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The Effects Of Cochlear Implantation And Educational Audiology Services On Language Skills: A Case Study, Madison Josey

Honors Theses

Purpose

Hearing loss can affect many aspects of a child’s life, particularly their language abilities and academic performance. Literature shows that children with hearing loss are more likely to have language deficits compared to their hearing peers (Tomblin et al., 2015). The degree to which language skills are affected has been shown to correlate with various factors, such as age of identification, hearing levels, and amount of speech and language intervention (Delage & Tuller, 2020; Shojaei et al., 2016). The aim of this research study was to assess how cochlear implantation and speech-language intervention affects the language skills and academic …

Compilation Of Cases Investigating Principles Of Accounting, Celia Sullivan

Honors Theses

This thesis is composed of two semesters worth of investigative cases into different aspects of the accounting field. There are 10 cases that each offer a unique perspective on varying aspects of accounting as a profession. Each case posed a different issue or controversy in the profession and proposed answers to the questions asked. The thesis shows a well-rounded understanding of the applications of accounting and the Generally Accepted Principles of Accounting. These cases were created and completed within the Accounting 420 course taught by Professor Victoria Dickinson in the fall and spring semesters of 2020.

Analyzing The Lifecycle Of A Modular Cutting Board From Design To Production, Caitlin O'Connor, Achintya Prasad

Honors Theses

This Capstone project is intended to demonstrate the process of product development for a modular cutting board from design to production by applying manufacturing principles, utilizing the stage-gate format, and developing a marketing plan. The guiding principles for the project would be the implementation of lean manufacturing and analyzing the quality, performance, lifecycle cost, and time needed for market introduction. Team voting and assignment occurred in Manufacturing 451 in Fall 2020, and the project was completed during Spring 2021. Teams were required to meet outside of class time in order to discuss ideas and build designs. Lab times were scheduled …

Microplastic Pollution: Analytical Method Development And Current Policy, Klara Missling

Honors Theses

Microplastics pollution is an emerging research and policy topic. Standardized methods are not yet established for scientific studies or compliance with legislation requiring monitoring of microplastics. This study combines the work done in the laboratory detecting and counting microplastics in samples from the Mississippi River and in oysters from the Mississippi Sound with a literature review on microplastic pollution policy. In the laboratory, I helped prepare samples for analyses using a novel one-pot method that led to a publication in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. Later, I compared visual counting of microplastics stained with Nile Red dye using a …

An Analysis Of Accounting Through The Use Of Case Studies, David Fowler

Honors Theses

Over the 2019-2020 school year, I participated in Accounting 420, an honors accountancy class designed to take students through complex accounting topics in the form of case studies. We used a variety of resources, including videos, articles, financial statements, and interviewees. Each case presented a new opportunity to learn a different accounting topic that often had no relation to the others. This class allowed students such as me to gain a deeper understanding of present-day accounting news and trends and reflect on the errors of the past.

Furthermore, we were given significant exposure to many different accounting professionals from across …

The Effects Of Fictional Literature On Real-World Perceptions Of Students, Dylan Dowty

Honors Theses

The ways in which fiction affect the perceptions of high school students’ realities are many, and they vary widely depending on the book read. While lessons can be learned from every fictional book, certain types of books are more beneficial and relevant for students. Young adult literature, while often overlooked, is a significant source of students’ perspective shifts and metacognition. Every book has a lesson that it can teach students, but contemporary young adult literature deserves to be taught in schools alongside the classics in order for students to make personal connections with the texts they read and take an …

Evaluation Of Whether Habitual Physical Activity Is Associated With An Attenuated Memory Interference Effect, Lilianne Belle Mckissack

Honors Theses

The relationship between exercise and memory is notable. Recently, there has been a sparked interest in studying the effects of exercise on attenuating memory interference. There have been several studies that have investigated whether acute exercise can attenuate memory interference. However, this thesis specifically studies the effects of habitual physical activity on attenuating the memory interference effect, which has been infrequently studied. One-hundred and nine young adults completed an online survey evaluating their physical activity behavior and memory interference, assessed via an AB/AC paradigm. We were effective in inducing proactive interference (p = .001), but physical activity was not …

Open Vs. Closed Skill Acute Exercise On Emotional Memory, Ashley Lovorn

Honors Theses

ABSTRACT ASHLEY LOVORN: Acute Open vs. Closed Skill Exercise on Emotional Memory (Under the direction of Dr. Paul D. Loprinzi)

