Digital Commons Network^™

Spin Coating Multilayer Polymer Films To Improve The Consistency And Longevity Of Interval Drug Release, Katherine Nevils

Honors Theses

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a clinical diagnosis for patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD). An inadequate response to the dosage or duration of antidepressant medication can lead to the diagnosis of TRD. This diagnosis is common in up to 50% of patients with MDD following treatment. Microdosing of classical psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has been shown to have positive cognitive and therapeutic effects on patients with TRD. However, issues of patient compliance to the complex regimen and abuse/diversion of the schedule I controlled substances remain unresolved. The goal of this project is to create an implantable, …

Relations Between Parent Reports Of Effortful Control And Behavioral Measures Of Executive Function In Toddlers, Racheal Embry

Honors Theses

Recent proposals have identified many commonalities in conceptualizations of effortful control and executive function (EF, e.g., Zhou, Chen, & Main, 2012). However, the overlap of effortful control and EF during periods of emerging regulation in toddlerhood has not been thoroughly investigated. In the present study, I examined the relationship between effortful control and EF in 14, 18, and 24 month old toddlers by a combination of in-lab tasks and parent report measures. Results revealed few relations between effortful control and EF during this time. The lack of overlap between effortful control and EF may be explained by a number of …

La Langue Des Autres: The Linguistic Evolution Of African Representation In French Popular Culture, Colonialism To Present, Kathrynanne Eastman

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the linguistic representation of African peoples and cultures in French popular culture, specifically as this pertains to immigration. The foundational research question of this project is: how has the representation of Africans in French popular culture evolved since the colonial period? In order to answer this question, I examine seven sources of popular culture, all works of either literature or cinema, depicting three different time periods: 19th-century French colonization in Algeria (1830-1900), the post-World War II “Trente Glorieuses” [Thirty Glorious Years] (1945 to 1975), and the contemporary era (1990-present). I lay out and analyze the language present …

Population At Risk: The Design And Production Of The Pollinator Plaza, Shane Houston Stephens

Honors Theses

This report focuses on the development and manufacturing of the Pollinator Plaza, a high-quality bug house created to combat pollinator population loss. According to countless studies, pollinator populations have seen a dramatic decrease in recent years, and this product was developed to address these alarming statistics by providing a suitable habitat for pollinators. A market analysis was used to identify our potential clientele and cost point. This research played an integral part in the design of the Pollinator Plaza, which was developed using AutoCAD software. This design became a reality through the construction of a physical prototype.

The Pollinator Plaza’s …

Early Developmental Exposure To Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Causes Latent Behavioral, Growth, And Bioenergetic Effects In Danio Rerio, Astra Hahm

Honors Theses

Early developmental exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol causes latent behavioral, growth, and bioenergetic effects in Danio rerio

(Under the direction of Dr. Kristine Willett)

Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is used during pregnancy to mitigate symptoms such as nausea, pain, and insomnia. It is established that Δ9-THC exposure early in life causes adverse effects in children’s development including behavioral disorders. Our goal was to determine the latent and generational impacts on growth, behavior, and mitochondrial bioenergetics following exposure to Δ9-THC. Wildtype (5D) zebrafish were exposed to 0 (0.05% DMSO), 0.08, 0.4, or 1 µM Δ9-THC from 6-96 hours post-fertilization (hpf), then subsequently raised in clean …

Into The Wild: A Journey Paddling The Lower Mississippi River With Quapaw Canoe Company, Sarah Caroline Crall

Honors Theses

Humanity’s profound relationship with water is undeniable. From our reliance on it for sustenance and transportation to the recreation it provides, water is a fundamental aspect of our existence. Yet, in our contemporary era, we find ourselves increasingly disconnected from this life-giving source that shapes us and our surroundings. The Mississippi River stands as a prime example of this detachment. Often overlooked as a lifeless river, nothing more than the backdrop to our daily lives, its significance as the heart of America is underappreciated and misunderstood by many. This thesis embarks on a journey to share the true reality that …

