Digital Commons Network^™

Design And Synthesis Of Dinucleating Phthalazine-Based Ligands Toward Bimetallic Ruthenium Catalysts For Water Oxidation, Alex Bromley

Honors Theses

Two synthetic pathways were developed to construct dinucleating ligands towards the synthesis of bimetallic ruthenium-based water oxidation catalysts. The motivation for this work stems from earlier observations of related ligands that are susceptible to oxidative decomposition. The design pursued here incorporates a phthalazine core into the dinucleating ligand, which, we hypothesize, will prevent the previously established cleavage of a pyridazine unit at the same position. The ligand precursors involved in the multi-step syntheses are characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Synthetic protocols were refined to ensure reproducibility. In addition, our hypothesis for which of the two target ligands will …

The Perceived Impact Of Morning Tubs On Elementary Students' Twenty-First Century Skills, Shelby Phillips

Honors Theses

Increasing demands for creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration to be taught in schools puts pressure on educators to incorporate non-cognitive skills into the already rigid curriculum (Battelle for Kids, 2019). While there is ample research on play in the classroom and the importance of teaching twenty-first century skills to elementary students, there is very limited research on teaching twenty-first century skills via morning tubs. Morning tubs elicit skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, motivation, critical thinking, and problem-solving in students (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2009). Therefore, this thesis aims to introduce play to educators as a strategy through …

Tribal Statecraft And Freedom Of Expression In Jordan, Taylor Northcutt

Honors Theses

In this research paper, I investigate the connection between the policies regarding freedom of speech and expression promulgated by the government of Jordan in the decade following the Arab Spring and Jordan’s tribal Bedouin heritage, with a focus on how traditional Bedouin values and attitudes regarding the nature and purpose of public spaces influence modern state policies regarding freedom of expression. In the investigation of this subject, I surveyed a diverse catalog of research covering politics and issues of freedom of expression in Jordan in the 2010s as well as the political and social values of tribal Arab culture in …

Imperfect Immunity And The Stability Of A Modified Kermack-Mckendrick Model, Kaylee Sims

Honors Theses

The classic Kermack-McKendrick model of mathematical epidemiology suggests that a population is only in equilibrium when there is no disease present. In the modern era, we have several cyclic infectious diseases that show no signs of eradication, despite global health measures. In this thesis, we introduce a coefficient of waning immunity in order to produce a modified Kermack-McKendrick model and analyze whether the model yields system stability with a certain amount of infection present. Ultimately, the model is incongruent with real-world case data, with its most glaring failure being exponential dampening of the height of each disease case peak due …

Alphabet Books Aren't For Babies: The Use Of The Alphabet Book In The Secondary Classroom, Chloe Skye Crane

Honors Theses

The goal of this thesis is to examine the role of alphabet books within the secondary classroom through the lens of research potential, development of cultural awareness, and the educational benefits for the secondary learner as well as three different types of alphabet books varying from least to most complex. The literature review supporting this thesis is broken into five sections: what are alphabet books, a closer look at three examples, the research potential in alphabet books, developing cultural awareness and empathy, and educational benefits (which includes subsections for skills developed). Following the literature review is the text of an …

Combatting Consolidation In The United States Banking Industry: An Analysis Of Performance And Strategy Of First National Bank Of Clarksdale, Lydia Johnsey

Honors Theses

This thesis is based on a submission with group members in the 2023 Case Study Competition for the Conference of State Bank Supervisors. This thesis includes additional background information not included in the original competition paper in order to clarify the competition standards and goal of the paper. This thesis evaluates First National Bank of Clarksdale with respect to two areas: financial analysis, which evaluates earnings performance, loan portfolio composition, asset growth, capital levels, and liquidity of the bank; and strategy, which includes staffing, succession, training, and technology strategies instituted by bank management. Data from the bank’s Uniform Bank Performance …

An Examination Of Dyadic Diabetes Self-Management Education For Patients And Care Partners: A Scoping Review, Jessica L. Tucker

Honors Theses

Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programs are crucial in equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills. Involving care partners in diabetes management acknowledges that it is a collaborative effort within a social context, emphasizing the importance of integrating care partners into educational interventions. This approach offers benefits like emotional and practical support, shared responsibility in managing diabetes, enhanced treatment adherence, and improved communication.

To understand this concept better, this review's objectives are defining dyadic relationships, exploring implementation logistics, and assessing program outcomes and limitations to inform future research and program development.

