Digital Commons Network^™

Relationship Between Anxiety And Dietary Quality In College Students, Katie Darnell

Honors Theses

College students across many universities show high levels of anxiety in the transition from high school to college. These students must learn to adapt to a higher demand of focus and work that a college education requires, and some students find the pressure to be too much to handle. The purpose of this study was to determine whether college students with high anxiety displayed a poorer diet quality. The sample was college students (N=44) enrolled in undergraduate studies at the University of Mississippi. Students completed an anonymous 39-item questionnaire about their prevalence of anxiety and consumption rates of …

Synthesis Of Novel Long Chain Unsaturated Fatty Acid Analogs Of Capsaicin, Eli Bettiga

Honors Theses

A number of key studies have shown that the natural product capsaicin displays in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects against a variety of cancers, however, both the analgesic and cancer-related therapeutic potential of capsaicin have been limited by its unpleasant pungent side effects and modest potency. N-acyl vanillylamides (N-AVAMs) are a unique class of compounds that are simple side chain modified capsaicin derivatives. Limited structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of N-AVAMs demonstrated that substitution of the capsaicin side-chain with longer unsaturated fatty acid groups results in non-pungent analogs with improved anti-invasive activity relative to capsaicin. In an effort to ultimately …

The Role Of The Dal Neurons In Modulating Circadian Rhythms In Olfactory Short-Term Memory In Drosophila Melanogaster, Cooper Ruwe

Honors Theses

Depressed short-term memory (STM) abilities during non-adaptive times of the day can significantly impact those who work occupations that require peak levels of cognitive functioning around the clock. While much work has gone into understanding the endogenous clock and circadian rhythms, there is still much to learn about the neural circuity that underlies the daily rhythms that define these regular oscillations in STM performance. The DAL neurons in the Drosophila brain are part of the circadian network and innervate the mushroom bodies (MBs), the species’ olfactory learning center, making them compelling candidates to be involved in circadian circuitry for olfactory …

The Importance Of Continuity Of Care Among Older Adults On Chronic Opioid Therapy, Max Mauney

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to define continuity of care and prescriber characteristics among older adults with chronic non-cancer pain who are on long-term opioid therapy. Also, it will evaluate the connection between continuity of care and prescriber characteristics on the risk of opioid-related adverse events among older adults on chronic opioid therapy. The main goal is to observe the relationship between continuity and the related adverse events that may arise.

This study utilized a nested case-control using a 5% random sample of the National Medicare data between 2012 and 2016. This data used a random sample of beneficiaries …

Covid-19 And Challenges To The Traditional Understanding Of Individual Medical Autonomy, Callon A. Green

Honors Theses

Throughout history, vaccines have provided the human population with the ability to combat dangerous illnesses and avoid preventable suffering. Despite the benefits vaccines provide to the public health of the United States, anti-vaccination sentiment and resistance to vaccine uptake are still prevalent in the modern day. As the COVID-19 pandemic has developed into a major public health crisis that can be controlled through vaccination, the issues underlying vaccine resistance are becoming more critical to return to normal life. Using COVID-19 as a case study, it is evident that the individual choice to deny vaccination can have consequences on the health …

A Tale Of Two Companies: The Importance Of Public Relations Amidst The Shift Towards Corporate Activism, Olivia Schwab

Honors Theses

By comparing the controversies that stemmed from Papa John’s John Schnatter and CrossFit’s Greg Glassman, some obvious public relations strategies stand out, including but not limited to understanding an audience, adapting to a changing environment, establishing a crisis communications plan, and taking controversial stands on issues close to the audience’s hearts. Most importantly though, if companies preach messages of social change, they must follow up on their stances with corrective action to do their best to help facilitate it in society.

While examining the history of corporate activism, it is clear why and how some corporations become the victims of …

An Overview Of Select Accounting Topics Through Case Studies And Research, James Pugh

Honors Theses

During the calendar year of 2020, amongst all the turmoil surrounding our world, I had the privilege of taking part in Dr. Dickinson’s Honors 420 course. I will be forever grateful for the fresh and in-depth outlook she imparted on me in terms of my profession and the topic of accounting as a whole. This thesis is an overview of several broad and important accounting topics, along with various world-wide economic and financial reporting issues that have changed the accounting profession. This thesis has allowed strengthen my understanding of the subject of accountancy. The University of Mississippi, accounting students of …

Serine And Glutathione Biosynthesis In Breast Cancer Subclones That Preferentially Metastasize To Lung And Bone, Noah Thornton

