Digital Commons Network^™

Suffering Sappho! Female Friendships In Superhero Comics, 1940s To 1960s And Today, Hannah R. Costelle

Honors Theses

Comic book superheroines are the goddesses of modern times; they are the ideal beautiful, powerful women of America’s collective imagination whom girls have looked up to and emulated for decades. But these iconic examples of womanhood usually lack one of the key elements of humanity that enrich real women’s lives, an element that has been proven to increase women’s autonomy and confidence: female friendships. Wonder Woman may have led armies of female friends in the 1940s when superheroines first appeared in the comics pages, but by the 1950s and ‘60s, female characters confiding in one another and working together in …

"Literally Psycho"--Empathy For Those Who Have None, Through The Use Of Literature, Tyla Poindexter

Honors Theses

In today’s society, the word “Psychopath” gets thrown around very easily. But does society really know what it means to truly be a clinically diagnosed Psychopath? This thesis is all about uncovering the truth about what Psychopathy looks like, how Psychopathy is handled in the courtroom, and why people should not despise, but have empathy for Psychopaths. This was accomplished by writing a thrilling short story about a young clinical psychologist by the name of Dr. T Campbell who is assigned to interview a very charismatic man named Peter Vetrov for the court. Peter has been deemed guilty of 3 …

Mindfulness In Education: A Literary Analysis And Program Proposal, Halle Graham

Honors Theses

The purpose of this work is to understand the potential impact of introducing mindfulness meditation and other contemplative practices to the United States Public Education System. Broken into two main components, the first section of this work is a literary analysis. Relevant studies on mental health in children and adolescents are analyzed in order to understand the state of mental wellbeing among the sample group. Research studies on integrating mindfulness into institutions (public and private schools, children’s summer camps) are also evaluated in order to understand the applications of mindfulness practices in terms of children and adolescents. Overall, the research …

“Keeping Down The Underground:” The Underrated Value Of Indie Music Scenes As Economic Development Tools For Small American Cities, Meghan Mckinney

Honors Theses

Indie music holds the largest share of the global music market and is a multibillion-dollar industry. On a more local scale, indie music can contribute significant revenue to small American cities through locally owned independent record stores, live venues, and festivals. Each of these elements, with the addition of the people involved in indie music in a variety of capacities, interacts within a centralized location known as an indie music scene. Collectively, these scenes can generate massive amounts of revenue through music sales, ticket sales, tourism, and various other business offerings. To the small cities in which these scenes operate, …

Application Of Neural Networks For Intelligent Video Game Character Artificial Intelligences, Simon D. Mikulcik

Honors Theses

Much of today’s gaming culture pushes for increased realism and believability. While these movements have led to much more realistic graphics, we also need to keep in mind the behavior of artificial intelligence characters also in the game. Neural Networks are complicated data structures that have shown potential to learn and interpret complex behavior. This research analyzes the application of neural network as primary controllers for video game characters’ artificial intelligence. The paper considers the existing artificial intelligence techniques, and the existing uses of neural networks. It then describes a project in which a video game was created to serve …

A Correlative Study Of Epidemiological Mortality And Morbidity Rates: Appalachian Vs Non-Appalachian Counties Within Kentucky, Nicholas E. Vossenberg, Lindsay Calderon

Honors Theses

In this study, differences in mortality rates were statistically analyzed between Kentucky Appalachian County Populations (KACP) and Kentucky Non-Appalachian County Populations (KnACP) for 2013. Health – risk factors and socio – economic conditions were also assessed to determine if they put KACP at a higher risk of the five most common causes of death in Kentucky. Estill County, a KACP, was also specifically examined for its mortality and health – risk factor rates. By examining the 2013 database provided by the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was determined that …

Gunning For Gun Control: A State By State Analysis Of The Effects Of Gun Control Policies On Firearm Mortality Rates, Jade L. Robinson

Honors Theses

Gun control is not a new concept; however, due to the growing amount of supporting non profits and recent mass shootings, gun control is becoming a common topic both amongst researchers and the general public. Currently, gun control is a state issue and thus should be studied on a state by state basis. This study examines state gun control policies and firearm mortality rates to determine if there is a correlation between gun control policies and the firearm mortality rate. The years covered by this study were 2000-2014 and nine states were sampled. Two out of the nine states were …

Occupational Differences In Play Between Monolingual And Bilingual Children In Kentucky, Miranda Massey

Honors Theses

This study looked at the occupational differences between monolingual and bilingual children in the state of Kentucky. The children were ages 7-12 years old and were divided into three categories: monolingual English-speaking, monolingual Spanish-speaking, and bilingual English and Spanish-speaking. Each child and their parent/guardian was interviewed to collect data on play habits to determine if language was a factor in the play choices. Subjects were selected through convenience sampling over social media and by word-of-mouth. From all possible participants collected, one child from each category was chosen for the interview process.

