Digital Commons Network^™

A Comprehensive Study Of Accounting Methodologies Through Case Studies, Sahara Karki

Honors Theses

This honors case study aims to study the different areas in accounting and dig deeper into some of the accounting scenarios used in the real world. This research is based on different case studies done in the classroom done by analyzing the financials of different companies. These case studies provide students a great opportunity to understand the different accounting concepts by researching and analyzing real-life topics and situations faced by some of the top companies in the nation. This also allowed students to meet professionals from the particular industry to discuss and understand the accounting methodologies and apply that to …

Sources Of Patient Information For Type 2 Diabetes Self-Care In Northern Mississippi, Minh-Sang La

Honors Theses

Given the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the United States and the continuous rise of cases, especially within Mississippi, there is an increasing need to identify if, and how, patients with Type 2 Diabetes receive information about self-care. While there is data available on the topic of where patients receive their information and the influence it has on their health in other countries of the world, the research on the source of Type 2 Diabetes education in the United States is scarce. Therefore, this study aims to bridge the gap of understanding where patients with Type 2 Diabetes …

How Immigration Policy Affects Migratory Flows And Immigrant Experiences: A Comparative Analysis Of Policy Impacts On Northern Triangle And Venezuelan Immigrants In The United States, Audrey Lynn Mcdonough

Honors Theses

In the past two decades, the US has experienced a large influx of immigrants from Venezuela and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Due to these unprecedented increases, there has been numerous notable shifts in Immigration control policy between the presidencies of Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Generally, policies under Obama were favorable and reflected pro-immigrant rhetoric. Meanwhile, Trump took a drastic turn toward restrictionist, unfavorable policies. This study aims to examine the impact of immigration policy on migratory flows and the immigrant experience in the US. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, I examine data …

Firsthand Experience In A Community Pharmacy Through The Lens Of A Pharmacy Technician, Khamariah Patrice Yelder-Anderson

Honors Theses

In the first chapter, I discussed three of the major issues in a community pharmacy which are rude customers, phones, and shorter hours. Technicians have to deal with very opinionated customers who can come off as insolent. The phones are a popular mode of communication for both the patients and physicians but that doesn’t account for the added demands it places on pharmacy workers. Lastly, the pharmacy has experienced later openings with earlier closings that have left filled queues and unhappy customers. The next chapter, interpersonal dynamic, takes a deeper look into how various roles of the pharmacy engage with …

The Efficacy Of The Covid-19 Vaccine In Mississippi, Ilyse Miriam Levy

Honors Theses

The Efficacy of The COVID-19 Vaccine in Mississippi

(Under the direction of Dr. Xin Dang)

By tracking and analyzing fifty-three weeks of COVID-19 data, this thesis analyzes the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine within the State of Mississippi. Over the course of these fifty-three weeks, I have also been able to calculate the confidence intervals for vaccination efficacy and the risk reduction due to vaccination by using data regarding the correlations between deaths and vaccination status, provided to me by the Mississippi Office of Epidemiology. My analysis demonstrates that the COVID-19 vaccine is effective not only in Mississippi but also …

Characterizing The Roles Of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 & 2 In Zebrafish Behavior, Metabolism, And Seizure-Induced Activity, Kayci Kimmons

Honors Theses

Epileptic disorders like Dravet Syndrome require novel studies to determine the most ideal treatment. New research linking the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to epileptic disorders is arising, but there is still much to be discovered about the function and regulatory impact of the endocannabinoid system and its receptors in epilepsies like Dravet. In this study, knockout models of larval and adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used to investigate the roles of cannabinoid receptors 1 & 2 in behavior, brain mitochondrial metabolism, and seizure-induced activity following exposure to THC and CBD. Larval zebrafish which lacked cannabinoid receptor 1 exhibited increased …

Species Diversity And Growth Rates Of Overstory Vegetation Over 25 Years In Response To Physical And Chemical Properties In Long-Term Monitoring Plots At The University Of Mississippi Field Station, Mitchell Tharp

