Digital Commons Network^™

Incorporating Sustainable Strategies And Practices Into The City Improvements Plan Of Madisonville, Kentucky To Better Suit It For The Changing World, Cade R. Howell

Honors College Theses

This project aims to make the case for city improvements in Madisonville, Kentucky by using successful strategies implemented by other cities across the region. These strategies include sidewalk improvements, the installation of roundabouts and parking garages, increased walkability and beautification, and a restructuring of the types of cars predominantly used in the area. The strategies would be implemented from least expensive to most expensive, and in a way that gets the communities involved as much as possible. By using these strategies, Madisonville can better prepare itself for a more sustainable future.

Occupational Stressors And Health Impacts Among First Responders, Mason N. Roach

Honors College Theses

The United States 911 emergency response system is an interconnected web of public services that seeks to provide its community with care, resources, and safety in times of need. However, the impact of this support on the employees providing the service often goes unnoticed. This review identifies and analyzes the unique strains on first responders' physical and mental health using the Job Demand-Control Model and the Allostatic Load Model. A review of available research literature supports the conclusion that occupational-related stress, including trauma exposure, shift work, poor leadership, and inadequate communication, can have long-lasting negative impacts on provider health.

Supporting Those Who Serve: The Impact Of Peer Support On Law Enforcement Suicide, Emily N. Warren

Honors College Theses

Individuals working in law enforcement face daily stressors that far exceed those experienced by the general population. This elevated exposure to stress has been associated with increased rates of mental health disorders and suicide among law enforcement officers. In response, peer support programs have gained recent attention, with new state and federal legislation promoting peer support as a strategy to address the mental health crisis within law enforcement. This paper examines the impact of statewide peer support programs on law enforcement suicide rates through statistical analysis. A difference-in-differences analysis is used to compare state-level law enforcement suicide rates before and …

Kentucky Probation And Parole: Recognizing The Need For A Larger Workforce, Brent T. Burgess

Integrated Studies

Abstract

Kentucky’s Department of Probation and Parole needs additional officers. While officers are being added, caseloads continue to rise and officers in Kentucky are feeling exhausted. This research project focuses on examining some of the main issues behind the cause and effects that probation and parole officers are facing in Kentucky. The research lists the different aspects of both probation and parole and the dissentions between state and federal probation, since parole was abolished by the federal system 1987. The project includes new legislative reform movements taking place in attempts to reduce the high populations of Kentucky’s jails and prisons …

Public Libraries: Communities Need Them To Survive, Genesis Wilson

Integrated Studies

Public libraries continue to play a highly impactful and transformative role in community life, even as digital technologies reshape how individuals access information, participate in civic life, and access social support. The literature consistently shows that public libraries function not only as information centers but also as inclusive community anchors that advance digital equity, civic engagement, lifelong learning, and social well-being. Drawing on research from respected scholars such as Akst, Alemanne et al., Lewis, Elmborg, and Schencker, this literature review integrates key themes related to public libraries as community builders, technology and broadband leaders, and essential social support systems for …

Career And Technical Education Readiness Trends Across Kentucky High Schools And Workforce Regions: A Longitudinal Analysis, Brittany Forgey

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Career and Technical Education (CTE) has become an increasingly important component of Kentucky’s educational accountability system and workforce development initiatives. Despite expanded emphasis on career readiness and technical skill attainment, limited research has examined long-term trends in CTE readiness across Kentucky public high schools. The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental, longitudinal study was to examine trends in CTE readiness indicators from 2011 through 2025. Human Capital Theory and Social Capital Theory provided the conceptual framework. Publicly available data from the Kentucky Department of Education School Report Card, KYStats, Supplemental Career and Technical Education reports, and other Kentucky Department of Education …

Stress As A Means Of Success: Investigating The Effect Of Stress Appraisals On Willpower, Ego Depletion, And Physiological Responses In College Students, Anna Minor

Honors College Theses

Stress impacts our emotions, cognition, behavior, and health. Although stress is abundant and unavoidable, recent research suggests our perception of stress can strongly influence its outcomes. The Biopsychosocial Model of Challenge and Threat (BPS) states that we appraise a stressful scenario in one of two ways: challenge or threat. A challenge appraisal involves a positive perception of stress and is associated with lower physiological output while a threat appraisal involves a negative perception of stress and increased physiological arousal. The current research seeks to apply the BPS to a cognitive task and consider its relation to willpower, ego depletion, and …

