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Confederate Women In The Field Of Nursing And Their Impact On Southern Women’S Roles In Society, Laura Leigh L. Prater

Theses

During the Civil War, Confederate women had the opportunity to go to work as nurses. The majority of these women had never been allowed to take on roles beyond the domestic sphere in antebellum society.  Despite most of these women having limited medical training, they developed an expertise in nursing, extraordinary organization skills and gained respect for their achievements.  Their achievements proved that women were able to do far more than many in the South believed prior to the war.  This paper will show how the demands of war opened doors of greater opportunity for women in the South for …

Youth Worker Perspectives On The Measures Most Descriptive Of Student Progress In Philadelphia-Based Out-Of-School Time Programs, Jamillia Kamara Covington

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

For marginalized students, out-of-school time programs offer a host of academic and positive youth development benefits. However, perspectives from youth workers, front line staff who form trusted relationships with out-of-school time program participants and the Executive Directors that lead their organizations, are absent from the last three years of evaluation reports for the Pennsylvania Nita M. Lowry 21st Century Learning Center (21st CCLC) program. This missing perspective renders the observations, challenges and improvements youth workers may experience and desire invisible at a time when their labor is counted upon to supplement inequitable education opportunities due to systemic factors. This study …

Technology In Waldorf Education: Benefits, Challenges, And The Teacher's Role, Jennifer C. Larson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Historically considered a screen-free education, Waldorf pedagogy has gradually begun to integrate digital technology into the middle and upper grades over the last two decades. Research on the implications of extended screen time for children has driven this pedagogical decision alongside foundational commitments to relational practices, experiential learning, and imaginative artistry.

At the same time, recent years have marked an acceleration in digital expansion in education. COVID-19 normalized teaching and learning through remote learning platforms, and digital access is now an expected feature of daily life.  As Waldorf education seeks to offer holistic education in the context of this societal …

More Than Mealtimes: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Pediatric Feeding For Children With Developmental Disabilities, Anika J. Peters

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Feeding is a foundational occupation essential for growth, development, and family participation. However, children with developmental disabilities often experience significant feeding challenges that impact nutrition and participation in mealtime routines. This capstone project examines the role of occupational therapy in pediatric feeding assessment and intervention within an outpatient setting. Using a descriptive mixed-methods approach, outcomes were evaluated for pediatric clients (N=18) and occupational therapists (N=15) through goal attainment tracking, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), clinician needs assessment data, and resource feedback. Results demonstrated improvements in food acceptance, texture tolerance, oral-motor skills, and engagement in mealtime participation. COPM scores reflected …

Demi-Lune (Half-Moon): How Can An Educational Center, Enhance Climate Adaptive Agricultural Practices For Farmers In Say, Niger?, Mari Sadou

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Niger is currently facing a severe food crisis worsened by climate extremes, with 80% of its population depending on rain-fed agriculture. The country ranks 19th among those affected by climate change and is the second most vulnerable nation in the world in terms of climate adaptation. It is experiencing rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall that threaten health and food security, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and mothers. In 2022 alone, over 4.4 million people required humanitarian assistance due to crop failures caused by drought, with nearly half of the children suffering from stunting. To tackle these challenges, a …

Beyond Accuracy: Machine Learning Models For Predicting Presence Of Permanent Molar Caries In U.S. Children And Adolescents With Fairness Consideration, Pritam Deb, Lin Li, Christina R. Scherrer

Faculty Articles

Background

Although predictors of dental caries have been previously explored, a comprehensive understanding of factors influencing permanent‐molar decay in U.S. children and adolescents, especially with respect to racial and ethnic biases remains limited. This study aims to develop and evaluate machine‐learning (ML) models incorporating algorithmic fairness to predict caries in permanent molars.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed, using the 2011–2014 cycles for training and validation and the 2015–2016 cycle for testing. The primary outcome was decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) in at least one permanent molar, dichotomized to represent the presence …

Strategies For Improving Preventive Health Outcomes In Long-Term Care Case Management At Molina Healthcare Of Wisconsin, William W. Feilbach Jr.

