The Playlist Of Life, Austen Lane

Integrated Studies

Music has helped shaped cultures, mold religions, entice revolutions and define generations. With so many contributions on a global scale it’s hard to forget this constant’s effect and importance on our own human psyche.

Motivation, solace, joy, and comfort are just a few of the basic human emotions people submerge themselves with listening to music. The purpose of my senior project is to prove that music perception is one of the strongest influences tied to human emotion and my goal is to support this theory not on paper… But through audio dialogue and music.

The following paper is a complimentary …

Exploring Adoption Options, Carolyn Cole

Integrated Studies

All across the world, there are thousands of children in need of adoptive parents to provide them with a loving and stable home. These children include newborns placed for adoption, children living overseas, and children within the state’s child welfare system. “Exploring Adoption Options” is written to provide a general guide to someone who is interested in adoption. Adoption is a very complex process and a life-changing experience. It involves many professionals, such as adoption agencies, attorneys, social workers, facilitators, and state operated child welfare services. Children available for adoption can be found domestically or internationally, some of which are …

A Place For Organic Farming In The Big Market?, John Cox

Integrated Studies

Farming is as vital to human existence as the air we breathe, and in turn, farming can and does definitely affect the air we breathe. It keeps our planet going and is a worldwide necessity and without farming, the human race would rapidly cease to exist. There is, however, debate regarding if we can continue to exist with the current farming practices found in the majority of farms worldwide and particularly within the United States. Therefore, the need to adapt and/or to control the natural impacts on farming is an ongoing and vitally important endeavor. The primary focus of this …

Precision Agriculture, Nathan Griffith

Integrated Studies

Farmers are looking for the best way to maximize profits and spend the least amount of money due to the constantly changing market in agriculture. Many different options have been explored from limiting herbicide programs to reducing rates on chemicals and trying to use to equipment longer to lower the cost. However, none of these have given results as expected. Precision agriculture is one fast growing industry; from auto guidance to completely autonomous tractors, it has no end in sight. Precision agriculture can be defined as the integration of information and production based farming system to achieve increased productivity while …

How Hazardous Chemicals And Minerals Affect Workers, Ryan Corrigan

Integrated Studies

Many people use products during their daily routines, which contain different chemicals and minerals, some of which are harmful. Of the approximate 650,000 different chemicals in use today, only a handful (that are hazardous) have limits assigned (called permissible exposure limits - PEL) that indicates to boundaries of safe exposure. Still, these PEL limits were mostly calculated over 30 years ago. Has nothing changed regarding these chemicals since the 1980s? Don’t we have better and faster scientific methods to test chemicals?

This paper provides some basic information regarding industrial hygiene and identifies and defines key terms and provides some insight …

Continuous Improvement Beyond Manufacturing, Andy Druin

Integrated Studies

This study examines Six Sigma, Lean, and Continuous Improvement systems in settings outside of it originating atmosphere of manufacturing; examples of these settings include healthcare, construction, and the utility industry. Enablers and inhibitors to successful implementation and sustainability are often challenging to identify for organizations during their infancy stages of continuous improvement. This study aims to clearly identify the enablers and inhibitors to optimize the process of utilizing continuous improvement in alternate industries. Methods used within this study include extensive literature review and interviews of individuals working within manufacturing, healthcare, and utility settings that have adopted and successfully implemented a …

Archaeology And The Computing Age, Austin Valentine, Austin Valentine Jr.

Integrated Studies

The utilization of computer technology applied to historical artifact investigation has opened a number of locked doors despite numerous concerns by critics. Through the use of computer technology, both scientist and historians now have the ability to perform in-depth investigations into aspects surrounding various questionable historical occurrences. However, some critics feel the application of computer technology could bring unwanted answers to some historically significant events.

In this paper I will introduce my research by initially giving a brief background into the evolution of computer technology applied to historical investigation. Through the explanation of various technological tools of the trade, I …

Developing A Woodlot For Sustainable Use, Jennifer D. Duncan

Integrated Studies

In this project several species of livestock will be used to develop a raw woodlot into a sustainable farm whose profits will benefit the farm family and the local community. The social normalcies of today allow people to purchase meat from a supermarket never knowing how the animal was raised or treated. Children and young adults are raised in a society that does not understand the hard work and dedication it takes for their food to be grown and processed. Whole animal butchery has become a thing of the past; much of the animal is wasted when sent to commercial …

Cybersecurity In The Healthcare Environment, Karla Durham

Integrated Studies

Abstract

In 1990 the online world began to take shape when Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web. Almost simultaneously, cybersecurity was birthed to protect and minimize the various threats including but not limited to worms, viruses, and data breaches. Cybersecurity includes the various technologies, equipment both hardware and software, processes, and procedures that are used to guard against unauthorized attacks or access to protected information.

