Digital Commons Network^™

The Effect Of Age Concentration And Glucose Levels In Rage-Mediated Cardiac Fibroblast Migration In Type 2 Diabetes, Lorral Kanauss

Honors Theses

Diabetes is one of the largest health concerns in the United States. Its continuous increase in prevalence has led to it being one of the largest healthcare costs and consistently listed as one of the leading causes of death. That being said, diabetes also increases the risk of other health conditions, one of which is cardiovascular disease. Left ventricle hypertrophy resulting in the stiffening of the left ventricle and diastolic dysfunction is one form of cardiovascular disease associated with diabetes. Thought to be impacted by decreased fibroblast migration in the extracellular matrix, the experiments performed in this study seek to …

Age Of The Influencer: Exploring How Influencers Build Trust Online And Its Effect On Young Consumers, Lillian K. Herbstreit, James Blair

Honors Theses

As technology and social media continue to further integrate themselves into everyday life, incredible platforms are dedicated to marketing to our rising generations (Spotswood and Nairn 2016). Inspired by these advancements, Influencer Marketing arose as a uniquely customer-centric approach (Bang and Lee 2016). Despite this approach’s growing popularity in today’s consumers (Sledgianowski and Kulviwat 2009), there is scarce research regarding how influencers as endorsers can cultivate levels of trust with online consumers. This research question emphasized finding literature exclusive to the significance of follower count as a quantitative social status, influencers as endorsers, and the relationships offered by different types …

Mississippi Pharmacists’ Perceptions Of Dietary Supplements, Emory Booth

Honors Theses

Dietary supplements are often a controversial topic among healthcare professionals. Many view supplements positively and appreciate the health benefits they can provide. Others are wary of the decreased regulation dietary supplements are subject to and believe that the benefits of supplements do not outweigh the risks. Dietary supplements are of particular interest to pharmacists, as they are often sold at their place of work, and pharmacists have to consolidate their patients’ supplement use with their medication use. The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the viewpoints of Mississippi pharmacists in relation to dietary supplements. A survey was sent to …

Exogenous Supply Chain Shocks And Onshoring: An Analysis Of Thetrump Trade War And The U.S.-China Bilateral Trade Relationship, Benjamin Sullivan

Honors Theses

This paper examines the effects of the supply chain crisis on the U.S.-China bilateral trade relationship and on the health of the U.S. manufacturing sector. The policy goals and decision making of both the Trump administration and the Chinese Communist Party are examined, it is determined, within the context of the U.S.-China Trade War, that the Chinese Communist Party made more effective long-term policy decisions than the Trump Administration. However, despite the U.S’s policy failures, this paper finds that U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, relative to China, has actually increased in recent years. This relative increase in manufacturing competitiveness is driving the …

Politics And War In The Cannes International Film Festival: An Analysis Of The Festival’S Unifying Agenda, Julia Grace Wood

Honors Theses

Since its inception, the Cannes International Film Festival was envisioned as a means of using film as a method of diplomacy. In fact, the first two decades of the two-week long festival on the banks of the French Riviera sought to unify politically divided nations in the years following World War II and into the Cold War. My research seeks to identify the political agenda of the festival in the early years and how the Cannes International Film Festival promoted transnationalism and unity between divided nations. I argue that the festival was able to accomplish its unifying agenda through the …

The Dream Of The Common Good: Not A Nightmare, Jackson Gregory Dellinger

Honors Theses

This paper examines an emerging position in the philosophy of law, common-good constitutionalism. In the first two parts of the paper, I explain the position and constitutionalism more generally, examining how common-good constitutionalism fits within the definition of constitutionalism providing by a neutral scholar. In the next five parts, I attempt to show that common-good constitutionalism’s preference for explicit adherence to the common good does not violate constitutionalism. In doing so, I provide an examination of common-good constitutionalism’s relationship with three important constitutional principles and the separability of common-good constitutionalism as a whole and the infamous views of its most …

A Comprehensive Study Of Accounting Methodologies Through Case Studies, Sahara Karki

Honors Theses

This honors case study aims to study the different areas in accounting and dig deeper into some of the accounting scenarios used in the real world. This research is based on different case studies done in the classroom done by analyzing the financials of different companies. These case studies provide students a great opportunity to understand the different accounting concepts by researching and analyzing real-life topics and situations faced by some of the top companies in the nation. This also allowed students to meet professionals from the particular industry to discuss and understand the accounting methodologies and apply that to …

Sources Of Patient Information For Type 2 Diabetes Self-Care In Northern Mississippi, Minh-Sang La