The Effects Of Vigorous-Intensity Acute Exercise On Hippocampal- And Prefrontal Cortex-Dependent Memory, Lauren Hord

Honors Theses

Acute exercise has been shown to differentially impact memory, dependent on whether the task is considered prefrontal cortex- or hippocampal-dependent. More specifically, acute exercise has been shown to impair PFC-dependent memory while enhancing hippocampal-dependent memory. No study has compared whether exercise differentially impacts separate types of cognition, so this experiment was designed to determine the relationship between high-intensity acute exercise and both prefrontal cortex-dependent and hippocampal-dependent memory. This study consisted of five total visits for 55 participants. In the first visit, participants engaged in a maximal exercise test, where their heart rate reserve was obtained. In visits 2-5, participants engaged …

Science Quest! An Educational Comic For Fifth Graders In Mississippi, Astra Hahm

Honors Theses

Astra Hahm: Science Quest! An educational comic for fifth graders in Mississippi (Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Eyler)

Science Quest! is an educational comic aimed at fifth graders in Mississippi to teach them science in a way that differs from how they learn science in class. The inspirations for the creation of Science Quest! are both my interests as a child and my vision of the future as an adult. During Sophomore year, I had the privilege of volunteering at Oxford Intermediate School, where I witnessed students play a variety of educational games, which reminded me of my childhood. …

Detection Of Sars-Cov-2 Nucleocapsid And Spike Antibodies In Serum Of Covid-19 Vaccinated And Infected Patients Utilizing Immunoblot Assay, Suzanna Horn

Honors Theses

In 2020, the world was introduced to COVID-19, a strain of Coronavirus that quickly caused a pandemic at the global scale. COVID-19 was reported to cause 5.94 million deaths between 2020-2021, and it continues to prevail amongst society in 2024. Many methods of preventing COVID-19 infection arose throughout this time period; however, mRNA vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein became the most effective way to protect the population from COVID-19’s destructive reign.

Although society has made significant scientific strides in Coronavirus testing and vaccination efforts, there are many improvements that must be made to better protect our society from …

Functional Connectivity Of The Hippocampus In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Noah Watts

Honors Theses

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological developmental disorder that affects around 1/44 of individuals in the United States. ASD individuals tend to struggle with things such as communication and socialization. This disorder has been found to affect many brain regions; however, autism’s effect on the hippocampus has been heavily understudied. Since the hippocampus is not commonly referred to as the brain region affected by autism, the importance of the hippocampus in ASD may have been unrecognized. While ASD hippocampi have been very narrowly researched (only size and shape), there is compelling evidence that the hippocampus could be another part …

Accounting Chronicles: Real-World Case Studies, Hannah Coyle

Honors Theses

This thesis compiles case studies exploring accounting principles that intersect with real-world events, from historical incidents to financial crises and contemporary issues. Each study highlights accounting’s significance across diverse economic sectors, emphasizing accounting’s pervasive influence on influential figures, economic trends, and regulatory authorities. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach including documentaries, articles, financial reports, and academic courses, the research reveals the intricate relationship between accounting practices and global events. Findings underscore the profound impact of economic trends on the accounting profession, showcasing the underlying motivations driving these occurrences and its adaptability to changing global landscapes. Overall, this thesis provides insight into accounting’s …

The Effects Of Gamma Glutamyl Cysteinyl Ethyl Ester On Oxidative Stress Biomarkers In Traumatically Injured Rats, Jenna Shoemaker

Honors Theses

Primary injury is the original point where the impact force affects axonal tissue. Secondary injury is often the main complication in patients suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Consequences of secondary injuries include oxidative stress, DNA damage, and protein oxidation, which can impact overall brain function (Moppett). Gamma-glutamyl cysteinyl ethyl ester (GCEE), a glutathione mimetic, has been used as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress. This study aims to determine if GCEE is neuroprotective against moderate TBI at extended time points. Results from this work will provide insight for determining the best extended time point to administer treatment. This study …