Honors Theses

Metastatic breast cancers show distinct preferences to metastasize to lung and bone tissue. Transcriptomic analysis of lung-specific (LM) and bone-specific (BoM) subclones derived from the MDA-231 breast cancer line have identified differential expression of genes that may mediate this tissue-specific metastasis, but metabolic differences have not been systematically studied. If common metabolic phenotypes emerge in metastatic cancers having preferences for different organs, then such ‘metabolic plasticity’ may offer new therapeutic targets for treatment of specific metastases. Changes in glutathione (GSH) and serine synthesis may contribute to tissue-specific proliferation because of their roles in redox homeostasis, biosynthetic reactions including nucleotide synthesis, …

Design, Analysis, And Optimization Of A Process To Produce Dimethyl Ether From Methanol, Thomas Mathwig

Honors Theses

The company that the engineering team works for is facing a contract loss with one of its customers of methanol. To avoid economic losses, a process has been proposed for converting the unused methanol to dimethyl ether (DME) through a dehydration reaction. After a preliminary simulation of the base case and optimization of the distillation column, an Equivalent Annual Operating Cost (EAOC) of $140,000 was calculated for the column. The EAOC was the sum of the annualized capital investment and the annual operating cost. Determining the process to be worth pursuing, a Toller was brought in to provide rental equipment …

Transcriptional Activation Of Phytochrome-Interacting Factor 4 Is A Conserved Mechanism Of Thermomorphogenesis In Dicotyledenous Plants, Caroline Clutton

Honors Theses

In the model dicotyledonous plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor Phytochrome-Interacting Factor 4 (AtPIF4) plays a central role in regulating the ambient temperature-regulated hypocotyl growth response. Warm temperatures induce AtPIF4 transcription and the accumulated AtPIF4 promotes thermomorphogenesis by enhancing the expression of a group of growth-related genes. However, whether this thermo-induced growth response is universal, and more importantly, whether there is a conserved thermomorphogenetic mechanism shared in dicots is largely unknown. Here we show that higher ambient temperatures promote the hypocotyl growth in four other dicotyledonous plants, including Brassica rapa, Camelina sativa, Nicotiana benthamiana …

Examining Public Water Systems Servicing Schools And Childcare Facilities To Inform Policy: A Study Of Lead Exposure In The Mississippi Delta, William Farmer

Honors Theses

Abstract

This study was initiated with the intent of identifying elementary schools and childcare facilities in the Mississippi Delta with children ages 6 and under that may have public water systems (PWSs) with lead exceedances of 5 ppb. We also aimed to identify the existence, and further the availability, of information regarding which public schools and childcare facilities were serviced by which public water systems. Based on the results of this study, considerations related to Mississippi’s ability to comply with the 2020 Revisions of the Lead and Copper Rule requiring testing in all public schools were determined. Seven principal counties …

A Baseline Documentation Report For The Delta Wind Birds Sky Lake Nature Reserve, James Dubberly

Honors Theses

The purpose of this baseline documentation is to conduct a report on our subject property and discuss the findings. A conservation easement is established by upholding a certain standard of a property’s current condition which makes a baseline documentation necessary for an easement to be enacted. Baseline documentation reports are used as a resource to monitor and enforce the legal agreements of the conservation easement. The subject property is currently owned by the Delta Wind Birds organization. In our scenario, this documentation report will serve to aid in the conversion of our subject property into a conservation easement in which …

Association Of Trim Gene Variation And Lpdv Infection Patterns In Wild Turkeys, Bennett Fry

Honors Theses

Emerging infectious diseases pose a serious threat to various species throughout the globe, including humans. The lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) in wild turkeys is an example of disease virus whose impact on its host requires additional study. Although the first description of lymphoproliferative disease came from outbreaks in domestic turkey flocks in Europe, it is now known that LPDV is widespread in wild turkey populations in North America. In an effort to understand what may affect an individual turkey’s susceptibility to this virus, variation in part of the anti-viral TRIM62 gene was investigated. DNA was extracted from hunter-collected, turkey blood …

Examining Bystander Blame In Rape And Sexual Assault, Katherine E. Purdom

Honors Theses

The present study investigated the effect of various factors on blame distribution in sexual violence cases. Participants (N = 378) were randomly assigned to either a rape (N = 187) or sexual assault (N = 190) condition and directed to read a scenario that varied only by the terminology indicated by the condition. Participants were provided two pre-filled slots labeled as the perpetrator and victim. Additionally, they were given two blank “free-response” options in which participants could assign blame and indicate a responsible party if they found it necessary. Data was gathered from the male (N = 163) and female …

Tablet Use And Social Skills In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Taylor Schwartz

