Digital Commons Network^™

The Origins Of An Everyday Behavior: Why Do People Share Meals?, David Lee

Honors Theses

Humans are socially driven creatures that require constant interaction. One way humans have consistently expressed their social nature since prehistory is through sharing meals. Recent studies and literature were examined in order to investigate the roots behind why sharing meals has been the most consistent method of social output. Through careful reading and analysis, reasons behind why people share meals were traced in perspective levels. The biological and molecular aspect explains how humans evolved from prehistoric primates and their similarities associated with food consumption. Genetics and food preferences also play a role by allowing humans to taste food rather than …

The Evangelical Church And Creation Care, J. B. Burt

Honors Theses

The purpose of this research is to determine the extent to which creation care is reaching and influencing the patrons in the pews of Evangelical Christian churches as well as to determine if Evangelicals will ever be prepared to take a strong and widespread stance on the environmental issues of our time. A mixed method research design was employed that consisted of three focus groups that served to directly inform the development of an online survey. Survey respondents consisted of 283 primarily Mississippi residents and students attending colleges and universities in Mississippi. Results illustrated that a majority of Evangelicals do …

Modeling Nitroglycerin-Induced Migraine In Rats, Stephanie Staszko

Honors Theses

The present research sought to determine whether nitroglycerin (NTG) produced changes in clinically relevant endophenotypes of migraine. Rats were given a single injection of NTG or vehicle with the following dependent measures recorded: Rat Grimace Scale, hot and cold tail flick latency, Rotor-Rod performance, and photophobia and movement in traditional and modified light/dark boxes. NTG increased rat grimace scores but did not produce thermal allodynia nor photophobia. Further, NTG produced paradoxical increases in Rotor-Rod performance and movement. These results demonstrate that a single injection of NTG does not produce behaviors that parallel clinical symptoms of migraine.

The Effects Of Adrenergic Antagonists On Spatial Memory In The Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia Guttata), Taylor Williams

Honors Theses

The adrenergic system appears to be involved in the consolidation and reconsolidation of hippocampally dependent spatial memories in mammals. Based on connectivity, cell types, ontogeny and receptor distribution, the avian hippocampus is thought to be a homolog to the mammalian hippocampus. The adrenergic system appears to be fairly conserved but may show some species specializations. To determine if the adrenergic system plays a role in spatial learning and memory in birds, we used a series of experiments to investigate the role of α- and β-adrenergic receptors on spatial navigation and memory in an avian species, zebra finches, using the Day …

An Evaluation Of Soil Extracellular Enzyme Activity In Response To Burning As A Forest Restoration Technique, William M. Steward

Honors Theses

Burning is a method of forest restoration with the goal of returning natural tree species to ecosystems. Burning has a wide range of effects on an ecosystem, including the alteration of important soil processes and characteristics. One of the key components of soil is the activity of extracellular enzymes, which can be used to provide insight into the nutritional requirements of soil microbes as well as nutrient availability and cycling. Because enzymes are important in the overall functioning of soil and can be used to assess soil health, there is great need to examine the effects of burning on soil …

Effects Of Novel Feed Ingredients And Additives On Feed Quality And Broiler Performance, Ashley Marie Evans

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the poultry industry, feed and feed manufacture account for 60 to 70% of production costs. Because of this, integrators are continually seeking ways to decrease costs while maintaining pellet quality and bird performance. The research presented in this dissertation offer several novel feed ingredients that have the potential to replace costly feed ingredients, increase pellet quality, improve bird growth and performance, and improve nutrient digestibility. In Chapter 2, four experimental phytase enzymes (A -- D) were examined for thermostability during pelleting, as well as efficacy in vivo. Phytase activity post-pelleting demonstrated high variability between phytases, ranging from 120 to …

Evaluating The Inclusion Of Phytase Super-Dose In Various Broiler Diet Formulations And Novel Pellet Binders, John W. Boney

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Grains commonly used in poultry diets contain phytic acid, a known anti-nutrient that binds dietary phosphorus rendering it unavailable for absorption also decreasing the digestibility of other nutrients. Phytic acid also increases mucin production and endogenous amino acid secretions causing a gut irritant effect which may decrease performance. An abundance of phytase literatures suggests that phytase enzymes can liberate bound phosphorus enhancing phytate phosphorus utilization and bone mineralization. Recently, the use of super-doses of phytase has been suggested to, not only liberate bound phosphorus, but to alleviate the gut irritant effect associated with phytate phosphorus. Therefore, an experiment was conducted …