Honors Theses

Given the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the United States and the continuous rise of cases, especially within Mississippi, there is an increasing need to identify if, and how, patients with Type 2 Diabetes receive information about self-care. While there is data available on the topic of where patients receive their information and the influence it has on their health in other countries of the world, the research on the source of Type 2 Diabetes education in the United States is scarce. Therefore, this study aims to bridge the gap of understanding where patients with Type 2 Diabetes …

Content Analysis Of Vitiligo Portrayal On Social Media, Mary Miller

Honors Theses

Given that vitiligo affects a small percentage of the world population, and its affects are not widely known, there is an increasing need to learn of its effects on those with vitiligo, both physical and psychological. Social media has become an influential platform to spread awareness and build confidence in those with vitiligo. This study aims to find how vitiligo is portrayed through social media using content analysis procedures. This is a cross-sectional content analysis that utilized a codebook to analyze Instagram posts. The results were analyzed by interrater reliability and frequency for each coder. The findings of this content …

How Immigration Policy Affects Migratory Flows And Immigrant Experiences: A Comparative Analysis Of Policy Impacts On Northern Triangle And Venezuelan Immigrants In The United States, Audrey Lynn Mcdonough

Honors Theses

In the past two decades, the US has experienced a large influx of immigrants from Venezuela and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Due to these unprecedented increases, there has been numerous notable shifts in Immigration control policy between the presidencies of Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Generally, policies under Obama were favorable and reflected pro-immigrant rhetoric. Meanwhile, Trump took a drastic turn toward restrictionist, unfavorable policies. This study aims to examine the impact of immigration policy on migratory flows and the immigrant experience in the US. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, I examine data …

A Survey Of The Presentation Of Pharmacogenomic Testing For Psychotropic Medications In Rural Areas, Laken Hancock

Honors Theses

The purpose of this research is to assess the knowledge and opinions of the general public in rural areas in regard to genetic testing and pharmacogenomics. 40 people from self-identified rural areas participated in this study by completing an online Qualtrics questionnaire and an in-person or online semi-structured qualitative interview. The Qualtrics questionnaire measured demographic information, as well as depression, anxiety, stress, positive affect, and negative affect using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) measures. The semi-structured qualitative interview included questions pertaining to the decision support tool (DST) presented to participants, …

Grabbing Consumers By The Ears: Exploring The Role Of Branded Podcasts In An Integrated Marketing Communications Strategy, Lilly Hamm

Honors Theses

Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) is a framework for understanding how brands can meet consumer needs. Practitioners of IMC use an array of communication channels like marketing, advertising, sales, and public relations to build a consistent brand narrative, but they also recognize that strong marketing potential rests in the hands of the consumer. With the rapid advancement in new technology, IMC professionals are constantly looking for new ways to reach their targeted audience.

By 2016 and 2017, IMC practitioners began to notice the lack of ad clutter in the podcasting platform, leading them to flock to this channel to promote their …

The Interaction Between Anxiety Sensitivity And Sleep Disturbance In Relation To Alcohol Use Among Adolescents, Gabrielle Meshell Armstrong

Honors Theses

Both substance use and sleep disturbance are common in adolescence. Additionally, alcohol use specifically is positively associated with a number of sleep disturbances. However, little to no research has examined factors that may influence the relation between problematic alcohol use and sleep disturbances among adolescents or adults. One factor that may be particularly important to consider in this regard is anxiety sensitivity (AS; i.e., the tendency to interpret unpleasant physiological sensations as dangerous). Among previous studies, anxiety sensitivity has been found associated with both increased alcohol consumption and sleep disturbances. The current study evaluated the main and interactive effects of …

Increasing The Student Activity Fee, Alexandria Bea Mabry

Honors Theses

The Student Activity Fee is a five-dollar fee paid by every graduate and undergraduate student at the University of Mississippi through their university tuition. The purpose of the Student Activity Fee is to support any efforts and passions of student organizations to allow them the financial freedom to host intentional programming for students or provide items needed for the function and success of that organization. The Student Activity Fee Fund was estimated to be depleted by Fall 2023. Therefore, in order to protect the Fund, a Student Activity Fee increase to two-dollars per credit hour was proposed to the student …

Comprehensive Analysis Of Financial Accounting Through Series Of Case Studies, Tyler Anderson Burke

Honors Theses

This thesis is a collection of eleven case studies that were compiled during the 2020-2021 school year. The cases studies focus on a variety of topics concerning the field of accountancy. Over a period of two semesters, the cases were researched and written independently and in a group setting. The cases studies that were written with my fellow group members resulted in a group case competition at the end of the course. This thesis was developed under the guidance of Victoria Dickinson, Ph.D., CPA.

