Digital Commons Network^™

Sadder And Wiser Nonsense: Coleridge's "The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner", Nina Richard

Honors Theses

"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a long-form poem that tends to elude understanding. Since its original publication in the Lyrical Ballads in 1798, readers have been unable to interpret the true meaning behind the tale and for what intention Coleridge had for writing the piece. Over the past two hundred years, scholars have attempted to interpret "The Rime" and yet it seems that every interpretation simply cannot hold true to the entire narrative. Through an overview of the textual and critical reception history of the poem, I conjecture that "The Rime" is actually imitating …

Examining Vicarious Racial Trauma In College Students, Kiara Baker

Honors Theses

Racism-related stress models argue that racism can illicit psychological and physiological stress responses in Black and African American people. These stress responses can negatively influence the overall wellbeing of individuals who experience racism. Like other stressors and traumatizing events, racism can be experienced directly or vicariously. There are many studies that observe the various impacts of direct racist experiences on Black and African American people but less is known about the possible effects of indirect experiences of racism. The present study examined the nature and negative effect of vicarious racial trauma in Black and African American college students through different …

The Effect Of Different Types Of Plastic And Rubbers Often Found In Healthcare Facilities On The Survival Of Potentially Pathogenic Bacteria, Ashely George

Honors Theses

This study focused on the survival of different species of bacteria on different types of plastics and rubbers found in healthcare facilities. The gram-positive coccus Staphylococcus aureus and the gram negative bacillus Escherichia coli, known to have importance as potential pathogens in healthcare facilities, were tested on two types of plastic (polyurethane and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)) and two types of rubbers (latex and nitrile) typically found on reusable healthcare surfaces. Known quantities of bacteria were aseptically placed on disinfected plastic surfaces in triplicate, air-dried, and then incubated at room temperature for 30 minutes, 20 hours, and 40 hours. After incubation, …

Algorithms And The Alphabet Mafia: How Tiktok Influenced Gender, Sexuality, And The Lgbtq+ Community During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Hope Smith

Honors Theses

A massive surge in popularity of the social media app TikTok coincided with the first major surge of COVID-19 cases in the United States. As U.S. Americans began leaving their houses again and the U.S. approaches a semblance of a “post-pandemic” era, many LGBTQ+ social media users, particularly TikTok users, have mentioned the influence social media had on understanding their queer identity. This study seeks to contribute to a larger field of research into how social media is affecting identity development in adolescents and young adults. This study employs an anonymous online survey to ask undergraduate students at the University …

Petrographic Observations Of Stromatolites In The Late Cambrian To Early Ordovician Knox Group, Northwest Georgia And Their Relationship To Stromatolitic Fabrics Over Geologic Time, Evan Ritchey

Honors Theses

Silica deposits are common in Proterozoic carbonate platforms and are interpreted to form early in the diagenetic history of the carbonate strata. Black early diagenetic chert deposits are often associated with evidence of ancient microbial mats, or stromatolites. Proterozoic chert nodules can contain well-preserved microfossils, because silicification occurs rapidly; however, silica deposition has changed over time and it is unclear if similar deposits exist in the Cambrian period after silica-utilizing organisms evolved. The Copper Ridge Dolomite in the Knox Group, northwest Georgia, which was deposited in the late Cambrian to early Ordovician, contains black chert nodules that follow the structure …

Survey Of Models For "Computer Music", Gabriel Pell

Honors Theses

The introduction of digital computers to the world of music composition provided a medium from which to write far more efficiently than the traditional means of transcription. Of course, this applies to modern notation software, but it is the way in which computers have granted the composer the ability to utilize stochastic generation, algorithmic reasoning, and later, artificial intelligence that was especially groundbreaking. To be sure, there are countless models created by composers and computer scientists that utilized every aspect of the abilities granted by the technology at the time of their creation. However, there are those few models that …

A Small Stem Assay Using Hypovirulent Cryphonectria Parasitica To Screen Castanea Dentata Backcross F2 Families May Set The Stage For Long-Term Survival, Trish Nguyen

Honors Theses

By combining the results of blight resistance breeding and the application of hypovirulence as a biocontrol, populations of resistant hybrid trees could be deployed together with a less pathogenic strain of Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr. I used a small stem assay to screen seedlings in thirteen half-sibling backcross F2 families with an attenuated strain of C. parasitica containing the Cryphonectria parasitica hypovirus-1 (CHV-1) Euro7 virus. The experiment was set up as a randomized complete block design in 2-gallon containers. Measurements of canker length and morphology were gathered at 90 days post-inoculation. Although statistically significant differences were seen between canker lengths …