Honors Theses

Overstory vegetation for twenty-two long-term monitoring plots (LTMPs) was sampled from 1996 to 2021 to study the changes in vegetation due to natural and human disturbance. From the fall of 2020 through the fall of 2021, the overstory of the 22 LTMPs was resampled and soil samples were collected from each plot. The circumference at breast height (CBH) and species diversity were recorded and compared to previous years’ data. The objectives of this study were to: (1) document changes in the overstory species of the LTMPs, (2) measure growth rates of surviving trees, (3) survey how elevation and slope impact …

Covalent Modification Of Recombinant Protein With Reactive Thiols, Sawyer Dulaney, Bailey Taylor

Honors Theses

Many diseases cause chronic and painful inflammation in different body systems. One of the front-line drug classes to treat such inflammation is Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Despite the benefits of oral administration of NSAIDs, there are drawbacks to their long-term usage because they can cause detrimental effects on off-target systems in the body such as the liver, kidney, or the lining of the intestinal tract. An alternative to NSAIDs is the usage of hydrogels for targeted drug delivery. Hydrogels can provide drug delivery in a specific portion of the site of inflammation, thus allowing higher doses of medication to be …

The Effects Of Crowding Agents On The Pka Of Physiologically Stable I-Motif Dna, Courtney Turner

Honors Theses

The overall goal of this thesis was to investigate the environmental conditions that induce i-Motif folding of the DNA strand DUX4L22, a cytosine-rich segment of DNA found in the human genome. Cellular conditions were simulated using sodium cacodylate buffer and multiple weights of polyethylene glycol as a crowding agent. The presence of i-motifs were confirmed by Circular Dichroism spectroscopy. I found that DUX4L22 does form i-motifs under these physiological simulations at both acidic and neutral pHs. DUX4L22 therefore shows potential for use in studies of a wide variety of biotechnological advances, such as regulatory switches in nanomachines or drug-delivery systems.

Confronting Stigma: Ethical Leadership, Influence, And The Dignity Of People Struggling With Addiction, Jacob Fennell

Honors Theses

People struggling with addiction in the United States of America deserve better treatment. The current stigma of people struggling with addiction as moral failures perpetuates a policy of drugs that sees them as criminal. This policy should be repealed and a better culture of care should be created. People struggling with addiction deserve a standard of treatment based on the core tenet of human dignity. In engaging with the history and cultural beliefs that are the foundation of this mistreatment, this same tenet of dignity must be upheld. This specifically comes into my project when exploring methods of changing these …

The Design Of A Pcr-Based Assay To Detect And Isolate The Serine Palmitolytransferase Gene From Environmental Bacteria, Lana Taylor

Honors Theses

Sphingolipids are a natural class of lipids that function as structural elements of cell membranes and signaling molecules for important cellular activities such as cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, recognition, and adhesion. These lipids can be found universally in eukaryotic cells as well as some species of bacteria, such as those found in the human gut microbiome and in the environment in soils. Though sphingolipid production is rare in bacteria, both eukaryotic and prokaryotic sphingolipid biosynthesis begin with the condensation of serine and palmitoyl CoA into 3-ketodihydrosphingosine catalyzed by the enzyme serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT). In recent years, several studies have shown …

A Utilization Focused Evaluation Of 2nd Chance Mississippi, Kathryn Mccullouch

Honors Theses

This study is a Utilization Focused Evaluation of 2nd Chance Mississippi, a local non-for-profit organization in Oxford Mississippi. The purpose of a Utilization Focused Evaluation is to provide key stakeholders with practical findings and recommendations that will be useful for future operations. The key stakeholders were identified as the administrators of 2^nd Chance, Zach and Dickie Scruggs, Catti Beals, and Sarah Rose Lomenick. Research questions were developed with the stakeholders and were as follows:

1) What are the objectives of 2^nd Chance Mississippi?

