Teachers Stay And Go: The Impacts Of Agriculture Education Teacher Retention In Georgia, Alisha Richardson, Kristie Guffey

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural education teachers are vital in shaping students' academic and social development while supporting Georgia’s largest economic sector. Despite their importance, the retention of qualified agriculture teachers has remained a persistent challenge since the 1970s (Camp, 1995). This study examined the factors influencing teacher retention in Georgia’s agricultural education programs, to identify actionable strategies to reduce attrition. Findings revealed that supportive workplace environments, strong student relationships, professional learning communities, and mentorship opportunities are key motivators for teacher longevity. Financial incentives and targeted professional development emerged as effective retention tools (Guffey & Young, 2020). In contrast, high levels of stress, particularly …

Identifying The Agricultural Mechanics Knowledge And Skills Needed By Kentucky Agriculture Teachers, Thomas Poole Jr

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The agricultural industry increasingly relies on complex machinery and technology, creating a need for skilled workers that are proficient in agricultural mechanics. School-based Agricultural Education (SBAE) programs play a crucial role in preparing students for careers in this field. However, many agriculture teachers feel unprepared to teach agricultural mechanics due to gaps in technical skills, self-efficacy concerns, and safety considerations. This study sought to determine the agricultural mechanics knowledge and skills that Kentucky agriculture teachers need to successfully teach agricultural mechanics in SBAE programs across the state. Using Wells et al.'s (2021) Agricultural Teacher Education and Agricultural Industry Partnership Model …

The Representation Of Feminine Beauty In Generative Artificial Intelligence Models, Haley R. Stacy

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology advances, its influence on media and societal perceptions becomes increasingly significant. This dissertation explores how popular generative visual AI models represent women and the implications for racial and body type inclusivity. This study examines women’s perceptions of AI-generated representations. Two primary research questions are being explored: (1) How do AI-generated algorithms represent women in visual outputs when prompted with broad beauty-related keywords? (2) How do women perceive their representation in these AI-generated visual outputs? Through a detailed analysis of AI-generated imagery, the research uncovers implicit and explicit biases within these systems. The research also gathered …

The Effects Of Parenting Styles On Childhood Memories And Resilience Building, Nathaniel Paredes

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

One of the most significant agents of shaping children early in life is their parental figures. There has been extant research into parenting styles and outcomes later in life. The current study sought to understand how parenting styles can influence the formation of positive and adverse childhood experiences (PCEs and ACEs), which in turn lead to the development of resilience later in life. It was expected that participants who reported higher levels of authoritative parenting would be significantly correlated with higher levels of positive childhood experiences, and lower levels of adverse childhood experiences. Secondly, authoritarian and permissive parenting would be …

Bending But Not Breaking: An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Psychological Flexibility And Suicidality In Individuals With Chronic Pain, Adalyn Mcmurray

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Chronic pain is a burdensome condition that has been found to be associated with increased suicide risk, yet the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear (Domenichiello & Ramsden, 2019). The present study aimed to examine the role of pain interference and psychological inflexibility in predicting past two-week suicidal thoughts among individuals with chronic pain, with psychological inflexibility explored as a potential moderator. This study also sought to replicate and extend McCracken et al. (2018) and enhance the understanding of suicidality in chronic pain populations by using the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (Rolffs et al., 2018b), a more psychometrically sound measure …

Managing Campus Dissent: An Assessment Of University Responses To Pro-Palestinian Protests, Kathryn S. Walker

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

University leaders face challenges navigating student dissent and effectively upholding free speech while encouraging students to view the world from a new perspective. Higher education institutions employ a variety of strategies to handle campus crises and mitigate negative perceptions that may arise. This qualitative research study provides insight into the crisis communication strategies employed by university administrators at ten institutions with the highest number of pro-Palestinian protest days from October 7, 2023, to May 29, 2024, through the analysis of university statements and student newspaper responses. Campus leaders found themselves in a challenging position, unable to satisfy all constituencies. Each …

Assessing The Behavioral And Health Effects Of Turtle Racing On Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene Carolina Carolina), Michelle Weaver

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

To make informed management decisions regarding box turtles (Terrapene spp.) and other turtle species, one must understand what influences them at multiple levels of biological organization. Common influences include the pet trade, urbanization, habitat degradation, and disease. One factor that has not been studied but could influence turtles at multiple levels of biological organization is turtle racing. It is common practice to use wild caught turtles at these events because there is a lack of regulation and enforcement. My study focused on evaluating the effects of turtle racing on eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina; hereafter EBTs) …

Understanding Bird Diversity: A Modeling Approach In An Urban And Wetland Ecosystem, Clay Bliznick

