Digital Commons Network^™

Mapping Of Stochastic Matrices Into Polynomial Form In The Complex Plane, Jordan Emile Cates

Honors Theses

This thesis originated from a specific problem from biology. Namely we need to study probabilistic models that represent molecular interactions that take place inside living cells, such as the number of molecular heat-shock proteins present in a cell. Because of the intrinsic discrete nature of the number of molecules present in cells, the fundamental mathematical models are based on Markov processes. For such processes a transition probability matrix describes the evolution of the state of the cell, whereas the state itself, i.e. the number of molecules present at a specific time, is described by a vector. The components of this …

The Role Of Collaborative Leadership In The Development Of Performing Arts Facilities, Alexandra Taylor Wiles

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to improve the development of performing arts facilities by maximizing participants’ combined capabilities and expertise through collaborative leadership. A single case study methodology was employed to examine the extent to which connective leadership, a form of collaborative leadership, was used in the development of Richmond CenterStage. Fourteen participants representing several involved organizations were interviewed and completed the Achieving Styles Inventory. Data analysis supported the hypothesis that connective leadership was not used in the facility’s development, and could have been used to improve the process through incorporation of diverse viewpoints of all interdependent participants.

Framing The College Debate : Insights On Obama's Rhetoric Through The Capabilities Approach, Caitlin M. Manak

Honors Theses

President Obama has proposed that the United States increase the number of college graduates by 8 million by 2020 in order to raise national educational standards and to engage in global competition. Obama’s policies and rhetoric frequently describe “education as a pathway to success” and “education as a pathway to jobs,” but fail to emphasize its comprehensive, intrinsic values. America’s national discussion on education needs to shift away from framing higher education merely as pathway to the workforce, and should focus instead on education as a vital part of a well-lived life. To fulfill social justice under the capabilities approach, …

Regulating Death And Building Empire : American Doctors And The Construction Of The Panama Canal, 1904-1914, Sarah Rhoads

Honors Theses

In May 1904, American engineers, doctors, nurses, and laborers arrived in Panama to begin work on one of the most expensive, challenging, and rewarding technological achievements of the twentieth century- the Panama Canal. At the time, the majority of Americans saw Panama as a wild tropical jungle, with dangerous diseases and a hostile climate. One of the most prevalent diseases in tropical regions, yellow fever, also known as yellow jack, was known to pose an enormous challenge to the success of the canal construction- the first mountain blocking Panama from successful U.S. intervention (see image above). In the popular U.S. …

Exploring The Role Of Sonic Hedgehog In The Lymph Heart Development Of Xenopus Laevis, Laura Barry

Honors Theses

Xenopus as a Model Organism in Evolutionary Developmental Biology

Xenopus laevis, the African clawed frog, is an important model organism in the field of evolutionary developmental biology research. These tongue-less aquatic frogs are basally branching anuran amphibians that display marked sexual dimorphism and have webbed hind feet that sport several small, sharp claws. This species is a useful model organism despite its long generation time and genomic complexity, for historical and practical reasons. The animal adapts well to housing in a laboratory setting, and its reproduction can be …

The Optimization Of A One-Pot Heteroconjugate Addition-Oxidation-Diels-Alder Reaction, Christina Vivelo

Honors Theses

Ynoate esters are ideal reagents for one-pot reactions due to their ability to undergo multiple addition reactions in one flask. Ethyl propiolate undergoes a heteroconjugate addition reaction with aromatic thiol nucleophiles, producing an enoate which is then oxidized by m-CPBA and is able to undergo a Diels–Alder reaction with cyclopentadiene. The work presents the optimization of a three-step heteroconjugate addition-oxidation-Diels–Alder reaction to yield cyclic compounds favoring endo stereochemistry, which may be used in further synthesis of biologically active compounds such as (+)-Methyl-5-epi-Shikimate or Deipeptyl-IV-Peptidase inhibitor.

