compared to other groups. Significant enhancement of acute EtOH following nicotine administration was also observed at the 3- and 6-h marks for the quinpirole (QQ) rats in adolescence compared to control (SS) rats at PND 63. Prefrontal cortex oxidative stress is being assessed using a TBARS assay (data will be presented). Findings suggest that adolescent exposure to nicotine and ethanol can have long-lasting effects on EtOH consumption in a heritable model of psychosis