Digital Commons Network^™

An Exploratory Study Of Ergonomics In College Students, Wesley Ryan Tinker

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between poor ergonomic conditions and student physiological discrepancies. This examination provided great insight into students’ daily experiences and concerns for their futures. The methodology used for this study was quantitative as two source data sets were collected and analyzed. The tool REBA was used to measure the specific body angles while students sat working. A survey yielded great results, giving the students an opportunity to subjectively choose options.

This exploratory study allowed the researcher to use quantitative data to answer this study’s research questions. The research questions asked from this study were …

Factors Contributing To The Attrition Of Female Agriculture Education Teachers, Kellie Daniel

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural education is a multifaceted program comprising the three-ring agricultural model encompassing classroom/laboratory instruction, FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (National FFA Organization, 2021). Each of these components requires dedicated time and, therefore, additional stress. Agricultural educator attrition is a problem that is experienced nationwide, with fewer teachers to fill open positions (Foster et al., 2021a). The current study aims to identify factors that lead to female educators’ loss and burnout. The study is rooted in the Job Demands-Resource Theory, where job demand can contribute to burnout while job resources provide relief from these symptoms. Female educators in Georgia were asked …

Examining Elementary Teacher Perceptions And Experiences Of Transitioning From Knowledge-Based To Inquiry-Based Social Studies Standards, Benjamin Stephen Pinnick

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Elementary educators are responsible for the earliest years of student learning in a public setting. The amount of content students are expected to master continues to grow in scope, and the methods that are utilized shift to align with educational research and social momentum. After a decade of Common Core policies, social studies education in elementary schools has become a deemphasized subject. Reading and math, as well as science, have taken a greater precedence in today’s classrooms.

Yet, expectations for the creation of knowledgeable and participatory citizens continue to serve as a goal in elementary schools. Conceptualization of citizenship form …

The Relationship Between Student Performance In English Language Proficiency And Academic Content Assessments, Rosa Wolford

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

As the number of English Learner (EL) students continue to increase in the United States and accountability increases for their growth and achievement in both English language proficiency and state content assessments, it is essential that educational agencies examine the predictive relationships between the assessments to ensure appropriate supports for English Learners are provided. Subsequently, the purpose of this study was to determine if there is a predictive relationship between the WIDA ACCESS Literacy and Overall Composite scores and the TNReady English Language Arts and Mathematics assessments scores of sampled EL students in fourth through twelfth grades among the subgroups …

The Role Affiliation Membership Plays In An Ffa Chapter: A Qualitative View From Kentucky, Jacob Falwell, Kristie B. Guffey

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Research exists to demonstrate the benefits of FFA membership and the three-circle model of agriculture education. FFA membership had shown minimal growth in the 20 years following the rebranding. The innovative approach of affiliation membership has ushered in a steady growth of FFA membership, but not all chapters are participating in affiliation. FFA membership is provided to every student who is enrolled in agriculture education classes with affiliation, and the dues collection process is eliminated. This study investigated the view of affiliation membership in Kentucky High School Agriculture Education programs by researching the enrollment, involvement, and educational outcomes of affiliated …

Examining The Moderating Effect Of Online Social Support On The Relationship Between Time Spent Gaming And Well-Being In Mmorpg Players, Amber Clayton

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The video game industry has had a long-standing effect on players for decades. With the introduction of the Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Play Game (MMORPG) genre, gamers’ social world had changed drastically with the ability to communicate with players around the globe. Many social scientists have begun studying the effects on the MMORPG genre with social functioning and overall well-being in players (Colwell et al., 1995). The purpose of this thesis was to explore players who partook in MMORPGs and see if these online games affected their well-being and social support. The obtained results (N = 113) found that MMORPG gameplay …

What Factors Keep Late-Career Agriculture Teachers In Georgia Motivated To Continue In The Profession?, Catherine I. Davis

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Most agriculture teachers leave the profession by the time they reach their mid-career phase. While there is significant research indicating factors why agriculture teachers choose to leave the career there is a void in the knowledge as to why late career agriculture teachers have persevered and are still choosing to stay in the classroom. This qualitative study identifies factors as to why agriculture teachers have chosen to stay in the profession. The researcher interviewed late career agriculture teachers in Georgia with 20 or more years in the classroom and are currently still teaching today. These interviews lead to common themes …

An Analysis Of P-20 Education At San Ildefonso Pueblo In Northern New Mexico, United States, Martin Edward Strones

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This research study provides an inquiry by conducting a qualitative analysis of the conditions and issues associated with students at the San Ildefonso Pueblo in Northern New Mexico. For decades the education of San Ildefonso and Native Americans who live in the State of New Mexico has been ignored. This has been just the way it was, that is, until Wilhelmina Yazzie, a Native American, saw her son struggling in an unsatisfactory school system and decided to take action. This case was originally filed in McKinley Country, New Mexico, in 2014, home to largely Native American students for the Navajo …

