Digital Commons Network^™

Analysis And Implementation Of Numerical Methods For Solving Ordinary Differential Equations, Muhammad Sohel Rana

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Numerical methods to solve initial value problems of differential equations progressed quite a bit in the last century. We give a brief summary of how useful numerical methods are for ordinary differential equations of first and higher order. In this thesis both computational and theoretical discussion of the application of numerical methods on differential equations takes place. The thesis consists of an investigation of various categories of numerical methods for the solution of ordinary differential equations including the numerical solution of ordinary differential equations from a number of practical fields such as equations arising in population dynamics and astrophysics. It …

Adaptive Variation In Tiger Salamander Populations, Meghan Parsley

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Amphibians face an unknown future in a time of rapid environmental change due to global climate perturbations. Since amphibians are perceived to be indicators of ecosystem health, understanding the causes of their declines can improve our perception of threats to other species. Molecular techniques have allowed us to explore how environmental change affects genetic variation and to predict evolutionary adaptive potential of amphibian populations. The identification of populations with the greatest potential to respond to changing environmental variables may be an important conservation strategy to aid in future management efforts. I utilized targeted exon capture sequencing to identify adaptive variation …

Sequence Extension Of The Tryptophan And Shikimate Operons In Clostridium Scatologenes Atcc 25775, Shawn Johnston Smiley

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

3-Methylindole and 4-methylphenol are cytotoxic and malodorant compounds derived from tryptophan and tyrosine, respectively. Each is present in swine waste lagoons and contributes to malodorous emissions from agricultural facilities. Clostridium scatologenes ATCC 25775 produces both compounds and serves as a model organism to study their metabolism and function. Through the repeated assembly and annotation of the Clostridium scatologenes genome, we propose a novel pathway for tryptophan degradation and 3-methylindole production by this organism. The genome of Clostridium scatologenes was sequenced, and re-assembled into contigs. Key elements of the tryptophan and shikimate pathways were identified. Contigs containing these elements were extracted …

Confabulation In Individuals With Disorders Of The Corpus Callosum: Educational Implications, Cheryl Lynn Wright

Dissertations

Individuals with disorders of the corpus callosum (DCC) may have subtle cognitive differences. Historically, confabulation has been associated with DCC. Therapies to mitigate confabulation is a newly emerging field. This study explores the possible educational implications that those with DCC may experience with confabulation.

The community of people with DCC and the community of people who interact with individuals with DCC were surveyed to ascertain the prevalence of confabulation within the population of those with DCC. A subset of questions probed whether age and/or gender impact the rates of reported confabulation. The research paradigm included a section that covered the …

Best Practices In Parent And Family Engagement: Implications For Student Success, Christy Spurlock

Dissertations

This exploratory study aims to answer questions related to highly recognized parent/family engagement programs and the ways in which they are organized, operated, and resourced; undertake innovative events and services; use and learn from assessment; and face challenges. Directors of 34 specifically selected highly recognized parent/family engagement programs were given the opportunity to complete a questionnaire concerning their programs. Twenty-seven directors completed the questionnaire. Ten were interviewed to gain further insight into the specific workings of and challenges for highly recognized parent/family programs. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative means, the researcher provides an initial exploratory look into how …

Ua12/2/1 Wkuherald321, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter recapping the top stories of the week.

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 93, No. 12, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Moore, Noah. Students Reflect on Death of Fresh Worker – Debra Wiley-Mitchell
• Harsh, Spencer. Making the Cut – JC’s Barbershop
• Fletcher, Griffin. Campus Commemorates Banned Books Week
• Deppen, Laurel. WKU Student Nick Lawson Releases EP
• Hovell, Nolan. Exploring Bowling Green’s Music Scene
• King, Jennifer. Editorial Cartoon re: Retirement Pensions
• The Pension Crisis
• Hormel, David. Don’t Prioritize Patriotic Iconography Over People
• Mathews, Carly. Faculty Expresses Low Morale in Survey
• Alvey, Rebekah. Attorney General Approves New Requirements for Gatton Academy of Math & Science
• Ziege, Nicole. Student …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 93, No. 11, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Kast, Monica. Interim Title IX Guidelines Announced
• Mohr, Olivia. Kidding Around – Goat Yoga
• DeLetter, Emily. Protestors Gather Against Proposed Health Care Bill – Affordable Care Act
• Alvey, Rebekah. Board of Regents Discuss Diversity Plan, Budget
• Alvey, Rebekah. New Leadership & Goals Set for Budget Council
• King, Jennifer. Editorial Cartoon re: Football Players Protests
• Burgess, Kelly. Diets: Fact or Fad?
• Leonard, Nicole. Fleeting Feminist – Television
• Gabhart, Ebonee. Dual Responsibility of Media & Its Consumers
• Pritchett, Grace. Behind the Curtain – Theatre & Dance
• Collins, …

Agenda, Wku Board Of Regents

Board of Regents Documents

Meeting agenda.

