Digital Commons Network^™

Educating Boldly: Enhancing The Social Studies Classroom With Real-World Examples And Safeguarding From Negative Indoctrination, Micah Brown

Honors College Theses

The purpose of this research is to describe the tradeoffs teachers face using current events and politics as examples in middle school history, government, and civics classrooms. It will discuss strategies to implement current events into the classroom and the careful balance we face in guarding against indoctrination, while also having students learn potentially politically-charged topics from a professional instead of through media or peers who might not be as well informed.

The Next Threat Landscape: Securing America’S Cyber-Physical Systems, Grayson Thomas

Honors College Theses

The goal of this research is to explore, identify, and enumerate the security threats that exist to industry current industrial controls systems (ICS) and supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA). A scale lab similar to industry standard will be built and developed for research purposes. The Purdue Model for ICS and the Cyber Kill Chain will be referenced as frameworks for attack sequences, and the MITRE ATT&CK framework will be referenced for attack types. Attempts will be made to compromise the various pieces of our built SCADA system via configuration errors, software vulnerabilities, and deployment mistakes common with industrial …

Lessons Learned: Considerations For Enhancing Principal Preparation Programs With Inclusive Special Education Practices, Ellen G. Casale, Stacy Leggett

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Western Kentucky University has a long-standing history in preparing principals. Recognizing the ever-growing importance of explicit training in supporting students with disabilities, we applied for and received a minigrant from the Kentucky Excellence in Educator Preparation to enhance our curriculum to address this need. In this article, we provide an overview of the context for this need and provide considerations for principal preparation programs considering enhancing their own curricula. Implications are provided.

Correlates Of Anti-Asexual Bias In The Bible Belt, Lauren Robinson

Honors College Theses

Many studies focus on LGBTQIA+ individuals in the United States, but there are fewer studies about asexuality, especially in the Bible Belt: a collection of states in the Southeast with populations having increased rates of conservatism, religiosity, and expectations of traditional gender and sexuality norms (Baunach et al, 2009). The purpose of the study was to examine anti-asexual bias and its relation to different variables in college-age students who attended college and/or lived in the Bible Belt. It was hypothesized political positioning, ethnic and racial background, religiosity/spirituality, adherence to social norms, traditional vs egalitarian gender roles, and pathologizing of asexual …

Uncharted Territory: Researching The Effect Of Implicit Bias On The Political Attitudes Of Black Participants, Briona Young

Scholars Week

Extant research suggests that implicit bias can predict behavior such as voting, policy preferences, and assessment of government performance (Pérez 2010). Yet, research on implicit bias has largely excluded people of color, leaving a wide gap in our understanding of implicit bias and its effects on society (Orey, 2013). In this study, we research implicit bias within the black community and test its effects on political attitudes. We administer Harvard’s Implicit Association Test (IAT) and a survey to measure levels of implicit bias and subsequently policy preferences and trust in government. We expect to find that the black participants with …

Emphasizing The Importance Of Clustering Care For Newborns In The Nicu Setting, Callie Hines Sn, Alyssa Howell Sn, Elizabeth Crews Sn

Scholars Week

For our Evidence-Based Project, we have chosen to cover the topic concerning clustering care for premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. In many NICU's across the country preterm infants are taken care of on an as needed basis. Research and Swanson’s theory of caring supports that clustering care has a positive correlation with the improvement of vital signs, physical and intellectual development, and infection control.

"Non Fuyades": A Comparative Analysis Of The Translation Of Culturemes In Don Quixote, Eve Jacobson

Honors College Theses

A widely debated topic in the field of translation studies is how to accurately preserve the full connotations and denotations of culturemes, which are words or phrases that have no direct equivalent in other languages due to their intrinsic cultural context, when translating them into another language. My project compares Edith Grossman (2003) and Thomas Shelton’s (1612) translations of selected culturemes in the first part of Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quixote (1605) to analyze how different approaches to translating culturemes affect the tone and style, which also provides additional insights into the themes of class and formality and how the …

The Effects Of The Mystery Motivator On Attendance In An Undergraduate Population, Hannah Eriksen

Honors College Theses

The present study sought to determine the effects of the Mystery Motivator behavioral intervention on attendance in an introductory psychology course. At a medium sized university in the Midwest, one class participated in the study. Ultimately, the Mystery Motivator was ineffective at increasing the percentage of enrolled students that attended class each day, however other notable findings were observed. For example, social validity measures indicated that of the students who voluntarily completed the survey, mostly liked the intervention and would want other classes to implement similar programs. There were several limitations identified in the current study and future research should …