2) Are 2^nd Chance Mississippi objectives being met? If so, how?

3) What are …

The Interaction Between Anxiety Sensitivity And Sleep Disturbance In Relation To Alcohol Use Among Adolescents, Gabrielle Meshell Armstrong

Honors Theses

Both substance use and sleep disturbance are common in adolescence. Additionally, alcohol use specifically is positively associated with a number of sleep disturbances. However, little to no research has examined factors that may influence the relation between problematic alcohol use and sleep disturbances among adolescents or adults. One factor that may be particularly important to consider in this regard is anxiety sensitivity (AS; i.e., the tendency to interpret unpleasant physiological sensations as dangerous). Among previous studies, anxiety sensitivity has been found associated with both increased alcohol consumption and sleep disturbances. The current study evaluated the main and interactive effects of …

Early Developmental Exposure To Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Causes Hyperactivity In Larval Zebrafish That Persists Into Adulthood, Victoria Jackson

Honors Theses

Due to the increasing availability of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), evaluation of the potential adverse behavioral effects following exposure to this cannabinoid during early development is crucial. Following exposure to 0.08, 0.4, or 1 µM THC as larvae (6-96 hours post fertilization), this study measured the latent behavioral effects caused by THC through testing the fish at the following life stages: larval photomotor response (LPR) at 120 hpf, and open field testing (OFT) at 3 weeks post fertilization (juvenile), 11 wpf (onset of sexual maturity) and 24 wpf (adulthood). During the LPR test, hyperactivity in the dark phase was evident in larval …

Applying Deliberate Practice To Learning Psychotherapy Techniques, Nikyra Jenkins

Honors Theses

Deliberate practice has commonly been used in areas such as music, chess, and medicine, but there is a lack of deliberate practice found in psychotherapy. The purpose of this study was to examine whether deliberate practice can be applied to learning psychotherapy techniques in a novice learner (the author of this study). The study also aimed to research the anxiety and reactivity levels of the subject in response to performance during and after the session. The author independently learned modules from the Unified Protocol manual and then engaged in role-play sessions with an expert. Before beginning each exercise, the subject …

Comprehensive Analysis Of Financial Accounting Through Series Of Case Studies, Tyler Anderson Burke

Honors Theses

This thesis is a collection of eleven case studies that were compiled during the 2020-2021 school year. The cases studies focus on a variety of topics concerning the field of accountancy. Over a period of two semesters, the cases were researched and written independently and in a group setting. The cases studies that were written with my fellow group members resulted in a group case competition at the end of the course. This thesis was developed under the guidance of Victoria Dickinson, Ph.D., CPA.

Case Studies In Accountancy, Michael Keene

Honors Theses

Case Studies in Accountancy is a compilation of case studies completed in fulfillment of ACCY 420. My cases are titled as followed: A Tale of Two Cities, Financial Statements, Presidential Debate, Tax Cuts and Job Act and Taxodus, Professional Interview, Financial Crisis, Case Competition Amazon Overview, Case Competition Amazon Audit Analyst, Case Competition Amazon Tax Advisor, Case Competition Amazon Advisory Consultant and Case Competition Amazon’s Equity Position. These cases covered a variety of topics in the world of accountancy as well as touching on our personal lives. In the first semester of the course, cases were typically individual before moving …

Financial Accounting Case Studies, Mark Miller

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to study and reflect on a variety of different aspects of the accounting profession and the professional world at large. Over the course of two semesters, we engaged independently and collectively with our peers in some of the deepest dives into our future profession of our academic careers. Each of the initial cases broadened my horizons and brought to light much of accounting that I had yet to be exposed to. Ultimately in the second semester we were divided into groups to work on series of cases revolving around one major business entity. In …

