Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of The Common Agricultural Policy On Agricultural Productivity, Flemming Schneider Rhode

Honors Theses

In 2004 10 new countries, primarily Eastern European countries, joined the European Union (EU) with much media speculation concerning how this would affect their economies. This paper will look at how the Common Agricultural Program (CAP) affects agricultural productivity by measuring four independent variables and by using the 2004 entry as a natural experiment. The paper will estimate how the CAP affects the average farm size, fallow land area, proportion of farming dedicated to organic farming, and GOP growth. This is expected to impact agricultural productivity through increasing returns to scale, input availability, efficiency of land use and the Environmental …

Crisis Rhetoric : A Theory Of Communication In Times Of Crisis, Eric D. Loepp

Honors Theses

We conducted an experiment to assess the effect of presidential rhetoric in a time of crisis. Our study was based in part on terror management theory, which posits that subtle reminders of death (mortality salience) lead to increased support of leaders an authority figures. Subjects were randomly placed in either a mortality salient condition or control condition. We also composed two speeches - one charismatic and one non-charismatic - and subjects were randomly assigned to hear one of the two. Based on elements of terror management theory, we hypothesized that in a time of crisis the charismatic speech would be …

The Exploration Of Novel Symbiotic Bacteria That May Have Influential Roles In Sponge Life History, Brittany E. West

Honors Theses

Sponges produce an impressive variety of secondary metabolites that perform a variety of ecological functions. Many marine sponges even harbor diverse carotenoid compounds, an unusual class of secondary metabolites that animals are incapable of producing. Furthermore, sponges serve as hosts to an astonishingly diverse microbial community that can occupy up to sixty percent of a sponge's biomass. Our research ultimately hopes to link microbial species to the production of secondary compounds, like carotenoids, and to assess the ecological role of such compounds and their effect on sponge life history strategy. This study describes the ecological distribution of two species of …

Democracy In The Workplace : Leadership In Cooperative Business, Jordan Wade

Honors Theses

It is the intent of this thesis to explore alternatives to the current methods of corporate governance and to examine business models that apply democratic ideals in the economic sector. Specifically I address one normative and three empirical questions. First, why should democratic principles and ideals be a part of the economic sector? After addressing this normative question by presenting several theoretical responses, I address three practical questions related to worker-participation: Is it possible for democratic and alternative businesses to function successfully in the capitalist market? What would a democratically organized firm look like to the common laborer? What type …

Fostering Leaders For Social Justice : Ally Identity Development And Efficacy, Allison M. Duval

Honors Theses

The goal of this thesis is to develop a conceptual understanding of ally identity and effective and sustainable ally behaviors in order to analyze ally development at the University of Richmond and synthesize brief recommendations for practical applications for cultivating allies. This first chapter on "Enduring Inequality and the Need for Allies" defines allies, explores privilege and constructions of difference in terms of race and gender, exposes the reality of current injustices, and demonstrates the need for allies as leaders of dominant social groups to work alongside leaders of non-dominant social groups in effecting broad social change. The second chapter …

Graphic Design Work For The Band Riverleft, Benjamin William Deneka

Honors Theses

The purpose of my thesis was to create merchandising and promotional artwork for the Oxford, Mississippi-based band RiverLeft and their album “Stranger Things.” I used the design software Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop to create album artwork, posters, and other illustrations to be implemented onto promotional materials. By tying all of the artwork together around a central theme, I created an identity for the band’s marketing and advertisement around the south and beyond. 1

Optimization Studies Of The Important Drug Lead Kahalalide F Which Acts On A Novel Cancer Target Rps25, Kully Lynn Woodruff

Honors Theses

Kahalalide F (KF, 1) is the largest and most biologically active cyclic peptide of the naturally occurring kahalalide family of depsipeptides. Previous evaluations of the compound have shown significant in vitro and in vivo activity against various forms of cancer. KF has been investigated in phase I clinical trials and is being evaluated in phase II clinical studies. The objective of this experiment was to prepare analogues of KF through semisynthetic modification of the parent compound to optimize activity against a slate of pathogens, as well as cancerous cells. Data revealed that KF and analogues were not active against malaria, …

