Digital Commons Network^™

Product Realization And Lean Manufacturability Of Home Docking Station, Dillon Hall

Honors Theses

The focus of this research study was to analyze the product realization cycle, which is the process of creating, refining, manufacturing, and mass-producing a product that both fulfills customer needs and maximizes profit. This was done by utilizing the product realization life cycle to generate a product for potential customers in the University of Mississippi, city of Oxford, and Lafayette County area. The product to be researched was a home docking and organizational stand for a user's personal items like a phone, watch, keys, wallet, and other necessities. First, the conceptual design process was followed to develop customer needs and …

Firearms Trafficking To Chicago: Connections And Implications, Elizabeth Jamell Benner

Honors Theses

The initial purpose of this study was to determine which counties contributed the most to the firearms trafficking route between Mississippi and Chicago, Illinois, and to understand which sociodemographic features may differentiate those counties from their lesser-trafficking counterparts. In order to address any firearms trafficking route, law enforcement agencies must understand the underlying causes and enabling factors. Initial studies of Mississippi counties showed trends of median household income, poverty, and racial disparities. These trends were compared with high-trafficking counties in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin in order to see if sociodemographic factors associated with firearms trafficking are state-specific or may be …

Corporate Accountancy Case Research And Analytics, Elizabeth Clutton

Honors Theses

Corporate accounting is an ever-evolving beast that ebbs and flows with social and technological trends. Management faces new challenges with every interaction and must deal with the consequences. Accounting firms pioneer strategies and solutions to cope with changing regulations and accounting methods while abiding by their governing bodies. The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board as established by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is responsible for monitoring and correcting public companies. The Financial Accounting Standards Board established by the Financial Accounting Foundation is considered to be the Generally Accepted Accounting Standard setting body for the PCAOB. The cases discussed below all …

Higher Education And Labor Standards: Adapting To Overtime Regulations At The University Of Mississippi, Elizabeth M. Hocevar

Honors Theses

Recent attempts of amending the Section 13(1) overtime regulations proposed by the Wage and Hour Division in 2016 have placed a strain on universities' budgets and services. As a result, departments on university campuses are home to challenges that affect both employers and employees. I provide a record of the history of Section 13(1) amendments to date in order to establish the context of my thesis. My thesis attempts to observe how various departments at the University of Mississippi have adapted to the new rule that the University has recently adopted. My review of the literature in combination with my …

A Survey Of Speech-Language Pathologists' Use And Understanding Of Evidence-Based Practice, Emma Kate Thome

Honors Theses

Problem Statement: Prior research on evidence-based practice (EBP) in speech-language pathology is both limited and inconsistent regarding the frequency in which SLPs engage in EBP, their understanding of EBP, and the emphasis that their employers place on EBP. Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to assess SLPs' understanding and use of EBP. In addition, this study investigated the potential barriers SLPs face when attempting to engage in EBP including employer emphasis and opinions toward EBP. Methods: SLPs (n=176) from across the United States participated in an online survey designed to assess their understanding and use of EBP. Participants …

A Case By Case Analysis Of Fasb And Its Public Accounting Application, Ethan E. Holmes

Honors Theses

The following compilation of cases explore the intricacies of public accounting by simulating real life situations and problems that arise when using and applying the commonly accepted public accounting concepts and regulation. Using prompts for each case that were provided by Dr. Victoria Dickinson, Ph.D., CPA, of the Patterson School of Accountancy, I applied my knowledge of accounting concepts along with supplementation from the Federal Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) Codification to interoperate, draw conclusions about, and give opinions on each case.