A Trained Eye: Optometrists' View Into Primary Care, Louis C. Magee Iii

Honors Theses

The aim of this thesis is to explore and present the auxiliary responsibilities of doctors of optometry, particularly those involved with primary health care such as screening for serious diseases. This idea was approached by researching the technological capabilities of optometrists, the diseases and conditions they commonly detect, as well as the barriers preventing some people from receiving proper eye care. The importance of optometrists as primary care providers is steadily rising alongside their capabilities. There are many instances within a routine eye exam in which an optometrist is able to detect and recommend treatment of a serious disease. Also …

Ipseity Vol. 1: An Artful Exploration Of Identity Formation In Emerging Adulthood, Lauren Alexis Taylor

Honors Theses

Ipseity is a multi-edition coffee-table style book that integrates digital and print design and incorporates handmade elements and processes such as die-cuts, letterpress printing, gold foiling, hand-sewn bindings, and embroidery. Its design is rooted in minimalism, yet the handmade aspects, eye-catching color palette, and bold illustrations make reading Ipseity a visual and tactile experience. The design utilizes typography and flat-color illustrations in a consistent layout, with a strong emphasis on the handmade elements and craftsmanship throughout the book. It is not only a publication to read and ponder, but it is an artful object with a physical presence to be …

College Students Fail To Identify Nutrition Misinformation On Social Media, Helen Mary Katool

Honors Theses

Social media has become a part of everyday life in our society and has the capability to reach billions, across age groups. Research has shown that there is a direct link between the widespread access to social media and the amount of misinformation that is circulating. In fact, unqualified and uneducated individuals share believable but inaccurate nutrition posts. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine if college students can distinguish the difference between nutrition misinformation or factual nutrition information when presented on social media. Male and female college students (>18 years old) from two classes (nutrition and …

Rising From The Ashes: An Analysis Of How One Infamous Promotional Event Caused A Company's Ruin And A Concept On The Future Of Influencer Experiences, Janis B. Kruger

Honors Theses

This thesis and its research focuses on the topic of modern influencer marketing through digital media. Throughout the thesis, traditional marketing tactics and the power of influence is discussed, and then it moves into the topic of modern advertising and the role that modern social media influencers play in reaching the consumer. The methodology behind influencer marketing is explained and consumer behavior is analyzed. The 2017 Fyre Festival promotional event is then used as an example to dissect this marketing tactic and how the event impacted the future of influencer marketing. Finally, a modern-day, hypothetical campaign based on the concept …

Education, Income, Racial Composition, And Urbanization: An Examination Of Factors That Affect Intervention Court Participation And Drug-Related Arrests In Mississippi, Will Hengehold

Honors Theses

This paper serves as an evaluation of Mississippi Intervention Courts and attempts to determine the effectiveness and use of those courts. The regressions in this paper attempt to show how the use of intervention courts and demographic characteristics of Mississippi District Circuit Courts affect the number of drug-related arrests in Mississippi, how the number of drug-related arrests and demographic characteristics of Mississippi district circuit courts areas affects intervention court use and intervention court participation rates in Mississippi, and how demographic characteristics affected the delay in the adoption of intervention courts by Mississippi District Circuit Courts. Demographic characteristic variables used include …

The Role Of Ionic Liquids In Gold Nanorod Synthesis, Noah Grovich

Honors Theses

The term cancer is used to define a large set of medical conditions that result from uncontrolled cell proliferation. The severity of cancer ranges depending on several factors, but it is one of the leading causes of death in approximately 60% of the world. Current treatment options are often not efficacious and face many limitations especially regarding limiting the secondary damage to healthy cells. Gold nanorods have shown to be a potential solution for effectively overcoming many of these barriers, but their employment is limited due to toxicity concerns stemming from the use of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in their synthesis. …

Cultural Memory Conflicted In Post-Conflict Peru: Constructing Heroes And Villains La Hora Final And La Casa Rosada, Reed Peets

Honors Theses

Building on this same theoretical platform, this project uses two critically-acclaimed contemporary cinematic representations of the internal armed conflict—La hora final and La casa rosada—as reflections of the ways in which the Peruvian cultural products of today are leveraged to reorchestrate collective understandings of the past.