Teacher Perceptions Of The Georgia Agricultural Education Elementary Standards Of Excellence: A Qualitative Study, James Judson

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines teacher perceptions of the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSEs) in elementary agricultural education. The study involved a qualitative research design with a sample of 10 elementary agriculture education teachers across multiple schools in Georgia. The research aimed to explore teachers' perceptions of the GSEs, their implementation, and the impact of the standards on their teaching practices and student outcomes. The findings indicate that while teachers generally have positive perceptions of the GSEs, there are also concerns related to the standards' flow from year to year, the use of hard-to-understand vocabulary, and the inclusion of FFA-related content. Additionally, …

Can Middle School Students Learn Agriculture From Behind A Computer Screen? A Comparative Analysis Case Study Of Online Vs Traditional Middle School Agricultural Courses In Rural Georgia, Roseanna Volz

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Online education is growing in popularity. Traditional schooling is losing the monopoly of being the only teaching method available to students (Nguyen, 2015). Online learning has evolved throughout the development of online education (Sun & Chen, 2016). Many schools focus on the core content classes for online education like math, science, social studies, and English language arts, but school systems are starting to grow their curricula (Bedard & Knox-Pipes, 2006). This quantitative study was a comparative analysis of an online and traditionally taught agricultural education course. Middle school students completed 12 assignments throughout six weeks. The grades from the assignments …

Exploring Perceptions And Unveiling Barriers: Access To Academic Research Experiences For Undergraduate Students, Marc Kinnear

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

What are the implications for undergraduate students seeking higher education but have never been exposed to research experiences, either as a participant in a faculty-mentored experience, a federal research initiative/training grant, or as a participant (N-1)? This study addresses multiple variables and their potential to increase or decrease research participation among undergraduate students at two regional universities. This study also investigates to what extent Critical Race Theory tenets correlate with the increase or decrease of research participation among undergraduate students.

Local Or Import? A Compositional Analysis Of Aztec Ritual Ceramics In The Tuxtlas Frontier, Veracruz, Mexico, Matthew T. Meyer

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

At the time of Spanish Contact in the early 16th Century the western Tuxtlas region formed part of the Aztec imperial frontier in the southern Gulf lowlands. The most apparent material manifestation of this imperial connection was Aztec-style Texcoco-Molded Censers, recovered primarily from sites that served local centralizing functions. While rare, these symbols may provide valuable information on the dynamics of frontier politics and the relations between this region and the distant core to which they were sending tax payments. Initial consideration of this adopted imperial style implies political linkages, but the mechanisms of introduction, knowledge transmission, imperial versus local …

Doctoral Students’ Experiences Of The Pandemic And Their Perceptions Of Grit, Josie Bryant

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The pandemic has significantly changed societal structures and individuals’ lives. The early tragedies and stress of the pandemic affected health, relationships, families, education, work, travel, and immigration. Students who entered doctoral programs in 2020 chose a unique time to pursue an already arduous goal amidst unprecedented challenges. Using a phenomenological approach, this study explored doctoral students’ experiences during the pandemic and sought to understand their perspectives of grit. The study aimed to offer first-hand insight into the pandemic’s effects on doctoral students, and add critical contributions to understanding the necessary actions, support systems, and policies for a life in a …

Self-Diagnosis & Pathologizing Normality During The Information Age, Chelsey Eaton

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Self-diagnosis has become a concern for medical and mental health diagnoses. More people are engaging in self-diagnosis based on information that was obtained from the internet, including websites, social media platforms, and online forums. There are several reasons one may choose to self-diagnose. Some common reasons outlined in research are the desire to fit in with others who share similar characteristics and having a label to explain one’s experiences. Past research has shown that people frequently search for mental health information online, but they may not understand or may misinterpret the information that is found. This study aimed to address …

Georgia End Of Pathway Assessments, Lindsey Garner

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Georgia End of Pathway Assessments (EOPAs) are given to students by every Career, Technical, and Agriculture Education (CTAE) teacher across the state yearly. CTAE programs are awarded federal funding based on the results of the EOPAs. EOPA’s are designed to provide students with an assessment after they complete a CTAE pathway and provide the student with an industry certification. This qualitative study was designed to determine if the current EOPA’s for Georgia Agriculture Education pathways are in alignment with the current state standards for those courses. Six high school agriculture teachers from across the state of Georgia participated in this …

Health-Related Quality Of Life And Disease Severity Among Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Rowida Mohamed

