Digital Commons Network^™

Personality Traits As Predictors Of Pair-Housing Compatibility In Garnett's Greater Bushbabies (Otolemur Garnettii), Karen A. Schaffer

Honors Theses

Continuously refining husbandry strategies to improve the welfare of captive primates is a research priority. A variety of enrichment strategies are employed to allow captive primates opportunities to exercise natural behaviors with the aim of maintaining their psychological health in environments different from those for which they evolved. Arguably the most important of these strategies is social housing, since primates are by definition social animals. Pair housing is often the most logistically feasible method; however, the process of introducing partners to each other comes with risks of stressful conflict that may result in injury, and the necessarily trial-and-error nature of …

Opportunity Recognition: A Comparative Analysis Of Nascent Student Entrepreneurs And Non-Nascent Students, Daniel C. Glover

Honors Theses

This study investigates differences between undergraduate nascent student entrepreneurs and non-nascent students’ opportunity recognition and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Four hypotheses were presented and after collecting and analyzing 150 student responses two of the four hypotheses were partially or fully supported. Results showed that nascent student entrepreneurs exhibited higher levels of entrepreneurial self-efficacy than non-nascent students, and that nascent student entrepreneurs exhibited higher levels of entrepreneurial alertness than non-nascent students, and the difference was significant. However, non-nascent students had higher levels of opportunity recognition. This study supports previous research and adds an important demographic, undergraduate students, to the existing research.

How To Effectively Improve Nurse-Physician Communication, Savannah R. Lacoste

Honors Theses

A study of the issue of Nurse-Physician communication, its causes, effects, importance, and possible improvements through research. The results suggest both physicians and nurses agree that nurse-physician communication is an important problem, and can be effectively improved in many ways including: a required nurse-physician communication class for pre-medical and pre-nursing students at an undergraduate level, improved and structured communication tools, and inter-professional education (IPE) between nurses and physicians. The research provides the outlooks of twenty-five nurses and twenty-five physicians independently, as well as demonstrating the nurse-physician disconnect through data comparison and analysis.

The Effect Of Normal Helmet Degradation In Division I Football Players Over The Period Of One Half Of A Competitive Season, Matthew Mcmullan

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the effect of normal helmet use by athletes from a Division I football team over the period of the first half of a competitive season upon the impact performance characteristics as measured by peak g values obtained through the application of the NOCSAE drop impact testing protocol. The goal of this research is to determine if one half of a season is enough time exposure to result in a significant decrease in a helmet’s performance quality. This study tracks changes in performance in overall function, as well as the function of each …

Octahedral Ruthenium(Ii) Complexes For C-H Bond Activation And Olefin Hydroarylation, Patrick Z. Zdunek

Honors Theses

The study of inert C-H bond activation of hydrocarbons has been gaining interest. As these hydrocarbons are used in the production of many consumables such as fuel, plastics, and detergents, it is necessary to efficiently utilize the finite quantity of petroleum feedstocks. Transition metal complexes are incorporated as catalysts into synthetic routes to create new C-X (X = C, N, O) bonds in order to increase the chemical value of organic molecules. The complex [Ru(η6-p-cymene){P(OCH2CF3)3}(Ph)(OTf)] (1) (P{OCH2CF3}3 = tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) phosphite, Ph = phenyl, OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate) was prepared and tested for functionality as a catalyst in olefin hydroarylation. Catalytic reactions …

Unreliable Narrators And Racial Stereotypes In Invisible Man And Erasure: A Narratological Approach, Will Horton

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

The Evolution Of Policing Tendencies Towards Sex Work In America: Colonial Era To Today, Olivia D. Partlow

Honors Theses

Policing tendencies toward sex work has changed tremendously since America was colonized. There are four major time in which policing tendencies differed greatly from each other: the pre-progressive era (colonial period until late 19^thCentury), the Progressive Era (late 19^th century to the early 20^th century), the era of state criminalization (most of the 20^th century), and the current era of nascent decriminalization (late 20^thcentury to today). Public opinion of sex workers also changed between each era. The current era of policing may be a stepping stone to total decriminalization if public opinion towards …

Relative Rates Of Success Of Students In Calculus I, Joshua Ayerdi

Honors Theses

Students that enroll in Math 1220, Calculus 1, can be categorized into two groups after completion of the course; those that are successful and able to proceed to the next course by earning a grade of “C” or better (pass) and those that are not successful and unable to proceed to the next course by earning below a “C” (fail). The Mathematics Association of America (MAA) has reported the national average of unsuccessful Calculus 1 students to be 25%. At the conclusion of the spring 2015 semester at Western Michigan University (WMU), the rate was approximately 40%. Institutional data was …

