Digital Commons Network^™

Prisoner Resistance In The Auschwitz And Buchenwald Concentration Camps, Regina Coffey

Honors Theses

A great deal has been written about the Holocaust and about resistance organizations that formed in the concentration camps. Much of this literature, however, tends to focus on the contributions of a particular group of prisoners rather than on the many groups that came together to form these organizations. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to examine the resistance organizations in Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps using firsthand accounts and to come to a conclusion on how cooperation between different groups of prisoners affected the overall effectiveness of these resistance organizations.

Perceptions Of Campus Community Members Regarding Wrongful Convictions In Mississippi, Tera Wilson

Honors Theses

The American criminal justice system is a series of checks and balances meant to protect the American people. However, on occasion, the system fails, and innocent people are convicted of crimes, leaving the truly guilty perpetrator free to potentially commit other crimes. This study aimed to determine the beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes of university community members regarding the issue of wrongful conviction in Mississippi. This was executed by hosting a public forum including the Director of the Mississippi Innocence Project on the campus of Southern Mississippi. During this forum, participants were provided with the opportunity to complete two surveys in …

Functional Significance Of Branch Points In Mirtrons, Britton A. Strickland

Honors Theses

MicroRNAs are a heterogeneous group of small regulatory RNAs generated by many pathways. Mirtrons (miR) are a class of microRNAs produced by splicing, and some mirtrons contain a 3’ tail located downstream from the self-complementary hairpin. During RNA splicing, a loop-like “lariat” intermediate structure is created when the 5’ end of the RNA is attached to an adenine called the branch point. The goal of this project is to uncover the contribution of branch point location to the processing of tailed mirtrons into functional gene regulators. This project approaches this issue from two directions. First, branch points were identified by …

An Analysis Of Moral Distress Experienced Among Nursing Students, Katherine Merchent Johnson

Honors Theses

The purpose of this senior honors thesis was to obtain descriptive data about the moral distress experienced by nursing students during clinical rotations in nursing school. This senior honors thesis is significant to nursing because, although moral distress is a well-researched topic, little to no information has been gathered regarding moral distress among the nursing student sub-culture. Nursing students are likely one of the most important groups in which moral distress needs to be explored, because experiencing it could lead to fewer people wanting to become a part of the nursing profession. The research design used quantitative methodology. The approach …

Expression Of Glycine-Rich Proteins Found In Salivary Glands Of The Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma Americanum) Using A Mammalian Cell Line, Annabelle Clark

Honors Theses

Ticks play an important ecological role as well as a growing role in human health and veterinary care. Ticks are hosts to a plethora of microbial pathogens that can be transferred during feeding to cause tick-borne diseases in humans and many animals. Ticks may in large part owe the success of the transfer of these pathogens between hosts to their complex saliva. The saliva secreted upon a tick’s attachment to a host serves the following, among other, functions: anti-hemostasis of the blood pool, preventing an inflammatory response at the bite site, and serving as a natural anti-microbial substance. An important …

Gender Roles And Gender Stereotypes In Four Newbery Award-Winning Books, Alex P. Brower

Honors Theses

This research project examined the presentation of traditional gender roles and representation in four books that were awarded the Newbery Medal. The four books that were examined are the award recipients from 1922, 1923, 2014 and 2015. It was predicted that as gender equality has become a more prominent issue, and men and women have become more equal, one would expect this change to be reflected in children’s literature. A close reading was performed of these works, and special attention was paid to how the authors present the genders of the main characters in terms of personal interests, the roles …

Sbar, Communication, And Patient Safety: An Integrated Literature Review, Kathryn R. Stewart

Honors Theses

Communication errors are a common cause of adverse patient safety events in the healthcare field. The Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) communication tool was introduced in 2002 to guide the communication of critical patient-care information. The purpose of this integrated literature review was to determine how the use of the SBAR tool during handoff of critical information affects communication between healthcare providers and patient safety. An integrated literature review approach was chosen due to the varying methodologies and multiple variables that have been used in the study of SBAR. The combined search terms of “SBAR”, “Communication”, and “Patient Safety” were entered into PubMed, …