The Evolution Of Sexuality In Vampire Novels, Elizabeth Lauren Butler

Honors Theses

Sexuality is a common theme in vampire novels, especially in those intended for adults. The first vampire novels appeared in the 19^ century, and I was curious to know the sexual themes have changed as society has changed. The book industry has been inundated with vampire novels in the last fifteen years, so I read early vampire novels and short stories, vampire novels from the 1970s, and modem vampire novels to analyze how sexuality is dealt with in each. I also read scholarly journals dealing wdth sexuality in vampire novels. Vampirism as a metaphor for sexuality has evolved along with …

The Rationality Of The Green Knight: Testing, Tempting, And Culture In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight, Vincent Peter Rotkiewicz

Honors Theses

This work focuses on the societal and textual context of the alliterative, 14“ century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Personal preparations for this work included studies in translating the unique dialect of the poem, research in the British Library for the purpose of finding relevant analogs to and critical works on the text, and extensive interaction and discussion with my thesis advisor. Dr. Gregory He)^orth. The primary problem of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight lies in the motivations of its protagonist and antagonist. Because Gawain clings to the formulaic responses of his society and religion, he fails …

Short Stories, Russell Joseph Rutherford

Honors Theses

These stories are all too delineated the voice from story to story. I tried to written during a frustrating, disappointing period of my life when I was afraid I’d died unwittingly and was in purgatory until I remembered I’m Baptist and I don’t believe in It seemed like everyone I knew was spending half the time watching the same in them. I used to have this that mess. television and the other half pretending to be larger audience, and I thought my subject matter might be could latch onto. Now I don’t know—I haven’t seen a Real programs on stupid …

Inhibition Of Cellular Thioredoxin Reductase By The Anticancer Prodrug Cloretazine, Tyler R. Schleicher

Honors Theses

Sulfonylhydrazines are a class of DNA alkylating drugs which also produce carbamoylating activity in situ. The carbamoylating species is of significance because it has shown to inhibit important thiol-containing enzymes such as glutathione reductase (GR) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). TrxR catalyzes dithiol-disulfide exchange reactions on thioredoxin (Trx), which in turn catalyzes other reductive processes such as deoxyribonucleotide biosynthesis. In this study, we demonstrate that TrxR activity is strongly inhibited by the anticancer prodrug Cloretazine both in purified form and in leukemia cell lysates. This inhibition is specific to the carbamoylating activity of methylisocyanate (MiC). In contrast, another important oxidoreductase, glutathione …

Representations Of Grief In Akhmatova’S Requiem And Pushkin’S The Bronze Horseman, Hillary R. Smith

Honors Theses

Anna Akhmatova composed Requiem largely before 1940, but it was not published until the mid 1960s – after her death. It is now known to be one of her best works. Requiem is a cycle comprised of fifteen poems, the entireties of which are introduced by a personal reflection written in prose. Alexander Pushkin wrote his lyric ballad The Bronze Horseman in 1833 about the tremendous flood of 1824 in St. Petersburg and the involvement of the bronze equestrian statue of Peter the Great. Everything that the protagonist, Evgeny, cares for is destroyed, and he blames the Tsar for his …

Movement Patterns And Feeding Behavior Of The Limpet Tectura Testudinalis (Müller) Along The Mid-Maine Coast, Joshua Lord

Honors Theses

Tectura testudinalis is a limpet that lives in the mid-intertidal zone along the coast of Maine and grazes on a variety of encrusting algae. A previous study asserted that T. testudinalis preferred to feed and rest on the encrusting alga Clathromorphum circumscriptum and that this species of limpet displayed homing behavior. However, I show that T. testudinalis does not home or return to any specific substrate while resting. Conclusive evidence was found for nocturnal movement. I show that C. circumscriptum was the preferred food source for this limpet, closely followed by Hildenbrandia rubra, another encrusting alga. Field and lab experiments …

Conceiving Equity: The Paradox Surrounding The Contraception Crisis In America, Meghann Diane Ainsworth

Honors Theses

Much of the controversy surrounding reproductive rights in the United States is mainly concentrated on abortion; however, an equally significant reproductive concern that sometimes goes unnoticed is the current contraception crisis in this countr>^ Pro-life and conservative right wing groups have surreptitiously launched a propaganda campaign to distort contraceptive information, leading many Americans to believe that contraception is unsafe, anti-family, and a form of abortion. These assertions are complete fabrications created to gain followers. The pro-choice side advocates the truths that contraception is safe and effective, supportive of families, and is not scientifically or medically considered a form of …

The Green Bean: A Specialty Coffee Company Designed Around Organic And Fair Trade Efforts., Allison Nicole Johnson

