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Honors Theses

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Characterizing Diatom Biofilms And Their Influence On The Sand Biogeochemistry Of High Energy Beaches, Logan C. Jarrell Oct 2018

Characterizing Diatom Biofilms And Their Influence On The Sand Biogeochemistry Of High Energy Beaches, Logan C. Jarrell

Honors Theses

High energy beaches are among the most dynamic ecological settings on Earth. Compared to mudflats, diatoms of high energy beaches have been more neglected in the literature, particularly true of the intertidal biofilms that form and dissipate with nutrient cycling and light intensity over the tidal cycle. Although short lived, the productivity of these biofilms may be critical to the organic-poor sand. Through sediment coring and subsequent analyses of the uppermost sand of three suspected biofilm stations—non-runnel, runnel crest, and runnel trough—along with seemingly bare sand as a control, this study sought to verify the presence of diatom biofilms and …


Alternative Strategies For Solving Subtraction Problems Generated By Third Grade Students Proficient With The Standard Algorithm, Joelle Young Oct 2018

Alternative Strategies For Solving Subtraction Problems Generated By Third Grade Students Proficient With The Standard Algorithm, Joelle Young

Honors Theses

This study explores third grade students’ mathematical understandings by examining the strategies they generate to solve subtraction word problems. Ten students proficient with the standard subtraction and addition algorithms were individually observed and interviewed while using as many different methods as they could to solve three multi-digit subtraction and addition word problems. The students were found to rely excessively on algorithms and class-taught methods, even when inappropriate, and were divided in the sophistication of their modeling strategies, with half only using direct modeling with ones, while four successfully modeled with grouping. The creativity of the strategies used by some students, …


An In Vitro Analysis Of The Relative Efficacies Of Antibiotic Solutions Vs. Antiseptics In Breast Augmentation And Reconstruction Surgery, Victoria Noyes Aug 2018

An In Vitro Analysis Of The Relative Efficacies Of Antibiotic Solutions Vs. Antiseptics In Breast Augmentation And Reconstruction Surgery, Victoria Noyes

Honors Theses

Breast augmentation and reconstruction procedures are among the most popular plastic surgeries in the U.S. Opportunistic bacterial pathogens introduced during surgery can lead to surgical site infections, capsular contractures, biofilm formation, and lymphoma. To prevent these infections, an antibiotic solution containing Cefazolin, Gentamicin, and Bacitracin (Adams’ Antibiotic Solution - AS) has traditionally been used for irrigation. Due to antibiotic resistant pathogens and a debate over the efficacy of irrigation by AS to reduce infections, alternatives must be found. This study considers the use of the antiseptic chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) as an alternative irrigation solution. In vitro, we exposed pure cultures …


Batterer Rehabilitation: A Needs Assessment Of Three Texas Counties, Grace Campbell Aug 2018

Batterer Rehabilitation: A Needs Assessment Of Three Texas Counties, Grace Campbell

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.


Self Vs. Other Perception Of Personality Through Facebook, Marianna Williams Jun 2018

Self Vs. Other Perception Of Personality Through Facebook, Marianna Williams

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.


The Politics Of A Photograph, Jackson Covey May 2018

The Politics Of A Photograph, Jackson Covey

Honors Theses

I discuss a variety of images in the areas of war and politics. In particular, I talk about how they convey their messages and some of the history behind them.


An Analysis Of Bilateral Tripart Hippocampal Volume And Its Relation To Spatial Processing In A Middle Childhood Sample, Emily Marler May 2018

An Analysis Of Bilateral Tripart Hippocampal Volume And Its Relation To Spatial Processing In A Middle Childhood Sample, Emily Marler

Honors Theses

Throughout the years, animal research has unearthed that certain cells in the hippocampus contribute to spatial processing, which involves an animal’s recognition of its environmental layout and directionality. In order to apply this work to human children, we will identify whether hippocampal volume is related to spatial processing, including identifying which section(s) of the hippocampus seem to be more related to processing layouts versus directionality. Based on previous literature (Goodrich-Hunsaker, Hunsaker, & Kenser, 2005; McHugh, Fillenz, Lowry, Rawlins, & Bannerman, 2010), we predicted there would be a relationship between bilateral posterior and middle hippocampal regions and spatial processing, such that …


Importance Of Vaccinating For Canine Parvovirus: Best Practices For Prevention, Ariel Gorham May 2018

Importance Of Vaccinating For Canine Parvovirus: Best Practices For Prevention, Ariel Gorham

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.


Sensory Processing Disorder: A Design Research Report, Ashley Booth May 2018

Sensory Processing Disorder: A Design Research Report, Ashley Booth

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.