Common Core In Tennessee: An Analysis Of Eighth Grade Mathematics Standards, Hayley Little

Honors Theses

Since their introduction in 2010, the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) have been a highly controversial topic in educational reform. Though the standards are not a product of the federal government and are not federally mandated, they do represent a push towards national academic standards in America. For states such as Tennessee, educational policies of the past pushed them to lower their academic standards in order to create the illusion of success. Those states are now some of the places that have seen the most change with the adoption of the CCSS. It still remains somewhat unclear, however, which changes …

Super Pac Funding And Its Impact On Voting Behavior In The U.S. House Of Representatives, Michael J. Scariano

Honors Theses

In light of the increasing levels of polarization in terms of voting behavior among members of the U.S. House of Representatives over the 112th, 113th, and 114th Congresses, coupled with the recent Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commision 558 U.S. 310 (2010), which authorized the use of unlimited fundraising and expenditure by outside groups in elections, the question was raised whether or not there was a correlation between these two occurrences. Specifically, this paper asks “what role does Super PAC funding play in the roll call vote choices of House Members of the 114th Congress?” To …

From The Hallways To The Courtroom: Struggle For Desegregation In Chattanooga, Tennessee 1954-1986, Kelly R. Reed

Honors Theses

Although historians have lent a great deal of attention to the Southern struggle for public school desegregation in the wake of the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board decision, a comprehensive history of desegregation in Chattanooga, Tennessee has yet to be written. My research seeks to fill this gap by examining how desegregation operated in Chattanooga throughout the twenty-six year Mapp v. Board of Education of Chattanooga litigation. The first portion of this paper focuses predominantly on the school board’s lack of action between 1955 and 1960, the subsequent demand for action from the black community in the form of the …

Outsourcing Of Building Information Modeling (Bim) Among General Contractors In The United States, James W. Fountain

Honors Theses

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process used by AEC industry members that simulates a construction project in a multidimensional digital model and provides multitudes of project benefits from inception to occupancy. However, a variety of barriers impede a holistic BIM implementation. Because of these barriers, some general contractors are choosing to outsource the creation and/or utilization of BIM models to specialized Information Technology (IT) firms instead of performing these processes in-house. Since little literature currently exists for BIM outsourcing, this online survey-based study aimed to identify BIM outsourcing patterns among the general contractors across the US and the perceived …

Health Educators’ Perceptions Of Factors Related To The Implementation Of School-Based Sexual Education, Kari Ellis

Honors Theses

Mississippi is one of the leading states in both teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infection rates. In an effort to limit these rates, Mississippi passed House Bill 999 in 2011. This bill mandated sexual education in public schools throughout the state. However, since the passage of the bill there have been many factors that impact the way this curriculum is taught. To better understand these factors, how they affect educators, and how schools are addressing them, this study surveyed educators who taught some form of sex-related education curriculum from 2011 to 2016. The findings show that educators believe many factors …

Bells Of Death: Rachmaninoff’S Use Of The Dies Irae In His Choral Symphony, Kolokola, Madeleine Lowrey

Honors Theses

This thesis investigates Sergei Rachmaninoff’s use of a musical theme, the Dies Irae chant, in his choral symphony Kolokola. I briefly introduce the Dies Irae theme, then examine how Rachmaninoff uses it to unify his choral work. I consider textual themes found in Edgar Allan Poe’s poems “The Bells” as well as how those themes are augmented in Konstantin Demetrievich Balmont’s Russian re-imagining of Poe’s poetry, the form set in Kolokola. The changes of the original poetry in the Russian translation are explored, with emphasis on how Rachmaninoff’s use of the Dies Irae emphasizes how conceptions of death permeate Balmont’s …

Mating Behaviors Exhibited By A Captive Male Pacific Walrus (Odobenus Rosmarus Divergens), Jessica M. Mccord

Honors Theses

Understanding mating behaviors of a species can be utilized to help protect the species. Results of population surveys have shown the walrus population to be on the decline, and over the history of walruses being held in captivity, few pups have been born or survived. Not much is known about Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) due to the isolated Arctic habitats in which walruses live making wild population studies difficult. Few studies have examined wild observations of walrus mating behaviors and virtually none for captivity. The purpose of this study was to observe a captive male Pacific walrus for mating …

