Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Review Valence And Awareness Of Deceptive Practices On Consumers’ Responses To Online Product Ratings And Reviews, Ismail Karabas, Ioannis Kareklas, T. J. Weber, Darrel D. Muehling

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

Many online retailers and some manufacturers/service providers have recently been engaging in questionable practices, where product reviews are often fabricated and/or posted without sufficient clarity and objectivity. Across an exploratory study and two main studies, we empirically examine this phenomenon and observe a pattern of effects that suggests that review valence (i.e., the average number of rating-stars a product receives) influences product attitudes and intentions, but that these outcomes are significantly impacted by the extent to which consumers are aware of potentially deceptive online review practices. Awareness of deceptive practices was found to differentially influence attitudes and intentions, depending upon …

Holistic Lifestyle Counseling By Physical Therapists: Current Practice And Barriers To Improvement, Savannah Grogan

Honors College Theses

Context: Unhealthy lifestyle habits are a significant risk factor for chronic disease and death in the United States of America. The healthcare system is largely focused on symptom-management and disease treatment with seemingly little regard for prevention, but physical therapists are particularly well-placed to improve patients’ health through lifestyle counseling and modification. Objectives: To assess the current state of holistic health promotion among physical therapists and to identify barriers to improving these practices. Design: An electronic survey was completed by physical therapists in and around the state of Kentucky. Descriptive statistics were used to assess participant demographics and the state …

Highlighting Recipes For Recognition And Social Reform In Soul Food Cookbooks., Jake Hicks

Scholars Week

This research explores the writings of African American chefs Edna Lewis and Todd Richards along with Nutritional activists Fabiola Demps Gaines and Roniece Weaver, who have used their published soul food cookbooks to challenge racial stereotypes while redefining America’s perceptions of the southern cuisine known as soul food. Existing scholarship has found that southern cuisine is branching out into more than just a regional food and has shifted into a social movement. This project offers a progressive view on how this social movement of southern cuisine is aiming to reshape the public’s understandings of what constitutes Soul food. Through in-depth …

The Evolution Of Mcdonald’S: As Seen On Tv., Jay Gibson

Scholars Week

When thinking of fast food, McDonald’s is often one of the first that comes to mind. However, we rarely think about how this industry giant has changed over the years. From this point the question is asked, how has McDonald’s advertisements changed to suit their ever-growing audience? What, if anything, has caused these changes? Many might simply say the changes come with the times, but research reveals that there could potentially be much more serious reasons, such as the anti-obesity movement and battles in the legal field. By analyzing numerous television advertisements from the 90s and recent years, I find …

Sitcom Tv Food Messages: Who Makes And What Are We Eating?, Elizabeth Gagnon

Scholars Week

I dive into the family sitcom Fuller House and observe how it represents people who cook and what we eat. As a modern-day family sitcom, representation is current to our standards within today’s diets and kitchen routines. With both men and women cooking in the kitchen, healthy food choices are displayed everywhere, depicting nutritional awareness. I consider the food being served and discuss whether they may fit into gender tropes, such as a male protagonist taking pride in his special burgers. I focus on what food is represented, whether from shopping, ordering through an app, or in the kitchen, when …

The Effects Of An Agricultural Migratory Lifestyle On Children, Deborah Bourland

Integrated Studies

The purpose of this paper to explore medical research journals and interviews with migratory farm workers and their families to explore the effect a migratory lifestyle has on the development of a child as they constantly move from place to place as they, or their parents, seek work following crop timelines in the United States. The articles and interviews used will inform the reader of factors these children face, such as social exclusion, poverty and food insecurities, and how these obstacles affect not only the development of their physical health and growth milestones, but also how they affect the child’s …

A Brief History Of The African Slave Trade In The United States South, Kacey Tubbs

