Digital Commons Network^™

Views From Above: Recent Forest History In The Far North Of Madagascar, Nathanael R. Bartosch

Honors Theses

This study is a spatial analysis of the forests west of Mt. d’Ambre National Park in the far northern portion of Madagascar. This area has little spatial, ethnographic, or historic data pertaining to the environment. After a research trip to this area from June to August 2017, the need for a temporal study of forest change materialized. Utilizing Landsat data, NDVIs were generated to assess forest cover density from 1978 to 2018. This spatial analysis saw deforestation across the study area. Deforestation in this area is mainly caused by agriculture, large foreign companies, recent immigration, and local exploitation of timber …

Poverty And Eastern Kentucky School Districts: An Analysis Of Effective Interventions That Lead To Academic Success, Jessica Dobbs

Honors Theses

Poverty is a persistent cycle that plagues the United States, but specifically Eastern Kentucky. This is especially evident within the school districts there. This data was collected in order to help highlight the magnitude of poverty within Eastern Kentucky and its’ impact on the academic success of the students. When analyzing data from the Kentucky School Report Card from the 2016-2017 school year, twenty-four counties were identified as having at least 75% of the student population within the district qualifying for free & reduced lunch. After the identification of those twenty-four counties, the elementary K-Prep Proficiency and Distinguished scores for …

The Effects Of The Relationship Between Racism And The Environment On Personal Health, Hannah M. Batsche

Honors Theses

Substantial research evidence suggests that racial and ethnic minority groups living in America do not have the same access and opportunities for maximized health as their white counterparts. Factors of the environment, termed social determinates of health, explain this phenomenon. There are five social determinates of health which are influenced by racism: education, economic stability, neighborhood and built environment, health and healthcare, and social and community context. Research has been conducted in various populations on how the relationship between racism and the five social determinants of health negatively affect the health of individuals. However, little research has been conducted in …

Advertising In A World Full Of Human Trafficking: How Advertising And Human Trafficking Coincide, April M. Cherry

Honors Theses

As a young woman, I have been groomed to worry about the consequences of what I wear, what I say, and how I interact with men. My grandma is constantly sending me emails with new information on sexual assault or kidnapping cases around the area in which I live. I see articles about human trafficking schemes on my news feed almost weekly. As a young woman, I am conditioned to be on guard at all times because the dangers of being abducted or attacked, specifically trafficked, are portrayed to be more likely than they truly are. Why is this? Why …

Abstract Assassination: How Police Militarization Has Contributed To The Rise Of “Swatting”, Lucas A. Carrico

Honors Theses

In recent decades, police militarization has firmly planted itself at the forefront of academic discourse in institutions of higher learning around the globe. Various stances, positions, and theories have been extolled as to its origins, implications, and repercussions; however, this decade has produced what is arguably the most tangible embodiment of police militarization as a whole: swatting. Ostensibly a prank, this phenomenon entails the false reporting of a serious crime with the covert intention of this report being to direct as many heavily armed police officers to a location as possible. This phenomenon has become increasingly popular in the world …

The Physics Of Cheerleading: Force Production Of Cheerleading Stunts, Kacy Eckley

Honors Theses

This study aims to determine the ground reaction forces that are encountered by bases and flyers of a co-ed stunt group when performing a basic toss, a toss hands, and a toss extension. The ground reaction forces of other activities, such as those encountered in figure skating and gymnastics, have previously been studied, but the forces produced by cheerleaders have never before been tested. Data was collected by having cheerleading stunt groups (four males and three females) perform trials of each stunt on force plates. The data showed that both the base and flyer were exposed to large ground reaction …

Fast Drivers, Slow Progress: An Investigation Of Evidence-Based Protocols In Kentucky Emergency Medical Services, Stuart Jones

Honors Theses

Emergency medical services (EMS) is responsible for the prehospital management of medical emergencies. EMS professionals operate under the license of a practicing physician, or “medical director.” The skills and procedures which EMS providers may perform are outlined as written “protocols.” To investigate the evidence-based nature (or lack thereof) of EMS protocols, a convenience sample of ground EMS agencies within the state of Kentucky which provide ALS-level patient care was used. This sample consisted of agencies of varying run volumes that were located across all major geographic regions of the state. Twenty six agencies constituted the final sample. The full list …

Catching The Perfect Serial Killer: How Bacterial Evidence Can Be Used To Advance A Forensic Investigation, Catherine Wood

