Digital Commons Network^™

Disaggregating Foreign Aid: What Have We Learned From Research On Sub-National Foreign Aid?, Josiah F. Marineau

Commonwealth Review of Political Science

Over the past several years, a new wave of research has mapped the location of foreign aid projects within countries to understand the causes and effects of sub-national aid allocation. This effort, affiliated with the AidData research program (albeit not exclusively), is ongoing, and new datasets on foreign aid donors and for particular countries are being released. After several years of continuing research into the correlates and effects of sub-national foreign aid on aid-recipient countries, it is worthwhile to pause and consider what this research program has uncovered and suggest directions where it might go.

Democracy For Some: Greek-American Institutions And The Greek Junta, 1967-1974, Olga Koulisis

Commonwealth Review of Political Science

In 1967 a military junta took over Greece, silencing the democratic process in Democracy’s birthplace with the tacit approval of Democracy’s heir apparent, the United States of America. The tolerance, if not support, of Greek-American institutions to the establishment of the Greek Junta and the U.S. government’s support for that regime offers a case study of why democratic publics accept, if not bolster, their own government’s support for anti-democratic regimes. This case offers an intriguing juxtaposition because of the historical claims that U.S., Greek, and Greek diaspora identities make on democratic practice and commitment. This study examines how junta-tolerant Greek …

Collegiate Athletics Impact On Academic Performance, Chris Hill

Integrated Studies

The complex world of collegiate athletics in American universities presents a unique intersection of sports and academics, each influencing student-athlete trajectory. This research project explores the numerous factors impacting these individuals' academic performance and overall educational experience. Drawing on sources ranging from studies on institutional policies (Brecht & Burnett, 2019) to personal motivations (Firth-Clark et al., 2019), the investigation paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by student-athletes. Key findings highlight the powerful influence of external entities like the NCAA and the inherent pressures of media attention (Torres-Ronda et al., 2022). Similarly, internal dynamics such as peer …

National Health Insurance For The United States, Ashley Herrell

Integrated Studies

Approximately 46 million U.S. citizens lack health insurance despite the nation's abundant resources. The imperative for universal healthcare arises, with a proposed solution being mandatory national health insurance. This paradigm shift, championed by the U.S. House of Representatives, Senate, and citizens, aims to eradicate the issue of people foregoing healthcare due to lack of insurance, promising to enhance collective well-being. The U.S. stands out among high-income countries without comprehensive universal healthcare, leading to disproportionately high out-of-pocket expenses and inferior health outcomes. Social determinants like income, race, and rural residence exacerbate the challenge by limiting healthcare access for vulnerable groups. Embracing …

Autism Resources In Rural America, Amanda Long

Integrated Studies

The topic of this final project centers around the lack of services that are available to autistic children and adults in rural America and the steps that should be taken the ensure services are available as the growing population of children grow older and need full-time care. Our modern society as well as the current healthcare system are not prepared for the growing need of an ageing disabled population. Will these disabled children and young adults flood the current long-term care facilities that are already established? Will the already stretched thin Medicare and Medicaid system cover the costs associated with …

Social Media And It's Influence In Today's World, Cinque Hampton

Integrated Studies

Let’s be honest, the pervasive influence of social media is irrefutable. This paper is going to dive into the involvement and impact that social media platforms have on modern society. From your everyday casual platforms like Facebook to videos games children play like Roblox. There are 100 plus social media sites that people have access to. This paper will analyze how social media has shaped trends, beliefs, cultural expression, and even identify formation. Social media has also made an impact on mental health, the way people view themselves and their thought process. This paper will also look at the addiction …

Youth In A Mental Health Crisis, William Simmons

Integrated Studies

Recent research has shown that many of today’s youth are experiencing a mental health crisis that they are not prepared to handle on their own. A large portion of youth have a mental, emotional, or behavioral issue and may not even realize it or are not able to seek help. This problem is further exacerbated by continual budget cuts made to school spending and a justice system that prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation. This research paper will give a brief history of the juvenile justice system and what advances have been the most influential. It will also examine the flaws of …

Navigating An Infodemic: Methods For Teaching Critical Reading In The Health Sciences, Candace K. Vance

