Digital Commons Network^™

Skin To Skin: A Mixed-Media Exploration Of The Inheritance Of Identity, Angeline Morgan

Honors Theses

Skin to Skin is a mixed-media project that investigates the inheritance of identity through fine art and anthropological approaches. With a focus on womanhood, maganda (beauty), and Filipino-American culture, Skin to Skin reflects my deconstruction of cultural beauty practices. Growing up, proximity to lightness and darkness was a heavily emphasized metric. I witnessed family members experiment with light, water, and skin-lightening products on their skin. Now, I use alternative process photography to mirror their aesthetic experimentation.

To visually connect darkroom and beauty rituals, I created a series of unique, experimental prints where I treat paper surfaces as skin. I produced …

A Visual Journey Of Diseases, Joanna Ni

Honors Theses

Patient journey maps serve as invaluable tools in healthcare to comprehend and enhance the patient experience. This research explores the significance of patient journey maps in understanding the diverse interactions between patients and healthcare systems. By visualizing each stage of the patient’s experience, from initial symptoms to post-treatment care, the journey maps offer insights into patient needs, preferences, and pain points.

Of the eight patient journey maps identified, most examined a patient’s journey through cancer, and concerned a Canadian patient. Evaluation of these maps revealed that there are many factors that can challenge and facilitate a patient’s journey through the …

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 …

A 360-Degree Approach To Accounting, Kaleel Salloum Iii

Honors Theses

This thesis consists of one year of research related to the modern day accounting and financial industry. There are numerous topics that are covered, with the first four sections being related to one company’s financial statements and operating conditions. Each of these sections includes their own abstract that outlines the scope of the research. The remaining parts of the thesis are topics, events, and industries related to modern day accounting. This research was completed and submitted to the faculty of The University of Mississippi in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College.

Around The World In 80 Days: Navigating Culturally Diverse Texts In Secondary English Education, Abby Boyer

Honors Theses

In the secondary English classroom, the inclusion of diverse texts holds importance in fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment that reflects the realities and complexities of our diverse world. Diverse texts encompass a wide range of voices, perspectives, and experiences that represent various cultures, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. By incorporating such texts into the curriculum, educators not only honor the diversity of their students but also provide them with opportunities to engage critically with different narratives, develop empathy, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human experience.
Moreover, diverse texts offer …

Exploring The Cultural Influences On Sexual And Reproductive Health Behaviors: A Cross-Cultural Study Of Asian American And Caucasian Female College Students, Emilee Ly

Honors Theses

This capstone honors project aims to investigate the influence of cultural backgrounds on the healthcare behaviors of Asian American and Caucasian college students. The main research question of this focus group study is: “How do cultural backgrounds influence healthcare behaviors, including communication, seeking, and access to sexual and reproductive health, information, and services, among Asian American and Caucasian female college students?”

Drawing upon the World Health Organization’s 2003 Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework, this study explores how structural determinants, social networks, cultural backgrounds, and healthcare systems factors collectively influence the way female college students communicate, seek, and have access …

Bargaining On The Nile: Modeling The Impact Of The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd) On Egyptian And Ethiopian Negotiations, Madeleine Rachel Dotson

Honors Theses

This thesis investigates the role of dams in bargaining and analyzes the current conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Dams are analyzed using a strategic competitive market model. The model demonstrates the asymmetrical power balance between an upstream and downstream state. Ultimately, the model shows that the upstream state can reduce its quantity with relatively less lost potential than the downstream state’s benefits. Thus, upstream- downstream cooperation can generate positive net gains from trade. In the context of Egypt and Ethiopia, bargaining failures are certainly possible. However, a quota could increase the net gains …

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 …

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.