Case Studies In Accountancy, Michael Keene

Honors Theses

Case Studies in Accountancy is a compilation of case studies completed in fulfillment of ACCY 420. My cases are titled as followed: A Tale of Two Cities, Financial Statements, Presidential Debate, Tax Cuts and Job Act and Taxodus, Professional Interview, Financial Crisis, Case Competition Amazon Overview, Case Competition Amazon Audit Analyst, Case Competition Amazon Tax Advisor, Case Competition Amazon Advisory Consultant and Case Competition Amazon’s Equity Position. These cases covered a variety of topics in the world of accountancy as well as touching on our personal lives. In the first semester of the course, cases were typically individual before moving …

How Integrated Marketing Communications Can Be Used To Better Engage Generation Z In Bridge Building, Gracie Bynum

Honors Theses

The use of Integrated Marketing Communications holds strong promise for engaging Generation Z in the work of bridge building. The work of bridging is dedicated to healing America by decreasing political polarization and bridging divides between people who think differently. The bridging space has grown drastically in the last few years because of a variety of factors including, but not limited to: increasing polarized political elections, rising racial tensions, and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important that Generation Z, the most educated and diverse generation, is engaged in this space in order to create a less divided America. I conducted …

Ipseity Vol. 1: An Artful Exploration Of Identity Formation In Emerging Adulthood, Lauren Alexis Taylor

Honors Theses

Ipseity is a multi-edition coffee-table style book that integrates digital and print design and incorporates handmade elements and processes such as die-cuts, letterpress printing, gold foiling, hand-sewn bindings, and embroidery. Its design is rooted in minimalism, yet the handmade aspects, eye-catching color palette, and bold illustrations make reading Ipseity a visual and tactile experience. The design utilizes typography and flat-color illustrations in a consistent layout, with a strong emphasis on the handmade elements and craftsmanship throughout the book. It is not only a publication to read and ponder, but it is an artful object with a physical presence to be …

College Students Fail To Identify Nutrition Misinformation On Social Media, Helen Mary Katool

Honors Theses

Social media has become a part of everyday life in our society and has the capability to reach billions, across age groups. Research has shown that there is a direct link between the widespread access to social media and the amount of misinformation that is circulating. In fact, unqualified and uneducated individuals share believable but inaccurate nutrition posts. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine if college students can distinguish the difference between nutrition misinformation or factual nutrition information when presented on social media. Male and female college students (>18 years old) from two classes (nutrition and …

Rising From The Ashes: An Analysis Of How One Infamous Promotional Event Caused A Company's Ruin And A Concept On The Future Of Influencer Experiences, Janis B. Kruger

Honors Theses

This thesis and its research focuses on the topic of modern influencer marketing through digital media. Throughout the thesis, traditional marketing tactics and the power of influence is discussed, and then it moves into the topic of modern advertising and the role that modern social media influencers play in reaching the consumer. The methodology behind influencer marketing is explained and consumer behavior is analyzed. The 2017 Fyre Festival promotional event is then used as an example to dissect this marketing tactic and how the event impacted the future of influencer marketing. Finally, a modern-day, hypothetical campaign based on the concept …

Cultural Memory Conflicted In Post-Conflict Peru: Constructing Heroes And Villains La Hora Final And La Casa Rosada, Reed Peets

Honors Theses

Building on this same theoretical platform, this project uses two critically-acclaimed contemporary cinematic representations of the internal armed conflict—La hora final and La casa rosada—as reflections of the ways in which the Peruvian cultural products of today are leveraged to reorchestrate collective understandings of the past.

Efficacy Of Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol For Hiv-Related Neuropathic Pain, Kaia Horne

Honors Theses

Despite the availability and success of antiretroviral therapeutics, ~30% of patients living with HIV experience neuropathic pain that is often intractable. The mechanisms are not known, but there is evidence to support a role for the HIV virotoxins, Tat and/or gp120, which can damage or degenerate neurons and peripheral nerves. One mechanism by which Tat and gp120 promote nerve damage involves the stimulation of proinflammatory cytokine production from immune cells which can damage or kill bystander cells. Notably, compounds found in Cannabis exert anti-inflammatory effects and many studies report HIV patients to consume more marijuana than seronegative individuals. When people …

Lessons From The Aisles: A Collection Of Short Stories, Drew Jones

Honors Theses

This thesis is a collection of short stories, each set in a separate aisle of Walmart. By exploring the relationships and conflicts of these characters, I hope to illustrate that life’s complexity can be shown in a place as simple and mundane as Walmart.