The Effects Of Citrulline Malate On Multiple Bout, High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise: A Pilot Study, Macy Kate Bynum, Annika Marie Pschorr, Taylor Carrico, Morgan Maleske, Matthew Hermes, Brenda Reeves

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Citrulline malate (CM) is suggested to improve performance and post-exercise recovery. There is limited research on the effect of CM on short duration, high-intensity aerobic exercise with ambiguous results. The effects of acute CM supplementation on combined aerobic/anaerobic performance in novice CrossFit® participants is unknown. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of acute CM vs. placebo (PL) supplementation on multiple-bout, high- intensity aerobic performance in novice Nancy CrossFit® participants. METHODS: Eight recreationally trained males (X±SD; age = 20.8 ± 2.7 yrs, height = 180.0 ± 6.1 cm, body fat 6.9 ± 2.3%, VO2max = 52.2 ± 4.8 ml/kg/min, 1RM squat = …

Crack-Ers (Crack Riddles Applying Cybersecurity Knowledge - Escape Room Scenario), Benjamin Acuff

Posters-at-the-Capitol

CRACK-ERS (Crack Riddles Applying Cybersecurity Knowledge - Escape Room Scenario) is a unique, beginner's level CTF game with riddle-based challenges on various cybersecurity topics. The game is driven by an adventure story-based escape room format. Existing literature indicates that traditional CTFs pose challenges for beginners with no cybersecurity background. The novelty of CRACK-ERS lies in its non-traditional design as an unplugged CTF with an adventure scenario-driven script, encouraging participants to solve cybersecurity-related riddles. CRACK-ERS targets beginner-level learners, fostering teamwork, explorative research, cybersecurity problem-solving, and riddle-cracking skills. Prior cybersecurity educational research notes limited instances of escape room-style CTF games and fewer …

Enhancing The Safety Of Medication Administration: The Synergistic Role Of Closed Loop Electronic Medication Management And Iv Medication Administration, Kelly Goetz, Angela Schoenung, Lauren Daugherty, Kaitlyn Hornsby

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The high acuity of patients in the ICU results in numerous medications being administered, increasing the risk of medication errors. The purpose of this project is to investigate the impact of integrating consistent closed loop electronic medication management (CLEMM) to decrease medication errors in the ICU for bedside nurses who use electronic health records (EHRs). The project type is a comprehensive literature review, with studies that included a single prospective cohort study, case report, single non-randomized trial, quasi experimental study, single cross-sectional studies, and systematic reviews. The importance of this project is to address the break in the loop of …

Predicting The Reactions Of Cs2, Ocs, And Co2 With Group Iv And Group Vi Transition Metal Oxides, Marissa Shea Blair, Zachary Ryan Lee Phd, David A. Dixon Phd

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Building on a recent serious of high level electronic structure studies of Lewis acid gas reactions with metal oxide sorbents, DFT (B3LYP and ωB97X-D) and CCSD(T) methods are being used to predict the Lewis acid-base addition (physisorption) and formation of metal oxide carbonate/thiocarbonate formation (chemisorption) reactions of CS2, OCS, and CO2 of CS2, OCS, and CO2 with Group IV (MO2)n and Group VI (MO3)n (n = 1 - 3) nanoclusters. For the Group IV oxides, chemisorption to form terminal carbonates and thiocarbonates is predicted to be the most favored, with thiocarbonate ligand binding energies slightly more exothermic than their carbonate …

Navigating Healthcare Administration: Challenges, Innovations, And Future Perspectives, Alena Monday

Integrated Studies

Navigating Healthcare Administration: Challenges, Innovations, and Future Perspectives Healthcare administration stands at the intersection of managing complex healthcare systems, ensuring quality patient care, and driving organizational excellence. This abstract provides a glimpse into the multifaceted landscape of healthcare administration, focusing on the challenges faced, innovative solutions implemented, and future perspectives shaping the field.

