Digital Commons Network^™

Fighting Aids With Holistic Weapons: An Integrated Approach, Tom Goodwin

Honors Theses

The current AIDS epidemic has changed the way we view the world as well as our society as a whole. Diseases have ravaged humanity since the dawn of time, so what makes AIDS so much different from every other disease encountered by man? One reason is its transmission method. We know that HIV passes from person to person via blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. Most people that suffer from this disease contract it during sex, during intravenous drug use, or during a blood transfusion. Early accounts of HIV disease occurred in minority groups, namely homosexual men. This may have bee …

Spoke: A Short Collection Of Poetry, Margaret A. Von Steinen

Honors Theses

No abstract available.

A Chronology Of African American English Assessment, Kent E. Bailey

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Royal Protectors, Explorers And Thieves : Pirates Of The Elizabethan Cold War, 1558-1685, Dodie Jones

Honors Theses

Within this paper, I intend to explain the significance of Elizabethan pirates as financial and defensive assets to Elizabethan England. Because the pirates existed as plunderers and thieves, outright state support of their ventures by Parliament and the Queen is difficult to determine. Evidence indicates, however, that Queen Elizabeth I developed relationships with specific pirates, chiefly Sir John Hawkins and Sir Francis Drake. Elizabeth entrusted Hawkins and Drake to employ cold war tactics against Spain and secure England's financial stability with stolen goods. Through state documents, primary accounts, biographies, and secondary sources, I aim to explain certain aspects of the …

Opening The Doors Of Communication And Guiding Parents Into Classrooms And Schools, Katy Anne Forsyth

Honors Theses

"A good parent is a national treasure and we need to make parents and families partners with their children's teacher and principals in the process of education," (Beyond the Classroom 308). This quote is the heart behind the contents of this book. For the love and concern that we as teachers have for the children in our lives, we owe it to them to help make their educational experience the most well rounded prosperous experience possible. To accomplish this, a partnership needs to be created by opening the doors of communication and guiding parents into classrooms and schools. As teachers, …

American Holocaust Films: A Case Study In Jewish American Identity (1937-1993), Jeff Daniels

Honors Theses

When examining the image of the Jew in American Holocaust films, one is truly determining how American Jews view themselves. These films' presentation of Jews exposes not only how Jewish Americans wished to see themselves but also how much Gentile Americans wanted to see of Jewish culture. An exploration of America's Holocaust films from the late 1930s to the early 1990s reveals an increasing concentration of Jews as the main victims of the event. The degree to which this specificity is emphasized exhibits how much the American public accepted Jews and their plight. At the same time, the prevalence of …

Characterizing The Role Of Mapk Phosphates In Plants, Laura Asakura

Honors Theses

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathways e ubiquitous ongst eukaryotes, involved in the signal transduction of various external stimuli to the nucleus. In plants, only MAPK pathways related to pathogen- and stress-related responses have been identified. It has been proposed that another MAPK pathway exists in plants, one that is similar to animal MAPK pathways and postulated to connect the regulation of cell growth and the actions of hormones auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellin. In order to establish whether a link exists between the MAPK pathway and hormone signaling in plants, the role of MAPK phosphatases (MKP) on hormone signaling was …

An Ethical Exploration Of Gender Inequality In Church Leadership, Elizabeth Rickert

Honors Theses

An Ethical Exploration of Gender Inequality in Church Leadership provides a moral analysis of the current status of women leaders in the church. Drawing on socio- analytical, ethical-theological, and leadership studies perspectives, this thesis sheds light on the disparity between the theological principles of equality and the ecclesiastical practices of inequality that create an unhealthy moral environment in churches.

Gender inequality in church leadership exists today in both the congregations permitting the ordination of women as well as in those that do not. This widespread discrepancy between rules and practices concerning women leaders in the church points to the socially …

The Clapham Sect : An Investigation Into The Effects Of Deep Faith In A Personal God On A Change Effort, Victoria Marple

Honors Theses

This study was undertaken primarily out of an apparent inability of leadership material to answer the question of "Why" in their studies of change efforts. Despite many scholarly materials on how societal alterations occurs and steps to make social action successful, little has been written regarding the internal influences on individuals involved in these efforts and on how these influences make the leader or group successful. This particular case study has been chosen because of its clear portrayal of various leadership theories including catalytic leadership, charismatic leadership and change theory. Moreover, writings about the Clapham Sect clearly evidence that the …

European Integration And The Expansion Of The European Union: Identity Formation In Europe, Aaron P. Boesenecker

Honors Theses

The states of Europe and the European Union are facing one of the greatest challenges since the founding of the European Community in the 1950s. The collapse of the Soviet Union and end of the Cold War have served to strengthen the position of the European Union as a guarantor of democracy, peace, and fundamental human rights in Europe. However, crises such as the Balkan conflicts of recent years have also exposed inherent weaknesses in the Union's ability to respond to the changing international environment. As the Amsterdam Treaty entered into effect on 1 May 1999, the EU marked a …

Women And Work: An Analysis Of The Sociological And Historical Trends Of Maternity Leave Policies In The U.S., Gina M. Schrader

Honors Theses

This paper presents an analysis of maternity rights and regulations within the context of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 and the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993. First, I will define the legislation while observing the sociological and historical significance of the legislation. Second, I will analyze maternity leave policies of the modern working environment and address the increasing involvement of women within the workforce. Finally, I will examine the needs that are unmet within current policies and the possible alternatives.