This study revealed inconsistent terminology and definitions …

How Awareness Levels Of Environmental And Ethical Risks Affect Consumer's Perceptions Of Fast Fashion, Antonina Stragapede

Honors Theses

The fast fashion industry is known for its low prices, quick inventory, and its ability to keep up with runway styles. Yet, the amount of risk that comes along with their processes has been kept hidden. The lenient policies in international countries have given the fast fashion industry leverage to create tons of dangerous carbon emissions, as well as keep labor at an inhumane level. The point of our study was to try to create awareness of both ethical and environmental risks through a randomly distributed intervention. Participants were also encouraged to take part in our longitudinal study to determine …

A Marketing Analysis On Disney Cruise Line, Erin Bradley

Honors Theses

The objective of this thesis is to discuss the SWOT analysis and PEST analysis of Disney Cruise Line and to provide recommendations. The SWOT analysis involves identifying the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, while the PEST analysis focuses on analyzing external factors that could impact the company's success such as political economic, sociocultural, and technological factors. The SWOT analysis highlights the opportunities for the company to expand into new destinations, form partnerships and acquisitions, and capitalize on industry growth, while also identifying the threats of competition, changing consumer preferences, and economic downturns. The strengths of the company include its …

Teachers' Perceptions Of The Feasibility Of Tower Garden Implementation In Pre-Kindergarten 4-Year Old Classrooms, Kaitlyn Sills

Honors Theses

Explicit nutrition and gardening education for preschool-aged children is on the decline as health concerns increase (Fryar et al., 2018; Malden et al., 2019). Though the health, social-emotional, and academic benefits of hands-on gardening education are evident in research, many barriers to integration exist that inhibit teachers from implementing gardening into their classrooms (Burt et al., 2018; Heim et al., 2009; Gatto et al., 2011; Lineberger et al., 2000). Tower Gardens, otherwise known as hydro- and aeroponic, vertical gardening systems, offer an alternative to the space and time required for traditional gardening. However, the body of literature surrounding the impacts …

Is My Prescription Ready Yet? A Qualitative Examination Of Patients' Understanding Of The Prescription Filling Process In Community Pharmacies, Maria Sallee

Honors Theses

Long lines at the pharmacy can frustrate patients. Consequently, patients becoming frustrated can add stress to an already overworked pharmacy. Without knowing what patients understand about the often complicated prescription filling process at community pharmacies, it can be difficult for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to communicate the reason behind any delays in patients receiving their medication. To learn what patients understand about the prescription filling process, fifteen interviews were conducted over the phone after mailing recruitment flyers to members of a diabetes research collaborative in North Mississippi. The interviews revealed that while patients have a positive relationship with their pharmacists, …

The Effect Of Cannabinoids And Terpenes On The Activation Of Hmc3 Microglial Cells, Mohamed Marzouk

Honors Theses

Life expectancies of people living with HIV have significantly lengthened due to the availability of antiretroviral therapies. Despite their ability to increase survival, these treatments do not “cure” HIV, nor do the stop the onset of neurological symptoms associated with infection, termed neuroHIV. NeuroHIV describes a myriad of neurological impairments including mood disorders (depression and anxiety), cognitive impairment, neuropathic pain, and motor disinhibition that reduce quality of life for people living with HIV. Mechanistically, the neurological impairments may involve actions of neurotoxic proteins directly produced by the virus. One of these proteins that has been well-characterized is the HIV trans …

Meet Them Where They Are: Investigating The Feasibility And Acceptability Of Artificial Intelligence-Avatar-Delivered Community-Based Psychological First Aid Programming In A University Setting, Sarah Ryann M. Fortner, Joshua Semko, Stefan E. Schulenberg

Honors Theses

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of implementing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) avatar to deliver Community-Based Psychological First Aid training (CBPFA) to undergraduate students in a university setting. College students report high stress levels, and chronic stress is associated with negative physical, mental, and academic outcomes. CBPFA may be an effective way for colleges and universities to provide students with psychosocial support; however, traditional models utilize in-person training, which may not be accessible on a large scale. The present study developed a web-based AI-avatar-delivered CBPFA training to provide an alternative training modality. The …

The Greek Advantage: Implications Of Greek Affiliation On Student Government At The University Of Mississippi, Lila Osman

Honors Theses

Greek life is a prominent group at the University of Mississippi, especially when it comes to membership in the Associated Student Body (ASB). ASB is the student governing body at the University so it is important to analyze its membership to understand how reflective it is of the entire university campus it represents. This research answers the question: “How and to what extent does Greek affiliation affect candidates for student government at the University of Mississippi?” Through two mixed methods surveys, one sent to members elected to ASB in the spring 2022 election cycle and the other to the general …

Prescription Drug Misuse Among Graduate Students: Prevalence And Links To Mental Health And Academic Burnout, Madison De Gruiter

Honors Theses

The aims of this study are to examine the prevalence of prescription drug misuse (PDM) among doctoral students and assess associations between PDM and anxiety and burnout in this population. Additional analyses analyzed differential associations by doctoral degree type (i.e., research versus professional programs). A sample of doctoral students (n=131) affiliated with the University of Mississippi participated in an anonymous survey to assess research aims.

