Digital Commons Network^™

The Murray Ledger And Times, November 21, 2016, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

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

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

Facilitating Critical Thinking Skills In International Students, Hooker Timothy Wayne

INSPIRE Conference

In countries throughout the world, rote learning remains standard practice. This seems especially true in Asia, where preparation for intensive college entrance exams can leave little time for unrelated activities. The presenter, who has spent over ten years teaching English in three different Asian countries, is quite familiar with rote learning and its effects on student learning and culture. These experiences have challenged him to seek out prepared resources and create activities aimed at facilitating more original, critical thought among university students.

Since 2006, the speaker has been engaged in teaching classes that encourage fresh approaches to learning in both …

A Step In The Right Direction: Tiered Library Instruction For Esl Writing Classes At Murray State University, Rebecca D. Richardson Mrs, Vince Medlock

INSPIRE Conference

This presentation will describe the collaboration between the University Libraries and Writing Instructors for the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Murray State University. A discussion between the groups about needs of ESL students and their level of language understanding resulted in a tiered approach to library research for ESL students. The 3-tiers prepare students for mainstream classes by introducing them to academic writing at an American university while building on a foundation of understanding of the research process and using academic databases to find reliable information.The presenters for this session represent both groups involved in the collaboration, …

Students’ Perceptions And Stigma Toward Those With Intellectual And Physical Disabilities, Brighton C. Hollingsworth

Scholars Week

Students’ Perceptions and Stigma Toward Those with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities

BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that there is a negative impact on those who are labeled as having an intellectual or physical disability (Green, Davis, Karshmer, Marsh, & Straight, 2005). The purpose of this research was to learn more about the stigma against those with disabilities and how one can cope with this stigma.

METHODS: The subjects of this study were 80 General Psychology students. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions, which differed in which vignette received. The four vignettes described individuals with the disabilities of …

2016 Presidential Campaign And The American College Student, Madison Frost

Scholars Week

It is perceived by many that college students have low awareness of the presidential campaign and its candidates. Many blame the sources from which knowledge is attained. Most researchers agree that the Internet and newspaper are the most popular sources, and both are positively related to political knowledge (Kenski & Stroud, 2006; Valentino, Hutchings, & Dmitri, 2004; Cao, 2008). Cao (2008) also found a positive association between young adults and political comedy shows, which have become even more popular since 2008. Other researchers found that watching presidential debates increased knowledge of candidates, but only individuals who were already interested in …

A Gis Analysis Of Waulsortian-Like Mounds In The Mississippian Of Kentucky And Tennessee, Philip Roberson

Scholars Week

Following a mass extinction nearly 365 million years ago, bryozoans and crinoids replaced corals and stromatoporoids as the dominant framework organisms in reefs and, during the very earliest part of the Carboniferous period, they built reef-like structures that are known from Europe, North America and Africa. They are characterized by large size, a matrix of carbonate mud, and their major framework organisms.

Waulsortian-like mounds occur in geographically isolated patches in outcrop and in the subsurface of central Tennessee and Kentucky where they are associated with hydrocarbon production. These mounds have the same characteristic organisms as the European mounds and do …

Measuring Leaf Area Index (Lai) And Vegetation Growing Season Length To Better Understand The Interactions And Feedbacks Between Vegetation And The Changing Climate., Steven Schwarz

Scholars Week

The purpose of this research was to measure and model vegetation growing seasons of deciduous tree species located at Murray State University Hancock Biological Station. The study began in September of 2015, and consisted of collecting leaf area index (LAI) from 3 defined locations using the Decagon LP80 Ceptometer, and Sentek soil probes to measure soil moisture/temperature. LAI data were collected weekly at various times, while soil temperature and moister recordings were collected in 60 minute intervals at depths of 5 to 55 cm in 10 cm increments. This study was important because it is essential to measure LAI and …

Creating A Culture Of Respect: Teaching And Advising International Students, Teresa Clark Ed.D., Randal H. Wilson

INSPIRE Conference

This session will explore best practices in teaching and advising international students whose culture and religion differ from those of the professor/advisor. The presenters include Dr. Teresa Clark and Dr. Randy Wilson, who have taught graduate-level classes, in-person and online, that included students from various countries, including China, Egypt, India, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and United Arab Emirates. Dr. Clark also serves as an advisor to several international students pursuing the Master of Science in Human Development and Leadership. Topics will include 1) gender issues and 2) oral and written communication. The presenters will outline real-life scenarios in which …