Honors Theses

Catching the Perfect Serial Killer: How Bacterial Evidence Can Advance a Forensic Investigation is a short story and process statement that serves to bring attention to the forensic possibilities that the field application of bacterial evidence presents. This project also allows individuals not familiar with the field to have a better understanding as to how bacterial evidence could be used to link a perpetrator to their crime. The short story, Catching the Perfect Serial Killer, follows Professor Amanda Newman at the University of California. A serial killer in her neighborhood leaves no forensic evidence behind. When the FBI takes …

Is Organic Food More Nutritious?, Allyson Bridewell

Honors Theses

Organically grown food has the notion that it is healthier than its conventionally grown counterparts. There is substantial research that has been done on the effects of pesticides on produce and how these foreign chemicals have negative effects on the environment and the people consuming these chemicals. While this is a known fact, the big question is if organic food is more nutritious than its conventional counter parts. There is minimal research on the actual nutritional quality of organically grown produce versus conventionally grown produce. Various studies have looked at vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. There are many discrepancies among the …

Historical Text And Historical Archaeology: Hunting The Narrative Of Kievan Rus, Ivory M. Spears

Honors Theses

This paper focuses on the historical narrative of Kievan Rus between 860 to 1240 and the importance of historical archaeology in order to gain a clearer understanding of its history. Very few sources written in the 9^th to 13th centuries in Rus survive today. The Primary Chronicle is the most widely known and available account of the history of Rus for historians to use. However, scholars utilize the chronicle with caution because the original oldest surviving chronicle was written almost two centuries after the first dated entry. We can expect that not everything written in the chronicles was accurate …

Geochemistry Of Surface Waters And Groundwater At Eku’S Meadowbrook Farm, Madison County, Kentucky, Reid E. Buskirk

Honors Theses

Agricultural activities often contaminate watersheds with excess nutrients leading to poor water quality and eutrophication. Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Meadowbrook Farm raises crops and livestock, which contribute dissolved nutrients to the neighboring Muddy Creek watershed. Our goal is to understand Farm water geochemistry to develop methods to sequester phosphorous and limit nutrient contamination.

During the Cindy storm event, concentration of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Na⁺ within baseline source waters decreased with increasing discharge through the weir. This behavior represents dilution of Farm groundwater by storm precipitation. However, K⁺ spiked concurrently with increased discharge then progressively …

An Analysis Of Human Trafficking In The Southeastern United States: Improving Law Enforcement Training & Techniques, Katherine N. Wyant

Honors Theses

Human trafficking is an international criminal phenomenon that disregards human morals and beliefs. The United States is not immune to these heinous acts that unfortunately remain largely unseen by law enforcement and legal authorities. This research present s a comprehensive analysis of the crime in the southeastern region of the United States. By focusing on the region, and more specifically the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the research provides valuable insights to both the states within the focus region, as well as states across the country. Research topics on human trafficking vary greatly; however, this research considers existing laws in order to …

Traditional Art Therapy Techniques Versus Digital Art Therapy Techniques: A Comparison Using Sand Play, Kaitlyn Ralston

Honors Theses

Art Therapy is a growing field that has its basis in tactile experiences, whether those experiences involve paint, clay, sand, paper, or anything else you can imagine. These techniques all focus on the tactile nature of the process to facilitate therapeutic practices. However, many who would benefit greatly from art therapy are unable to utilize the tactile methods due to sensory limitations. Thus, the problem of how to facilitate art therapy with these clients arises. One solution to the problem would be to look to the digital realm. Unfortunately, not many digital applications exist to facilitate these art therapy practices. …

Analyzing The Benefits Of Occupational Therapy Within Palliative Care For Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review, Erin Pyle

Honors Theses

Palliative care is a holistic approach to care for individuals with serious or terminal illnesses. Palliative care has been shown to be especially beneficial for individuals with a cancer diagnosis. With the incidence of cancer in the United States on the rise, palliative care is a relevant and valuable service. The team that delivers palliative care is multidisciplinary and includes a variety of healthcare providers as well as professionals for emotional and spiritual support. Occupational therapy is beginning to be included within this team. Occupational therapy has also been shown to improve performance and function in individuals with cancer. This …

When Law Enforcement And Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder Meet: Asd Knowledge And Confidence In Law Enforcement Officers In The Commonwealth Of Kentucky, Nicholas P. Hoffmann

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to examine the current training practices, as well as the knowledge and confidence that law enforcement officers possessed with regards to interacting with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as reported by the officers. It is expected that the level of training will be highly inadequate in the Commonwealth of Kentucky due to lack of available training and resources available to officers, as well as the lack of mental health training requirements. This project does not seek to criticize officers, but rather to assess the current overall status of their training as well as …

