Digital Commons Network^™

Temporal Changes And Possible Sources Of Dissolved Calcium Levels In Stream, River, And Lake Waters In Western Kentucky, Kelsie Meystedt

Scholars Week

ABSTRACT

Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are an exotic and invasive mollusk that spread extensively over various rivers and lakes in the United States. These mussels are known for being notorious in their “biofouling” capabilities, costing the U.S. government billions of dollars in removal operations. Recently, zebra mussel colonies were found in Kentucky Lake possibly due to human activities increasing the salinity of today’s freshwater resources. The increase in salinity from human activities may have adversely affected the ecosystems and water supplies. The Specific aim of this study was to determine the temporal trend of dissolved calcium in Kentucky Lake …

Stress Management In Nursing To Prevent Burnout And Employee Retention, Megan Mayo, Lauren R. Barto, Megan B. Trout

Scholars Week

This project was based on the fact that there is a severe nursing shortage happening in the United States. On average, nurses can have four to eight patients at one time which makes a twelve hour shift almost unbearable due to the stress of keeping all of the patients alive and satisfied with the care they are receiving. During the pandemic, staffing shortages have become one of the main issues faced by healthcare workers across the nation. Due to the staffing shortages and COVID-19 precautions, nurses have not only been taking on more patients but also have increased their workload …

Navigating The Public Funding Landscape: Lessons From One Small, Isolated, Rural, Arts Organization, Elise L. Kieffer

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

This study follows the experience of one arts organization in an isolated, rural, Appalachian community of Kentucky, to explore the relationship between the NEA and the state arts agencies with which they partner. Using the case study of Burkesville Academy of Fine Arts as an inspiration, this question is explored: If BAFA had received necessary technical support from the KAC, is it likely that it might have been awarded funding by the NEA? The study compares BAFA to organizations in comparable communities who received NEA funding. Following findings, suggestions for policy and practice are provided.

Fragile Foal Syndrome: Its Past, Present, And Future, Alena Martin, Alena M. Martin

Honors College Theses

Though Fragile Foal Syndrome (FFS) has been around for some time, the public interest in FFS is recent. The hype spread rapidly from a public media announcement that a stallion at a prominent North American stud farm was a carrier (Brooks, 2021). As with most genetic mutations, FFS likely arose due to the increased inbreeding that results from human selection (Orlando & Librado, 2019). Fragile Foal Syndrome affects the enzyme responsible for developing the connective tissues. Two recent case studies highlighted the devastating effect of FFS on every part of the equine body (Metzger, et al., 2020; Grillos, 2021). So …

2022-03-11, Board Of Regents, Murray State University

Board of Regents Meeting Minutes

No abstract provided.

Popcast: A Music Podcast With Unexpected Scholarly Angles. A Review And Highlighted Episode Selection, Arthur J. Boston

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

Short review with episode highlights of the New York Times Music Popcast podcast. Written specifically for librarians with an interest in the similarities/disparities between popular digital media content models and scholarly digital media. This includes a short overview of the podcast, its general relation to scholarly communication, a highlight of seven episodes that relate to copyright, archiving, peer-review, vertical integration, metrics, open repositories, and piracy.

The Effect Of A Vegetation Buffer On Sound Levels, Madison Cicha

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Noise pollution is a growing concern in the environmental health community. Unlike other common exposures, such as air and water pollution, noise is uniquely difficult for an individual to protect themselves from. Studies have shown multiple adverse health outcomes resulting from exposure to noise pollution, including hearing impairment, negative social behavior and annoyance, sleep disturbance, along with a strong association between noise pollution and high cardiovascular risk. It is important, then, to look for solutions to this exposure. This study is designed to assess the effects of a tree barrier in reducing traffic noise. Noise monitoring was conducted at Saint …

Wastewater-Based Estimation Of Substances Discharged At The Rest Areas Along The State Highways In Kentucky, Katherine E. Gray, Eugene Shin, Tyler Whitt, Andrew Windhorst, Houston Hampton, Chris Delcher, Bikram Subedi

