Digital Commons Network^™

Topscholar® Brochure, Connie Foster, Jennifer Wilson

TopSCHOLAR® Presentations and Reports

An updated brochure that gives basic points, contacts, and guidelines for TopSCHOLAR, the research and creative activity database of Western Kentucky University, launched May 1, 2007

Quarterly Meeting Agenda & Packet, Wku Board Of Regents

Board of Regents Documents

Meeting regarding faculty emeriti appointments, faculty transitional retirement program, athletic contracts, resolution in honor of James Kennedy, sale of property, personnel actions, audit and year end reports.

Murton, Jessie Wilmore (Jones), 1886-1973 (Mss 439), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid for Manuscripts Collection 439. Correspondence, writings, scrapbooks, and financial records of Kentucky native and poet Jessie Wilmore Murton. Although born and raised in Kentucky, she spent most of her adult life in Battle Creek, Michigan. Her poetry and prose was published in several solo books and anthologies and appeared extensively in religious publications of the mid-twentieth century. The contents of Box 9 Folder 7 related to the League for Sanity in Poetry has been scanned and can be accessed by clicking on "Additional Files" below.

Davidson, Benjamin Gideon, Iii, 1914-1998 (Mss 559), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Manuscripts Collection 559. Letters to Benjamin Gideon Davidson “B.G.,” III, Bowling Green, Kentucky, written primarily by female friends when he was a student at Bowling Green High School and Centre College, Danville, Kentucky. Includes some letters from his mother and miscellaneous papers.

Use And Misuse Of The Likert Item Responses And Other Ordinal Measures, Phillip A. Bishop, Robert L. Herron

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(3): 297-302, 2015. Likert, Likert-type, and ordinal-scale responses are very popular psychometric item scoring schemes for attempting to quantify people’s opinions, interests, or perceived efficacy of an intervention and are used extensively in Physical Education and Exercise Science research. However, these numbered measures are generally considered ordinal and violate some statistical assumptions needed to evaluate them as normally distributed, parametric data. This is an issue because parametric statistics are generally perceived as being more statistically powerful than non-parametric statistics. To avoid possible misinterpretation, care must be taken in analyzing these types of data. The use …

Effect Of Beetroot Juice On Self-Regulated, Moderate-Intensity Exercise, Jordyn N. Rienks, Andrea A. Vanderwoude, Elizabeth Maas, Zachary M. Blea, Andrew W. Subudhi

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(3): 277-286, 2015. Dietary nitrate supplementation has been shown to reduce oxygen consumption at a fixed work rate. We questioned whether a similar effect would be observed during variable work rate exercise at a specific rating of perceived exertion (RPE), as is commonly prescribed for aerobic training sessions. Using a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover design, ten females (25 ± 3 years; VO₂peak 37.1 ± 5.3 ml/kg/min) performed two 20-min cycle ergometer trials at a constant RPE of 13 (somewhat hard) 2.5 hours following ingestion of 140 ml of concentrated beetroot juice (12.9 mmol …

Relation Of Income And Education Level With Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Erik A. Willis, Dave White, Alex Shafer, Kristofer Wisniewski, Fredric L. Goss, Laurel B. Chiapetta, Vincent C. Arena, Robert J. Robertson, Elizabeth F. Nagle

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(3): 265-276, 2015. While there is strong evidence measuring the association between leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and socioeconomic status (SES) there are limited data on the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and SES. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine differences in CRF and LTPA between household income and individual education in young adults. A sample of 171 (males n=98, female n=73) young adults participated in the University of Pittsburgh-Physical Activity Study. Participants completed CRF testing. Demographic characteristics were assessed via interviewer administered standardized survey and LTPA was assessed using the interviewer …

Risk Of Disordered Eating Among Division I Female College Athletes, Elizabeth Wells, Alexandra Chin, Jennifer Tacke, Jennifer Bunn

