Digital Commons Network^™

Characterization Of Shinella 6-Hydroxy-(L)-Nicotine Oxidase (6hlno-Se), Kaitrin Funckes

Honors Theses

6-hydroxy-(L)-nicotine oxidase, isolated from the organism Shinella sp. HZN7 (6HLNO-SE), is an enzyme that during the catabolism of nicotine catalyzes the oxidation of (S)-6-hydroxynicotine to 6-hydroxypseudeooxynicotine. This enzyme is a member of the monoamine oxidase (MAO) structural family of flavoproteins, which contain a highly conserved FAD-binding domain. Within the binding domain is a conserved lysine residue that can be traced throughout evolutionary history in this family. 6HLNO isolated from Arthrobacter nicotinovorans serves as a model enzyme for the one isolated from Shinella as both catalyze the same reaction in this biochemical pathway and much has been studied about the Arthrobacter …

The Rotational Period Distribution Of Massive Magnetic White Dwarfs, Zorayda Martinez

Honors Theses

Rapidly rotating white dwarfs (WDs) have the potential to come about by either double degenerate mergers or weak coupling between the core and the outer envelope during the asymptotic giant branch (AGB). For both cases, knowledge of the rotational period distribution places tight constraints on the evolution of angular momentum transfer. Here we present initial results from a study of the rotational period distribution of 19 massive (M > 0:9M), magnetic, DA WDs observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and 17 observed with ground-based telescopes and analyzed with the Lightkurve python package. We present periodograms, folded light curves, and …

The Impact Of Staffing Shortages In Healthcare, Sana Syed

Honors Theses

Healthcare is an industry in which staff is imperative. No matter the advancement of technology, people are always needed to fulfill certain roles that are crucial for the patient’s quality of care and safety. Adequate staffing is a fundamental component of healthcare. As safety is a top priority for patients and healthcare workers, it is important to understand how this is compromised when there is inadequate staffing on the floor. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced retention rates as employees reached burnout during a time of distress and uncertainty. As hospital units were flooded with patients becoming increasingly ill, the safety …

Psychological Influences On Problem-Solving Following Lab-Induced Learned Helplessness, Aqdas Khan

Honors Theses

The purpose of the present study was to examine psychological influences on problem-solving following lab-induced learned helplessness. There are several related psychological constructs in the literature that appear relevant. These have been typically examined in isolation in various sub-fields within psychology. Determining which is most influential, and their unique and overlapping contributions, could provide important conceptual clarity and point to ways to streamline and guide targets of psychological intervention. The constructs of interest were: need for cognition, psychological flexibility, grit, learned helplessness (LH) attributional style, cognitive fusion, and the Big 5 personality trait of neuroticism. A within-subjects correlational research group …

The Public Trust Doctrine: Roman Law Roots And Future In Environmental Litigation, Phoebe Liccardo

Honors Theses

The public trust is an ancient and enduring legal doctrine. With roots in Roman law, the public trust persists through English law, and into the United States. Scholars and jurists in the field of Roman and environmental law do not all agree on the history and continuity of the public trust doctrine (PTD). There are those who argue the Roman law introducing a public trust did not assert the same protections present in the doctrine today. Conversely, there are those who believe the Roman law did enshrine similar protections, and further, that it calls for an expansion of PTD in …

The Impact Of The War In Gaza On Pediatric Mental Health, Noura Warsi

Honors Theses

Due to the military occupation and numerous violent wars that occur in the Gaza Strip, current research depicts that these occurrences not only suscept children to physical harm, but are also detrimental to children’s mental health, causing lasting consequences if left untreated. The purpose of this project is to understand and analyze the impact of the wars, specifically the 2021 war, and the military occupation on Gaza’s pediatric mental health. Unfortunately, children in Gaza, as well as parents, teachers, health care providers, and mental health counselors have the unique problem of navigating mental health crises in children who experience continuous …

Blood Flow Restriction Therapy As A Treatment In Rehabilitation, Sara Barr

Honors Theses

Blood flow restriction therapy, also known as BFR, is a treatment that is gaining popularity in the realm of rehabilitation and personal fitness. Commonly, BFR is used along with resistance training in physical therapy clinics for patients post-surgically, post injury, and for general muscle weakness (Congetti et al., 2022). BFR utilizes occlusion and pooling of blood, along with triggering the physiological processes of resistance training to decrease the hypertrophic threshold of a muscle (Congetti et al., 2022). This literature review aims to investigate the effects of BFR on patients in physical therapy after surgery by examining the history and origin …

Une Politique Laïque: L’Utilisation De La Laïcité Dans Les Discours Politiques Français, Zachary Holmes

