Digital Commons Network^™

Stakeholder Theory In Ethical Business Decisions: The Case Of Nestle, Mckayla Marcola

Honors Theses

The traditional view of business is that executives have an obligation to base all decisions around increasing the value of the business. But what happens when those decisions infringe on the surrounding environment? In 2017, Nestlé proposed a water withdrawal increase at their Evart, MI water bottling plant from 250 gallons per minute, to 400 gallons per minute. During April 2018, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality approved the new withdrawal proposal; this caused an up roar in the environmental community. From local citizens, to public interest groups, many have expressed their opposition for this increase stating that this increase …

The Influence Of Predisposing, Enabling And Reinforcing Factors On The Solid Waste Management System. A Case Study On Kampala And Nairobi., Bethel Mwenze

Honors Theses

This study is a literature review on available research on the solid waste management issues that are overwhelming the cities of Kampala and Nairobi. The populations of these cities are growing as these cities attempt to fast track development in their cities. With this, means a multitude of issues that are too overwhelming for the current infrastructure. If these issues are not properly dealt with environmental and health problems are sure to ensue This study distributes these issues on the individuals, workers and policy makers in reference to their responsibilities. So, one can understand the predisposing factors such as knowledge …

Discovery From Failure: Understanding Developing Countries' Battles With Poverty And Culturally Appropriate Answers To Them, Daniel Tennant

Honors Theses

This paper is an examination of a failed research attempt, followed by examination of successful research literature on the subject of the informal economy and poverty. The research is centered on peripheral regions of the world, namely in Sub-Saharan countries such as Senegal. The informal economy continues to grow without thorough understanding or measurement of it creating greater problems in the future. The examination highlights the need for culturally appropriate questions, methodologies, and answers to issues of poverty in developing countries. Western World bias needs to be considered when creating and executing research in developing countries if the results are …

Sexual Harassment Of Biology And Biomedical Sciences Undergraduates: A Study On The Effects Of Larry Nassar And William Strampel, Kathleen Ryan

Honors Theses

Sexual harassment amongst undergraduate women of science is a prominent issue, gaining much media attention. The goal of this study is to determine if, and how, major sexual harassment cases impact women pursuing science-related careers, and what the sexual harassment climate is like for these individuals. The study will examine prevalence of harassment, common types of sexual misconduct, perpetrators, and severity through an anonymous survey. Additionally, this study will look into the effects of the Nassar and Strampel cases regarding desire to report harassment, and students’ fear of experiencing harassment in their future educations and careers. It is hypothesized that …

Nostalgia And Music-Evoked Autobiographical Memories: Salience And Content In Musicians Vs. Non-Musicians, Taylorlyn Mehnert

Honors Theses

This paper examines a subsection of data from a larger study conducted by Alycia Sterenberg titled, “The determinants of affect, emotional arousal, and autobiographical memories on music-evoked nostalgia”. The question being examined was: when examining musicians and non-musicians, what difference is there in the intensity of nostalgic memories between the two groups; what elements of a memory are either group more likely to be nostalgic about when listening to music they have labeled as nostalgic for themselves? The data was acquired from questionnaires participants filled out after listening to music generated to be similar to that which they had labeled …

Becoming Your Brand, Blake Kuzma

Honors Theses

As many young professionals now, starting a career is a very important and scary time. We are taught more and more how important it is that you present yourself in a way that is marketable to employers not only in person, but online as well. As a survey done by Jobvite in 2015, “75% of HR departments are required to search job applicants online” and also that “75% of HR professionals have rejected candidates based on information they have found online.” (Jobvite, 2015).

But beyond the advice we receive from our parents and mentors, there is very little that is …

An Implementation Of Packet-Switched Communication For Pilot Protection At Tennessee Valley Authority, Ha Le Vo

Honors Theses

The utility network has long relied on Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) such as T1 and Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) as the main channel to transmit and receive data in a communication system. However, TDM technology is aging and its equipment becoming obsolete as vendors transition to Packet-Switched Networks (PSN) to make way for Ethernet-based network communications. Teleprotection is a critical element for a reliable power system as it provides high-speed tripping for faults on the protected line and is applied in various pilot protection schemes. Protection schemes cannot perform at their best without a fast and reliable communication system. The …

Developing A Python-Based Workflow To Modernize User Interaction With Legacy Programs, Robert H. Hunter

