Digital Commons Network^™

The Correlation Between Working From Home And Depression, Anxiety & Stress And The Moderating Effect Of Parenting, Lauren H. Marshall

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the impact of working from home on depression, anxiety and stress and whether parenting has a moderating role in its impact. The number of individuals working from home increased dramatically because of the pandemic and many individuals continue to work from home despite the absence of government-issued lockdowns and the diminishing threat of the COVID-19 virus. Earlier pre-pandemic research supports several positive work-related outcomes of working from home; however, little consideration has been given to the long-term impact of this major change in the way we work on individual’s mental health. Social isolation, an increase in sedentary …

Spatial Analysis Of American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata) Distribution And Ecology In Kentucky’S Federal Lands, Jacob Raymond Pease

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Anthropogenic factors have been the cause of the decline of tree species across the globe. From unsustainable logging and development to disease and improper management, threats to forests have taken their toll. The American chestnut (Castanea dentata) was once an integral basal tree species in Appalachian forests, but chestnut blight drove the species to functional extinction by the mid-1900s. The recent creation of genetically modified chestnuts gives hope for future restoration of the species throughout its historical range. Despite blight resistance, effective restoration will require optimal site selection for finding and planting chestnuts, which will maximize limited resources. …

The Geography Of Care: Rural Versus Urban Caregiver Perspectives On Community Resources For Parkinson’S Disease Management, Rebecca Jones

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study investigated the experiences and perceptions of caregivers for individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) in rural versus urban settings, with particular emphasis on their access to and utilization of community resources. Through semi-structured interviews with 30 caregivers, the research explored how geographical location impacts caregiving challenges, support systems, and resource accessibility. Using Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use as a theoretical framework, the study revealed both universal caregiving challenges and location-specific barriers. While all caregivers reported significant emotional burden and healthcare system navigation difficulties, rural caregivers faced distinct challenges related to resource accessibility and specialized care availability. …

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 …

Equine Hair Cortisol Concentration And The Effects Of Season, Storage Method, And Personality Traits, Savannah M. Rivers, Grace A. Robertson, Thomas Powell, Lydia O'Sullivan, Shea Porr

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Stress exists everywhere, for survival, adaptation is necessary. These adaptations directly reflected the stresses the animal experienced and demonstrated the ability to cope. An animal that could not cope could not survive. Stressful experiences resulted in behavior patterns for each animal. Consistent behavior can be defined as personality [1]; therefore, stress could directly influence personality by changing behavior.

Stress research helped analyze and identify animal personality traits, especially horses. Human-horse pairings partially relied on personality traits and, when considered, often led to improvements in welfare [2]. There are various tools to assess personality, one being Equine Personality Assessment [3]. The …

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 Preferred Leadership Styles Of Generation Z Public Educators, Rex Booth

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Amid declining enrollments in teacher preparation programs and increasing teacher turnover, understanding the characteristics of Generation Z, who constitute a substantial portion of the future workforce, is critical for effective recruitment and retention in education. This quantitative study explored the preferred leadership styles of Generation Z public educators in western Kentucky using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ). Specifically, it examined preferences for transformational, transactional, and passive-avoidant leadership styles and assessed whether these preferences varied by race, gender, or years of experience. Results revealed a strong preference for transformational leadership, followed by transactional leadership, with a clear aversion to passive-avoidant approaches. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

An Examination Of The Current Status Of Middle School Agricultural Education And Perceptions Amongst State Ffa Leaders, Alex Holman, Timothy Alexander Holman Jr.

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Middle school agricultural education programs were first officially recognized within the National FFA Organization in 1988 when 7th and 8th grade students were granted FFA membership. This study was conducted to examine the current status of middle school agricultural education programs and the perceptions of state FFA leaders across the United States, especially with the recent addition of 5th and 6th grade students being granted membership. Using a mixed-methods survey distributed to 52 state FFA leaders in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the study gathered enrollment data, participation opportunities, and perceived advantages and disadvantages associated …

New Psychoactive Substances Detected In Wastewater Samples Collected Along The Interstate Highway Rest Areas In Kentucky, Durga Prasad Kodati

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The rapid emergence and proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) pose significant challenges to public health and law enforcement. The potential for abuse and toxicity of these substances, which are intended to mimic the effects of controlled drugs, has been raising concerns as these compounds are designed to evade being regulated. There are traditional methods of tracking NPS, such as seizures and forensic toxicology, but they are delayed and seldom effective because these substances continue to evolve rapidly. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a promising tool for real-time surveillance of drug consumption. The primary objective of this research was …

Personality Assessment Inventory: The Treatment Rejection Scale & Treatment Variables, Ashlee Bradley

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The present study aimed to identify the role and validity of the Treatment Rejection Scale (RXR), one of the treatment consideration scales on the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 1991), and its relationship with treatment variables in an outpatient clinical setting. The study used archival data involving 200 client files. The current study evaluated RXR scores in relation to premature, situational, and mutual terminators. Therapist-rated process variables, such as client cancellations, the number of sessions attended, client “no-shows,” and any barriers to completing treatment from the clinician’s point of view, were also considered. Additionally, the treatment outcome variable, in the …

Using The Foundational Numeracy Transformation Cycle To Gain Insights And Perspectives On Teaching And Learning, Brooke Custis

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The Foundational Numeracy Transformation Cycle (FNTC) was created in part to increase the percentage of students with disabilities performing at or above grade level in middle school mathematics. Through professional development and support, the FNTC worked within regional co-ops to increase math proficiency at all grade levels by building instructional capacity in primary educators. In addition to increasing student proficiency, the FNTC also aimed to enhance educator confidence in implementing Mathematical Teaching Practice (MTP) #2. This study used quantitative analysis to determine that participation in the FNTC had no statistically significant effect on student achievement. This study also explored the …

