Digital Commons Network^™

Synthesis And Analysis Of A Novel Magnetic Surfactant, Donovan Turpin

Honors Theses

Researchers in the University of Mississippi Chemical Engineering Department have suggested that chelation of a large magnetic transition metal, namely dysprosium, into the large polar head group of a surfactant could result in a magnetic surfactant. This project was aimed at synthesizing a surfactant with a large enough head group and negative charge (specifically EDTA) to support this ion and demonstrating that the chelation process was successful. If so, the molecule would ideally be capable of forming micelles which could extract oily substances from water using a strong magnet—possibly applicable to environmental crises like oil spills.

NMR analysis has suggested, …

Breaking The Green Ceiling: A Study On The Impact Of State Legislatures' Gender Representation On The Implementation Of Environmental Policy, Isabelle Mcgill

Honors Theses

As the significance of climate change and other environmental issues escalates, it becomes imperative for lawmakers to address these pressing challenges. At the same time, our country is slowly electing more women to office, and legislatures are becoming more representative of their constituencies. In my research, I investigate whether greater gender representation influences the adoption of environmental policies in the context of U.S. state legislatures. The study begins by examining descriptive representation and its relationship to substantive representation, highlighting how the presence of women in legislative offices can impact policy outcomes. Drawing on research that shows a gender gap between …

Creating A Collapsible Sling Lift Capable Of Transporting Patients Between Various Locations, Cameron Delaney Hillman, Macey Jewell Ross, Lydia Noel Miller

Honors Theses

As Senior Biomedical Engineering students at the University of Mississippi, we, Lainey Hillman, Lydia Miller, and Macey Ross, are required to complete a final senior capstone for our department. This project aims to provide a solution to a current unmet clinical need in the healthcare industry, thus our team sought to improve the lack of transportability of sling lifts. The current sling lifts on the market display numerous issues: heavy, bulky, use confined to certain areas, and use specific for only one type of transportation. To combat these problems, we designed a sling lift that was lightweight, collapsible, safe, and …

The Effects Of Vigorous-Intensity Acute Exercise On Hippocampal- And Prefrontal Cortex-Dependent Memory, Lauren Hord

Honors Theses

Acute exercise has been shown to differentially impact memory, dependent on whether the task is considered prefrontal cortex- or hippocampal-dependent. More specifically, acute exercise has been shown to impair PFC-dependent memory while enhancing hippocampal-dependent memory. No study has compared whether exercise differentially impacts separate types of cognition, so this experiment was designed to determine the relationship between high-intensity acute exercise and both prefrontal cortex-dependent and hippocampal-dependent memory. This study consisted of five total visits for 55 participants. In the first visit, participants engaged in a maximal exercise test, where their heart rate reserve was obtained. In visits 2-5, participants engaged …

Theoretical Spectroscopic Predictions Of Electronically Excited States, Noah R. Garrett

Honors Theses

The quest for faster computation of anharmonic vibrational frequencies of both ground and excited electronic states has led to combining coupled cluster theory harmonic force constants with density functional theory (DFT) cubic and quartic force constants for defining a quartic force field (QFF) utilized in conjunction with vibrational perturbation theory at second order (VPT2). This work shows that explicitly correlated coupled cluster theory at the singles, doubles, and perturbative triples level [CCSD(T)-F12] provides accurate anharmonic vibrational frequencies and rotational constants when conjoined with any of B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP, BHandHLYP, PBE0, and ωB97XD for roughly one-quarter of the computational time of the …

Two Districts, Five Miles Apart: A Comparative Analysis Of The Lauderdale County And The Meridian Public School Districts, Daneel Konnar

Honors Theses

K-12 public education in Mississippi has sparked much conversation and debate regarding the factors and forces that influence school performance on test scores, teacher pay and salaries, infrastructure, and student performance. Mississippi’s children deserve the best quality education and opportunities to grow into the best version of themselves. However, school districts across Mississippi within the same county are facing many disparities. The purpose of this study is to examine the disparities between the Meridian Public School District and Lauderdale County School District in Meridian. I interviewed seven school officials to gain perspective on the differences between the two school districts. …