The process itself consisted of a 50 question child …

The Theoretical Application And Comparison Of The Olfactory Sensory Organs In Swine Vs Canines For Accelerant And Explosives Detection, Naomi M. Sigler

Honors Theses

Swine may be able to work alongside scent detection canines, or replace them completely, in the scent detection field. Miniature pigs are the focus of this study since their larger counterparts can cause damage to potential evidence and to the scene itself. Ignitable Liquid Residues (ILRs) are searched for in post-fire conditions, and unconsumed explosives are searched for in major transportation hubs. Swine have more functional olfactory genes and less pseudogenes than humans, canines, and mice. Swine also have a highly functioning and exceedingly organized olfactory system. Swine are social creatures, which allows them to bond with a distinct handler. …

Stronger Together: The Reality Of Humanities Curriculum In A Stem Focused Era, Morgan Dalton

Honors Theses

The world of education is constantly changing. However, the way the pendulum is currently swinging has placed the Humanities, what has been seen as the framework since ancient times, under attack. Currently, that pendulum has become predominately focused on STEM education, and many budget cuts are being made to any part of the curriculum that does not fall under that category. This is not only seen in college and the job market, but in K-12 education. Pre-service teachers focusing on a STEM subject are often offered more incentives. Many college bound students are also shying away from the arts, especially …

Identifying And Preventing Insider Threats, Matthew D. Waters

Honors Theses

Insider threats, or attacks against a company from within, are a pressing issue both domestically and internationally. Frequencies of these threats increase each year adding to the overall importance of further research analysis. In fact, many case studies have been conducted which state that these employees who participate in insider attacks tend to exhibit certain personality and characteristic traits, as well as certain observable behaviors, that would indicate to other employees that an attack is imminent. It is hypothesized that companies will be able to take a more preventative stance of security as opposed to a reactive stance by identifying …

What Works? A Meta-Analysis Of Quantitative Studies Regarding Heroin Policy, Maddy R. Swiney

Honors Theses

This project aimed to aid legislators by presenting quantitative evidence on what policies existing literature supports as working in dealing with the problem of heroin use in order to shift policies to a more effective approach. Chi Square analysis of 100 quantitative studies revealed that there is a relationship between the type of approach and outcome of the study, indicating that maintenance-focused approaches are more likely to work than the other approaches examined. The study concluded that, while the literature finds consensus on the idea that “maintenance works”, the details of implementation cause disagreement between fields; overall, maintenance works for …

Winter Ecology And Behavior Of Eastern Towhees At Taylor Fork Ecological Area, Megan Martin

Honors Theses

The Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythropthalmus) is a type of sparrow, which has declined in number by about 50% since the mid-1960s. Since both their summer and winter habitat use is affected by changes in the prevailing vegetation, it is possible that the declining populations are a result of factors in both breeding and nonbreeding seasons. The objective of the study was to describe the behavior, habitat use, and foraging habits of the Eastern Towhee during the winter at a site in central Kentucky. Nine Towhees were captured, radio-tagged, and tracked using homing and triangulation for a total of …

Oil Dries Used In Arson Scenes: New Absorbent Material, Jessica D. Dove

Honors Theses

In many fire investigation cases, it is hard to find evidence that will lead to the cause or person that started the fire, especially within arson scenes. Because of this, the identification of ignitable liquids is critical to an arson investigation. Obtaining enough evidential information from the scene is key if arson is suspected. Many scenes involve ignitable liquids that have been poured onto furniture or carpets, allowing the ignitable liquid to easily be collected. However, in some investigations ignitable liquids are poured onto semi-porous surfaces such as concrete. Collection of these materials is difficult. Oil dries are absorbents commonly …

Cultural Appropriation And Fashion: A Line To Clarify The Line, Lauren N. Holloway

Honors Theses

In this creative project, the idea of cultural appropriation in fashion is explored and interpreted into mood boards and garment sketches inspired by different cultures. Cultural appropriation occurs when dominant groups take or “borrow” styles from marginalized groups, who face oppression or have been stigmatized for their cultural practices throughout history. In order to prevent appropriation from happening in fashion, it is important to educate and implement certain business styles in order to stay ethical. Understanding the history of cultural appropriation is important in moving forward and cutting down on the phenomenon in the fashion industry. By looking at examples …

