Digital Commons Network^™

Notorious: John Singer Sargent's Madame X, Frankie M. Smith

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The meaning and controversy behind John Singer Sargent's Madame X painting.

Lung Cancer Clustering By Identification Of Similarities And Discrepancies Of Dna Copy Numbers Using Maximal Information Coefficient, Nezamoddin N. Kachouie, Wejdan Deebani, Meshal Shutaywi, David C. Christiani

Mathematics and System Engineering Faculty Publications

Lung cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer and the first cause of cancer related death for men and women in the United States. Early detection is essential as patient survival is not optimal and recurrence rate is high. Copy number (CN) changes in cancer populations have been broadly investigated to identify CN gains and deletions associated with the cancer. In this research, the similarities between cancer and paired peripheral blood samples are identified using maximal information coefficient (MIC) and the spatial locations with substantially high MIC scores in each chromosome are used for clustering analysis. The results showed that …

Methodologizing Transnationality: Relational Writing As Collective Inquiry, Sun Young Lee, Minhye Son, Taeyeon Kim, Jin Kyeong Jung, Soo Bin Jang

Department of Educational Administration: Faculty Publications

How can we take transnationality as a space of in-betweenness to generate new possibilities, moving beyond geographically bounded spans between countries? This article presents five authors’ collective inquiry on transnational positionalities, which we practiced through the relational, transformative, and reflective writing of the self in a community space. We staged the collaborative writing into two processes: the emergent process of thematic writing and the relay writing. Interweaving “I” and “we” voices that cannot be captured through categorical thinking, our collaborative quest resists normative identity politics, proposing writing as a method of collective inquiry for the nuanced understanding of the transnationality …

Navigating Emotional Discomfort In Developing Equity-Driven School Leaders: A Conceptual-Pedagogical Framework, Taeyeon Kim, James Wright

Department of Educational Administration: Faculty Publications

Abstract

Background: Given that K–12 schools necessitate leaders who can advance equity and justice, preparation programs in higher education institutions have prioritized the development of eq-uity-oriented school leaders. However, there has been relatively limited exploration of peda-gogical approaches that equip educational leaders to navigate adverse emotional responses and utilize their discomforting emotions as a source of transformation toward equity-oriented principles. When negative emotions are suppressed and/or unexplored within leadership de-velopment programs, adult learners will likely miss crucial opportunities for personal growth and transformative change.

Purpose: This theoretical article aims to enhance and expand existing scholarship on the ped-agogies …

Forecasting Pitch Response Of Floating Offshorewind Turbines With A Deep Learning Model, Mohammad Barooni, Deniz Velioglu Sogut

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

The design and optimization of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) pose significant challenges, stemming from the complex interplay among aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, structural dynamics, and control systems. In this context, this study introduces an innovative method for forecasting the dynamic behavior of FOWTs under various conditions by merging Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with a Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) network. This model outperforms traditional numerical models by delivering precise and efficient predictions of dynamic FOWT responses. It adeptly handles computational complexities and reduces processing duration, while maintaining flexibility and effectively managing nonlinear dynamics. The model’s prowess is showcased through an analysis of …

Resolving Low-Clarity Text Input On Mobile Platforms, Zheer Xu

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Text input constitutes a critical and frequent interaction with mobile computing devices. However, the experiences on mobile text interfaces remain significantly inferior in terms of speed and accuracy, as input noise, jitteriness, and spatial variability in human input signals result in reduced clarity of the input. This hinders the ability of the text input system to accurately transform them into the intended text. The compact form factors of modern mobile and wearable devices further complicate precise input, as the input space is highly limited. The inadequate clarity of human input on these devices, therefore, necessitates precisely formatted input from users, …

The Effect Of Asynchronous Pre-Service Training On Aac Strategy Use, Cheri Dodge Chin

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the impact of a one-time online, asynchronous training program on graduate students' use of communication partner strategies for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users. The study examines the training effect on the overall correct usage of naturalistic communication partner strategies, the implementation immediacy, the influence of feedback, and the training's benefits and drawbacks. Using an A-B single case research design with qualitative feedback, the study included pre-service university students studying speech pathology or education. Participants engaged in storybook reading activities with communication devices at a university clinic to establish baseline measures. Following this, they completed a one-hour …

Changing Demographics In Career & Technical Student Organizations, Elizabeth Hunt Galloway

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The state of Georgia’s demographics has consistently changed in the last twenty years. Since 2010, the population of Georgia has steadily increased by 1% (Georgia Population by Year, County, Race, & More, 2023). A mirror of the state population increases occurred in the school system with 1% growth each year between 2010 and 2022 (Georgia Population by Year, County, Race, & More, 2023). The demographics of the state of Georgia has changed along with the population with an increase in Hispanic and Black population while the White population has decreased (Hauer, n.d.). The need to increase membership in Career Technical …

A Statewide Examination Of Racial Equity, Culturally Responsive Teaching, And Career Technical Education Outcomes In Kentucky, Reginald L. Mcdaniel Jr.