This paper will focus on cybersecurity as it relates to the healthcare environment. Every department in a healthcare facility is responsible for taking care of patients. This should be their number one priority and …

The Evolution Of Communications In The Military As It Relates To Leadership, Palmer Lipscomb

Integrated Studies

Abstract

The evolution of communications in the military as it relates to leadership will review the different means and methods of communications that have been used throughout U.S military history. This will be accomplished using a chronological format. Starting in the Revolutionary time when horseback riders and written communications were the primary means for commanders to relay orders to subordinates, through the invention of the telegraph, that was one of the most significant communications methods developed during the first one-hundred years of United States history. From the telegraph to wireless technology and finally to present day and the widespread use …

How The Sec Changed Civil Rights In The South, Charles Collomp

Integrated Studies

This paper takes us back in time with a look at the world and the South Eastern Conference during the time of integration all the way up to present day. It shows the struggle young African-American men and women had to go through in everyday life. The 1960s was a time when young African-American athletes weren’t just thinking about the last play of the game in the deep South but will they be ok making it back to the bus. This looks into two college athletes during this time period and what they went through from the outside world to …

How The Sec Changed Civil Rights In The South, Charles Collomp

Integrated Studies

My paper is over how the SEC (South Eastern Conference) helped change the South ways of thinking in the Civil rights Era. I will interview Condredge Holloway (First African American Quarterback in the SEC) and Perry Wallace(First African American Basketball Player in the SEC). I will ask them how it was during this time and how sports have evolved into what it is today. I am also interviewing Djery Baptise(African American Basketball Player in present day SEC) and asking him how these Civil Rights Pioneers paved the way for them.

Fragments From A Feminist: Periscopes Of Poems And Prose Penned In The Wolf’S Den, Shannon Davis

Integrated Studies

In the pages that follow are partial manuscripts. Kentucky and Tennessee imply their influence throughout the collection, while feminist ideology shapes the central themes. In the first work, we explore the world of willow, and willow artists of Kentucky.

Second, I present a selection of poems investigating the life of Austrian-American artist, Victor Hammer. Hammer was a long-term visiting artist at Transylvania University and began the Lexington private press movement that still thrives today.

Third, are poems taken from my own experiences. Finally, a short story that focuses on dysfunctional family, and self-realization.

Poetry, willow, Kentucky, Art, Feminist,

Women In Business Leadership, Stacey Thomas

Integrated Studies

Abstract

Female participation in business leadership, throughout the world, has traditionally been significantly less than their male counterparts. Various factors have been mentioned to be the cause of this issue. These include gender biases in the workplace and in cultural obligations, familial responsibilities, access to education, lack of female mentors and role models in leadership roles, as well as obstacles in advancement and gaps in compensation. It has been shown that gender bias is a strong motivator for the lack of female presence in business overall, but significantly so for leadership roles. Based on the expectations in our culture as …

Growing Bonds With Nature: Transformation Of An Outdoor Childcare Environment, Bonna Lake

Integrated Studies

Children’s disconnection with nature has become increasingly clear over the last few decades throughout the world due to a number of factors, including technological and societal shifts. Reconnection with nature is proposed as a solution, demonstrating countless benefits in physical, mental, emotional, and social domains. Using an approach influenced by STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) frameworks, I proposed to redesign and renovate my early childhood program’s outdoor environment. The goal was to not only achieve a positive, natural environment for preschoolers to encourage core concepts like science, mathematics, and engineering, but also to develop and strengthen the relationship …

Why Foreign Languages Should Be Taught In Elementary, Victoria Knight

Integrated Studies

Abstract

In this paper, I will be discussing the importance learning a foreign language during Elementary. Learning a foreign language is not only beneficial for a student’s job career and opportunities, but it also helps the brain. Research has shown that learning a foreign language at a younger age is actually easier for students, versus waiting until high school to introduce a foreign language. I will be addressing issues such as why schools wait until high school, the harm in waiting till high school, why this is a problem, oppositions of this topic, and more. Specifically, this paper will discuss …