Case Studies In Financial Accounting, Martina C. Gratz

Honors Theses

The thesis is a combination of four case studies that were completed in the 2023-2024 academic year under the supervision of Dr. Victoria Dickinson. The first two cases look at the impact of Chinese markets entering the New York Stock Exchange and the effect Environmental, Social, and Governance legislation will have on Americans and the accounting profession. The third case looks at the beliefs of Dr. Sowell and Dr. Carson and how the implementations of these beliefs can positively impact the United States economy. Finally, in the last case we focus on the Mississippi economy and a project that can …

Knowledge And Perceptions Of Pharmacogenomics Among Mississippi Pharmacists, Nicholas Dean

Honors Theses

Pharmacogenomics (PGx), an area of study that relates a patient’s genetics to the medicines they take, has been shown to be an effective alternative to trial-and-error prescribing. Despite the benefits pharmacogenomics may bring, pharmacists, while optimistic about the practice, appear to lack knowledge and access to other resources to bring PGx to the front lines of practice. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess Mississippi pharmacists’ knowledge and attitudes about PGx, readiness for practice of PGx, their education needs for PGx, their application of PGx in practice, and their perception of the ethics of PGx practice.

A cross-sectional …

Beyond Bars And Bias: Unveiling Misogynoir And The Prison-Industrial Complex In Contemporary Black Women’S Literature, Abigail Myers, Abigail Myers

Honors Theses

This interdisciplinary thesis examines misogynoir through the lens of contemporary Black women’s literature and the prison-industrial complex, specifically centering on the literary work of Fannie Lou Hamer and Assata Shakur, both formerly incarcerated Black women. Misogynoir, a term coined by Black feminist scholar Moya Bailey, encapsulates the intersection of anti-Black racism and misogyny experienced by Black women, Black girls, and gender nonconforming people. This thesis unites the fields of literary studies, gender studies, critical prison studies, and African American studies to reveal Black women as affected by both misogyny and anti-Black racism in the contemporary prison-industrial complex and beyond. Drawing …

Childhood Food Insecurity As It Relates To Adult Intuitive Eating Patterns, Lily Langley

Honors Theses

Many American families struggle with food insecurity and do not have the economic capabilities to obtain a sufficient quantity of nutritious food. Childhood food insecurity is associated with negative health effects and altered relationships with food as an adult. Intuitive eating, a non-diet framework that emphasizes mindful eating, may attenuate these effects. It includes unconditional permission to eat, eating for physical rather than emotional reasons, reliance on hunger and satiety cues, and body-food choice congruence. Previous research has not examined whether childhood food insecurity can affect one’s ability to eat intuitively as an adult. The goal of this study was …

Bargaining On The Nile: Modeling The Impact Of The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd) On Egyptian And Ethiopian Negotiations, Madeleine Rachel Dotson

Honors Theses

This thesis investigates the role of dams in bargaining and analyzes the current conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Dams are analyzed using a strategic competitive market model. The model demonstrates the asymmetrical power balance between an upstream and downstream state. Ultimately, the model shows that the upstream state can reduce its quantity with relatively less lost potential than the downstream state’s benefits. Thus, upstream- downstream cooperation can generate positive net gains from trade. In the context of Egypt and Ethiopia, bargaining failures are certainly possible. However, a quota could increase the net gains …

Detection Of Sars-Cov-2 Nucleocapsid And Spike Antibodies In Serum Of Covid-19 Vaccinated And Infected Patients Utilizing Immunoblot Assay, Suzanna Horn

Honors Theses

In 2020, the world was introduced to COVID-19, a strain of Coronavirus that quickly caused a pandemic at the global scale. COVID-19 was reported to cause 5.94 million deaths between 2020-2021, and it continues to prevail amongst society in 2024. Many methods of preventing COVID-19 infection arose throughout this time period; however, mRNA vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein became the most effective way to protect the population from COVID-19’s destructive reign.