Accumulating research suggests that acute exercise may influence emotional memory. However, there is limited research on this topic evaluating which modality of exercise elicits the greatest effects on emotional memory. The purpose of this thesis experiment was to evaluate if treadmill exercise (closed-skill) has a differential impact on emotional memory relative to racquetball exercise (open-skill). One-hundred and ninety- three participants were recruited and divided into three groups: closed-skill (N=65), open- skill (N=65) and control (N=64). Prior to exercise, each of …

Oxidative Potential And Composition Of Fine Particulate Matter At Two Locations In Mississippi, Victoria Claire Stevens

Honors Theses

Air pollution exposure has negative health effects on individuals across the globe. Negative impacts on human health have been documented in studies following both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution, and these adverse effects have been seen even at the lowest levels of exposure. Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) has specifically been linked to these negative health effects. These effects come from many sources, but one large contribution to the negative health effects comes from oxidative stress. In this study, samples were collected from Hernando, MS and Gulfport, MS in September 2013 and November 2013. Black carbon (BC) …

Covid-19 And Challenges To The Traditional Understanding Of Individual Medical Autonomy, Callon A. Green

Honors Theses

Throughout history, vaccines have provided the human population with the ability to combat dangerous illnesses and avoid preventable suffering. Despite the benefits vaccines provide to the public health of the United States, anti-vaccination sentiment and resistance to vaccine uptake are still prevalent in the modern day. As the COVID-19 pandemic has developed into a major public health crisis that can be controlled through vaccination, the issues underlying vaccine resistance are becoming more critical to return to normal life. Using COVID-19 as a case study, it is evident that the individual choice to deny vaccination can have consequences on the health …

A Tale Of Two Companies: The Importance Of Public Relations Amidst The Shift Towards Corporate Activism, Olivia Schwab

Honors Theses

By comparing the controversies that stemmed from Papa John’s John Schnatter and CrossFit’s Greg Glassman, some obvious public relations strategies stand out, including but not limited to understanding an audience, adapting to a changing environment, establishing a crisis communications plan, and taking controversial stands on issues close to the audience’s hearts. Most importantly though, if companies preach messages of social change, they must follow up on their stances with corrective action to do their best to help facilitate it in society.

While examining the history of corporate activism, it is clear why and how some corporations become the victims of …

An Overview Of Select Accounting Topics Through Case Studies And Research, James Pugh

Honors Theses

During the calendar year of 2020, amongst all the turmoil surrounding our world, I had the privilege of taking part in Dr. Dickinson’s Honors 420 course. I will be forever grateful for the fresh and in-depth outlook she imparted on me in terms of my profession and the topic of accounting as a whole. This thesis is an overview of several broad and important accounting topics, along with various world-wide economic and financial reporting issues that have changed the accounting profession. This thesis has allowed strengthen my understanding of the subject of accountancy. The University of Mississippi, accounting students of …

Serine And Glutathione Biosynthesis In Breast Cancer Subclones That Preferentially Metastasize To Lung And Bone, Noah Thornton

Honors Theses

Metastatic breast cancers show distinct preferences to metastasize to lung and bone tissue. Transcriptomic analysis of lung-specific (LM) and bone-specific (BoM) subclones derived from the MDA-231 breast cancer line have identified differential expression of genes that may mediate this tissue-specific metastasis, but metabolic differences have not been systematically studied. If common metabolic phenotypes emerge in metastatic cancers having preferences for different organs, then such ‘metabolic plasticity’ may offer new therapeutic targets for treatment of specific metastases. Changes in glutathione (GSH) and serine synthesis may contribute to tissue-specific proliferation because of their roles in redox homeostasis, biosynthetic reactions including nucleotide synthesis, …

Examining Public Water Systems Servicing Schools And Childcare Facilities To Inform Policy: A Study Of Lead Exposure In The Mississippi Delta, William Farmer

Honors Theses

Abstract

This study was initiated with the intent of identifying elementary schools and childcare facilities in the Mississippi Delta with children ages 6 and under that may have public water systems (PWSs) with lead exceedances of 5 ppb. We also aimed to identify the existence, and further the availability, of information regarding which public schools and childcare facilities were serviced by which public water systems. Based on the results of this study, considerations related to Mississippi’s ability to comply with the 2020 Revisions of the Lead and Copper Rule requiring testing in all public schools were determined. Seven principal counties …

Association Of Trim Gene Variation And Lpdv Infection Patterns In Wild Turkeys, Bennett Fry