A Compilation Of Accounting Case Studies, Mason Everett

Honors Theses

In my honors accounting thesis, I meticulously examined contemporary issues within the accounting and finance industries by integrating case studies from various current events. These real-world examples provided insightful perspectives into the dynamic challenges faced by professionals in these fields. Additionally, I delved into the intersection of political matters and regulatory frameworks, exploring how they shape and influence accounting practices and financial decision-making. By incorporating both theoretical concepts and practical applications, my thesis aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in today's accounting landscape, offering valuable insights for future research and professional practice.

Anxious, Stressed, Or Overwhelmed: The Typical Sensory Processing Pattern Of First-Year Occupational Therapy Students, Caroline V. Holsclaw

Honors Theses

This research discusses the four sensory processing patterns, sensory sensitivity, sensory avoidant, sensory seeking, and low registration, demonstrated by first year occupational therapy doctoral program students. These four patterns describe how our brains process sensory information from the environment and from our bodies. These patterns have been linked to many things in one’s life such as their attachment styles, anxiety disorders, and quality of life, and neurologically connected to the parasympathetic nervous system which is involved with the fight or flight response. Understanding your own sensory processing pattern and preferences can help you understand how you can find sensory input …

Reading Between The Lines: Understanding College Students' Literacy Skills, Alexandra M. Jones

Honors Theses

Given that reading is a complex and multifaceted process, we need a better understanding of how different reading measures assess college students’ reading skills. Furthermore, this study evaluates what reading skills are most influential in determining undergraduate students' GPA. We investigated the relationship between different reading skills (i.e., comprehension, vocabulary, metacognitive awareness, and critical reading behaviors) and academic performance (GPA). Reading skills are especially important within university settings because they are required for academic success. We recruited a sample of 100 students through an online survey hosted on Qualtrics. We found that ACT Reading scores significantly predict GPA. However, vocabulary, …

Fixing Kentucky: A Comparative Analysis Of The Spay And Neuter Options Available To Rural Kentucky Counties, Emma M. Spurlock

Honors Theses

The objective of this research is to determine if there is a substantial difference in the availability of spay and neuter resources in rural Kentucky counties compared to urban Kentucky counties. An analysis of the Kentucky Animal Control Advisory board meeting minutes over the past ten years was conducted to determine how spay and neuter programs are funded, what counties receive funding, and the process for requesting spay and neuter grant support. Rural Kentucky communities are underserved regarding spay and neuter resources because of insufficient funding, limited veterinary and animal care, and inadequate government involvement. Improving access to spay and …

Actuarial Prediction Of Adhd Using Neuropsychological Data, Kimberlyn Williams

Honors Theses

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common psychiatric diagnosis in children and a frequent psychiatric diagnosis in adults. ADHD is a clinical diagnosis based on self-reported symptoms which makes accurate diagnosis challenging. Actuarial prediction has been demonstrated to be more accurate than clinical judgment. The current study explored an actuarial approach to predicting ADHD based on a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests. This project utilized test data from Meyers Neuropsychological Battery (MNB) to develop a logistic regression model to accurately predict diagnosed ADHD cases (n=65) from normal functioning cases (n=79) with a history of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). Binary …

Lmpact Of Salmonella Enterica Effector Proteins On Plant Physiology And Immunity, Sara Qader

Honors Theses

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium are primarily recognized as pathogens associated with foodborne illnesses in humans. Salmonella also can colonize plant tissue effectively. The pathogen relies on type III secretion systems (T3SS) to infect mammals and plants successfully and counteract the immune response. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Salmonella’s interactions with plants is essential for developing effective strategies to reduce its impact on human health and agriculture. Effector proteins, known for their role in modulating host-pathogen interactions, have been implicated in the virulence and pathogenicity of Salmonella. However, their specific functions and contributions to Salmonella’s interactions with plants remain largely unknown. …

