Digital Commons Network^™

Material Culture And Remembering The 1857 Indian Uprising, Danielle Nielsen

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

Remembering the 1857 Indian Uprising in Civic Celebrations

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 …

An Analysis Of Hr Leadership Within The Public And Private Sectors, Stephanie Oakley

Integrated Studies

Abstract

Human Resource leadership has always been a very important role in any organized business. The services offered by HR are embedded within organizational structure, employee recruitment, employee development/training, compensation/benefits, employee performance/disciplinary management among many others. These essential functions of HR provide a foundation for any organization that wants to be successful.

Although HR leadership in public and private sectors have similar regulations, their needs and functions can look very different. This project will look into the differences between the management of human resources between the public and private sectors of business within the United States. HR policy and procedure …

Lean Management For Small Business, Jason Acree

Integrated Studies

Lean management can be utilized to grow small business by focusing on continuous improvement. Lean management and the tools associated with it will improve the efficiency of any business and that will lead to improved sales and overall growth. This innovative idea has become a significant form of performing every action as efficiently as possible in order to increase production and reduce waste throughout the world in many different types of industries. Lean management is synonymous with continuous improvement. This is the idea that no process can ever be entirely perfected so there is always room for improvement. By focusing …

The Role Of Transformational Leadership In Organizational Innovation And Sustainable Success, Andrea Ligon

Integrated Studies

Leadership is crucial to organizational development. The achievement of goals and objectives relies on the leader’s ability to set up the personnel in the right direction and orientation. A transformational leader masters the art of motivation towards the workforce. The leader acts as the support system for the employees who rely on inspiration and motivation. The utilization of different leadership styles acts as a communication platform for the frontrunner’s ideologies and principles. The transformative element in leadership is integral in the implementation of the right change as well as promoting engagement within the organization. The future success of an institution …

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 …

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 …

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 …

The Effect Of Coal Industry Of Southern Indiana: A Look At The Evolution Of Safety, Health, And Environmental Practices And Concerns, Alan H. Saltzman

Integrated Studies

Coal mining in the United States is currently and extremely hot topic and will continue to be for many years. For many years, this industry has been a way of life for many families. That truly represents the state of Indiana. Situated over one of the largest coal basin in the country, Indiana has been a top ten coal producing state for years. While this industry is relied on by millions, it doesn’t come without hazard. The health and safety of the individuals that work in these mines are two factors that have seen immense change since the ounce of …

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 …

Police Deviancy: An Exploration Of Issues And Ideas Moving Forward, Jason A. Lutz

Integrated Studies

The purpose of this study was to examine one of history’s most horrific offenses carried out by police. This being their participation in the Holocaust. By examining previous research in the field, it was determined the factors that led to their participation still exist in policing today. Factors such as implicit bias and police deviancy along with the absence of ethics-based police training are all contributing factors. An examination was conducted in regard to the existence of the “us versus them mentality” that police possess in order to understand factors that cause it. The research also acknowledges the existence of …

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.

Review Of The Book Homesteading The Plains: Toward A New History, Peter A. Kindle

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

Review of the book Homesteading the Plains: Toward a New History

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 …

Holistic Approach To Addressing Community Needs In Rural Communities, Ebony L. Hall Lang, Stephanie J. Hamm, Nathalie P. Jones

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

The purpose of this study was to assess health of a rural Texas community in efforts to better understand and develop a plan of action for developing community intervention for increasing availability of human resources. Researchers asked various questions to understand the availability and accessibility of resources within a rural community using a community needs assessment approach. Participants were recruited by the researchers directly within the community using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The sample size included 361 participants in a rural community. The overall quality of life for the rural participants was slightly lower than what researchers considered to …

Mental Health Advocacy: Building An Interdisciplinary Program For Agriculture Professionals, Abby E. Blankenship, Erica E. Nason, Olivia Hayes, Sebastian Bliss

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

The suicide rate among agriculturalists is 3.5 times higher than the general population. A number of external factors related to the farming and veterinary work put individuals in agricultural populations at risk for poor mental health outcomes, including economic variables (e.g. tariffs, market prices), environmental factors affecting yield (e.g. drought, pests), and exposure to difficult or traumatic life events (e.g., mistreatment of animals, loss of crop). Rural values including self-reliance, work orientation, and individualism combined with logistical and systemic barriers to competent behavioral health care further increase risk. Project GROW (Generating Resilience in Our Workforce) is a multifaceted full semester …

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 …

Review Of The Book Rural Poverty In The United States, Peter A. Kindle

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

Review of the book Rural Poverty in the United States

Dress Like Me: An Exploration Of Rural Graduate Social Work Attire, Jody Long, Jocelyn Martin, Audra Pierce, Sean Creech, Stephen Guffey

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

During graduate school internship training, some students wear more formal attire and others casual attire. This study’s purpose was to explore rural areas clients’ preference for graduate social work interns’ attire. Clients from internship sites located in a rural southern location were asked their attire preferences based on comfort and confidence levels, degree of warmth, returning appointments, and during a crisis. One hundred and twenty-six subjects participated in the study and responded that casual dress was preferred in terms of specific impressions. The results of the study were to build rapport; graduate social work interns should consider their clientele when …

Professor Lonnie E. Maness: From The Cotton Fields To The Classroom

Jackson Purchase Historical Society Journal Archive

Professor Lonnie E. Maness: From the Cotton Fields to the Classroom

David L. Maness

Book Reviews

Jackson Purchase Historical Society Journal Archive

Kaskaskia: The Lost Capital of Illinois by David MacDonald and Raine Waters

Richard Dwayne Parker

The Bank War and the Partisan Press: Newspapers, Financial Institutions, and the Post Office in Jacksonian America by Stephen W. Campbell

Berry Craig

Religion, Race, and the Making of Confederate Kentucky, 1830-1880 by Luke E. Harlow

George Humphreys

Shiloh: Conquer or Perish by Timothy Smith

John Ridge

Johnsonville: Union Supply Operations on the Tennessee River and the Battle of Johnsonville, November 4-5, 1864 by Jerry T. Wooten

Zachery Jameson

General Hylan B. Lyon: A Kentucky Confederate and the War in the West by Dan Lee …

Blood At The Root: A Historiographical Commentary On Lynching In America

Jackson Purchase Historical Society Journal Archive

Blood at the Root: A Historiographical Commentary on Lynching in America

Brian K. Clardy