Digital Commons Network^™

The War On American Consumers, William C. Morrill V

Honors Theses

In this work I seek to discuss the various avenues that consumers have been abused by both individual corporations and wider market trends. I also attempt to shed light on how recent consumer advocacy movements have been gaining momentum to combat these issues. The background information for this work has been collected through years of personal observation of the issues at hand. The areas of technology, automobiles, and agriculture that are featured prominently throughout the essay are all topics of either personal impact to myself and family or things that I have a hobby-like interest in. I have kept up …

The Associations Between Problematic Social Media Use, Social Media Appearance Preoccupation, And Sleep Quality Among Emerging Adults, Lily Gisclair

Honors Theses

Emerging adulthood is a critical developmental window in which significant transitions increase vulnerability to mental health challenges. Additionally, emerging adults are spending large amounts of time on social media sites. Recent literature suggests that problematic social media use and social media appearance preoccupation could all play a role in increased anxiety, depression, and poorer sleep outcomes in young people. However, to our knowledge, few studies have directly examined the associations among all of these variables specifically in the emerging adult population. The current study was designed to examine these associations among 178 emerging adults between the ages of 18 and …

Esports Cosmopolitan Canopy, Reice Hicks

Honors Theses

This thesis concerns the area of sociology. Specifically, it is a sociological study of a community on Ole Miss’s campus and how they form what is known within the sociology field as a “cosmopolitan canopy,” a term coined by Elijah Anderson. Using this term, I proceed to prove not only how the Ole Miss Esports club falls under this jurisdiction, but the effects of esports on the youth as a whole, both positive and negative. All of my data was extracted via literature review, online research, note-taking, visual observation, and one-on-one interviews with people involved with the club. The entire …

The Role Of Media Coverage Of Conflicts In Shaping Public Opinion: Exploring The Cnn Effect In The Russia-Ukraine War, Grace A. Landry

Honors Theses

This study examines how media coverage of the initial Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 influenced public opinion and policy discourse in the United States through the lens of the CNN Effect, agenda-setting, and framing. Focusing on the initial reporting is important because it captures a moment of high uncertainty, when audiences and policymakers were most reliant on journalistic framing to interpret the conflict that is still ongoing today. This research utilizes a qualitative content analysis to analyze fifteen news articles from three major U.S. newspapers, the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal, covering the …

Seasonal Variation And Size Distribution Of Particulate Matter In The Mississippi Delta: Implications For Source Attribution, Abigail E. Barnett

Honors Theses

This study examines seasonal patterns of particulate matter in the Mississippi Delta using data from PurpleAir sensors, with a focus on particle size distributions across PM₁.₀, PM₂.₅, and PM₁₀. The purpose of this research is to evaluate whether particulate trends in the region reflect signatures consistent with wildfire smoke or are better explained by local environmental and agricultural factors.

Daily average concentrations were analyzed and grouped by season to compare spring and summer conditions. Results show that all particle size fractions increased from spring to summer. However, PM₁₀ concentrations remained consistently higher than PM₂.₅ in both seasons. The PM₂.₅/PM₁₀ ratio …

A Remote Sensing Approach To Identifying Zones Of Instability In Mine Tailings Impoundments Using Multi-Sensor Satellite Data, Arden K. Pierce

Honors Theses

Mine tailings impoundments are structures built to contain the chemical and sedimentary byproducts generated by ore extraction activities. In this common method of mining waste storage, the tailings can be pumped into containment ponds and held behind earthen embankments to prevent the release of hazardous substances into the surrounding environment. Monitoring environmental factors that influence the structural integrity of these impoundments is essential for identifying areas vulnerable to instability and failure. Soil moisture is a factor that can affect the stability of mine tailings impoundment structures. This study evaluates the relationship between satellite-derived soil moisture and surface deformation at mine …

The Effects Of Mississippi Mandated Testing On Students And Teachers, Christopher I. Goss

Honors Theses

This thesis concerns the direct impacts of the Mississippi mandated standardized testing, used for graduation, on Mississippi public school teachers and students. To collect appropriate data, I used the Qualtrics survey platform to fit in the parameters needed for IRB approval. This survey provided individuals an opportunity to express their opinions on certain statements, ideas, and beliefs about the current mandated standardized testing system, while also collecting background information for comparing data such as differences between how much someone from a D ranked school would support standardized testing compared to someone from an A ranked school. Most teachers and faculty …

Not An Afterthought: Addressing The Academic And Social Challenges That Create Barriers To Belonging For Transfer Students, Brooke Jankowsky