The Missing Piece: How Should The Deaf Community Be Represented In Children’S Literature?, Sarah M. Williams

Honors Theses

Considering the impact of inaccurate representation on the Deaf community, the present study is focused on determining exactly what message about the Deaf community needs to be represented in children’s media. Using a standardized survey, it was expected that the most common responses would correlate with messages presented in past research. These common responses include, but are not limited to, a need for authentic representation of Deaf characters who do not rely on medical interventions to function in society (Emmett, 2022). Additionally, an increase in accurate representation of the Deaf community in early childhood classes, through children’s books and classroom …

Preschool Survival Guide: Gardening, Beth Ann Weaver

Honors Theses

Nature-based learning can be defined as utilizing nature in learning experiences to meet developmental domains. The benefits of nature-based learning and play in early childhood are significant. Children who engage in nature have active imaginations, learn new concepts and vocabulary, have respect for their environments, learn and understand biodiversity, have better problem-solving skills and so much more. Despite these benefits, the low prevalence of nature and science-based activities in early childhood classrooms continues to exist due to the lack of knowledge and confidence in these specific subjects. This thesis analyzes developmentally appropriate practices needed to effectively implement science and nature …

The Role Of Inflammatory Cells In The Sex Dimorphism Of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Erin M. Schreck

Honors Theses

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a disease associated with high blood pressure specifically in the lung circulation. Symptoms include dyspnea and cyanosis, and the mean survival post-diagnosis is 2.8 years without treatment. PAH can be characterized by accumulating vascular damage which results in lesion formation causing a decrease in the diameter of vessels, obstruction of flow, and ultimately increased pressure on the right heart leading to failure. These lesions define an arteriopathy that is a hallmark of PAH which is, in part, dependent on infiltration of inflammatory cells into the vascular wall. PAH presents uniquely in males and females with …

Feminism And Female Identity In Adaptations Of Pride And Prejudice Throughout The 20th And 21st Centuries, Emily Suh, Emily Suh

Honors Theses

To many of her fans in the world, Austen is undeniably a feminist author, especially for her time in the nineteenth century. In a time where women were dependent upon male family members for their livelihoods, most of Austen’s heroines exhibit a sort of independence and strong will with a mind of their own, including in Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth is the model for what an independent woman is, a woman who is not so concerned with the monetary value of matrimony and only falls in love because she wants to. Furthermore, female audiences tend to like Elizabeth more than …

Interspecific Venom Variation Among Three Shades Of Aphonopelma Tarantulas: A. Gabeli, A. Hentzi, And A. Anax, Jorjia Elmore

Honors Theses

Phenotypic variation is a common occurrence throughout the animal kingdom and can occur both interspecifically and intraspecifically. Interspecific variation evolves in response to differential selection between species whereas intraspecific variation is commonly expressed as sex-based or population-based differences. Both interspecific and intraspecific phenotypic differences occur frequently in venomous species including arachnids, and can often result in differences in venom yield, potency, and protein. The North American tarantulas (Theraphosidae: Aphonopelma), include approximately 35 species and little is known about their venom. To test for interspecific and intraspecific venom variation, we collected individuals from three species and generated proteomic profiles and Illumina …

Fiddler Crab Gut Microbiomes As An Indicator For Eutrophication Due To Waste-Water Contamination In Estuaries, Madison L. Geraci

Honors Theses

Estuaries are unique biogeochemical zones in coastal systems that provide a myriad of ecological functions: providing habitat for critically important fishery species, diverse species of plants and animals, and contributing to nutrient cycling. Estuaries are vulnerable to anthropogenic stressors as they are intersections between marine and terrestrial communities and are often the hotspot of coastal development and activity. Estuarine sediments act as repositories for anthropogenic contaminants, including excess nutrient runoffs and waste-water pollution that can cause states of eutrophication. Microorganisms are sensitive to these environmental changes, presenting a unique opportunity of being useful bioindicators of environmental stress. Isolating microorganisms from …