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the implementation of Racial Equity Policies (REP) and Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) practices in Career and Technical Education (CTE) across the Commonwealth of Kentucky's public school districts. This quantitative research incorporates perspectives from district leaders, educators, and administrators, exploring the interplay between racial equity policies and teaching practices. The study highlighted the influential role of district leaders in shaping positive perceptions and awareness of the tools available to support equity work. The study also revealed disparities among districts, with urban areas leading integration, while rural districts express confidence in their commitment to racial equity.

The study's practical …

Student Knowledge Of Sexual Assault Resources, Kali Forden

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Despite the changes in policy and the endorsement of mandatory reporting among college students over time, less than half of survivors of sexual assault report the incident to police or university officials (Cantor et al., 2020). Further, while there is little research on the subject, Moore and Baker (2016) found that a student’s residence can influence whether they report a sexual assault. This project sought to extend this research to determine whether a student’s residence and knowledge of available resources effects the likelihood to report a hypothetical sexual assault. Additionally, it sought to determine the relationship between reporting a sexual …

K-5 Educators’ Perceptions Of Restorative Practices In St. Louis, Missouri, Jessica Ellen Finney

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Restoration is any form of guidance or counsel toward right decision-making. One can be restored in an emotional or psychological way. The act of restoring emotional reactions back to logical thinking are the core teachings of this paper. The objective of this study was to analyze K-5 educators’ lived experiences, opinions, and perceptions in regard to this social and emotional restoration of teaching. This study advocates teacher perspectives in the art of restorative teaching and thinking for students they teach. This qualitative research study provides insight into the perceptions, opinions, and lived experiences of 10 educators regarding the implementation of …

Early-Career Georgia Agriculture Teachers' Agricultural Mechanics Professional Development Needs, Christopher Crump

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural mechanics is a prominent topic in Georgia Agricultural Education, as it is the agricultural subject matter area with the second-largest enrollment across all school systems in the state. However, with Georgia agricultural teacher preparation programs only requiring three credit hours in the subject matter area, questions arise as to whether Georgia agriculture teachers are properly prepared to teach this subject matter area, especially if those teachers did not complete a traditional teacher preparation program. This nonexperimental, quantitative study assessed early-career Georgia agriculture teachers’ professional developmental (PD) needs in agricultural mechanics. Qualtrics was utilized to collect responses to a research …

Examining Stigma In Rural Mental Health Care Settings: A Mixed Methods Approach, Lainie Krumenacker

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

More than half of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness in their lifetime (CDC, 2021), yet stigma towards mental health affects both patients and providers. Although programs exist to address stigma, improve cultural competency among providers, and educate families on the importance of support, facilities are often limited on programs they provide due to allocation of resources and funds. Without a shift in treatment and programing, stigma will continue to impact patient care and outcome.

This study explored stigma among mental health providers in rural communities, while exploring potential differences in treatment among patients due to race. Mental …

Relationship Analysis Of Storyline Curriculum Engagement And Academic Performance, Cassandra Shockley

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Secondary educators are responsible for moving students from dependent learners to independent individuals who can solve problems and be productive members of society. Science education has changed since 2012 when the PISA and TIMSS results were analyzed and showed that American students perform significantly lower than other countries. In 2013, Kentucky adopted new science standards that replaced the extensive lists of facts to be memorized with a set of performance expectations. Students are now tested on their ability to apply content knowledge to solve a phenomenon. Seventh-grade science teachers in classrooms with wide ranges of academic readiness have resisted switching …

Burnout Of Women In Agriculture, Ashley Rivers

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Agriculture is considered one of the foundations of the United States. Women have played an important but often overlooked role in the history of agriculture. Despite many significant contributions, women have been left out of the history and advancements of agriculture. This research examined the lived experiences of 56 women who are involved in production agriculture and the factors that can contribute to stress and burnout in this area. By identifying how females view their roles and various aspects of their work, valuable insights can be gained into the experiences women face. Financial challenges and gender bias were identified as …

