Digital Commons Network^™

Felony Offenders' Perceptions Of Effective Rehabilitation And Reintegration Programs In Northern Colorado, Burnes Marjorie

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Criminal justice reform programs in the U.S. have grown and developed as studies have found that older methods of criminal punishment are ineffective in terms of reducing the likelihood of an inmate being reincarcerated after release, referred to as “recidivism.” With the growth of these reforms, ground-breaking systems have been integrated into prisons in the form of rehabilitation and reintegration programs which serve to reduce recidivism. However, with the development of numerous new unique and powerful programs, determining which rehabilitation and reintegration programs are most effective in reducing recidivism in felony offenders in the U.S. is critical. Past research …

Assessing Functional Communication In Persons With Aphasia: A Scoping Review Of Formal And Informal Measures, Lauren Hammond, Thomas Christensen, Julius Fridriksson, Dirk B. Den Ouden

Communication Sciences and Disorders Faculty Articles and Research

Background

The communicative effectiveness of persons with aphasia (PWA) has been assessed through a range of functional communication measures. However, variability in interpretations of what is covered by the term “functional communication” may have resulted in challenges to the implementation of appropriate and consistent patient-centred evaluations, with different measures focusing on subsets of the components of functional communication.

Aims

This paper aims to examine the current literature on informal and formal evaluation of functional communication in PWA and to identify gaps in currently available assessment tools.

Methods

This scoping review included studies published between 1965 and 2024 that assessed functional …

Exploring Financial Implications Through Case Studies Of Various Economic, Financial, And Social Factors, Rachel Spencer

Honors Theses

This thesis explores many topics surrounding the financial, economic, and social implications of key issues identified in various case studies. Topics explored include financial fraud presented in The China Hustle, a reflection on the United States’ military industrial complex and their role in the Ukrainian war, the increasing prevalence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) programs, the ideology of Dr. Ben Carson and Dr. Thomas Sowell, and a start-up business plan for a brewery.

Each chapter in this thesis analyzes one of these complex topics. This thesis is a critical reflection of how economic implications, government strategies, and social beliefs …

From Concept To Light: Manufacturing A Dual-Purpose Bedside Lamp And Book Organizer, Nicole Goulet

Honors Theses

This report features the design, development, engineering changes, and manufacturing of the Bedside Lamp, a hand-made multi-purpose lamp, book holder, and charging hub. The investigation began with research and a market analysis on current lamp designs and a discussion about what features would set the lamp apart. This led to the design of the lamp and construction of multiple prototypes for proof of concept.

A manufacturing process was then designed to demonstrate the steps to start up an efficient and cost-effective production line. This process included obtaining raw materials, cutting them into the necessary parts, and assembling everything to create …

An Investigation Into Barriers Preventing Access To Health Insurance In Mississippi, Robert D. Tickner Iv

Honors Theses

As Mississippians continue to be one of the unhealthiest populations in the U.S. and the rate at which they are able to access health insurance remains low, it becomes more important than ever to understand what barriers are preventing them from gaining access to health insurance. This thesis will specifically explore what barriers are preventing access to health insurance in Mississippi, identify common factors that are preventing this access, and recommend policy solutions based on the results. To gain a better understanding of barriers preventing access to health insurance in Mississippi, I interviewed six healthcare professionals who work in Mississippi. …

Closing The Gap In Pre-Law Preparation: Founding A Pre-Law Club At Ole Miss, Nicolantonio Prentosito

Honors Theses

Attending public school from kindergarten through 12^th grade in a struggling Ohio school district, I experienced the inequities in the public education system from a young age, particularly with tests like the SAT that can have a major impact on our futures. After becoming a National Merit Finalist, I wanted to help even the playing field for students from poor districts like mine by founding a non-profit, Scholar Power, to offer free PSAT, SAT, and ACT education and preparation.