Synthesis Of Tert-Butyl Ester And Ethyl Ester Prodrugs Of L-Gamma-Methyleneglutamic Acid Amides For The Treatment Of Cancer, Tristan D. Tran

Honors Theses

Metabolic pathways differ in cancer cells compared to noncancerous cells. Glutaminolysis is the primary producer of biosynthetic precursors in cancer cells, which allows for the cells to proliferate. In previous publications, the Le lab has established efficient synthetic routes to L-γ-methyleneglutamic acid amides which have shown to be as efficacious as tamoxifen and olaparib in inhibiting the growth of various breast cancer cell lines. These compounds have shown to inhibit the growth of MCF-7, SK-BR-3, and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines after 24 or 72 h of exposure. Furthermore, these compounds were selective in inhibiting the growth of cancer …

Identification Of Signal Transducers In Plant Shoot Gravitropism Using Genetic Screens, Lilla Reed

Honors Theses

Gravitropism is an essential response for plant growth and architecture. The signal transduction pathway that links gravity sensing to gravity response remains unclear because the key signal transducers involved in this pathway are unknown. In this project, we applied an artificial microRNA(amiRNA)-assisted genetic screen in isolating mutants displaying altered gravitropic phenotype in the darkness. Two amiRNA lines showed a significantly decreased gravitropic phenotype in the hypocotyl, and amiRNAs in these lines were identified to target a hypothetical transmembrane protein and a receptor kinase, respectively. Further experiments need to be done to confirm their phenotypes and establish them as signal transducers …

What Happens When A Company's Marketing Strategy No Longer Mirrors The Shopping Trends Of The American Consumer: A Case Study Of Sears, Roebuck And Company, Savannah Burnett

Honors Theses

Once America’s largest mass merchandiser, Sears is a name that remains recognizable for many people. Throughout our country’s history, the U.S. retail industry has often shifted alongside its country’s major historical events. However, one major corporation who once mirrored the ebbs and flows of the United States economy slowly faded out of the minds of the American consumer. This thesis seeks to answer if Sears’ fall from grace was a direct reflection of American consumer trends.

Secondary data was gathered through books accessed from the university library, newspaper articles, scholarly journals, and online news sources, as well as the company’s …

Functional And Location Context Effects On Reading Sentences In Healthy Young Adults: Evidence From Eye Tracking Methods, Elizabeth Baird

Honors Theses

Spreading activation theory proves the way our brains are semantically wired to accept outside information and understand it. Previous studies have demonstrated the effects of spreading activation theory in different settings and activities. These effects are important to understand because they can be used in therapy and assessment for communication disorders. This study explores how the context of sentences affects reading time on noun targets in healthy young adults using an eye tracking method. Specifically, we compared functional and location context types and manipulated the context to be incongruent or congruent to the targets. Our research questions were (1) whether …

The Auditory Radiations And Migraines: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study, Eva Kiparizoska

Honors Theses

Previous literature shows that there is a known correlation between the presence of migraines and hearing loss. The purpose of the current study was to better understand how a history of migraines can affect the integrity of the auditory radiations and the increased risk of hearing loss in individuals with migraine history. We used Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) in order to examine the effect of a history of migraines on the auditory radiation systems in the brain. The DTI neuroimaging data was collected from the Nathan Kline Institute-Rockland Sample, and participants’ demographics closely paralleled the United States demographic distributions. Our …

Kindness Without Barriers: An Investigation Of The Benefits Of Social Organizations For Students With Disabilities, Abby Newton

Honors Theses

While legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) has made monumental progress in education for individuals with disabilities, there is still an evident need for increased accessibility and equity of opportunity within the K-12 environment. IDEA guarantees students with disabilities will receive a Free Appropriate Public Education, but this law does not include discussion on the evolving barriers to social participation students with disabilities often face, and sequentially, the impact this has on one’s learning environment. This report will examine the benefits of extracurricular activities for …

Los Pedrenses: Alternative Tourism, The Spectacle Of Youth, And Struggles For Local Authority In La Pedrera, Uruguay, Gwendelyn Gardner

Honors Theses

Tourism has been a longstanding industry in La Pedrera, a rural beach town along the Atlantic coast of Rocha, Uruguay. The effects of recent forms of tourism massification in the form of los boliches and Carnaval have prompted residents to develop a local discourse and sociopolitical front against youth and mass tourism. This discourse has roots in the strong connection between residents and the environment that has shaped the development of the community as caretakers of the region. Such reasoning is based on interviews with La Pedrera locals, social media analysis, and articles for local and national newspapers in conjunction …

Para Todes: ¿Sí O No? The Use Of Inclusive-Language Alternatives In The Spanish Language In Montevideo, Uruguay, Gabrielle Goulet