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

In difficult times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more important that students recognize and question their assumptions regarding how knowledge is recognized as legitimate in their disciplines. “When there is no time for proper peer review, each of us must be our own reviewer.” How can we teach students to recognize flawed methods and data, even when the research may be presented in the top journals as the current best evidence? How do we teach future clinicians to look past the name of the journal or the reputation of the author and learn to discern quality evidence? This …

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder And The Reduction Of Symptoms: A Review, Joshua Williams

Integrated Studies

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a life altering and often debilitating disorder that can have a profound effect on someone’s life. While there is currently no cure, research into different treatments for PTSD is ongoing. Conditions co-morbid with PTSD can cause difficulty in research. Several illegal drugs like psilocybin, cannabis, lysergic acid diethylamide, and mescaline have shown promise, but need further research as treatments for PTSD symptoms.

Keywords: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), symptoms, reduction

Examining Early Childhood Education's Influence On Future Success, Elisabeth Meacham

Integrated Studies

There are many factors that influence the long-term outcomes of a child. This paper researches the influence that early childhood education has on children from birth to compulsory school age and the child’s future success as a student and member of society. Notable long-term research studies that are examined in this paper are The Perry Preschool Study, Chicago Longitudinal Study, The Abecedarian Projects, and Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K Study. The majority of research indicates that children that receive quality early childhood services are more prepared for school, have better grades, go further in their educational careers, are less likely to do …

How To Effectively Construct A Preschool Classroom To Provide A Quality Learning Environment, Olivia Groom

Integrated Studies

The design of a preschool classroom is crucial to the success of each student and can have many different roles depending on who you are talking to. For a teacher, a preschool classroom is somewhere they spend an abundance of time and energy with the goal that their students will be successful. For a student, the preschool classroom can be a place where they are discovering themselves for the very first time. In addition, they might see their classroom as a haven, away from all their worries and difficulties. In order to incorporate all these needs, the design of a …

Artificial Intelligence: Challenges For Future Growth, Jeffrey Forguson, Jeffrey Forguson

Integrated Studies

This paper discusses the challenges facing artificial intelligence (AI) as it relates to replicating the human brain and how these challenges are perceived by the human employee. Through my research I found approximately 19 challenges facing the growth and future development of A.I. in the workplace. A.I. is in 93% of all global industries and the remaining 7% are seriously looking into it. I reviewed academic sources to determine the challenges facing the advancement of A.I. in the workplace. A.I. extends all the way back to the 18^th century Industrial Revolution. Since that time, human employees have feared becoming …

Communication Through Coaching College Basketball, Brice Margenthaler

Integrated Studies

The purpose of this paper is to explain the communication process through coaching basketball at the college level. Coaches communicate in many different ways and have different styles of coaching that help build their programs. Watching basketball from a fan's point of view is different from the coach’s point of view. Coaches communicate on a daily basis, and communication is an important aspect in successfully coaching basketball at the college level. Throughout this paper communication tactics and how coaches communicate with players will be presented and explained. Communication is an important aspect in successfully coaching basketball at the college level. …

An Analysis Of Prominent Historical Figures Throughout History The Character Traits That Defined Them, Jake Mayo

Integrated Studies

Studying Social Sciences and historical figures is a great avenue for understanding ourselves and the greater world surrounding us. Understanding social sciences is important as it allows us to use different systems to better understand ourselves as people and our place in the world. Understanding historical events and historical figures allows us to better understand those who came before us and what made them who they are. We can use both social sciences and understanding historical figures to better understand the present, appreciate diversity, develop empathy and understanding, inspire change, learn from our mistakes, better understand our culture, and enhance …

Police Brutality In The United States, Jacob Bell, Jacob D. Bell

Integrated Studies

Police brutality is exemplified by using excessive or unjustifiable force by law enfoand federal governments have been against brutality for a long time and have taken action against it. This study examined the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers. The relationship between historical events and present-day societal issues is undeniable. To shed light on the tense dynamic between black males and law enforcement officials in the United States, it's important to examine how the black population has been treated in the past. Throughout history, people of African descent have often been viewed as hostile and aggressive, which has …

In-Schools Suspension (Iss) And Out Of School Suspension (Oss): The Effects And Inequities On Special Education Students, Jennifer Connell

Integrated Studies

Abstract

The effects of ISS (In school suspension) and OSS (out-of-school suspension) on special education students is a long-debated issue. Using a high school in a rural, suburban area as a foundation, the history of special education in schools, the disproportionate handing out of punishment between general education and special education students, the effects of segregation versus having special education students in general education classes, as well as how to better support special education students in the educational setting will be explored.