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(3): 256-264, 2015. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of disordered eating (DE) among female athletes in lean and non-lean sports using the ATHLETE survey. The ATHLETE survey is divided into six different constructs, and a high score indicates a high risk for DE. Eighty-three varsity female athletes from eight Campbell University sports teams completed the survey and a medical history form anonymously. The sports were divided into sports that traditionally have a high risk for DE (lean sports) and those with a low risk (non-lean sports). The lean sports included: …

Effects Of Caffeine On Repeated Upper/Lower Body Wingates And Handgrip Performance, Thomas Andre, Matt Green, Joshua Gann, Eric O'Neal, Tom Coates

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(3): 243-255, 2015. Caffeine enhances aerobic performance, but research is equivocal regarding anaerobic performance. This study examined effects of caffeine (7 mg/kg) on anaerobic performance in anaerobically active males (n = 10). Participants completed counterbalanced, double blind caffeine (Caf) and placebo (Pl) trials including a) 6 x 15 s upper body Wingates (UW_ant), b) 6 x 15 s lower body Wingates (LW_ant) and c) 6 x15 s maximal effort static hand grip test (HG) with 3 min recovery between bouts, 30 min between exercises. Peak power (P_peak), mean power …

The Relationship Of Gender And Self-Efficacy On Social Physique Anxiety Among College Students, Sara M. Rothberger, Brandonn Harris, Daniel Czech, Bridget F. Melton

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(3): 234-242, 2015. The anxiety or fear associated with physique evaluation is defined as Social Physique Anxiety (SPA). Numerous studies have examined this construct, yet a gap exists exploring this phenomenon among current college students with SPA, self-efficacy, and gender concurrently. Therefore, the purposes of this study included quantitatively analyzing the association between SPA, gender, and self-efficacy. Participants included 237 students at a Southeastern university participating in jogging, body conditioning, or weight training courses. Analysis of Variance yielded a significant main effect for self-efficacy as well, as those with lower self-efficacy displayed higher levels of …

Trx Suspension Training: A New Functional Training Approach For Older Adults - Development, Training Control And Feasibility, Angus Gaedtke, Tobias Morat

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(3): 224-233, 2015. Because of its proximity to daily activities functional training becomes more important for older adults. Sling training, a form of functional training, was primarily developed for therapy and rehabilitation. Due to its effects (core muscle activation, strength and balance improvements), sling training may be relevant for older adults. However, to our knowledge no recent sling training program for healthy older adults included a detailed training control which is indeed an essential component in designing and implementing this type of training to reach positive effects. The purpose of this study was to develop …

The Acute Effects Of Whole-Body Corrective Exercise On Postural Alignment, Nicole Rencher, James D. George, Pat R. Vehrs, Sarah E, Ridge, Gilbert W. Fellingham

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(3): 213-223, 2015. This study examined the acute effects of whole-body corrective exercise on postural alignment in a sample of 50 male participants (18-30 y) displaying asymmetrical postural deviations. All participants were randomly assigned to either a nonexercise control (n = 25) or corrective exercise treatment (n = 25) group. A three-dimensional motion analysis Vicon system was employed to quantify standing postural alignment at the beginning and end of a 6 d study. Postural misalignments were determined in degrees of symmetry (tilt) and rotation using horizontal and vertical virtual plumb lines for the following locations: …

Sensitivity Of Prescribing High-Intensity, Interval Training Using The Critical Power Concept, Robert W. Pettitt, Ashley M. Placek, Ida E. Clark, Nicholas A. Jamnick, Steven R. Murray

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(3): 202-212, 2015. The critical power (CP) concept enables the calculation of time to exhaustion (t_LIM) for a given power output above CP using the equation of t_LIM = W’/(power – CP), where W’ is the curvature constant, and CP is the asymptote for the power-t_LIM relationship. The CP concept offers great promise for prescribing high-intensity interval training (HIIT); however, knowledge on the concept’s sensitivity is lacking (i.e., how much of a difference in W’ expenditure is needed to evoke different metabolic responses). We tested if two …

Success Indicators Of College Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Megan M. Prickett