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the academic and social barriers to belonging for transfer students at four-year institutions, with particular attention to the University of Mississippi. The goal is to bring attention to the issues that surround transfer student populations in general by identifying some of the most pressing structural and interpersonal challenges that shape their experiences. A qualitative approach was used, drawing on existing literature, prior unpublished research at the community college level, and reflective analysis to explore themes such as transfer shock, creating and maintaining social networks, and gaps in institutional support. Findings suggest that transfer students often face a …

How Ux Design Shapes Brand Perception In Digital Environments Among Gen Z, Adriane R. Arinder

Honors Theses

This study examines how user experience (UX) design shapes brand perception among young adult consumers, with a focus on digitally active individuals between the ages of 18 and 25. Drawing on a review of academic and industry literature, qualitative data from a focus group of seven University of Mississippi students, and quantitative data from a survey of 153 participants, this research argues that intuitive, accessible digital experiences function as a form of brand communication that significantly influences how users evaluate the companies behind them. The study conceptualizes UX through four primary dimensions: usability, navigation clarity, interaction efficiency, and accessibility. Findings …

A.I. And Education: The Relationship Between Policy And A.I. Implementation In Louisiana K-12 Schools, Johnny R. Moore Jr

Honors Theses

This research focuses on A.I. policies in Louisiana K-12 education, trying to figure out what the best possible policies would be to ensure that students are using A.I. as a tool rather than a crutch to rely on. This goes through the history and background of technology implementation and educational policies in Louisiana. The research focuses on current A.I. policies in the state, if any, and then evaluates other states policies around the country. Teachers and administrators from around the state were surveyed on this and were also asked on their opinions on A.I. in the classroom.

Monitoring Groundwater Flow At Old Works Using Anisotropy, 3-D Electrical Geophysics, And Dem-Based Terrain Analysis, Yihaun Gao

Honors Theses

Groundwater flow in shallow heterogeneous environments is often difficult to characterize using a single geophysical method. This study applies an integrated approach combining azimuthal resistivity anisotropy, self-potential (SP) measurements, DEM-derived terrain indices, and three-dimensional electrical resistivity tomography (3-D ERT) to delineate preferential groundwater pathways at the Old Works Golf Course in Anaconda, Montana. Azimuthal anisotropy analysis from eighteen 2-D ERT profiles revealed a dominant directional dependence in electrical conductivity, indicating a structural or sedimentological control on subsurface flow. The anisotropy results indicate a preferred conductivity direction of approximately 200°–210° in azimuth (0° is north), suggesting that groundwater movement is guided …

Phytoextraction Potential Of Willows (Salix Spp.) For Common Heavy Metal Contaminants., Johannes Chandler

Honors Theses

Phytoextraction is a method for removal and recovery of heavy metals from contaminated substrates using plants. There is a growing need to test, identify, and further understand species effective for phytoextraction to feasibly remove and recover heavy metals. In this study, the phytoextraction capacity of Willow (Salix) species was tested for metal contaminated soils and waters from legacy mining in Butte, Montana. The willows were grown in a hydroponic system in two 8-week long growth trials, employing a 2x2 factorial design of contaminated soil, clay beads, contaminated mine water and uncontaminated water as the media. Heavy metal concentrations (Mn, Zn, …

Descriptive Analysis: Effects Of Insufficient Sleep Among College Students Ages 18-22, Divine Ighalo

Honors Theses

Background: Not getting enough sleep is common among college students and is often linked to habits such as screen time, caffeine intake, stress, and irregular routines. This study examined how these lifestyle factors are associated with insufficient sleep among college students ages 18-22 and how poor sleep affects their overall wellbeing. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional survey design and collected data through an anonymous 25 question online Qualtrics questionnaire. This was completed by 150 participants. The survey was designed to be completed in about 5-7 minutes. It included a mix of multiplechoice questions, frequency-based responses and select all that …

Integrating Movement In Elementary Classrooms: Teacher Perceptions And Student Benefits In A Kindergarten Setting, Ferriday R. Green

Honors Theses

Movement integration has been shown to positively influence elementary students’ cognitive performance, engagement, and on-task behavior; however, its use in classrooms remains inconsistent due to various teacher-perceived barriers. This qualitative study investigates the challenges teachers face when implementing movement integration in elementary classrooms and examines whether access to structured, movement-integrated lesson plans influences instructional practices. The study was conducted with one kindergarten teacher at Lafayette Elementary School. Data were collected through two semi-structured interviews—one conducted prior to implementation and one following a two-week intervention period during which the teacher implemented pre-developed, movement-integrated lesson plans aligned with required academic standards. Interview …

Behavioral Biases In Investment Decision-Making: Evidence From Short-Term Trading Behavior During High-Volatility Market Events, Jayden A. Shwed