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The availability of licit and illicit stimulants and its adverse consequences on public health has emerged as a major drug threat to communities in the United States. Despite several drug-involved traffic incidents along the interstate highways, this report represents the first comprehensive and quantitative report of drugs discharged at the rest areas along the interstate highways. In this National Institute of Justice-funded study, the amount of several discharged drugs focusing on stimulants but also including opioids and prescription antipsychotics are being measured in raw wastewater collected from five rest areas and a truck servicing facility using a state-of-the-art mass …

C2c Stem Collaboration, Mary Andrea Parish, Angela Renee Rowe, Annette Hines, Hannah Elizabeth Brewer

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Campus to Classroom is a STEM collaboration effort brought about by the brainstorming and continued efforts of Ms. Angela Rowe (MSUTeach), Ms. Annette Hines (Talent Search), MSUTeach STEM Ambassadors, and MSUExplore (MSUTeach student group).

The goal is an educational, collaborative partnership with cross-campus departments and both pre-service and in-service teachers, with a main focus on students from underserved population and communities.

Continued steps will be planned to develop a multi-level partnership with the end goals of increased usage of project-based instruction, incorporate research that increases STEM knowledge/skill, and encourage career exploration while building bridges from “campus and classroom”.

2022-01-07, Board Of Regents, Murray State University

Board of Regents Meeting Minutes

No abstract provided.

A Proliferation Of Images: Trends, Obstacles, And Opportunities For Visual Literacy, Dana Thompson

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

Visual literacy equips learners with the dispositions to critically create, analyse, use, and share visual information. As one component of a discerning, ethical citizenry, visual literacy has become more essential in a rapidly evolving information ecosystem. Against this backdrop, the current Association of College and Research Libraries Visual Literacy Task Force conducted qualitative research from 2019 to 2021, interviewing visual literacy and information literacy experts to identify emergent trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping visual literacy in the twenty-first century. The findings from this study broaden current understandings of visual literacy and empower learners, educators, and practitioners to critically create, share, …

Wikipedia As An Experiential Learning Activity In Media Courses, Melony Shemberger

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

Many internet users often consult Wikipedia to read a quick reference on a subject, but the source tends to be viewed as unreliable by the academic community. Nevertheless, journalism and public relations courses can help improve Wikipedia. Four undergraduate courses — News Editing, In-depth Reporting, Sports Media, and Research Methods in Public Relations — in a journalism and mass communications department at a regional, four-year university in the southeast of the United States incorporated Wikipedia. This article discusses the benefits, considerations, and challenges that an instructor might experience when using Wikipedia.

Rural And Regional Arts Organizations, Elise Lael Kieffer

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

This chapter presents the arts operating in two specific regions. Where arts organizations are located informs the political climate in which they work, their methods, and their constituency. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) was founded by an act of congress in 1965 and is tasked with five key goals. These goals include increasing economic opportunities within the region, improving workforce readiness, developing and maintaining critical infrastructure, utilizing and leveraging natural and cultural assets within the region, and developing leadership and community capacity (ARC, 2019). This area is defined by persistent poverty and reduced economic opportunity. Local issues are, in fact, …

Osha, Ada, And Other Government Mandates, Elise Lael Kieffer

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

In chapter fourteen the exploration is focused on governmental mandates, laws, rules and regulations. In contrast, policies and procedures within the organization are also covered. The discussion then centers on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), how the administration works, how one must and can follow OSHA mandates, and how penalties can be assessed if OSHA rules are not followed. Finally, the chapter concludes with a lengthy discussion of the physical requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, who must comply, and how one can do so.

Effective Classroom Management On Overall Learning Outcomes, Emily Rust, Emily Rust

Integrated Studies

Education is a lifelong learning process and is constantly changing. Therefore, classroom management is a process as well. Due to the constant changes, educators must adapt to achieve successful academic outcomes. This research offers a better understanding of how classroom management impacts overall learning outcomes. Knowing what strategies prevent poor behavior and how to act on it when a situation arises is explored as well as how to keep student’s best interests in mind and meet students on their level through effective classroom management. When that happens, positive learning outcomes are achieved through the implementation of effective classroom management processes.