The Calusa And Early Spanish Settlement: An Archaeological-Historic Analysis Of Early European Contact In Southern Florida, Rylan Cromer

Honors Theses

In 1513 Juan Ponce de León led an expedition force to explore the western coastline of Florida as part of a mission for the Spanish Crown to map the Gulf of Mexico and determine the capability of the area to potentially support Spanish colonization attempts. Instead, León established first contact with a powerful native society that successfully drove León and his fleet of three ships from their shores with nothing more than bows and basic dugout canoes. For nearly a century afterward, the mere presence of these people, the Calusa, was enough to limit Spanish settlement to the Eastern coastline …

The Educational Experience: Understanding The Voices Of Students With And Without Specific Learning Disorders, Morgan A. Wood

Honors Theses

Elementary school is a pivotal time during a child’s development in cognition, social behaviors and relationships, and development of self. For students who may have significant academic disabilities, resulting in a diagnosis of a Specific Learning Disorder, this time can be more difficult than their “typical” learning peers. Intervention techniques have been developed and implemented; however, academic success is defined as increased standardized test scores. Little research has been done regarding these students’ emotional and social success within their prescribed intervention technique. It is the aim of this study to strive to understand the voices of students with specific learning …

"El Bloqueo" And The Initial Changes To Expect In Cuba Following Its Repeal, Justin B. Asher

Honors Theses

This document seeks the answer to the question, "What will happen when the Embargo in place against Cuba by the U. S. government is lifted?" This question undoubtedly came to the front of many Americans’ minds when President Obama announced on December 17,2014 that the United States and Cuba would begin diplomatic relations by opening embassies in the capital city of one another's state. It uses various sources to define the Cuban Embargo and the events that led to its manifestation, the current state of affairs with Cuba (roughly 2 years after the announcement). While the United States seeks a …

Research Methods Used To Study Pharmacological Intervention Of Nicotine-Induced Breast Cancer Formation And Metastasis, Bethany Breakall

Honors Theses

The effects of iPLA₂β (Ca²⁺-independent Phospholipase A₂β) and MMP-9 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-9) have been a recent focus of research in the progression of cancer cell proliferation and migration. However, their roles are not entirely known, especially concerning nicotine-induced breast cancer cell advancement. The purpose of this study was to determine the involvement of iPLA₂β in nicotine-induced breast cancer cell proliferation. BEL (bromoenol lactone), a suicide inhibitor of iPLA₂β, was hypothesized to attenuate nicotine-induced breast cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. Following the BEL treatment, the in-vitro results exhibited a significant decrease …

The Canine Genome: Discoveries, Applications, And Future Potential, Rachael Lander

Honors Theses

A frequent question that educators often encounter is: what is the value of learning? Does knowledge have an inherent value, or should there be an economic benefit? The results of the collaborative efforts to determine the nucleotide sequence of the canine genome were used as a platform to assess these thesis statements. A literature review, practical experience in the laboratory, and interviews with several genome scientists of the contributions of the efforts to determine the genome sequence of the domestic dog, and the biomedical contributions that have been made to both canine and human health demonstrate the inherent value of …

How To Save A Life: The Effect Of Message Format And Strength On Persuasiveness In Public Safety Messages, Katherine A. Lauber

Honors Theses

Public Safety messages aim to get important messages out to the general public. This study seeks to examine how message format and content are interconnected and the role they play within persuasion. The study is a 2x2 design, with the tested variables being central message versus peripheral message and text format versus video format. Participants will self-report interest level in the topic of toxins in household products before viewing a message on the topic, then self-report after. Results concluded that those with high initial interest were less persuaded than those with low initial interest, but central cues were more persuasive …

Qualitative And Quantitative Analysis Of Commercial Dna Swabs And Kits, Shelby L. Banks

Honors Theses

With the use of DNA becoming increasingly more important in the field of forensics, the analysis of DNA extraction kits and collection swabs is significant. This researches main objective was to find a protocol that extracts the highest quantity and quality amount of DNA from human buccal swabs. Three extraction kits (Zymo Research Quick – gDNA MiniPrep Capped Column DNA Kit, a Bioline Isolate II Genomic DNA Kit, and Invitrogen PureLink Genomic DNA Kit) were tested with three different swabs (standard cotton swabs, Puritan foam swabs, and Isohelix DNA buccal swabs). Following procedures outline by the DNA kits distributors, DNA …

Combating Religious Divisiveness With Cosmopolitanism, Patrick K. Carter

Honors Theses

This thesis examines cosmopolitanism as a potential means of preventing conflicts between religious groups. In order to effectively determine what cosmopolitanism might be capable of accomplishing in this regard, religious interactions are examined during two major historical events – the Crusades and World War II. This thesis studies both of these events with the intention of identifying cosmopolitan behaviors and non-cosmopolitan behaviors, and determining how these behaviors impacted the relationships between the religious groups involved. Later, obstacles that stand between religious groups and cosmopolitanism are acknowledged, and methods of overcoming those obstacles are discussed. This thesis finds that the proceedings …

Isolating Factors That Influence Grazing Patterns In Dairy Cattle, Julia N. Barney Mrs.

