Digital Commons Network^™

In With A Runny Nose, Out In A Body Bag: Why Is It So Difficult For Black Women To Leave The Hospital Alive?, Chelsea Carter

Liberal Arts Capstones

In the Black community, there is an unspoken understanding about going to the doctor with a runny nose, and leaving in a body bag. A recent article published by The Oprah Magazine demonstrates that racism is rampant in the United States healthcare system, and it is taking the lives of Black women at an alarmingly disproportionate rate (Stallings, 2018). When seeking medical treatment, many Black women are at the mercy of doctors who hold an implicit bias against Black women. Simply put, implicit bias describes when people behave and treat others based on negative preconceptions they have about other people, …

Her Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words: An Investigation Into The Relationship Between Resume Photos And Perceived Morality, Hannah Daab

Honors College Theses

It was once believed that a woman’s physical appearance benefited her in many aspects of life, including her career. Following the progression of the #MeToo movement, society has seen beauty become a liability for women in the workplace. This investigation dives into this phenomenon and redirects the focus to an earlier point in the timeline of a female’s professional career: the hiring process. Specifically, this paper begins to uncover an answer to the long- standing question of whether or not a woman should include a photo of herself on her resumé or CV. Across two quantitative studies, I investigate whether …

Memories From The Great War: An Analysis Of Jackson Purchase Veterans’ Changes In Perspective Since 1914, David Wallace

Honors College Theses

The First World War affected the lives of millions, creating collective memories of hardships, uncertainty, political tension, and animosity toward foreign enemies. In the United States, World War I was a turning point in the nation’s growth and development, but on a smaller scale it was a critical historical moment in the individual lives of the veterans who served. This research project showcases the experiences of the Jackson Purchase’s WWI veterans with an emphasis on their perceptions during the war, their reasons for enlisting, the countless once-in-a-lifetime experiences they had along the way, the hardships they faced, and the remarkable …

Implications Of Pop Cultural Diplomacy: An Analysis Of Idol-State Interactions, Elizabeth Erwin

Honors College Theses

This paper uses media coverage of idol-state interactions to understand the ways in which states utilize pop culture as a component of their public diplomacy strategy. Idol-state interactions are defined as an event where a pop cultural figure accompanies or is accompanied by a state official to a formal meeting with a representative of a foreign government. Looking specifically at South Korean diplomatic events where K-Pop idols are present, I find that idol-state interactions have the potential to increase media coverage, further cultural understanding and serve as a relationship-building tool.

Investigating Media Influence On Canine Breed Popularity And Increasing Prevalence Of Genetic Linked Disorders, Callie Anderson

Honors College Theses

This study is focused on influence of social media on dog breed popularity, and if an increase in popularity leads to an increase in the prevalence of genetic-linked disorders observed in specified breeds in a clinical setting. This study was conducted by comparing an in-depth analysis of past research investigating the influence of popular culture on the trends of dog breed popularity as it relates to trends in media and fashion, with the results of a survey of clinical observations by veterinarians practicing in the area surrounding Murray, Kentucky. The results of the literary analysis revealed that humans are greatly …

The Disparities Of The Marginalized: Focusing Race And Queerness In Science And Medicine, Kearby Stiles

Honors College Theses

The United States is an immensely diverse country in which certain groups have been—and continue to be—marginalized in society because of their differences. Science and healthcare are areas in which marginalized peoples are negatively affected by a society that punishes difference and diversity. This is an immense problem because in biological and medical school education, in clinical research, and medical practices, little attention is given to marginalized populations. In this paper, I focus on the disadvantages faced by people of color, trans, and intersex people. I decided to focus on race because the history and current state of racism in …

Miracle, Gabrielle Sullivan

Honors College Theses

This original, speculative fiction novella follows Miracle Beckett, a young woman raised on a dying, climate-change ravaged Earth in an isolated religious cult. While she eventually escapes, she finds herself trapped in another deathtrap, abandoned by her crewmates on a spaceship that is rapidly running out of air. Struggling to reconcile her past with her present and her imminent death, Mira cannot avoid remembering everything she has tried to leave behind.