Integrated Studies

The African slave trade in the Antebellum South will be the focus of this paper. First the Colonial time period and the shift from indentured servitude to slavery will be discussed. Next the slave trade practices, including where these people came from, what people were targeted when they were taking them to become slaves, what the journey from Africa to the United States was like, and what the slave sales were like will be examined. There will be information on the various jobs slaves did and what daily life was like as a slave. The paternalistic view on slavery will …

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 …

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 …

A Progressive Addiction Recovery Approach, Sara Meuth

Integrated Studies

Abstract

Addiction is a complex chronic disease that plagues our society today. Understanding addiction requires a deep understanding of the relationship between the brain, mind, body, soul and others; in turn, its solution requires the same. Current research has made much progress and replaced the previous biomedical model for health and well-being with a biopsychosocial model. This same multi-dimensional approach is beginning to be applied to addiction recovery; however, there is much opportunity for progressive treatments to incorporate new components into current intervention models. Although there have been some studies to research the effects of the psychological component to recovery, …

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, …

Human Impact On Global Extinction, Ashley Carter

Integrated Studies

For this project, I wanted to look at how heavily humans are impacting the current rate of global extinction. Many scientists and experts believe that Earth is either on the brink of experiencing a sixth mass extinction or that is it already occurring. The rate of extinction is argued to be happening at a much faster rate than during the Earth’s five previous mass extinctions which were before the evolution of humans. This project explores the different ways that humans are impacting global extinction, between a significant contribution to global warming, poaching, deforestation, and other factors. There is a limited …

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 …

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 …

Is Intermittent Fasting The Missing Element To Proper Health?, Joseph Harris

Integrated Studies

Food is more accessible than ever, yet it is ultra-processed and loaded with many chemicals and preservatives. Most foods today are not made to be healthy, just to taste good, and it is making people sick. This research paper will look at the ancient practice of fasting and the health benefits associated with it. There have been numerous theories on how to lose weight and how to live a healthful life, but most people who try to follow these ideals do not succeed at them. Why is obesity becoming a rapidly growing epidemic? Is there a link between obesity and …

Teaching Evaluative Criteria To Increase Critical Thinking: Infographics 101, Dana Thompson

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

This one-shot instruction session is intended to increase students’ critical thinking and visual literacy skills by teaching students how to evaluate and create infographics using specific, evaluative criteria.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Cannabidiol In The Horse: Pharmacokinetics And Effects Of A Pelleted Supplement On Reactivity And Movement, Anna L. Draeger

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

A multitude of claims exist regarding therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) in human and animal medicine. Though supportive evidence of CBD as a nutraceutical option exists, lack of regulation means that product safety, consistency, and efficacy cannot be guaranteed. Trials for specific conditions and species are needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate CBD safety and use effects on reactivity and movement in the horse. Project 1 examined the bioavailability of a single 50 mg dose of an oil and pelleted CBD product. One of 2 Quarter Horse geldings received the oil product. The second received the pelleted …

Evidence Of Variable Climate And Resources During The Late Pleistocene And Holocene At Gona, Ethiopia, Marie White

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

The African Humid Period (AHP) spanned a period of approximately 15 to 5 thousand years ago (ka) and resulted in Northern and Eastern Africa being wetter than today. This climate change event impacted flora, fauna, and humans to an unknown extent. Much of the work on the AHP across Eastern Africa utilizes lacustrine and marine proxies rather than river-based (fluvial). Gona, located in the Afar region of Ethiopia, is known for its extensive archaeological and fossil records in fluvial deposits. However, the paleoenvironment of the AHP at Gona has not been investigated. This study uses stratigraphy, geochronology, and paleopedology to …

The Combination Of Valsartan And Sacubitril Does Not Improve Effectiveness Against Angii-Induced Aaas, Jenny (Ching Ling) Liang, Sean Thatcher