Honors Theses

Factors influencing grazing patterns were identified utilizing remote sensors on lactating Holstein and Brown Swiss dairy cattle in order to recommend efficient management techniques to dairy farmers. Over the course of three separate two week periods- one in the spring, summer and fall- data was collected on the dairy herd at Eastern Kentucky University’s Meadowbrook Farm. Approximately 18 cows were used each trial period; half being Brown Swiss and the other half being Holstein. Data was collected via CowManager ear tags, which tracked the five behavioral patterns of eating, ruminating, high, medium, and no activity. These activities served as dependent …

Livesafe: Increasing Bystander Intervention At Eastern Kentucky University, Katie Victoria Scott

Honors Theses

This paper reviews the procurement and implementation of the LiveSafe safety application at Eastern Kentucky University and its impact on increasing bystander intervention for the campus community. LiveSafe was launched on February 1, 2016, and all data is based off the first ten weeks of availability (February 1^st to April 10^th). Metrics that will be reviewed and compared include “safe walks,” reported tips, and emergency messages. Because of the novelty of cellphone safety applications, there is little scholarship on the empirical impact of these application or the perception of students in regards to their safety on campuses …

Breaking The Myth Of The Audiopile, Steven C. Campbell 5490829

Honors Theses

For years analog audio equipment has been deemed superior to its digital counterpart. Most musicians, casual listeners, and audiophiles agree that tube based amplifiers, PA systems, and other tube-based equipment produce better sound quality. This can also be seen in the price difference in solid-state equipment compared to valve technology. Tube amps are even more fragile that transistor based amps. At a first glance this older technology seems to be more of a hassle or trend, rather than based off a deeper understanding of physics. By exploring the innards of analog sound reproduction equipment, the science behind the difference between …

The Effects Of The Alexander Technique On The Performance Of Music Students, Heather Amos

Honors Theses

This honors thesis paper looks into the injuries commonly experienced by musicians and how the addition of the Alexander Technique affects both the injury and the performance of the musician. The purpose of this research was to attempt to find a solution to the pain musicians suffer from Repetitive Strain Injuries through either a treatment or prevention process of using the Alexander Technique. Throughout the research, the main questions that guided the findings were: what is causing the injuries many musicians seem to develop, what are the current uses of the Alexander Technique, has anyone experimented with using the Alexander …

Beginning Band Pedagogy: Starting Students On The Path To Success, Jordan Riddell

Honors Theses

Beginning Band Pedagogy: Starting Students on the Path to Success

Jordan Riddell

Dr. Karin Sehmann, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

This research-based thesis outlines data on beginning band in order to discover an optimal method to starting band students to guarantee success in the field of music. The basis of this research is a review of current research literature, educator interviews, and a survey sent to beginning band directors. Interview responses were analyzed for consistencies among answers, and this was then applied to preexisting information from literature on the subject. Survey results were collected and analyzed, …

Knowledge And Attitudes Of Mothers On Neonatal Jaundice In Saravan, Iran, Allia Vaez

Honors Theses

The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of mothers in Saravan, Iran on neonatal jaundice, whether or not herbal remedies were being used, and if these herbal remedies were harming the neonates. 59 participants answered questions from a questionnaire delivered orally and answers were recorded and entered into a spreadsheet for analysis. 72.88% of the neonates of the mothers questioned had neonatal jaundice within the first 28 days of birth. 58.67% of mothers knew that neonatal jaundice was a “sign of serious illness” and “could damage the brain.” 97.73% of neonates with jaundice within the …

Students Perceptions Of Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities And The Impact Of Inclusion, Marissa Visse

Honors Theses

The objective of this study is to determine if inclusion of people identified with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has an impact on their typically developing peers as well as determining the perceptions that college students at EKU have of people with IDD. A survey was conducted online through Surveymonkey.com and was sent out to EKU students through email. There were 82 respondents to the survey. The survey consisted of questions on age, gender, and status at EKU of each participant and asked them questions about the perceptions they have of those with IDD and if they have been involved …