Engaging with sexual identity, religious trauma, and the difficulty found in reconciling the complexities of a left-behind existence, Miracle highlights the power of memory, friendship, and knowledge in guiding …

Mental Health Among Nursing Students Amid The Coronavirus Pandemic, Cheydan Crump

Honors College Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the current pandemic on the mental health of nursing students at a rural university. This study examined various risk factors and potential indicators for mental health, such as changes in physical activity, sleep behaviors, and differing perceptions of support they have received from the nursing program and the participating university, throughout the spread of COVID-19. This study was a non-experimental, analytical study conducted in a rural university in the southern region of the United States. This convenience sample consisted of 21 students, all of which were enrolled in the …

Inventing A Space To Speak: Ethos, Agency And United States' Woman Suffrage Cookbooks (1886-1916), Danielle Nielsen

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

During the last forty years of the United States’ fight for woman suffrage, a handful of suffragists wrote cookbooks sponsored by suffrage organisations. These cookbooks created a rhetorical space and ethos within and through the kitchen. Because their activism was grounded in expected feminine actions, this home-bound ethos allowed the primarily white, middle-class suffragists to simultaneously advocate for women's suffrage in public and maintain their adherence to the Cult of True Womanhood. The arguments put forth in the cookbooks illustrate an ethos that is influenced by both personal agency and the rhetor's gendered, physical location in the kitchen. From this …

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

Scholars Week

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 …

Notations, Notations

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

NOTATIONS: THE UNDERGRADUATE LITERARY MAGAZINE OF MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY

SPRING 2021

It is our great pleasure to present the 2021 edition of Notations, a journal of undergraduate poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction produced by students in the Department of English and Philosophy at Murray State University. After a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are excited to share this edition with you.

Editing Staff

Jenna Carnes, Creative Nonfiction Editor Torrey Diniz, Creative Nonfiction Editor

Pam Goodwin, Fiction Editor Gabby Sullivan, Fiction Editor

Makenna Crowley, Poetry Editor Kaylan Hall, Poetry Editor

Dr. Carrie Jerrell, Faculty Advisor

Table of Contents …

A Virtual Life: The Nijisanji Project And The Risks Of Online Content Creation, Cayden Hernandez

Scholars Week

There are several security and privacy risks within the realm of social media and the lifestyles of social media influencers. Some YouTubers and other content creators, however, are under contract with certain agencies and sponsors, giving access to assistance in case of privacy breaches, such as information doxing. However, Virtual YouTubers (VTubers) and content creators are in a different category, as they are typically represented by a virtual avatar, which suggests that they are more protected; similar to typical content creators, though, VTubers are also at risk. If their information were leaked, the outcome could be more severe than that …

Physical Health And Delinquency, Katy Hancock

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

While physical health can impact a variety of outcomes, little research has looked at health and delinquency. Through a lens of GST, this study examines whether health moderates the relationships between strain and delinquency and drug use. Data from the 2011 NSDUH were analyzed; results indicated that, for certain strains, very good and excellent health predicted lower risks of committing some types of delinquency and poor/fair health predicted the higher risk. For youth in “no parent” homes in very good health and from some youth with chronic illness, however, the risk of delinquency increased. The overall results dictate the expansion …

The Effects Of Victorian Circulating Libraries On The Conventions Of Society, Kaitlyn M. Clary

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

As an era that is oftentimes categorized as one of the most prudish in British history, it is commonplace to see the Victorian Period as a time that imposed strict moral codes onto people of all classes, genders, and ages. Although the 18th century proved to be quite lenient with the manner in which social behavior was controlled, the 19th century proved to be an era of tension between the social order and individual desire, particularly for the middle and upper classes. With the aid of the Industrial Revolution, many governments found it essential to utilize the newly innovated printing …

A Survey Of Horse Use And Management In Horse Clubs In China: A Pilot Study, Zhen Li Ph.D., Msc, Shea Porr Phd