Modeling Surface Structures For The Capture Of Carbon Dioxide, Paige Freyre

Honors Theses

Our research utilized a modified graphene surface model to simulate capture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas based on van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding. We completed an extensive review of the literature for model and experimental surfaces used to trap carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas into structures and pores with varying functional groups, pore sizes, and pore structures. We replicated the design of selected published models and compared their and our calculated binding energies. We used Scigress (Fujitsu) software with the Molecular Mechanics MM3 parameter set to perform calculations to analyze a proposed graphene surface pore lined with …

Hunter: Redneck Hamlet, Ewan Whaley

Honors Theses

Hunter: Redneck Hamlet is an adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet placed within the rural American South in order to tackle the topics of grief, paranoia, conspiracy, toxic masculinity, misogyny, and substance abuse through the lens of Hamlet. The study analyzes these aspects of the South in order to attempt to understand what makes certain people act the way that they do, and displays it through the lens of Hamlet in order to characterize these phenomenon. The thesis begins with the full five act play written in pentameter, followed by a craft essay analyzing the various research and aspects of the play …

A Tale From Esterad: An Examination Of The Political Power Of Fantasy, Koy Skinner

Honors Theses

The following is a short craft essay on the political nature of the fantasy genre followed by an original short story. The craft paper situates the reader in the discourse of fantasy being political or apolitical before shifting into a discussion of how Tolkien, Le Guin, and Sapkowski explore political ideas through their works. After, there is a brief section where the thought process going into the short story is explored before launching into the creative piece. The piece is five chapters long and explores a refugee crisis caused by a civil war in the fantasy world of Esterad.

Boudica At The Intersection: Gender, Alterity, And Narrative In Imperial Roman Historiography, Adam Cummings

Honors Theses

Tacitus (fl. ~100 ᴄᴇ) and Cassius Dio (fl. ~200 ᴄᴇ) wrote, respectively, the Annales and the Historia Romana, both now fragmentary, both detailing imperial Roman expansion, and both displaying anxieties about the barbarian ‘Other.’ Their accounts of Boudica, who led the Iceni against Roman encroachment in Britannia in 62 CE, provide a view into these authors’ visions of colonization, ethnicity, and gender. Characterizing this woman as a barbarian leader of war, the authors reveal not only their foundational ideologies but also the political projects underpinning their histories. This thesis will proceed in the following manner: I will provide 1) a …

Exploring The Structure Of Partial Difference Sets With Denniston Parameters, Nicolas Ferree

Honors Theses

In this work, we investigate the structure of particular partial difference sets (PDS) of size 70 with Denniston parameters in an elementary abelian group and in a nonelementary abelian group. We will make extensive use of character theory in our investigation and ultimately seek to understand the nature of difference sets with these parameters. To begin, we will cover some basic definitions and examples of difference sets and partial difference sets. We will then move on to some basic theorems about partial difference sets before introducing a group ring formalism and using it to explore several important constructions of partial …

Out-Of-Time & Out-Of-Place: Queer Horizons Of Popular Culture, Josephine Holland

Honors Theses

This thesis uses Our Flag Means Death to illustrate the ability of Fictional Relativity Theory to unpack a text according to constructs of space-time and the translations from the creation process and and interpretation process, but it is also serves an example of the ways that texts can operate within the structure to encourage and engage with queer potential. OFMD pushes the boundaries and expectations in every step of FRT, from messing with constructs and expectations of time and space, to encouraging queer play and new kinds of engagement with fan communities in the second half of FRT’s cultural production …

Gender Based Violence And All It's Erasure, Ana Sofie Martinez

Honors Theses

Part one of three

of a radical act

against

gender-based violence

Queer Representation: Revitilizing F. Scott Fitzgerald’S Place In The American Literary Canon, Olivia Wallace

Honors Theses

F. Scott Fitzgerald is colloquially known as one of the great American writers. His acclaim is most commonly attributed to his depiction of heterosexual romances set during the Jazz Age. However, under the surface, many of the male characters that he represents display queer behaviors that subvert this idea. The texts analyzed here include “The Rich Boy” (1926), Tender is the Night (1934), and The Great Gatsby (1925). These men commonly avoid perpetuating heteronormative culture, projecting a general air of cynicism towards the institution of marriage, and a subtle inclination towards feminine characteristics and queer love. Overall, the inclusion of …

Gender Role Conflict Experienced By Baccalaureate Level Male Nursing Students At The University Of Southern Mississippi, Brantley Snowden