The Role Of Histidines In Neurosteroid Binding Of Nmda Glun2b And D Subunits, Sarah Rhoads

Honors Theses

Implicit in cellular mechanisms essential for learning and memory, NMDA receptors are heterotetrameric members of the family of ionotropic glutamate receptors. Activation of the glutamate-specific receptor subunits results in the opening of ion channels, triggering an excitatory pathway, which can be moderated by certain endogenous and exogenous compounds. Previous research with the endogenous neurosteroids pregnenolone sulfate (PS) and 3α-hydroxy-5-β-20-one sulfate (PregS) have indicated that the binding of these neurosteroids to NMDA receptors containing the four A-D isoforms of the GluN2 subunit affects current flow through them1. Binding of PS to NMDA receptors containing GluN2A or GluN2B subunits causes an increased …

Autism Insurance Coverage : Which State Policies Work And Why?, Elizabeth Ivy Homan

Honors Theses

In the spring of 2011, Virginia's legislature passed its first autism insurance mandate via Senate Bill 1062 and House Bill 2467. As a legislative intern for Senator Janet Howell - the primary sponsor of SB 1062 - I was able to track the mandate from beginning to end. I observed conferences between Senator Howell and representatives from autism advocacy groups, I sat in on various Senate and House committee meetings, I carefully reviewed changes in the mandate's text when Senator Howell compressed her two original autism bills into one new bill in order to match Delegate Greason's HB 2467, and …

Translating The Dominican Experience : Authorial Leadership And How The Narratives Of Julia Alvarez And Junot Diaz Imagine Community, Mary Rachel Ehret

Honors Theses

This paper closely looks at Julia Alvarez's How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents and Junot Diaz's The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao in order to understand literature as a form of leadership. Alvarez and Diaz draw upon historical Dominican memory to frame their characters' identities and recreate communities in a new landscape. Their works challenge cultural authority, deconstruct borders, and provide the language to dialogue about the realities of multiculturalism.

Addicted To Cigarette (Sales) : Taxing The Native American Cigarette Trade, Jeffrey Hunt

Honors Theses

In order to close a budget deficit, New York State raised its cigarette tax in 2010 to $4.35 per pack. Included in this legislation was a removal of the exemption of cigarettes sold on Native American Reservations from the tax. This paper develops a model of cigarette demand that focuses on measuring cross-price elasticity of demand in order to ascertain the effect of state-level taxation on the sales of Native American cigarettes in New York. The model indicates that reservations will lose about 79% of their cigarette business, and that New York State will raise about $447 million dollars more …

Determination Of The Atomic Resolution Structure Of A Dna Polymerase I Isolated From Rhodothermus Marinus, Natalie S. Omattage

Honors Theses

DNA polymerase I employs a multistep mechanism for sorting correctly paired nucleotides from mismatches. We aim to characterize reaction intermediates during nucleotide selection to better understand how this class of enzymes achieves high DNA replication fidelity. DNA polymerase I from R. marinus contains an unusual and disruptive proline in the mobile O helix near the active site. To characterize this enzyme, the structure of the large (5´-to-3´ exo-deficient) fragment of the R. marinus DNA polymerase I (RF) was solved to 2.95 Å (R = 0.234) using multi-wavelength anomalous dispersion. Alignment …

C'Est Ouf : L'ÉVolution De La Langue FrançAise Et Les ConséQuences Sociales, Hannah Kelley

Honors Theses

Cette dissertation vise à explorer le raisonnement complexe linguistique derrière la langue française officielle et le verlan, pour qu’on puisse mieux comprendre ce que le verlan est en train de faire socialement pour la communauté beur duquel il est venu. Pour nous situer d’abord un peu, on commence avec une histoire brève de l’immigration maghrébine (ou l’Afrique de Nord : l’Algérie, la Tunisie, et le Maroc) ainsi que les idéaux républicains de la France qui ont apporté la fierté légendaire en une langue française pure. Après, on examine la façon dont ses histoires interagissent aujourd’hui, ce qui laissent les identités …

Senior Organ Recital, Emily E. Solomon

Honors Theses

This recital displays the versatility of the organ and highlights its ability to evoke emotions that range from melancholy to truimpant.

