Digital Commons Network^™

A Presence-Only Species Distribution Model Comparison Predicting The Distribution Of The Amphibian Chytrid Fungus (Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis), Melanie L. Torres

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Global anthropogenic impacts have incited devastating effects on both human and wildlife populations. Emerging infectious diseases (EID) are one consequence of these impacts. One particular EID, chytridiomycosis, is a threat to global amphibian populations, causing massive die-offs and several species extinctions. While predictive modeling has helped the general understanding of where the aquatic pathogen causing chytridiomycosis, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), could spread to, most models are on continental or countrywide scales. This coarse-scale modeling makes local management and conservation planning for imperiled amphibians difficult. In addition, modeling efforts can vary depending on location and species, making it necessary to test the …

A Quartz Crystal Microbalance Study Of Thiol:Ene Poly(Ionic Liquid) Polymerization And Gas Absorption, Yueming Wu

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

The polymerization process of, and gas absorption by, imidazolium-containing thiol:ene poly (ionic liquid)s (PILs), prepared from bisallylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide [NTf₂^-] and pentaerythritoltetrakis(3 mercaptopropionate), was studied. The thiol:ene PILs examined were recently reported by groups at Murray State University. The advantage of thiol:ene PILs over other reported PILs is that thiol:ene polymers are made rapidly by UV exposure and exhibit high mechanical and thermal stability due to high cross-linking. The properties of interest for the thiol:ene PILs were studied using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). QCM techniques are based on the piezoelectric effect, where certain crystals (e.g., …

Implementation Of A Flipped Classroom In A Non-Majors’ Biology Course, Leah Good

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Changes to teaching practices have been requested in almost every field of science and mathematics but their implementation can be daunting. The flipped classroom has become a popular method in K-16 education for integrating active learning in the classroom. Research on the implementation of flipped classrooms has been met with mixed results, however. I sought to determine the effectiveness of the flipped classroom while addressing methodology needs cited by past studies including: using both faculty and student demographic variables, addressing assessment performance using concept inventories, and studying faculty who are not experts in education. I found that flipped and non-flipped …

The Relative Effectiveness Of Course Delivery Methodology On Student Success, Retention, And Persistence In Remedial Mathematics, John P. Eveland

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

There are a substantial number of studies that consider the effectiveness of online instructional methodologies in general, but there is sparse previous work specifically targeting developmental mathematics students in community colleges. This study examines the relative effectiveness of online versus traditionally delivered developmental mathematics courses at Somerset Community College (SCC) in Somerset, Kentucky. At SCC, developmental mathematics is divided into three consecutive courses, MAT 055, MAT 065, and MAT 085, and this study considered each of these courses separately.

For this study, each student enrollment in any of SCC’s developmental mathematics courses was obtained for students in the Fall 2011 …

A Qualitative Investigation Of Fixed Versus Growth Mindsets Of Third And Fourth Grade Students, Stacey Keown, Stacey Keown

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore individual mindsets of elementary students and determine the extent to which mindsets reflect fixed or growth perspectives. During this qualitative study, individual interviews were conducted with third and fourth grade students, including ESL (English Second Language) students, middle class students as well poverty stricken students, special education students, and gifted students that attend South Heights Elementary. The findings report the mindsets of fixed or growth perspectives on perseverance through failures and personal grit. Conclusions were drawn based on the findings gathered to determine a correlation between students’ mindsets and their involvement with …

P-20 Alignment For Small Towns And Rural Communities, Donald Shively

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine if there is a difference between current workforce skill levels and employer expectations within the Paducah micropolitan area. College and career readiness and cohort graduation rate data were collected for school systems in Kentucky from 2013 to 2016. Using both the college and career readiness data and the cohort graduation data as the dependent variables, the independent-sample t-tests were performed to compare the college and career readiness rates and cohort graduation rates of the pK-12 public schools in the Paducah micropolitan area (N = 12) versus the remaining pK-12 public …