Starting college, I recognized similar inequities with the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and the pre-law process in general. As …

A Product Development Process From Concept To Production: Smartphone Projector, Ross G. Cohen, Piper G. Thomas

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate the production and documentation of the SmartPhone Projector Capstone for the Center of Manufacturing Excellence (CME). This document follows the production development from the beginning Spring 2024 problem definition all the way to the Fall of 2024 final product. This project was completed by a team of five undergraduate students, including an accounting major, finance major, biomedical engineering major, and two mechanical engineering majors. The goal of this project was to design and build a SmartPhone projector, then carry out a full production run located on the CME shop floor. To begin …

The Ethics Of Advertising Unhealthy Food To Children: A Study On Potential Advertising Policy Restrictions And Their Effects On Children Of Disadvantaged Minority Groups, Riley M. O'Neal

Honors Theses

According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, one in five children in America have obesity. Black and Hispanic children experience obesity at higher rates than children of other racial groups. With obesity rates increasing, what should be done to stop this increase? One partial solution is to restrict the advertisements of foods high in sugar fat, and/or refined grains directed towards children. Advertisements may be restricted in their mode (i.e., the media through which they are viewed) or their content (i.e., the substance of the advertisement or product packaging). While these restrictions on advertising may help lower overall …

Exploring Key Accounting Trends Through Case Studies, Catherine D. Tisue

Honors Theses

This thesis explores topics related to financial accounting and the accounting field through the analysis of case studies. Included are six different case studies ranging from the military industrial complex situations governments are facing to environmentally sustainable practices that could benefit financial reporting. These cases were put together through extensive analysis and problem solving to thoroughly determine the reasons these topics affect our industry. The case studies were written with the supervision of Dr. Victoria Dickinson while in the Honors Accountancy 420 Independent Study course.

These case studies explore a range of topics that all contribute to my understanding of …

Seeing The Bigger Picture: A Comparative Approach To English Language Learner Policy And Practice In Mississippi, Anne Haughton

Honors Theses

As the number of English Language Learners (ELLs) in Mississippi’s public schools continues to rise, the state’s current systems of support have been lagging. This thesis examines how English Language Learners (ELLs) are supported in three states with distinct policies and programs: California, Texas, and Arizona. Then, these approaches are compared to the current situation in Mississippi. Using public education policies, state department guidelines, and existing research on instructional models, the study highlights key differences in program options, teacher preparation, and graduation outcomes in each state. The findings show that while states like California and Texas have invested in bilingualism …

The Dual Lens Of Progress: Accounting Case Studies And Innovation For Economic Progress In Mississippi, Rebecca L. Burrow

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the interplay between financial theory and practice by analyzing corporate accounting frameworks, philosophical perspectives, and an innovative business venture. Six case studies form the foundation of this work: the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in corporate accountability, Northrop Grumman’s financial strategies, the implementation and resulting effects of the Corporate Transparency Act in the United States, the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) objectives in setting new standards, the philosophical contributions of Dr. Thomas Sowell and Dr. Ben Carson, and a theoretical business proposal aimed to simulate economic development in Mississippi. Data was gathered through case …

Interactions Between The Deaf Community And Healthcare, Sarah E. Mcfadden

Honors Theses

Background.

This study investigates the issues regarding interactions between the Deaf community and healthcare, focusing on communication barriers, negative experiences, and inaccessibility to health information. Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines requiring healthcare offices to provide interpreters, many health care professionals (HCPs) do not comply for various reasons. The alternatives to an interpreter create gaps in conditions, treatment plans, or post-appointment care.

Methods.

This study involved a review of existing literature and interviews with Deaf individuals and HCPs, including a physician, nurse practitioner, dentist, and registered nurse. The interviewed HCPs work in various settings.

Results. …

Exploring Manufacturing Techniques For Small-Scale Metal Fabrication And How They Can Be Optimized For Efficiency, Precision, And Scalability To Produce A Fire Pit, Henry W. Potter

Honors Theses

This thesis explores manufacturing techniques for small-scale metal fabrication, using a fire pit production as a case study to optimize efficiency, precision, and scalability. The study examines the challenges of small-scale manufacturing and analyzes alternative manufacturing techniques for cutting, joining, and surface finishing. Data was gathered through a case study involving the design and production of a fire pit. The manufacturing process included cutting, rolling, joining, and surface finishing. Alternative techniques, such as laser cutting and a paint sprayer, were compared to the methods used in the project. It was concluded that alternate methods offered improvements in efficiency, precision, and …

Storytelling: A Natural Mnemonic, Hailey Stephens

Honors Theses

The present study explored the effectiveness of storytelling as a teaching method in enhancing memory performance for educational material compared to traditional lecture-based instruction. Memory plays a crucial role in learning, and effective teaching strategies should facilitate information encoding, retention, and retrieval. Storytelling, an ancient yet often overlooked pedagogical tool, has been shown to engage students emotionally and cognitively, making presented content more memorable. In the present study, participants were randomly assigned to either a storytelling-based instruction group or a traditional lecture group. Both groups received instruction on the ASSURE Model and were tested immediately after the lesson and again …

Accountability And Efficiency: Compiled Case Studies On Economic Development, Spending, And Global Markets, Jacob W. Grimsley

Honors Theses

This is a compilation of cases worked throughout the course of one year. These cases were created and assigned for an accountancy course focused on research and writing. The cases focus on accounting related topics, while also pertaining to political happenings as well as general economic topics.