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study examined the executive functioning skills as students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) entered college. The participants consisted of 95 college students with ASD who attended the Kelly Autism Program (KAP) on Western Kentucky University’s campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The individuals in the sample were categorized three groups: individuals who graduated from college, individuals who were still attending college, and individuals who dropped out of college. The results indicated that the executive functioning skills of inhibiting and initiation were statistically significantly different between the three groups and additional skills were significantly different when comparing only the group that …

A Descriptive Study Of The Formation And Structure Of Behavioral Intervention Teams At Colleges And Universities, Alicia C. Golston

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of A Head Coaching Change On Intercollegiate Student-Athletes, Stacey A. Forsythe

Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to discover the impacts on intercollegiate student-athletes subsequent to a head coaching change. One research question guided this study: What is the impact of a head coaching change on intercollegiate student-athletes? This qualitative study utilized eight case study interviews in order to achieve a rich description of the phenomenon of a head coaching change in one mid-major NCAA Division 1 institution in the Southeast. Using inductive analysis and the constant comparative method, three emergent themes were identified: (1) Student-athletes seem to accept head coaching changes, (2) Head coaches are essential to team success, …

The Perfect Formula: Benchmarks That Best Predict Retention In Selective Admissions Programs, Nadine Joy Menser

Dissertations

This study ascertained the admissions criteria utilized by Radiography programs with high graduation rates and determined whether a relationship exists between admissions criteria and graduation rates. With the high demands for healthcare professionals, preserving the number of students accepted into a cohort throughout the two-year program can be an overwhelming task. These programs should make every effort to admit and graduate those who meet the needs of the public, needs both diverse and subject to change. Radiography program directors and admissions committees are considered the “gatekeepers” of the profession. Yearly, more candidates apply than seats available. Therefore, the directors and …

Marketing Effects On Consumer Retention And Expenditures In Central Kentucky And North Central Tennessee Floral Industry, Danielle L. Berkshire

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Florists in today’s industry are competing against mass-markets that are able to buy and sell fresh-cut flowers at low prices in bulk. Mass-markets offer little or no design or other services. Consumers find it convenient to order flowers online through wire services, paying large fees to order flowers. Order gatherers pose as local floral shops taking consumers orders online or by phone then call the local florist to fill orders. Packaged flowers became popular in the early 2000’s ordering flowers directly from the farm to the consumer. Rural and metropolitan areas of Central Kentucky and North Central Tennessee were surveyed. …

The Effect Of A Student Success Seminar On Student Retention At A Regional University, Cindy L. Clemson

Dissertations

With approximately half of all students who enter colleges and universities graduating, the problem of student attrition continues to challenge higher education officials. Decades of research studies have been completed on the causes of student persistence and retention, but significant changes have not occurred to increase those numbers. This study attempted to integrate current research with a practical application to increase retention of first-year students. A first-year seminar, known as a student success seminar, was created at the university to teach advanced academic behaviors to incoming freshmen. This study involved a program evaluation of the new seminar as the independent …

Chhs July 2015 E-Newsletter,, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

Ua77/1 Wku Spirit, Wku Alumni Relations

WKU Administration Documents

WKU's alumni magazine. Contents:

• Ransdell, Gary. Letter from the President
• Before & After: College Bulletins
• Marc Archambault Named Vice President of Development & Alumni Relations
• 4 WKU Students Recognized by Goldwater Program
• Julia Roberts Receives National Award for Impact on Gifted Education
• WKU Newest Member of Kentucky Proud Farm to Campus Program
• Muhlenberg County Educator Inducted into Teacher Hall of Fame – Mary Armstrong
• Brent Bjorkman Appointed Director of Kentucky Museum
• WKU’s Campus Awarded Level I Arboretum Accreditation
• Honors College at WKU Spotlighted in National Guide
• WKU Wins Hearst Photojournalism Title for 22^nd Time in 26 Years
• WKU Among …

The Factors Affecting The Retention Of Adult Basic Education Teachers In Kentucky, Alma K. Combs