Power And Paradox In The Trickster Figure, Jacob D. Campbell

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Cinematic Interpretations Of Katharina In William Shakespeare's The Taming Of The Shrew, Nicole K. Kirkham

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Methods And Techniques For Production Of Genetically Modified Maize At Monsanto Global Seed, Michelle Renee Mcgehee

Honors Theses

The development of transgenic plants for agricultural purposes consumes much time and energy but is well worth the battle. From the laboratory perspective, hours are spent trying to force plant cells to uptake new DNA. Several methods are available for this practice, including Ti-plasmid mediated transformation, microprojectile bombardment, and electroporation. Each method depends primarily on the organism one wishes to transform. Once the gene of interest has been inserted, the seed from these transgenic plants goes to pilot stations to be grown in nurseries and yield production fields and tested for resistance against many elements. The final product is put …

Behavioral Analysis And Enrichment Effects On Captive Red Wolves, Laurie Thompson

Honors Theses

The red wolf, Canis rufus, is a highly endangered predator native to the eastern United States. Their original range is thought to have extended from as far west as Texas all the way to the east coast, and as far south as Florida and north to at least the Ohio River valley. Their decline is attributed to human encroachment causing loss of habitat, persecution of the species, and extensive hybridization with coyotes, Canis latrans, once their numbers began to diminish (Riley and McBride, 1972). In addition to these problems, parasites have had a substantial effect on their already dwindling numbers …

The Rest Of The Story: A Reflection On Extracurriculars During Intern Teaching, Barnaby Pung

Honors Theses

I decided to title my thesis The Rest of the Story, because of the radio personality Paul Harvey. His radio show "The Rest of the Story" is a commentary that reflects on many current issues as well as past occurrences and public personalities. In one of his most famous segments he will tell a story about a person's life and not reveal who the individual is until the end This tidbit of little known information is what the rest of the story actually is. It is the inside scoop, that little extra that is often difficult to find. That is …

Non-Traditional Success: Steps To Follow When You Return To College, Lynn Callaly

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

A Study Of Customer Satisfaction With Products And Services Offered By The Bernhard Center, Heidi L. Haskins, Dana Hasselback, Kimberly Heffel, Dean Seales, Amanda Wartchow

Honors Theses

The purpose of this report was to conduct research for the Bernhard Center. The objective was to determine student and faculty/staff perceptions of the Bernhard Center. It also served to facilitate possible suggestions for ways to renovate or replace existing areas with facilities that better serve the population of Western Michigan University. The Bernhard Center is a popular place on campus for WMU students, faculty, and staff, as well as community members to eat, study, hold meetings and events, and socialize. In an effort to maintain or increase the appeal of the Bernhard Center among these groups, while at the …

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of Sex Education Classes On The Hiv/Aids-Related Attitudes And Behaviors Of Adolescent Women, Imelda Reyes-Phetteplace

Honors Theses

Twenty adolescent women using services at the Kalamazoo County Family Planning Clinic were interviewed using a protocol developed by the student investigator. Their responses were analyzed for themes and patterns. The majority of the adolescents were aware of HIV/AIDS and were using condoms on a consistent basis. Using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as the theoretical framework, suggestions were made to help improve area school programs such as practicing role-play during class and offering more classes in greater detail. Many of the adolescents recommended having more classes offered in school that cover the topics of STDs and health education in …

Racial Identity Attitudes Among African-American Workers, Jennifer Stombaugh

Honors Theses

In this paper I compared racial identity attitudes of professional and non-professional African-American workers. Comparisons were made using means for each of the stages of the Racial Identity Attitude Scale. The Racial Identity Attitude Scale was developed by Janet Helms and was based on an identity model developed by Cross. Means for each stage are compared among men and women, professionals and non-professionals, salary, and educational levels. However, responses to the scale proved to be more interesting than the actual results. So, due to the overwhelming opposition to the use of this scale, I also discuss implications of the subjects …

Organic Farmers As Victims Of Lnjurious Practices By Biogenetic Corporations, Jennifer L. Kelley