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Rapid development of the Chinese equine industry in the last two decades has resulted in an increased equine population without trained personnel to support industry growth. The purpose of this study was to understand the present profile of horse use in horse clubs in China from the perspective of horse welfare. The survey was distributed to specific personnel in selected Chinese horse clubs, and snowball sampling techniques were used to increase response rates. Of 20 respondents, the oldest club was established in 2002 and the newest in 2018. Fourteen clubs were membership-based, providing services for 40-1000 members and up to …

Increased Access (Knowledge) Of Health Promotion & Preventative Care Reduces Chronic Disease Within African American Communities, Brian Jones

Integrated Studies

Abstract

This research study seeks to investigate what relationships exist between preventative health and health promotion, and knowledge of or access to these resources by low income and more specifically African American populations. Through experimental research the study is looking to see if these variables increase or decrease the outcomes of Chronic issues and diseases and issues within these populations. The research will gather information from established reputable journals and scholarly articles, in conjunction with a survey given to a number of selected and voluntary participants. The selection of individuals will be reflective of the population at large. More specifically, …

Lessons Taught By Others, Gillian Gattenby

Integrated Studies

The making of the piece you are about to read is deeply personal to me. It took time and love to develop the bonds being placed on display on paper. With it also comes the experience that was learned from these encounters. Each person referred to is unique and provided a lesson to me for my life.

I have very limited professional writing experience and had only written in journals before deciding to take some writing-based English classes in the spring and fall of 2021. My time writing in class brought a lot of insight on how to fine-tune my …

A Treacherous Journey, Deborah G. Wolf

Integrated Studies

This paper discusses Charles Dickens’ expert weaving of realism into his very entertaining 1838 novel, Oliver Twist. The novel takes the reader through a sometimes-unbelievable obstacle course for the young Oliver, but the true stories of real children in Victorian London are being told as well.

There are several reasons for the state these children existed in, including England’s growing industrialization, the undervaluing of children in general, and The New Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834. This paper looks into Dickens’ own childhood as well, in hopes of getting a glimpse into what may have motivated him to step …

Sanctaury:Background Of Domestic Violence And Sexual Assault Services, Cynthia Fletcher

Integrated Studies

Domestic Violence and sexual assault are extremely dangerous behaviors that are well known in our society, as well as around the world. Studies and research have shown that places of support through agencies can help restore and prevent repeating occurrences as well as support that is needed for growth. Sanctuary is a non-profit agency committed to the provision of preventive and restorative services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Sanctuary has a vison to deliver caring, comprehensive support to victims of personal violence in the nine-county area of Pennyrile Area Development in Kentucky. Sanctuary seeks to empower through …

Interracial Relationships: The History, Growth, And Effects On Individuals And Society, Alison Kerney

Integrated Studies

Interracial relationships are an often overlooked and misunderstood issue in the United States as well as in other countries. The percentage of these relationships are on the rise, not only involving African Americans and Caucasians, but also Latinos and Asians as well. A thorough study of the cultural concepts of interracial relationships will involve first defining the issue, looking at the prevalence and taking note of trends, reviewing the history and laws that brought this issue to the forefront, and thoroughly examining the positive and negative effects on individuals and society. The research on interracial marriages will help to increase …

How Physical Exercise Impacts Learning Abilities And Self Awareness In The Classroom, Jason Michael Rosselli

Integrated Studies

Abstract

For many years ever since the author started elementary school back in 2003-2004 and all the way up to recently being taught in military classes while in the Army, the paper will describe what he has experienced as well as many other problems staying awake in class or fully comprehending the learning material due to lack of energy or lack of sleep from the night before. This paper will talk about how falling asleep in class has been a notorious landmark as to why students will struggle in a class or why that teacher does not enjoy having that …

The Use And Acceptance Of The English Canon In The High School Classroom, Matthew D. Dobbs

Integrated Studies

The literary canon has been viewed in the high school ELA classroom for many generations. The works it contains are now somewhat dated and there are certain movements claiming it should be replaced with different types of modern literature. This paper seeks to address how the canon is viewed in the classroom, including what problems people associate with it, and what solutions to those problems are available. The literary canon is a staple in ELA education and will continue to be for some time to come.

