Digital Commons Network^™

Sample Storage Method And Collection Time Effects On Horse Hair Cortisol Concentrations, Grace Robertson

Scholars Week

Serum cortisol concentration is the gold standard for evaluating stress in horses. However, it can be affected by circadian rhythms, environmental factors, and other excitatory events. Hair cortisol is less subject to these variables and is less invasive to collect, but there is a lack of published information on hair cortisol concentrations in horses. The objectives of this study were to examine 1) the impact of sample storage (Room temperature vs. Frozen) and 2) the effect of collection date (spring vs. fall), on cortisol concentration in equine hair. It was hypothesized that Frozen samples would yield higher concentrations than Room …

Comparing Soil Properties In Various Crop Fields (Legume And Non-Legume), Meghana Gogineni, Meghana Gogineni

Scholars Week

Comparing Soil Properties in Various Crop Fields (Legume and Non-Legume)

Meghana Gogineni

Mentors: Dr. Iin P. Handayani and Caleb

Hutson School of Agriculture, Murray state university

Abstract:

This study compares the influence of legume and non-legume crops on soil properties for a better understanding of the roles that crops play in maintaining soil health and sustainability. The ability of leguminous crops to take nitrogen out of the air and store it in the soil-in the case of soybean, for instance-naturally enriches the soil. This attribute of legumes reduces the use of external nitrogen fertilizers and, consequently, enhances the fertility of …

Cultivating Awareness: Evaluating The Role Of Social Media In Promoting Sustainable Farming Practices, Chandralekha Joga Miss

Scholars Week

No abstract provided.

Comparative Analysis Of Leaf Tissue And Soil Composition: Evaluating Nutrient Dynamics In Agricultural Systems Utilizing Composted Manures Versus Commercial Fertilizer, Chandralekha Joga Miss

Scholars Week

No abstract provided.

Improved Protein Splicing Through Viral Passaging, John Smetana

Scholars Week

Intervening proteins (inteins) are translated as subdomains within host proteins and removed through an intein-driven splicing reaction where the flanking sequences (exteins) are joined with a peptide bond. Previously, we developed a self-removing translation reporter for labeling Ebola virus (EBOV). In this reporter, an intein (RadA) containing the fluorescent protein ZsGreen (ZsG) is inserted within the EBOV protein VP30. Upon VP30-RadA-ZsG expression from the viral genome, RadA-ZsG is removed from VP30 through the protein splicing activity of RadA, generating functional, non-tagged VP30 and functional ZsGreen. While incorporation of our VP30-RadA-ZsG fusion reporter into recombinant EBOV (rEBOV- RadA-ZsG) resulted in an …

Biology And Damage Assessment Of Fall Army Worm (Spodoptera Frugiperda, Smith) Under Laboratory Condition, Pratibha Adhikari

Scholars Week

No abstract provided.

Depth Patterns Of Redear Sunfish Lepomis Microlophus In Kentucky Lake, Justin Graben

Scholars Week

Redear Sunfish Lepomis microlophus are a highly sought sportfish known for their size potential, but their ecological behavior in large reservoirs remain poorly understood. In this study, we looked at how Redear Sunfish Lepomis microlophus move vertically in Kentucky Lake. We used acoustic tags with depth sensors to measure the movement of Redear Sunfish both diurnally and seasonally within Kentucky Lake.

During the day, Redear Sunfish occupied significantly deeper waters compared to dawn, dusk, and night (p < 0.0001.). Many fish, including the species in the Lepomis genus, may have a preference for specific light levels for optimal foraging and predation avoidance, even if predation is not the primary concern at larger sizes. This daily pattern was consistent through most seasons, except on average the fish were deeper during the winter season (p < 0.0001).