Honors Theses

La politique française est fortement liée avec la laïcité, comme on peut voir avec son utilisation dans les discours des politiciens. Elle a la capacité d’unifier les gens sous un idéal commun, mais elle peut aussi faire des divisions dans la société. Donc, il faut considérer comment on veut traiter l’idée en France. Il est impossible de dire comment elle va faire partie du futur, mais il est clair que, pour le moment, elle est un outil important pour les politiciens qui veulent avancer leurs programmes différents. Il est probable qu’elle continuerait à être une idée puissante dans les prochaines …

Design And Implementation Of Test Stand Upgrades For Investigating Gearset Churning Losses With Baffles, Matthew Martin

Honors Theses

The automotive industry is continually researching ways to decrease energy losses in drivetrain applications. Rotating gear sets in an oil bath suffer frictional losses due to oil churning. The Center for Advanced Vehicle Design and Simulation (CAViDS) consortium has proposed studies to understand and reduce these churning losses. The primary means to reduce these churning losses are to redirect the oil flow using baffles and/or alter the oil viscosity. To perform churning loss optimization under controlled conditions, an existing test stand was upgraded to improve safety, introduce oil temperature control, and allow for the interchange of baffle designs. For safety, …

Intimate Partner Violence In Nursing Students: Prevalence And Impact Of Educational Workshop, Sara Michalowski

Honors Theses

Introduction

The overall purpose of this study was to understand the prevalence of intimate partner violence in nursing students and assess the amount of education and knowledge that nursing students have on this topic. In addition, resources were provided to the students. Suggestions for improvement are also provided for the nursing staff and faculty. There is currently little education being provided to nursing students regarding intimate partner violence, which leads to unpreparedness in the nurse role and failure to recognize abusive situations in their personal lives. The qualitative data is limited regarding the prevalence of intimate partner violence in nursing …

Optimization Of Material Flow Of Woodshop Through Layout Redesign, Madison Wegner

Honors Theses

A local high-design outdoor site furniture company – Landscape Forms – worked with the senior design team to create alternative layouts for the woodshop within the company. This senior project will offer three categories of alternative layouts: short, mid, and long term. By offering multiple time frame layouts, Landscape Forms will be able to implement changes based on time frame and need. A project plan indicates all tasks required to meet these objectives as well as a timeline for accomplishing this plan. Research including worker movement diagrams, stakeholder interviews incorporating woodshop employees and engineers, a man and machine utilization study, …

Recidivism Rates In The United States Versus Europe: How And Why Are They Different?, Madalyn Hayden

Honors Theses

Recidivism rates in the United States (70%) are almost triple that of most European countries (20% in Norway). The question that this project aims to answer is “How and Why are Recidivism Rates in the United States and Europe Different?”. High recidivism rates like the ones we have in the United States indicate that a criminal justice system is perpetuating a crime cycle, rather than rehabilitating or reforming its prisoners. High recidivism rates in the United States are first and foremost caused by high incarceration rates and high juvenile incarceration rates. Other causes are a focus on punishment in our …

Computer Organization And Assembly Language Embedded Firmware Overhaul, Elaine Yun Ru Chan

Honors Theses

The WMU Computer Organization and Assembly Language class has encountered some difficulties in the past several years regarding the procurement of required hardware and software for the curriculum. This has led to a number of challenges for students, including:

• Difficulty in obtaining the necessary hardware and software

• Inability to complete assignments and projects due to hardware or software failures

• Frustration and anxiety caused by the challenges of the course

To address these challenges, a new choice of embedded firmware was researched and developed. This firmware allows for more reliable flashing of the MSP430 Microcontroller and remains reliable on modern operating …

Thermal Control For A Miniaturized Fabry-Perot Interferometer In A Cubesat, Callie Pilkington

Honors Theses

The evaluation of neutral winds is critical in understanding the ever-changing weather and climate of the thermosphere, which can develop into a hostile environment for satellites. To measure these neutral winds, Michigan Aerospace Corporation is developing a 6U CubeSat that utilizes a miniaturized Fabry-Perot interferometer. For ideal operation, the Fabry-Perot interferometer requires a closely maintained thermal environment. These requirements are crucial in obtaining accurate measurements and for sustaining instrument and mission life due to the vast temperature range experienced in the thermosphere. With the solutions outlined in this proposal, the goal is to provide Michigan Aerospace with an optimized configuration …