Predicting Hazardous Near-Earth Objects Using Machine Learning For Planetary Defense, John Costa (Student), Lily Popova Zhuhadar (Mentor)

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Predicting Hazardous Near-Earth Objects Using Machine Learning for Planetary Defense

This research develops a machine learning model to classify Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) as hazardous or non-hazardous based on their physical and orbital characteristics, leveraging NASA's dataset of certified NEOs. NEOs, including asteroids and comets, often pass within close proximity to Earth, and while most pose no threat, some have the potential for catastrophic impacts. By using predictive models such as decision trees and random forests, this study aims to prioritize resources for monitoring and mitigation of high-risk objects. The model incorporates key features like velocity, diameter, and proximity to Earth …

Greece And Harm Reduction Efficacy, Callie Wagers

Posters-at-the-Capitol

An overview of the significance of harm reduction strategies in public health, highlighting Greece's innovative approaches recognized by the Healthy Cities Award. Harm reduction encompasses a range of policies and programs designed to minimize the negative health and social impacts associated with substance use, emphasizing pragmatic and compassionate solutions rather than punitive measures. Greece's successful initiatives—such as syringe exchange programs, supervised consumption sites, and comprehensive addiction treatment services—serve as a model for addressing public health crises. Kentucky, facing significant challenges related to substance use disorders, can adopt and adapt Greece's harm reduction methods to enhance the well-being of its communities. …

Post-Traumatic Stress Dissorder In Law Enforcement, Todd C. Dearmond

Integrated Studies

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that has been linked primarily to military personnel. However, first responders experience the same symptoms due to their extended exposure to traumatic events, the stress of the job, and having to make high-risk decisions daily. Symptoms of PTSD include reliving the event, hyper-arousal, and avoidance. These symptoms typically develop over a period of three months but can also take years to emerge after the traumatic event. The treatment and management of PTSD in first responders calls for a multifaceted approach because one treatment style does not fit all personnel. The effectiveness and management …

Transforming Workforce Pipelines: Equity, Credentialing, And Drone-Integrated Apprenticeships In Missouri, Linda S. Stinson

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how Missouri integrates drone technology into Registered Youth Apprenticeship and Career and Technical Education programs to develop equitable, credentialed pathways into high-skill careers. Grounded in Human Capital Theory, Credential Signaling Theory, and Transformational Leadership Theory, the research explores how emerging technologies intersect with labor market demands, credential access, and instructional leadership. The literature review highlights both national and international models of scalable apprenticeship systems, emphasizing the role of intermediaries, credential alignment, and early STEM exposure. Missouri’s initiatives, including the Top Drone Academy, serve as a case model for workforce-aligned innovation, yet challenges persist in infrastructure, teacher certification, …

Examining Kentucky Agriculture Teachers’ Use Of Student Credentialing In Agricultural Education Programming, Kaycee J. Palmeri, Kevin T. Wells

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore Kentucky agriculture teachers’ perceptions regarding current industry credential offerings, how they operationalize the curricula, knowledge, and skills necessary to prepare for industry credential offerings, and the perceived benefits for students who earn such credentials. The current study was undergirded by human capital theory. Using random sampling across the 12 Kentucky FFA service regions, the researcher collected data from nine current Kentucky agriculture teachers via semi-structured interviews. Further, the researcher used a Qualtrics-based instrument to collect participant demographics data. The analysis of the interview data revealed eight distinct emerging themes. The researcher …

Global Criminal Justice Practices And Public Safety, Rachel Hwang

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Popular political discourse in the U.S. assumes that more funding for law enforcement and prison facilities will make civilians safer, presumably by reducing crime and sense of disorder. However, studies have shown that the relationship between these factors may not be as straightforward. With the killing of George Floyd and increased media coverage of police brutality, existing literature focuses mainly on the relationship between police and crime in the U.S. The impact of incarceration (the result of procedural justice) on the community (for whom procedural justice exists) is less known, especially on a global scale. We argue that cycling people …

