Digital Commons Network^™

Consumer Response To Foundations And Firms When Firms Own Or Sponsor A Foundation, Amanda Swift

Scholars Week

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a norm in the business world as consumers call for businesses to be more involved in improving the world. CSR takes many forms ranging from corporate philanthropy to a focus on sustainability. Corporate foundations have been an increasingly popular practice of CSR to enhance public image, although alliances with non-profit organizations and foundations are still quite prevalent. Current research examines how corporate philanthropy can be effective in building trust and perceived impact on the cause being supported. Because there is a plethora of corporate philanthropy practices, businesses must decide on the best possible avenue …

Entertainment Media Perceptions Of Minorities In Young Adult Adaptations, Kynnadie Bennett

Honors College Theses

This is an exploration of stereotypical and racist portrayals of minorities, specifically African-American, Latinx, and Native American communities, in film and television in the past and how that has affected representation in film adaptations of young adult literature. Young adult literature is one of the highest-selling genres in literature, purchased by both young adults and actual adults. In recent years, young adult literature has been adapted into film and television series and while representation has improved since the early years of entertainment history, there are still problems in the industry: many of the stereotypes remain, some minorities lack representation, and …

How Ell And Mainstream Teachers Foster A Culturally Responsive Classroom Environment, Mariah G. Cox

Honors College Theses

This study explores the culturally responsive teaching (CRT) practices of mainstream and English language learner (ELL) teachers as well as how to foster such practices. The study was completed with surveys, interviews, and an observation used to determine the knowledge of and practices concerning CRT. Participants of the study included 20 ELL teachers and 11 mainstream teachers from 11 different public-school districts. Due to pandemic restrictions, there was only one observation participant. ELL teachers reported incorporating CRT through class discussions and activities on diverse cultures. Mainstream teachers gave varied answers, but most spoke about differentiation methods and appeared to lack …

Hawthorne’S Beautiful Women And Hideous Men: Ecofeminism In “The Birthmark” And “Rappaccini’S Daughter”, Olivia Shelton

Scholars Week

This paper aims to compare Georgiana and Beatrice’s beauty through an Eco-feminist lens. It examines how the men in each story set unrealistic beauty standards for women in order to be dominant. The men use science to create these standards and destroy nature or the women’s natural beauty and they kill them in the process. This paper argues that Hawthorne addresses Eco-feminist ideas within “The Birthmark” and “Rappaccini’s Daughter” through the destruction of Georgiana and Beatrice. The paper includes background information, a definition, and other key ideas involved with Ecofeminism. The paper focuses on the association of men with society …

Choosing A Vaginal Birth After A Cesarean Rather Than A Repeat Elective Cesarean Delivery, Sydney Carter

Scholars Week

The VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) rate has been increasing over the recent years. However, it is still a much lower rate as compared to 1996. During this time uterine rupture instances and maternal mortality rates were found to have increased. As a result, facilities over corrected and stopped offering VBACs as an option. Current research shows they are actually safer than a cesarean but most facilities do not offer this option. The purpose of this policy change is to increase the rate of VBACs by providing good education to expectant mothers through their nurses.

2020-02-28, Board Of Regents, Murray State University

Board of Regents Meeting Minutes

No abstract provided.

Prevalence Of Illicit And Prescribed Neuropsychiatric Drugs In Three Communities In Kentucky Using Wastewater-Based Epidemiology And Monte Carlo Simulation For The Estimation Of Associated Uncertainties, Tara Croft, Rhiannon Huffines, Manoj Pathak, Bikram Subedi

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

A cost-effective alternative approach capable of determining the prevalence of substance use in communities can complement the existing efforts of combating drug abuse and addiction. In this study, the prevalence of 10 illicit and 19 prescribed psychoactive drugs of potential abuse was determined utilizing wastewater-based epidemiology, and compared in two adjoined urban communities and a rural community. This is the first application of the Monte Carlo simulation method to account multiple uncertainties and propagation of errors associated with the individual parameter of wastewater based epidemiological estimations in the U.S. A significantly higher prevalence of cocaine [3830 (mean difference, MD: 2960) …

Visa Trial Of International Trade: Evidence From Support Vector Machines And Neural Networks, Engin Akman, Abdullah Karaman, Cemil Kuzey

