Digital Commons Network^™

The Extension Process Of National Panhellenic Conference Sororities On Southeastern Conference College Campuses, Stevie Farrar

Honors Theses

The definition of a sorority has evolved significantly from its origins in the mid-1800s. From their beginnings as secret literary societies to their current standing as corporate networks of sisterhood, sororities have grown from groups of a handful of women to chapters of over three hundred members. The National Panhellenic Conference's outline of the formal extension process has helped structure this growth, enabling the process to meet the needs of growing collegiate Panhellenic communities and allow NPC member sororities to continue to expand the reaches of their sisterhood. The process can be highly competitive, characterized by applications, interviews, and presentations, …

Roles Of Speech-Language Pathologists In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Katy Lane Greenlee

Honors Theses

This thesis examined the roles of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). In 2004, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association published a set of policy documents regarding speech-language pathology practice in the NICU. Research compiled in the literature review explained and supported each of the roles listed in the ASHA policy documents. The literature also revealed that very few sources specific to the speech-language pathology field addressed roles other than those related to feeding and swallowing evaluation and intervention. This research investigated ASHA-certified, masters-level SLPs' familiarity with each of their possible roles in the NICU, as well as …

The Differential Effects Of Mandatory And Voluntary Auditor Rotation On Investors' Expectations Of Financial Reporting Aggressiveness And Willingness To Invest, Kelsey Maynord

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Mixed Record: Water Privatization In Latin America, Brianna Nicole Van Stekelenburg

Honors Theses

This thesis examines to what extent the Latin American experience suggests privatization is a promising path to deliver a reliable and affordable water supply. In order to address this question, the thesis studies whether water privatization has worked in Latin America by examining three case studies. The countries that are used for the case studies are Bolivia, Chile and Peru. The thesis is made up of five chapters. The first chapter contains general information on water as a human right and an economic good. Each case study is comprised of a chapter and focuses on five main dimensions that serve …

Resolving The Structural Paradox Of Retail Transnational Corporations: A Case Study Of Walmart In Latin America, Arlissa Nicole Whisenant

Honors Theses

This research focuses on the structural paradox of retail transnational corporations through a case study of Walmart in Latin America. The structural paradox is defined as the struggle to find a successful balance between localization and standardization efforts. Through the analysis of the failures and successes of Walmart in Latin America and supplemental examples of Walmart in other markets, I argue that intense localization efforts in areas with direct customer contact (front-end operations), as well as in areas without direct customer contact, like management and planning (back-end operations), are necessary in order to be successful in international markets.

Welcome To The "Backstage" Of Musical Theatre, Emily Erin Wicks

Honors Theses

Unlike most fields, performing is an occupation that does not require formal education. However, most performers need training to perfect their craft in order to be successful. Higher education is one training outlet that is used by some performers, but not many. In a performance degree program at an institution of higher education. performers are not just trained in the art, but they are also taught about the business of the theatre industry. Although, often, what is taught is not enough knowledge for performers to truly succeed and make theatre a lifetime career. This thesis is directed towards an audience …

Recycling Behavior In Germany In The Early 1990s: Person-Level And Contextual Determinants Of Recycling, Jacqueline Grace Boyce

Honors Theses

Although there is an abundance of information about recycling determinants and the effects of German reunification, this thesis combines these two areas to fill in a gap that has not previously been researched. This research aims to investigate factors that make a person more likely to recycle, particularly a German in the early 1990s, while especially targeting the difference between eastern and western Germans. This project involves background research, statistical analysis and interviews and reaches two conclusions. Firstly, recycling behavior is difficult to explain in Germany at this time because of the high rates of recycling in place. Secondly, recycling …

Shifting Local Ecologies: Biocultural Interactions And Ecuadorian Public Health, Sabrina Bradford

Honors Theses

Though biology is considered universal, this thesis argues against the assumption of the universal applications of biomedicine in favor of a biocultural approach, emphasizing shifting local ecologies in an increasingly globalized world. This research investigated Ecuadorian health within an ecological context in coordination with an international public health internship that was completed through the Universidad San Francisco de Quito and the Ecuadorian Ministerio de Salud Pública. Throughout this thesis, examples are provided demonstrating that globalization, though appearing as a homogenous process on the international level, creates heterogeneous effects on the local scale. To explain the mechanisms and implications of these …

Congress And Its Other Budget Problem: An Examination Of The Effect Of Campaign Contributions On Congress' Decision-Making, Joe Hollis Higdon

Honors Theses

While there is significant study concerning the source of money in Congressional campaigns, comparatively little is geared towards demonstrating the link between Congress’s decision-making and the interests of the donors. By examining individual statements made during the Congressional “Supercommittee” meetings and the overall voting behavior of the Congress during specific debates, this paper finds that the link between donors’ interests and members’ votes are varyingly correlated due to other factors, but in general the link is more tenuous than is popularly believed.