Encouraging International Students To Embrace Research And Creative Activity, Melony Shemberger

INSPIRE Conference

Research opportunities can provide quality student experiences. However, research often is a challenge that many international students face because the opportunities in their native countries to write papers or work on projects are not encouraged or reinforced. International students, like home students, should have a research portfolio representing a variety of scholarly and creative work. For those who wish to pursue graduate studies, research is imperative in graduate education. This presentation will discuss further this dilemma, offer ways to help international students improve their understanding of research, showcase best practices based on basic research project ideas, to encourage greater research …

The Murray Ledger And Times, November 18, 2016, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

No Loose Ends/Cosmic Threads, Kelsie Blackston

B.A./B.S. Practicum Group Exhibit (ART 499)

Kelsie Blackston

Artist Statement

My interest in graphic design stems from the love of art and computers I had while growing up. Although I’ve always been interested in drawing and expressing my ideas through artistic means, I started college hoping to go into computer science. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I would enjoy taking a more artistic route, and that’s how I ended up here today.

When I begin a project, I start by researching and sketching. Through researching, I find new styles and artists that inspire me constantly. However, there are artists that I tend …

Unleashed Pet Boutique, Kaitlin Heldenbrand

B.F.A. Practicum Exhibition (ART 498)

“The goal of design is to raise the expectation of what design can be.” – Paula Scher

Even the most humble products deserve to be presented in an extraordinary and elegant manner. As a graphic designer I have the ability to use my art to communicate to the world on a regular basis. I feel it is my responsibility to contribute to making the world a more beautiful and interesting place through my designs. Unleashed Pet Boutique explores the boundaries of branding humble products – dog treats and care items for dogs in an extravagant manner because even these products …

Landform Mapping Of The Clarks River Alluvial System Using Lidar Dems, Benedict W. Ferguson

Scholars Week

The Clarks River is located in western Kentucky near the city of Benton. It travels through and weathers lacustrine or lake deposits as well as fluvial or river deposits. These deposits are also overlain by loess deposited from the last glacial maximum. Historically, people have taken advantage of these rich deposits for agriculture which has led to increased settlement. With increased settlement, the river has experienced alteration. The west fork of the Clarks River has been channelized while the east fork of the Clarks River has managed to remain un-channelized and has since been allowed to run relatively freely.

Detailed …

Adoption Statistics Analysis Using Geographic Information Systems, Ashtan H. Williams

Scholars Week

This project highlights the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for non-locational data by displaying adoption statistics. All topics displayed according to a political boundary (state or country) to include percentage of population awaiting adoption, time from termination of parental rights to finalization of adoption. A GIS-based analysis conducted for this project compares the cost of adoption from within the United States international. There is a focus on types of adoptions like special needs and race specific to provide an overall understanding of adoption in hopes to raise awareness.

Mapping The Variability Of Soil Quality Indicators In Natural Versus Agricultural Ecosystems, Mary G. Derting Miss

Scholars Week

Traditionally, Kentucky agriculture has focused on crop production and soil fertility while overlooking soil quality and its dependence on land management type. This research attempted to reveal the importance of land management types and their individual effects on physical soil quality indicators. The second objective of this study was to show the variance of physical soil quality indicators across different land managements by using layered maps. Such visual representation of the data along with statistical analysis also showed which soil quality parameters are more sensitive to change in land management type. Land management types included three undisturbed grassland and undisturbed …

Tracking Earthquake Frequency And Intensity In Oklahoma, Kristin Lorenzini

Scholars Week

The purpose of this project is to show the dramatic increase of earthquakes that have occurred in Oklahoma over the past eight years that have been correlated to fracking in the area. Starting in 2009, before fracking took place in Oklahoma, there were a total of 33 earthquakes throughout the whole year. In 2010, when fracking began in Oklahoma, the number of earthquakes spiked to over 100 in one year. The number of earthquakes grew over the years and in 2015 there were over 2,000. Data from 2016 were also used but only through the month of September, the year …

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 …

Kentucky Rural Development, Patrick J. Hooks

Scholars Week

The main objective of this study is to examine the development of rural areas to more urbanized ones within Kentucky. Landsat images were used to show the urban land cover change over a 10 year span, from 2001 to 2011. The study shows specifically how the city of Louisville has expanded because it was one of the most changed cities in Kentucky during the period of the study. Maps were created from these Landsat images. Studying these developments can help to predict the amount of change that might happen in certain areas in the future. Using geographic information systems (GIS) …