An Analysis Of Human Trafficking In The Southeastern United States: Improving Law Enforcement Training & Techniques, Katherine N. Wyant May 2018

An Analysis Of Human Trafficking In The Southeastern United States: Improving Law Enforcement Training & Techniques, Katherine N. Wyant

Honors Theses

Human trafficking is an international criminal phenomenon that disregards human morals and beliefs. The United States is not immune to these heinous acts that unfortunately remain largely unseen by law enforcement and legal authorities. This research present s a comprehensive analysis of the crime in the southeastern region of the United States. By focusing on the region, and more specifically the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the research provides valuable insights to both the states within the focus region, as well as states across the country. Research topics on human trafficking vary greatly; however, this research considers existing laws in order to …


Increasing Awareness Of International Adoption Through Literature, Romy Newberry May 2018

Increasing Awareness Of International Adoption Through Literature, Romy Newberry

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.


On The Feasibility Of Using Genetic Algorithms To Optimize The Structure Of Small Multilayer Perceptrons, Nicholas Dinep-Schneider May 2018

On The Feasibility Of Using Genetic Algorithms To Optimize The Structure Of Small Multilayer Perceptrons, Nicholas Dinep-Schneider

Honors Theses

Artificial neural networks, which mimic the human brain's ability to learn from experiences, are increasingly being used to analyze complex datasets. However, proper structural configuration requires intuition, trial-and-error, and frequent human attention. This study investigates an automated alternative that uses a Darwinian evolutionary strategy to optimize the structure of a small-scale Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) image classification network. Using accuracy as a measure of fitness, it examines the effect of varying the amount each network learns prior to differential reproduction. The accuracy of optimized networks was significantly higher than random initial networks, being increased by up …


Does Interest Equal Success? Evaluating Student Perceptions Of The Study Of Biology And Their Effects On Student Success In An Introductory Biology Course, Courtney Irene Barlow May 2018

Does Interest Equal Success? Evaluating Student Perceptions Of The Study Of Biology And Their Effects On Student Success In An Introductory Biology Course, Courtney Irene Barlow

Honors Theses

As instructors begin to devote more time to improving student perceptions of biology, the validity of these efforts should be determined. Do students possessing favorable views of biology regularly perform on a higher level than those with less favorable impressions, or would class time be better spent without exercises intended to increase student interest? The goal of this project was to address the research questions “How do students view the study of biology?”, “How do student perceptions of the subject area affect their performance in an Introductory Biology course?”, and “How does a student’s chosen area of study affect their …


Investigation Of The Effects Of Hydrogen Bonding On The Enantiomeric Excess Of Pig Liver Esterase Hydrolysis Products, Matthew Hasler May 2018

Investigation Of The Effects Of Hydrogen Bonding On The Enantiomeric Excess Of Pig Liver Esterase Hydrolysis Products, Matthew Hasler

Honors Theses

Pig Liver Esterase (PLE) is an effective enzyme used in the Masterson Research Group due to its ability to hydrolyze only one ester in a malonic diester. PLE is employed for creating chiral molecules for the synthesis of unnatural amino acid precursors. Previous research in the group found that malonic half esters with hydrogen bonding capable substrates yielded varying degrees of enantiomeric excess, and non-hydrogen bonding substrates yielded racemic mixtures.1,2 The compounds synthesized contained substrates consisting of thiophene rings in the second and third position, and these molecules act as a control for the other research done in the group. …


The Psychosocial Effects Of Compensated Turnout On Dancers: A Critical Look At The Leading Cause Of Non-Traumatic Dance Injuries, Rachel Smith May 2018

The Psychosocial Effects Of Compensated Turnout On Dancers: A Critical Look At The Leading Cause Of Non-Traumatic Dance Injuries, Rachel Smith

Honors Theses

Dancers suffer from extremely high injury rates compared to the general population (Noh, Morris, & Anderson, 2003). Most of the injuries are overuse injuries (60-75%), as opposed to traumatic injuries (Thomas & Tarr, 2009). One of the most common overuse injuries is compensated, or forced, turnout (Negus, Hopper, & Briffa, 2005). Continual misplacement of turnout wears and tears on the body, leading to pain and injury. However, dancers feel the risk is worth it to stay relevant in a physically demanding career that has little-to-no off-season to heal (McEwen & Young, 2011). Dance companies typically have the mindset of pushing …


A Guide To The Multiple Errands Test, Carly Jessup May 2018

A Guide To The Multiple Errands Test, Carly Jessup

Honors Theses

Executive function plays an important role in everyday life skills such as planning, organizing, controlling and sustaining attention, and socializing. Until recently, executive function was measured almost exclusively using laboratory-based assessments. However, many participants would score satisfactorily on those laboratory assessments, while having significant difficulty with activities of daily living. A potential solution to this issue is the Multiple Errands Test (MET), which is an ecologically valid assessment that can help predict performance of everyday life skills. The MET is a flexible assessment that can be modified in order to fit the needs of the setting and patient. Indeed, many …