Theorizing Factors Influencing Missile Transfers: A Case Study If Sino-Iranian Missile Transfers And Implications For Regional Security, Paul Alexander Kynerd

Honors Theses

Scholars suggest missiles have become the weapon of choice in modem warfare. Missiles are effective against a variety of targets, can travel long distances, and can decrease the need for troops to be engaged in conflict. Nations unable to mobilize large amounts of troops may depend on missiles to equalize military capabilities. Missile stockpiling also serves as a conflict deterrent. What factors influence missile sales between nations and what are the implications of those sales on regional security? This research broadly analyzes the effects of political, socioeconomic, conflict, temporal, and regional factors on global missile sales between 1980 and 2009, …

Language Revitalization And Maintenance Of Indigenous Languages In Chile, Blake Everett Pruett

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Hometown, Mississippi: Portraits From Ripley, Adam Lee Stanford

Honors Theses

This thesis explores a brief portion of the identity of Ripley. Mississippi, through oral histories given by six individuals. Over the course of nine months, I interv iewed and photographed these selected people and took pictures of the town using a 35mm film SLR camera. All the film and prints were processed and developed by myself in the darkroom at the University of Mississippi. Photographs dating from the early 1900s were displayed with re-photography of the same location to help accompany individuals' stories and show the physical changes of Ripley over time. Though these stories and photographs are not a …

Hawksbill Turtle Eretmochelys Imbricata Nesting Environment And Population Study In Cuero Y Salado Wildlife Refuge On The Coast Of Northern Honduras, Ariana Emily Cunningham

Honors Theses

This report outlines my contributions to ProTECTOR's Hawksbill turtle conservation project along the beachfront at Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge of Honduras. Observation-focused nightly beach patrols were conducted so as to census numbers of turtles nesting in this location presently and beach characteristic surveys were undertaken to create a map of environmental factors relevant to Hawksbill nesting along this beach. Resulting environmental maps were correlated with known factors contributing to Hawksbill nest site choice in order to assess the suitability of this beach for Hawksbill nesting, and thus determine its value for preservation efforts and ongoing funding. Of the 10 …

An Analysis Of The Internal And External Motivations Of Hispanic Employees And The Corresponding Management Techniques, Taylor Alexander Cook

Honors Theses

The study was to discover the proper management techniques of Hispanic employees in relation to their internal and external motivations. Through initial research on the subject based on previous work in the field, information was compiled in order to produce research on Hispanics’ values from their home countries and compare them to how these values have changed during their time in the United States, how the U.S. environment supports or impedes their motivations, how U.S. managers have attempted to actively tap into these motivations, and what techniques U.S. managers should utilize to better lead their Hispanic employees. A survey of …

Tax Credits In The Film Industry: Friend Or Foe? An Analysis Of The Cost-Benefit Relationship Between Tax Incentives And The States That Provide Them, Virginia Anne Gamble

Honors Theses

Today, tax incentives play a major role in the film industry. The primary research question of the thesis is the cost-benefit relationship between these incentives and the states that provide them. A further research question is how states can remain competitive amongst one another while maintaining this cost-benefit relationship. A review of scholarly articles, from economists and film office officials, reveals arguments for and against the incentive programs. Researching the history of these tax incentives in the United States also provides a basis for an opinion on the potential future incentives may have in the film industry. Many economists believe …

A God Up Above, The Land Down Under, Jacob Nathaniel Hickman

Honors Theses

Manning Clark once very famously described Australians’ view of religion a shy hope in the heart.” This simple quotation is the most succinct way of illustrating their religious views in a way that accounts for the strong cultural influence that surrounds those beliefs. This characteristic of shyness takes precedence over eloquent announcements of religion and manifests itself through the “vaguely respectful recognition of an important if largely indistinct force, slightly shaped by the imagery of Christianity."^ Australia is a distinctive nation, as are its people and cultural idioms. Being a former British colony, Australia’s heritage in the English tradition of …