Comprehensive Review Of Accounting: A Case-By-Case Study, Cristina Trefry

Honors Theses

This thesis was prepared to investigate a variety of accounting scenarios to further learn and challenge student’s notion of accounting. These accounting scenarios were in the form of 11 case studies done over the course of September 2020 to April 2021. These case studies highlighted a wide variety of accounting concepts, and even challenged students to a case competition highlighted in cases 6 through 10. These case studies not only challenged students to think about accounting concepts in a different light, but also to learn more about the field they are going into through personalized cases. These personalized cases allowed …

The Efficacy Of The Covid-19 Vaccine In Mississippi, Ilyse Miriam Levy

Honors Theses

The Efficacy of The COVID-19 Vaccine in Mississippi

(Under the direction of Dr. Xin Dang)

By tracking and analyzing fifty-three weeks of COVID-19 data, this thesis analyzes the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine within the State of Mississippi. Over the course of these fifty-three weeks, I have also been able to calculate the confidence intervals for vaccination efficacy and the risk reduction due to vaccination by using data regarding the correlations between deaths and vaccination status, provided to me by the Mississippi Office of Epidemiology. My analysis demonstrates that the COVID-19 vaccine is effective not only in Mississippi but also …

Characterizing The Roles Of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 & 2 In Zebrafish Behavior, Metabolism, And Seizure-Induced Activity, Kayci Kimmons

Honors Theses

Epileptic disorders like Dravet Syndrome require novel studies to determine the most ideal treatment. New research linking the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to epileptic disorders is arising, but there is still much to be discovered about the function and regulatory impact of the endocannabinoid system and its receptors in epilepsies like Dravet. In this study, knockout models of larval and adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used to investigate the roles of cannabinoid receptors 1 & 2 in behavior, brain mitochondrial metabolism, and seizure-induced activity following exposure to THC and CBD. Larval zebrafish which lacked cannabinoid receptor 1 exhibited increased …

American Goldfinches (Spinus Tristis): Changes In Behavior During Mycoplasma Gallisepticum Infection, Hetal Shingrani

Honors Theses

Animal sickness behavior is an important component of disease ecology and is essential to understanding wildlife diseases and how and where animals allocate resources for survival. This study examines sickness behaviors, the extent of conjunctivitis, and the presence of an antibody response in relation to a Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) respiratory infection in American goldfinches. We conducted an experimental infection of American goldfinches and recorded behavior videos, and collected blood samples, throat swabs, eye swelling, and mass data at multiple time points throughout the experiment. An ELISA-serum assay was run after the conclusion of the study to identify the presence of …

The Design Of A Pcr-Based Assay To Detect And Isolate The Serine Palmitolytransferase Gene From Environmental Bacteria, Lana Taylor

Honors Theses

Sphingolipids are a natural class of lipids that function as structural elements of cell membranes and signaling molecules for important cellular activities such as cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, recognition, and adhesion. These lipids can be found universally in eukaryotic cells as well as some species of bacteria, such as those found in the human gut microbiome and in the environment in soils. Though sphingolipid production is rare in bacteria, both eukaryotic and prokaryotic sphingolipid biosynthesis begin with the condensation of serine and palmitoyl CoA into 3-ketodihydrosphingosine catalyzed by the enzyme serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT). In recent years, several studies have shown …

America’S History Of Health Disparities: How Does This Affect The Future Of Healthcare In Mississippi?, Zuri O. Dixon Omere, Jazmin King

Honors Theses

America’s healthcare system runs rampant with healthcare inequalities that have an alarming effect on minorities and people of color. In order for people of color and marginalized groups to receive proper care and treatment, more attention needs to be brought to these inequalities. For example, Covid-19 reflected the health inequalities that are present in this country; minorities were more likely to become hospitalized due to Covid-19 than other non-minorities. In addition, minorities in women’s health, specifically black women, have been affected in various ways that are related to the inequalities in medicine like dying during childbirth and improper care. This …

Female Students’ Perception Of Stem Identity At Utrgv, Kristen L. Hallas

Honors Theses

Despite the increase in representation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) undergraduate programs, they are still underrepresented in the workforce. Recent statistics published by the National Science Foundation show that the rate of females and Hispanic/Latina females earning degrees does not match the rate in which they earn STEM occupations, especially advanced degrees. Moreover, out of early career doctorate holders, women are less likely to hold post-doctoral scholar positions and are more likely to hold an academic, non-tenure track position. In response to these disparities, I sought to identify the strongest motivators driving the ambition of female …