M.S. in Human Services Administration

This research evaluates strategies to improve preventive health outcomes in long-term care case management at Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin, with a specific focus on improving participation in annual wellness visits.  Increasing health care costs and gaps in preventive care engagement among Medicare and Medicaid populations underscore the need for effective interventions. A systematic literature review of recent peer-reviewed and governmental sources was conducted to examine the relationship between preventive care, health outcomes, and cost containment. Findings show that greater engagement in preventive services, including annual wellness visits and screenings, supports early detection, reduces high-cost service utilization, and improves overall health …

A Compilation Of Accounting Studies And Analyses, Ashley Mason

Honors Theses

Over the course of two semesters in ACCY 420, under the instruction of Dr. Victoria Dickinson, my team and I were given a company and tasked with creating an operational plan and audit plan to account for the solution we developed. These case studies required us to research the topic and to also reflect on what we have learned in previous accounting classes. In each of these cases, my team and I researched the topics, proposed a solution, developed a presentation, and then argued our solution to a panel of accounting and business professionals. These experiences strengthened my public speaking …

Funding & Resource Adequacy In Mississippi Head Start Programs: Perspectives From The Field, Anna Carlisle Nichols

Honors Theses

Head Start plays a vital role in supporting children from low-income families by providing comprehensive early education, health, nutrition, and family support services. Decades of research demonstrate that participation in Head Start improves cognitive development, social-emotional skills, and long-term educational outcomes. However, a growing body of research suggests that Head Start funding may be insufficient to fully meet the needs of eligible children, raising concerns about program capacity, staffing, and service quality, particularly in high-poverty states that provide no direct state supplemental funding, like Mississippi. This study examines the extent to which Mississippi’s Head Start programs have the resources necessary …

Accounting In Action: The Examination Of Audit, Tax Policy, Economic Ideology, And Corporate Strategy, Luke S. Angle

Honors Theses

This thesis presents a comprehensive examination of financial reporting, auditing, tax policy, and corporate strategy through a structured series of case studies conducted over an academic year. The primary objective of this investigation is to develop an applied understanding of how accounting concepts function in real-world business environments and how financial information informs decision-making by investors, regulators, and corporate management. Each case study explores a distinct area of financial reporting, including the analysis of public company disclosures, the evaluation of regulatory developments, the consideration of economic ideology, and the assessment of strategic business decisions.

The methodology employed in this study …

Menstruation Behind Bars: A Mixed-Methods Study On Menstrual Product Access And Distribution Practices In Mississippi County Jails, Eron Hendrix

Honors Theses

This study examines menstrual product access and distribution practices in Mississippi county jails. It highlights the impact of period poverty as a critical yet underexplored public health and human rights issue within the corrections system. While existing research documents widespread inequities in access to menstrual products women’s healthcare in the correctional system, limited attention has been given to menstrual health at the local jail level. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study combines qualitative interviews with jail correctional staff and quantitative survey data from formerly incarcerated women to better understand institutional practices and lived experiences.

Interviews were conducted with sheriffs, jail …

Re-Evaluating The Safety Of Erythritol: A Critical Review Of Emerging Evidence, Kaitlyn B. Kirchner

Honors Thesis

Erythritol, a commonly used non-nutritive sweetener, has gained popularity as a sugar alternative due to its low caloric value and minimal effect on blood glucose levels; however, emerging research has raised questions about its overall safety. This literature review critically evaluates current peer-reviewed evidence on the effects of erythritol on the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Findings indicate that erythritol is generally well tolerated in the gastrointestinal tract, with fewer adverse effects than other sugar alcohols due to its rapid absorption and limited fermentation, although symptoms may be dose-dependent and influenced by co-ingestion with other carbohydrates. In contrast, evidence related to …

Care Without Barriers: Dei And Cultural Competency In Athletic Training Education Programs, Sydney Hotz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

In the field of athletic training, cultural competency is a topic that is highly under-researched. Athletic trainers (ATs) are healthcare professionals who provide care in a variety of settings, including secondary schools, where their patient population often includes student-athletes experiencing adverse social determinants of health and barriers to healthcare access. Only since 2022 has the governing body of athletic training education mandated that programs include cultural competency and DEI education in their programs, and to this day does not require programs to report adherence and methods of implementation. A quantitative, cross-sectional analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between cultural …

Msw Professional Portfolio, Sierra Trivaye Singer

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

"First, Do No Harm": Ethical Failures And Preventive Solutions In The United States Pharmaceutical System - A Narrative Review, Rebekah R. Bailey

Honors Theses

The United States pharmaceutical system is highly advanced but faces growing ethical concerns related to drug development and marketing, overprescription, and high drug costs. This thesis examines how pharmaceutical marketing, regulatory practices, and prescribing behaviors may conflict with the ethical principle of “first, do no harm.”