Activism As A Source Of Strength For Black College Students At Predominately White Institutions, Caroline M. Reid

Honors Theses

Racism is deeply ingrained in American society, and white supremacy and the oppression of people of color has greatly contributed to the establishment of the very institutions that continue to perpetuate its existence today. Racism manifests itself in a variety of ways, and its most constant and daily appearance is in instances of microaggressions. These experiences contribute to feelings of invisibility, frustration, and anger, an experience known as racism-related stress, which research has shown to severely and negatively impact mental health. In order to combat the insidious effects of racism, Black Americans have utilized coping mechanisms for generations. This resiliency …

Ripple Effect: An Examination Of Surfing As A Force For Positive, Lasting Personal And Societal Change, Sam A. Hayworth

Honors Theses

This study aims to demonstrate how the spiritual, sacred, and metaphysical components of surfing empower the activity as a force for positive, personal and societal change in a community. While many surfers are drawn to surfing for its spiritual attributes, traceable to its roots in ancient Polynesia, there are many others who embrace the sport for purely non-spiritual reasons. Quantitative data was collected by the research team to show how the differing views of these two groups of surfers affect three main areas: environmental ethics, personal growth and maturation, and general community outreach. The results of the study proved all …

Give Me A Break: The Effects Of Recess In Rural Elementary Schools, Nancy E. Allen

Honors Theses

A qualitative descriptive research approach was conducted to determine the effects of recess on rural elementary schools. Counties in Eastern Kentucky are predominantly rural and ranks among the lowest ten-percent of U.S. counties in poverty, income, and unemployment rate. These variables greatly affect the health and occupations of all citizens in this area, but the researcher looked specifically at its impact on elementary students. Principals and teachers in rural eastern Kentucky elementary schools were interviewed using semi-structured interview protocol about their opinions of recess in their schools and on students. Interview data was transcribed verbatim and analyzed for themes. Results …

The Emotional Bond Between A Horse And A Child With Autism During Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Sarah K. Cox

Honors Theses

This qualitative case study aimed to determine if the formation of an emotional bond between a horse and a child with the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during a Therapeutic Horseback Riding (TR) lesson is a key component to maximizing therapeutic benefits. Before collecting any data, it was initially hypothesized that this emotional bond was something that had to be established over time in order to be significant and a therapist should aim to use the same horse each time in order to maximize other positive therapeutic outcomes. Resources included in this case study will describe all of the …

The Race To Zero: Carbon Neutral Construction For Residential Buildings, Josh Grove

Honors Theses

Humanity’s impact on the environment is one of the issues at the forefront of the concerns of society. As more environmentally conscious generations become homeowners, there will be a trend towards the development and purchase of carbon neutral houses. This case study is based on 3D renderings produced from BEopt^TM (Building Energy Optimization), a software developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in support of the U.S. Department of Energy. The software provides a detailed simulation-based analysis that shows the affects that varying construction materials have on the energy consumption of a home. It also shows the how different …

An Exploration Of The Effects Of Parenting A Child Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Morgan Wherry

Honors Theses

There is an increasing prevalence of ASD diagnoses, which calls for more research on the caregivers. This study’s goal was to explore primary and secondary sources to identify themes of potential research within this topic. This study analyzed the existing literature and archival data to create seven themes: parental stress, stress-inducing ASD symptomology, ASD vs. other disorders, mothers vs. fathers, coping mechanisms of caregivers, substance use, and incarceration. A potential future research project idea is presented.

Diagnosis And Treatment Of Sylvia Plath And Virginia Woolf, Molly King

Honors Theses

Previous research indicates a correlation between creativity and psychopathology, particularly among female authors and poets, possibly heightening this group’s risk for suicide. This article aims to provide a psychohistory containing psychological evaluations and hypothetical treatments plans for two prominent female writers, Sylvia Plath and Virginia Woolf both of whom completed suicide. Primary source material such as Plath’s journals, Woolf’s diaries, and related autobiographies were used as supplemental data for the clinical assessment. Plath is argued to have hypothetically met today’s DSM-5 criteria for Major Depressive Disorder, and Woolf for Bipolar I Disorder in addition to trauma-related difficulties.