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that affect retention of adult basic education teachers in Kentucky. This qualitative study utilized data from interviews conducted with former or retired adult basic education teachers in Kentucky. Vrooms expectancy theory was examined as the theoretical framework to review the outcomes and their relationship to this theory. Results from this investigation determined several significant findings, with low salary being the main determining factor that affects retention of adult basic education teachers in Kentucky. There are additional factors that affect retention of adult basic education teachers in Kentucky such as: (1) …

The Branch Campus Contribution To The Mission Of The Main Campus In Kentucky, Caroline L. Atkins

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of branch campuses on the mission of their main campuses in Kentucky. An online survey and key informant interviews were conducted with administrators. Both research methods identified strategies to minimize the impact of institutional, situational, and dispositional barriers (Cross, 1981) that impede the successful academic and social integration (Tinto, 1975; 1993) of nontraditional students who frequent these campuses. In addition, institutional research offices provided student enrollment and credit-hour production data for analysis by site. The study classified demographic information on administrators, including gender, full- or part-time capacity, administrative title, and …

Factors Affecting Academic Procrastination, John Paul Reynolds

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study sought to understand the relationships among locus of control, parenting style, academic procrastination, and financial independence with a population of undergraduate students. A sample of 61 students (39 females, 21 males, 1 other) completed measures of demographics, locus of control, parenting style, and academic procrastination. Participants were recruited within the last two weeks of the semester. Therefore, the sample probably contained a higher percentage of procrastinators than the general population. There were no significant correlations across the total sample. There was a significant positive correlation between higher scores on the Parental Authority Questionnaire authoritative scale and the Procrastination …

Ua23 Progression Through Partnerships, Aurelia Spaulding Editor, Leah Ashwill, Lauren D. Cunningham

ALIVE Center Publications

No abstract provided.

Action Items, Wku Graduate Council

Graduate School

Overview of action items handled by the Graduate Council.

Traces Volume 43, Number 2, Kentucky Library Research Collections

Traces, the Southern Central Kentucky, Barren County Genealogical Newsletter

Traces, the South Central Kentucky Genealogical Society's quarterly newsletter, was first published in 1973. The Society changed its name in 2016 to the Barren County Historical Society. The publication features compiled genealogies, articles on local history, single-family studies and unpublished source materials related to this area.

Effects Of Life Review On Happiness And Life Satisfaction In Older Adults, Molly C. White

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Life review involves a systematic, chronological review of an individual’s life from birth to death as well as an examination of the meaningfulness of life experiences and events. The purpose of the current study was to discover the effects of life review on happiness and life satisfaction in the older population. Participants from 71 to 85 years of age completed a demographics questionnaire, the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). SHS and SWLS were completed every other day from the beginning to the end of the data collection process. Once a consistent baseline was reached …

Evaluation Of Xanthan/Enzymatically Modified Guar Gum Mixtures In Oil-In-Water Emulsions, Pavan Kumar Chityala

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Oil-in-water emulsions have wide range of applications in food industry because of their structure-forming properties, and as delivery systems of polyunsaturated fatty acids into foods. The thermodynamic instability of oil and water, and high susceptibility of unsaturated fatty acids to oxidation lead to physical and oxidative stability in oil-in-water emulsions. These instability processes are generally controlled by incorporating proteins and polysaccharides into oil-in-water emulsions. The objective of this study was to evaluate xanthan/enzymatically modified guar (XG/EMG) polysaccharides on the physical and oxidative stability of 2 wt% whey protein stabilized oil-in-water emulsions containing 20% v/v menhaden fish oil. Enzymatic modified guar …

Confessions Of An American Ginseng Addict, Addison Davis James

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Confessions of an American Ginseng Addict uses the Lazy Branch Holler in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky as a setting for a creative nonfiction work, which uses history, confession, remembrances, and digressions to tell the story of a man dealing with loss, mental health issues, environmental sustainability, and the power of ginseng. In the style of Desert Solitaire and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, the narrative is a discursive work of raw unadulterated gonzo writing.