Listen Up: Perceptions Of Audiobooks By Teachers, Librarians, And Parents, Megan Bright

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Reading is a critical component of education. From learning to read, to eventually reading to learn, students and teachers rely upon texts to help make sense of the world around them. Methods and tools vary, but teachers, librarians, and parents can all agree that reading is a fundamental skill their students need. However, students are sometimes told to limit their use of audiobooks in favor of reading with their eyes. These limitations may prevent students from finding the books they love and also limit students’ opportunities to use books to learn about the world around them. This study sought to …

The Impact Of Instructional Coaching In K-12 Education, Angela Michelle Hickey

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to examine the various aspects of instructional coaching in educational environments and offer a thorough understanding of the impact on teacher growth in a small, rural school district with 90 certified teachers and four district instructional coaches. The study used a quantitative approach that utilizes pre-post assessments to gauge the influence of instructional coaching on many aspects of teacher development, such as high-impact instructional practices, classroom management, and overall pedagogical effectiveness. Statistical studies will identify any significant changes over time and investigate potential links between coaching variables and teacher outcomes. This research aims to comprehensively understand how …

Does Taking Cte Courses Affect High School Graduation Rates?, Jimmy Artrip

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the impact of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses on high school graduation rates. As educational institutions look for ways to increase graduation rates and student engagement, CTE has emerged as a viable strategy. CTE aims to equip students with practical skills and post-secondary career and technical education while improving attitudes toward the educational environment. This study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of graduation rates from the school district with qualitative data gained through interviews with graduating students. Results indicate a statistically significant increase in graduation rates and improved outlooks and attitudes among students enrolled …

The Impact Of Intra-District, Open Enrollment School Choice On Students In A Selected Georgia School District, Elizabeth Miegel

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to determine the impact of a Georgia school district’s intra-district, open enrollment Choice Program on students who participate compared to those who do not at a selected high school. Three research questions were developed: (1) does GPA differ between students who participate in school choice and students who do not (2) do SAT scores differ between students who participate in school choice and students who do not and (3) do AP test scores differ between students who participate in school choice and students who do not. The research questions were assessed through independent measures t-tests, with …

Exploring Teachers’ Perspectives On Integrating Gaming Into Agriculture Education Through Nasef Farmcraft, Carrie Settles Livers

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

With a growing population and a decrease in arable land, it is vital to prepare the next generation of agriculturalists. However, enrollment in agricultural education programs has been on the decline. Incorporating digital games into the classroom could serve to engage future students and encourage careers in agriculture. This study explored how Georgia agriculture teachers' technological and pedagogical knowledge influences their willingness to adopt digital games, specifically Georgia Farmcraft and Minecraft for Education, in their teaching. Additionally, it sought to identify demographic factors that might impact adoption and to determine effective professional development strategies to support teachers in using these …

Sociosexual Orientation And Dark Triad Personality Traits Impact On Deception In Relationships, Kristin Lena

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Within the last 10 years, research has suggested that it has become more common for individuals to engage in casual sex. Research has consistently shown that sociosexual orientation, dark triad traits, and deception are all related. This study sought to examine the linear relationship between sociosexual orientation, dark triad personality characteristics, and the use of deception in a relationship. Participants (n = 135) completed this study online and were recruited from a midsize university. Findings did suggest a positive correlation between sociosexuality and deception, as well as a positive correlation between dark triad traits and deception. The findings of …

The Role And Position Of Dual Credit In P-20 Education, Aaron Heinzmann

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The trend in dual credit enrollment and deployment in secondary and postsecondary institutions has been steadily increasing over the last few decades. All 50 states have some form of dual credit that provides opportunity for secondary students to accelerate through their postsecondary pathways by earning college credits while still in high school. Students in dual credit can expect to achieve higher grade point averages in college, finish their degrees or certificates sooner, and realize postsecondary cost savings. As dual credit continues to permeate the P-20 landscape, educational leaders consider and continue to realize the benefits and drawbacks of accelerated collegiate …

Stakeholder Engagement: Challenges, Metrics, And Tactical Solutions In Higher Education Strategic Planning, Stephanie Miller Gillen