Honors Theses

Emerging infectious diseases pose a serious threat to various species throughout the globe, including humans. The lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) in wild turkeys is an example of disease virus whose impact on its host requires additional study. Although the first description of lymphoproliferative disease came from outbreaks in domestic turkey flocks in Europe, it is now known that LPDV is widespread in wild turkey populations in North America. In an effort to understand what may affect an individual turkey’s susceptibility to this virus, variation in part of the anti-viral TRIM62 gene was investigated. DNA was extracted from hunter-collected, turkey blood …

Examining Bystander Blame In Rape And Sexual Assault, Katherine E. Purdom

Honors Theses

The present study investigated the effect of various factors on blame distribution in sexual violence cases. Participants (N = 378) were randomly assigned to either a rape (N = 187) or sexual assault (N = 190) condition and directed to read a scenario that varied only by the terminology indicated by the condition. Participants were provided two pre-filled slots labeled as the perpetrator and victim. Additionally, they were given two blank “free-response” options in which participants could assign blame and indicate a responsible party if they found it necessary. Data was gathered from the male (N = 163) and female …

Tablet Use And Social Skills In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Taylor Schwartz

Honors Theses

The use of computer tablets can be beneficial for communication deficits in Autism. Studies have shown that tablets can have positive effects on individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who have trouble communicating and expressing emotions. A systematic review was conducted to examine if tablets helped people with ASD develop social skills and expression of emotion. A search was conducted through PubMed. From the initial search, 117 articles were found. Of these 117 articles, 10 met the criteria for review along with 2 additional articles found from an additional source. These 12 articles underwent a systematic review. Tablet applications and …

Narrative Storytelling In Conjunction With Environmental Journalism, Abbey Edmonson

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the effectiveness of long-form narrative storytelling in relation to environmental journalism. It particularly focuses on effectively communicating the seriousness of climate change on a local level through narrative storytelling. The bulk of the information was gathered through multiple interviews with people experiencing the effects of climate change on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. By using interviews with local people interspersed with scientific data, I hope to be able to show the average reader that climate change is real and it can dangerously affect people on a local level, even in rural states like Mississippi.

Through my research, I …

Honors Accounting Thesis, Ryan Rodgers

Honors Theses

This thesis contains twelve case studies that pertain to various accounting concepts and matters. The topics vary from 10-K evaluations to blockchain. This thesis was written under the guidance from Dr. Victoria Dickinson during my junior in an Independent Study class (ACCY 420). I benefitted greatly from participating in this class, and it allowed me to gain more knowledge from current accounting situations.

Sizing And Economics Of Solar Powered Indoor Swimming Pool, Aman Bhatta

Honors Theses

With increasing global population and aspiration for higher standards for living, there is a rapid increase in demand for energy. With the concerns of climate change becoming ever more pressing, a shift from the conventional energy source to an alternative green version to meet the energy demand could be of significant interest. A large amount of energy is required to maintain water temperature in the swimming pool at a human comfort temperature. Several studies have been performed to calculate and evaluate the feasibility of powering thermal systems for swimming pools using solar energy. Still, extensive analysis using solar thermal energy …

Exploring Health Insurance Coverage And How It Is Affecting Patients And Providers, Robert Balie Crim

Honors Theses

The American people are struggling to pay for or find good health insurance. Doctors are unable to prescribe them what they actually need. Their insurance might stop paying for the drug that they had been using that was helping them. They might have to try some amount of drugs or treatments before the insurance company will pay for what the doctor has prescribed. Patients might be having to endure more pain for an unnecessary amount of time at the hands of an insurance company. What are the roots of these problems? With the growing complexity and advancing technology, how are …

Overdose Prevention Sites Placement Informed By Simulation, Jing Dong

Honors Theses

In Philadelphia, people are experiencing the greatest opioid crisis in a century. Plac- ing the Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) can alleviate this crisis. However, the journey to the successful launch of the first OPS in the USA is rough. It was first accused of having a collision with federal drug laws. While Safehouse won the lawsuit and the OPS was judged to be legal in 2020, other pressure rose afterward such as the against from the public and the COVID19, which delayed the plan to open the OPS. Without solid research on the effectiveness of OPS, we thought it is …

Understanding Model Reasoning In Automated Speech Systems: Implementing A Prototype Explanation System Using The Lime Method, Vadim Kudlay