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 93, No. 10, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Coyle, Cameron. WKU Gets Tougher on Tailgating Activities
• Collins, Emma. Land of the Fees
• Coyle, Cameron. WKU Police Names New Chief – Mitchell Walker
• Waters, Adrianna. Second Food Pantry Opens on South Campus
• DeLetter, Emily. WKU Organization Receives Gold Star Status – Collegiate Scholars
• King, Jennifer. Editorial Cartoon re: Budget Cuts
• Out of Ink: University of Louisville’s Journalism Death Penalty is Warning to Kentucky Student Publications
• Campbell, Jordan. Perspective of a WKU Musical Theatre Alumni – Budget
• Porter, Sam. A New Test – Football
• Manlove, …

Investigating The Student Enrollment Decision At Wku, Alec Brown

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationships between the enrollment decision of first-time, first-year students admitted to Western Kentucky University and the amount of financial aid awarded, as well as demographic information. The Division of Enrollment Management provided a SAS dataset containing various information about all WKU students admitted in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Additionally, information about the 2016 class of admitted students was provided. The data has been analyzed in SAS Enterprise Miner. We performed analysis using decision tree modeling and logistic regression modeling. Results of these two procedures indicated the importance of credit hours earned …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 93, No. 8, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Ziege, Nicole. Student Government Association to Fund Inaugural Pride Festival
• Austin, Emma. American Dreamer – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, Immigration
• DeLetter, Emily. Second Tuesday Salons Focuses on Incarcerated Men, Songwriting
• Collins, Emma. Virtual Reality Event Focuses on Refugee Crisis – No Lost Generation
• Coyle, Cameron. Cage the Elephant Offers WKU Free Concert
• Eastham, Lillie. LGBTQ Groups Host Annual Ice Cream Social
• King, Jennifer. Editorial Cartoon re: Condoms
• Leonard, Nicole. The B Grade Women in the Public Eye: Sex Double Standards Impede Universal Respect
• Hovell, …

Ua12/2/1 Healthy Living Guide, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Magazine edition of the College Heights Herald:

• Alvey, Rebekah. University Provides Methods for Maintaining Sexual Health
• DeLetter, Emily. Juice, Shakes & Salad: How to Eat Healthy Locally
• Waters, Adrianna. A Guide to Better Sleep: How to Avoid College Exhaustion
• Fletcher, Griffin. The Benefits of Salt Caves
• Alvey, Rebekah. 5 Dieting Misconceptions
• Various Recipes to Fit Into Your Student Budget
• Burgess, Kelly. How to (Not) Eat Oatmeal
• Collins, Emma. Women Find Power Through Weightlifting
• Students Weigh In on Staying Healthy In College
• Tasty Treats to Try from Abroad

The Relationship Between Athletic Identity And Academic Major Chosen By Student-Athletes, Sayvon Jl Foster, Matt R. Huml

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 10(6): 915-925, 2017. This study examines the correlation between athletic identity and academic major selection among intercollegiate student-athletes. A thorough review of literature focusing on academic clustering, athletic identity, and academic development leads to the development of two hypotheses – 1) student-athletes with stronger athletic identity will have a declared major of decreased academic rigor; and 2) student-athletes with stronger athletic identity will be more likely to be undecided on their major. Data were collected through a survey administered to Division I, II, and III student-athletes recording academic major and their Athletic Identity Measurement Scale …

Corporate Social Responsibility: Considerations For Sport Management In The Age Of Neoliberalism, Anthony J. Weems, Justin R. Garner, Kristi Oshiro, John N. Singer

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 10(6): 900-914, 2017. For financial reasons, in efforts to maintain legitimacy, and in response to social pressures, sport organizations increasingly engage with corporate social responsibility (CSR). However, with the rise of global neoliberalism, the logic of CSR can be problematic. In this essay, we provide a brief overview, critique, and reconstruction of CSR in the sport industry. Specifically, we call into question three popularized forms of CSR: (1) diversity, inclusion, and diversity management, (2) environmental responsibility, and (3) health and physical activity-based initiatives. In a neoliberal context, CSR in sport provides, at best, a limited …

From Crisis To De-Escalation: An Examination Of Politics In A U.S. High School Steroid Testing Program, Brennan K. Berg, Kathryn Winsley, Rhema D. Fuller, Michael Hutchinson