Honors Theses

This study examines how behavioral biases influence short-term trading behavior during periods of high market volatility. While traditional financial theory assumes that investors act rationally, real-world market behavior often reflects the influence of psychological factors. Rather than treating behavioral bias as a single market force, this thesis compares how different biases appear across distinct market environments. Using an empirical, case-study-based approach, this study evaluates three recent market episodes: the COVID-19 market crash in 2020, the GameStop meme stock surge in 2021, and the rise of NVIDIA during the artificial intelligence boom from 2023 to 2024. Historical price and trading volume …

The Mystery Of The Epstein-Barr Virus: How To Detect An Undetectable Virus, Paris Lange

Honors Theses

The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a latent virus that stays in the body after the initial acute infection. In severe cases, this virus can lead to viral myocarditis and can cause life-threatening health issues. One reason this virus is impactful is its ability to suppress the intrinsic apoptotic response through a gene called BHRF1. This gene is an early lytic gene that encodes a homolog of a human pro-survival protein named Bcl-2. This allows the gene to act as an anti-apoptotic survival factor, facilitating the viral persistence inside the host without premature death of the host’s cells. Here, the BHRF1 …

From Crops To Kilowatts: The Growing Energy Potential Of Modern Agriculture, Karlee M. Crowe

Honors Theses

Agriculture has traditionally been defined as merely the production of food, fiber, and raw materials. Growing global challenges such as rising energy demand, resource depletion, and environmental degradation are reshaping the agricultural industry. This paper argues that modern agriculture has the potential to expand beyond its conventional roles by integrating renewable energy production—specifically through agrivoltaics and biomass generation—into existing agricultural practices. By focusing on these two main systems, this study highlights how the agriculture industry can implement energy production into already existing practices. Drawing on scientific literature and government sources, this study analyzes the environmental, economic, and social implications of …

Unbottling The Truth: A Study Of Alcohol Rehabilitation Access And Outcomes In Kentucky, Kendall Pierce

Honors Theses

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains a significant public health concern in the United States, with disproportionately higher rates in Kentucky. Despite the availability of various treatment modalities, barriers to access and perceptions of treatment effectiveness continue to influence recovery outcomes. This study examines the accessibility and perceived success of alcohol rehabilitation programs in Kentucky through qualitative focus groups with individuals with lived experience of AUD (n = 9). Using an inductive thematic analysis approach, four major themes were identified: individual readiness for recovery, social support and resource navigation, structural barriers within the treatment system, and perceived characteristics of …

Invisible Fallout: Economic Health, Environmental Injustice, And The Social Legacy Of The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, Isabella G. Bailey-Sims

Honors Theses

This paper examines the long-term impacts of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) in western Kentucky, framing its legacy as a form of “invisible fallout” in which economic growth was accompanied by delayed environmental and public health consequences. Established in the early 1950s, the plant served as a major economic driver, providing stable employment and transforming the regional economy. However, its operation involved the handling of radioactive materials and hazardous chemicals, leading to environmental contamination and occupational exposure risks that were not fully disclosed during its active years.

Drawing on epidemiological studies, environmental reports, and socioeconomic analyses, this study identifies …

Why Did Pikeville Blow Up That Mountain? Post-Evaluation On Public Projects In The United States, Gavin Cantrell

Honors Theses

Public project evaluation in the United States follows that projects are developed with constant checks and measurements to ensure that budgetary expectations, efficiency expectations, and output expectations are being met consistent with what was approved for the project. However, post-evaluation (also known as ex-evaluation) is not mandatory for constructing a project. Post-evaluation is a systematic approach of assessing and evaluating a project after its completion. Evidence suggests that there is no standardized system of post-evaluation across the branches of government, nor is there one that measures success. The logic model can fill this gap in post-evaluation. The logic model is …

Eastern Kentucky Drowning: Floods And Relief Efforts, Lynsey Joseph

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the impacts of repeated flash floods in Eastern Kentucky, focusing on the flood events of 2022 and 2025, to understand how environmental conditions, disaster policy, and socioeconomic factors have shaped the community vulnerability and recovery in the region. This research is relevant due to the increased frequency of extreme weather events that have had disproportionate effects on rural and low-income regions. The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the effectiveness of federal disaster response programs like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and to analyze these systems compared to community-based recovery efforts. This was done using a …

Pfas Drinking Water Contamination In Madison County, Ky Association With Reproductive Health Outcomes., Jessica L. Stone

Honors Theses

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, manmade chemicals used since the 1950s in a wide variety of consumer products. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as PFAS, have been linked to an increase in hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostate, decreased fertility, decreased sperm count, genital malformations, and early puberty. This study utilized a mixed methods approach, including a literature review, a survey consisting of surface water and drinking water analysis, and a spatial analysis of public cancer data. Analyzed cancer data stratified by Kentucky River lower subbasin versus the remainder of the sectors, resulted in three significant p-values, …