Honors Theses

During my study in graphic design, I have noticed the different ways certain product identity motifs influence potential consumers. My thesis explores this idea by addressing the importance of organic and fair trade products and materials. I have created a coffee company that specializes in coffees, chocolates, and spices from specific countries in Central and South America. The company’s identity is designed around the culture of these countries and the increasingly popular idea of “going green”. Environmentally safe, fair trade, organic, and recyclable are characteristics and the unifying themes of the company. Not only am I trying to persuade potential …

Object Usage Processing Improves Memory, Joseph C. Tann

Honors Theses

JOSEPH C. TANN: Usage as a Beneficial Method of Encoding

Many psychologists have attempted to find the most effective method of processing information in human memory. For years, the pleasantness method of processing was considered to be among the best methods for enhancing memory performance. One recent theory (Nairne, 2007) has suggested that processing items in terms oftheir survival value may be an even more proficient method of processing. Another theory (Reysen & Adair, 2008) attempted to prove that survival may not be the reason for the enhanced performance, but the individual’s connection with the specific object’s usage. My experiment …

Antinociceptive Action Of Mitragynine And Its Synthetic Analogs In Mice, La Donna Evette Franklin

Honors Theses

Mitragynine is a major alkaloid extracted from the leaves of the Thai traditional herb, Mitrcigymi speciosa Korth (Rubiaceae). The extracts of this plant have been used as substitutes for opium and recent studies have reported that mitragynine possesses antinociceptive actions mediated via the mu opioid receptors. Nonetheless, structural features of mitragynine do not fit the classical opiate ligands. Thus the primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of mitragynine and its synthetic analogs to determine the molecular basis of mitragynine binding to opioid receptors in order to provide better understanding of the potential therapeutic roles of …

The Green Bean: A Specials Coffee And Cacao Supplier That Supports The Organic And Fair Trade Efforts In Central And South America., Allison Nicole Johnson

Honors Theses

During my study in graphic design, I have noticed the different ways certain product identity motifs influence potential consumers. My thesis explores this idea by addressing the importance of organic and fair trade products and materials. 1 have created a coffee company that specializes in coffees, chocolates, and spices from specific countries in Central and South America. The company’s identity is designed around the culture of these countries and tlie increasingly popular idea of “going green”. Environmentally safe, fair trade, organic, and recyclable are characteristics and the unifying themes of the company. Not only am I trying to persuade potential …

Influence Of Juvenile Hormone On Territorial And Aggressive Behavior In The Painted Lady (Vanessa Cardui) And Eastern Black Swallowtail (Papilio Polyxenes), Tara Bergin

Honors Theses

Competition is important in environments with limited resources. Males of many insect species are territorial and will defend resources, such as a food source or egg-laying site, against intruders, or even compete to attract a mate. In insects, evidence suggests that juvenile hormone acts as an aggression mediator, much like testosterone in other animal species. In this study I tested this idea using a group of male Painted Lady butterflies, Vanessa cardui, and Eastern Black Swallowtail butterflies, Papilio polyxenes, that were treated prior to metamorphosis with either a high or low dose of methoprene acid (a juvenile hormone mimic). Male-male …

Phylogeny And Population Genetics Of Allotheuthis (Loliginidae) And Discovery Of A Cryptic Species, Adria Pilsits

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Trials Bike Frame Concept, David Boboltz, Rob Harmer, Caleb Vanderveen

Honors Theses

Development of a Concept Trials Frame was a mechanical engineering design project that developed a new bicycle frame that has the strength and durability to be used for trials bike riding. The scope of the project was placed solely on the bicycle's frame. Current frames were analyzed based on their strength, durability, stiffness, weight, and appearance. These factors were ranked for importance and became the performance targets for the new frame. Several designs that utilize elastic strain energy to increase performance were brainstormed. Following SolidWorks modeling, equivalent impact loads were calculated using several analytical methods. These loads were then applied …

The Dwarfing Of Men In Victorian Fairy-Tale Literature, Heather Victoria Vermeulen

Honors Theses

As Jack Zipes explains in his preface to Victorian Fairy Tales: The Revolt of the Fairies and the Elves, "The Victorian fairy-tale writers always had two ideal audiences in mind when they composed their tales -young middle-class readers whose minds and morals they wanted to influence, and adult middle-class readers whose ideas they wanted to challenge and reform" (xiv). "It was through the fairy tale," he continues, "that a social discourse about conditions in Victorian England took form, and this discourse is not without interest for readers today" (xi). My project begins with a critical analysis of the Grimm Brothers' …