The Effects Of Opioids And How They Affected The American Healthcare System, Harold Osborne

Integrated Studies

The opioid pandemic swept through the United States in the early 2000’s, causing many to fight a battle with addiction. A drug that has been dated back to the 1860s found a new life where it was thought to give patients better access to pain management. This would prove true, but the consequences that would come with this were far graver than the benefits. Between 1999 and 2010 the amount of opioid related deaths more than doubled from 2.9 deaths per 100,000 people to 6.8 deaths per 100,000 people. Since 1999 more than six hundred thousand people have lost their …

Teaching Community College Composition Students How To Use Ai Technology Ethically Through The Research Process, Amber H. Mabus

Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy Capstones

Composition and rhetoric instructors' concern about the impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) on education has dramatically amplified since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, leading some to fear the end of our discipline as we know it. The controversy surrounding GenAI has led some educators to call for a complete ban on AI programs in the classroom, while others blindly accept what the technology has to offer without considering the risks involved, with a final group resting somewhere in the middle. Inspired by this debate, this study seeks to answer the research question: "Could teaching students how to …

Atlas: Targeting Student Writing Deficiencies Through Assessment & Mentoring In The College Classroom, Leanna Brunner

Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy Capstones

The landscape of the college classroom is changing at warp speed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and developing technologies such as artificial intelligence. As such, it is time for those in leadership at the administrative level to redefine what it means for students to be successful in their college classrooms. Placing students with different educational experiences and skillsets into one class is no longer working, and many students who could be successful with a little bit of understanding and assistance are slipping through the proverbial cracks of failure. Some of these students never step foot in college again. …

Ai-Assisted College Composition For Non-Native Speakers Of English - A Course Design, Aniko Nyusti Fields

Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy Capstones

English educators face a unique problem since the end of 2022: what to do with generative AI, how to handle it in the classroom in a meaningful and ethical way, and whether to be worried about it or instead embrace it. This paper looks at the current state of English composition education in California community colleges, how it has changed with the implementation of Assembly Bills 705 and 1705, which was intended to streamline the path of non-native speaker students to completion of their required English courses, and how it could change further with the possible implementation of generative AI …

Navigating The Complexities: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Special Education, Jaycee Cribbs West

Integrated Studies

The availability of special education is evidence of how society is coming to appreciate inclusion and diversity. This research begins a thorough examination of the complex field of special education, including its historical foundations, the range of impairments it addresses, the rules and regulations guiding its application, and the cutting-edge strategies influencing its future. To clarify the revolutionary path towards fair educational possibilities for people with disabilities by looking at historical turning points, such as the institutionalization era and the emergence of inclusive educational practices. The various impairments that are handled in special education, each with their own set of …

Tools And Strategies For Successful Classroom Education, Madalyn Peterson

Integrated Studies

The purpose of this paper will be to discuss resources and tools that can be used in the classroom. These tools will involve successfully establishing classroom management. Classroom management is as simple as creating a routine for the students in the classroom, which will also guide the students through the classroom expectations. Setting expectations is crucial and will assist students by helping them gain an understanding of what is expected of them while in the classroom, and while they are working. This also establishes what kind of role model the teacher plans to be in the classroom. When a teacher …

College Coaching; The Impacts It Has On Sports And Life After Sports, Thomas Mcnabb

Integrated Studies

College athletic coaches impact students and athletes in more than one way. They develop the kids as not only a player, but are a connection for future careers and help prepare them for the next stages of their life. There are plenty of different variables for a coach to impact their player whether it is within the sport, or with relationships outside of the sport. Even with the different coaching styles between male and female, the impact can still be there if the coach has the makeup of a good leader. On the other side, a coach can also have …

Promoting Motivation And Productive Effect To Empower Students, Faye Vaughan

Integrated Studies

The purpose of this research is to inform educators and caregivers about the benefits of promoting motivation and productive effect to empower young children in their educational journey. The research looks at the effects of fostering a positive mindset in young children and how it can change their mind about education. In this research, we will look at practical ways to of encouraging growth mindset as well as understanding the factors that can effect how a child views learning. We will look at ways a growth mindset can effect the child’s brain and future success in academia. Understanding parental styles …

Authoritative Parenting And The Impact On Child Development, Kelleye Kennedy

Integrated Studies

Authoritative parenting, distinguished by warmth, sensitivity, and well-defined boundaries, has become a prominent method of child-rearing, supported by extensive research for its positive effects on development. This study delves into the features of authoritative parenting, its influence on child development, and how parenting strategies profoundly shape children's future paths, encompassing crucial aspects such as independence, social skills, autonomy, academic achievement, mental well-being, and their understanding of societal norms.