Honors Theses

This study aims to determine the presence of gender role conflict experienced by male nursing students at the University of Southern Mississippi. Thirty-one male nursing students participated in this study. A 55-question survey was distributed via email to men in the baccalaureate nursing program at the University of Southern Mississippi. The survey contained a brief demographic section and a 53-question Likert scale section. The Likert scale questions were adopted from two validated surveys; the Inventory of Male Friendliness in Nursing Programs (IMFNP), and the Gender Role Conflict Scale – Short Form (GRCS-SF). Thirty questions were derived from the IMFNP and …

Post-Covid-19 Employee Satisfaction: An Examination Of Flexible Work Arrangements, Joshua Cooper

Honors Theses

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses had to switch their strategy to stay afloat in such unprecedented times. One way that businesses, as well as entire industries, pivoted was by using flexible work arrangements to alleviate the stress and potential danger of employees gathering at work. The addition of flexible working arrangements into industries has created an entirely different world of work that challenges the traditional form of working in a face-to-face format. Moving forward, after the pandemic, industries have to accommodate for these more present working conditions that impact how employees view their satisfaction with their job. This research …

The Contribution Of Forensic Science To Wrongful Convictions: An Analysis Of Forensic Expert Testimony, Parker Gunter

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the progression and potential improvement of forensic science in court. Errors is forensic science have contributed to the problem of wrongful convictions, but research surrounding forensic expert testimony over the last decade is lacking. The way that an expert explains evidence in court is important to gain a broader understanding for how forensic science may fail. The testimonies of forensic experts were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively to further understand the shortcomings in the field at the end of its journey through the criminal justice system. The results showed that the testimonies …

Variations In Thermoregulation Strategies Of Northern And Southern Populations Of Mischocyttarus Mexicanus, Taylor Guild

Honors Theses

Mischocyttarus mexicanus is a species of eusocial paper wasp that is found across much of the Southeastern coastal region of the United States. Contrasting wintering strategies have been seen in northern versus southern populations. Anecdotally, northern populations overwinter by clustering on top of palmetto fronds, their preferred nesting substrate, in a sort of "taco" shape, while southern populations stand on their nests that hang on the underside of the palmetto frond throughout the year. I tested three hypotheses related to the adaptive value of northern over-frond clustering behavior: 1) Over-frond clustering is thermoregulation related, meaning it would be temperature driven. …

The Past Close Behind Us: A Comparison Of Anti-Integrationists’ Rhetoric From The 1960’S With Anti-Critical Race Theory Rhetoric Today, Te'keyra Shelton

Honors Theses

The purpose of this research study is to analyze whether there are similarities and differences between how conservative organizations and leaders against integration in the 1960’s and Critical Race Theory today discussed and reacted to these advances for civil rights. While there are drastic differences in the context of both eras, arguments used to justify segregation are still used to justify banning Critical Race Theory. Through research on social movements, rhetorical framing, and white racial and conservative ideology, I was able to understand how these movements are structured to best gain success. And, through a comparative, content analysis of rhetorical …

Ethnicity, Nationalism, And Football: Exploring The Construction Of Ethnic Identities And Their Manifestations For Athletic Club Bilbao And Celtic Football Club, Kelly Wetherton

Honors Theses

This thesis centers on the construction of ethnic identities for fans of Athletic Club and Celtic F.C. and the two clubs’ roles in evincing nationalism. Utilizing survey data from an online, anonymous survey posted to fan forums, the research aimed to determine which of the three leading theories of ethnicity—primordialism, instrumentalism, or social constructivism—was most applicable to the formation of identities for Basque Athletic Club fans and Irish Celtic fans. The results demonstrated that the theory of social constructivism most closely aligns with the case of Basque Athletic Club fans while the identities of Irish Celtic fans can best be …

Unesco World Heritage: Striving For Utopia Through Universal Value, Caleb Phillips

Honors Theses

With this thesis, I take a critical look at the UNESCO World Heritage Convention and its mission to foster international unity through the creation of World Heritage Sites. The World Heritage Convention was created with good intentions, but in attempting to actualize its original objectives, the Convention has strayed from its goals. By looking at the events leading up to the creation of the World Heritage Convention, the Convention itself, and the various measures carried out by the Convention since its creation, it is clear that the UNESCO World Heritage Convention still has work to do to achieve its utopian …