Assessment Of Surface Water Contamination From Coalbed Methane Fracturing-Derived Volatile Contaminants In Sullivan County, Indiana, Usa, Nicholas Meszaros, Bikram Subedi, Tristan Stamets, Naima Shifa

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

There is a growing concern over the contamination of surface water and the associated environmental and public health consequences from the recent proliferation in hydraulic fracturing in the USA. Petroleum hydrocarbon-derived contaminants of concern [benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX)] and various dissolved cations and anions were spatially determined in surface waters around 14 coalbed methane fracking wells in Sullivan County, IN, USA. At least one BTEX was detected in 69% of sampling sites (n=13) and 23% of sampling sites were found to be contaminated with all of the BTEX. Toluene was the most common BTEX compound detected across all …

A Review Of The Occurrence Of Pharmaceuticals And Personal Care Products In Indian Water Bodies, Keshava Balakrishna, Amlan Rath, Yerabham Praveenkumarreddy, Keerthi Siri Guruge, Bikram Subedi

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

Little information exists on the occurrence and the ultimate fate of pharmaceuticals in the water bodies in India despite being one of the world leaders in pharmaceutical production and consumption. This paper has reviewed 19 published reports of pharmaceutical occurrence in the aquatic environment in India [conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plants (WTPs), hospital WTPs, rivers, and groundwater]. Carbamazepine (antipsychoactive), atenolol (antihypertensive), triclocarban and triclosan (antimicrobials), trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (antibacterials), ibuprofen and acetaminophen (analgesics), and caffeine (stimulant) are the most commonly detected at higher concentrations in Indian WTPs that treat predominantly the domestic sewage. The concentration of ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin, …

Potential For Asymmetric Competition Among Co-Inhabiting Invasive Silver Carp And Native Shad Species In The Lower Midwest, Dalton D. Lebeda

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

In the United States, Silver Carp are an invasive voracious planktivorous fish that are capable of competing with many native fish species. Until the last decade, very little was known about how Silver Carp would interact with native fish species or how quickly their populations would expand. In the early 2000’s, established Silver Carp populations were reported in Kentucky Lake although they were reported in the Tennessee River much earlier (1987). Kentucky Lake is the first large flood storage reservoir that has been invaded by a reproducing population of Silver Carp in the United States. To date, control measures for …

The Murray Ledger And Times, December 19, 2016, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

The Murray Ledger And Times, December 13, 2016, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

2016-12-09, Board Of Regents, Murray State University

Board of Regents Meeting Minutes

No abstract provided.

The Murray Ledger And Times, December 9, 2016, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

Persistent Organic Chemicals In The Pacific Basin Countries: An Overview, Bommanna G. Loganathan

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

The Pacific Basin is a unique geographical region representing tropical, temperate and polar zones. This region is home to 2/3 of world’s population and consists of rapidly growing economies (countries) and highly developed countries. The Pacific Basin countries have had a history of use of persistent organic chemicals (POCs) at varying proportions during the last five decades. Due to diverse climatic and socio-economic conditions, the environment and biota in different countries in this basin have varying degrees of environmental contamination and effects on wildlife and humans. In this chapter, the historical background of POCs including, discovery, production, use, regulations/restrictions imposed, …

Environmental Emission Of Pharmaceuticals From Wastewater Treatment Plants In The Usa, Bikram Subedi, Bommanna G. Loganathan

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

The residual drugs, drug bioconjugates, and their metabolites, mostly from human and veterinary usage, are routinely flushed down the drain, and enter wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). Increasing population, excessive use of allopathic medicine, continual introduction of novel drugs, and existing inefficient wastewater treatment processes result in the discharge of large volumes of pharmaceuticals and their metabolites from the WWTPs into the environment. The effluent from the WWTPs globally contaminate ~25% of rivers and the lakes. Pharmaceuticals in the environment, as contaminants of emerging concerns, behave as pseudo-persistent despite their relatively short environmental half-lives in the environment. Therefore, residual levels of …

The Murray Ledger And Times, November 19-20, 2016, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

Fishing With Geographic Information Systems, James L. Freeman

Scholars Week

Title: Fishing With Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Author: Lance Freeman