Understanding the movement patterns of Redear Sunfish is essential for effective species management, especially as their popularity grows and they potentially compete with …

Warsaw And St. Louis Limestone Fossils Near Murray Kentucky, Majora Hanson

Scholars Week

About 380 to 320 million years ago, the entire state of Kentucky was submerged under water in the period known as the Mississippian. During this time, many creatures evolved and lived in the shallow ocean that lay across the state. These creatures include extinct arthropods called trilobites, mollusk-like creatures known as brachiopods, lily-like seastar relatives known as crinoids, and many others that were fossilized during this period. The fossil record of Kentucky contains many of these creatures, but the fossil record of western Kentucky has been studied less than other areas of the state. For this research project, I am …

Microcanonical Analysis Of Semiflexible Homopolymers With Variable Bending Potential Width, Michael Gray

Scholars Week

I have developed an algorithm for finding phase transition in microcanonical data of simulations of homopolymers. These simulations model the behavior of homopolymers in an array of different conditions. This algorithm is generalized and can be applied to a variety of different systems. It works by taking repeated derivatives of the microcanonical entropy of the system and applying several filters, whose parameters are tuned algorithmically as well. Identification of phase transitions allows for the construction of a phase diagram.

Goat Tying Styles Impact On Performance Consistency With Rodeo Competitors In The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Ozark Region, Marie Baxley, C.A. Shea Porr, Thomas Powell

Honors College Theses

Goat tying is a rodeo event involving dismounting a horse, and flanking and tying three legs of a goat. Flanking is defined as picking a goat up and setting it on the ground on its side. Flank/gather (FG) is a style where riders scoop the legs with the right hand and then place them in the left. Catch the flank (CF), stuffing (ST), and funneling (FN) are other methods that involve the goats’ legs landing together so the right hand is not needed for gathering. The objectives of this study were to determine 1) if flanking method affects performance, and …

Evaluating Connections Between Environmental Conditions, Wood Duck (Aix Sponsa) Health Biomarkers, Nest Outcomes, And Duckling Survival, Jillian Murphy

Scholars Week

Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) are a harvested waterfowl species experiencing the adverse effects of habitat loss linked to increasing human activity. To mitigate these effects, wildlife managers often provide artificial nest boxes as substitutes for natural cavities. In western Kentucky, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) maintains over 150 Wood Duck boxes but has observed anecdotal declines in nest success. While beneficial, nest boxes can create ecological traps such as brood parasitism, elevated temperatures, and predation, particularly when improperly placed or infrequently maintained. Despite numerous studies on nest success, fewer have examined the relationship between …

The Cruciality Of Early Recognition Of Postpartum Depression In Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu) Mothers, Shelby Clark

Scholars Week

Postpartum depression is a serious complication of childbirth that is largely dismissed by society for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, the condition is intensified for NICU mothers. If left untreated, postpartum depression can have detrimental effects. This quality-improvement project focused on early recognition of postpartum depression symptoms in mothers of infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit in Western Kentucky. The goal of the project was education for and recognition of postpartum depression in NICU mothers. Methodology for the project included utilizing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to determine the severity of symptoms of postpartum depression for NICU mothers. …

Exploring Student Perceptions Of Faculty Messages: The Moderating Role Of Internationalized Status And Gender, Geoffrey Luurs, Ismail Karabas, Brittany Wood

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

Email is a tool used often for developing rapport between students and teachers. A professor’s email mistakes may affect the attributions students make about the professor’s competence and professionalism. This study used an experimental, between-subjects design to analyze the impact of professors’ typographical mistakes during initial email interactions and the moderating role of instructor demographics in those perceptions. The final sample consisted of 426 participants (64.6% female, 75.8% Caucasian) across eight universities representing five regions of the United States. The results of this study showed instructor’s email mistakes do lead to negative perceptions. Furthermore, it showed a professor’s internationalized status …

Improving The Rates Of Sexually Transmitted Infection Diagnosis By Increasing Provider Knowledge About Testing, Lauren Cunningham

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

There has been a significant increase in sexually transmitted infection rates since 2021. Though this issue is nationwide, rural providers require education regarding testing, screening, and transmission of disease processes. The infections with the most significant increase being gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. The purpose of this project was to provide education to providers regarding local statistics, in addition to when to and not to test for sexually transmitted infections. Education was given to three Advance Practice Nurse Practitioners on disease signs and symptoms, transmission, and local STI statistic rates. STI testing rates were observed three months prior to an educational …

Combating Compassion Fatigue Using Mindfulness Techniques, Christie Baker, Summer Cross