Honors Theses

The use of computer tablets can be beneficial for communication deficits in Autism. Studies have shown that tablets can have positive effects on individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who have trouble communicating and expressing emotions. A systematic review was conducted to examine if tablets helped people with ASD develop social skills and expression of emotion. A search was conducted through PubMed. From the initial search, 117 articles were found. Of these 117 articles, 10 met the criteria for review along with 2 additional articles found from an additional source. These 12 articles underwent a systematic review. Tablet applications and …

Narrative Storytelling In Conjunction With Environmental Journalism, Abbey Edmonson

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the effectiveness of long-form narrative storytelling in relation to environmental journalism. It particularly focuses on effectively communicating the seriousness of climate change on a local level through narrative storytelling. The bulk of the information was gathered through multiple interviews with people experiencing the effects of climate change on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. By using interviews with local people interspersed with scientific data, I hope to be able to show the average reader that climate change is real and it can dangerously affect people on a local level, even in rural states like Mississippi.

Through my research, I …

Honors Accounting Thesis, Ryan Rodgers

Honors Theses

This thesis contains twelve case studies that pertain to various accounting concepts and matters. The topics vary from 10-K evaluations to blockchain. This thesis was written under the guidance from Dr. Victoria Dickinson during my junior in an Independent Study class (ACCY 420). I benefitted greatly from participating in this class, and it allowed me to gain more knowledge from current accounting situations.

Prevalence Of Adhd And The Nonmedical Use Of Prescription Stimulants Among College Students, Leah Potate

Honors Theses

Objective: The principal objective in this study is to identify the contextual factors predicting the nonmedical use of prescription stimulants among college students who nonmedically use prescription stimulants (NMUPS) for academic reasons.

Participants: 470 college-aged students from varying undergraduate classes

Methods: This study utilized an observational design, which consisted of repeated surveys administered to a sample of undergraduate students at the University of Mississippi. Descriptive statistics were used to assess frequencies of contextual factors regarding the background and exam surveys. Logistic regression models assessed the correlations between the nonmedical use of prescription stimulants and various contextual factors.

Results: The percentage …

Analyzing The Correlation Of The University Of Mississippi Football Program's Success And Financials With That Of The University And Local Businesses In Oxford, Mississippi, Courtney C. Schaeffer

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to look at Ole Miss athletic events, specifically football games, and the success and profit of local businesses in Oxford, Mississippi and the University of Mississippi. There are several existing studies analyzed in this paper that indicate a correlation between college football programs and the University and city revenues at several other colleges and universities across the country. A historical analysis of the University of Mississippi Athletic Department’s revenues and expenses, football attendance numbers, and University enrollment trends throughout the years 2015 to 2019 indicates how important football is to the University and its …

Connecting Charities With Creatives: Bridging The Gap Between Local Nonprofit Organizations And University Of Mississippi Students, Natalie Pruitt

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the need for marketing resources among North Mississippi nonprofit organizations and apply the findings to develop and launch a website based on primary and secondary research that connects local North Mississippi nonprofit organizations with University of Mississippi graphic design, marketing, bachelor of fine arts and integrated marketing communication (IMC) students seeking experience to complete various marketing and graphic design- related tasks and develop and implement an integrated marketing plan to promote and raise awareness for the website.

Nonprofits face the challenge of allocating funds from donations to create functional and creative communications …

Sizing And Economics Of Solar Powered Indoor Swimming Pool, Aman Bhatta

Honors Theses

With increasing global population and aspiration for higher standards for living, there is a rapid increase in demand for energy. With the concerns of climate change becoming ever more pressing, a shift from the conventional energy source to an alternative green version to meet the energy demand could be of significant interest. A large amount of energy is required to maintain water temperature in the swimming pool at a human comfort temperature. Several studies have been performed to calculate and evaluate the feasibility of powering thermal systems for swimming pools using solar energy. Still, extensive analysis using solar thermal energy …

Parametric Design Of Flywheel For An Electric Punch Press, Prashant Dhakal

Honors Theses

Almost all designs start with a design requirement. These may be weight, volume, clearance, and even custom calculations. Finding a solution that meets these requirements often involves tedious and time-consuming iterations. Once the solution has been found, the design must be optimized to find the best possible solution. Finding the ‘best possible design’ requires substantial time and effort dedicated to iterating and analyzing the potential model solutions. This is where Parametric design comes into play. The Parametric design aids in specifying the key parameters of the design and makes changes interactively, with the model updating automatically. The purpose of this …

Exploring Health Insurance Coverage And How It Is Affecting Patients And Providers, Robert Balie Crim