Conflicting Ethe In _Anna Karenina_: A Reexamination Of Tolstoy’S Complex Female Protagonist, Hannah Diles

Honors Theses

Tolstoy’s novel Anna Karenina depicts the world as an endless array of choices and experiences to which one assigns meaning to. His characters, like real people, must navigate their world of complex ethical systems using their own moral ethos. Readers and critics alike critique Anna as a heroine for living out her moral ethos, pitting it against the social and feminist ethos of late 19th century upper class Russian society. Anna’s story is either interpreted as a cautionary tale or Anna is portrayed as a feminist heroine who tragically died for love. Throughout this paper, I argue that Anna is …

From Cells To Clinics- The Role Of College Biology Education In Shaping Future Physician Assistants, Monica Manley

Honors Theses

This thesis provides a personal reflection on translating concepts and techniques learned in multiple biology courses (i.e. microbiology, neuroscience, comparative physiology, and genetics) in to clinical practice as an intern in the emergency room of a hospital. Each selected concept contains a description followed by an example of how this knowledge relates to a specified duty of a physician assistant with in an emergency medical setting.

Cell Type-Specific Production Of Amyloid Precursor Protein During Infection Is Dependent On The Strain Of Herpes Simplex Virus 1, Mia Elias

Honors Theses

Cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) generates the antimicrobial peptide amyloid beta (Aβ), the accumulation of which is linked to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) pathogenesis. Whether processing of APP contributes to anti-viral responses is debated. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1), a neurotropic double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus, establishes lifelong latency and can cause a range of outcomes, from asymptomatic infection to herpetic encephalitis (HSE). Whether disparate outcomes are dependent on HSV-1 strain is unknown. Using three differentially virulent HSV-1 strains, we compared the regulation of APP-associated proteolytic processing in both a corneal infection murine model and an in vitro model. …

Color Psychology: How Colors Can Reflect Our Emotions In Relation To Gender, Age, And Cultural Background., Virginia Alvisi

Honors Theses

Our lives are surrounded and influenced by colors. Colors help us in our everyday lives, from helping us understand different concepts to helping us drive around town with road signs and streetlights. Colors regulate our lives not only physically but also, especially, psychologically. Warm and bright colors can give insight into
energy and happiness. On the contrary, cool and dark ones can be soothing and calming.

Research has demonstrated that colors can shape our experiences and affect our psycho-emotional status (our mental state related to a situation or circumstance). To demonstrate the link between our psycho-emotional state and the use …

Screening Full-Sib And Half-Sib Families Of Chestnut Seedlings For Resistance To Cryphonectria Parasitica Using A Small Stem Assay And A Leaf-Disc Assay, Uma Plambeck

Honors Theses

Cryphonectria parasitica is the ascomycete fungus species that causes chestnut blight disease. Symptoms of chestnut blight include bark cankers and eventually the death of American chestnut, Castanea dentata. However, not all Castanea species are equally affected by the disease, and some Asian species appear highly resistant. The OALDS and SSA in this study aim to assist in screening for resistance to C. parasitica within a year. We investigated the effect of C. parasitica on three North American species, one European species, four East Asian species of Castanea, and nine full-sib families of TACF backcross hybrids. Our study used both a …

Microfaunal Remains From The Ryan-Harley Site, Savanna Caylor

Honors Theses

The Ryan Harley site is located in the Wacissa River basin in northern Florida. It is one of the few sites in the southeastern United States to contain a Suwannee point artifact. Several excavations in 2015 and 2017 showed extinct and extant faunal remains within and around the Suwannee component. The geoarchaeological data showed that whether these remains were in situ or not is inconclusive. This paper will focus on the microfloral and faunal remains to draw conclusions about the environment encountered during the Younger Dryas (12,900-11,700 cal B.P). The relationship between floral and faunal species present will help to …