Although society has made significant scientific strides in Coronavirus testing and vaccination efforts, there are many improvements that must be made to better protect our society from …

High Stakes: Analyzing The Legal And Law Enforcement Challenges Of Mississippi's Medical Marijuana Industry, Brighton Bensley

Honors Theses

Despite opposition from law enforcement and government officials, Mississippi citizens overwhelmingly voted in favor of establishing a medical marijuana program in 2020. The passing of Senate Bill 2095 (or the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act) marks a significant shift in the state’s drug policy and is a rare example of my home state at the forefront of an emerging industry. My thesis examines the effects of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act by providing an overview of the challenges it creates for the state’s law enforcement agencies and legal community. By analyzing local news stories, public statements from officials, and studies from …

Examining Practical Applications Of Accounting Principles, Jay Waits

Honors Theses

This essay provides a thorough analysis of business risk management, emphasizing the complex interactions between operational risk, cybersecurity risk, ESG (environmental, social, and governance) requirements, audit risk, disaster risk, and financial collapse prevention tactics. This study sheds light on the complex issues that contemporary businesses must deal with and provides guidance on practical risk-reduction strategies.

The analysis begins by scrutinizing operational risk, highlighting how internal processes, supply chain disruptions, and external factors can threaten organizational resilience. The essay emphasizes the significance of proactive risk identification, strong controls, and quick response mechanisms in ensuring company continuity by using real-world examples.

Subsequently, …

A Classic Problem: Engaging Secondary Students In Reading The Canon, Marika Hall

Honors Theses

Secondary English students often demonstrate difficulty in comprehending and finding relevancy in reading works of classic literature when the canon is taught in a prescriptive fashion, often further widening the gap between students who are considered smart enough to read classic literature and those deemed incapable. My hypothesis is that when used in a dialogic classroom, teaching challenging, classic texts in a facilitative manner can help bridge this classic literature gap while also encouraging diversity and supporting student learning. Under my clinical instructor’s recommendations and requirements in my student teaching, I designed a unit lesson plan focusing on Roald Dahl’s …

The Effects Of Acute Exercise On Retrieval-Induced Forgetting, Anna Katherine Pitts

Honors Theses

This research investigates the relationship between acute exercise on retrieval-induced forgetting. Retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF) is a type of active forgetting that occurs when recalling an item from memory leads to the concurrent forgetting of related items connected to the same memory. Inhibition has been theorized as a potential mechanism behind RIF. Additionally, previous studies have shown that acute exercise can contribute to and enhance cognitive inhibitory processes. Therefore, an exercise-RIF relationship is plausible because the mechanisms that influence RIF, inhibition, are also influenced by exercise. Due to this understanding, the present thesis aims to investigate that when acute vigorous-intensity exercise …

Exploring Accounting Events And Challenges: Delving Into An Ever Changing Industry, Ravyn Garrett

Honors Theses

This thesis is a result of a class that exists to facilitate discussion between future professionals regarding current events and modern day research in the accounting field as well as the business environment. The thesis course taken consists of a series of case studies that cover varying areas of financial reporting. These cases can vary greatly by topic; some include analyses of business ethics while others involve critically thinking about possible solutions to present day issues. Throughout the cases, my knowledge of the accounting subject continues to grow, and I make several personal discoveries along the way. The writing process …

Early Developmental Exposure To Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Causes Latent Behavioral, Growth, And Bioenergetic Effects In Danio Rerio, Astra Hahm

Honors Theses

Early developmental exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol causes latent behavioral, growth, and bioenergetic effects in Danio rerio

(Under the direction of Dr. Kristine Willett)

Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is used during pregnancy to mitigate symptoms such as nausea, pain, and insomnia. It is established that Δ9-THC exposure early in life causes adverse effects in children’s development including behavioral disorders. Our goal was to determine the latent and generational impacts on growth, behavior, and mitochondrial bioenergetics following exposure to Δ9-THC. Wildtype (5D) zebrafish were exposed to 0 (0.05% DMSO), 0.08, 0.4, or 1 µM Δ9-THC from 6-96 hours post-fertilization (hpf), then subsequently raised in clean …

Recidivism In Mississippi: Causes, Impacts, And Solutions, Grace E. Brian

Honors Theses

Because the United States is home to the largest prison population in the world, finding solutions to reduce the rate at which prisoners return to prison is paramount to helping reduce crime. Assessments of how Mississippi, the state with the highest incarceration rate, engages with access to prison education, barriers to employment, and youth incarceration compared to the national, Southern, and non-southern averages will be explored to direct recidivism reduction solutions. Results showed that Mississippi had a slightly higher recidivism rate than the national average, had fewer barriers to employment, and a lower youth incarceration rate than the national average …

Accounting Chronicles: Real-World Case Studies, Hannah Coyle

Honors Theses

This thesis compiles case studies exploring accounting principles that intersect with real-world events, from historical incidents to financial crises and contemporary issues. Each study highlights accounting’s significance across diverse economic sectors, emphasizing accounting’s pervasive influence on influential figures, economic trends, and regulatory authorities. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach including documentaries, articles, financial reports, and academic courses, the research reveals the intricate relationship between accounting practices and global events. Findings underscore the profound impact of economic trends on the accounting profession, showcasing the underlying motivations driving these occurrences and its adaptability to changing global landscapes. Overall, this thesis provides insight into accounting’s …

The Link Between Radon Exposure And Neurodegenerative Disease Risk Factors, Serena Bruneaux

Honors Theses

The current study investigated United States county-level ecological data concerning radon concentrations and disease mortality from two Centers for Disease Control (CDC) databases. The study aimed to determine if there is a relationship between indoor radon concentration and neurodegenerative disease mortality. Three neurodegenerative diseases were investigated, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Multiple Sclerosis. Additional analyses were conducted concerning nervous system diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, cancers, bronchus and lung cancer, and central nervous system cancer. Pearson bivariate correlations revealed that counties with higher radon concentrations also had significantly higher mortality rates for all three investigated neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, a multiple linear …

The Effects Of Gamma Glutamyl Cysteinyl Ethyl Ester On Oxidative Stress Biomarkers In Traumatically Injured Rats, Jenna Shoemaker

Honors Theses

Primary injury is the original point where the impact force affects axonal tissue. Secondary injury is often the main complication in patients suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Consequences of secondary injuries include oxidative stress, DNA damage, and protein oxidation, which can impact overall brain function (Moppett). Gamma-glutamyl cysteinyl ethyl ester (GCEE), a glutathione mimetic, has been used as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress. This study aims to determine if GCEE is neuroprotective against moderate TBI at extended time points. Results from this work will provide insight for determining the best extended time point to administer treatment. This study …

A Compilation Of Accounting Case Studies, Mason Everett

Honors Theses

In my honors accounting thesis, I meticulously examined contemporary issues within the accounting and finance industries by integrating case studies from various current events. These real-world examples provided insightful perspectives into the dynamic challenges faced by professionals in these fields. Additionally, I delved into the intersection of political matters and regulatory frameworks, exploring how they shape and influence accounting practices and financial decision-making. By incorporating both theoretical concepts and practical applications, my thesis aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in today's accounting landscape, offering valuable insights for future research and professional practice.

Optimization Of Ethylbenzene Production Facility, Chance Ferrell

Honors Theses

Ethylbenzene is a foundational organic compound used as a reactant in styrene production. The objective of this thesis is to present the optimization of the in-house production process of ethylbenzene, aiming to avoid external procurement for the downstream styrene manufacturing facility. The process underlines a strategic approach to enhance the yield and cost efficiency of the production of ethylbenzene. An economic analysis revealed a promising net present value of approximately $57.6 million. This thesis not only proposes a viable route for internal ethylbenzene generation but also discusses optimizing the chemical production processes for enhanced efficiency and sustainability.