Using a narrative review of interdisciplinary literature in public health, medical ethics, and applied ethics, this thesis analyzes patterns in drug development, marketing strategies, and regulatory oversight. The findings suggest that ethical issues are systemic, driven by commercial incentives, inconsistent regulatory standards, and an increasing reliance on pharmaceutical solutions. These factors contribute to overmedicalization, …

Accounting In A Changing Landscape: A Collection Of Case Studies, Rachel K. Rowe

Honors Theses

This thesis comprises six independent yet interconnected case studies that reflect on a range of modern accounting and regulatory topics. These cases were written under the direction of Dr. Victoria Dickinson during two semesters of the Professional Research and Development Thesis Program at the University of Mississippi. The purpose of this class is to provide students with the opportunity to research cases that have real-world applications in the field of accounting.

The first case explores Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues, emphasizing the increased importance of reporting for them and the growing role of accountants in sustainability assurance. The second …

Accounting Practicum, Vincent A. Vavra

Honors Theses

This thesis consists of eight case studies and assignments completed over two semesters in Accountancy 420 under the guidance of Dr, Dickinson. These assignments were completed both collectively as part of a group and individually. These assignments and case studies explored a wide variety of topics related to accounting both directly, including research into the financial statements of multiple companies and audit methods, to more indirect effects such as examining the lives of political figures and economists. These assignments involved in-depth research into various topics in order to better understand how these topics may connect in real-world accounting and business …

What You Don't Hear About Barriers To Healthcare In The Deaf Community: Analyzing Interpreter Experiences In The Deep South, Ryan Augustine

Honors Theses

Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals experience significant health disparities in the United States, yet the perspective of the ASL interpreter has remained largely absent regarding the barriers documented in existing literature. This pilot case study examined the barriers Deaf individuals face when seeking healthcare through the unique vantage point of eight ASL interpreters across the Deep South: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Guided by grounded theory methodology, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed to find recurring themes. Findings confirmed and revealed barriers that would not have surfaced without the perspective of the interpreter. Four themes emerged from this study: healthcare …

It’S Up To The States: The Role Of State-Based Safety Net Programs In Maternal Health Outcomes, Brooklyn Hall

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the relationship between state-based safety net programs and maternal health outcomes in the United States. Using the case studies of five states, namely Mississippi, Alabama, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and California, this research examines how variations in programs such as Medicaid, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Paid Family Leave (PFL) influence maternal mortality rates and overall maternal health outcomes. The analysis shows that states with more generous and comprehensive safety net programs, like California and Minnesota, tend to report lower maternal mortality rates. In contrast, states with less robust programs, such …

Quantifying Black Carbon Concentrations In Georgia And Analyzing Associated Public Health Risks, Khloe R. Osborne

Honors Theses

Quantifying Black Carbon Concentrations in Georgia and Analyzing Associated Public Health Risks

One of the most daunting challenges of the industrial world is air pollution. Within this broad spectrum, there is an inhalable particle group named PM2.5, which contains black carbon. Black carbon has evidence that supports the generation and worsening of adverse health impacts, which may include birth complications, cognitive deficits in children, pulmonary aggravation, asthma, cardiovascular issues, neurological degenerative patterns, and cancer risk. This is especially seen in vulnerable populations, like children, elderly, and those who already suffer from weakened health, many of which reside in the southern …

A Compilation Of Accounting Studies And Analyses, Annalee Hill

Honors Theses

This thesis includes a study of the food company, General Mills, from the perspective of auditors who view General Mills as a client. Specifically, it is an investigation of General Mills’ extensive efforts to comply with a new political agenda, which may result in subsequent applicable regulation. To develop this analysis, my classmates and I used various sources, including General Mills’s real, current financial statements, over the course of several weeks to produce a three-part compilation on the company itself, its move toward healthier products, and how we could assist them in doing so as their auditors. We performed analyzed …

Various Cases Studies On Kraft Heinz, Thomas Sowell, And More, Aidan K. Bitting

Honors Theses

This thesis is composed of various case studies that were completed throughout the course of the Honors Accounting 420 class. Over the course of the school year, these cases covered diverse topics related to accounting and finance. Each case has a different format which requires different solutions. Some cases were focused on the analysis of a 10-K, while other cases were focused on the effects new laws and regulations can have on the way a company conducts business.

