Digital Commons Network^™

Milk Composition Variability In Texas Dairy Farms Over Time, Emma Van Dieden

Honors Theses

The composition of milk plays a vital role in determining the quality of dairy products. However, there has been limited research on how key milk components have changed over time in the diverse production regions of Texas. This thesis seeks to achieve two main goals: first, to quantify long-term trends from 2007 to 2022 in butterfat percentage, protein percentage, and somatic cell count (SCC) across the ten Texas Dairy Marketing regions, and second, to assess whether the differences observed in these indicators across regions are statistically significant. Data from the USDA Southwest Milk Marketing Area provided insights at the regional …

Perfectionism, Anxiety, And Depression: A Comparison Of Student Mental Health At East Texas A&M University: Honors Vs Non-Honors, Connor Hall

Honors Theses

Honors students at East Texas A&M University (ETAMU) may have higher expectations to succeed due to greater course load and pressure versus students who are not in the honors program. These expectations can lead to stress that may cause perfectionism, anxiety, or depression (Rice, 2006; Wan, 2022; Van Praag, 2004). This study sought to determine if higher expectations and course load could lead to differences in mental health in honors versus non-honors students at East Texas A&M University. In order to determine these mental health characteristics, data was gathered using responses to a Qualtrics survey sent to 7527 ETAMU undergraduate …

The Impact Of Quiet Quitting On University Students: A Phenomenological Investigation Providing Student Perspectives And Institutional Implications, Molly Caldwell

Honors Theses

This study explored the potential phenomena of quiet quitting in higher education among college students and how they approached their role as a student. The researcher sought to understand if the disconnect observed in current students resembled quiet quitting behaviors and to determine if there was a phenomenon beyond student disengagement. The research questions investigated whether a phenomenon was occurring among college students independent of disengagement, if college students engaged in behaviors indicative of quiet quitting, and if students perceived that quiet quitting had any impact on their educational outcomes such as grades, involvement, graduation, or job prospects. Data collection …

The Implications Of The Scientific Developments Behind Oxidative Stress, Heat-Shock Proteins, And Antioxidants On Neurodegenerative Pathology, Nolan Wilbourn

Honors Theses

Homeostasis is essential for the health and development of all organisms, serving as a universal defense mechanism that ensures the stability of physiological processes faced with external and internal stimuli in the form of health challenges (Archana et al., 2017). Maintaining homeostasis is crucial for our health, as it helps keep the body's internal balance. However, this delicate equilibrium is challenged by various environmental factors, such as diet, exposure to chemicals, and fluctuations in temperature (Collier et al., 2017). These disruptions can lead to dysfunction in cellular processes, particularly affecting the production and regulation of proteins vital for biological functions. …

Equine Whole Body Vibration Therapy: An Explanation On Whole Body Vibration On Equine Health And Performance, Lauren Amour

Honors Theses

The objective of this study is to assess outcomes of varying protocols of whole body vibration (WBV) on equine performance based on improved blood circulation. Two American Quarter Horses (AQHA; Equus caballus; n=2; 1, eleven year-old mare; 1, five year-old gelding), will be subjected to whole body vibration therapy on an EQUIVIBE platform for 3 weeks at the ETAMU Equine Lab (33.1872132, -95.9313238). Times spent on a WBV plate will be 15 minutes, 23.5 minutes and 30 minutes at 30hz. A standard washout period of 72 hours will be in place between each week of treatment (Atalaia et al., 2021). …

The Effect Of Female Athlete Menstrual Cycles On Their Athletic Performance, Millie Allgood

Honors Theses

Previous research studying the effects of the menstrual cycle on athletic performance has focused on women who do not participate in any athletic activity or participate at a recreational or professional level (Dupuit et al., 2023; Ekenros et al., 2022). Few studies have tested collegiate athletes and those which have examined theoretical effects or psychological impacts rather than direct performance outcomes (Carmichael et al., 2021). It is widely agreed upon that reproductive hormones have broad influences throughout the body including body composition, response to stress, appetite, energy expenditure, and blood-glucose regulation. These factors directly contribute to physiological abilities such as …