Storytelling Through Silence, Karaline S. Kendzora

Honors Theses

A few of the earliest forms of communication between people include talking, dancing, and singing. Storytelling is a popular art form of communication that is used to convey stories. Storytelling can be conveyed through talking, dancing, and singing. These stories can be told using spoken language to recall a specific event that happened and the emotions one felt during this event. According to the National Storytelling Network, storytelling is used to “encourage the active imagination of the listener” (2023). This means that a storyteller presents their story and the audience actively listens or watches to interpret its meaning. Typically, spoken …

Examining The Implications Of A Significant Cyberattack On U.S. Infrastructure, Jenna F. Riel

Honors Theses

In the modern era, the internet is becoming just as essential to the functioning of our everyday lives as food and water. Virtually everything we do relies on modern technology in some capacity, allowing our world to function efficiently. The technology that we have available has made our world smaller in a sense, because digital interconnectedness has allowed us to communicate with anyone no matter where they are on the globe in a matter of seconds, with the tap of a finger. This idea, once a phenomenon only possible in storybooks, has come to life but is not without its …

Case Study Analysis: Exploring Johnson & Johnson's 1982 Tylenol Contamination Crisis And Ongoing Talcum Powder Crisis Through The Six Principles Of Crisis And Emergency Risk Communication, Caroline Tibbs

Honors Theses

In 2002, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed a new field of communication, called Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC). With the creation of this new field, the CDC developed a streamlined CERC guidebook in order to provide a standard for the crisis communication strategies and responses of specifically healthcare organizations, but any organization can benefit from utilizing the CERC framework. The CDC also identified six key principles of CERC, which are as follows: response time (“be first”), accuracy (“be right”), credibility (“be credible”), having empathy (“express empathy”), promotion of actions (“promote actions”), and respectfulness (“show respect”). …

Far Beyond Words: Analyzing Information Gained Through Nonverbal Communication Across Neurologically Diverse Populations, Addison Bracken

Honors Theses

Nonverbal communication (NVC) refers to all communicative acts except speech that convey messages through signals. Humans perceive and express emotional information through nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, proximity, body language and movement, gestures, eye contact, and haptics. NVC can be just as if not more informative than verbal language as long as the observer is aware of the communication’s meaningful cues. Recognizing the varying nonverbal communicative abilities of a neurologically diverse population allows for more significant interpersonal communication. Despite the different trends of NVC comprehension for populations with varying levels of neurological ability, these paralinguistic cues prove to be …

Reimagining Work: Examining Work Under The Fair Labor Standards Act, Dustin W. Tucker

Honors Theses

The Fair Labor Standards Act is a document created in 1938 to protect workers in the United States. This literature review points to the idea that times have changed. The research presents a timeline to understand the fight for labor standards in the United States. Americans at one point in time were working 14-hour days leaving little to no room for anything else. The research presented offers context to working standards in America. The paper examines the Fair Labor Standards Act through a multi-perspective lens to understand how exactly the document meant to protect workers might be contributing to long …

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 Relationship Between Sun Protective Behavior, Health Beliefs, Attitudes, And Norms Of Sun Exposure Among College Athletes, Avery B. Snyder

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to access the relationship between sun protective behavior, health beliefs, attitudes, and norms of sun exposure among college athletes. An electronic survey was provided to student athletes for about two weeks in October of 2023. Prior to student participation the Institutional Review Board approved the protocol and data collection. The survey was sent to the students by the athletic director through an app called Teamworks that connects to all the athletes at Coastal Carolina. The majority of students who took the survey reported they did not wear sunscreen in past games/practices. Of those who …

Exploitation Of The Screaming: Sexual Violence In Horror Film, Chloe Watson

Honors Theses

Sexual violence has been routinely represented in film since the start of cinema, and these representations can vary greatly depending on the time, director, and genre. In the horror genre specifically, representations of sexual violence are common. Male directors, in particular, create stories of female-centered sexual violence, which can come across as authentic or exploitative. Films such as It Follows and Last Night in Soho display sexual violence in more acceptable ways, while films like All Hallows’ Eve and The Devil’s Rejects exploit the experience for various reasons. The exploitative films have detrimental effects on an audience member’s mentality, as …

Understanding The Accounting Of Agilysys' Current Business Model And Other Economic Activities, Brick Gore

Honors Theses

Agilysys operates out of the hospitality software industry and has seen a recent incline in volume due to the convenience and advancements of technology. They point of sale systems make it simple to conduct transactions; therefore, while the hospitality companies were negatively impacted during Covid-19, they were still able to sustain. Agilysys is posed a threat from operational risks, such as global climate change and rising interest rates as their products are many times located in luxurious environments; however, their current business model allows them to reduce this risk. From an auditor’s perspective, there are riskier accounts, and without a …