Matching Financial Reporting Requirements With Economic Substance: An Analysis Of Fasb Topic 840 (Leases) And Its Valuation Implications, Miller Childers Majors

Honors Theses

Leasing has long been an attractive method to finance the use of property, plant, and equipment (PPE), but due to a call for change from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and International Accounting Standards Board (lASB) the future of leasing will drastically change. Leasing has given lessees affordable way to acquire capital to generate operating profits and lessors tax advantages and protection against the obsolescence of PPE, and it is a pivotal financial tool that can benefit all of the involved parties when used properly. an However, the current GAAP standards fail to report the debt portion inherent within …

Is Legal Pragmatism Normative?, Garrett Lane Roberts

Honors Theses

Through the centuries people have been asking pivotal questions regarding law and legality. What is law? How should we interpret it? Who gets to decide? In what follows I will explore these questions in hope of gaining a greater understanding of the American legal system. Specifically, I will argue that legal pragmatism is in fact a normative theory that provides a good method of adjudication. This work will require that I investigate the jurisprudence of Oliver W. Holmes Jr. and modem legal pragmatism. Also, I will highlight some theories of legal realism and natural law theory.

Memphis Carnival Traditions: Maintaining Identity In A Changing Society, Katherine Hitt Kenwright

Honors Theses

The Memphis Cotton Carnival began in 1931 as a way to use the main product of Memphis—cotton—to bring the city out of the Great Depression. Through various incarnations, Carnival has endured and today stands as one of the longest-standing traditions in the city. Its founders envisioned a meeting of the minds of the city's industry leaders accompanied by a series of events as a celebration for Memphis residents, as well as a way to increase tourism in the city. Cotton Carnival and Cotton Maker's jubilee, a celebration started in 1935 for the African American community in Memphis, have changed and …

An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Incorporating Virtual Cadaver Study On Student Performance In Human Anatomy And Physiology, Mary Katherine Kerce

Honors Theses

In an ideal Human Anatomy & Physiology (Human A&P) laboratory, students would use human cadavers for study. However, due to the limited supply of human cadavers and high cost of constructing and maintaining laboratory facilities, many institutions choose to use various animal organs and models to teach human anatomy. Dissections are an irreplaceable tool to help students understand human anatomy because models often have garish colors that allow easy discrimination of structures but do not show the colors and textures associated with real tissue. Additionally, cadavers, organs. and models must remain within the laboratory, so students have limited access. The …

Beyond Technique: An Examination Of Musical And Textual Expression From Baroque To Twentieth Century, Charles Anthony Moore

Honors Theses

Although vocal technique is an important element in the execution of any type of good singing, it is only meant to facilitate the transmission of a message, emotion or feeling. All composers put great thought into conveying this message through their settings, and it is up to the performer to follow their directions and to interpret independently when there are none given. In this regard, the vocalist becomes the conduit of the composer, bringing their wishes to life and adding their own personality and interpretive slants. Additionally, there are conventions of each specific period to which the pieces belong that …

Ph Dependent Proteolysis Of Neural Cadherin, Candice Ashton Walters

Honors Theses

Cadherins are the primary calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecule and are essential to vertebrates. They ensure the integrity of epithelial barriers that allow for maintenance of homeostasis in humans and protection against invading microorganisms. A common invader capable of forging past this line of defense is the fungus Candida albicans. The main virulence mechanism of C. alibans in acidic environments is its secreted aspartyl proteinases (SAPs), which are hydrolytic enzymes that degrade cadherin-mediated cell adhesion leading to infection of the underlying tissues. Cadherin is normally resistant to cleavage by proteases due to stabilization of the protein structure by bound calcium and …

The Impact Of The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit And Its Role In The Future Of Affordable Housing, Sophia Yates Smith

Honors Theses

The purpose of this paper is to study the evolution and goals of the government in providing low-income housing as well as the means taken to achieve those goals in order to understand the current system. The ever-changing nature of the political, social and economic landscape of the country dictates that the role of government in providing lowhousing must adapt to the times. This paper will address questions about the future of the program such as the following. Should the federal government continue finance low-income housing through indirect subsidies financed through the tax code or were the previous direct subsidies …