Phthalate And Non-Phthalate Plasticizers In Indoor Dust From Childcare Facilities, Salons, And Homes Across The Usa, Bikram Subedi, Kenneth D. Sullivan, Birendra Dhungana

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

The quality of indoor environment has received considerable attention owing to the declining outdoor human activities and the associated public health issues. The prolonged exposure of children in childcare facilities or the occupational exposure of adults to indoor environmental triggers can be a culprit of the pathophysiology of several commonly observed idiopathic syndromes. In this study, concentrations of potentially toxic plasticizers (phthalates as well as non-phthalates) were investigated in 28 dust samples collected from three different indoor environments across the USA. The mean concentrations of non-phthalate plasticizers [acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate (ATBC), di-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), and diisobutyl adipate (DIBA)] were found …

Mass Loading And Removal Of Pharmaceuticals And Personal Care Products Including Psychoactives, Antihypertensives, And Antibiotics In Two Sewage Treatment Plants In Southern India, Bikram Subedi, Keshava Balakrishna, Derrick Ian Joshua, Kurunthachalam Kannan

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

Environmental contamination by pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) is barely studied in India despite being one of the largest global producers and consumers of pharmaceuticals. In this study, 29 pharmaceuticals and six metabolites were determined in sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Udupi (STP_U: population served ~150,000) and Mangalore (STP_M: population served ~450,000); the measured mean concentrations ranged from 12 to 61,000 ng/L and 5.0 to 31,000 ng/L, respectively. Atorvastatin (the most prescribed antihypercholesterolemic in India), mefenamic acid, and paraxanthine were found for the first time in wastewater in India at the mean concentrations of 395 …

Honors Day, 2017, Murray State University

Honors Day Programs

Honors Day Programs, Murray State University. (Digitization and metadata processed by Madison Erwin.)

Habitat Useage Of Tri-Colored Bats (Perimyotis Subflavus) In Western Kentucky And Tennessee Post-White Nose Syndrome, Katherine Schaefer

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) has declined severely across its range since 2006 due to white nose syndrome, a fungal disease causing massive bat mortality in North America. My objective was to determine distinguishing characteristics of roost trees and habitat used by tri-colored bats so that the species’ needs can be considered in management plans. I mist-netted for tri-colored bats in western Kentucky and Tennessee during the summers of 2015 and 2016, and attached a radio transmitter to each captured adult bat. I tracked 15 bats to their day roosts and collected habitat data at 38 roost areas …

A Numerical Study Of Construction Of Honey Bee Comb, Pamela Guerrero, Pamela C. Guerrero

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

We use finite difference methods in the treatment of an existing system of partial differential equations that captures the dynamics of parallel honeycomb construction in a bee hive. We conduct an uncertainty analysis by calculating the partial rank correlation coefficient for the parameters to find which are most important to the outcomes of the model. We then use an eFAST method to determine both the individual and total sensitivity index for the parameters. Afterwards we examine our numerical model under varying initial conditions and parameter values, and compare ratios found from local data with the golden mean by fitting images …

Habitat Modeling And Vegetation Mapping Of Mammoth Cave National Park Using Lidar Data And Multispectral Imagery, Hongli Yang

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

An up-to-date and detailed vegetation map provides critical information for habitat management. In addition, a habitat model is necessary for Park’s Fire Management, for classification of fuel types, and for delineation of fire management units. Several attempts to map the vegetation at the Mammoth Cave National Park were conducted in 1934, 1975, 1997 and 2011. This essential goal of this study was to produce a new vegetation habitat model and update the vegetation map for the Park. Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) imagery, LiDAR and bedrock dataset were used for habitat model configuration and vegetation mapping at Mammoth Cave National …

Impacts Of Mentoring Program On At-Risk Students, Melissa Marie Judd

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Many middle school students are considered at-risk due to attendance, lower levels of academic achievement, and behavior referrals. Mentoring programs have been in effect for decades and continue to yield positive results. The purpose of the study is to determine if fourth and fifth grade at-risk students are impacted by mentoring. The researcher seeks to determine if mentoring increases students’ attendance, increases math and reading test scores, and decreases the amount of behavior referrals. Participants were compared to their own data using a pre-tests and post-tests. Attendance comparisons were made between Spring 2016 and Spring 2017 semesters. Math and reading …