An Examination Of The Unanticipated Outcomes Of Having A Fun Organizational Culture, Victoria Baltz May 2018

An Examination Of The Unanticipated Outcomes Of Having A Fun Organizational Culture, Victoria Baltz

Honors Theses

Fun organizational cultures break the social constructs of the traditional work environment. Fun organizational cultures have been gaining popularity over the past couple decades. Since fun cultures are gaining attractiveness due to reports focused primarily on the positive aspects of fun cultures, this study examined if there were any unanticipated negative outcomes of a having a fun organizational culture. Qualitative data was pulled from interviews conducted with various members of fun organizational cultures. This study focused on negative outcomes primarily in three areas: productivity, work-life balance, and relationships among members in the organization. The findings in this study did not …


The Response Of Fuzzy Electronics To Ionizing Radiation, Simar Singh May 2018

The Response Of Fuzzy Electronics To Ionizing Radiation, Simar Singh

Honors Theses

Small satellites such as CubeSats operate under environmental constraints that are outside of typical commercial specifications. Such constraints include the ability to operate over an extended temperature range and during exposure to ionizing radiation. Nevertheless, commercial technologies are being implemented in CubeSat spacecraft because of the low-cost, low-power, and space savings requirements often achievable with advanced microelectronics [1]. Due to flexibility and the ability to handle uncertainty, fuzzy logic is viable for satellite control while meeting the strict design requirements of a CubeSat. This work evaluates the response of fuzzy control logic to ionizing radiation and compares the response to …


Energy Sustainability Analysis Of A Baja Test Facility, Seth Bishop May 2018

Energy Sustainability Analysis Of A Baja Test Facility, Seth Bishop

Honors Theses

The objective of this paper is to study the viability of building a Baja SAE competition site so that UTC could host events in the future. Part of this includes defining a building size in square feet and estimating the construction cost. Once that is accomplished it is necessary to determine what equipment may be used at the site, how much power each piece of equipment would use, and how many hours each would be used for within the year. With this information it is then possible to estimate the annual power consumption for a competition year and a regular …


Foster Parent Disciplinary Strategies And Child Behaviors, Tamarah Taylor May 2018

Foster Parent Disciplinary Strategies And Child Behaviors, Tamarah Taylor

Honors Theses

Foster parents are tasked with creating a safe and stable environment for the youth while also trying to parent and address challenging behaviors (Elgar, Mills, McGrath, Waschbusch, & Brownridge, 2007). Although these behaviors can also be found in youth in the general population, they are more common among foster youth (Van Holen & Vanschoonlandt, 2017). This mixed-methods study involved using an Internet questionnaire to measure influential factors of parenting (i.e. stress, satisfaction, involvement) and the qualitative questions explored foster parents’ experiences with behaviors and which parenting strategies have been helpful and non-helpful. The quantitative results of this study concluded that …


Predicting And Preventing Common Volleyball Injuries With Functional Tests, Madison Marshall May 2018

Predicting And Preventing Common Volleyball Injuries With Functional Tests, Madison Marshall

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to provide a compilation of screening tests best suited for predicting and preventing volleyball’s most common injuries. Research displays a gap in knowledge pertaining to volleyball-specific injury prevention tests. A literary analysis was completed for information regarding; correct volleyball techniques, incorrect techniques that are commonly observed, common injuries resulting from faulty technique, and tests best designed to prevent these injuries. It was found that knees and ankles were the two joints most often injured. These injuries mainly occurred during the landing phase of the jumping-landing sequence. Therefore, ankle and knee injury rates were higher …


Comparison Of Psychological States Of Runners Within Urban And Rural Environments, Christian Demastus May 2018

Comparison Of Psychological States Of Runners Within Urban And Rural Environments, Christian Demastus

Honors Theses

With the research on persons health and well being increasing within the past years, new questions have emerged on if certain environments can also benefit along with exercise. This study looked at the different psychological states of endurance runners as they run in urban environments and transition into rural settings. The results of this study showed significant differences between urban and rural environments. Also showed increased focus going downhill in nature and greater inward attention while moving uphill in nature. With the findings from this study, it explains why runners choose to run or train where they do.