The Barriers Of Non-Traditional Students In Higher Education, Rachel Evitts, Rachel Evitts

Integrated Studies

Abstract

Non-traditional college students face many barriers in higher education. Non-traditional student enrollment is on the increase but a significant number of these students never make it to graduation day. Financial struggles, family obligations, juggling careers, self-confidence, and the covid-19 pandemic pose as the greatest barriers to success for these students. Research surrounding these problems and current solutions already in place have increased in recent decades but little has helped to improve graduation rates. Last dollar scholarships, increases in grants, and resources for low income students are being utilized at post-secondary institutions all over the United States but need to …

Racism In The Classroom: Why Is It Occurring? What Is Being Done?, Heather Mitchell, Heather Mitchell

Integrated Studies

Racism has been an issue that has been in the United States for many of years. Since the 1800’s history has taken place in forms of the Civil Rights Era, The Reconstruction Era, and milestones have been made with influential people such as Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks, Septima Clark. From the fight for Civil Rights to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, The Brown vs Board of Education case and the denigration of race we have come such a long way. The research for this paper examines the cases and the people who are listed above as well as looking at the …

Mexican Drug Cartels And Their Effects On Society, Michael Alan Broadway

Integrated Studies

This paper addresses the rapidly growing threat of Mexican Drug Cartels that are operating globally. It covers the history of illicit goods and services and how drug cartels are the latest to take control of these practices. Nine different Mexican Drug Cartels are covered in depth as well as the three major drugs of distribution in today’s market. The many threats that Mexican Drug Cartels bring to the Mexican and U.S. population are covered and many horrific examples are given to add context to the extent of the threat proposed by cartels. The numerous illicit businesses cartels have diversified into, …

Americas Supply Chain: Unforcasted Commerce Challenges Or Leadership Failure, Jon Tobias

Integrated Studies

The current supply chain disruptions are affecting commerce in some manner which leads to scarcities of products and labor globally. The research will show that supply chain issues are directly related to commerce and leadership which plays an important role in our economy. Supply chain operations are defined, and the different levels of supply chain activities are explained. Possible points of failure within the system as well as probable causes leading to empty shelves and unavailable products is explained in detail. The research describes how massive labor shortages, high petroleum prices, and shortages of essential sub-components has led to this …

Safety In Combat Sports: Is Boxing Safer?, Aaron Baum

Integrated Studies

Combat sports are widely regarded as one of the most dangerous sports or activities an athlete can participate in. Leading the way in terms of popularity is the sport of boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The resounding consensus among combat sports fans and athletes is that the sport of boxing is the safest option, but with the more recent discovery of Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and the brain damage that occurs because of repeated strikes to the head, it appears that boxing is the most dangerous combat sport. The reason for my research project is to see what sport …

Psychology And Social Media, Allyson Wrigley-Carter

Integrated Studies

Social media is extremely successful in today’s world. This can be explained using psychology. This paper outlines three perspectives of social media use and the various psychological concepts that explain them: the Poster, the Viewer, and the Connector. The Poster creates and uploads content to social media in hopes of the feedback given by those who see it. This can lead to addiction and provides social approval. Many Posters also engage in a false identity to some extent. The Viewer utilizes social media for many reasons, all of which fall under four categories: education, inspiration, entertainment, and socialization. They are …

Covid-19’S Impact On Healthcare, Austin Johnson

Integrated Studies

Abstract

Covid-19 is a highly infectious virus that has drastically impacted healthcare systems across the world. This virus had such a unique makeup that modern-day medicine did not have an answer for it and the impact it’d have on the population as it rapidly swept across the planet. Due to the severity of this virus, effects can be seen regarding supply shortages, healthcare staff shortages, and everyday PPE requirements. Even by looking past the humanitarian effects caused by Covid-19, the financial burden on the healthcare systems cannot be ignored. Although this pandemic is generally viewed as a negative part of …

When In Doubt, Go To The Library, Phyllis Albright

Integrated Studies

Abstract

This paper is about the history of the public library system from the establishment of the first free modern public library, and how the face of the public library system has changed dramatically over the years. What was once just a place to peruse book titles and pick up the latest new release, has turned into a safe, open space to hold meetings, workshops, arts and crafts activities, programs on many subjects, and even research your genealogy. It is a place where patrons can come to and find help with a wide variety of subjects.