The Effects Of Social Media On Fashion Consumption, Sydney Mccarthy

Honors Theses

The fashion industry, like most business in general, has been heavily impacted in recent years by the introduction of online social media. Social media has changed the way in which people not only communicate, but also how firms advertise and reach their consumer. The purpose of this research was to explore the ways social media impacts fashion consumption, specifically among the female, college-age demographic. Secondary research was used in the initial stages of the process to gather information prior to conducting primary research. Both qualitative and quantitative research was then conducted. The primary method for collecting qualitative data was personal …

A Raman Spectroscopic Study Of The Effects Of Hydrogen Bonding On 1,2,3-Triazole, Anna Craig

Honors Theses

The goal of this thesis is to analyze the effects of hydrogen bonding on liquid 1H- 1,2,3-triazole. Spectra of neat 1H-1,2,3-triazole are compared to simulated spectra and are found to differ greatly. The experimental spectrum, however, matches the simulated spectra of 1H-1,2,3-triazole dimers very well. This suggests that dimers play a large role in the liquid structure of 1H-1,2,3-triazole. Though tautomerism is thought to play a large role in the vibrational behavior of 1,2,3- triazole, the Raman spectra obtained here suggest that molecular dimers dominate the liquid state much more so than tautomerism. Even in aqueous solution, the simulated spectra …

Enlightenment Science And Nano-Science: Creating Order Out Of Magic, Elizabeth Ramsey Frey

Honors Theses

People today live in a world dominated by technology. All of the conveniences and technologies people enjoy and utilize today, however, would not exist without the foundation of empirical science laid during the Enlightenment. This thesis looks at the Enlightenment both as a philosophical movement and as the setting of the Scientific Revolution. The leaders of the Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution began the tradition of utilizing reason in research, founded empirical science, and developed the scientific method. This thesis traces the development of science during the Enlightenment and seeks to prove that Enlightenment science set the stage for the science …

And Myrrh, Cassia, And Frankincense Rode On The Wind A Detailed Look At The Aromatic And Spice Trade Of The Classical Mediterranean, Forrest Colby Roberts

Honors Theses

This Thesis studies the trade in spices and aromatics in the Mediterranean during the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. It will examine in particular frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, cassia, and silphium. Through a the use of ancient authors, modem scholarship, and archaeological data this thesis will seek to show that although evidence for this trade in the Classical period is less plentiful than in other times, a Classical trade did exist. This work will also argue that spices were a part of the Classical period Greek market, and that these products were being consumed as luxury goods in order to showcase …

Gender, Sexuality, And Music Education, Jordan Wesley Tippitt

Honors Theses

Abstract: This thesis was written to study how inequalities of gender and sexuality reveal themselves in music education. I wanted to study gender and sexuality as a social construct to better understand how these groups have an effect on the music education experience. I found that music education is lagging behind most other academic subjects in understanding gender/sexuality; furthermore, the discipline does not seem to be heading in the right direction. I found it tremendously difficult to find any queer theory literature based around music education. After my research I concluded that in its current state, music education is not …

The History And Consequences Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002, Gerald Waltman

Honors Theses

The purpose of this research and thesis is to explore the intended and unintended consequences of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Act arose from a series of financial scandals including those that happened at Enron and WorldCom. The Act is one of the most wide-sweeping pieces of financial legislation in the country’s history, and it has drastically changed the way that publicly traded companies and their auditors conduct their business. A significant challenge to the Act was heard by the United States Supreme Court, and the Court held a portion of the Act to be in violation of the …

Federal Farm Subsidies And Industrial Agriculture: A Case Study In Mississippi Agriculture And Policy Analysis, Travis Lenti Gray

Honors Theses

Over the last century, federal agricultural policy has shifted from supporting family farmers to protecting profits for a handful of the largest agricultural corporations and food producers. By guaranteeing a price-floor for commodity crops, farm subsidies encourage farmers to overproduce with no regard to traditional supply and demand economics. Under the current system, commodity crops are exceptionally cheap. The emphasis on quantity over quality has led to an array of negative externalities in this country, which include environmental, public health, and economic consequences.

This research attempts to determine the economic feasibility of farm subsidy reform by examining the impact of …