Habitat Usage Of Tri-Colored Bats (Perimyotis Subflavus) In Western Kentucky And Tennessee Post-White Nose Syndrome, Katherine Schaefer

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) has declined severely across its range since 2006 due to white nose syndrome, a fungal disease causing massive bat mortality in North America. My objective was to determine distinguishing characteristics of roost trees and habitat used by tri-colored bats so that the species’ needs can be considered in management plans. I mist-netted for tri-colored bats in western Kentucky and Tennessee during the summers of 2015 and 2016, and attached a radio transmitter to each captured adult bat. I tracked 15 bats to their day roosts and collected habitat data at 38 roost areas …

Equitable Identification Of Frl-Eligible Gifted And Talented Students, Leann Pickerill

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research study was the equitable identification of Kentucky students in the general intellectual gifted and talented category. A quantitative study was used to identify relationships between a student’s socioeconomic status and identification. Statistical methods were used to examine statistical relationships between identification methods and socioeconomic status. A policy review was completed to determine if policies of highly equitable districts were comparable to low-equity districts.

Effects Of Personal Technology Devices On Instruction And Learning In High School Biology, Susan P. Beatty, Teresa Clark Ed.D., Dusty Reed, Yuejin Xu

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of personal technology devices during classroom instruction as learning tools by high school biology students. The study sought to determine how a classroom environment with a Bring Your Own Device instructional method in place affected student achievement and student perceptions about biology, as well as viewpoints about their devices as tools for learning. Technology in the hands of teenagers today is nearly ubiquitous and often distracting in the traditional classroom. As the literature indicates, different views exist about the efficacy of using personal technology for learning. This study intended to …

Making The Gilded Age: Myth, Money, And Misery In A Market Society, Austbrook D. Hudson

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This project argues myths are central to society. For the Gilded Age, this was especially true. Myths helped to explain the world, individually and nationally. Stories structure life. Stories structure nations. They are consequential in times of change when the world is incomprehensible. At an individual level, the self-made ideal explained success and failure. It came with an implicit promise: every individual had an equal opportunity to succeed in the new economy, and the system was fair. Myths of the Western experience explained national identity. It revealed traits including rugged individualism, independence, and perseverance came from taming the frontier. These …

Why Are Soft Skills Missing In Today's Applicants, Robert Schooley

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The employers in our country are claiming students are graduating high school and college without the soft skills to succeed in this country’s workforce. This study examined what are soft skills and why are they missing from recent graduates. The study took an historical approach to trace how soft skills have been used and ignored in our nation’s educational history to the point where employers are claiming they are missing in today’s job applicants. The study then conducted focus groups with elementary, middle and high school teachers to assess they ideas on why soft skills are missing or if …

Kinetic Analysis And Mechanochemical Syntheses Of Palladium Complexes, Jonathon Zachary

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Mechanochemical synthesis is a rapidly developing, more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional solution based syntheses. Mechanochemical methods often result in higher overall yields, minimize undesirable side reactions, and present cleaner more concise methods for compound preparation. This work will address the syntheses of three dialkyl 2,2′-bipyridyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate complexes of palladium(II) iodide and the kinetics of these reactions. Then, this work will address the improved synthesis and purification of 1,3-dimethyl-1H-benzimidazolium iodide and the synthesis of diiodo-bis(1,3-dimethyl benzimidazol-2-ylidene) palladium(II).

The successful synthesis of dialkyl 2,2′-bipyridyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate complexes of palladium(II) iodide was carried out under solvent free ball milling conditions and the kinetic analysis was …

Cumulative Integration Of Academically Advanced Honors College Students, Scott Adair

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The study sought to understand what caused, or is causing, Murray State University Honors College students to become successful in post-secondary education. The researcher chose to extend the findings of previous research beyond the freshmen year and focus exclusively on what influences persistence until graduation for second, third, or fourth year students. While research that influences graduation is not a new idea, emphasis on influential factors that affect upper-level college students remains relatively unexplored. The whole student, consisting of domains that consider social integration, academic integration, intrinsic motivation, and key interactions that intermingle throughout the collegiate journey, were taken …