Honors Theses

The American people are struggling to pay for or find good health insurance. Doctors are unable to prescribe them what they actually need. Their insurance might stop paying for the drug that they had been using that was helping them. They might have to try some amount of drugs or treatments before the insurance company will pay for what the doctor has prescribed. Patients might be having to endure more pain for an unnecessary amount of time at the hands of an insurance company. What are the roots of these problems? With the growing complexity and advancing technology, how are …

Controversy, Coverage And Cancel Culture: The Daily Mississippian's Reporting Of The 2018 Ed Meek Controversy, And Related Findings, Mason Thomas Scioneaux

Honors Theses

As this thesis reflects a body of work completed by a journalism student near the conclusion of a journalism education at the University of Mississippi, I approached research and writing in that way. I interviewed three people, for an hour each, and the things I learned in those interviews greatly affected the conclusions I reached with this thesis. My full transcripts from those interviews are located in Appendices A-C. I also did a lot of scouring through articles of The Daily Mississippian from fall 2018 and otherwise; I looked at every single edition of the paper from that semester, both …

Marketing To Food Insecure College Students: An Investigation Into The University Of Mississippi’S Food Pantry, Dandridge Parks

Honors Theses

College students are documented to suffer food insecurity at a high rate, and student-run food pantries have aimed to alleviate some of this burden. However, these pantries operate inefficiently and struggle to adequately meet student needs. In particular, many students are unaware of the pantry or have barriers to use. Research has found that only 14% of food insecure college students use their campus food pantries. The objective of the following work is to improve future marketing for campus run food pantries, with a specific focus on the University of Mississippi’s pantry.

In the last year, the University of Mississippi’s …

The Effect Of Chronic Alcohol Consumption On Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage In Young Men, Emma Hamilton, Grant Hilliard

Honors Theses

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of chronic alcohol consumption on exercise-induced muscle damage of the knee extensors in young men. METHODS: Twenty-one males (age 21.9 ± 1.1 yr; weight 183.4 ± 27.6 lbs; height 174.0 ± 13.1 cm) performed 100 maximal eccentric contractions at 30°/sec of the knee extensors using their non-dominant leg. The isometric and isokinetic muscle strengths (60°/sec and 180°/sec) were measured pre-exercise and immediately, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h, and 120 h post-exercise. Muscle soreness and plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity were measured pre-exercise and 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h, and …

Exploration Of Accounting Topics, Rachel Sheffield

Honors Theses

This thesis compiles eleven case studies related to the modern economic and professional environment as they relate to accounting. Each case was completed over the course of one week and describes the challenges, details, and outcomes related to the issue at hand. Accounting is a broad and intricate field that intertwines business, the economy, the government, and the public. Investigating many of the issues that an accountant may face before entering a career in accountant has proven to be very beneficial in understanding the expansiveness of the work. Whether having a career in bookkeeping, audit, tax, advisory, or finance, accountants …

A Comprehensive Evaluation Of Varying Accounting Principles Using Case Studies, Samantha Stershic

Honors Theses

This thesis is a compilation of case studies conducted over the last year. Each case was used to teach various accounting principles using application. The method used to learn the principles was different for each case. For example, a monopoly board was used to simulate how blockchain works in a way that was easier to understand and in a way that was memorable. Multiple interviews were performed to gain information on a student who had just completed a similar path and a professional in any field to gain knowledge about simply how to be a successful professional. Online research was …

For Better Or Worse? Hallmark Movie Viewership And Unrealistic Relationship Beliefs, Taylor Welch

Honors Theses

Past studies have shown that what we watch on television is linked to what we believe (Gerbner et al., 1982; Lippman et. al, 2014). Many studies have discovered a link between unrealistic relationship beliefs and television viewing within specific genres of television viewing, yet no research has been done to examine the association between Hallmark movie viewing on romantic relationship beliefs despite the channel’s increasing popularity. The goal of the present study was to examine the relationship between Hallmark movie viewing and romantic relationship beliefs. Through an online participant recruitment website, self-report data was collected from 302 married participants ranging …

Reflecting On Our Terrain: How People And Places Create A Spirit Of Home, Meagan E. Harkins

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the nature of home. It situates the idea of home, both as a physical place and a spiritual state, where the subjects of these stories find belonging. Fourteen interviews were conducted, from December 2020 through February 2021, resulting in a series of longform stories. Eight interviews were recorded with immediate family and childhood friends in my hometown, the suburbs of Orlando, Fla. The balance of the stories derived from Zoom interviews, culminating in a 1,200-mile road journey to South Carolina, for the remaining ones.

What emerged from these oral history interviews and ensuing longform pieces are three …