Mentor: Dr. Haluk Cetin

This study was conducted to utilize multiple geographic information systems (GIS) applications for specific parts of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Using Lowrance Insight Genesis, along with topographical maps to help utilize time on the water keeping fisherman in the areas they want to target for specific types of cover and structure to help catch what they are after. Most of this information had to come from typical seasonal patterns and research into a lakes history as to how it was made, along with what is …

Molecular Sensitivity And Selectivity Of Metal Nanoparticles Decorated Graphene As ‘Smart’ Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (Sers) Platforms [Hybrid Poster 1-A], Alexander Banaszak, Tyler Smith

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Raman scattering signal enhancement that uses graphene as support, graphene-enhanced Raman scattering (GERS), is a recent phenomenon. It can produce clean and reproducible Raman signals of chemical molecules with significantly enhanced signal intensity in contrast to traditional surface- (SERS) and tip- enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) techniques. While enhancement in SERS and TERS arise due to the electromagnetic mechanism, GERS also relies on a chemical mechanism and therefore shows unique molecular sensitivity and selectivity. In this work, we developed graphene materials decorated with noble metal (silver and gold) nanoparticles for detection of different chemical molecules e.g. methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine …

The Murray Ledger And Times, November 12-13, 2016, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of The Stratosphere On Materials, Ashley C. Greene, Theresa M. Palandro

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Abstract 1:

Making AND Breaking: How reliable are some water pipes?

Ashley C. Greene.

Three different types of pipes were tested to see at what point in time they would break. The pipes, PVC pipe, PEX pipe, and CPVC pipe, were filled with water and attached to a helium filled weather balloon. The ends of the pipes were sealed to trap the water inside. The pipes were secured onto a payload in a Styrofoam box surrounded by cheese cloth. This frame secured the pipes and ensured that they stayed in one place and could not move around the container. The …

High Altitude Ballooning And The Effect Of Temperature On Balloon Ascent Rate, Christopher D. Young

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Abstract

High Altitude Ballooning and The Effect of Temperature on Balloon Ascent Rate.

Christopher Young

High-altitude balloons are unmanned balloons, usually filled with helium or hydrogen, that after release, ascend into the stratosphere, generally attaining an altitude of between 60,000 to 100,000 feet. The balloon payload includes scientific experiments on organisms, equipment to study radiation, temperature, ultra- violet radiation, and pressure. The balloon flights and experiments are logged by means of video devices and are tracked from the ground through multiple tracking devices. The effect of temperature on the ascent rate of the balloon could change how the balloon expands …

Near-Space Conditions And Their Effects On Physiology, Jennifer Jo Burden, Sarah E. Bell

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Abstract 1:

Jennifer Jo Burden

UVA and UVB

The NASA Balloon Satellite, which is a balloon that is sent 100,000 feet into the upper atmosphere to collect data, and stream that data live to NASA webpage, will carry experiments that are part of a payload. My experiment will be a Neulog Sensor Logger that will collect data on the UVA and UVB exposure rate of light from the upper stratosphere and on the ground. Data measuring the exposure rate of the light will also be collected from robot welding cells or sections in which one robot will be measured in …

Model Truss Bridge Design, William Spicer Berry, Kaleb Rankin Dyer, Dustin Lee Schultz

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Bridges are one of the most important and costly engineering projects, involving extensive design considerations that try to minimize expenses while insuring the bridge will not fail. Different models of bridges were constructed in order to perform experiments that determined which beams were in compression and how much force was experienced in the beam’s when a static load was applied. Computer simulations were also performed to determine the loads on the different beams. The simulation and calculated results were compared to ensure accuracy of the final results. It was determined that a Howe bridge offers the lowest maximum compression on …

"Feasibility Of Efficient Photovoltaics In Eastern Kentucky" / "Developing A 3-D Printed Solar Vehicle With Computational Fluid Dynamics (Cfd) Simulator", Adam N. Stanley, Matthew R. Hezseltine