Boredom And Memory For Positively And Negatively Valenced Words, James Kirchner

Honors Theses

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether boredom affected memory for positively and negatively valenced words in addition to class names (e.g., History) that were presented in an auditory modality while participants listened to a recorded script. This was accomplished by comparing the recall of a doodling group, who were asked to shade in shapes while listening to a recorded script, with a non-doodling group, who simply listened to the script. The results indicated that participants in the non-doodling group recalled more class names (e.g. History) from the script than participants in the doodling group. In addition, …

Cognitive Poetics And Italian Literary Criticism, John Biffle

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the possibility of the application of cognitive poetics to Italian literature, with a comparison to four major nineteenth century currents of literary criticism. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the research, the data was obtained from reviewed psychology articles, textbooks regarding both psychological and literary subjects, original sources containing the examined poetry and prose, e-books, and open source web material for literary works that lacked copyright. Unless specified, all translations from Italian to English were done by me. Since cognitive poetics are based on the assumption that we perceive literature similarly to how we perceive reality and that …

Promotion Of Environmental Engagement Through Positive Youth Development In Tanzania, Katherine Westfall

Honors Theses

With climate change and environmental degradation already having devastating effects on communities in sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing youth's commitment to the environment and mobilizing their pro-environmental action is increasingly urgent. In this study, we explored predictors of environmental commitment and action based on a model of positive youth development. We predicted that sociodemographics, self-efficacy, connection to nature, sense of community, and club participation would predict environmental commitment and action. Tanzanian youth (N = 959) from regions across the country completed self-report measures assessing these constructs. Using a series of logistic and hierarchical multiple regressions, we were able to predict statistically significant …

Choice Between Reinforcers With And Without Delayed Shock, Aaron D. Dumas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Some problematic human behaviors can be conceptualized as choice of a large immediate reinforcer followed by a delayed aversive event, in lieu of a small immediate reinforcer and no delayed aversive event. For example, a night of binge drinking may result in ample social reinforcers and other fun in the short-term, but it is followed the next day by an intense hangover. Alternatively, opting for moderate alcohol consumption might not produce as intensely pleasing of an evening, but it avoids the aversive hangover. The aim of the present experiment was to develop an animal laboratory model for studying such choice …

An Investigation Of The Effects Of Hysteresis On The Rotation Percept, Maximilian James Shumake

Honors Theses

Although much research has been done on the role of hysteresis in apparent motion displays, no research has investigated the effects of hysteresis for rotary motion. The present experiment sought to determine and quantify the effects of hysteresis on the rotation percept. Participants viewed two types of apparent motion stimuli, which consisted of tokens appearing to move in a clockwise, counterclockwise, or chaotic fashion. One of the displays slowly changed from favoring a percept of rotation to a percept of non-rotation and vice versa. We fit the data using a logistic function and compared the point at which the direction …

The Effect Of Sumatriptan On Clinically Relevant Behavioral Endpoints In A Recurrent Nitroglycerin Migraine Model In Rats, Morgan Elizabeth Davis

Honors Theses

The present research sought to determine the effects of sumatriptan on clinically relevant behavioral endpoints in migraine produced by repeated nitroglycerin (NTG) administrations in rats. Rats were given 5 NTG administrations each of which was followed by either saline, 0.3 mg/kg sumatriptan, or 1.0 mg/kg sumatriptan over a 2-week period. During their 5th NTG migraine episode, behavioral endpoints were the Rat Grimace Scale, photophobia, and movement. Sumatriptan dose dependently attenuated a) loss in weight, b) elevated Rat Grimace Scale pain scores, and c) decreased movement in the modified light-dark box. In addition, rats with the highest dose of sumatriptan tended …

Down Creek A Screenplay, Elizabeth Britt Mcclure

Honors Theses

Growing up, the story was told to me this way: one day, a little boy’s foot washed up on a beach in Charleston. An investigation found that the foot belonged to a patient of Dr. Reed, an orthopedic surgeon who had removed the boy’s foot some three years prior. The doctor had stored the boy’s foot in his freezer at home. When one day the freezer broke down. Dr. Reed disposed of the body part by substituting it for raw chicken in his crab trap. Somehow the foot escaped the bait compartmentmuch to the leathery beachgoers’ horror. Even as a …

Inhibition Of Arterial Kdr Channels By Dpo-1 And Activation Of Cloned Human Bk Channels By Bpa-Ms, Ibra S. Fancher Iv