Analyzing The Use Of Expressive Writing Among College Students, Grace Ann Wilbanks

Honors Theses

This is among the first studies to investigate the naturalistic use of expressive writing in college students. To do so, 255 undergraduate students from the University of Mississippi anonymously completed an online survey. Participants first answered basic demographic questions followed by questions assessing their sadness or depression, happiness, and overall adjustment in college. Next, participants responded to questions concerning expressive writing and ways in which they handled demands of college. Finally, respondents then completed a well-researched, standardized measure of depression, anxiety, and stress. Independent-samples t tests revealed that students who engaged in expressive writing demonstrated lower mean levels of sadness …

Atmospherics As A Marketing Tool: The Influence Of The Student Union Dining Atmosphere And Service On Students' Attitudes And Actions, Grayson Beau Huber

Honors Theses

Atmospherics have been a focus of marketing research for decades following the research of Kotler (1971). Atmospherics research has revolved mostly around retail settings, with some research focusing on dining settings for consumers. Visual, aural, olfactory, and tactile factors of atmospherics have been studied in order to provide the best customer experience. Positive atmospherics also can relate to future buying habits. This study focuses on the topic of dining atmospherics on a college campus. The purpose of this research was to analyze any changes in students' opinions following the renovation of an on-campus dining option. A survey was available to …

Addicts Speak: An Exploratory Ethnographic Study Of Opioid Addiction, James A. Hamm

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the experiences of people in recovery from opioid addiction in order to better understand the many process of recovery. Employing both participant observation and focused life history interview, and utilizing a grounded theory approach to data analysis, this research emphasizes data-driven conclusions. The research provides numerous insights into the process of recovery from opioid addiction, as well as factors that help to facilitate and sustain the process, the role that services play, and how services can be developed to better meet the needs of those in recovery.

Changes In Vitrinite Reflectance And Liptinite Fluorescence With Increasing Rank In Dispersed Organics In The Illinois Basin And Its Environmental, Economic, And Political Impacts, Kailey Zalucha-Seaman

Honors Theses

Vitrinite reflectance and spectral fluorescence are commonly used together to determine the rank and thermal maturity of shale samples. Although vitrinite is not commonly found in the New Albany Shale, solid bitumen is found in significant amounts; reflectance of solid bitumen provides another method to determine maturity of these samples. The purpose of this study was to compare the vitrinite reflectance and spectral fluorescence of liptinites to determine the thermal maturity of the New Albany Shale, which can benefit those tasked in the industry who determine the oil and gas potential of these source rocks. Establishment of a relationship between …

Phylogenetics Of Euthamia (Asteraceae: Astereae) And Asteromyia Euthamiae (Cecidomyiidae: Alycaulini), Marisa Szubryt

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Occupational Therapy Treatment Of Distal Radius Fractures: Best Practices, Erika Schleis

Honors Theses

This paper describes information on best practices for occupational therapy treatment of distal radius fractures including current information about etiology, incidence and prevalence, diagnostic criteria, comorbidities, associated client factors involved in this injury and the effects of this condition on occupational performance. Two hypothetical case studies are presented using evidence-based treatment information. Discussion of additional research necessary to continue to determine best practice approaches is presented.

Redesigning High School Mathematics Curriculum To Enhance College Readiness, Alicia Sanfillippo

Honors Theses

As a peer tutor and academic coach at Western Michigan University since Fall 2014, I frequently assisted students with mathematics and science courses. Working closely with university students made me realize that many students lacked important skills that I would expect to have been developed prior to college. The skills that I realized students were lacking with respect to math literacy were pattern recognition, the ability to transfer skills, and comprehension and use of mathematical language. I set out to develop these skills as I prepared for an internship in an remedial Algebra II class at Kalamazoo Central High School. …

Optimizing Procedural Tov-112 Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Transfection Via Initial Seeding And Pbabe/Pei Jet Ratio Variations, Cassondra Walker

Honors Theses

Cell transfection is an exemplary tool in protein analysis and examining transcription factor activity. While general procedures are commonly followed, each cell line requires slight differentiation in pBABE/PEI JET ratios and initial cell count for optimal transfection results. This research focusses on determining a successful procedure for TOV-112 carcinoma cells for future work with 2-methoxyestradiol and NFkB. 2-methoxyestradiol is an angiogenesis inhibitor believed to decrease inflammatory processes. NFkB promoter controls the luciferase gene on the MetLuc plasmid and is pro-inflammatory. The objective of this experiment is to modify the variables until successful results at 24 and 48 hours are observed. …