Who Is The One Percent?, Christopher Chupp

Honors Theses

This paper explores the topic of the wealthiest one percent of Americans, in terms of net economic wealth. I have observed many generalizations of this group from school, work, media, and so forth, thus, I will be approaching the topic from a statistical standpoint to gain a deeper understanding of the role that these Americans play in our society. The goal of this paper is to inform the reader, through the presentation and discussion of available data used to define this group. To accomplish this, I will be covering several topics. First, I will discuss who the one percent is …

Marketing Ideas That Could Improve Adoptions And Reduce Return Rates Of Dogs In Shelters In The State Of Michigan, Bryan Klemett

Honors Theses

Dogs have always been something that attracts people’s attention. It is hard to decide whether it is their fur, their cuteness, or their personality that makes them lovable. The area I chose to conduct my research is in marketing. Since dogs are man’s best friend, what other better way is there to do a thesis than on something so lovable? This research entails marketing ideas that could increase adoption rates while reducing return rates of animals at shelters in the State of Michigan.

I chose this topic because as it is stated earlier, I am a dog lover. I have …

Identifying And Preventing Insider Threats, Matthew D. Waters

Honors Theses

Insider threats, or attacks against a company from within, are a pressing issue both domestically and internationally. Frequencies of these threats increase each year adding to the overall importance of further research analysis. In fact, many case studies have been conducted which state that these employees who participate in insider attacks tend to exhibit certain personality and characteristic traits, as well as certain observable behaviors, that would indicate to other employees that an attack is imminent. It is hypothesized that companies will be able to take a more preventative stance of security as opposed to a reactive stance by identifying …

Giving Back To The Military, Lauren Martin

Honors Theses

This paper will cover the development and growth of the non-profit student organization Broncos for Heroes. The mission statement of Broncos for Heroes is to support our servicemen and women both past and present. This paper will cover the main event for Broncos for Heroes: Care Package Drives.

Curiosity Beyond The Classroom: Developing Engaging Education Programming At The Grand Rapids Public Museum, Sara Forman

Honors Theses

This project was designed to examine the impact of museums as authentic learning environments for traditional students, and analyze the role of student-centered educational programming in such an environment has upon student’s growth and connection to social studies content. The aim of this project was to develop an education program for secondary students, implement the program in a museum setting, and assess its effectiveness in encouraging student growth. The education program was created and taught at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) in relation to the exhibit, Whales: Giants of the Deep. The program was developed under the supervision of …

What Works? A Meta-Analysis Of Quantitative Studies Regarding Heroin Policy, Maddy R. Swiney

Honors Theses

This project aimed to aid legislators by presenting quantitative evidence on what policies existing literature supports as working in dealing with the problem of heroin use in order to shift policies to a more effective approach. Chi Square analysis of 100 quantitative studies revealed that there is a relationship between the type of approach and outcome of the study, indicating that maintenance-focused approaches are more likely to work than the other approaches examined. The study concluded that, while the literature finds consensus on the idea that “maintenance works”, the details of implementation cause disagreement between fields; overall, maintenance works for …

Antecedents To Alumni Loyalty, Diana Vasquez

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Of Mermaids, Metal, And Maine: An Illustrated Memoir, Mercedes Mclean-Wheeler

Honors Theses

This creative literary thesis consists of the first chapters of a memoir, offering readers a glimpse of my childhood world and self in rural Maine. The memoir's overarching theme is the interplay between person and place. The work also explores the ability of memory and imagination to shape perception. Included are several of my own drawings to help illuminate my imaginative and lived experiences, evoking the odd but artful whimsy of childhood. While still rooted firmly in memoir, the project draws from fantasy, magical realism, and graphica, reflecting modern literature's inclination to transcend traditional boundaries of genre and style.