Case 02 was completed in collaboration with other honors students, and these students are indicated on the page preceding this case.

Cases 05 and 06 pertain to a semester-long project focused on the development of a Mississippi based business. This case was also completed with the help of other students, as indicated on …

Murray Grading Method: Impacts On Student Self-Efficacy, Stephanie E. Handford

Honors Theses

Pre-existing assessment methods in engineering lack the ability to ensure student mastery of material, simulate real world situations, and often have ambiguity in the valuation of grades. The goal of this study is to eliminate or reduce those shortcomings by evaluating the effectiveness of a modified no-partial-credit assessment method, the Murray Grading Method. Historical data alongside an introductory statics course cohort provided data for how the Murray Grading Method impacted student grades, course opinion, self-efficacy, and study methods. The Murray Grading Method demonstrated little to no changes in course grade averages while significantly improving the lowest grades, thus increasing the …

From Fraud To Future: Accountancy Case Studies On Financial Illusions, Policy Failures, And The Economic Renaissance Of Mississippi’S Broadband Initiative, Hayden Brennan Adams

Honors Theses

This Honors Practicum is a compilation of case studies completed under the supervision of Dr. Victoria Dickenson across two semesters of the course Accountancy 420 — Independent Study. The first semester (Fall 2023) of case studies involved both individual and group case studies examining various geopolitical implications of contemporary accounting, as well as the surge in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulations affecting financial reporting. The second semester (Spring 2024) was mostly centered around a collaborative Mississippi economic development proposal project conducted by four other students and myself. In our project, we construct a business plan for a start-up broadband …

Effects Of Acute Exercise On Cognition: Consideration Of Potential Moderators, Mary G. Jackson, Lucy Wilson, Mara Liston, Elizabeth Gaines, Mckenzie Cotten, Reese Carwile

Honors Theses

The present thesis aims to determine the effects, if any, of six potential moderators on the effects of acute moderate-intensity exercise on cognitive functioning. The modes of exercise undertaken by the participants included treadmill (Experiment 1) and stationary bike (Experiment 2) exercise. Participants in each experiment either exercised or rested for twenty minutes and then participated in either a memory recall task or cognitive functioning (“Stroop”) task. The bouts of either exercise or rest on the stationary bike were followed by a rest period during which the participant would be exposed to either standard air oxygen levels (normoxia) or hypoxic …

Overlooked: The Nuanced Struggles Of Autistic Women, Autumn L. Payne

Honors Theses

Overlooked is a documentary short film that seeks to shine a light on the nuanced struggles of autistic women in a neurotypical world. This short documentary consists of three interviews with autistic women from different backgrounds. Each diagnosed during a different stage of life, they reflect on their journeys to receiving an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis and its impact on their lives. These conversations reveal an overwhelming lack of resources for autistic people, especially for women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. With the diagnosis criteria for ASD being historically based on white males, women and …

An Articulation And Defense Of American Nationality, Clara E. White

Honors Theses

This thesis seeks to first provide an articulation of American nationality based on the five components outlined in David Miller’s book On Nationality. These components are Geographical Connection, Constitutive Belief, Public Culture, Active Identity, and Historical Continuity. In the case of American national identity, these components are satisfied by the founding documents meant to govern the United States as well as the sum of how citizens have interacted with these texts throughout history. Secondly, this thesis composes a defense from two widely known theories of political thought that I believe violate the articulated American nationality. These views are labeled as …

Asymmetric Recovery: Understanding The Differences In Commercial And Residential Recovery Patterns Following The 2008 Financial Crisis, Avery J. Flynn

Honors Theses

The 2008 financial crisis revealed differences in economic recovery patterns between businesses and households. This study analyzes the asymmetry in loan delinquency rates between commercial and residential sectors, with data showing commercial rates peaked at 8.51% in 2010 while residential rates reached 10.88%, followed by significantly different recovery trajectories.