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The global increase in anthropogenically-driven shifts of land cover has resulted in losses to many natural communities such as prairies and wetlands. These ecosystems take on artificially-derived characteristics such as croplands, buildings, and roads to the extent that they no longer resemble the areas they once were. This process often results in the loss of biodiversity, ecological integrity, and valuable ecosystem services in these environments. Attempts to restore the condition and function of these disturbed areas are often implemented, but due to the complexity of factors driving these restorations, there is often a lack of practical insight needed to optimize …

Strong Neighborhood-Prime Labelings Under Ordinary & Gaussian Integers, Micheal Arnal-Brown

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This thesis introduces and studies the notion of a strong neighborhood-prime labeling, a strengthening of the neighborhood-prime labeling where the label 1 can be assigned to any vertex in a graph. We prove that several graph families—including paths, cycles (excluding those congruent to 2 modulo 4), caterpillars, helm graphs, closed helm graphs, gear graphs, and graphs with universal vertices—admit such labelings, and also provide results to more general classes of graphs. We extend this new labeling concept to the Gaussian integers using a spiral order- ing on Z[i] and define a Gaussian analogue of strongly neighborhood-primeness. To support this extension, …

Wildlife Distribution Mapping And Analysis In Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, Using Site And Satellite Imagery Data, Pinho Joaquim Munhequeira Mr

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

One of Mozambique's most important conservation sites, Gorongosa National Park has seen critical ecological changes over the past several decades resulting from climate variability, habitat loss, and political instability. This research integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing to examine the relationship between vegetation dynamics and wildlife population, and distribution. The main goals of this study are to evaluate the spatial distribution of particular wildlife species: buffalo (Syncerus caffer), elephant (Loxodonta africana), hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), and zebra (Equus quagga), and determine the impact of vegetation density and land cover on their …

The Impact Of The Implementation Of The Interconnected Systems Framework (Isf) On Educators, Kayla Jones

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Amid growing concerns around teacher retention and educator job satisfaction, this study explored how system-level frameworks, particularly the Interconnected System Framework (ISF), could influence key teacher outcomes. While the ISF has been widely associated with improved student outcomes, this research investigated its potential to enhance educator experiences, focusing on working conditions, retention rates, and school climate. Quantitative analysis revealed that schools implementing the ISF or PBIS reported significantly more favorable working conditions and school climate compared to non-implementing schools. Although teacher retention rates did not significantly differ across implementation types, notable variability within the non-implementing group suggests a need for …

The Evolution Of Veterinary Technology Education: Growth, Accreditation, And The Role Of Murray State University’S Veterinary Technology Program, Tara Joiner

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the evolution of veterinary technology education, focusing on the growth, accreditation, and role of Murray State University’s (MSU) veterinary technology program. The veterinary profession has experienced significant advancement and expansion in recent years. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits veterinary technology programs, setting standards and conducting reviews to ensure quality. Murray State University’s veterinary technology program, accredited by the AVMA in 1986, prepares students for the Veterinary Technology National Exam (VTNE) through a comprehensive curriculum and internships (practical experience). Findings from a three-year period (2022–2024) highlight mentor confidence in student readiness at 77.3%, with qualitative feedback …

Perceptions Of Partnership: How Instructional Designers And Faculty Collaborate To Design Online Courses In Higher Education, Robin Zahrndt

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This ethnographic study examines the collaboration between faculty members and instructional designers during the development of online courses at a large, research-intensive university. As institutions expand their digital learning initiatives, effective partnerships between faculty and instructional designers have become increasingly important; however, they are often constrained by hierarchical norms, disciplinary differences, and time pressures. Using a framework for interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare settings, this study analyzed recorded meetings and post-participation interviews to examine how collaboration unfolded and how participants perceived its influence on course quality. Findings indicate that faculty maintained clear ownership of instructional decisions, often viewing designers as supportive …

Examining Kentucky Agriculture Teachers’ Use Of Student Credentialing In Agricultural Education Programming, Kaycee J. Palmeri, Kevin T. Wells

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore Kentucky agriculture teachers’ perceptions regarding current industry credential offerings, how they operationalize the curricula, knowledge, and skills necessary to prepare for industry credential offerings, and the perceived benefits for students who earn such credentials. The current study was undergirded by human capital theory. Using random sampling across the 12 Kentucky FFA service regions, the researcher collected data from nine current Kentucky agriculture teachers via semi-structured interviews. Further, the researcher used a Qualtrics-based instrument to collect participant demographics data. The analysis of the interview data revealed eight distinct emerging themes. The researcher …

How Did The Covid-19 Pandemic Affect The Educational Level Of Students, Measured By The Act?, Davey A. Reed, Davey A. Reed