Honors Theses

The field of voice processing has seen great advancements thanks in part to the rise of deep learning. However, the application of these deep learning techniques with an audio input space leads to an interesting result not commonly found when dealing with other input domains. Namely, common techniques for generating auditory adversarial samples using gradient-based optimization have been observed to have extremely low transferability among even the same model structure. This implies an inherent difference in the latent representations of audio samples that may be worth investigating in the pursuit of a more resilient and interpretable voice processing framework. Our …

The Narrative Of Salvation And Ritual Re-Presentation In Piers Plowman, Dylan Bufkin

Honors Theses

Scholarship on Piers Plowman has consistently overlooked the rich depth of meaning concerning the Eucharist that Langland provides in the final few passus. The poem examines a broad view of salvation history that encompasses the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and the advent of Christ and the Church while simultaneously presenting the narrative of one’s personal salvation that runs parallel with the discussions of literal salvation history. Both of these narratives, historical and personal, culminate in the poem with Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, which is re-presented at every Mass by Christ’s Eucharistic presence. Within the text, Piers acts as an evolving allegory …

Virtue, Agency, And The Silence Of Reasons, Abhi Kalpeshkumar Ruparelia

Honors Theses

In this essay, I argue that John McDowell’s highly influential conception of Aristotelian virtue, which I refer to as the “silencing” thesis, presents us with a philosophically unattractive picture of virtuous agency. I begin by summarizing McDowell’s view in the context of the philosophical problem that he attempts to solve, namely the virtue/continence distinction. Next, I raise an initial objection against McDowell’s view. I argue that the silencing thesis commits us to a psychologically implausible understanding of virtuous agency. I then go on to provide a potential response to my criticism on McDowell’s behalf and argue against it. Finally, I …

Comparing Lithic Artifacts And Native American Activity At Stark Farm, An Early Contact Period Site In Northeast Mississippi, Gillian Steeno

Honors Theses

Supposed ancestors of the modern-day Chickasaw, the occupants of Stark Farm inhabited the area known today as Starkville, Mississippi. These Native American peoples left behind archaeological evidence of their occupation, especially in the form of large midden-filled basins. In order to investigate these refuse pits, a lithic analysis was completed using stone typology in order to infer supposed activities. Each of the five contexts are compared to each other to determine which assemblages have similar elements and which ones prove to be unusual in comparison. Through this stone tool analysis, domestic and non-domestic activities and areas in the site can …

Zero Waste Design Exploration, Rosemarie Soma

Honors Theses

This creative project encompasses the creation of four zero-waste garments. Zero waste design is a technique which involves designing in a way that produces little to no byproduct. The intent of this project was to create garments that are functional, marketable, and contribute to the sustainable fashion movement.

There is currently a serious push in the fashion industry for brands to contribute to a circular economy. This can be done in a multitude of ways: upcycling, recycling, using natural textiles, or utilizing zero waste design. Textile waste is one of the most important issues regarding the fashion industry. There are …

“There Is No More Sacred Place:” Healing And Faith In Chaplaincy And Religious Hospitals, Annalise Mangone

Honors Theses

For spiritual care providers and spiritual care systems, truly effective medical treatment cannot exist without seeking to look after not only the physical needs of those who are ill, but also the emotional, existential, and spiritual needs of all those in the hospital, including not only patients but also their families and care providers. Through this lens of holistic, whole-person care, spiritual care providers move themselves beyond the status of religious figures or groups, and present themselves as conduits and nodes of connection and expression for the feelings of bereavement, grief, and helplessness. This healing builds up within patients, families, …

The Opportunities And Challenges Of Internet Of Things Evidence In Regard To Criminal Investigations, Nathan Mcclaran

Honors Theses

As internet-connected devices become more prevalent, the need for police and law enforcement to be able to utilize these devices when solving crimes steadily increases. Law enforcement agencies are already aware of the opportunities and challenges when interacting with computers and mobile cellular devices, but many agencies are unable to utilize these avenues of evidence because of limited access to resources able to forensically examine computing devices. In addition, the introduction of internet of things devices, such as Amazon Alexa and other microphone or camera connected devices, allows new opportunities for law enforcement agencies to gather digital forensic evidence either …

Media, Marketing, And More – How Social Technology Is Changing The Face Of Small Business, Lily Reynolds

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to identify the ways in which social media and marketing technology advances are affecting small retail businesses. A total of three interviews were conducted with working professionals in different areas along the fashion supply chain, and were contacted based on common acquaintances. Each interview was conducted over the phone, and lasted between ten minutes and half an hour, with guided and supplemental questions focusing on their experiences with technology in their fields. The results showed that each area was affected in numerous ways, from superficial business changes to advancements at the cores of their …