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The following documents our attempt at answering a fundamental question in vascular smooth muscle: Which K+ channels control membrane potential, and thus, vascular tone? A number of groups have approached this question and great strides have been made; however, uncertainty remains as to which specific K+ channel(s) underlies this physiologically important current. Previous studies using nonselective pharmacological inhibitors of voltage-dependent K+ (KV) channels, particularly delayed rectifier K+ (KDR) channels, indicate membrane depolarization, Ca2+ influx, and vasoconstriction. Importantly, however, there are more than 40 genes known to encode KV channel subunits. We hypothesize that KDR channels composed of KV 1 subunits …

A Strategy To Share The Gospel With The Hindu Community In The South Kenya Conference, Willys M. Oruta

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The Adventist Church in the South Kenya Conference has not developed a strategy to share the Gospel with the Hindu community. The Hindu community is generally looked at as an idol worshipping group. However, this community conducts most of the business in many towns in Kenya. For this reason, they should not be neglected because God wants them to be part of His kingdom. Jesus died for the salvation of the whole world; therefore, a strategy to share the Gospel with the Hindu community is a divine command. In the South Kenya Conference, particularly in Kisii, the Hindu community …

Using A Small Group Approach To Increase Church Growth In The Gikondo Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Schadrack Nsengimana

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem.

Although many people are baptized at the Gikondo Seventh-day Adventist Church each year, about 70% leave the church shortly after baptism.

Method.

The biblical principles of church growth were studied and theological reflection focused on four biblical themes. First, the call to integrate the Great Commission into the daily life and relationships of the individual believer in Christ was examined. Second, church growth as faithfulness to God was explored as a biblical teaching. Third, the view that a healthy church embraces multiplication of disciples as its core responsibility was studied from a biblical perspective. Fourth, the role of the …

A Strategy To Increase Giving In The South Kenya Conference, Julius M. Bichang'a

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The South Kenya Conference (SKC) was the first to gain conference status in Kenya in 1981. Unfortunately it continues to struggle financially to the point of receiving subsidies from other conferences for its day-to-day operations. The annual stewardship statistical reports for the last 10 years show that the tithe is slightly higher than the offerings. While 14 % of the members return their tithes; only 8 % of them give offerings. This was one of the challenges I was faced with when I was elected as the conference Stewardship Director. This indicates that there is a weak commitment to …

New Member Retention Strategy For The Makoko Church, Yoseph Nyambega Otieno

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The effort made by the Makoko Seventh-day Adventist Church to fulfill the great commission (Matt 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16) through public evangelism is challenged by the constant exodus of newly baptized converts out of the church. The emigration of new members out of the church has a compound effect on the church; it denies the church the opportunity to disciple new converts and discourages church members from continuing to fund public evangelisms as they are considered a waste of resources. When people accept Jesus they also receive eternal life, but when they leave the church they risk forfeiting the gift …

A Biblical Hiv/Aids Mitigation Strategy In The Oyugis Central Adventist Church, Kenya, Tom Eli Arunga Ogal

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

HIV/AIDS is an epidemic that has and continues to adversely impact the quality of life of not only the members of the Oyugis Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, but of the community in general. Its negative impact touches the social, economic, political, and demographic fabric of society. It is robbing the Adventist Church and society in general of requisite human resource through death and sickness, and is adversely challenging the church’s competencies to effectively engage in its mission.

Method

The Logical Framework Approach (LFA) was used to present the strategy. A Gantt chart was also be used to detail the …

Resisting The Influence Of The Imeyomwana Heresy In The Nyangweta District, Lenard B. Aencha

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Imeyomwana (a heresy involving the concept of what it means to be in Christ), a group of former Adventists, is causing problems in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Nyangweta district of the South Kenya Conference. Many of their teachings contradict those of the Seventh-day Adventists Church and many members are apostatizing to this group.

Method

To deal with the heresy I employed a two-pronged strategy. On one hand I sought to enter a dialogue with those involved in Imeyomwana, while on the other hand I confronted the false teaching with biblical truth. This strategy employed two powerful planning …

Health And Social Ministries: A Holistic Approach To Ministering In Contemporary Society, Ezekiel Adeyemi Oyinloye

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

It has been observed for thirty years that Adventists conventional way of doing outreach ministries especially in the cities, fail to have expected response that fulfills goals. Attitudes of people are apathetic and reserved they stand aloof and are removed from sharing in what has been offered. They cannot be bothered. The inner city of Ibadan especially displays this type of attitude. Thus, inner city Ibadan has remained unentered by the Adventists since the inception of the Church in Ibadan a century ago. There is no single church of the Seventh-day Adventists in inner city Ibadan.