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

International trade depends on networking, interaction and in-person meetings which stimulate cross-border travels. The countries are seeking policies to encourage inbound mobility to support bilateral trade, tourism, and foreign direct investments. Some nations have been implementing liberal visa regimes as an important part of facilitating policies in view of security concerns. Turkey has been among the nations introducing liberal visa policies to support trade in the last decade and recorded significant increases in the volumes of exports. In this paper, we employed machine learning methodologies, Support vector machines (SVM) and Neural networks (NN), to investigate the facilitating impact of liberal …

Sustainable Stock Market And Sustainability Reporting Propensity Of The Public Sector: Mediating Role Of The Private Sector, Ali Uyar, Cemil Kuzey, Merve Kilic

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

The objective of this article is to investigate the mediating role of the private sector between sustainable stock markets (i.e., the existence of a sustainability index) and the sustainability reporting level of the public sector through spillover theory. The sample of the study consists of 115 country records for 2015 and 2016. The results confirm that the private sector mediates the association between sustainable stock markets and the sustainability reporting level of the public sector. Hence, establishing sustainability indices in stock markets first helps the private sector achieve a higher level of transparency, and then they indirectly help public organizations …

Life In Prison, Patsy Waldridge, Patsy Ann Waldridge

Integrated Studies

For my research topic, the focus will be life in prisons. it will look into not only the prisoner’s way of life, but also the guards or anyone who works within a prison and look at how it effects their lives. It will be broken up into 13 categories/ sub-topics, which are: Incarceration rates, Recidivism, Prisoner abuse, Rehabilitation, Prison conditions, Jailhouse lawyers/ legal help, Prison rebellions, Healthcare, Mental Health, Guards and staff, Education, Psychological effects, And Families.

the research topic was broken down like this because talking about prisons and life there is much more complicated than the average American …

How Sugar Affects The Body From Head To Toe, Amy Crosier

Integrated Studies

How Sugar Affects the Body from Head to Toe

The overall health of Americans has drastically changed over the past two decades. Americans over the past decades have been faced with more healthcare related issues such as heart conditions, obesity, diabetes and dental caries. These conditions are a huge weight on the insurance companies and also the Americans that are affect by the medical conditions. We have now entered into a new era of convenience and instant gratification which has led to a world of health related problems. Sugar and processed foods are among the top leaders of health related …

Lean Management For Small Business, Jason Acree

Integrated Studies

Lean management can be utilized to grow small business by focusing on continuous improvement. Lean management and the tools associated with it will improve the efficiency of any business and that will lead to improved sales and overall growth. This innovative idea has become a significant form of performing every action as efficiently as possible in order to increase production and reduce waste throughout the world in many different types of industries. Lean management is synonymous with continuous improvement. This is the idea that no process can ever be entirely perfected so there is always room for improvement. By focusing …

A Review Of The Impact Of The Top Ten Leading Causes Of Death Within The United States Of America, Shelby L. Moss

Integrated Studies

The purpose of this research paper explores the impact that the top 10 leading causes of death have on the United States of America. Within this exploration, statistics, causes, signs, symptoms, and the leading preventions are identified along with any other information seen as relevant. The top 10 leading causes of death that are discussed are: Heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, influenza and pneumonia, kidney disease, and suicide. This information was obtained through research of primary studies, peer reviewed studies, meta-analysis, books, and position statements by accredited hospitals and health organizations. Throughout …

School Nurses Bloom Where They Are Planted, Nicole Bryan

Integrated Studies

Abstract

School nurses are an integral part of our education system. They play a critical role in the overall wellbeing and health of school-aged children across the country. The provide daily care for a wide range of health needs and utilize a vast array of nursing skills, planning skills, and homemade gumption based on their medical knowledge and experience. School nurses follow federal, state and district statutes, as well as adopt core values and ethical codes of their profession. Evidence based research affirms the value of a school nurse to the education process, through results regarding improved attendance, immunization compliance, …

How Does Pay For Performance Pay Incentives Affect Long-Term Care, Rebecca Steinmetz, Rebecca Steinmetz

Integrated Studies

Abstract

Quality of care is always an ever changing standard in healthcare including long-term care facilities. Assisted living facilities, short-term rehabilitation, and nursing home facilities can be classified under long-term care facilities. For the purpose of this paper, the focus will be on the impact of pay for performance pay incentives for nursing home facilities.