Utc Public Transportation Survey, Andra Blanariu

Honors Theses

Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority, the public transit system in Chattanooga, covers most of downtown Chattanooga and its surrounding areas. In the fall of 2011, the enrollment rate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga reached over 11000. During the same semester, UTC housed around 2900 students on their campus, which is located in downtown Chattanooga. Based on an on-board survey offered by CARTA in August of 2011, only nineteen percent of their riders are students. While the Chattanooga State Community College is not located downtown, CARTA's survey showed that their students compose the majority of student bus riders. The …

Creating Werther’S Charlotte: An Academic And Practical Approach, Caitlin M. Cundiff

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

The National Hockey League: An Econometric Analysis Of Attendance, Kendrick A. Hotte

Honors Theses

The National Hockey League (NHL) and professional sports as a whole are interesting to study when econometric models are applied. First, a thorough examination of current literature concerning both professional sports and econometrics will be reviewed. In addition, a full description of the data and its accompanying sources are discussed. Then, through the use of an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and hypothesis testing, the role of attendance throughout the NHL as a function of win percentage is empirically tested. Using a demand equation for the attendance of hockey games over the past 15 years, this paper will focus on …

Recital (Voice), Ema Katrovas

Honors Theses

On March 18th 2012, I presented a recital in which I explored the diversity of classical vocal repertoire. My hope was to educate an audience (and myself) about the vastly diverse styles of classical vocal music. The recital took the listener on a journey from Early Baroque to contemporary cabaret, exploring along the way languages intrinsic to classical voice (Italian, French and German) as well as those which are only recently gaining significance in the world of opera and art-song (English and Czech); the listener heard different accompanying instruments, not only piano but also harpsichord and a small chamber ensemble; …

Revolution And Democratization: Can Egypt Transition To A Modern Day Democracy?, Kristin M. Horitski

Honors Theses

On January 25, 2011, demonstrations began in Egypt against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak. These demonstrations were the culmination of decades of abuses by the government such as police brutality, corruption, and the provisions of the emergency law that restricted the freedoms of the people and limited the opposition to the regime. The protests grew into a revolution that toppled the Mubarak government and put the military temporarily in charge of the country. The popular uprising and resignation of President Mubarak left the country in a state of euphoria and hope, yet there are uncertainties about the future. This …

Senior Recital, Corey E. Shotwell

Honors Theses

Vocal performance senior recital to include works spanning many periods and composers and unified by French poetry/maxims.

The Assertion Of Identity: Storytelling And Testimony In The Works Of Edwidge Danticat, Michael R. Kurban

Honors Theses

Haitian-American author Edwidge Danticat evokes the Haitian tradition of storytelling in many of her novels and short story collections. A tradition formulated by vodou religion and the amalgamation of African cultures, storytelling acts to entertain, educate and enlighten the people of Haiti. Additionally, her novels are often written in the context of traumatic events in Haitian history. While Danticat's works have been studied with focus on their depiction of storytelling and of trauma, little has been done on the restorative power that storytelling provides. In this thesis, I seek to examine the potential for Danticat's characters and works to create …

The Bucknell Community College Scholarship Program: A Documentary As A Performative Social Science, Sean D. Fortney

Honors Theses

Reviews Bucknell participation with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation (a non-profit foundation with a mission to “help under-resourced students of exceptional promise reach their full potential through education".