In this disquisition, the history of special education in schools and the effects of suspensions on special education …

When War Follows You Home: The Final Battle Of Reintegration Among Veterans, Jenny Mercer

Integrated Studies

The purpose of this paper is to educate the reader about some of the most common reintegration struggles veterans face upon returning to the civilian world. The topics heavily focused on include mental health, physical health, coping mechanisms, interpersonal relationships, career and financial struggles, and community involvement. In addition to focusing on reintegration issues veterans face, there is also a relationship discussed between the culture and lifestyle of currently serving military members and how this often has a direct influence over some of the struggles veteran’s face in the future. Spreading awareness of some of the issues veterans face is …

Past And Present: Important Women In Leadership Roles, Robyn Stevenson

Integrated Studies

Women as leaders is not a new concept. History shows us how many women accomplished wonderful things; current day news shows us how many women are still accomplishing wonderful things. With the past and the present, we should expect our future to be even more dominated by women. This paper takes a look at the women that have showed up for the world in many different ways, and gives a brief look into their lives. Some of the women are very well known, some have stayed under the radar and not as recognized. But the one thing that they all …

Leadership In Modern Policing, Shawn Craven

Integrated Studies

The growing need for effective and moral law enforcement leadership is at an all-time high due to the changing societal needs and complexities. Modern law enforcement leaders must possess many skills and competencies that reflect the profession's demands and their communities. Effective police leadership requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement obtained through effective knowledge, skills, and abilities that are enhanced by training. A review of available research literature supports that to be an influential and effective police leader, you must possess high-quality and moralistic leadership values and attributes to advance departmental and public trust. This conclusion points …

Teaching Elementary Students In Public Schools Today Versus Twenty Years Ago, Elizabeth Blake

Integrated Studies

Public education has changed so much over the last twenty years in many different ways prior to the ways of earlier technology. This has affected elementary education levels, parental involvement, and standardized testing in so many ways. Over time these three studies of education have adapted and evolved into what they are today. The use of technology has changed from Wikipedia searches to Google searches and classrooms for remote learning mostly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The learning environment has changed through the use of technology by incorporating interactive videos and games during instruction. Interviews with elementary educators who were just …

Innovations Of Radiology, Damika Gregory

Integrated Studies

Change in health care has been rapid in the last two decades with new technologies being invented every day. The radiology department has seen many of these changes. With each new technology advancement, the employees in these departments must be willing to adapt and learn how to use new equipment in order to provide patients with more efficient care. Among the changes that have developed digital imaging, portable x-rays, artificial intelligence systems, MIP/three-dimensional reconstructions, electronic ordering, surgical imaging equipment, fluoroscopy, and automatic image stitching have significantly changed the way medical imaging has flowed and improved to benefit of the patient …

The Effects Of Social Media And Technology On Young Adults, Parents, And Teachers, Ladonna Schwartz, Ladonna R. Schwartz

Integrated Studies

How is technology affecting adolescents, teachers, and parents. We are looking at the negative and positive effects not only on social media and technology but websites. Discussion of bullying, sexting, and peer pressure. Take inconsideration Tic Tok, Snap Chat, Instagram, and Facebook, most people log on their social media more than once a day, what affect does this have on our work life, social life, home life and life in general. Technology can make education easy or hard. Teachers work with technology every day to make it where students have easy access to homework and notes that are needed. Also, …

Inspiring Macro Practice Through Rural Social Work: Teaching Notes On Experiential Learning, Dana C. Branson

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

Experiential learning is the cornerstone of social work education and has been shown to be highly beneficial to students, especially with increased self-confidence in skills, interest in similar work post-graduation, cultural humility, application of theory to practice, problem solving skills, and critical thinking. Additionally, experiential learning opportunities support the nine competencies of social work education and provides students with an opportunity to try out their budding skills with the guidance and supervision of seasoned social workers. This paper discusses an innovative course project that allowed a group of social work students to engage in macro-level social work practice and grant …