Storytelling Through Silence, Karaline S. Kendzora

Honors Theses

A few of the earliest forms of communication between people include talking, dancing, and singing. Storytelling is a popular art form of communication that is used to convey stories. Storytelling can be conveyed through talking, dancing, and singing. These stories can be told using spoken language to recall a specific event that happened and the emotions one felt during this event. According to the National Storytelling Network, storytelling is used to “encourage the active imagination of the listener” (2023). This means that a storyteller presents their story and the audience actively listens or watches to interpret its meaning. Typically, spoken …

Examining The Implications Of A Significant Cyberattack On U.S. Infrastructure, Jenna F. Riel

Honors Theses

In the modern era, the internet is becoming just as essential to the functioning of our everyday lives as food and water. Virtually everything we do relies on modern technology in some capacity, allowing our world to function efficiently. The technology that we have available has made our world smaller in a sense, because digital interconnectedness has allowed us to communicate with anyone no matter where they are on the globe in a matter of seconds, with the tap of a finger. This idea, once a phenomenon only possible in storybooks, has come to life but is not without its …

Anxious, Stressed, Or Overwhelmed: The Typical Sensory Processing Pattern Of First-Year Occupational Therapy Students, Caroline V. Holsclaw

Honors Theses

This research discusses the four sensory processing patterns, sensory sensitivity, sensory avoidant, sensory seeking, and low registration, demonstrated by first year occupational therapy doctoral program students. These four patterns describe how our brains process sensory information from the environment and from our bodies. These patterns have been linked to many things in one’s life such as their attachment styles, anxiety disorders, and quality of life, and neurologically connected to the parasympathetic nervous system which is involved with the fight or flight response. Understanding your own sensory processing pattern and preferences can help you understand how you can find sensory input …

Reading Between The Lines: Understanding College Students' Literacy Skills, Alexandra M. Jones

Honors Theses

Given that reading is a complex and multifaceted process, we need a better understanding of how different reading measures assess college students’ reading skills. Furthermore, this study evaluates what reading skills are most influential in determining undergraduate students' GPA. We investigated the relationship between different reading skills (i.e., comprehension, vocabulary, metacognitive awareness, and critical reading behaviors) and academic performance (GPA). Reading skills are especially important within university settings because they are required for academic success. We recruited a sample of 100 students through an online survey hosted on Qualtrics. We found that ACT Reading scores significantly predict GPA. However, vocabulary, …

Fixing Kentucky: A Comparative Analysis Of The Spay And Neuter Options Available To Rural Kentucky Counties, Emma M. Spurlock

Honors Theses

The objective of this research is to determine if there is a substantial difference in the availability of spay and neuter resources in rural Kentucky counties compared to urban Kentucky counties. An analysis of the Kentucky Animal Control Advisory board meeting minutes over the past ten years was conducted to determine how spay and neuter programs are funded, what counties receive funding, and the process for requesting spay and neuter grant support. Rural Kentucky communities are underserved regarding spay and neuter resources because of insufficient funding, limited veterinary and animal care, and inadequate government involvement. Improving access to spay and …

Actuarial Prediction Of Adhd Using Neuropsychological Data, Kimberlyn Williams

Honors Theses

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common psychiatric diagnosis in children and a frequent psychiatric diagnosis in adults. ADHD is a clinical diagnosis based on self-reported symptoms which makes accurate diagnosis challenging. Actuarial prediction has been demonstrated to be more accurate than clinical judgment. The current study explored an actuarial approach to predicting ADHD based on a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests. This project utilized test data from Meyers Neuropsychological Battery (MNB) to develop a logistic regression model to accurately predict diagnosed ADHD cases (n=65) from normal functioning cases (n=79) with a history of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). Binary …