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES), chronic absenteeism, and ACT performance among Alabama’s 4A public high schools, with a particular focus on how these factors evolved before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a longitudinal design, the research examined data from four academic years: 2019 (pre-COVID) and 2022, 2023, and 2024 (post-COVID). Data were obtained from the Alabama State Department of Education’s public report card portal and included ACT composite scores, school-level SES data, and chronic absenteeism rates. Schools were anonymized to ensure confidentiality and grouped into SES categories (Low, Mid, High) for comparative analysis. A combination …

The Power Of Absence: Using Group Contingent Negative Reinforcement To Boost Attendance, Kinlee Hobbs

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the use of group contingent negative reinforcement on attendance in a college freshman orientation course at Murray State University. Using behavior modification principles, the Fall 2024 course implemented a reinforcement procedure that allowed students to leave class early if the majority had attended four previous classes. Attendance, Canvas engagement (page views and minutes spent on Canvas), and academic outcomes (pass or fail) were compared between the Fall 2023 orientation course where no reinforcement was used and the Fall 2024 class where reinforcement was used. Independent samples t-tests revealed that Fall 2023 students exhibited higher Canvas engagement (page …

Too Much Information: The Role Everyday Information Plays In The Understanding Of Mental Health, Jeremy M. Morgan

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Information overload has become increasingly problematic within the world of mental health, as people are able to go online and access overwhelming amounts of mental health-related information within seconds. The aim of the current study was to examine the interaction between excess mental health information and individuals’ understanding of mental health, specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as self-diagnosis. Data from 128 participants was examined. The data collected related to participants’ online search and use patterns of ASD information, their understanding of ASD symptoms, as well as their experiences with those symptoms. Results indicated a significant positive correlation between …

Alabama Agriculture Teachers’ Perceptions Toward Compensation And Extended Contracts, Allison Kincer

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to explore Alabama agriculture teachers’ perceptions toward compensation and extended contract grants that the state offers annually. The current study was a microreplication of Still and Solomonson’s (2024) prior study and was conceptually framed by their agriculture teacher compensation model. Using a Qualtrics-based data collection instrument, the researcher used multiple points of contact as recommended by Dillman et al. (2014) and collected usable data from 95 Alabama agriculture teachers. The researcher used descriptive statistics to analyze all data collected as part of the current study. The researcher found that respondents felt they …

The Role Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Aggression And Substance Use In Young Adulthood, Sadie Goralski

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are widespread within the United States. More than half of the population has experienced at least one adverse event during their youth. Such experiences range from parental divorce to sexual assault. Past research has shown that adverse experiences during the formative years play a major role in the development of multiple physical and mental health issues. The current study aimed to explore the interplay among ACEs and two of these covariates: aggression and substance use. Moreover, the proposed study further investigated the development of substance use in emotionally dysregulated individuals with past adverse experiences. In doing …

Belonging, Inclusivity, And Educational Outcomes: A Quantitative Subgroup Analysis Of School Climate, Academic Performance, And Graduation Rates, Au'yana Lee

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

National graduation rates have improved over time; however, persistent disparities reveal that prior reform efforts have not fully addressed the relational and cultural dimensions that shape student experiences. The study examines how students from historically marginalized groups perceive the school climate, inclusivity, and sense of belonging, and how these perceptions relate to their academic performance and on-time graduation. Grounded in the Life Course Perspective, Expectancy-Value Theory, and Social Capital Theory, this study conceptualizes belonging, motivation, and support as interconnected factors that influence students’ educational trajectories. Using a quantitative correlational design, this study examines the associations between students’ perceptions of school …

Relationship Between School Climate And Effectiveness, Michele D. Franklin Mrs

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to explore the relationship between school climate and school effectiveness in six rural elementary schools. School effectiveness was defined by state reading, math, and index achievement scores. The districts’ Studer Education Survey and the KSA’s Quality of School Climate and Safety survey assessment data were combined to determine each school’s climate score. The Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework guided the study. The study examined a rural school district’s focus on providing a system of support for reading, math, social emotional learning (SEL), and behavior (SEB) that influenced school climate and ultimately …

Elementary School Mathematics Teacher Perspectives Of Blended Learning, Elizabeth H. Forrester

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study explored the experiences and perceptions of teachers who utilize technology for instructional purposes, blended learning in elementary school instruction, and the impact of professional development (PD) on blended learning instruction. Guided by the Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge theory (TPACK), research aims to understand teachers' motivation and use of blended learning during instruction and the impact PD has had on teachers’ implementation of blended learning. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews of seven elementary school teachers in grades two through five in the state of Kentucky. Findings revealed that teachers experienced technology integration instruction during their …

Is Pathogen Molecular Testing Reshaping Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing?, Barbara D. Alexander, William D. Irish, Adriana E. Rosato, Barry I. Eisenstein, Maren S. Fragala, Steven E. Goldberg, David B. Nash

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Comparison And Clinical Applicability Analysis Of All-Posterior, Combined Anterior-Posterior, And Combined Lateral-Posterior Approaches In Adult Spinal Deformities: A Narrative Review, Garrison P. Bentz, Christopher Diaz, Nicholas A. Pollatta, Mark J. Lambrechts

2020-Current year OA Pubs

No abstract provided.