Honors Theses

This thesis investigates the attitudes towards the possible implementation of gender-neutral language, through the use of the -e, on official documents and schools in Montevideo, Uruguay, and how the attitudes of Spanish speakers in Uruguay align with the country’s history of inclusivity. In this context, Uruguay is considered an inclusive country because there is evidence of legal changes that promote gender equality, thus creating an gender-inclusive environment. This thesis utilizes a mixed-methods approach which includes both qualitative and quantitative research. The findings show that many people will use inclusive language when asked of them. They also believe that this usage …

A Case Study Of California's Maternal Health Landscape And Recommendations For Mississippi, Kinley Miller

Honors Theses

This paper is a case study of California’s maternal health landscape, reflecting its exceptional approach to the maternal health crisis. I review several policies: the creation of the Maternal Quality Care Collaborative, the Maternal Data Center, and the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, maternal health toolkits, Medicaid expansion, extended postpartum Medicaid coverage, paid family leave, C-Section Honor Roll, and maternal mental health measures. The case study suggests that all of these policies in conjunction with one another correlates with a decrease maternal mortality. California’s proactive approach and ability to mobilize public and private entities are key attributors to its success in …

Ms. Eep's Compass: A Hope-Filled Story Inspired By A Trauma-Informed Teaching Framework, Sadie Stocks

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the literature on childhood trauma, its manifestations in the classroom, and effective trauma-informed teaching practices. The literature indicates the widespread prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the consequences these experiences have on both the developing brains of children and future health risks. While drawing the correlation of this widespread trauma to its common manifestations in the classroom, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs further justifies the indispensable link of safety preceding learning. Trauma-Informed teaching practices include environmental considerations like safety, the value of relationship building, a strengths-based guided classroom, models of self-regulation, developmentally appropriate practice, and an emphasis …

From Concept To Completion: The Multifaceted Process Of Designing, Manufacturing, And Problem-Solving In The Development Of A Horizontal Bumper Plate Rack, Wallace Crain

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to create a bumper plate organizer from concept to final production run to simulate what it would be like to create a new product. The entire Center for Manufacturing Excellence coursework led up to this moment where all of the coursework could be put into practical use. The project began in Spring 2022 and finished in Fall 2022. The team was made of one mechanical engineering major, one civil engineering major, one biology major, one computer science major, and one accounting major. My main focus in this project was on the product design and …

Effects Of Group Ii Metal Binding On The Stability Of Dna I-Motif Structures, Charlotte Powers

Honors Theses

B-form DNA can adopt alternative structures while in superhelical duress. Alternative DNA structures are favored when there is an asymmetric distribution on complementary DNA strands. Cytosine rich strands may utilize cytosine-cytosine base pairing to form a four-stranded structure known as the i-motif (iM). The stability of iMs is affected by several factors such as DNA sequence, temperature, pH, ionic strength of the solution, and crowded conditions. While the effects of temperature, pH, and crowding conditions on iM stability have been well documented, the effects of ion presence in a solution has been less studied. Hence, those studies are the basis …

The Great Transition: A Qualitative Examination Of The Transition From Pharmacy Student To Pharmacist, Jessica Marlee Wilson

Honors Theses

Background: Over the years, community pharmacy practice has expanded and increased the number of responsibilities pharmacists must manage. Tasks such as managing the pharmacy, counseling patients, and administering vaccines are among the duties that pharmacists must carry out. The recent Covid-19 pandemic placed a significant strain on the retail pharmacy work environment and acted as an obstacle to the jobs of community pharmacists. Recent pharmacy graduates are often thrown into this variable work environment, and it seems that there is limited literature regarding the preparedness that they feel in this area of pharmacy work.

Objectives: To uncover the level of …

The New Teacher Of Ideas: A Study On Social Media, Political Influencers, And Generation Z, Brenley Rinaudo

Honors Theses

The current study focuses on members of Generation Z and where they learn about politics and receive political news. Different than previous generations, Generation Z receives news on social media more than on traditional media platforms (Murmuration, 2023). Politicians must quickly begin to understand how to engage and connect with the next generation of voters on these social media platforms. For these reasons, this study surveyed members of Generation Z at The University of Mississippi. Current University of Mississippi students are members of Generation Z and reflect common trends among this Generation, such as constant usage of social media. This …

Southern Sustainability: An Examination Of Waste Management Mechanisms Within The University Of Mississippi Community, Haley Clift

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze and study local mechanisms surrounding waste management at The University of Mississippi. The research study gathers quantitative and qualitative research to make conclusions about sustainability and recycling practices on The University of Mississippi's campus. The thesis discusses whether those practices are effective for those in The University of Mississippi's community based on the data collected and research conducted. The researcher also offers proposals for the University of Mississippi community based on the research conducted.

The gap that exists in the waste management processes at The University of Mississippi was addressed by blending …