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the process of refactoring legacy scientific software to improve overall usability and the ease with which a researcher can modify the software. The legacy code is Fortran code used to run different mechanical loading scenarios on a user-defined material subroutine. Each material is represented by a Fortran subroutine, and a separate Fortran program was used to call the material. To upgrade this program without sacrificing too much performance and functionality, the material subroutine is compiled into a Python library using f2py, and the driver code is translated into Python. This paper covers this upgrade process, the impact …

The Intersection Of Literacy And Digital Literacy: Incorporating Writing Standards With Computer Technology Standards, Grace Mcpherson

Honors Theses

This project aims to increase access to computer science/computer technology education by providing teachers resources to enable them to teach computer science/computer technology. A survey was taken to discover the interests and needs of teachers in Hamilton County, Tennessee. The project resulted in the creation of several lesson plans that integrate English and computer science through hands-on web development exercises, computational thinking opportunities, and critical thinking.

A Look Into Electronic Word-Of-Mouth: The Willingness Of Consumers To Write Online Reviews, Michelle Le

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to examine the willingness of a consumer to write an online review in relation to their love for a brand, their attachment to a brand and their satisfaction with shopping online for that brand. There are limited empirical studies that investigate the impact of Brand Love, Brand Attachment, and Electronic Shopping Experience Satisfaction on online reviews. Brand Love is the extent of emotional attachment that a content consumer feels for a certain brand or trade name whereas Brand Attachment measures the degree or strength to which consumers connects themselves with a brand. Lastly, a …

All That Glitters Is Not Gold: Media Coverage Of The Golden State Killer, Lasherica Thornton

Honors Theses

This thesis focused on the media’s extensive coverage of serial killers and, thus, how it could propel them to a state of fame. It discusses that no matter a serial killer’s circumstance, the media typically finds a story. For example, a serial killer can be on a rampage or can be dormant, but in subsequent stories, the media will center a story around the killer’s first and/or recent crimes, his identity, or his possible next move. The New York Times and Los Angeles Times coverage of the Golden State Killer frames the analysis of this manuscript. The purpose was to …

Investigating The Effects Of Popularity On Comment Civility: A Youtube Case Study, Isaac Smith

Honors Theses

This study will explore the connection between the civility of internet comments and their popularity- through the example of two YouTube videos. By using a combination of manual review and computer analysis, to help readers discover if video popularity has a negative effect on comment civility. Findings also examined correlations between factors that indicate civility, while also including examples of notable and intriguing comments found during this study.

Examining Content Discrepancies Between English And Spanish Language Television News: A Comparative Analysis, Elizabeth C. Rodriguez

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Abstract Assassination: How Police Militarization Has Contributed To The Rise Of “Swatting”, Lucas A. Carrico

Honors Theses

In recent decades, police militarization has firmly planted itself at the forefront of academic discourse in institutions of higher learning around the globe. Various stances, positions, and theories have been extolled as to its origins, implications, and repercussions; however, this decade has produced what is arguably the most tangible embodiment of police militarization as a whole: swatting. Ostensibly a prank, this phenomenon entails the false reporting of a serious crime with the covert intention of this report being to direct as many heavily armed police officers to a location as possible. This phenomenon has become increasingly popular in the world …

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 …

American Foreign Policy Has A Masculinity Problem: A Discourse Analysis Of The Iran Deal, Rachel Emond

Honors Theses

The research in this paper seeks to analyze the rhetoric surrounding issues of American foreign policy using the Iran Deal as a case study. The main question this research intends to answer is: Are suggested soft power policy solutions, such as that of the Iran Deal, characterized as either feminine or masculine? I seek to answer this question through a discourse analysis of the rhetoric in newspaper articles from The New York Times and The Washington Post about the Iran Deal from the year 2015. I identify common themes and phrases among these articles and draw my own conclusions about …

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

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

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.