Keywords: authoritative, parenting, child development

Autism Transition Challenges: Navigating Life After High School, Courtney Byrum

Integrated Studies

High school graduation is a significant milestone that signifies the end of one journey and the beginning of a new one. It is a time for students to celebrate their hard work over the past four years and look forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead. However, it can also present challenges, especially for students with developmental disabilities like autism. Leaving behind familiar surroundings, beloved friends, family, and teachers can make this a bittersweet occasion. After graduation, students with autism may face many obstacles, such as completing their coursework, finding and maintaining employment, taking care of their mental health, …

Multilingual Learners Speak Out: The Perspectives Of High School Esol Students On Computer-Assisted Instruction And Digital Literacy Platforms, Mitchell Ray Sexton

Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy Capstones

This capstone project explores the impact of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and digital literacy platforms on the language learning experiences of high school English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students. Employing a mixed yet complementary research design that integrates phenomenological and action research, the study engaged 23 students through surveys and interviews to investigate their experiences with three instructional platforms: Achieve 3000, Duolingo, and Lexia PowerUp. The analysis revealed a strong preference for Duolingo, attributed to its user-friendly interface, comprehensive language practice features, and, notably, its mobile accessibility and relevance to real-world applications beyond academic contexts. The findings demonstrate the …

Book Reviews

Jackson Purchase Historical Society Journal Archive

Book Reviews

Bourbon's Backroads: A Journey Through Kentucky's Distilling Landscape

River Shows, Blues, Ragtime, Jazz and Country Music: It All Equals Rockabilly, Part One

We Shall Conquer or Die: Partisan Warfare In 1862 Western Kentucky

Faith in Politics: Southern Political Battles Past and Present

Kentucky Quilts and Quiltmakers: Three Centuries of Creativity, Community, and Commerce

Across the Kentucky Color Line: Cultural Landscapes of Race from the Lost Cause to Integration

Rebels on the Border: Civil War, Emancipation and Reconstruction of Kentucky and Missouri

Toward the Corner of Mercy and Peace

Drowned Town

New Perspectives on Civil War Era Kentucky

The …

K-5 Educators’ Perceptions Of Restorative Practices In St. Louis, Missouri, Jessica Ellen Finney

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Restoration is any form of guidance or counsel toward right decision-making. One can be restored in an emotional or psychological way. The act of restoring emotional reactions back to logical thinking are the core teachings of this paper. The objective of this study was to analyze K-5 educators’ lived experiences, opinions, and perceptions in regard to this social and emotional restoration of teaching. This study advocates teacher perspectives in the art of restorative teaching and thinking for students they teach. This qualitative research study provides insight into the perceptions, opinions, and lived experiences of 10 educators regarding the implementation of …

The Effect Of Extracurricular Involvement On Teacher Job Satisfaction And Self-Efficacy, Andrew Entrekin

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the effect of teachers' extracurricular involvement on their job satisfaction and self-efficacy. It analyzes a single school district in Alabama and investigates potential factors in the declining teacher graduation rates and high teacher turnover in Alabama. This study addresses the gap in the existing research on how these extracurricular roles influence teachers’ professional well-being and self-efficacy.

The research implemented a quantitative approach, using abbreviated versions of Bandura’s Teacher Self-Efficacy Survey and the Teacher Job Satisfaction Questionnaire to measure how those metrics are affected by coaching a sport or sponsoring an extracurricular club or organization. Analysis of Variance …

Student Support Teams In Title I Schools, Jennifer Michael

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Student Support Teams (SST) are designed to be an innovative practice that supports the diverse needs of learners to help learners grow and be successful. This study will look at the impact that SSTs have on students in the Intermediate grades (3^rd-6^th Grade) at a Title I at-risk school. The research will analyze this question, does an SST positively impact student growth in reading and math in a highly diversified Title I School? The goal of the study is to analyze the impact of SST on the academic growth of students in specific focus groups. The study …

Silence Is Not Golden: Exploring The Trade-Offs Between Transparency And Burden In Dirs Reporting, Katie Nelson

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the United States federal government's Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS), which is an instrument that is used during emergencies to gather information on what five communication avenues are not actively working at the time of the emergency or during the recovery process. The synthesis provides a framework for characteristics that cite the necessities for this study on DIRS. Examining DIRS will help us understand its strengths, limitations, and potential improvements. Evaluating the details of historical and global research on emergency communications are gathered. The analysis provides insights into DIRS's past, present, and future. Bring to light future …

Can Edna Be Used To Locate Shawnee Hills Cavefish Forbesichthys Papilliferus?, Megan Brandt, Timothy Spier Phd, Gary Zeruth Phd

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Traditional stream fish sampling methods, such as seining and electrofishing, are time consuming, expensive, and limited to short stretches of stream. However, the analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples promises to be a quick, inexpensive method for detecting fish. The streams of the Land Between the Lakes Recreational Area (LBL) are unique, undisturbed streams which contain many interesting fish species for which little information exists. One such rare species is the Shawnee Hills Cavefish Forbesichthys papilliferus, which is known to exist in a few LBL streams. However, the complete distribution of the Shawnee Hills Cavefish in LBL …