Analysis And Mitigation Of Pneumatic Regulator Resonance, Luke Fouch

Honors Theses

Internal resonance in pneumatic regulators can result in heavy leakage, which can lead to less efficient processes. To address this issue, two simulations were developed to simulate pneumatic regulation systems. The first simulation involved deriving a mathematical model of the equations of motion for a regulator and applying it using MATLAB. The second simulation involved developing a Simulink model that incorporated physical regulator properties. To verify the accuracy of both models, physical testing data was used. After verification, the models were modified in various ways to determine the main drivers of resonance in pneumatic systems. Additionally, Finite Element Analysis was …

High Power Rocket Motor Test Bench, Jonathan Wine

Honors Theses

Static ground testing of rocket motors is used to gather performance data and troubleshoot the propulsion system, allowing propulsion engineers to compare actual characteristics to the designed parameters. It is also used in the development and validation of new propulsion systems and alterations to the fuel and oxidizer mixtures. Test benches are used to continuously collect data throughout the burn of a rocket motor, which allows engineers to plot the thrust as a function of time. This plot, a thrust curve, displays several important pieces of information about a rocket motor. This information is crucial to allow astronautical engineers to …

Perceptions Of Long Distance Relationships, Kayli Maucione

Honors Theses

In an era of technological innovation, individuals are more likely than ever to participate in long-distance romantic relationships. Previous research indicates that technology plays an important role in the maintenance of LDRRs, yet young adults seem to have a negative predisposition toward the prospect of being in an LDRR themselves despite their prevalence. A mixed-method online survey distributed to 311 undergraduate students revealed that strong indicators of attitude toward LDRRs are based on observations, opinions of others, past experiences, and TV shows/movies. Ultimately, these responses indicate that a predisposition toward LDRRs does exist, yet most young adults continue to engage …

Design Of A Dynamometer Test Platform For Formula Sae Internal Combustion And Electric Powertrains, Ryan Bare

Honors Theses

This dynamometer project was completed for the Formula SAE team at Western Michigan University and aimed to deliver a functional and safe engine dynamometer test stand. Formula SAE is a student organization that designs and manufactures a new formula style race car from the ground up every year to compete at an international collegiate competition. The purpose of the dynamometer is to allow the team to tune their internal combustion (IC) engine and the newly developed electric powertrain (EV). The engine dynamometer is important to the Formula team as it will allow engine tuning and diagnosis prior to the completion …

Veterans Memorial Park In Colon, Mi, Madelyn Landry

Honors Theses

Located in St. Joseph County, MI, the Village of Colon offers a charming small-town feel and a close connection with nature. For this project, our team will be working to create a new design for a small community park located in the downtown area of Colon along the shores of Palmer Lake. The American Legion is seeking to re-imagine the park into a Veterans memorial to celebrate the service of village residents who have served in the armed forces. Elements requested to be incorporated into the memorial include granite stonework with etched displays, flags for each branch of the military, …

Resting-State Functional Connectivity Of The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex In Parkinson's Disease: A Longitudinal Study, Kaler Terry

Honors Theses

Understanding the role of brain network reallocation and adaptation within neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, is key in tracking disease progression and identifying potential biomarkers. In recent years, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) has been applied in order to better understand the cognitive decline and overall pathophysiology in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The present study aimed to determine the potential role of functional connectivity changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. This is a key brain region associated with cognitive skills and executive functions. Using rs-fMRI, clinical, and demographic data obtained from the Parkinson's …

Magic As Political Might: Harry Potter, Authoritarianism, And Youth Political Behavior, Alexis Cobbs

Honors Theses

This thesis examines how authoritarian structures found in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series affect the political thoughts and behaviors of its readers, particularly those who read them at young ages. By examining how Rowling depicts authoritarianism and its opposition in the books, I hypothesized that increased exposure would correlate to an increased impact on readers’ political opinions. To test this hypothesis, I created an original survey designed to measure levels of exposure and participation in the Harry Potter fandom as well as respondents’ political opinions. I asked respondents to provide different examples of authoritarianism and its opposition in the books …

Early Life Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure Of F0 Zebrafish Causes Hyperactivity In F1 Offspring, Jenna Cripe

Honors Theses

As cannabis increases in its accessibility, potency, and acceptance across the United States, investigation into the multigenerational effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure during key stages of development is critical. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there would be behavioral impacts in the F1 offspring following a dose-response of THC exposure (0.08, 0.4, or 1 µM) during development in the F0 generation. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) were utilized in this study. Behaviors (locomotive activity and anxiety-like behavior) in the F1 generation were evaluated at 120 hours post-fertilization (hpf) with the larval photometer response (LPR) assay, and at 3, 11, …

Communication Theory Analysis Of Coda Movie, Lindsay Casey

Honors Theses

This undergraduate honors thesis addresses how the hearing community views and treats the d/Deaf community. The contents of this thesis include a literature review, communication theory, and qualitative analysis of the film, CODA (2021). Findings leave the hearing community with three main suggestions to implement when interacting with the d/Deaf community. These suggestions include acknowledging the daily communication struggle amongst members of the d/Deaf community, maintenance in a conversation may lead to exploitation and finally, due to different speech codes we should enact cultural respect towards others.