Integration Of Lidar And Imagery To Delineated Water Bodies For Change Detection, Ashley E. Casselberry, Cetin Haluk

Scholars Week

Through integration of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data and high spatial imagery, it is plausible to delineate the bodies of water in order to monitor their changes in size. The purpose of this study is to integrate two different sets of LiDAR data, several multi-date high spatial resolution National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) images, and multi-dateLandsat-8 satellite images of Ballard County, Kentucky for the delineation of the water bodies in the County. Accuracy and precision of the datasets in terms of spatial and spectral resolutions will be examined. The hypothesis is that an integration of such datasets would provide …

Vegetation Mapping Of Mammoth Cave National Park Using Multi-Date Landsat-8 Imagery And Lidar Data, Hongli Yang, Robin Q. Zhang

Scholars Week

Up-to-date and detailed vegetation map provides critical information for habitat management. In addition, a vegetation map is necessary for the Park’s Fire Management, for classification of fuel types, and for delineation of fire management units. There have been several attempts of vegetation mapping in 1934, 1975 and 1997. Recent advancements in mapping technology and the availability of high resolution Lidar data call for a new vegetation map for the Park’s management team.

In this study, Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) imagery, Lidar and geology dataset were applied to vegetation mapping. Habitat types are determined by a combination of geology, aspect …

Change Detection Of Mount Nyiragongo Post Eruption, Molly E. Karnes

Scholars Week

Because of the dangerous nature of volcanic eruptions, it makes them very difficult to study, however this makes them even more important for us to study because of how much destruction they can cause in such a short amount of time. We need to study all parts of an eruption to gain more insight into the specifics of how a volcano works. Having a better understanding of how large of an area is effected by an eruption will allow governments to decide on evacuation procedures. The goal of my project is to answer a very simple question, “How can we …

Graphene Quantum Dots Electrochemistry And Development Of Sensitive Electrochemical Biosensor [Hybrid Poster 1-B], Tyler Smith, Alexander Banaszak

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are zero-dimensional material derived from graphene derivatives with characteristics from the structure of graphene with quantum confinement and edge effects possessing unique properties. Intense research activity in GQDs is attributed to their novel physical-chemical phenomena arising from the sp²-bonded carbon core surrounded with edge functional moieties. In this work, GQDs of optimal 5-7 nm size are investigated for their fundamental electrochemical properties and use in electrochemical sensing including enzyme-based glucose biosensor. Glucose oxidase (GO_x) was immobilized on GQDs modified glassy carbon (GC) and the UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, electron microscopy, cyclic …

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 17, 2016, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

The Murray Ledger And Times, November 16, 2016, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

The Murray Ledger And Times, November 15, 2016, The Murray Ledger And Times

The Murray Ledger & Times

No abstract provided.

"One Accord Of Sympathy": The Relationship Between Narrator, Reader, And Puritans, Brianna E. Taylor

Scholars Week

Ambiguous narration in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter creates a reader that is simultaneously an insider privy to uncertain narrative report and an outsider sympathetic to Hester’s ignominy. While current reader response criticism explores narrative techniques of ambiguity and sympathy in isolation, this paper analyzes how these techniques are used in conjunction to establish a relationship between narrator and reader. The narrator’s role as storyteller and gossip, accepting explanations of a rational contemporary audience and superstitious Puritans, both defies Puritan inflexibility and creates intimacy that includes readers in this community. At the same time, a sympathetic relationship with Hester distances …

A Critique Of Puritan Values And Social Restrictions, Laura Guebert

Scholars Week

This paper outlines and discusses Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter through the lens of feminist and social critiques. It attempts to draw attention to the fates of both male and females characters in the story according to their personality and status. Therefore, by examining the complex treatment and relationships between the four principle characters of The Scarlet Letter and their author, Hawthorne’s use of a feminist critique can be understood as a wider criticism of Puritan and, by extension, mid-nineteenth century social and moral restrictions and expectations.

Puritanism In Mid-Seventeenth Century England, Matthew J. Buchanan

Scholars Week

England experienced great societal changes in the seventeenth-century. Deep rooted tensions between the monarchy and Parliament cumulated in a Civil War and the decapitation of a king. In the end, an oppressive Puritan led regime would take control of English politics. This presentation seeks to answer the question of what characteristics of the Puritans allowed them to achieve increased political power? A review of both primary and secondary sources demonstrates that the rise of Puritan political influence was brought about by combining the already divisive climate of English society with the Puritan’s unique religious ideology, political preferences, and socioeconomic standing.