Efficacy Of Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol For Hiv-Related Neuropathic Pain, Kaia Horne

Honors Theses

Despite the availability and success of antiretroviral therapeutics, ~30% of patients living with HIV experience neuropathic pain that is often intractable. The mechanisms are not known, but there is evidence to support a role for the HIV virotoxins, Tat and/or gp120, which can damage or degenerate neurons and peripheral nerves. One mechanism by which Tat and gp120 promote nerve damage involves the stimulation of proinflammatory cytokine production from immune cells which can damage or kill bystander cells. Notably, compounds found in Cannabis exert anti-inflammatory effects and many studies report HIV patients to consume more marijuana than seronegative individuals. When people …

Effects Of Instructional Expenditures On Educational Outcomes In Mississippi Public Schools, Richard Grimes

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the relationship between school funding and student success in public schools in Mississippi. Data for 200 public high schools were obtained upon request from the Mississippi Department of Education, including information about school budgets, average composite ACT scores, graduation rates, and other factors. Regression analysis was conducted with the data to determine which factors might influence the success of students, with an initial emphasis on school funding. The findings indicate that allocation of school funding may have a relationship with student success as measured by ACT scores and graduation rates, but that the relationship becomes more difficult …

Employing A Public Policy Evaluative Framework: An Analysis Of Domestic Theme Park Development, Anthony Gray Houser

Honors Theses

The intention of the thesis is to examine the relationship between the development of the Walt Disney Company’s theme parks and public policy. Using the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California and the Walt Disney World Resort outside of Orlando, Florida as case studies, this thesis will execute a comparative analysis to better understand the relationship between the Walt Disney Company’s theme parks and public policy. Using an evaluative framework, this thesis will provide a deeper understanding of how public policy affected the development and the current operations of these theme parks. The driving research question in this thesis is, ‘what …

Design Of An Implanted Vascular Access Device With A Mechanical Septum, Mallory Ann Moffett, Katherine Rose O'Quinn

Honors Theses

As populations continue to age, their need for medical care continues to rise. This is seen by the large need for implanted vascular devices (IVADs). IVADs are essential for individuals with poor venous access and patients requiring long-term venous delivered drugs. This document will explore the existing IVADs, where they fall short, and where our device, the IrisPort system, works to solve the unmet needs of patients. The IrisPort system is a needle-less port system that allows for repeated venous access without the use of a non-coring needle. Prior art searches have shown that the IrisPort is a novel solution …

First Test Of Lepton Flavor Universality In The Charmed Baryon Decays Ωc0 → Ω-ℓ+Νℓ Using Data Of The Belle Experiment, Y. B. Li, C. P. Shen, I. Adachi, H. Aihara, S. Al Said, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, S. Bahinipati, P. Behera, K. Belous, J. Bennett, F. Bernlochner, M. Bessner, B. Bhuyan, T. Bilka, A. Bobrov

Faculty and Student Publications

We present the first observation of the ωc0→ω-μ+νμ decay and present measurements of the branching fraction ratios of the ωc0→ω-ℓ+νℓ decays compared to the reference mode ωc0→ω-π+, (ℓ=e or μ). This analysis is based on 89.5 fb-1, 711 fb-1, and 121.1 fb-1 data samples collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider at the center-of-mass energies of 10.52 GeV, 10.58 GeV, and 10.86 GeV, respectively. The ωc0 signal yields are extracted by fitting Mωℓ and Mωπ spectra. The branching fraction ratios B(ωc0→ω-e+νe)/B(ωc0→ω-π+) and B(ωc0→ω-μ+νμ)/B(ωc0→ω-π+) are measured to be 1.98±0.13(stat)±0.08(syst) and 1.94±0.18(stat)±0.10(syst), respectively. The ratio of B(ωc0→ω-e+νe)/B(ωc0→ω-μ+νμ) is …