Handmade Vs Ai, A 2d Animator’S Perspective, Leilani Scarambone

Honors Theses

My honors thesis covers various aspects of animation and techniques used by animators to lessen time spent on a project, a brief summary of how AI functions and processes inputs, and finally a simple cross comparison of hand made animation and AI generated products of varying type. Animation with a fast-approaching deadline often requires animation tricks to be able to get the product out in time. I listed a few of the most prominent animation techniques and gave a brief overview of the evolution of 2D animation as it grew towards an easier workflow. 2D animation, even then, takes a …

"Sirens, Safety, And Superheroes": A Children's Guide To Handling An Emergency Crisis, Madison B. Cassity

Honors Theses

A children’s book was created highlighting the roles and responsibilities of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) workers in the prehospital setting. The book addresses the concerns and hesitancies that children may have when approached by EMS in the event of an emergency. This includes strategies about how children should manage and react in a situation if they must call 9-1-1 themselves. In addition to EMS related research, a literature review was conducted to analyze sources on how to effectively write a children’s book (what makes a child most interested, how to keep them engaged, etc.). This thesis will also articulate the …

Cancer Risk Perceptions And Nicotine Use Behaviors Among Eastern Kentucky University Students, Kassidy Burke

Honors Theses

The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), including vaping devices and oral nicotine pouches, has increased among adolescents and young adults. Although often marketed as safer alternatives to cigarettes, emerging evidence suggests these products may still pose significant health risks, including potential contributions to cancer. Despite this, many college students perceive them as low risk. This study examines cancer risk perceptions and nicotine use behaviors among students at Eastern Kentucky University, focusing on perceptions of cigarettes, vaping devices, and oral nicotine pouches, as well as how these perceptions influence behavior. It also explores sources of health information and the …

Two Sides Of The Same Cycle: Understanding The Experiences Of Domestic Violence Survivors And Perpetrators, Avery M. Blevins

Honors Theses

Domestic violence has been a prevalent concern throughout society for many years but has recently begun to cumulate awareness from policymakers, people in the community, and individuals in service professions. There have been various changes made to the way that we define and understand domestic violence which has further led to the need to explore and educate on this concern. This paper aims to understand the experiences of both survivors and perpetrators that led to such violent circumstances. This creates a more multifaceted understanding of domestic violence and aids in implementing effective resources to both prevent and intervene in violent …

Unlocking Access: Investigating The Implementation Of European Accessibility Standards In European Museums, Katie Hendrix

Honors Theses

Individuals with mobility limitations are limited to utilizing facilities that provide mobility adaptations, such as: elevators/lifts, automatic/easy to open doors, ramps, sufficient maneuverable space, benches, etc. To address this equity need in Europe, the European Committee for Standardization published and implemented the European Standard for accessibility and usability of the built environment (EN 17210) in 2021 which outlines accessibility features that all European Union (EU) countries are recommended to follow. The goal of this research is to investigate how the European Standard regulates the EU infrastructure and analyze its impact on infrastructures for those with mobility impairments. This project presents …

Beyond The Game: The Real Impact Of Cte, Leah R. Rennels Ms

Honors Theses

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is very new in the world of sports medicine and the clinical features and symptoms of CTE are wide ranging. Some of these features include: executive function decline, memory problems, depressive episodes, behavioral changes, and mood swings. The affected populations include contact sport athletes, military veterans, and physical abuse victims. Continued research in the field has also broadened the scope of its effect. CTE research can affect sports administration, medicine, and even legal fields. Sports administration and medicine can both make advancements to protect our contact sport athletes and medicine can even help people with similarly …

A.I. And The Law: How Ethical Guidelines Affect The Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Legal Work, Andre Asher

Honors Theses

Artificial intelligence is a quickly growing industry that is beginning to integrate itself into various aspects of our lives. Regarding the legal portion, the American Bar Association has an extensive set of ethical guidelines which, although they themselves do not hold any disciplinary weight, have been adapted to many state grievance committees where sanctions can be imposed. The use of AI in the legal field has introduced a whole new set of ethical concerns, which the already existing rules of professional conduct must now adapt to. Looking at the ABA’s ethical rules 1.1: Competency, 1.3: Diligence, 1.5: Fees, 1.6: Confidentiality, …

Arete - The Balance Of Nature: A Study And Creation Of Greek Tragedy From The Modern World, Grace Margaret Merrill

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the gender roles in ancient Greece through a creative lens. It aims to reach an understanding of the inequalities between men and women. Some of these inequalities involve women’s rights, abortion, and divorce. The main goal of this project is to reveal the discrimination women faced in ancient Greece. Once this is accomplished, I will then use the research to create a play inspired by the traditional Greek tragedy format. This play addresses controversial topics of the time and how individuals would have approached them. While there is ample research into the focus of my topic, there …