Digital Commons Network^™

Caffeine Effects On Different Levels Of Attention, Antoinette R. Anderson

Honors Theses

The effects' caffeine has on attention was investigated using a visual vigilance computer task. Fourteen university students (mean age = 21) received class research for I participating on three separate occasions; orientation, caffeine condition (2mg per kg. of I body weight), and placebo condition (2mg per kg. of body weight of Quinine). In both sessions the substances were added to 20ml of diet, caffeine-free Pepsi. There was at I least one day between each session. All sessions were conducted in the morning and I caffeine was restricted from 12:00 midnight the night before the session. When compared with placebo, caffeine …

Mycorrhizal Associations In Opuntia Humifusa In Southern Illinois, Sean Andrew Whitcomb

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Milligan's Musical Moments (Manual And Journal), Emily Anne Milligan

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

The Botetourt Dragoons In War And Peace, Michael G. Henkle

Honors Theses

This thesis studies a Confederate cavalry company from the immediate prewar years through the war, ending with the death of one of its last members. Most soldiers were residents of Botetourt County, Virginia. The study focuses upon both the men themselves and the battles in which they fought. Letters, diaries, and postwar accounts reveal their thoughts. After the war, many took an active role in both veterans' affairs and their community by joining veteran camps and participating in politics. Near the end, many received pensions or stayed in old soldiers' homes.

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 …

Molecular Evolution Of Insecticidal Spore-Forming Bacteria, John Pool

Honors Theses

Molecular methods are increasingly being used to determine the phylogeny of microorganisms. This research was intended to determine phylogenetic relationships for bacteria of the species Bacillus thuringiensis and other members of the Bacillus cereus group. Each strain was analyzed by its sasp-B gene sequence to determine its species classification and relation to other strains studied. Results of this study indicated that according to the sasp-B gene tree, the species Bacillus thuringiensis is a paraphyletic with respect to both Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis. Some unexpected results and implications for species designations are also discussed.

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

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

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, …

Interactions Of Ti(Iv) And Sn(Iv) Organometallic Complexes With Double-Stranded Dna, Katherine Macdonald Davies

Honors Theses

In order to understand further the interactions that exist between specific organometallic complexes and DNA, reactions of double-stranded calf-thymus DNA with bis(cyclopentadienyl)titanium dichloride [Cp₂TiC1₂] (TDC), bis(t-butylcyclopentadienyl)titanium dichloride [(C₄H₉Cp)₂TiC1₂] (r-butyl TDC), bis(i-propylcyclopentadienly)titanium dichloride [(C₃H₆Cp)2TiCl₂ a-propyl mc), bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) titanium dichloride [(Cp"₂TiC1₂ (pentarnethyl TDC), triphenyltin chloride (Ph₃SnCl), diphenylrin dichloride (Ph₂SnC1₂) , and triphenyltin acetate (Ph₃SnOAc) were performed. The goal of this research is to establish how the fundamental structure and composition of these compounds determine the effecti veness of their DNA interactions. Each metal compound was incubated with calf thymus DNA at several metal: DNA ratios and reactions were maintained at 37°C at …

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 …

Scientific Investigation Of The Plant Pathogen Agrobacterium Tumefaciens, Casey M. Flanagan, Christopher B. Crowell Ii, Bryan P. Markelz

Honors Theses

A. tumefaciensis a plant pathogen and causative agent of Crown Gall Disease, an ailment that results in the development of tumors in plants. It is a unique organism in that it is the only known non-viral pathogen that transfers its DNA into the host cell. Consequently, the majority of the research conducted on A. tumefaciensinvestigates its mechanism of infection. However, A. tumefaciensis also rare to the bacterial world in that its genome is comprised of two chromosomes: one circular and one linear. Most other bacteria only have one circular chromosome. This area of research has been grossly overlooked and therefore …

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

Ethnopsychology: A Breakdown In Communication, Tracy A. White

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Self-Defeating Personality And Learned Helplessness, Regina T. Kabatay

Honors Theses

This study attempted to determine whether people who engage in a higher frequency of self-defeating behaviors show a greater degree of those characteristics which define learned helplessness. Such a relationship was expected because chronic self-defeating patterns fail to lead to reinforcements in achievement and interpersonal situations and therefore should be associated with a higher number of characteristics found in learned helplessness (such as attributing causes of uncontrollable events to self, constant factors, and factors present in a variety of situations). Subjects were 43 undergraduate women, majors and non-majors, from an introductory psychology course. The measures used to examine the association …

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. …

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 …

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 …

"Leadership And Peace And Conflict Studies" : The Mutual Benefits Of Linking Multidisciplinary Fields Of Study, Douglas M. Schaefer

Honors Theses

The purpose of this project is to take two fields of study, Leadership Studies and Peace and Conflict Studies (a.k.a. Peace Studies), and critically analyze how both can mutually benefit each other. For this purpose, a proposed model of an academic course combining the two fields of study in the form of a conceptual syllabus will be included in the appendix. However, before such a course is taught, the connections between two previously unconnected fields must be made. This paper will show how both fields of study mutually benefit each other and combine to form a course designed specifically for …

The Effect Of Different Warm-Downs On Heart Rate Recovery And Muscular Lactic Acid Removal, Alison Jean Perkins

Honors Theses

Competitive swimmers and coaches have had varying ideas about what exercises constitute an appropriate warm-down. However, there is much agreement about what a warm-down should achieve. A good warm-down should do three things. First, a warm-down should be successful in returning the swimmer's elevated heart rate to the resting heart rate level in a relatively short period of time. Second, the warm-down should flush lactic acid out of the muscles as quickly as possible, and restore blood lactate to baseline levels. Finally the warm-down should contribute to improved athletic performances.

In this experiment, it was expected that a decreasing intensity …

Establishing A Link Between Mapk Pathways And Hormones Signal Transduction In Plants, Marc Meulener

Honors Theses

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathways are ubiquitous among eukaryotes, and are involved in the transduction of various extracellular signals. In mammals, three MAPK pathways have been identified, two of these respond to stress, and one can stimulate growth and differentiation. MAPKs have also been found in plants, and it has been suggested that a MAPK pathway may be involved in the signal transduction of auxin and cytokinin, two plant hormones that stimulate growth and differentiation. However, at this time, there is no conclusive evidence supporting this hypothesis. By studying the effect ofMAPKK's of both plant and animal origin in …