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 10(6): 890-899, 2017. Preventing the use of performance enhancing drugs in sport has long been a concern for policymakers. In the United States, amidst national attention the state of Texas constructed the country’s largest steroid testing program for high school athletes. However, resource allocation steadily declined until the program was defunded in 2015. Using escalation of commitment theory as a framework, this conceptual paper examines the critical, but less studied, role of politics and de-escalation behavior that directed this distinct sport situation. By combining policy and media documents with the academic literature, this paper allows …

Coaches’ Perception Of Organizational Socialization Process Of International Student-Athletes And The Effect Of Cultural Distance: An Exploratory Study., Evelyn S. Jara-Pazmino, Bob Heere, Tom H. Regan, Christine E. Blake, Richard Southall

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 10(6): 875-889, 2017. This study focuses on the coaches’ perspective of the organizational socialization process of new international student-athletes. After analyzing the information of 10 in-depth interviews with experienced NCAA Division I coaches, this exploratory study aided the researchers to identify socialization tactics being used to successfully integrate international student-athletes entering USA college teams. ISAs come from different cultures, and pending on their home nation culture they might be challenged in their ability to socialize within their new surroundings. Results indicate that the cultural distance between team culture and ISA’s culture affects the effectiveness of …

Cultural Values And Gender Equity On National Olympic Committee Boards, Na Young Ahn, George B. Cunningham

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 10(6): 857-874, 2017. Women are under-represented in leadership positions throughout sport, and researchers have largely explored organizational, group, and individual antecedents of this phenomenon. The purpose of the current study was to expand on this understanding by investigating the influence of a country’s cultural values on the representation of women on National Olympic Committees. Drawing from Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, the authors included five cultural values: power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism-collectivism, masculinity-femininity, and long-term orientation. Results indicate that women constituted only 19.7 percent of the positions on the boards. Regression analysis, controlling for size of …

Are You Welcomed? A Racial And Ethnic Comparison Of Perceived Welcomeness In Sport Participation, Trevor Bopp, Robert Turick, Joshua D. Vadeboncoeur, Thomas J. Aicher

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 10(6): 833-844, 2017. Sport has become racialized such that minority youth accrue limited health and academic benefits from participation, compared to their White counterparts. Understanding the welcomeness that minorities feel in sport, leisure and physical activities plays an important role in breaking down barriers to participation. Thus, the overall aim of this study is to further examine the determinants of sport participation, particularly as it relates to race, socialization and perceived welcomeness. College students (N = 451) scored their perceived level of welcomeness for Whites, African Americans and Hispanic/Latinos in 14 sports. Results reveal significant …

Does Time Heal All Wounds? A Case Study On Rival Perceptions Before And After Conference Realignment, Cody T. Havard, Daniel L. Wann, Timothy D. Ryan, Norman O'Neal

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 10(6): 823-832, 2017. The current longitudinal case study investigated how conference realignment and beginning new annual competitions impacted fan rival perceptions for fans of the Texas A&M Aggies, Missouri Tigers, and Texas Christian University Horned Frogs. In particular, fan rival perceptions before and after conference realignment were compared to determine if significant differences were present. Findings indicate that history plays an important role in rivalry as fans of teams sharing long-standing rivalries with schools in their previous conference (i.e., Texas A&M/Texas and Missouri/Kansas) did not differ in their rival perceptions before or after conference realignment. …

Understanding The Interdisciplinary Discipline: An Introduction To Sport Management, Calvin Nite, Natalie Bernard

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 10(6): 818-822, 2017. The International Journal of Exercise Science is going to begin accepting articles for inclusion into a new sport management section of the journal. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the sport management discipline to the readership of this journal and provide an overview of the papers appearing in this special issue. Sport management as an academic discipline is concerned with issues such as organizational, managerial, economic, and marketing theories that inform the operations of different types of sport organizations. In this regard, “sport management is all management practice in all …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 93, No. 7, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Alvey, Rebekah. Federal Comments Signal Title IX Change
• Collins, Emma. Out of Lines – Parking
• Kast, Monica. WKU Prepares for Potential Changes to Pension System
• Alvey, Rebekah. Habitat for Humanity Builds Sheds for Community
• Stahl, Matt. Bosnian Film Festival Continues This Week
• Dimeo, Chris. Fresh Out of the India Oven
• King, Jennifer. Editorial Cartoon re: Voting
• Hormell, David. Rise Above the Static – Activism
• Gabhart, Ebonee. Inclusivity: A Bowling Green Cornerstone
• Schweickart, Lydia. The Dead Walk – Kiwanis Club, Zombies
• Moore, Noah. SKyPAC Offers Free …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 93, No. 5, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Coyle, Cameron & Emma Collins. WKU Student Fatally Shot on Sunday Morning – Kenneth Davis aka Alex
• Fletcher, Griffin. Remnants of Hurricane Harvey Hit WKU, Causes Flooding
• DeLetter, Emily. WKU, Bowling Green Assist with Hurricane Harvey Relief
• Eastham, Lillie. Walk 4 Water Fundraises for Clean Water
• Collins, Emma. Exercise Program Grows with Addition of Grants
• Leonard, Nicole. The Many Faces of Taylor Swift
• King, Jennifer. Editorial Cartoon re: Timothy Caboni’s Bowtie
• Reform the Norm: Importance of Support During Presidential Infancy – Timothy Caboni
• Peters, Patric. …

Ua12/2/89 Ceres Fraternity Advisor's Manual, Ceres Colony (Wku)

Student Organizations

Advisor's manual created by and for Ceres Colony.