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is defined as permanent dilation of the abdominal aorta by more than 50% of its normal diameter. As AAAs grow progressively, the aorta can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding. Preliminary data demonstrates that angiotensin II (AngII), which can induce AAA, plus testosterone were powerful stimulants for expression of neprilysin in abdominal aortic smooth muscle cells from male mice. Neprilysin is a metalloendopeptidase, which can cleave and inactivate AngII and natriuretic peptides. Because natriuretic peptides might be beneficial for reducing the growth of AAAs through decreasing blood pressure, inhibition of neprilysin along with blocking AngII receptor would …

Hemp As A Livestock Feedstuff: A Review Of Current Literature, Sarah Mead, Alyx Shultz

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Hemp was removed from the list of controlled substances in the 2018 Farm Bill, making regulated hemp production legal in the United States. Kentucky agriculturalists and entrepreneurs are at the cutting edge of the United States hemp production and processing industries. Hemp production generally falls into one of three categories: grain, fiber, or floral (CBD extraction). Each production category also produces byproducts; one such byproduct is meal. In order to make hemp oil and fiber processing viable, markets for the remaining meal must be found. The high fiber, fat, and protein of hemp meal make it a potential feedstuff for …

A Terrestrial Reconstruction Of Gona, Ethiopia Before And During The African Humid Period, Marie N. White, Gary E. Stinchcomb

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The African Humid Period (AHP) resulted in more humid conditions across Northern and Eastern Africa from 15 to 5 thousand years ago (ka). This wetter climate affected flora, fauna and the Homo sapiens living in East Africa. The lack of terrestrial paleoenvironmental reconstructions is a problem in East Africa, especially during the AHP, where most are done utilizing lacustrine or marine proxies. In the case of Gona, Ethiopia, terrestrial proxies are desired due to the rich archaeological and fossil concentrations that occur in the area. Paleosols provide more direct, localized reconstructions that provide context for these finds. This study utilizes …

2019-04-05, Board Of Regents, Murray State University

Board of Regents Meeting Minutes

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Guilt And Sadness On Sugar Consumption, Sarah Lefebvre, Jonathan Hasford, Ze Wang

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

This research examines how the discrete negative emotions of guilt and sadness impact individual preference for carbohydrates, specifically in the form of sugar. Using Cognitive Appraisal Theory and research in biological psychology, we identify how these two discrete emotions influence the release of cortisol, which impacts sugar preferences. The results of four studies indicate that consumers select and prepare foods with higher amounts of sugar when experiencing sadness relative to when they feel guilt. Implications for public policy as well as marketing practitioners are discussed.

Posters-At-The-Capitol 2019 Program Booklet, Posters-At-The-Capitol

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Posters-at-the Capitol 2019 program booklet.

Consumer Perceptions Of Genetically Modified Foods: A Mixed-Method Approach, Sarah Lefebvre, Laurel A. Cook, Merlyn Griffiths

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

Purpose – This paper aims to examine consumers’ opinions and behavioral intentions toward foods labeled as containing genetically modified (GM) (transgenic) ingredients across plant and animal-based categories. In light of marketplace changes (i.e. labeling requirements), we explore behavioral measures based on labeling options.

Design/methodology/approach – Three studies, one online projective survey using a convenience sample of consumers and two experiments conducted with Amazon mTurk adult US participants, are included.

Findings – Consumers have negative associations with GM products vs non-GM and are more likely to purchase unlabeled GM products. GM products may offer positive economic, societal and environmental benefits. However, …

The Influence Of Ambient Scent Temperature On Food Consumption Behavior, Sarah Lefebvre, Dipayan Biswas

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

This research examines the impact of ambient odor on food consumption. The results of a field experiment and five lab experiments show that the presence of a warm ambient odor (e.g., cedarwood) versus a cool ambient odor (e.g., eucalyptus) reduces the amount of calories consumed and also leads to increased choice of lower-calorie food options. This is due to established implicit associations formed from the human body’s innate physiological response to changes in ambient temperature. Specifically, exposure to a warm (vs. cool) ambient odor, influences perceived ambient temperature, which in turn alters food consumption behaviors. The results of this research …