Arbitrariness And Accountability In Plea Bargaining, Emma Brewer

Honors Theses

Justice is supposed to be a consistent, fair ideal of our society. If an individual is going to face punishment, there should be reasons why they receive the punishment they do, and two people who commit similar offenses should be punished similarly. These societal ideals are also embraced by the legal profession. Unfortunately, the current practice of plea bargains creates potential problems for our ability to satisfy that ideal of justice. Prosecutors have significant discretion in offering plea bargains. This discretion opens the door for potential arbitrariness. One way for prosecutors to combat that arbitrariness is by having a structured …

Accountancy 420 Case Study Analysis, Jack Bennett Moore

Honors Theses

Throughout my junior year at the University of Mississippi in my Honors practicum class, I was able to analyze ten cases covering a wide variety of accounting topics. During the fall semester of 2021, the class researched cities around the U.S. and internationally for accounting internships, became Corporate Finance Institute Excel Certified, and conducted an interview with a professional that had experience and wisdom to share regarding the business world. Additionally, the class had the privilege of having highly acclaimed accounting firms speak to the class on an array of accounting issues. The practicum class began with a documentary covering …

A Comprehensive Compilation Of Accounting Case Studies And Analyses, Erin Morgan

Honors Theses

The following thesis consists of a collection of case studies surrounding accounting and related topics. These case studies were written and directed under Dr. Victoria Dickinson during the enrollment of Honors Accountancy 420 to fulfill the requirements for the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Five of my cases specifically correlate to the company Johnson & Johnson for the case competition that was presented at the end of the semester to accounting professionals from numerous firms. The other cases include a variety of accounting topics. Through this thesis, I discovered a deeper understanding of accounting and related topics which will benefit …

The History And Development Of Solo Tuba Repertoire, Vasilios Tidwell

Honors Theses

The tuba's solo repertoire increased in quantity and quality as a result of developments in the instrument’s design and usage. Following the invention of the tuba in 1835, instrument makers experimented with design concepts to maximize the versatility and potential of the bass brass voice. Composers explored the various uses of the instrument, eventually making the tuba part of the standard orchestral instrumentation by the mid-nineteenth century. Following the instrument's acceptance into bands and orchestras, the first solo works for tuba emerged in the late nineteenth century.

Evolving from novelty pieces accompanied by wind or brass bands, tuba solo music …

The Impact Of Epilepsy And The Evolution Of A Nonprofit: "The Epilepsy Connection", Logan Thomas

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the diagnosis, symptoms, and consequences of epilepsy along with the author’s personal journey that promoted the creation of a successful epilepsy service club on the University of Mississippi campus, later evolving to a nonprofit organization off campus. Epilepsy is defined as having at least two seizures without a known trigger that are recurring and may include uncontrollable jerking of muscles or staring blankly with significant risk for short-and long-term consequences. These consequences include social isolation, problems at school, reduced physical activity, increased risk for injuries, social stigma, anxiety, depression, attention issues, and other consequences. An independent online …

Investigating The Responses Of Gay Gen Z And Gen Y Men To Homosexual Imagery In Advertising, Lucas G. Thompson

Honors Theses

The LGBTQ+ market is growing and expanding, especially now that younger generations who have a higher percentage of individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, are entering the market. While there exists a growing body of literature regarding gay representation in advertising, little research has explored how younger cohorts of gay men—particularly those in Generations Z and Y—respond to gay representation in conservative environments (in particular. regions where the majority public opinion and/or legislation rejects the normalization of LGBTQ+ identities). To address this question, this study aimed to explore the responses of gay Gen Z and Gen Y men towards their own …

Can Uruguay Have Its Steak And Eat It Too? "Greening" A Red Meat Economy, Michael Chepolis

Honors Theses

The methane emissions produced by Uruguay’s 12 million cattle drive the largest share of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock farming is a driver of Uruguay’s economy and an important part of their national identity and culture. Previous researchers have suggested that drastic changes to beef production and consumption habits are necessary to reduce the ecological impact of cattle ranching. This thesis investigates how Uruguay plans to deal with its reliance on beef production as it seeks to reduce its carbon emissions output. An analysis of Uruguay’s development strategy plans reveals that while the country aims to reduce the …

A Comparison Of Regional Food Systems And Food Security In Rural Mississippi And Italy, Reinhard Matthew Knerr

Honors Theses

Food insecurity has strong links to worsened overall health outcomes, specifically, increased prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Food insecurity in developed nations is primarily characterized by reduced access to nutritionally dense foods. This problem is especially prevalent in the Mississippi (MS) Delta region, where greater than two in five people are food insecure and community health outcomes are among the worst in the nation. Recent literature has placed emphasis on solutions to urban food insecurity, but urban resolutions cannot be fully extrapolated to rural food systems, where insecurity is characterized by a multifactorial lack …