Most of the cases were completed in groups. This helped emphasize the importance of teamwork and collaboration. The groups varied case by …

How National Trends Impact Accounting, Greyson Antes

Honors Theses

The following thesis contains eight accounting case studies performed throughout the 2024 academic year concerning a multitude of topics like the “Make America Healthy Again” movement and other related themes impacting the accounting industry. During these projects, students were randomly assigned to different groups to work on case studies. There were five miscellaneous cases covering different accounting topics that ultimately culminated into the final topic in the spring semester. This final topic contained three large case studies, all with the same group, investigating how the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement would impact the audit plan for Kellanova, a snack …

Food For Thought: Community Perspectives On Access To Produce In The Mississippi Delta Region, Mckenzie S. Cox

Honors Theses

Historically, MS has struggled to provide access to nutritious food for its residents. Approximately 15.3% of households in the state were classified as food insecure between 2018 and 2020, which is significantly higher than the national food insecurity rate of 10.7% for the same year (USDA Economic Research Service, 2023). According to the National Park Service (2022), between 55% and 60% of all land area in the MS Delta region is used for agricultural purposes. However, there appears to be a missing link in the chain connecting individuals and local communities to these crops.

This qualitative study focuses on food …

Expanding Regenerative Agriculture Practices In East Texas, Treasure Hance

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Regenerative agriculture has increasingly been referenced since 2015 for its ability to provide healthy food with less environmental and social impacts. Its basic premise/ideology is to follow a process whereby soil, biotic, and human communities are not just maintained but prepared to return to a better state. Soil health is a primary concern. Actions include no-till planting, composting to create more organic soil, less use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, along with better employment, animal care, and ecological outcomes/practices. Regenerative versions of other professions, such as regenerative medicine (e.g. gene/stem cell therapy) and regenerative architecture (design for surplus energy, restored …

36th Annual Nfed Conference Held In Northern Virginia, Karen S. Mcandrew Dmd

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Pathology Puzzler, John A. Svirsky Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

A Qualitative Analysis Of The Challenges And Prospects Of Communicating Scientific Information About Gmos To Farmers In Kenya, Joseph J. Olomy, Abraham K. Mulwo

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The increasingly polarised public debate surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) often lacks sufficient expert input, leading to heightened public fears and misconceptions. This prompts the questions as to how effectively scientific information on genetically modified foods (GMFs) is communicated to the general public. This study presents findings from interviews with eight crop scientists involved in GMF crop research in Kenya, with the objective of assessing the challenges and opportunities of communicating GMF research findings to the public, and especially to farmers. The participants were selected using a snowballing technique, where the initial participants were identified based on their active engagement …

The Influence Of Fermentation Duration And Secondary Fermentation Conditions On The Bioactive Compound Profile Of Kombucha, Jordan Vereen

Honors Theses

Kombucha is a fermented sweet tea produced using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) and has gained widespread popularity due to its proposed health benefits. Kombucha has been studied to understand these advantages in cardiovascular support, improved metabolism, increased antioxidant effects, enhanced antimicrobial properties, and even potentially slowing the progression of certain diseases. Despite its increasing popularity, the way in which the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these effects and the fermentation conditions that influence their production remain unclear. The present study, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Budner, focuses on quantifying bioactive compounds in kombucha to better understand …

Analyzing Sun Bucks Program Experience Among Southwestern Pennsylvania Families With Just Harvest, Olivia Mae Gifford

Public Health Capstone Projects

1. Objectives: This project primarily seeks to identify the common barriers preventing vulnerable families from accessing the SUN Bucks Program. The SUN Bucks program is an optional program through the United States Department of Agriculture that works in conjunction with the state of Pennsylvania in order to provide school-aged children families with supplemental funds to supply greater nutrition during the summer months. This research supports the work of a local non-profit, Just Harvest, in order to better inform their advocacy and outreach efforts as they fight against food insecurity in Western Pennsylvania.
2. Methods: All data was collected electronically via a …