Student-Parent Needs: A Study At Coastal Carolina University, Breton Poster

Honors Theses

This article focuses on Student-Parents as an under-represented group on Coastal Carolina University’s (CCU) campus. Student-Parents face many additional difficulties in their college experience, compared to traditional students. The goal of this study is to bring attention to the needs of student-parents on CCU’s campus and determine how certain stress factors related to being a student-parent can influence their college experience. We found that a majority of student-parents on CCU’s campus faced high levels of financial stress, academic stress, and social stress. As a result, we suggest providing additional resources for student-parents to use on CCU’s campus to help combat …

Opportunity And Oversight: The Nil And College Football Through The Lens Of Ole Miss, Emma Harrington

Honors Theses

Since 2021, student-athletes have been reaping financial benefits of the commercialized use of their name, image, and likenesses (NIL). In addition to engaging in direct endorsement contracts with third party businesses, student-athletes are likewise working with NIL collectives to secure novel forms of funding opportunities. In this thesis, the current system of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) utilized in collegiate athletics will be examined. While NIL can be a beneficial source of income and exposure to student athletes across the country, the set of rules, or lack thereof, in effect is not substantial enough to maintain a safe and healthy …

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 …

Emotional Experiences Of Black U.S. Computer Science And Engineering Students Amid Faculty-Student Interactions, Kyle Shanachilubwa

Honors Theses

Black students encounter unique challenges in computer science and engineering education. Chief among these is a disconnect with faculty due to a lack of mentorship and difficulties in interactions with faculty. Despite these challenges, Black students bring many engineering and computer science assets. This study aims to understand the emotional experiences of Black students in computer science and engineering education. We present an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to answer the questions: (1) How do Black students experience faculty-student interactions in computer science and engineering education? (2) How do Black students experience professional shame in these interactions? To answer these research …

Analysis Of Toyota And The Automobile Industry, Dylan Saltzman

Honors Theses

Toyota is an automobile company that has dominated the market for many recent years. The cars that we have today are a lot different than the ones we had two hundred years ago. Innovations in car technology were possible by entrepreneur’s who wanted to make a difference in the world. Now, there are so many different options of cars to buy. This paper will outline the three main different types of fuel sources for cars, the pros and cons of each, and determine which consumers want the most. It will then go into what Toyota and its competitors have done, …

Social Media Reliance And College Students' Tendency To Conform To Online Behaviors And Trends, Emily Grucello

Honors Theses

The importance of social media is undeniable among college students who frequently turn to online platforms as a form of recreation. While researchers have analyzed the influence of social media on emotional factors, fewer researchers have investigated if reliance on social media has an impact on public behavior and conformity habits. Therefore, the current study assesses if user reliance on two common platforms, TikTok and Instagram, are associated with conformity levels. Data collection came from a sample of 124 college-aged participants. Results found a significant correlation between conformity and Instagram reliance (r = .31, p < .001), as well as conformity and TikTok reliance (r = .32, p < .001), such that higher levels of conformity was associated with higher reliance on Instagram and TikTok. These findings highlight the importance of understanding how consumption of social media has the potential to alter the decisions and behaviors of young adults.

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.

The Stories That Matter From The People Who Care: Interviewing The Mentors Of The Women’S Business Leadership Center, Megan Nicole Gray

Honors Theses

Women across the nation face barriers that include a pay gap, under representation, caregiving expectations, threats of sexual violence, and more. Barriers related to the workplace are significant due to their impact on a woman’s autonomy, particularly in Arkansas. The Women’s Business Leadership Center on the Arkansas State University campus provided an excellent opportunity to investigate the life experiences of women in Arkansas who recognize barriers to women and confront them. Eleven mentors of the WBLC at ASU were interviewed to document such life experiences. Regarding mentorship, participants shared that they built support systems, received their own benefits, commonly had …

Exploring The Impact Of The Coaching Relationship On College Student-Athlete Mental Health, Miya Carmichael, Julia Vasquez

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the factors of the coach-athlete relationship that influence athletes’ mental health and to find ways to improve the quality of this relationship. A total of 8 eligible participants in the qualitative study were asked to complete an individual interview session where they answered questions about their personal experiences with coaches as collegiate athletes. We will be searching for the essential structures of the coach-athlete relationship by studying multiple examples of it and finding what experiences athletes have in common. The results of this qualitative study have shown coaching behaviors that promote fear …

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 …