Western Michigan University Bronco Marching Band: Proposed Fundraising Plan, Elizabeth Mena

Honors Theses

The Bronco Marching Band first began in 1915 as a men's only music ensemble, which played mainly seated concerts. After a brief hiatus due to a drop in membership because of the First World War, the band was listed as a student organization again in 1920. Since then it has consistently performed at community and University events. The band, now open to all students, has seen two world wars and multiple school name changes, soon approaches its 100th consecutive year. The band is known for its excellent and entertaining performances and unwavering support for the University and its athletic teams. …

I Was Taught To Yell Fire, Marina Gutierrez

Honors Theses

From a very young age my mother always told me to yell, “Fire,” if I was ever in a situation where I needed help from a potential attacker, but I never understood why I couldn’t just yell, “Help.” Her reasoning was that many people will run towards a fire to help put it out or save potential victims, but when someone yells for help others will shy away because they don’t want to get involved. I would just nod and promise to yell fire not really understanding the underlying meaning she had just explained to me.

It wasn’t until I …

Alzheimer's: Advancements Through Research, Taylor Wrozek

Honors Theses

This literary review examines some genes and proteins such as presenilin 1 presenilin 2, amyloid precursor protein, and apolipoprotein E, and Tau that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It also delves into four causal hypotheses for Alzheimer’s disease: the oxidative stress-induced AD cascade hypothesis, the copper-2 hypothesis, the amyloid cascade hypothesis, and the type II diabetes mellitus hypothesis. It further explains some of the current ways of diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and its different forms; symptoms that have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease; and the different demographics of Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, different treatments, preventions, risks, and current research for Alzheimer’s disease …

Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid Transport And Dynamics In Simulated Karst Conduits, Samuel Noah Jacobson

Honors Theses

Flow and contaminant transport in karstic aquifers differs drastically from porous media. Little work has been done to quantify the transport dynamics of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) in karst in the lab. Some studies have 3-D printed fractures to evaluate multiphase transport at the core scale, but examination of conduit flow using this technique is lacking in the literature. This project illustrates some of the strengths and limitations of 3-D printing and using X-ray computed tomography (XRCT) to characterize flow. After testing prints made from stereolithographic resin (SLA) and polyactic acid (PLA) plastic, we decided to use acrylonitrile butadiene styrene …

Use Of First Pelvic, Second Pelvic, And Fourth Anal Rays For Estimating Age Of Muskellunge (Esox Masquinongy), Marinda R. Cornett

Honors Theses

While cleithra are the most popularly used calcified structure used to estimate age of Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), the use of fin rays as an age estimation structure has been investigated as a nonlethal alternative. My objectives were to: (1) to compare the accuracy and precision of estimating age using first pelvic, second pelvic, and fourth anal rays from 46 known age Muskellunge and (2) to analyze a larger sample (n = 120) of fourth anal rays to estimate age. Ages were estimated blindly by three readers independently from all available structures. Different analyses of precision and accuracy had conflicting results, …

A Multibeam Bathymetric Investigation Of Changes In Bedform Morphology Of The Little River Inlet As A Result Of Hurricane Matthew, Malarie O'Brien

Honors Theses

A hybrid scholarly-research paper on the use of multibeam sonar data in seafloor mapping and seafloor analysis was written to satisfy Honors Program requirements. Literature review of multibeam sonar technology explored the improving concept of mapping the seafloor via acoustic methods. The review also investigated improvements and applications of multibeam data analysis techniques, which have the ability to map the seafloor as well as characterize the seafloor by morphology or sediment content. The review then explored previous studies conducted on the Little River Inlet, SC, finding the inlet to be particularly understudied in the field of sediment morphology. Three multibeam …

My Journey To Better Medicine: Healing The Mind-Body Split Through An Integrated Cross-Cultural Model, Harsh Ilapakurthi

Honors Theses

As a future medical doctor, I will always see the process of healing through the hybrid consciousness of my Eastern-Hindu upbringing and Western academic and scientific training. The Eastern philosophy of healing has been linked to consciousness and how the powers of human consciousness can affect the body’s healing. The Western perspective of medicine, which has developed as a result of the industrial and scientific revolutions, generally treats the human body as an object. However, this is not to say that Western medicine is flawed. In fact, Western medicine is incredibly effective in certain specialties, but is limited by the …