Keywords: ELA, Canon, Education

Women In The Military, Amanda Bostick

Integrated Studies

Since the beginning of the United Stated military, women have served their country in one way or another. Even when women were banned from serving, they found ways. Through the years, women have faced and overcome many challenges that the military has exposed them to. Many of these challenges have caused medical issues in both mental and physical areas. Women have had to prove their worth and capabilities and continue to do so today. They have faced sexual harassment, abuse, and rape often to be ignored when they speak out and seek help from leadership. Females have faced many challenges …

Cheap Labor And The Effects On The American Economy And Worker, Brian Proctor, Brian Proctor

Integrated Studies

Abstract

This study shows how American companies have used cheap labor in the past and present to do smaller jobs or to make individual pieces or parts that were to be put together and used in larger products. This cheap labor came from both foreign and domestic sources. In recent times, however, these companies have picked up and moved their entire productions outside of the United States greatly impacting the American economy and workers. These moves have been called outsourcing or off-shoring and have played a major part in the decline of some of the larger manufacturing cities such as …

Barriers To Implementation Of A Technology-Based Mental Health Intervention In A Rural Setting, Becky F. Antle, Lesley M. Harris, Jesse H. Wright, Tracy D. Eells, Amy Cappiccie, Sara M. Williams, Rebecca Katz, Ashley Logsdon, Jesse Owen

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

This study utilized qualitative focus groups with rural health providers and patients to explore barriers to implementation of a technology-based mental health intervention for the treatment of depression in a primary care setting. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was implemented in both urban and rural primary care practices to test the feasibility and effectiveness of computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) for depression. Early implementation identified lower rates of willingness to participate in the intervention by rural patients. Subsequently, focus groups were conducted with rural providers and patients to explore barriers to participation and strategies to overcome these barriers in future …

Grow Your Own: Educating Social Workers In Rural And Frontier Areas To Address The Behavioral Health Workforce Crisis, Michelle M. Levy, Christina D. Boyd

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

Workforce shortages in behavioral health are a longstanding reality in most rural areas. Given the increasing impact of mental health and substance abuse in rural communities, it is critical to seek solutions to address the inadequate number of behavioral health professions in these areas. This paper focuses on a university’s efforts to prepare and support master’s level social workers for practice in their rural and frontier communities to address behavioral health workforce shortages.

Forgotten Heroes Of World War I: Pfc. Preston W. Rushing And The 105th Field Signal Battalion

Jackson Purchase Historical Society Journal Archive

Forgotten Heroes of World War I: Pfc. Preston W. Rushing and the 105th Field Signal Battalion

Alice-Catherine Carls

Memories From The Great War: An Analysis Of Jackson Purchase Veteran’S Changes In Perspective Since 1914

Jackson Purchase Historical Society Journal Archive

Memories From the Great War: An Analysis of Jackson Purchase Veteran’s Changes in Perspective Since 1914

David J. Wallace

An Analysis Of Soccer Referee Demographics And Motivational Factors In The Western Kentucky Soccer Officials Association, Daniel Hasko

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Through a lens of the Knowledge Gap Theory of Mass Communication and the consideration of Media Framing Theory, this research examined the demographics of soccer referees in the Western Kentucky Soccer Officials Association, in addition to the leading motivations for beginning, continuing, and leaving their officiating vocation. With the knowledge of the aforementioned, this paper aimed to lay the groundwork for a strategic communication plan in the officiating community that addresses the alarming trend that is a lack of certified referees in youth athletics. The data was collected through online surveys that were distributed to active referees in the Western …

Dirofilaria Immitis Prevalence In Canis Latrans In Kentucky, Melanie Ann Brandon

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Dirofilaria immitis (canine heartworm) was found in forty-two (42) of the two hundred seventy-five (275) Canis latrans (coyote) necropsied in the state of Kentucky from November 27, 2019 through March 3, 2021. Thirty-five (35) of the positive cases were from western Kentucky region with the other seven spread across the state. With this group of coyotes, one hundred fifty-eight (158) were male and the other one hundred six-teen (116) were female. The estimated age ranged from a pup to senior dogs. A little over forty percent of the dogs were obtained through coyote/predator tournaments; the remaining were acquired from pest …