Math Curriculum (Algebra Ii) With Focus On Sports, Raychel Figurski

Honors Theses

Learning mathematics is something that is difficult for students to do. This is definitely the case when the students do not get to investigate and really dive deep into the mathematical concepts. This thesis consists of a curriculum set up to promote a greater learning experience for students learning mathematical concepts. The curriculum is set up to cover one unit, or chapter, revolving around the concepts of linear functions. This thesis contains a student copy of a textbook for a unit on linear functions as well as a teacher version. The teacher version contains answers to all questions as well …

The World Of Finance In Russia, Matthew Thomas

Honors Theses

Russia is currently in an economic crisis the likes of which the Russian people are unfortunately familiar with in their turbulent past. Economic sanctions, paired with a global downturn in oil prices, have stalled any progress that had been occurring after the 2008 global economic meltdown. The Central Bank of Russia, which was founded after the fall of the USSR in the early 1990s, was quick to respond to the sanctions and domestic economic issues by laying out an Anti-Crisis plan along with the aid of the rest of the government. They raised interest rates to over 20%, passed legislation …

Analysis Of The Foreigner, Hannah Matias

Honors Theses

In my senior year at Western Michigan University, I had the privilege of portraying Catherine Simms of the university’s production of The Foreigner. I was never been more excited to play a role in my entire life. For me, this is where the rubber met the road. I have trained for four years in the acting program and I was more than ready to apply the skills I have attained in this performance. I did extensive bookwork for this character. From doing research, to creating a biography, finding out Catherine’s objectives, and so on, my bookwork is definitely a sight …

Attitudes And Perceptions Towards Men In Nursing: A Replicated Study, Emily Schaffer

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Research Methods Used To Study Pharmacological Intervention Of Nicotine-Induced Breast Cancer Formation And Metastasis, Bethany Breakall

Honors Theses

The effects of iPLA₂β (Ca²⁺-independent Phospholipase A₂β) and MMP-9 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-9) have been a recent focus of research in the progression of cancer cell proliferation and migration. However, their roles are not entirely known, especially concerning nicotine-induced breast cancer cell advancement. The purpose of this study was to determine the involvement of iPLA₂β in nicotine-induced breast cancer cell proliferation. BEL (bromoenol lactone), a suicide inhibitor of iPLA₂β, was hypothesized to attenuate nicotine-induced breast cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. Following the BEL treatment, the in-vitro results exhibited a significant decrease …

Oil Dries Used In Arson Scenes: New Absorbent Material, Jessica D. Dove

Honors Theses

In many fire investigation cases, it is hard to find evidence that will lead to the cause or person that started the fire, especially within arson scenes. Because of this, the identification of ignitable liquids is critical to an arson investigation. Obtaining enough evidential information from the scene is key if arson is suspected. Many scenes involve ignitable liquids that have been poured onto furniture or carpets, allowing the ignitable liquid to easily be collected. However, in some investigations ignitable liquids are poured onto semi-porous surfaces such as concrete. Collection of these materials is difficult. Oil dries are absorbents commonly …

Cultural Appropriation And Fashion: A Line To Clarify The Line, Lauren N. Holloway

Honors Theses

In this creative project, the idea of cultural appropriation in fashion is explored and interpreted into mood boards and garment sketches inspired by different cultures. Cultural appropriation occurs when dominant groups take or “borrow” styles from marginalized groups, who face oppression or have been stigmatized for their cultural practices throughout history. In order to prevent appropriation from happening in fashion, it is important to educate and implement certain business styles in order to stay ethical. Understanding the history of cultural appropriation is important in moving forward and cutting down on the phenomenon in the fashion industry. By looking at examples …

Winter Ecology And Behavior Of Eastern Towhees At Taylor Fork Ecological Area, Megan Martin

Honors Theses

The Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythropthalmus) is a type of sparrow, which has declined in number by about 50% since the mid-1960s. Since both their summer and winter habitat use is affected by changes in the prevailing vegetation, it is possible that the declining populations are a result of factors in both breeding and nonbreeding seasons. The objective of the study was to describe the behavior, habitat use, and foraging habits of the Eastern Towhee during the winter at a site in central Kentucky. Nine Towhees were captured, radio-tagged, and tracked using homing and triangulation for a total of …