Drinking Behavior And Performance In Neonatal Swine, Yasmine Taylor

Honors Theses

This behavioral study analyzes the relationship between water intake and growth performance in pre-weaned piglets. Growth is paramount in pork production, and maximizing growth in weaned piglets has been thoroughly researched. However, one crucial aspect of growth is often overlooked: water, especially in neonatal piglets. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if there is a positive relationship between water intake and performance in pre-weaned piglets by observing different behaviors. Weights were recorded at birth, after 7-10 days, and at weaning. Piglets were observed three times a day, in the morning, afternoon, and evening, for 21 days via scan sampling. Observation …

The Effects Of Diverse Bitter Gourds On Newly Formed Mcf-7/G1p3 And Mcf-7/Vector Cancer Cells, Eder Colmenero

Honors Theses

Breast cancer has become one of the deadliest cancers to affect women worldwide. Although treatments have been developed, no cure has been found for this disease. An emerging field with cancer treatments shows how isoflavones can be critical to limiting hormone-related cancers. In this study, the effects of Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) extracts will be investigated in two separate cell lines. These cell lines include MCF-7 and G1P3 with the G1P3 cell line being the more aggressive cancer. Bitter gourd, which is mainly harvested in Asia, has been shown to display apoptotic features when contracting cancer. Although it is unknown …

The Effects Of Maclura Pomifera On Mcf-7/Vector And Mcf-7/G1p3 Breast Cancer Cells, Khushi Bhatt

Honors Theses

Breast cancer is considered one of the most common types of cancer, mainly affecting women worldwide. The most aggressive type is Triple-negative breast cancer, which accounts for approximately 10-15% of the total amount of breast cancer cases. The majority of breast cancer cases are regarded as estrogen receptor-positive, accounting for 70% of the total number. Current treatment options consist of immunotherapy, surgery, endocrine therapy, and chemotherapy. Research in breast cancer treatment has been a topic of interest in recent years, as the rate of individuals becoming diagnosed is increasing. The Osage orange, or Maclura pomifera, is a fruit native to …

An Exploration Of The Use Of Tier I Occupational Therapy Services In An Elementary School, Emilee Schumacher

Honors Theses

This project aimed to explore how and to what extent school-based occupational therapists implement Tier 1 interventions within an elementary school setting. The research involved conducting interviews with occupational therapists and observing their interactions with students to better understand the scope and nature of the services they provide. During the project, several Tier 1 services were identified, with a particular focus on addressing fine motor skills, social-emotional development, and gross motor skills. Several benefits of implementing tier 1 services in the school setting were identified. The challenges school-based occupational therapy practitioners face when implementing Tier 1 services in the elementary …

Using Video Models Plus Feedback To Teach Interview Skills, Zoe Odom

Honors Theses

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is partially characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction. These deficits can be displayed by struggles in developing relationships and social-emotional reciprocity (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022). In the context of competitive employment, social skill deficits can impose challenges in securing and maintaining an employment position, with 8.1% of adults with disabilities between the ages of 16-65 unemployed (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024). Video-based instruction (i.e., video models and prompts) has been used to teach adults with autism a wide variety of skills up to 100% accuracy, including vocational skills such as …

Evaluating The Potential For Reusing Process Waste Fiber, Elisha Ewing

Honors Theses

This study was born out of curiosity around the potential use of reject materials from the papermaking screening system for molded fiber product development. The team sought to explore the technical feasibility of this concept and develop a proposed design for mill implementation. The project supports the common papermaking objective of reducing fiber loss from the stock preparation process.