The Relationship Between Place And Depression: The Effects Of Socioeconomic Status On Mental Health In Mccreary County, Kentucky, Beth A. Vanover

Honors Theses

There is an increased rate of poor mental health days in McCreary County, Kentucky, related to low socioeconomic status compared to other counties in the Commonwealth. This correlation is shown by examining the area’s socioeconomic indicators, such as the population’s educational attainment, employment rates, average household income, rates of poverty, and comparing these statistics with the rate of poor mental health days. Additionally, as part of the current study, residents of McCreary County were interviewed to elicit feedback on ways in which living and working in McCreary County can contribute to a poor mental health. Subsequently, these qualitative interviews were …

Herzberg's Two Factor Theory Of Motivation: A Generational Study, Daniel T. Bevins

Honors Theses

Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory of Motivation: A Generational Study

Daniel T. Bevins

Dr. Beth Polin

Department of Management, Marketing, and International Business

This study attempts to fully investigate the well-researched and world-renowned theory—The Two Factor Theory of motivation by Frederick Herzberg. One might notice after being engulfed in the plentiful research of the theory that there is a gap in the research. There is no research on how the Two Factor theory differs among varying generations. This research paper attempts to fill that void by diving into a targeted study of Baby Boomers and Millennials. This study is focused on …

Recognizing The Beauty And Science Of Diversity: A Tale Of Orchidaceae, Claire M. Kelley

Honors Theses

This honors thesis is a study of the diversity of the Orchidaceae family and the use of science and art to describe that diversity. The scientific topics about orchid diversity that are discussed are morphology, pollinator relationships, and the biogeographical range of the orchid family. These topics helped narrow down the species that were used in the artistic side of this thesis. The artistic aspect of this thesis includes four pieces of artwork that illustrate the beauty of the Orchidaceae family by showcasing specific species and using different mediums to capture the family in all its beauty. The four pieces …

Optimization Of Camera Trapping Methods For Surveying Mesopredators In The Appalachian Foothills, Courtney R. Hayes

Honors Theses

The global decline of apex predators has allowed mesopredator populations to increase, a phenomenon described by the mesopredator release hypothesis (MRH). Some mesopredator species, however, are of conservation concern, such as the eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius). To assess camera deployment strategies and survey for the presence of eastern spotted skunks in the Appalachian Foothills, I conducted baited camera trap surveys in Kentucky, a state for which systematic methodological data is lacking. I surveyed 64 sites across 10 counties over more than 1,200 trap days from October 2017 to April 2018. I detected approximately 400 individual mesopredators of …

The History Of The Future: A Creative 26th Century Article On The 2016 Presidential Election, Spencer J. Chowning

Honors Theses

As technology has grown in recent decades, many fields of study have been affected. This thesis will consider how technology might continue to impact the field of the historian and what historical research and writing might look like in the distant future. This project will attempt to demonstrate the potential sources of a future historian, how those sources might have been stored, how historians might interpret those sources, and what historical writing itself might look like. This thesis will demonstrate these aspects in a creative manner in the form of a future historical scholarly article from the 26^th century …

Implementing The Coordinated-Transitional Care Program To Reduce All Cause Readmissions, Tonya Page

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Readmission to an acute care hospital are common, costly, and frequently avoidable. Transitions of care are critical to quality, safe patient care and increases effective prevention of readmissions. Although there is an abundance of knowledge related to causes of hospital readmissions and the effectiveness of preventative measures hospital readmission continue to plague healthcare organizations. A review of the literature was conducted, and 11 studies were reviewed and analyzed. The literature review showed evidence to support implementing a telephonic post-discharge follow-up protocol as an effective intervention to reduce hospital readmissions. The purpose of this project was to implement a telephonic, protocol-driven …

Implementing An Evidence Based Fall Prevention Program In A Long-Term Care Facility, Annie Schweikert

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Falls among the elderly are a significant problem with severe consequences. Residents of long-term facilities account for twenty percent of fatal falls. It is imperative that evidence-based practices be implemented at this level of care to address this problem. A multifaceted evidence-based fall prevention program was implemented at a 70 bed, skilled nursing, long-term care facility located in Florida, whose fall rate of 7.14 is above than the national average (2.74-5.48). The fall prevention program included staff education, implementation of a checklist for universal fall precautions, post fall huddles, and the appointment of a falls champion. One-month post intervention results …

Using An On-Line Educational Module To Increase Nurses' Conviction And Confidence In The Use Of The Teach-Back Method For Discharge Instructions, Allison S. Morrison

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Health literacy status can affect an individual’s ability to self-monitor and manage chronic conditions. It is not uncommon for patients to have difficulty comprehending key patient instructions. The role of the nurse in the hospital setting encompasses many facets which include patient teaching. Providing effective patient teaching is one role that many nurses do not feel confident in implementing. A sample of (N=18) nurses participated in on-line educational program to improve conviction and confidence in use of the teach-back method for delivery of discharge instructions. A pretest-posttest design was utilized and measured nurses’ conviction and confidence using the Conviction and …