The literature review consists of an overview of the d/Deaf community’s history including …

Traveling With A Purpose: Sustainable Tourism, Nina Rossman

Honors Theses

The act of traveling is often seen as exciting for many travelers looking for adventure or to experience something different than their everyday routines. However, many current tourism trends force negative burdens onto local communities and environments. For instance, when development increases consumption in an area where natural resources are scarce to begin with, it can put pressure on those resources. There is a certain level of visitor use that an environment can manage; negative impacts occur when the changes in visitor use exceed this limit.[1]

While tourist destinations experience negative impacts from the tourism industry, tourism also supports …

Connections Through Contrast: The Built Environment Embracing Fine Art Exhibition, Josilyn Welch

Honors Theses

An emotionally immersive experience within a museum setting can foster feelings of belonging, engagement, exploration, understanding and connection. Providing an environment where empathetic immersion can be achieved through physical, psychological, and social enablers lead to transformative experiences for the visitor. To promote physical, psychological, and social enablers within the museum setting to promote empathetic immersion within its visitors, this museum will consider the following strategies:

Physical Enablers: The museum space will address physical enablers by including environmental features such as diverse opportunities for seating, immersive lighting techniques, and curated finish selections for individual exhibit spaces as well as interactive displays …

Cannabidiol (Cbd) & The Confused Consumer: How A Lack Of Leadership And Education Is Stunting Cbd Growth, Katelyn Wandel

Honors Theses

This paper expands upon previous research conducted to observe and determine the impact and relationships of factors like knowledge, trust, and intent to purchase for controversial products among consumers. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the primary controversial product further explored in this paper. The objective of this paper is to analyze the results in this research and how they relate to the question would clearer regulations, more standardization, legal guidelines, and general knowledge enhancement impact overall product trust and purchase intent of products? In addition to this primary research objective, analysis of sources and factors that impact and threaten the level of …

The Role Of The Pcc And Acc In Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Functional Connectivity Study, Claudia Gonzalez

Honors Theses

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts behavior control and social skills. Currently, ASD diagnoses are largely qualitative; thus, having more quantitative means of identification would aid in earlier diagnosis of ASD. However, more research is needed to pinpoint observable neurobiological markers of ASD. Our study focused on the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) due to past evidence suggesting its involvement in ASD symptomatology. The PCC has been linked to behavioral control and executive functioning. Moreover, previous studies support executive functioning’s responsibility for the repetitive and restricted behaviors (RRB) in ASD.

Method: Our study sought to …

Occupational Justice In The Justice System: The Impact Of Occupational Therapy On Incarcerated Americans, Cassidy Cain

Honors Theses

In the United States alone, there are two million people being held in prison and four million people on parole or probation. Of those released, over half will return to prison in a year. This is an alarmingly high rate of recidivism and incarceration compared to other developed nations. The United States prison system fails to rehabilitate inmates and instead equips them with maladaptive skills that will hinder their success outside of the prison. Inmates are suffering from occupational injustice, which can be detrimental to their ability to succeed outside of the prison system. Implementing occupational therapists into the prison …

Expanding Upon Excitation: The Observance Of Nonlinearity In Alexandrite, Katherine A. Stephens

Honors Theses

Nonlinear optical effects are a light-matter interaction that can be observed when multiple optical fields drive a response in the material under excitation. To determine whether or not an effect is present in alexandrite, a beryl stone doped with chromium ions, literature reviews were conducted and research regarding the theory around the nonlinear multiphoton was performed. Safety measures for the laboratory and previous research using the same laser were also examined. This was taken into account when performing original experiments to measure a potential effect from a laser interaction with alexandrite. After an initial experiment was adjusted to filter out …

Made In China?: Analyzing The Decline In Offshoring To The Prc, Michael B. Peake

Honors Theses

This paper will primarily discuss globalization, primarily around the movement of manufacturing in and out of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This thesis analyzes both qualitative and quantitative data in order to estimate the true motivators for moving manufacturing to China (i.e., offshoring), and reasons why not to move manufacturing to China, or even reasons to move manufacturing back from China (i.e., reshoring). This thesis also considers potential alternative options for countries in the case that a company may be looking to outsource manufacturing but may still want some of the advantages of offshoring their manufacturing. This thesis thus …