The project assessed first the technical feasibility through laboratory testing and trials. The team dedicated time to characterizing screen reject samples from local mills and running trials using the good fibers extracted from the samples. Molded fiber products were successfully created …

Preservation And Integrity Of Laboratory Solutions: Understanding The Impact Of Storage Practices On Chemical Stability And Experimental Accuracy, Azza Al Jahdhami

Honors Theses

Chemical storage methods represent a key matter ignored within labs, educational sites, workplaces, and even households. Many people, including various students and instructors within the chemistry field, are unaware of the proper methods for storing and disposing of common chemicals. This study aims to understand the effects of storage practices on chemical stability and experimental accuracy, dealing with the following questions: What kind of effects result from improper chemical disposal? How can improper storage affect the overall chemical effectiveness? Why is sink disposal of many solutions discouraged, and why is waste container disposal always necessary?

Through a literature review, this …

Fd&C Red Dye No. 40 (Allura Red) Effects On Non-Human Animal Testing: A Systematic Review, Vilate Winfrey

Honors Theses

Artificial food dye is added to foods to enhance their color and appearance for consumers. This systematic review aims to review the literature on Red Dye No. 40 and its effects on non-human animals. Studies were included if (a) exposure to Red Dye No. 40 was the independent variable, (b) nonhuman animals were the subjects, and (c) at least one behavioral, neurological, or physiological dependent variable was reported. An article search was conducted with Scopus Elsevier. An abstract review was conducted to determine whether the articles met all inclusion criteria. The author conducted a multi-stage application of inclusion criteria to …

Truly We Speak Podcast - Creative Thesis Project: "Uplifting Faith, Community, And Education Through The Voice Of The People.", Sierra Ward

Honors Theses

This creative thesis has been curated by Sierra Ward, a Sales and Marketing student at Western Michigan University. The intent behind this project was to combine shared interests between Faith, Community, and education to create a podcast, interviewing prominent members of the community, in hopes of inspiring others to “speak truly” and use their voice to evoke everlasting change. A wide range of guest were chosen to have authentic conversations with the purpose of educating the audience about real life situations. The filming of this project started in Fall of 2024 and concluded in the Spring of 2025.

Growing up …

Detection Of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals At The North Haven Water Pollution Control Facility On The Quinnipiac River, Kacey Daly

Honors Theses

The presence of estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) was detected using vacuum filtration and solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by methods measured through chemical analysis. This research aims to quantify the presence of estrogenic EDCs in the Quinnipiac River located in Connecticut. Samples from influent, effluent, and downstream river locations from a Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) in North Haven, Connecticut are tested for the presence of estrone and 17α-ethinylestradiol. Findings from the study will provide insight to improve treatment efficiency of EDCs in WPCFs.

Becoming Effie White: A Journey Of Evolution, Aniya Thompson

Honors Theses

This thesis paper is a reflection of Aniya Thompson’s process playing the role of Effie White in the Western Michigan University School of Theatre and Dance production of Dreamgirls. The Dreamgirls’ book and lyrics are by Tom Eyen and music by Henry Krieger. This story is of a young Black female trio whose story brings light to the challenges of the music industry. As their fame grows, they face heartbreak, a shift in loyalty, and blatant exploitation while exploring themes of race, beauty standards and perseverance. Aniya reflects her artistic journey of stepping into Effie’s shoes emotionally, vocally, and …

The Laureate, Brooklyn Hoover

Honors Theses

The Laureate’s mission is to provide undergraduate students at Western Michigan University a medium through which to publish their fiction, poetry, nonfiction, photography, graphic novels, and other creative works. The Laureate strives to be a professional and engaging journal that appeals to all. The 23^rd edition of The Laureate is unique in that, despite having no strict guidelines on themes, mediums, or styles, we found that many students expressed themes of grief, recovery, self-discovery, and new beginnings. Together, these works create a complex story of introspection and reflection.