Broadening Practice Perspective By Engaging In Academic-Practice Collaboration: A Faith Community Nursing Exemplar., Andra Opalinski, Susan M. Dyess, Nancy Stein, Kim Saiswick, Valerie Fox

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Opportunities to positively impact health outcomes within faith community nursing (FCN) abound. Leaders of FCN can broaden their perspectives and engage academic-practice collaboration (APC) as a method to enhance care delivery, conduct research, and advance the evidence base for FCN. This paper shares a unique FCN exemplar created and actualized from the context of an APC initiative. The population focus in the exemplar is a group of persons experiencing homelessness.

Exploration And Description Of Faith Community Nurses’ Documentation Practices And Perceived Documentation Barriers., Susan M. Dyess, Donna M. Callaghan, Andra S. Opalinski Dr.

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Purpose: Documentation within Faith Community Nursing is an expected aspect of the professional specialty but is under-studied. Findings in previously published studies suggest there is a lack of consistent documentation practices among FCNs. Therefore, the aim of this research study was to explore and describe documentation practices of FCNs, and identify the perceived barriers to documentation.

Methodology: This mixed methods research had both qualitative and quantitative components. The qualitative inquiry involved three live focus groups and three telephonic key informant interviews (n = 28). Conventional content analysis was used to examine all qualitative data. The quantitative inquiry involved a survey …

The Value Of Diabetes Self-Management Programs For African Americans In Community-Based Settings: A Review Of The Literature, Pandora Goode Phd, Dnp, Fnp-C, Robin Bartlett Phd, Rn-Bc, Debra Wallace Phd, Rn, Faan

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Abstract

When looking at the number of African Americans suffering with diabetes, it is quite evident that traditional methods such as providing pamphlets or videos on diabetes have been unsuccessful when implemented as the only strategy. Community-based interventions have been documented in the literature as being successful and can have compelling influences on beliefs and health care behaviors. By recognizing the community as an excellent conduit through which diabetes education, health promotion, and preventive health care interventions can occur, can reduce diabetes disparities globally. Therefore, the purpose of this manuscript is to examine community-based health promotion literature relevant to African …

General Nutrition Knowledge And Perceived Stress In A Rural Female Faith Community, Lori Alexander, M. Laurie Branstetter Dnp

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

In rural America, high rates of obesity are influenced by a lack of education and limited community resources. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of an educational intervention on recommended nutrition and body mass index knowledge and to describe the perceived stress in a rural female faith community. A quantitative quasi-experimental pre-test post-test research design was used. English speaking female participants (N=49) 18 years of age and older from two rural community churches received an educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model. Participants completed a demographic survey, self-reported height and weight, general nutrition …

Practice Matters: Red Flags In Evaluating Adult Abdominal Pain, Mary Branstetter Dnp, Dawn Garrett-Wright Phd

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Abstract

Acute abdominal pain is the leading cause of presentation to an emergency department in the United States. Over 5.6 million annual visits have been reported for abdominal pain and represent 18% of emergency department visits and 1.5% of all office-based visits. Acute abdominal pain can be described as visceral, somatic, or neuropathic in origin. Faith community nurses have tools, such as OLDCARTS, to take a good history in order to make sound decisions regarding patient referral to a higher level of care. Identifying red flags for abdominal emergencies and awareness of signs and symptoms of colon cancer allow faith …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 93, No. 2, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Kast, Monica. Total Solar Eclipse Lowers Temperatures
• Collins, Emma. Students Receive a Gouda Opportunity – Hilltopper Creamery
• DeLetter, Emily. Dean of College of Education to Retire After 28 Years – Sam Evans
• Ziege, Nicole. Student Government Association Has First Meeting of New School Year
• Alvey, Rebekah. New Program Supports First-generation Students – Intercultural Student Engagement Center
• Collins, Emma. Advertising & Public Relations Officially Change Departments
• Gibson, Helen. Hello from the WKU Talisman
• King, Jennifer. Editorial Cartoon re: Donald Trump
• Leonard, Nicole. Your Opinion, Not Theirs …