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 …

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 …

Bridging Classroom And Competition: How Students With Intellectual Disabilities Learn And Apply Ffa-Related Skills, Skyler Lempert

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Though people often hear about inclusion and differentiation in education and their classroom settings there are questions about the capability and effectiveness of students with moderate to severe disabilities to participate in intra-curricular activities such as the National FFA Organization. Often teachers are tasked with trying to find ways for students to be a part of these experiences with little education on this aspect. This research begins by examining the historical progress of special education, particularly in relation to students with moderate to severe disabilities. It then explores the complex educational needs of this population and how schools have worked …

Unraveling Reproductive Complexity: Integrative Assessment Of White Crappie Pomoxis Annularis Spawning Dynamics In Kentucky Lake, Emily A. Freeman

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

In large reservoirs such as Kentucky Lake, White Crappie Pomoxis annularis exhibit complex reproductive dynamics, including variable annual recruitment and frequent skipped or partial spawning events. This study investigates the energetic and environmental factors influencing spawning success in Jonathan Creek, a northern embayment of Kentucky Lake. Using a dual sampling approach, I combined citizen science angler-caught fish during the pre-spawn with trap netting in shallow spawning areas to capture crappie during the full reproductive cycle. Physiological, biometric, and egg analyses revealed that spawning success was driven more by pre-spawn energetic conditions than by the conditions during the spawn. Elevated water …

Rubie K. Lee Photograph Albums, Zach S. Henderson Library Special Collections

Finding Aids

This collection consists of three photograph albums documenting Rubie K. Lee's work with the Methodist Church’s Women's Missionary Council (WMC) in Korea from the 1920s through the early 1930s. The photographs depict Korea under Japanese rule, showcasing its people and landscapes. Albums also contains photographs of the Ogeechee River flood of 1929, as well as an extensive collection of color postcards from Lee’s travels to Korea, Japan and China.

Auxiliary Of East Georgia Regional Medical Center Records, Zach S. Henderson Library Special Collections

Finding Aids

Spanning 1971 to 2022, this collection consists of photographs, financial records, professional and personal correspondence, and scrapbooks from the Auxiliary of East Georgia Regional Medical Center. Additionally, the collection contains digital photographs of oversized commemorative plaques and awards bestowed to the hospital.

Georgia Southern University Commencement Programs, Zach S. Henderson Library Special Collections

Finding Aids

This collection consists of programs related to Georgia Southern University’s commencement ceremonies, with coverage from 1910 to 2025. Materials include official commencement programs as well as ancillary materials concerning commencement exercises and related events including student graduate lists.

The Solicitor General, Consistency, And Credibility, Margaret H. Lemos, Deborah A. Widiss

Articles by Maurer Faculty

This Article offers the first comprehensive look at cases in which the Solicitor General (SG) rejects a legal argument offered on behalf of the United States in prior litigation. Such reversals have received considerable attention in recent years, as shifts in presidential administrations have produced multiple high-profile “flip-flops”—as the Justices sometimes call them—by the SG. Even those observers who defend the SG, including veterans of the office, caution that inconsistency in legal argument poses a threat to the SG’s credibility with the Court. Our goal is to better understand the circumstances that lead the SG to change its position on …

Menstruation, Menopause, And The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, Marcy L. Karin, Deborah Widiss

Articles by Maurer Faculty

Some workplaces are extraordinarily inhospitable to menstruators, especially those in low-wage jobs. Workers have been denied restroom breaks and then harassed or fired after menstrual blood leaked onto their clothes or their employer’s property. Employers routinely refuse to provide accommodations for menopause symptoms or time off for menstruation-related medical care. The failure to support menstruators is a significant barrier to ensuring workplace equality. This Article explains how federal laws, including the landmark Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), can—and should—be interpreted to help address these inequities. PWFA requires employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” for “pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.” Menstruation …

Data Injustice In Global Justice, Asaf Lubin, Cherry Tang

Articles by Maurer Faculty

In May 2020, the United Nations Secretary-General unveiled a sweeping “Data Strategy for Action by Everyone, Everywhere,” seeking to unlock the UN’s “full data potential.” The International Criminal Court’s Office of the Prosecutor followed suit, declaring in 2023 its intent to acquire advanced cyber forensic tools so as to hold the “widest range of digital evidence globally.” Across international institutions, data-driven governance has become the norm, with humanitarian agencies and tribunals transforming into “data hubs and information clearinghouses.” This Article critiques the unfettered datafication of global justice by international courts and organizations. These entities have aggressively expanded their data-driven operations …

Facial Recognition Technology And The First Amendment, Joseph A. Tomain

Articles by Maurer Faculty

The growing ubiquity of facial recognition technology (FRT) is a problem. While much has been written on harmful government use of FRT, little has been written regarding harmful private actor use. This Article helps fill a gap in the literature by providing a detailed analysis of the First Amendment interests at stake when private actors use FRT. Specifically, this Article analyzes whether laws that limit the use of publicly available photographs to create faceprints for inclusion in FRT databases violate the First Amendment rights of private actors.

In May 2025, a multidistrict litigation against Clearview AI, an FRT company, offered …

Volume 49 (2025), Canada-United States Law Journal

Canada-United States Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Conference Speakers, Canada-United States Law Journal

Canada-United States Law Journal

Proceedings…48th CUSLI annual conferrence