The Effects Of Motivational States On Metacognition And Prospective Memory, Amelia Edwards May 2018

The Effects Of Motivational States On Metacognition And Prospective Memory, Amelia Edwards

Honors Theses

Prospective memory is the ability to remember and act upon future intentions. In the context of daily life, prospective memory intentions can be either self-interested or pro-socially motivated (such as remembering to pay a credit card bill or buy a gift for a friend, respectively). Research suggests that individuals place greater importance on their performance of prosocial intentions rather than self-interested intentions, and a pro-social advantage has been observed in prospective memory. I investigated the role of motivation in prospective memory and a person’s belief about their cognitive abilities (i.e., metacognition) in regard to prospective memory. The present study used …


The Role Of Forensic Accounting In U.S. Counterterrorism Efforts, Madison Gaither May 2018

The Role Of Forensic Accounting In U.S. Counterterrorism Efforts, Madison Gaither

Honors Theses

The September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center directed international attention to the financial component of terrorist operations. The demand for forensic accounting specialists is increasing rapidly because of a growing intolerance for fraud and terrorist activity. This research paper argues that forensic accountants have and will continue to have a vital role in United States’ counterterrorism efforts in the post-9/11 era by detecting acts of fraud and money laundering. Comprehensive review of relevant literature including books, peer-reviewed articles, government databases, court records and news media reveals that forensic accountants are equipped with special skills and analytical tools that …


Is Corporal Punishment The Best Punishment? A Millennial Perspective, Zachary Rush May 2018

Is Corporal Punishment The Best Punishment? A Millennial Perspective, Zachary Rush

Honors Theses

Corporal punishment, defined as “physical force resulting in pain or discomfort, but not significant injury…meant to alter a child’s unfavorable behavioral patterns,” remains a much debated topic of conversation in the United States (Straus & Donnelly, 2001, p. 4). Straus and Stewart (1999) reported that 94% of parents have spanked their children by the time of their fifth birthday. Moreover, the same study identified that 52% of parents continued to employ corporal punishment when their children were teenagers (twelve to thirteen years old) and 20% up until their children were seventeen years of age. However, spanking and similar forms of …


Comparing Stress Levels And Coping Styles In College Athletes And Non-Athletes, Melanie Martin May 2018

Comparing Stress Levels And Coping Styles In College Athletes And Non-Athletes, Melanie Martin

Honors Theses

The way individuals manage their stress levels impacts their everyday functioning. In addition to general life stressors, college athletes and college students have athletic and academic performances riding on their ability to cope with the wide variety of daily stressors. This study aimed to primarily look at the differences in stress levels and coping styles between college athletes and non-athletes. Additionally, the current research examined gender differences between the two groups regarding coping styles. College athletes did not report higher levels of perceived stress nor more positive coping styles than non-athletes as measured by the COPE questionnaire. There were significant …


On The Maintained Significance Of Botanical Illustration In Modern Plant Identification Guides, Andi Kur May 2018

On The Maintained Significance Of Botanical Illustration In Modern Plant Identification Guides, Andi Kur

Honors Theses

This project began over 2.5 years ago when I, an artist by hobby, contacted Dr. Joey Shaw, the director of the Herbarium at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, with a request to sketch from specimens in the UCHT collection. Dr. Shaw, fortuitously in need of an illustrator, prompted me with the opportunity to collaborate with him in the creation of illustrations for the second edition of the Guide to the Vascular Plants of Tennessee. From here, this project has grown as we have attempted to determine the most effective way to illustrate the guide, our questions manifesting in a myriad …


Linguistic Analysis Of Written Language Used By Young Adults With And Without Invisible Disabilities, Amanda Schwartz May 2018

Linguistic Analysis Of Written Language Used By Young Adults With And Without Invisible Disabilities, Amanda Schwartz

Honors Theses

Spoken and written language patterns are subtle aspects of behavior that may differ between those with and without invisible disabilities. One tool to measure language is the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC), a computer-based measure comprising a variety of components (emotional, cognitive, and structural) present in oral and written language samples (Pennebaker, Boyd, Jordan, & Blackburn, 2015). Using LIWC analyses, previous research suggests a significant difference in written language usage amongst individuals with depression compared to those without depression (Brockmeyer, et al., 2015). Unfortunately, a limited amount of research has been conducted using LIWC analyses to examine written language …


The Art Of The Dress: How Getting Into Costume Affects An Actor’S Self-Perception, Ella Embry May 2018

The Art Of The Dress: How Getting Into Costume Affects An Actor’S Self-Perception, Ella Embry

Honors Theses

Both actors and psychologists devote enormous amounts of time to understanding how people think, act, and respond even if for completely different reasons. While there are psychological studies that look at the way clothing influences attraction, aggression, and attitude, none of it looks critically at theatrical performance. Costuming is a vital part of the theatrical process that has yet to be studied empirically. As such, my study is an inter-disciplinary endeavor dedicated to developing an understanding of exactly how and whether costuming affects an actor’s personality perception as a way to contribute to the field of psychology, future theatrical performances, …


Becoming Evil: The Shaping Of A Nazi Female Consciousness From Weimar Through The Third Reich, Maria T. Murphy May 2018

Becoming Evil: The Shaping Of A Nazi Female Consciousness From Weimar Through The Third Reich, Maria T. Murphy

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.