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Demands placed on health care professionals have steadily increased and as a result, compassion fatigue has become an issue by adversely affecting the well-being of nurses and health care organizations. Compassion fatigue is a widely accepted phenomenon in nursing, creating an array of physical and emotional manifestations, impairing a health care provider’s ability to provide optimum quality care. The goal of this quality improvement project aimed to educate and provide emergency room nurses with a resource for self-care enhancement to subsequently decrease their risk of developing compassion fatigue. Nurses of a small, rural emergency department located in the southeastern region …

The Effects Of Dexmedetomidine On Nausea And Vomiting In Intraabdominal Surgical Patients, Sarah Mann

Scholars Week

Abstract

Purpose: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) affect a significant number of surgical patients. This Doctor of Nursing Practice project aimed to assess PONV rates and evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine on PONV incidence in intraabdominal surgical patients. Additionally, the project sought to inform Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) about dexmedetomidine and assess the perceived value of this information through a survey.

Methodology: The retrospective analysis of 9,035 patients was conducted from January 2023 to July 2024. Data were divided into four datasets, and comparisons were made between the datasets to determine PONV rates and the effects of dexmedetomidine. The …

2025-03-28, Board Of Regents, Murray State University

Board of Regents Meeting Minutes

No abstract provided.

The Advantages Of Being A Nurse Extern, Raylynn Broaddus, Elle Covington

Scholars Week

New graduate nurses experience low confidence levels and increased anxiety due to the limited exposure in the hospital. Nurse extern programs allow nursing students to get more hands on experience in the hospital. Is their any advantages to this? Three different research articles show advantages that arise when students complete one of these programs.

Ebp Implementing Telehealth In Outpatient Settings, Kylee Scott, Ellianna Grammer

Scholars Week

This evidence based practice project is researching if the implementation in outpatient settings would be beneficial. Specifically in the emergency department for areas such as triage and collaboration with other physicians.

Benefits Of Patient-Care Simulations For Nurse Education, Emily Pawlak, Macy Mohon, Molly Lewis

Scholars Week

This presentation was created to inform first-semester nursing students about the importance of the simulation labs they will complete throughout their BSN schooling. The research conducted indicated that these mock experiences were substantially beneficial for how nursing students learned bedside manners and clinical skills. Simulations allow students to prepare themselves to interact with patients professionally and safely while working effectively to improve patient outcomes. Although the sim-lab is a controlled environment, the scenarios that students will graded on are very real scenarios they may encounter during their clinical rotations. Our project aimed to inform students about what they can expect …

The Importance Of Nurse Involvement In Hospitalized Patient Smoking Cessation, Eudora Larson

Scholars Week

No abstract provided.

Hospital Passports: A Plan To Improve Care Of Patients With Intellectual Disabilities, Monica Mcmanemin, Kat Mccollum, Brianna Dennis

Scholars Week

Patients with intellectual disabilities frequent hospital settings, but often face barriers in communication and care due to altered needs that cannot be expressed. From these barriers hospital staff also experience frustrations in caring for these patients. Research supports that hospital passports are an excellent solution to improving care for patients with intellectual disabilities. These documents create a clear outline for hospital staff of these patients’ individual needs and allow reasonable adjustments to be made. This ensures that high quality care can be provided to all patients while also relieving stress from the healthcare providers. The goal of this project is …

Implementing The Use Of Non-Traditional Birthing Positions In The Hospital Setting, Madeline C. Ladd, Madelin G. Morrow, D'Aria M. Barbee

Scholars Week

This presentation uses evidence based research to support the use of non-traditional birthing positions in the hospital setting. The research shows that maternal comfort is increased and the risk of newborn birth trauma is decreased when mothers delivery in positions other than lithotomy. It is our hope that through the creation of our policy, maternal input will be more valued during labor and comfort will be prioritized.