Examining The Effect Of Perseverative Thinking On Physiological Activation In Response To Stress, Kathleen Kelly

Honors Theses

The current study had two aims: (1) measure changes in heart rate variability from the time of learning about a stressor task to completion of the task and (2) measuring the change in heart rate during and after the stressor task. Thirty participants were recruited from a midwestern university campus as well as surrounding communities. The study utilized a laboratory based stressor to examine the influence of perseverative thinking on stress recovery over a 24-hour period. Participants were involved in the study for a continuous 48 hours that included three lab visits. Participants’ activities and heart rates were measured through …

Feminist And Holistic Pedagogies, Shay Frailey

Honors Theses

In this Honors Thesis I combine holistic and feminist educational theory, what Paulo Freire refers to as “humanizing education,” with my own critical reflection on the empowering educational journey I have taken as an undergraduate (1 Pedagogy). This has been a journey to claiming my own voice, agency, empowerment, and critical understanding of my self-becoming and how this process works for others. These social justice pedagogies have helped me understand how identity is shaped by cultural contexts and institutions like education. Using the feminist research methodology of autoethnography, I show and describe the coming together of empowering pedagogy in …

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

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 …

Traditional Art Therapy Techniques Versus Digital Art Therapy Techniques: A Comparison Using Sand Play, Kaitlyn Ralston

Honors Theses

Art Therapy is a growing field that has its basis in tactile experiences, whether those experiences involve paint, clay, sand, paper, or anything else you can imagine. These techniques all focus on the tactile nature of the process to facilitate therapeutic practices. However, many who would benefit greatly from art therapy are unable to utilize the tactile methods due to sensory limitations. Thus, the problem of how to facilitate art therapy with these clients arises. One solution to the problem would be to look to the digital realm. Unfortunately, not many digital applications exist to facilitate these art therapy practices. …

Documentary Theatre: The Bridge Between Radical Performance And Dramatic Interpretation, Baxter Chaney

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Policy Responses To Migration Flows Through The Mediterranean Sea: An Analysis Of European Union And Italian Policies, Megan M. Krynen

Honors Theses

This research seeks to understand the relationship between immigration policies enacted by both the European Union and the Italian Government and the amount of migrants entering Italy through the Mediterranean Sea. The three research questions that are addressed in this research are A) What were the key policy debates leading to the current policies regulating immigration at both European and Italian level? B) How did the policies affect migrants’ decision to move? C) How did the same policies influence and were influenced by native Italians attitude towards immigration? The methods used were a textual analysis of European Union and Italian …

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 …

The Relationship Between Employment And Diabetes Self-Management, Josie Allison Lami

Honors Theses

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease that is becoming more prevalent in the world each day, and it can be deadly if it is not properly controlled. There are multiple aspects that go into self-management of diabetes such as diet, glucose control, physical activity, and lifestyle choices. This study focused on the physical activity aspect of diabetes self-management. Fifty-four subjects completed a survey that questioned time spent sitting while at work, physical activity done outside of work each week, and the results of their most recent Hemoglobin A1C check. The study found that over 50% of the participants who spent more …

An Empirical Study On The Recovery Speed Of Usb Flash Drives Utilizing Raid-5 Compared To Hdds And Ssds, Joshua Manuel Martins

Honors Theses

Since their creation and implementation, storage drives have undergone and continue to undergo drastic changes in speed, size, and reliability. The original storage drives, known as hard disk drives (HDDs), are constructed using moving parts. The second modern type of storage drives, known as solid state drives (SSDs), are constructed using a series of silicon chips that utilize no moving parts. The third and most recent innovation in storage drives, known as USB flash drives (USBs), use only a single silicon chip to provide storage which grants them the smallest form factor of the three drive types.

This study compared …

Sports Fan Interaction: A Comparison Of Teams To Determine The Common Thread Between Fan Engagement Across Social Media, Emma L. Ishee

Honors Theses

This study focused on the utilization of social media by collegiate athletic teams and how it relates to their interaction with their fan base. The aim of this study was to determine if a particular platform or post type gained the most fan interaction. The study also examined whether the men’s or women’s teams receive more interaction from fans. A random number generator selected three collegiate athletic teams from three different school in three conferences. Data was collected in the week leading up to the opening game. Ultimately, the results were not able to prove one type of post more …

Exploring The Relationship Between Personality Characteristics And Eyewitness Memory: A Test Of The Weapons-Focused Effect, Emily Jean Stahly

Honors Theses

Eyewitness accuracy is of vital importance in crime scene investigations; however, accumulating evidence suggests that eyewitnesses often show memory inaccuracies. One type of eyewitness inaccuracy is the weapons-focused effect which occurs when the presence of a weapon as part of a crime scene compromises an individual’s ability to recall other details about the event or scene (Erickson, Lampinen & Leding, 2014). Given the weapons-focused effect negatively affects eyewitness accuracy, the purpose of my thesis is to examine the extent to which the weapons-focused effect is moderated by certain personality traits. Of particular interest were the neuroticism and conscientiousness factors in …