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Predicting the survival of patients with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains challenging due to the remarkable heterogeneity of the disease prognosis. Therefore, developing reliable prognostic tools is of utmost importance in IPF management. Nomograms currently represent the most accurate and discriminatory tools for predicting outcomes, with superior performance compared to the commonly used integer score approach. Therefore, developing a valid local nomogram to predict mortality among patients with IPF is warranted. Additionally, IPF is characterized by a high symptom burden significantly impacting Health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Accurately measuring HRQoL in IPF is crucial as it guides treatment decisions …

“Long Have I Wished To See The King:” Indigenous Transatlantic Diplomacy In The 18th Century North American Southeast, Riley Christian Bowers

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis situates three examples of transatlantic diplomacy practiced by Cherokee and Yamacraw diplomats in the eighteenth century within their Indigenous contexts. Utilizing treaty negotiations, transcripts from diplomatic summits, official correspondence, published journals, and newspapers, this study aims to situate these delegations within an Indigenous and transatlantic sociopolitical context. The aim of this work is to address questions regarding the objectives of the people involved, and to trace the outcomes of their policies. The answers to these questions explain one of many southeastern Indigenous political strategies of the eighteenth century, one that highlights the imperial center as a crucial setting …

Us Buyers’ Behavior Towards Social Sustainable Certificates, Mehnaz Fatima Monamy

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Growing awareness of the fashion industry's environmental footprint in terms of water and chemical use, carbon emissions, textile waste, energy usage, and water pollution has focused international attention on sustainability issues in apparel industries. To showcase their commitment to sustainability, many fashion companies turn to certifications and accreditations from third-party organizations. These certifications and accreditations not only help improve a company's performance and marketability but also give them an advantage over their competitors. US textile buyers are also becoming more selective in their purchasing decisions, looking for high-quality products that are produced in a sustainable and socially responsible manner. This …

Modeling And Simulation Of A Process That Converts Ethane To Ethylene And Ethylene To Low Density Polyethylene, Ernest Bosire Mokaya

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ethylene is a critical feedstock and a major building block in the petrochemical industry that is used in synthesizing important products like polyethylene, ethanol, ethylene oxide, ethylene dichloride and ethylbenzene. With increasing demand of plastics, production of ethylene and subsequently polyethylene has increased globally. This thesis conducts the modeling and simulation of an integrated process that utilizes ethane as the primary feedstock to produce ethylene and the subsequent polymerization of ethylene to low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The process combines two different processes into one integrated process: (1) conversion of ethane to ethylene and (2) conversion of ethylene to LDPE. First, a …

Fife And Drum As A Secondary Ensemble Within The Public Schools, Travis Lee Nestor

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Acknowledging the framework of music education within the American public school system, this research will develop a process for creating and integrating the traditional fife and drum ensemble into the public school schedule as a secondary performance ensemble, specifically as applied to the public school system within the state of West Virginia. The research will provide a template that educators can follow that will aid them in designing the course; building student interest and participation; then finally to creating an official course that students can register to take within the school schedule.

Ultimately, this research looks to provide a process …

A Comparison Of Fish Health Indices Applied To Freshwater Species Of The Chesapeake Bay Watershed, Josiah B. Jensen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Fish kills, increased disease prevalence, and endocrine disruption have been observed in multiple freshwater fish populations of the Chesapeake Bay watershed (CBW). Some of these health issues occur in conjunction with declining abundance. A combination of multiple stressors is believed to be weakening sensitive fish species in non-tidal regions of the CBW. Fish health indices such as Deformity, Erosion, Lesion, and Tumor counts (DELTs), and the Health Assessment Index (HAI) are simple tools designed to evaluate the general health of fish populations. Both indices could be widely applied in the watershed because they require limited training and equipment. However, their …

A Comparative Analysis Of Coastdown Testing Methods From An Electric Drive Unit Engagement Perspective Using A Student-Designed Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle, Dawson Everett Dunnuck

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Coastdown testing and road load determination are pivotal parts of the automotive design process. Vehicle manufacturers and independent companies perform and analyze road loads determined through a coastdown or similar method to determine a vehicle’s road load for modeling and EPA certification. For a traditional coastdown, the vehicle’s drivetrain must be disconnected through a clutch between the engine and the transmission while traveling at a high rate of speed to place the vehicle in neutral. This changes for hybrid and electric vehicles. Some hybrid, and most electric, vehicles delivered to customers do not have this clutch action to grant the …

Analysis Of The Effect Of Rate Of Fire On The Reproducibility Of Breech Face Impressions, Kayla Ann Trimble

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A major activity in firearms examination is the comparison of cartridge cases. In a crime scene where a firearm was discharged, it is very common to find cartridge cases littering the scene. Firearms examiners examine these cartridge cases along with test fired cartridge cases from the suspected firearm. They inspect the firearm to ensure that it is safe and in working condition before conducting test fires. These test fires are then compared to the submitted evidence. Comparison microscopes are used to visualize the impressions left on the cartridge case from the firing process. When comparing evidence to a known test …