Co-editors, Grace Cieslikowski and Brooklyn Hoover facilitated the launch of the …

Students For Sustainable Fashion & The Impact Of Fast Fashion, Anne M. York

Honors Theses

This thesis report took a project-based approach, making a change on campus through Students for Sustainable Fashion (SFSF), a club I founded here at the University of Mississippi. My thesis intends to document the establishment process and record the growth of SFSF throughout its last three semesters. SFSF emerged due to a significant challenge identified through casual class conversations, observational thinking, and campus engagement. However, university students are provided with abundant information about fast fashion's detrimental effects, and many feel unable to act due to social pressures, financial constraints, and the influence of fast-paced consumer culture. While students often desire …

Unearthing The Hidden Transcript In Greta Gerwig’S Little Women (2019), Madison Vath

Honors Theses

In her film adaptation of Little Women (2019), Greta Gerwig expounds upon the subject of womanhood through her version of the character Jo March, specifically with the film’s portrayal of emotions and Jo’s authorship journey. Gerwig peels away the layers of the novel’s public transcript, as stated by anthropologist James C. Scott, centering instead the hidden transcript which suggests that a woman cannot thrive in a patriarchal society without community and connection with other women. The methods for my research include close reading, theoretical frameworks from feminist criticism and anthropology, and the use of secondary academic sources.

Antioxidant Activity Of Pamam Dendrimer Stabilized Ascorbic Acid, Gabriella Srikureja

Honors Theses

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an essential micronutrient for human health. It acts as an enzymatic cofactor in anabolic biochemical pathways such as the synthesis of collagen, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Unfortunately, this versatility comes at the cost of a high degradation rate both in and outside of the food matrix. Previous research exploring stabilizing aqueous ascorbic acid through Poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers found success in reducing the rate of degradation.

To confirm the antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid in its stabilized dendrimer complex, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays examined via Cary 5000 UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer found that performing the DPPH assay under aqueous conditions …

Assessing A Possible Effect Of Males' Pheromones In The Phonotaxis Of Female Acheta Domesticus, Addy Rodriguez Velasco

Honors Theses

Acoustic communication in crickets is crucial for reproduction. Females respond phonotactically to the male's call. Prior research evaluating the selectivity of phonotaxis in these females, has focused on females that have been isolated from males from day 1 after metamorphosis. However, assessing phonotaxis in females raised in the presence of males, remains to be done. This study aims to investigate the phonotactic response of female Acheta domesticus that were housed with males prior to testing.

Results indicate that on average, male-exposed females respond phonotactically to a wider range of calls that those females in the control group. These results rule …

Church As Community: Religiosity And Queer Identity Among Emerging Adults In Adventist Higher Education, Chris N. Ngugi

Honors Theses

How do LGBTQ+ or “queer”-identifying emerging adults attending Seventh-day Adventist Christian institutions of higher education in the United States relate to their religiosity or relationship with religion? Within certain religious contexts (Avishai, 2020; Chiongbian et al., 2023; Lockett et al., 2023), including within the Seventh-day Adventist church (Pew Research Center, 2014), an individual’s LGBTQ+ identity may seem incongruent with commonly held stigmas, norms, doctrines, and beliefs maintained by religious group members and officials. LGBTQ+ identity and religiosity in such contexts are often described through “conflict” and “beyond conflict” theories, principally Cognitive Dissonance Theory and Identity Integration Theory (Rêgo-Moreira et al., …

Religious Fundamentalism, Motivation, And Empathy Towards Sexual Minorities, Nora Martin

Honors Theses

In the United States, political and social opposition to sexual minorities is often associated with high religiosity — in particular, Christianity (Bjork-James, 2019; Toorn et al, 2017; Westwood, 2022). However, the relationship between religiosity and prejudice is complex, with religiosity being both positively and negatively associated with prejudice towards marginalized groups (Laythe et al., 2002; Liht et al., 2011). One aspect of religiosity that is correlated with prejudice against LGBTQ+ individuals is religious fundamentalism (Altemeyer & Hunsberger, 1992; Fisher et al., 2017; Laythe et al., 2002). Religious internalization, a related concept, assesses the degree to which an individual ‘adopts’ an …