Honors Theses

The relationship between anticompetitive practices by large biotechnology corporations and their victimizing effects on organic farmers, with reference to genetically engineered and altered seeds in the United States market, is examined. The sample was derived from individuals associated with the organic farming industry. The total sample populace was taken from two cumulative lists of organic farmers, organic certification agencies, and organic food producers. One hundred individuals were mailed questionnaires. Of the fifty-four percent that returned the surveys, one hundred percent feel there are not sufficient regulations on genetic engineering nor have sufficient precautions been taken. Issues of labeling safety, and …

The Takings Clause: A Historical And Developmental Analysis, Matthew T. Newton

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Body Image And Sexual Attitudes: A Comparison Of Ethnicity And Gender, Melody A. Scheriger

Honors Theses

Objective: To further understand the relationship between body image and sexual attitudes among men and women, whites and nonwhites, an exploratory study was conducted on undergraduate students. Method: Participating in this study was 305 females and 184 males, among the participants were 110 African Americans and 379 Caucasians. The Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), which measures body image, and the Sexual Attitudes scale, which measures sexual attitudes, was distributed in a questionnaire to students (Brown, Cash, & Mikulka, 1990; Hendrick & Hendrick, 1987). Results: Significant differences were found among both women and men, and African Americans and Caucasians. Women were …

Social And Environmental Factors Contributing To Stereotypic Behavior In The Spectacled Bear, Dana Marie Varble

Honors Theses

Stereotypies have many causes and contributing factors. Often overlooked is the importance of social and environmental factors such as weather, pen design, social interaction, feeds and feeding schedule, and early childhood experiences. These factors are overlooked in favor of more concrete and testable factors such as size of the animal, pen size, age, sex, and health. This research revealed the importance of social and environmental factors in interpreting the causes of stereotypy in one captive spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) at the St. Louis Zoo. Observational data collection was employed to attempt to gather data supporting the influence of these factors. …

In The Midst Of A Revolution: A Explanation And Criticism Of Critical Incident Stress Management, Danielle Maaks

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Biogeography Of The Short-Tailed Shrews (Blarina Brevicauda And B. Carolinensis) In The Tennessee River Valley And Adjacent Areas Of The Midsouth, Michael Jeffries

Honors Theses

In response to conflicting reports of the distribution of the two species of Blarina (B. brevicauda and B. carolinensis) in the Tennessee Valley area, specimens from The Natural History Museum of The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and The University of Georgia were analyzed. Cranial measurements were used in both a discriminant function analysis and a principle components analysis to determine species assignments. Blarina brevicauda was found in central Tennessee, the highlands of the Cumberland Plateau, and the mountains of far east Tennessee, whereas B. carolinensis was found in the Ridge and Valley of southeast Tennessee, separated from B. brevicauda …

Human Solidary : A Reconciliation Between Plato And Rorty, Larina M. Orlando

Honors Theses

In Contingency, irony and solidarity, Richard Rorty outlines his conception of the ideal liberal utopia, wherein moral change results from the substitution of Freedom for Truth as "the goal of thinking and of social progress" (xiii). Rorty maintains that autonomous self-creation and human solidarity are not to be united in a "single vision" (xiv), but rather, "the closest we will come to joining these two quests is to see the aim of a just and free society as letting its citizens be as privatistic, 'irrationalist', and aestheticist as they please so long as they do it on their own …

Go And See The Band: Rock N' Roll As Art And How We Deal With It, Sebastian Blanco

Honors Theses

This is my ode to the curse of loving rock 'n' roll. The curse of always having to defend my love of power chords and high-energy bass lines. The curse of trying to describe to people the distinction my mind makes between Pearl Jam and Aerosmith, Ani DiFranco and Jewel. The curse of looking at someone as I explain how important rock 'n' roll is to me, and seeing they don't understand a word. I have devoted the last six years of my life to listening, understanding, learning about rock music, and I do not consider that time wasted. I …

Children's Attitudes Toward Television Advertising: A State Of The Art Review, Heidi L. Haskins

Honors Theses

The issue of children and advertising came to light in the 1970s and has continued to be a topic of much discussion ever since. In started in the 1970s when the Action for Children's Television petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to eliminate all commercials from children's TV programs. Then in January 1973, the major networks agreed to reduce commercial time in children's weekend programs from 16 minutes an hour to 12 minutes an hour. In 1991, the Better Business Bureau estimated that children in the U.S. watch an average of 3.5 hours of television every day, and the average …

Adele Clark : Suffragist And Women's Rights Pioneer For Virginia, Amanda Garrett

Honors Theses

This study chronicles the life of Adele Clark, a political activist, writer, civic educator and artist. Over the span of her one hundred year life (September 27, 1882-June 4, 1983) her passion for improving society led her to campaign for suffrage for women, the rights of children, and increased opportunities for all mankind. In addition, Adele Clark's personality is explored to reveal what she was like as an individual and to explain the reasons behind her actions, which were a force for change. This work is based heavily on research in the Adele Clark Papers, which are housed at Virginia …