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Effective stakeholder engagement is critical in higher education strategic planning, particularly as institutions face challenges such as changing demographics, technological advances, and evolving student expectations. This study explores the complexities of engaging diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, community members, and governance, in the strategic planning process. Using a qualitative approach, the research examines how stakeholder engagement practices contribute to the development of strategic plans. The study emphasizes the importance of moving beyond superficial engagement to foster genuine collaboration and accountability, ultimately enhancing higher education institutions' adaptability. The research provides valuable insights for institutions aiming to enhance the efficacy of the …

A Comparison Of Student Achievement On Agriculture Mechanics End Of Pathway Assessments Among Agriculture Programs In Georgia, William Burt

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Agriculture education programs in Georgia are held to the same standards and evaluations regardless of their location, resource availability, and student clientele. For schools with agriculture mechanics programs specifically, students are expected to obtain proficient skills in welding, electrical wiring, woodworking, small engines, concrete, and machinery. Students' are expected to obtain skill sets in these various content areas, yet the equipment and resources available to the educator differs among schools. The experience that a student encounters also differs among schools. For instance, some schools have multiple agriculture pathways for a student to enroll in, while other schools have minimal. The …

Intrinsic Motivators For Participation And Persistence In Intercollegiate Athletics, Kevin Saal

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Since its inception, intercollegiate athletics’ conflicting existence vacillates between a history of rich, co-curricular and developmental experiences for young people, and a multi-billion-dollar industry transformed by limitless commercialization, expense and exploitation. The “professionalization” of intercollegiate athletics and blurring of motivational factors influencing participation and persistence threatens its holistic academic and developmental purpose (Duderstadt, 2000, p. 78). This dissertation provides a review of motivational theories, in addition to summarizing numerous contextually relevant intrinsic and extrinsic regulators impacting human behavior. Through a quantitative research methodology this study proposes research broadly investigating intrinsic motivation, seeking to develop a better understanding and establish …

University Student Worker Productivity: A Qualitative Analysis, Amanda S. Mansfield

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Student worker productivity is an important aspect of higher education, since many functional units rely on student employees to operate. Student workers communicate with all stakeholders of universities, including incoming and current students and their families, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members. Universities facing issues related to budgeting, enrollment, retention, and employability of their graduates can combat those issues by strengthening the largest labor pool on campus, student workers. The study explored what it means to be a productive university student worker within the framework of Social Exchange Theory and Grounded Theory. The study sought to provide recommendations to universities …

Melissa Brown Collection Of "A Loud Absence" Project Materials, Zach S. Henderson Library, Special Collections

Finding Aids

This collection consists of photographs and digital files created by artist Melissa Brown as part of her project, titled "A Loud Absence." According to the artist, the project sought to discover what happens to a space after great injustice has been committed in it. The project examines whether a community's choice of what to do with such an area reflects healing or reveals that they have not moved forward from their past.

Jones-Smith Correspondence, Zach S. Henderson Library Special Collections

Finding Aids

The collection consists of correspondence of the Jones and Smith families from 1893-1968. Early materials (1893-1920) relate primarily to the Smith family, in particular, to Mary Beth’s uncle Joseph Allen Smith, who lived in Monterrey, Mexico, and died in Havana, Cuba, in 1913. The bulk of the correspondence is from 1941 to 1946 and consists of letters from Hubert Paul Jones, Jr.., John Egbert Jones, and other family members to Mary Beth (Smith) Jones and Hubert Paul Jones, Sr.

La Fin Du Droit National A L'Interruption Volontaire De Grossesse Aux Etats-Unis: Quels Enseignements Pour L'Etude Comparative Des Droits?, Elisabeth Zoller

Articles by Maurer Faculty

No abstract provided.

Deals In The Heartland: Renewable Energy Projects, Local Resistance, And How Law Can Help, Christiana Ochoa, Kacey Cook, Hanna Weil

Articles by Maurer Faculty

This Article offers proposals for better engagements, relationships, and deals with local communities contemplating wind farms. Because the rapid expansion of wind energy to date has exhausted the first-mover rural communities, the promise of wind energy depends on reluctant rural communities that may require the legal, relational, and policy innovations proposed herein if they are to grant their consent to future wind farms and participate in the renewable energy transformation. The proposals herein are the result of empirical research exploring how occupants of rural spaces have reacted to wind developer’s strategies in their communities and how local communities have employed …