Claude Monet's Perceived Nature: The Clos Normand Garden, Rebecca Lynn Reeve

Honors Theses

Since I discovered my love for art and art history I have been enthralled with the paintings of Claude Monet. Claude Monet is one of the most notable modern artists for his contributions in re-inventing the depiction of the natural world in bright colors and bold impasto, later known as the Impressionist style. Scholars have noted that throughout his life he was lured to the sense of beauty found in man-made environments such as city streets, parks and gardens. As he matured he devoted progressively more time to creating the most beautiful depictions of nature, turning away from human subjects …

Emperors, Prostitutes, And Children: Exploring Modern Japanese History Through Two Modern Japanese Plays, Gregory Kalim Darrell Wolf

Honors Theses

"Theatre," asserts Japanese playwright Betsuyaku Minoru, "mirrors the spirit of the times." Building on this assumption, this thesis analyzes how the pressing social issues of two periods in modern Japanese history are reflected in two modern Japanese plays: The Little Match Girl (Macchi uri no sho¿jo, 1966) by Betsuyaku Minoru (b. 1937) and The King of La Mancha's Clothes (Gusha ni wa mienai La Mancha no o¿sama no hadaka, 1991) by Yokouchi Kensuke (b. 1961). Both plays provide meaningful commentary on the themes of patriarchal authority, prostitution, and inter-generational conflict through combining "contemporary" Japanese characters with Hans Christian Andersen Fairy …

Analysis Of Statically Indeterminate Trusses For Progressive Collapse Using Graphic Statics And Complexity Metrics, Maximilian Edward Ororbia

Honors Theses

By understanding structural response, structures can be designed to have a desired reliability or robustness to prevent the effects of progressive collapse. With respect to a statically determinate truss structure, if a single primary member or a gusset plate connection of the main truss fails, the truss will immediately collapse over its entire span. To design against progressive collapse, a degree of static indeterminacy is introduced in the structural system. Graphic statics, a geometrical approach used to analyze the form and force interaction of a determinate structure, has not been applied to statically indeterminate structures. By applying graphic statics, a …

Energy Storage In Layered Mos2/Graphene Composite Supercapacitor Devices, John T. Barron

Honors Theses

Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitors (EDLCs), also known as supercapacitors or ultracapacitors, have gained much attention in the furthering of research into electronic devices and energy storage. Supercapacitors bridge the “gap” between conventional capacitors and batteries, and are of interest to furthering technology in alternative clean energy, transportation, and other areas of electronics. Nanomaterials are of interest in building these devices due to the presence of very high specific surface areas, unique electrical properties, and/or light-weight and flexible, but strong, structures. The goal of this project was to evaluate electrode materials for supercapacitor devices made from a composite of atomically thin …

Space, Molly J. Esling

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

The Search For Binding Partners Of The Chlamydia Trachomatis Phosphatase Cpp1, Lea Matschke

Honors Theses

Chlamydia trachomatis is a Gram negative, obligate intracellular bacterium responsible for the most common reportable bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the United States and the leading infectious cause of preventable blindness worldwide. This pathogen undergoes a unique biphasic developmental cycle where it alternates between its infectious form, termed the elementary body (EB), and its replicative form, termed the reticulate body (RB). We hypothesize that reversible phosphorylation regulates the differentiation of the bacterium between these two forms. In order to study phosphorylation in Chlamydia, it is necessary to examine the role of individual kinases and phosphatases in the organism. My …

Medical Marijuana In America And Illinois: Examining The Viability, Adoption Rates, Quality Control, Products, Patient Numbers, And Allowable Conditions, Molly M. Clark

Honors Theses

Medical marijuana has become increasingly popular in the United States. However, it has been around for as long as the art of writing has. Written records of marijuana being used medically have dated back to 2900 B.C. Many states have taken to legalizing the usage of medical marijuana recently, starting in 1996. There are now 28 states that have passed medical marijuana laws, as well as the District of Columbia. Citizens and lawmakers of many more states are fighting for legalization. Medical marijuana is capable of relieving symptoms of many different diseases and conditions for all ages. This paper explores …

Veganism As A Cultural Phenomenon, Emma Sanford Frawley

Honors Theses

The present research is a social science exploration into the adaptation and transition to veganism through the experiences of nineteen interviewees to interpret veganism as a cultural phenomenon. It questions the way in which societal, moral, and physical environments both shape and inform a sense of meaning and action behind an individual's decision to become vegan. Through six narratives, which describe the interviewee's social, geographical, educational, ethical, health-related, and environmental justifications for veganism, and an explanation of interviewee's transition to and perception of the barriers to veganism, this study uses idealist ethnography techniques to reflect the dynamism and intricacies of …

Choosing America's Story: How The Pulitzer Prize For Fiction Has Defined The Way Americans Think About America And Themselves, Rebecca Kathryn Chambers

Honors Theses

This thesis looks at the first fifty years of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (1918-1968) and the books interaction with nostalgia, critique, popularity, and ideology.