Student Knowledge Of Sexual Assault Resources, Kali Forden

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Despite the changes in policy and the endorsement of mandatory reporting among college students over time, less than half of survivors of sexual assault report the incident to police or university officials (Cantor et al., 2020). Further, while there is little research on the subject, Moore and Baker (2016) found that a student’s residence can influence whether they report a sexual assault. This project sought to extend this research to determine whether a student’s residence and knowledge of available resources effects the likelihood to report a hypothetical sexual assault. Additionally, it sought to determine the relationship between reporting a sexual …

Science Of Hemp: Production And Pest Management Meeting Proceedings (2022)

Science of Hemp Annual Meeting

The third meeting of the Science of Hemp: Production and Pest Management held on November 3-4, 2022 at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY. Ninety-two agricultural scientists attended a series of scientific presentations. Topics included discipline-specific presentations in agronomy, entomology, horticulture, economics, and plant pathology, as well as general sessions. The abstracts for presentations and posters are included within this publication.

A Probabilistic Exploration Of Food Supplementation And Assistance, Logan Mattingly

Honors College Theses

Food insecurity is a stark threat that grips our country and affects households throughout our country. Dietary insufficiency manifests itself in ways that affect health and public safety. According to researchers, individuals who suffer from food insecurity have a higher risk of aggression, anxiety, suicide ideation and depression. These problems tend to occur unequally distributed among those households with lower income. In this work, an exploratory analysis within these data sets will be performed to examine the socio-economic, biographical, nutritional, and geographical principal components of food insecurity among survey participants and how the US Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) effects …

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 …

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 …

A Geospatial Analysis Of Crime Hotspots, Campus Safety Measures, And The Campus Community’S Perceived Safety At Murray State University, Rachel Stuckey

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Murray State University (Murray State) is in far Western Kentucky. Murray State prides itself on being a safe campus for prospective students. In this study spatial analysis was used to analyze the relationship among crime hotspots, campus safety measures, and students’ perception of safety on campus the campus of Murray State. A survey was distributed to students to determine the areas of the campus where students feel safe and unsafe. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) were used to determine the location of crime hotspots over eight years (2014-2022) to measure the spatial relationship between logged crime hotspots and perceived safe and …

Navigating The Obstacles Of The Substance Use Epidemics In The United States For Healthcare Professionals, Valencia A. La'cour

Integrated Studies

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research is to assist healthcare professionals in the United States in both clinical and non-clinical areas become more informed, identify barriers, and develop an action plan regarding opioid and alcohol addiction crisis. The opioid crisis was declared an epidemic that places the county in a state of national emergency by President of the United States Donald J. Trump in 2018. Alcohol consumption has been steady in America since 1850, except for during the times of prohibition from 1919-1933.

Both the opioid crisis epidemic, and alcoholism continuously manage to aggressively take devasting numbers of lives over …

Low-Income Communities And The Impact On Mental Health And Substance Use Disorder, Melissa Haynes

Integrated Studies

This paper discusses the literature review and findings of low-income communities and the direct impact it has on mental health and substance use disorder. As stated in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, Bauer et al. (2021) research showed that “poverty and poor mental health are closely related”; this paper will review the direct impacts. While using literature review journals and other creditable sources, this paper will show specific mental health and substance use disorder concerns found within low-income communities, including depression, anxiety, suicide, and substance use disorder. This research will identify individuals within communities who are at greater risk due …

A Bonded Case Study Of Missouri Secondary Criminal Justice Program Curricula, James Barnes, James Oren Barnes

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This exploratory case study measured the Missouri Secondary Criminal Justice Program instructors' perception on the impact of Missouri technical standards, the Industry Recognized Credential/Technical Skills Assessment (IRC/TSA), Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), individual cumulative career experience, and advisory boards on their curricula. As a local autonomy state, Missouri has no statutorily mandated curricula to guide instructors. Six secondary criminal justice instructors agreed to be interviewed on their perspectives regarding the factors that impact curricula. The research found that instructor experience had the most substantial impact on curricula. The instructors used the technical standards as a scope and sequence for …