Tracing Pharmaceuticals In Produce: Their Presence, Effects, And Consumer Perspectives, Savanna N. Crooks

Honors Theses

As prescription pharmaceuticals increasingly infiltrate agricultural systems, their unmonitored presence in produce products raises critical concerns about environmental contamination and human health risks. Using a mixed methods approach, combining a literature review and anonymous survey, the presence, fate, and transport of PCs in produce products, potential health effects, and consumer knowledge and perspectives were evaluated. It was found that the presence of PCs spanned across all classes of PCs and were present in locations among all types of environmental media, especially those used for agricultural production. Water contamination was shown as the primary source of transport that led to the …

Advancing Inclusivity: The Case For Change In Law Enforcement Training Regarding Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities And Autism, Sarah Stendel

Honors Theses

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) are two neurodevelopmental disorders that, while different, can overlap for some individuals. ASD can present itself in difficulties in areas such as communication, processing of senses, and restricted and/or repetitive behavior. ID can present itself in ways such as difficulties with social skills, reasoning, problem-solving, and processing information. This honors thesis began from the thought that both ASD and ID may make any encounter with law enforcement officers more challenging as compared to law enforcement interactions with neurotypical individuals. In fact, research referenced in this thesis project shows that police officers frequently …

Play With Purpose? Examining How Structured And Unstructured Play Shape Learning And Behavior In Elementary School, Izabela Gaworski

Honors Theses

This study explores various factors that impact elementary students' academic performance and behavior in Kentucky classrooms, with an emphasis on the effects of structured and unstructured breaks. This research analyzes key challenges and opportunities within the state's education system by examining the influence of physical activity, different types of play in classroom environments, structured/unstructured activity procedures, and instructional methods and perspectives on student outcomes. Surveys were distributed to educators from urban, suburban, and rural schools across Kentucky. Educators shared their perspectives on student engagement, classroom behavior, academic achievement, and the effectiveness of different instructional strategies through structured and unstructured play. …

Visual Storytelling In Video Games, Michael P. Mclaughlin

Honors Theses

Every year, new top-hit video games are developed. Some are highly praised by critics, while others receive more mixed reviews. Among the factors that lead to these ratings is the plot/story elements. As more video games are published their focus on story elements has faded, overshadowed even, by newer graphics and jaw dropping mechanics. My Thesis and Project aim to show how games are a phenomenal medium that conveys complex stories with more engagement than most other mediums and resurface the importance of story development in games in the future.

The Unique Advantages And Disadvantages Of Film Production In The Rural Southeast, Brayden Shouse

Honors Theses

This article aims at uncovering the unique advantages and disadvantages to film production in the rural southeast. It does this in two ways: by conducting interviews with film production professions who have experience with film production in the rural south and by looking at outside sources of information related to the topic. This article then connects the two and finds that many of the outside sources strengthen the claims and opinions made by the film professionals. Some of the claims made by these professionals with backing by outside sources include: stereotypes about the rural south are prevalent in films and …

The Lara Croft Effect: The Sexualization Of Women In Video Games And Its Impact On Violence Against Women, Madeline G. Bowen

Honors Theses

Abstract

While violence against women is frequently associated with pornography consumption, this study expands the conversation by examining the broader media landscape, specifically, the impact of sexualized portrayals of women in video games. As gaming becomes increasingly mainstream, young audiences are routinely exposed to hypersexualized content that may shape attitudes toward gender and sexuality. This research investigates the relationship between the consumption of sexualized video game content and pornography use, as well as their combined influence on attitudes toward women and gender-based violence. Utilizing a survey distributed through online forums, gaming communities, and flyers at Eastern Kentucky University, the study …