Scientific Advice To The House : Who Has The Congressional Ear?, Kristen Greenholt

Honors Theses

In 2001, President George W. Bush remarked, "Science and technology have never been more essential to the defense of the nation and the health of the economy." The responsibility for formulating science and technology policy primarily falls into the hands of Congress. However, since few members of Congress possess a broad base of knowledge in either science or technology, they must rely on external sources of information. I examine the sources of information on which they rely, or the question "Who has the Congressional Ear?"with regard to science and technology issues. Using the downfall of the Office of Technology Assessment …

Telling Arguments : A Weaverian Analysis Of Supreme Court Cases Regarding Civil Rights And Affirmative Action, Cathy Reno

Honors Theses

In his book, The Ethics of Rhetoric, influential rhetoric and culture scholar Richard M. Weaver articulates a framework called Grammatical Categories. These classifications are used to identify both the motivation and implications of arguments. There are four discrete categories. The first, and least difficult to formulate is the argument from circumstance. The second Grammatical Category is cause and effect, which links an action to a consequence. The third category is called the argument from similitude in which, as the name implies, the rhetor looks for inherent connections between certain objects or ideas. Finally, the argument from definition (or principle) is …

Identification And Catalog Of Holocene And Late Pleistocene Chiropteran Fossils From Hamilton County, Tn, Ashley Miller

Honors Theses

Caves play an essential role in our understanding of the Pleistocene Epoch. Caves represent the largest percentage of known North American Pleistocene faunas (Kurten and Anderson, 1980). These unique environments provide stable erosion free conditions that allow fossils to remain preserved for thousands, if not millions, of years (Corgan, 1996; Schubert et al., 2003). The fossil remains found in caves can help paleontologists document biogeographic and evolutionary patterns in a great variety of organisms (Schubert et al., 2003). Many fossils found in cave deposits only date to the Holocene (Schubert et al., 2003). These fossils localities are rarely studied by …

Voices Of The Poor: Poverty And Growth In Albania, Magda Tsaneva

Honors Theses

This paper uses three waves of panel surveys at the household level to study growth and poverty in Albania over the period 2002-2004. It attempts to answer two main questions. The first question is directed at finding the micro determinants of growth and aims to expose the obstacles households face to improve their economic situation. The main focus of the analysis is to investigate the importance of health, education, and infrastructure indicators for income growth. The second question asks whether growth in Albania during the period 20022004 has been pro-poor. I find that there is some evidence for a convergence …

Agent Of Change: Trickster In Ojibwa Oral Narratives And In The Works Of Louise Erdrich, Patrick B. Benton

Honors Theses

Change is not only a theme of Louise Erdrich’s work, but the paramount theme. Critic John Purdy concurs, writing that “the characters who people her pages are immensely recognizable to an audience comprised of many cultures: they exhibit all the frailties and strengths, the failures and triumphs one would expect for humans who face what we all – as individuals, as cultures, and as species – must face: change” (Purdy, 8). What is this change, though? And, who is the agent of this change? Casual readers of Louise Erdrich’s works may not be aware that her characters are informed by …

Developing A Tool To Assess Human Health Impacts Of Purchasing, Kaitlin C. Himmelmann

Honors Theses

Chemical production impacts the environment and human health. Many common products contain chemicals that can be detrimental to human health and more specifically harmful to the endocrine system. Many individuals and institutions unknowingly buy products containing chemicals that can harm the endocrine system. I developed a score that examines the level of harm that these chemicals pose to the endocrine health of the general population. The implications of Colby’s purchasing practices are discussed.

Gauguin : Generating Art Using Genetic Algorithms & User Input Naturally, Thomas E. Cook

Honors Theses

This paper outlines an undergraduate research project demonstrating an application of evolutionary computation in the context of computer art. The project, named GAUGUIN, combines the visual impact of modern computer graphics with the computational power of genetic algorithms. GAUGUIN allows the user to become a creator of art, without requiring any technical or artistic training. By using an intuitive and easily comprehensible process like evolution to create the composition, the user simply needs to evaluate a sequence of compositions. Mimicking the biological process of evolution, the system will evolve the works in order to achieve images that are more visually …

Messy Love: Collection Of Short Stories, Mindy Favreau

Honors Theses

Messy Love: Collection of Short Stories