Substitute Salvation: An Online Classroom Resource, Rachel Callaly

Honors Theses

As a teacher, not having a plan for days when you are not in the classroom is not an option. Usually, a teacher can plan a few days in advance and be prepared for a substitute teacher to come in. However, more often than not, the substitute is not certified to teach in the subject they are covering, which becomes particularly difficult in a World Language class, such as Spanish. Additionally, some days there is no advanced notice for an absence, and a last-minute plan has to be made. That is where Substitute Salvation comes in. Substitute Salvation is a …

A Textbook Citation Analysis Of Who’S Who In The History Of Psychology, Brandon Akers

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Infinity In Culture, Dessie Mcfarland

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

The Selfie Of Dorian Gray: Adapting Literature For Modern Media, Darby L. Campbell

Honors Theses

Picture Perfect Dori Gray is a modern adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray set in modern America and starring a female Dorian Gray. The work is set up as a web series that takes place on YouTube in the form of a vlog run by Dori herself. The transmedia world consists of both YouTube content and Twitter content that all contribute to one over-arching story world. Modernizing the narrative, setting, media, and characters highlights which literary themes and motifs of the original novel are still relevant today and which symbols have changed since publication. The greatest effect on the …

Pain Catastrophizing In College Athletes' At Eastern Kentucky University, Jacob Waldecker

Honors Theses

It is a known fact that athletes become susceptible to injuries with more athletic injury exposures, and that pain is the most common symptom paired with injury. Pain catastrophizing is a phenomenon that is caused by negative thinking that has been shown to reduce treatment outcomes in patient populations. Pain catastrophizing has been studied in different populations, usually with specific body part injuries, showing it is a relevant factor in the outcome of rehabilitation. Nobody has researched the prevalence of pain catastrophizing in highly athletic populations. In Division I athletes at Eastern Kentucky University, 291 athletes were surveyed using the …

Beyond No Fracking: An Anthropological Study Of Individuals Pursuing Sustainable Lifestyles In Eastern Kentucky, Meg Carter

Honors Theses

This study combines research and oral histories that were conducted with eight individuals in Kentucky who are pursuing sustainable lifestyles through practicing methods such as homesteading, living off-the-grid, permaculture, and natural farming techniques. The paper provides a brief history of homesteading and details how the homesteading of today differs from off-the-grid living. It also provides some of the history of Eastern Kentucky and gives insights into the history of homesteading and sustenance farming in the area. The unrehearsed oral history interviews share information that includes, but is not limited to, interviewees’ reasons for why and how they began their transition …

Arguments Against Amalgamation: The Citizen’S Council Battles Integration By Controlling The Narrative, Evelyn S. Kerns

Honors Theses

In 1954, the Supreme Court decision Brown vs. Board of Education eradicated the “separate, but equal” mentality that confined African Americans to the menial state of oppression and exploitation that had plagued their people since they arrived in America. However, this decision did little to neutralize the proclivity to segregation nor did it quell the surmounting racial tensions between black people and the upper echelon of Southern society. Conversely, the federal mandate to integrate public schools roused white supremacists to interpose desegregation through resistance, violence, and fear-mongering propaganda. The most flagrant organization of white supremacists was known as the White …

The Stigma Against Tattoos In The Workplace: San Francisco Versus Kalamazoo Area, Sarah Wroblewski

Honors Theses

Tattooing is becoming a popular way for individuals, especially young adults, to express themselves. This causes a problem with the hiring process for many companies that have policies against tattoos. The following thesis is a creative representation of the stigma against tattoos in the workplace. This thesis looks at how tattoos change perceptions of employability in the Kalamazoo and San Francisco areas. This topic is portrayed by a 30-inch by 20-inch collage of photographs displaying a variety of different tattoos. There is a total of 55 photographs of tattoos in total, 25 taken in San Francisco and 30 taken in …

The Effects Of Equine Assisted Learning On Emotional Intelligence Competencies And Leadership Skills, Jade E. Rauen