The Ineffectiveness Of The War On Drugs, Tristen Miller

Integrated Studies

The War on Drugs does not improve health and public safety, but rather serves as a tool of institutional racism and militarism. Despite increased spending on drug enforcement efforts, rates of incarceration and overdose deaths remain high. Through analyzing research done on arrest records in areas such as the state of California; Seattle, Washington; and New Haven, Connecticut, the disparity in arrests of black and white Americans becomes apparent. Additionally, analyzing the effectiveness of War on Drugs policies in Afghanistan, Colombia, and Mexico, reveals ulterior motives for American military intervention. Military intervention and incarceration have proven ineffective at addressing the …

Informal Executive Actions And Agency Guidance: Legal And Political Implications For Immigration And Other Policy Areas, Ihsan A. Alkhatib, James C. Clinger

Commonwealth Review of Political Science

This paper is a study of the use of various forms of informal executive actions used by presidents and cabinet officials to guide the policy implementation of federal agencies. Among these are policy manuals, guidance statements, statements of administration policy, and announcements of executive priorities. The recent executive action regarding immigration announced by President Obama is also an example of this kind of behavior. The paper will rely upon the analysis of legal scholars who have examined the causes and consequences of informal executive actions. We will examine the implications that these actions have for public participation, transparency, consistency in …

Understanding Resilience And Protective Factors Among Released Offenders, Vanke'via Garner

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Approximately 650,000 offenders are being released from prison or jail per year in the USA. After incarceration, released offenders encounter a myriad of challenges that prohibit successful transition into the community. Research has focused on the risk factors that contribute to recidivism – relapse into criminal activity, with limited focus on protective factors that contribute to desistance from criminal activity. Existing research has relied on several theories to hypothesize and explain the causes of desistance, with research suggesting that individual subjective factors and social factors are essential to the desistance process. This study was therefore guided by two theories – …

An Investigation Into Cte Classroom Instructional Strategies, Jonathan Walker

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This researcher conducted this ex post facto study with the help of career and technical education (CTE) teachers across the country. The research was a survey of classroom instructional strategy usage, a teacher’s familial impact on classroom instruction strategies used, and the effects of Covid-19 on classroom strategies used. Data suggested that CTE teachers use different instructional strategies based on teacher demographics and that Covid-19 did have an effect on CTE teachers’ use of instructional strategies. This data suggested the five most used classroom instructional strategies were questioning, guided practice, demonstrations, lab activities, and whole group discussion.

Complete Issue - Volume 5, Number 1 (2021)

Commonwealth Review of Political Science

Complete Issue

Can Body-Worn Cameras And Policy Changes Assist Within Police Agencies?, William L. Propes

Integrated Studies

Police agencies across the globe are facing a crisis as it pertains to the diminishment of public trust within their communities, stemming from highly-publicized instances where police officers have had to use force on a citizen, which can sometimes be deadly. Because of many different factors such as social media, biased mainstream media outlets, and rapid information sharing, public opinion and trust for the police are at an all-time low, and use of force incidents are commonly questioned and critiqued by those with no police training or law enforcement knowledge.

It is not accurate to state that police agencies and …

Comparative Analysis Of Animal Welfare Laws Versus Kentucky’S Animal Welfare Laws, Tammala Stratton

Integrated Studies

State laws governing animal welfare vary between states. This paper will establish the differentiation in the terminology, the established punishments, and the resulting rates of euthanasia associated with these laws as well as examining local laws that have proven effective. Best practices that are a direct result of the institution of the laws in the states that have been deemed “top tier” by The Animal Legal Defense Fund, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and The United States Department of Agriculture will be examined and compared with the existing practices and laws of Kentucky. Kentucky currently ranks in the bottom tier …

Towards A Social Justice Agenda: Intimate Partner Violence Among Rural, African American Women, Shani Collins Woods

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

The social work profession is rooted in community-based work that seeks to eradicate social injustice everywhere. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global phenomenon which impacts women from diverse socio-economic and racial/ethnic backgrounds. It involves power and control, economic abuse, and physical and sexual violence. When compared to other racial and ethnic groups, African American women are likelier to experience physical violence, rape, and homicide. Intimate partner violence among African American women is a social justice issue.

When compared to other racial and ethnic groups, rural and/or low-income African American women are likelier to experience IPV. They are also likelier …