Outdoor Recreation Benefits In Urban Areas: An Importance-Performance Analysis Of Residents' Perception In Morgantown, West Virginia, Zachary D. Cox

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Outdoor Recreation Benefits in Urban Areas: An Importance-Performance Analysis of Residents’ Perception in Morgantown, West Virginia

Zachary Cox

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, participation in outdoor recreation has surged in primitive, rural, and even urban settings. Similarly, outdoor recreation studies that focus on residents have continually grown post-COVID-19. Through shared activities and a sense of community, residents have a strong voice in the decisions and improvements of their local environmental spaces. The purpose of this study is to assess the benefits of outdoor recreation among residents in the city of Morgantown, West Virginia. To identify these benefits and perceptions, researchers …

Accelerating Manufacturing Decisions Using Bayesian Optimization: An Optimization And Prediction Perspective, Taofeeq Olajire

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Manufacturing is a promising technique for producing complex and custom-made parts with a high degree of precision. It can also provide us with desired materials and products with specified properties. To achieve that, it is crucial to find out the optimum point of process parameters that have a significant impact on the properties and quality of the final product. Unfortunately, optimizing these parameters can be challenging due to the complex and nonlinear nature of the underlying process, which becomes more complicated when there are conflicting objectives, sometimes with multiple goals. Furthermore, experiments are usually costly, time-consuming, and require expensive materials, …

Enabling Cybersecure And Resilient Smart Distribution Grid With Edge Devices, Partha Sarathi Sarker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The smart distribution grid achieves enhanced efficiency and flexibility through the utilization of advanced communication infrastructure, digital devices, and robust computation and control capabilities. Grid-edge devices including distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar photovoltaics (PV), battery storage systems, and intelligent electric loads like electric vehicles and smart appliances, are contributing to the growth of the smart distribution grid. This evolution is transforming the grid into a multifaceted network of interconnected devices and systems, enabling bidirectional data communication and power flows. However, these new layers of data integration and control in the smart grid introduce vulnerabilities to cyberattacks and accidental failures, …

Essays On Public Policy, Justin Craig Heflin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The first chapter examines the impact of Red Flag Laws on homicide rates and suicide rates. Red Flag Laws seek to implement gun control measures by allowing the removal of firearms from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others. Using a two-way fixed effects (TWFE) difference-in-differences (DiD) estimations, I demonstrate a negative and plausibly causal relationship between a state implementing a Red Flag Law and homicide rates. While there is also a reduction in suicide rates, I am unable to make causal claims. This study is the first to empirically examine Red Flag Laws, with an eye towards …

Fathers’ Perspectives And Challenges Regarding Their Child’S School Readiness, Ula Pretlow Lyons

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A key influence of children’s school readiness is parental engagement, yet less is known about father engagement. This paper explores fathers’ perspectives and challenges regarding their child’s school readiness. Data was collected from twelve fathers within a pool of community-based preschools in a large rural region in a southeastern state in the United States. A qualitative method was adopted using interviews to gather data. Findings revealed fathers perceived their engagement in supporting children’s social skills, approaches to learning, and grandparents’ influence attributed to preparing children for kindergarten. However, fathers were challenged with work obligations, feelings of inadequacy, and children’s attention …

Rumen And Urine Amine/Phenol-Metabolome Of Beef Steers With Divergent Residual Feed Intake, Taylor S. Sidney

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Cattle production is one of the most important agricultural industries in the United States. Despite its overall production efficiency, the industry is facing considerable adversities to its long-term sustainability due to population growth, decreased land availability, and the increase in global warming. Since feed efficiency imposes an immense influence on the cost of production for animals and is a major cost determinant for profitability, the improvement of feed utilization through the understanding of animal-to-animal variation in feed efficiency is pertinent to increase farm productivity and profitability. Residual feed intake (RFI) is a measure of feed efficiency and is defined as …

Framework For Data Acquisition And Fusion Of Camera And Radar For Autonomous Vehicle Systems, Clay Edward Vincent

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The primary contribution is the development of the data collection testing methodology for autonomous driving systems of a hybrid electric passenger vehicle. As automotive manufacturers begin to develop adaptive cruise control technology in vehicles, progress is being made toward the development of fully-autonomous vehicles. Adaptive cruise control capability is classified into five levels defined by the Society of Automotive Engineering. Some vehicles under development have attained higher levels of autonomy, but the focus of most commercial development is Level 2 autonomy. As the level of autonomy increases, the sensor technology becomes more advanced with a sensor suite which includes radar, …