Honors Theses

The Effects of Equine Assisted Learning on

Emotional Intelligence Competencies and Leadership Skills

Jade Rauen

Dr. Kelly L. Leigers, PhD, OTR/L, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Since the development and understanding of the term emotional intelligence (EI), researchers and businessmen alike have strived to find a way to improve EI competencies. Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is a branch of Equine Therapy that uses the horse to facilitate change in humans. In recent years, EAL has been applied to the field of leadership development. Can a horse intrinsically instill competencies that effect leadership skills in humans? There is limited literature …

Finding Meaning In The Lack Thereof: An Analysis Of Nietzsche's And Sartre's Responses To The Problem Of Existential Nihilism, Daniel J. Hassall

Honors Theses

There have been countless philosophers who have attempted to create ways that humanity can overcome the threat of existential nihilism and the loss of objective meaning. Two of the most influential philosophers who have attempted to do this are Friedrich Nietzsche and Jean-Paul Sartre. This paper analyzes both of their philosophical solutions to the problem of nihilism, comparing and contrasting. While similar in many respects, Nietzsche and Sartre differ on several key aspects: they approach nihilism slightly differently, they have different views about ethics and subjectivity, and Nietzsche is a determinist while Sartre advocates a radical free will. When comparing …

Cultivating Cultural Exchange: Improving University Study Abroad Programs, Katherine Crawford

Honors Theses

My affinity for culture, both foreign and domestic, has greatly shaped my life and future career path. As I have been frequently reminded, I did not take the “typical” exchange route. However, I accredit this atypical experience to my passion towards the subject. My first immersive cultural experience occurred during a yearlong, high school, Rotary led exchange to Bourges, France. Simply put, it changed my life. I encountered the culture first hand, accepting a new normal: bisous greetings, daily baguettes, and a well-structured hierarchy. Within six months, I considered myself fluent in the language. I lived with French families, was …

Comparison Of Internships In The United States And Germany, Kelsey Ennis

Honors Theses

My goal in my thesis is to lay out where my three internships were, what they consisted of and what was expected of me, and what I gained from each of them in terms of what I can use in the future as examples of what works in a museum.

Internships are required for Public history students at Western Michigan University and consist of 240 hours in preferably varying environments. When my first internship was a success, I decided to conduct two more internships beyond the 240 hours that I had completed with the first. I was the first Public …

Cross-Curricular Writing In Mathematics For Comprehension, Kirsten Stowell

Honors Theses

Even though the idea of implementing writing in a mathematics classroom is far from new and the benefits from doing so are hardly nonexistent, this concept is often not found in modern secondary mathematics classrooms. Writing about mathematics allows students to organize and communicate their thinking, gain a better conceptual understanding of mathematical topics, develop a stronger sense of mathematical procedure, move beyond surface-level thinking, and place abstract ideas into context. Writing can also be used by teachers as a formative assessment to explicitly determine if students are struggling conceptually or procedurally in a mathematics classroom to then adjust instruction …

Interpreted Fashions Of The Yoruba Tribe, Ramea Starling

Honors Theses

The visual presentation that I have created is a representation of the popular fashions of the Yoruba tribe found in Nigeria. The purpose of this fashion line that I have created is to bring culture awareness about the West African tribe to everyone who comes into contact with my line. Historically, the Yoruba Tribes culture mainly focuses on family, religion, and fashion (through their unique sense of textiles) so I really wanted to showcase this in a line. As a fashion design student at Western I also wanted to take this opportunity to display the skills that I have learned …

Biodiversity Of Larval And Adult Dragonflies And Damselflies (Odonata) Of Interdunal Wetlands At Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, Devon Volz

Honors Theses

The effects of climate change on insects in the United States have yet to be fully understood. Research on the insect populations of Lake Michigan’s interdunal wetlands has been particularly limited. As these vibrant habitats are already at risk of destruction due to increased development, it is vital to have a working knowledge of the species that are living in the habitat. However, to date, there have been no studies on assemblages of interdunal wetlands in Michigan. Examining community compositions is critical to understanding the ecological problems that could occur in the future. This study is the first to look …

Analysis Of Heart Muscle Tissue For Detection Of Fluorescently Labeled Cells In Conventional- And Frozen-Section Tissue Preparations, Lena Anna Mitchell

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.