The Development And Morphology Of Zebrafish After Embryonic Ethanol Exposure, Frances Lee

Honors Theses

Maternal consumption of alcohol may subject the fetus to fetal alcohol syndrome or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FAS or FASD). FAS/D is a public health problem, and affected children are defined by varying degrees of irreversible mental retardation, physical defects, behavioral issues, and vision problems from prenatal alcohol exposure (Riley et al. 2011). Recent studies on FAS have looked towards animal models, such as zebrafish, Danio rerio, that exhibit homologous physical and behavioral effects of alcohol (Bilotta et al. 2004). I exposed zebrafish embryos to low doses of ethanol (0.5% v/v or 1% v/v) in either chronic (at least 8 …

Nine, Emily C. Stuart

Honors Theses

N/A

The Influence Of Framing Effects And Regret On Health Decision-Making, Sarah Falkof

Honors Theses

This study investigates methods for influencing decision-making regarding preventative vaccine shots. Specifically, the research assessed the influence of message framing on regret and future action likelihood. In Experiment 1, participants read information about an available vaccine shot that was either framed positively or negatively. Participants were told whether they decided to get the shot (action) or not get the shot (inaction) and rated their feelings of regret after being told they got sick, regardless of their decision. Results showed that participants who read the positively framed information experienced more regret overall than participants who read the information with the negative …

Electronic Detection Of Ultra Cold Neutral Plasma, Nirakar Poudel

Honors Theses

The project was started with an objective to investigate the effect of radio fre- quency absorption in Ultra Cold Neutral Plasmas (UNPs). The plasma oscillation is density dependent and can be excited by using external radio frequency field. A homodyne circuit is used to detect direct absorption of the radio frequency waves. The radio frequency waves are applied to conducting meshes which lie on either side of the plasma. The meshes are effectively a capacitor, which together with inherent circuit resistance constitute a high pass filter. A small part of the gain and phase shift of the filter depend on …

Island Voices, Sarah Hirsch

Honors Theses

A story that’s actually a series of poems, told somewhat by the people themselves but mostly as it is seen by the ocean, which narrates lovingly, scathingly, honestly, feelingly.

Edible Activism: Food And The Counterculture Of The 1960s And 1970s, Sandra Johnson

Honors Theses

Food is an essential part of every person’s life. Not only does it provide sustenance, but it also holds cultural value. Throughout American history, food has played a significant role in activism because of its ability to form and express identity, build community, demonstrate allegiance with certain beliefs, and reject the status quo. In 1773, American colonists boycotted the controlling British Monarchy and the monopolistic East India Company by throwing tea into the Boston harbor in what later became known as the Boston Tea Party. During the Jacksonian era of the 1830s, radical vegetarians led by the ideologies of …

Recurrence Relations, Fractals, And Chaos: Implications For Analyzing Gene Structure, Sarah. M. Harmon

Honors Theses

The “chaos game” is a well-known algorithm by which one may construct a pictorial representation of an iterative process. The resulting sets are known as fractals and can be mathematically characterized by measures of dimension as well as by their associated recurrence relations. Using the chaos game algorithm, is it possible to derive meaningful structure out of our own genetic encoding, and that of other organisms? In this paper, I will present one method of applying the chaos game to biological data and subsequently will discuss both the mathematical and biological implications of the results.

“Called Her Women Together” Home Birth In Maine, Margaret Kruithoff

Honors Theses

Nine months ago, I set out to write a thesis on childbirth: hippies having their babies in the woods, hospital politics, and women’s rights. The final product is very different than what I had intended. Instead of finding crazy hippies in the woods, I found a community of kind and skilled midwives and loving, openhearted mothers. I am deeply indebted to these inspiring women for their stories and wisdom, which fill the pages of this thesis. Interviewing these mothers, midwives, and home birth advocates was a tremendously empowering experience for me, a young woman.

A Web Application In Rest: The Design, Implementation, And Evaluation Of A Web Application Based On RePresentational STate TRansfer, William O’Brien

Honors Theses

It is no secret the Internet has evolved at an alarming rate since its public debut in the early 90s. What began as a simple way for users to publish files has evolved into a platform for impressively complex interactive applications. Now, applications once restricted to a single operating system are made available to all through advancements in browser technology and libraries. For a long time, Adobe has offered Photoshop as a far from trivial image editing program for around $100 to the Windows and Mac platforms. Recently, a web application emulating Photoshop’s features has been made freely available to …