Enhancing Cauti Prevention Through Daily Catheter Care Charting, Pre-Packaged Wipes, And Targeted Nursing Education, Alexis Bartolo, Hannah Todd, David Wagner

Scholars Week

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are common healthcare-associated infections that increase patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This evidence-based project aims to reduce CAUTIs by implementing daily catheter care charting, using pre-packaged antiseptic wipes, and providing targeted nursing education. These interventions will enhance accountability, improve hygiene practices, and equip nurses with the latest CAUTI prevention techniques. The project evaluates the current catheter care policy, comparing it with evidence-based practices to identify improvements. Guided by Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory, the proposed policy changes aim to improve patient safety and care quality. By integrating these interventions into routine practice, the project …

Benefits Of Nursing Touch In Neonates, Lacy Baldwin, Camila Canedo Muzevic

Scholars Week

This paper explores the benefits of nursing neonatal soothing techniques, focusing on their short- and long-term effects in reducing stress and their influence on development. It emphasizes the nursing role through Kolcaba’s Theory of Comfort in providing proactive non-pharmacological care. Neonates, particularly preemies, face significant amounts of stress in the clinical setting which can impede proper growth and development, as well as immediate well-being. It is part of the nursing duty to alleviate stress and promote comfort. This project analyzes evidence-based research on soothing techniques, including tactile, kinesthetic, gentle human touch, interactive newborn bathing, etc. It demonstrates the positive outcomes …

The Implementation Of Music Therapy For Dementia Patients, Lauren Holcomb, Jessica Borror, Jenna Schanz

Scholars Week

This research looks into the implementation of music therapy for dementia patients in several different clinical settings. The framework for the research takes a look at person-centered nursing care which focuses on the patient as an individual with specific wants and needs.

After reviewing the research articles, aspects of changing patient care like adding implementations of personal speakers and playing music in group settings were brought up as recommendations for facilities caring for dementia patients.

With these recommendations, we believe that there will be a reduced use of pharmacological interventions for behavioral outbursts and reduce the use of restraints. Most …

Evidence Based Practice Presentation: Proper Use Of Personal Protective Equipment Protecting Health Care Workers, Bella Batts, Kristine Puckett, Jimena Calderon

Scholars Week

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential in safeguarding healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents, hazardous substances, and physical risks in clinical environments. PPE includes a variety of items such as gloves, masks, face shields, gowns, and respirators, each designed to provide a barrier between healthcare workers and potentially harmful pathogens or environmental hazards. The use of PPE is particularly crucial in settings where healthcare workers are at heightened risk, such as during the treatment of patients with infectious diseases, surgical procedures, or when handling hazardous materials. The importance of PPE extends beyond individual protection, as it helps reduce the …

Mental Activities For Older Adults To Promote Cognitive Function, Paige Kramer, Riley Hancock

Scholars Week

Addressing mental activities for older adults to promote cognitive function while hospitalized. Implementing evidence-based practices that can help promote cognitive function such as crossword puzzles, word searches, art, and music therapy. Providing staff education on why cognitive function is important. Mental activities are essential needs that need to be addressed for patients.

Improving Recovery Nurses’ Satisfaction With Postoperative Transfer Of The Anesthetized Patient With The Utilization Of A Standardized Handoff Checklist, Gemma Nilsson

Scholars Week

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of using a standardized tool during patient handoff, addressing the lack of an organized structure for patient transfers and the risk of miscommunication. Poor communication is a leading cause of medical errors in the hospital and the transfer reports of postoperative patients in the post-anesthesia care unit are often inaccurate or incomplete (Milby, 2014; Salzwedel, 2012).

Design: A handoff tool was developed for anesthesia providers to use during postoperative patient transfers. Using descriptive statistics, the project evaluated subjective survey responses from registered nurses before and after the implementation of the tool. Perception of the tool’s …

Advancing Provider Knowledge On Precedex Use To Prevent Postoperative Delirium Through Targeted Education, Brian Gibbs

Scholars Week

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a serious and multifactorial complication commonly affecting elderly surgical patients. POD is associated with increased morbidity, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality rates. The use of benzodiazepines and opioids during the perioperative period is a significant modifiable risk factor for POD. Despite the potential of Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) to reduce POD incidence due to its sedative, and analgesic properties, it is not widely available in many operating rooms (OR). This project aimed to educate anesthesia providers on the benefits of Precedex and its role in reducing POD in patients over 65 years old. A quality improvement project …