Relations Among Goal Orientation, Well-Being Outcomes, And The Tendency To Engage In Risky Behaviors In Undergraduates, Allison Rosalie Sonneborn

Honors Theses

This research investigates the self-determination theory (SDT) and match perspective, two conflicting theories explaining the relationships among goal orientation, well-being outcomes, and the tendency to engage in risky behaviors. Past research supporting SDT has indicated that intrinsic goal orientation and autonomous regulation are essential to achieving optimal well-being outcomes and less engagement in risky behaviors. Conversely, other studies suggest that the "matching" of environmental goal orientation and personal goal orientation ensure optimal well-being outcomes and reduced engagement in risky behaviors. The present research examined goal orientation through the lens of both theories in an undergraduate sample. Following SDT, it was …

Neuroendocrine Implications For Coping And Alcohol Consumption In Response To Exercise Restriction, Colleen Elizabeth Mcgonigle

Honors Theses

The purpose of our study is to investigate the role that gonadal hormones and β-endorphin play in alcohol consumption in response to exercise restriction in a mouse model. Men and women consume alcohol in different manners from each other, both in terms of general consumption and in the factors motivating consumption. The murine model of alcohol self-administration that we utilize in this study represents both facets of this sex difference; female mice consume more alcohol than male mice and also are more likely to significantly increase their consumption when restricted from voluntarily accessing running wheels. We hypothesized in our first …

The Art Of Music Direction In Contemporary Musical Theatre: Music Directing Tom Kitt And Brian Yorkey's 'Next To Normal', Alexandra Julia Golden

Honors Theses

As a junior at Bucknell University, I was granted permission by the Department of Theatre and Dance to music direct Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey's Next to Normal during the winter of my senior year as a THEA 319 Independent Study. This is a course I applied for in my junior year, but began preparing for as a first year student after deciding I wished to pursue a 319 in music direction. I spent the next year researching musicals to find one that would be both manageable for our department in terms of cast size, style and budget, and relevant …

A Platform For Large-Scale Regional Iot Networks, Keyi Zhang

Honors Theses

The Internet of Things (IoT) promises to allow everyday objects to connect to the Internet and interact with users and other machines ubiquitously. Central to this vision is a pervasive wireless communication network connecting each end device. For individual IoT applications it is costly to deploy a dedicated network or connect to an existing cellular network, especially as these applications do not fully utilize the bandwidth provided by modern high speeds networks (e.g., WiFi, 4G LTE). On the other hand, decades of wireless research have produced numerous low-cost chip radios and effective networking stacks designed for short-range communication in the …

Exfoliation Of Carbon Fibers Into Nanocomposites Via Solid-State Shear Pulverization, Keian Scott Minnich

Honors Theses

Composites are a type of material that incorporates some amount of one material—termed the filler—into the bulk of another material—termed the matrix—to take advantage of the filler's properties without the product being solely comprised of filler material, which is typically more expensive than the matrix material. A filler material that has become extremely popular is carbon fiber. Due to their robust mechanical properties, carbon fibers are often incorporated into polymer matrices, resulting in a lightweight, ultra-strong material. These carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites can be used in a range of products from aerospace to small consumer goods. As CFRPs become …

A Field Theoretic Description Of Non-Equilibrium Chemical Work Relations, Jonathan Pham

Honors Theses

We develop a field theoretic description of non-equilibrium chemical work relations,generalizing the well-known Jarzynski equality using Doi-Peliti field theory. The Jarzynski equality relates the average non-equilibrium work performed on a system to the equilibrium free energy. We consider classical particles undergoing detailed balanced diffusion and chemical reactions in a local potential. The particles are coupled to a chemostat, which is a reservoir of particles, and also a thermal reservoir.Work protocols are imposed by varying the local potential, which drives the system out of equilibrium. We derive the Jarzynski relation in both the Doi representation and in the Doi-Peliti field theory. …