Research through previous, outside studies defines quality in regards to the different source standards. Residents and family members have different standards of quality care between themselves. States and federal regulations define their own definitions of quality care. A summary of quality standards is used to …

The Effect Of Coal Industry Of Southern Indiana: A Look At The Evolution Of Safety, Health, And Environmental Practices And Concerns, Alan H. Saltzman

Integrated Studies

Coal mining in the United States is currently and extremely hot topic and will continue to be for many years. For many years, this industry has been a way of life for many families. That truly represents the state of Indiana. Situated over one of the largest coal basin in the country, Indiana has been a top ten coal producing state for years. While this industry is relied on by millions, it doesn’t come without hazard. The health and safety of the individuals that work in these mines are two factors that have seen immense change since the ounce of …

Understanding Drugs, Michelle Rustin

Integrated Studies

Abstract

The first time someone drinks alcohol or takes a drug, it is a voluntary choice. At some point during use, brain flips a switch and use is no longer voluntary. The drug, rerouting its reward circuit, hijacks the brain. Anyone can become addicted to drugs. After the initial exposure to drugs, no one chooses how their brain will react. Addiction is not a choice, a moral failing, a character flaw, or something that only bad people do. Scientists and experts agree that it is a disease caused by biology, environment, and other factors. Understanding drugs and their harmful effects …

Police Deviancy: An Exploration Of Issues And Ideas Moving Forward, Jason A. Lutz

Integrated Studies

The purpose of this study was to examine one of history’s most horrific offenses carried out by police. This being their participation in the Holocaust. By examining previous research in the field, it was determined the factors that led to their participation still exist in policing today. Factors such as implicit bias and police deviancy along with the absence of ethics-based police training are all contributing factors. An examination was conducted in regard to the existence of the “us versus them mentality” that police possess in order to understand factors that cause it. The research also acknowledges the existence of …

Stinky Water And Other Ills: Environmental Justice For Rural Services, Michael R. Daley

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

Environmental justice concerns affect rural communities and the people who are members of them. Social workers’ long-standing involvement in improving living conditions of the people and communities with whom they work make environmental justice an important responsibility. Yet there is a rural-urban divide on topics related to the environment, and rural and urban communities tend to establish different environmental priorities. Rural communities tend to prioritize local conditions and solutions over global and societal ones. Rural people distrust national policies especially those established by governmental as not being responsive to their interest. Some common environmental rural problems are identified. Environmental justice …

Dress Like Me: An Exploration Of Rural Graduate Social Work Attire, Jody Long, Jocelyn Martin, Audra Pierce, Sean Creech, Stephen Guffey

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

During graduate school internship training, some students wear more formal attire and others casual attire. This study’s purpose was to explore rural areas clients’ preference for graduate social work interns’ attire. Clients from internship sites located in a rural southern location were asked their attire preferences based on comfort and confidence levels, degree of warmth, returning appointments, and during a crisis. One hundred and twenty-six subjects participated in the study and responded that casual dress was preferred in terms of specific impressions. The results of the study were to build rapport; graduate social work interns should consider their clientele when …

Educating Public Information Officers In Kentucky, Lori Kent

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This study researched the education and training of public information officers (PIO) within Kentucky. Even though training exists, the effectiveness of prior training and education of currently employed public information officers is unknown. As the formalization and importance of the role has evolved in recent years, it is more important to determine and possibly create proper training and post-secondary courses to prepare public information officers for their role. Interviews were conducted, utilizing standard questions with practicing public information officers throughout the state. Research found inconsistent experience and a lack of training by public information officers prior to obtaining their …

The Effects Of Parent Teacher Interactions And The Influences That These Interactions Have On Family Engagement And Home Learning Activities, Kammie King

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

As component of the P-20 initiative, education at all levels is critical when moving forward with innovative ideas to increase the lifelong learning of an individual. The foundation for one’s entire educational career begins during a child’s earliest years of life. This time period, prior to kindergarten can have lasting impacts on educational achievement, by influencing the ways that families interact with their child’s school, as well as carries out home learning activities. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the role of family engagement in home learning activities and the role in which parent teacher involvement and …

Effect Of Organic Soil Amendment On Hemp, Mounica Talasila

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The research study is about the impact of different levels of organic soil amendment on the levels of psychoactive compounds produced in industrial hemp. Inorganic or chemical pesticides or fertilizers are not as extensively used in hemp as in other crops. Apart from this, using an organic soil amendment would be an environmentally sustainable way. A randomized block design (RBD) model was used to study the impacts of the soil amendment. The soil amendment used is called “Rehab” a product of Organilock created from the remnants of animals like fish and chicken. This research design has 3 different soil amendment …