"The Dash In-Between": The Life And Lnfluence Of Ned Mcwherter, 46th Governor Of The Great State Of Tennessee

Jackson Purchase Historical Society Journal Archive

"The Dash In-Between": The Life and Influence of Ned McWherter, 46th Governor of the Great State of Tennessee

Gail Perkins Barton

Spatial And Temporal Varitations In Dissolved Calcium In The Kentucky Lake Watershed In Relation To Zebra Mussel Colonization, Kelsie Meystedt

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Calcium is the fifth most abundant element on earth’s crust. Plants and animals require calcium for structure and intracellular metabolism. Recent studies have shown that dissolved calcium (Ca2+) freshwater ecosystems is of growing concern as the increasing concentrations of this element are implicated in altering the natural environment and biota. Elevated levels of dissolved calcium and sporadic re-emergence of an invasive species, namely zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in Kentucky Lake in the recent years served as a motivation for this study. The objective of this study was to determine spatial and temporal variations in dissolved calcium in selected streams, Kentucky …

Discrimination Of Black People In Kansas City Metro Schools, Shelby A Cobb

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

In the United States, education has faced a great deal of scrutiny, particularly, in the last few years. While schools have been integrated, there is more segregation and inequality in education than there was prior to desegregation. Many laws have worked to promote quality education for all, but the majority of these laws have created more issues for people of color. Rather than addressing the issues of systemic racism, the modifications to education have misdirected public focus to specific schools rather than a system of inequality. This study addresses ways that schools could improve to create a level of equity …

Comparison Of Corticosterone Concentrations Between Serum And Fecal Samples As A Measure Of Stress In Male Broilers., Kayla Weinacht

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Stress has long been a topic of interest in the poultry industry due to its potential negative effects on chicken health and production of both eggs and meat. With increased global growth in egg and broiler production, more attention has been paid to the stressors that affect chickens in modern poultry operations, particularly environmental temperature and stocking density. Improving quantitative measurement of stress is always needed in poultry welfare research. In most studies, blood serum is measured for corticosterone, one of the biomarker hormones associated with stress in chickens. Methods of collecting blood serum are by their nature disruptive to …

Factors Contributing To The Attrition Of Female Agriculture Education Teachers, Kellie Daniel

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural education is a multifaceted program comprising the three-ring agricultural model encompassing classroom/laboratory instruction, FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (National FFA Organization, 2021). Each of these components requires dedicated time and, therefore, additional stress. Agricultural educator attrition is a problem that is experienced nationwide, with fewer teachers to fill open positions (Foster et al., 2021a). The current study aims to identify factors that lead to female educators’ loss and burnout. The study is rooted in the Job Demands-Resource Theory, where job demand can contribute to burnout while job resources provide relief from these symptoms. Female educators in Georgia were asked …

An Exploratory Study Of Ergonomics In College Students, Wesley Ryan Tinker

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between poor ergonomic conditions and student physiological discrepancies. This examination provided great insight into students’ daily experiences and concerns for their futures. The methodology used for this study was quantitative as two source data sets were collected and analyzed. The tool REBA was used to measure the specific body angles while students sat working. A survey yielded great results, giving the students an opportunity to subjectively choose options.

This exploratory study allowed the researcher to use quantitative data to answer this study’s research questions. The research questions asked from this study were …

“I Ask Questions!”: An Investigation On Conspiracy Theorizing, Epistemic Curiosity, And Social Vigilantism In Examining Fanatic Conspiracy Theory Support, Hillary Copeland

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study uncovered factors associated with increased conspiracy theory fanaticism by examining the structural components of conspiracy thinking to predict continuous support for specific conspiracy theory propositions. Participants' level of discordant knowledge in conspiracy thinking, comprised of subjective certainty and locus of perceived social opposition, was quantified to predict continuous support for specific conspiracy theory propositions (H1). Findings suggest that underlying differences in the epistemic structure of conspiracy theorizing can be measured to predict the potential negative outcomes of increased conspiracy thinking. Social vigilantism was also examined as a partial mediator to help explain the relationship between discordant knowing conspiracy …