Measuring Stigma In Pediatric Oncology: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Of Three Global Sites, Lara E Counts, Sara M Malone, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

PURPOSE: Stigma contributes to fear and shame, resulting in delays in care-seeking behavior among individuals with cancer. As a social construct, stigma is affected by language, religion, culture, and local norms. This study explored pediatric cancer stigma at the time of diagnosis across diverse settings through the adaptation of two stigma measures.

METHODS: This study was conducted with adolescents and caregivers of children with osteosarcoma and retinoblastoma at three centers in Jordan, Guatemala, and Zimbabwe. The Stigma-related Social Problems (SSP) and the eight-item Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness (SSCI-8) measures were translated into Arabic, Spanish, and Shona and contextually adapted …

Enhancing Engagement In Hiv Care Among Adolescents And Young Adults: A Focus On Phone-Based Navigation And Relationship Building To Address Barriers In Hiv Care, Harriet Fridah Adhiambo, Dorothy Imbuka Mangale, Elvin Geng, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Structural, psychological, and clinical barriers to HIV care engagement among adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYAH) persist globally despite gains in HIV epidemic control. Phone-based peer navigation may provide critical peer support, increase delivery flexibility, and require fewer resources. Prior studies show that phone-based navigation and automated text messaging interventions improve HIV care engagement, adherence, and retention among AYAH. However, little is known about AYAH experiences utilizing electronic phone-based peer navigation and automated text messaging (E-NAV). We assessed the experiences of AYAH receiving phone-based peer navigation to address barriers to HIV care engagement and viral suppression. We purposefully …

Liquid Biopsy For Spinal Tumors: On The Frontiers Of Clinical Application, Sze Kiat Tan, Matthew L Goodwin, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

STUDY DESIGN: Narrative review.

OBJECTIVES: This article aims to provide a narrative review of the current state of research for liquid biopsy in spinal tumors and to discuss the potential application of liquid biopsy in the clinical management of patients with spinal tumors.

METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases, and the review was limited to articles of English language. All the relevant articles which were identified to be related to liquid biomarker study in spinal tumors, were studied in full text.

RESULTS: Liquid biopsy has revolutionized the field …

Prevention And Management Of Posterior Wound Complications Following Oncologic Spine Surgery: Narrative Review Of Available Evidence And Proposed Clinical Decision-Making Algorithm, Owen P Leary, Matthew L Goodwin, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

STUDY DESIGN: Narrative Review.

OBJECTIVE: Contextualized by a narrative review of recent literature, we propose a wound complication prevention and management algorithm for spinal oncology patients. We highlight available strategies and motivate future research to identify optimal and individualized wound management for this population.

METHODS: We conducted a search of recent studies (2010-2022) using relevant keywords to identify primary literature in support of current strategies for wound complication prevention and management following spine tumor surgery. When primary literature specific to spine tumor cases was not available, data were extrapolated from studies of other spine surgery populations. Results were compiled into …

Overview Of Molecular Prognostication For Common Solid Tumor Histologies - What The Surgeon Should Know, C Rory Goodwin, Matthew L Goodwin, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

STUDY DESIGN: Narrative Literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a general overview of important molecular markers and targeted therapies for the most common neoplasms (lung, breast, prostate and melanoma) that metastasize to the spine and offer guidance on how to best incorporate them in the clinical setting.

METHODS: A narrative review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline databases, as well as the histology-specific National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines to identify relevant articles limited to the English language. Relevant articles were reviewed for commonly described molecular mutations or targeted therapeutics, as well as associated clinical outcomes, and surgery-related …

Improving Outcomes Of Single-Sided Deaf Cochlear Implant Users By Reducing Interaural Frequency And Loudness Mismatches Through Device Programming, Laura K Holden, Rosalie M Uchanski, Noël Y Dwyer, Ruth M Reeder, Timothy A Holden, Jill B Firszt

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The study aimed to improve outcomes in Nucleus cochlear implant (CI) recipients with single-sided deafness (SSD) by reducing interaural frequency and loudness mismatches through device programming. In Experiment 1a, a modified frequency allocation table (FAT) was created to better match the tonotopicity of the contralateral ear and reduce interaural frequency mismatch. Twenty experienced SSD-CI users completed localization and speech recognition tests with their everyday FAT. Tests were repeated after 6 weeks' use of the modified FAT. Participants compared both FATs for 2 weeks before being tested again with each. For 10 newly implanted SSD-CI recipients (Experiment 1b), Group A was …