Incorporation Of Hempseed In The Broiler Chicken Diet, Mallorie Alexzandra Snider

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Hempseed has become a popular supplement alternative due to the confounding nutritional benefits it possesses; however, the legality of hempseed, and other hemp products, prevents the use in animal feeds. Particularly, broiler chickens that grow fairly quickly in a short amount of time. Evaluation of hempseed in the broiler chicken diet is needed to conclude if it is a possible replacement for other broiler nutrient sources, such as soybean meal (SBM). Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of hempseed (HS) on the growth, feed conversion and carcass yield of broilers. This study consisted of 48 …

How Going With The Flow Could Aid Factor Learning In Mathematics, Aaron M. Beuoy

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This quasi-experimental study examined the effectiveness of elaborative processing and knowledge maps for learning the steps to factor polynomials with various numbers of terms when math anxiety was accounted for. The study took place in a college classroom during an eight day period when students were learning to factor polynomials. On Day 2, students studied the factoring steps using a list of steps or a flowchart and then engaged in free- and cued-recall tests. Day 3 was similar except that students did not complete a free recall test. Another set of cued recall tests were administered on Day 5, and …

Evaluating An Ordinal Output Using Data Modeling, Algorithmic Modeling, And Numerical Analysis, Martin Keagan Wynne Brown

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Data and algorithmic modeling are two different approaches used in predictive analytics. The models discussed from these two approaches include the proportional odds logit model (POLR), the vector generalized linear model (VGLM), the classification and regression tree model (CART), and the random forests model (RF). Patterns in the data were analyzed using trigonometric polynomial approximations and Fast Fourier Transforms. Predictive modeling is used frequently in statistics and data science to find the relationship between the explanatory (input) variables and a response (output) variable. Both approaches prove advantageous in different cases depending on the data set. In our case, the data …

Teaching For Musical Understanding Through The Core Music Standards: Creating, Performing, And Responding In The Elementary Music Classroom, Amanda Lynn Ijames

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the implementation, assessment, and instructional needs of elementary music educators of the First District of the Kentucky Music Educators Association in teaching for musical understanding through the artistic processes of creating, performing, and responding of the Core Music Standards. The overarching goals of music education are to teach students to become musically literate and independent makers of music. The researcher conducted an online survey and interviews of members to determine their current instructional and assessment practices and their challenges so that an action plan could be created to assist elementary music educators. Through this study, the researcher …

Personalized Learning: An Engagement Strategy For At-Risk Student Populations, Abbigail Morris

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Personalized learning in the United States experienced a resurgence in the educational landscape as a result of increased technology access and computing power. The availability of affordable technology, software solutions, and access to the Internet led to the infiltration of technology into personalized learning approaches and provided a new platform for personalized learning advocates. Engagement and student agency were components of personalized learning attracting many educators to reinvest in personalized learning opportunities. This study focused on a rural, western Kentucky school district that piloted personalized learning through a blended learning environment. The study sought to measure engagement levels of both …

Influence Of Work Values On Rural-Practice Intentions Among American Students Attending A Rural University, Nicholas Best

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Rural areas in the United States frequently face difficulties regarding the prevalence of healthcare-related professionals. To better address this issue, it is important to understand how various demographic factors as well as individual work values influence the workplace setting decisions of future "helping" professionals. Previous research has studied the impact of various work values and how they relate to working with underserved populations (Aviram & Katan, 1991; Krous & Nauta, 2005). The current study aimed to compare various demographic factors and work value's ability to predict intentions to work in rural areas among students attending Murray State University (N …

Understanding Educators’ Experiences During Long-Term School Closures, Jessica Pryor, Jessica Pryor

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

In the spring of 2020, many public places closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most public schools in the United States suddenly closed buildings as educators and students scrambled to adapt to distance education. This phenomenological, qualitative study holistically explores elementary educators’ experiences during the extended school closures. The 18current elementary educators who participated in individual interviews, served rural, elementary students. Individual interviews allowed participants to discuss and explain their experiences concerning methods, materials, time commitments, and communication with colleagues, parents, and students. They also discussed how they used feedback to alter their teaching. The interviews were conducted during …