The Impact Of Domestic Violence On Mental Health, Candida Likens

Integrated Studies

Abstract

This research paper examines the issues of domestic violence on mental health. The paper will provide helpful information for a caseworker to follow as a guideline and structure for understanding and addressing domestic violence issues. There are numerous types of domestic violence, and this is a general list. Each area that is identified provides a description of the violence, as well as the issues that can be raised due to domestic violence. In addition to background, it also has numerous factors that influence how people make decisions, resources for the victim, and legal protections.

The Opioid Crisis, Sarah Mobley

Integrated Studies

The purpose of this report is to explore the increase of people who have become addicted to opioids after prescribed the narcotic by a doctor or obtaining them illegally. Opioid addiction has resulted in many people in the United States and abroad becoming dependent on opioids for basic daily activities. Medical experts have found multiple solutions to stop addiction caused by doctors and other healthcare professionals who can prescribe medications. However, recent data shows that opioid addiction is still on the rise. This report includes how the crisis began, the different methods recommended to slow the crisis and current statistics …

Clearing Up The Confusion Surrounding Bipolar Disorder, Stacey Williams

Integrated Studies

Abstract

This paper aims to clear up the confusion the surrounds bipolar disorder. Extensive research examines the societal misconceptions about bipolar disorder. The research will show how celebrity impact, media perception, and self-stigmatization all contribute to the confusion of what it means to have bipolar disorder. After identifying the misconceptions, this research will identify clinical definitions of bipolar disorder along with existing comorbidities with other mental illnesses such as borderline personality disorder, depression, ADHD, and anxiety disorder. The disease can be under or over diagnosed when these comorbidities are not taken into account during a patient assessment. Bipolar disorder is …

Borderline Personality Disorder, Amanda Muncher

Integrated Studies

Borderline Personality Disorder, also called BPD, is a mental illness that affects more than three million people in the world each year. The symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder are distorted self-image, feelings of isolation, boredom, and emptiness, mood swings that sometimes can be severe and sudden, feelings of anxiety, loss of interest in routine activities, suicidal thoughts, and delusion. The symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder make life very hard to live on a daily basis.

In this thesis, I will tell the history of Borderline Personality Disorder, explain the four subtypes of Borderline Personality Disorder, explain the criteria to be …

Analysis Of Public Relations, Andrea Watson

Integrated Studies

The public relations profession is a person’s ability to communicate to various publics on behalf of a person, organization, or a place of business to build positive relationships and create awareness of a brand. The field of public relations is important in today’s society. PR requires expertise in communication in order to maintain and help meet an entities’ mission, vision, and goals. Through a close examination of communication skills, types of public relations, the effectiveness of communication in public relations, PR ethics, and the future of PR, we analyze the communicative profession of public relations.

The Development Of Osha, Lauren Reid

Integrated Studies

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, also known as OSHA, has been protecting workers safety and health since 1970. This allowed federal protection of workers safety and health rights. For many years, federal protection of workers safety was nonexistent. President Richard Nixon signed the Occupational Safety and Health act in 1970 after President Lydon Johnson’s failed attempt of establishing the act three years prior. It was a very long and difficult process for the OSHA act to come to order. OSHA has protected workers in a variety of industries such as, construction, manufacturing, and general industry. I will be discussing …

Covid-19'S Effect On Education, Madison K. Puckett, Madison Korte Puckett

Integrated Studies

The purpose for this paper is to inform the reader of what the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic has on students and teachers along with finding solutions. The biggest concern during this time is if students are meeting the required materials while in school. Many students are falling behind and there needs to be a solution on how to solve this problem. Covid has caused many problems in everyone’s life but, especially in the lives of students. Teachers are struggling to find solutions due to limitations of Nontraditional Instruction and virtual classrooms. Parents and teachers can team up to help …