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Abstract 1

Feasibility of Efficient Photovoltaics in Eastern Kentucky

Photovoltaics (PV-also called solar photovoltaic devices) are used to harness the power of the sun via the electronic process that occurs within semiconductor cells. The solar energy is absorbed by the cells, which causes the electrons to break away from their atoms, allowing them to flow within the material to produce electricity. This electricity will become the renewable energy for Kentucky, as the generation of coal will but come to a stop within the near future. Like Denmark who is running on 100% renewable generation we must stride to become fully …

Research And Study Of Fashion And Costume History Spanning From Ancient Egypt To Modern Day, Kaitlyn E. Dennis Miss

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Through a generous donation to Morehead State University, research has been conducted on thousands of slides containing images of artwork and artifacts of historical significance. These images span from Egyptian hieroglyphs to the inaugural dress of every first lady of the United States. The slides are in the process of being recorded and catalogued for future use by students in hopes of furthering academic comprehension and awareness of the influence of fashion and costume history through the ages. Special thanks to the family of Gretel Geist Rutledge, faculty mentor Denise Watkins, as well as the Department of Music, Theatre, and …

Effect Of Microgravity On The Contraction And Cytoskeletal Remodeling Of A7r5 Smooth Muscle Cells, Danielle N. Gibson, Mark Will Casto Jr., Michael E. Fultz

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Smooth muscle presents several unique contractile properties when compared to striated muscle. Data suggests that differential remodeling of the alpha-actin and beta-actin and the regulation of such remodeling may play an essential role in smooth muscle contraction. At rest both alpha- and beta-actin both exhibit a cable-like appearance. During contraction, alpha-actin appears to undergo significant remodeling with dissolution on the majority of the cables and the formation of podosomes where it demonstrates co-localization with myosin while beta-actin retains a cable-like appearance. While the remodeling of the two actin domains has been characterized under normal gravity little is known regarding cytoskeletal …

Eastern Kentucky University's Program Of Distinction: Highlighting Research Within The Colege Of Justice And Safety, Naomi M. Sigler, Kayla Tunajek

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Posters at the Capitol 2016-2017 Abstract

University: Eastern Kentucky University – College of Justice & Safety

Program: Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation

Student Presenters: Kayla Tunajek and Naomi Sigler

Faculty Mentor: Paul Grant

Title: Eastern Kentucky University’s Program of Distinction: Highlighting Research within the College of Justice and Safety

Keywords: Program of Distinction; Eastern Kentucky University; fire programs; research projects; student opportunities.

ABSTRACT

This project is intended to represent the Program of Distinction at EKU. The fire program at Eastern provides students several unique majors and encourages students to do research within their respective fields. This research is then presented …

Greatness From Small Beginnings: Amy Hennig And The Women Of The Uncharted Series, Rachel Wood

Posters-at-the-Capitol

“Greatness from Small Beginnings: Amy Hennig and the Women of the Uncharted series,” Rachel Wood, Faculty Mentor Andy Black, English & Philosophy Department

Amy Hennig, creative director and writer for the Uncharted video game series, has had a great impact on the world of interactive storytelling, namely with her portrayal of female characters in the action-adventure genre. During her time at Sony-owned developer Naughty Dog, Hennig encouraged gamers and developers alike to redefine the genre through in-depth storytelling and well-rounded characters. This paper explored how these female characters, while unique in their backgrounds and roles within the games’ plots, represent …

Cricketsat: Space Temperature Measurement Module, Mitchell I. Harris, Saeed Almalki

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The CricketSat Project at Murray State University was developed to establish better understandings for the design and assembly procedures of satellite technology. The satellite consists of one remote sensor that provides specific frequencies corresponding to various temperatures. By purchasing this inexpensive CricketSat, it provides students with the opportunity to advance their understanding of satellite technology and partake in hands on learning.

The CricketSat is composed of a single wireless module and a receiving antenna. The sensor transmits an audio tone that changes frequency in response to temperatures within the atmosphere. During launch, the CricketSat is attached to a helium balloon …

The Murray Ledger And Times, November 7, 2016, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.