Method

A strategy …

A Biblical And Theological Strategy For Dealing With Spiritualism In The Zambian Context, Peter Chulu

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Rusangu Secondary School has experienced many incidents in recent years where dorm students were harassed by evil spiritual forces, causing fear and uncertainty among the students.

Method

A systematic study of the Bible, commentaries, books, journals, and articles concerning spiritualism was undertaken. Once theological and historical data on spiritualism was identified, it was utilized for training, equipping, and empowering prayer band members on how to deal with demonic harassment at the school.

Results

The school and church experienced revitalization. Members learned how to utilize a prayer band ministry to pray for the students who were being harassed by evil …

A Strategy To Increase The Number Of Young People In The Jericho District Marrying Members Of The Adventist Faith, Alfred G. Marundu

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The negative impact and loss of members due to many Adventist young people marrying non-Seventh-day Adventists is tremendous. Church services are not attended regularly by those who marry outside the faith community because families are split on the day of worship due to doctrinal differences. There is pressure to do things with the family on Sabbath and even children are confused as to which parent to follow. Two churches were selected to study the extent of this problem. Principles from the Bible, the writings of Ellen G. White, other Adventist and non-Adventist authors were explored to come up with …

A Biblical Strategy To Equip Students To Deal With Spiritual Powers In Nyanchwa Adventist College, Ernest Nyakina Motaroki

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Fear of evil spiritual powers has been a major problem among students and staff members at Nyanchwa College. In Kisii, fear of witchcraft has also had major consequences among the community, and hence is a serious problem. People have reacted in various ways in dealing with those suspected of being in possession of these powers. There has been a common belief that some students and members have inherited witchcraft practices and powers which they continue to practice at college. Fear of evil powers among students and members of the college has immensely affected spiritual fellowship and worship services, and …

A Pilot Christian-Based Restorative Justice Program Designed For A Correctional Institution, Leo James Campbell

Doctor of Ministry Projects

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Media On The Morality Of Young Adventist Church People In The Nairobi Central Church, Alex Ambuchi

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Young people in urban areas are especially affected by the liberal trends of the media industry.The media advertises and broadcasts programs that promote immoral behaviors among young people. The Nairobi Central Seventh-day Adventist Church is located in the capital city of Kenya and the negative effects of the media have impacted the youth of this church.

Method

The strategy involved sensitizing Adventist youth concerning the negative impact of the media on morality. A theology of morality and purity was developed and a description of the context for the project conducted. I then used the logical framework and the Gantt …

A Strategy To Increase The Retention Of Members In The Nyaguta District, Paul G. Kiage

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

According to a report given at the 2010 year-end church board meeting that was conducted in the Nyaguta district of the South Kenya Conference, more than 40 percent of the members baptized each year drop out from the church.

Method

The current nurturing programs in the Nyaguta District churches were reviewed to see whether they were effective. A questionnaire was administered to the focus groups to obtain information. Seminar materials on membership retention from the Bible, the writings of E. G. White, and other Christian writers were developed and a series of seminars were conducted to train a group …

Model For Training, Empowering, And Organizing Churches In The Mampong-West District For Shared Leadership In The Central Ghana Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Michael Adomako

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem. The Mampong-West District of Seventh-day Adventists in Central Ghana, West Africa, has a membership of over 1,943 with a minimum number of active lay members. There is a need to develop a training curriculum and create an organizational design for the district that will facilitate a shared leadership. Statement of the Task The task of the project is to develop a model for training, empowering, and organizing the churches in Mampong-West District for shared leadership that will equip and deploy members for effective leadership roles.

Proposed Method. The project will use the Extension Movement in Theological Education (EMTE), the …

Leading Like Jesus: A Curriculum To Disciple African-American Males Into Becoming Spiritual Leaders In The Home, Church, And Community At The Glenville Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Cleveland, Ohio, Myron P. Edmonds

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem. According to recent statistics, there are 13 million more adult women than men in America’s churches. National statistics also indicate that women are 56 % more likely to hold a leadership position at a church. This reality appears to be more severe in African-American churches, where conservative estimates of 60-75 % of the attendees are female and of the remaining percentage of male congregants very few are between the ages of 12-45. Consequently, it would seem that African-American churches are struggling to attract males and develop males as spiritual leaders. The Seventh-day Adventist Church offers general enrichment programs for …