The research investigates how differing legal protections created varying incentives to cut costs. Through analyzing Federal Reserve data, Census Bureau surveys, and expenditure records, this study found the commercial sector recovered 64% within three years of its peak, compared to only 17% for the residential sector.

During the recession, businesses reduced …

Argentina's Working Class And Milei, Evan J. Bryant

Research Papers

This paper investigates the electoral success of Javier Milei through a focused study of Argentina’s working class, analyzing the interplay between long-term economic stagnation, declining relative economic freedom, and static labor union policy support. Employing process tracing methodology, and drawing on both qualitative and quantitative data, the paper supports a shift in utility-maximizing political preferences among workers. This shift is evidenced by diminished labor union membership and influence, alongside Milei’s major electoral success. The analysis accounts for potential confounding variables, including global economic trends and informal labor growth, ultimately isolating domestic political-economic dynamics as primary drivers of this transformation.

Multilevel Considerations For Youth Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Prognosis And Management: Examining The Relationship Between Health Care Factors And Familial Factors In Families Of Children And Adolescents With Adhd, Carey A. Wheelhouse

Theses & Dissertations

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder impacting up to 10% of U.S. youth, and is associated with several negative social, health, and academic or occupational outcomes. Risk and prognostic factors for ADHD are multifactorial, and the management of youth ADHD is multimodal. Familial environments are one prognostic factor for ADHD, with family resilience being positively associated with youth ADHD prognosis. Researchers exploring multilevel interventions for the management of youth ADHD have proposed health care systems as a setting for interventions targeting family resilience, however little research examines the relationship between health care system factors and family factors in families …

Tetradrachms, Shekels, And Denarii: Cross-Cultural Exchange In Money At The Edges Of Greece And Rome, Miles Thompson

Honors Theses

This thesis focuses on the coin collection of the University of Mississippi Museum. I cataloged ancient coins in its collection through consulting online databases and reference books, and designed an exhibition to display some of the notable examples. This exhibition was based around the theme of cross-cultural interaction between Greek and Roman cultures and other ones towards the edges. It had both a physical and virtual component, and was displayed in Bryant Hall, and the museum’s website. I provide greater historical depth and research on some of the coins I cataloged that illustrate these cross-cultural interactions well. This exhibition successfully …

Physical Therapists’ Confidence With Patients Expressing Suicidal Thoughts Or Behaviors, Amber J. Schwanebeck

Honors Thesis

This study was conducted as part of an undergraduate honors thesis, and it explored how physical therapists feel and manage situations involving patients experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Assessed via survey, the researchers gathered responses from practicing physical therapists, examining demographic information, confidence levels in managing suicidal situations, and a qualitative question about their perceived role in suicide prevention. Key findings revealed that most physical therapists did not routinely discuss suicide with patients. Despite this, many reported feeling confident in identifying patients with suicidal ideations, even in the absence of training. Individuals who received training after earning their physical therapy …

The Effects Of Environmental, Biological, And Social Factors On Telomere Length In Chestnut-Crowned Babblers, Carson L. Langston

Honors Thesis

Telomeres, repetitive nucleotide sequences at the ends of chromosomes, are vital in maintaining genomic integrity. Because degradation of these structures has been linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic demands, they are also recognized as biomarkers for biological aging, lifespan, and physiological stress. This study investigates the ecological and physiological factors influencing telomere length changes in adult chestnut-crowned babblers (Pomatostomus ruficeps), a cooperatively breeding bird native to the arid and semi-arid zones of southeastern Australia. This species offers a valuable system for exploring how ecological pressures shape life history strategies due to the harsh environmental factors and social …

Revenue Cycle Management: Audit Of A Primary Care Clinic, Strategy, & Future Improvements, Izaak Colgrove

Capstone: Master of Health Administration

Healthcare practices that offer primary care, an essential service, are dependent upon financial liquidity for survival. This project evaluated the financial wellbeing of a local primary care clinic through the process of revenue cycle evaluation. The clinic has transitioned from the startup phase into a period of growth and as the clinic scales up, it faces new challenges related to revenue cycle management (RCM) and overall operational efficiency.

For any practice, the process of evaluating the revenue cycle, formally known as Revenue Cycle Management (RCM), is critical to help ensure financial stability. Central to managing the revenue cycle is the …

Prevalence Of Well Water Contaminants In Georgia From 2010-2022, Angelique B. Willis, Suhasini Ramisetty-Mikler, Christine E. Stauber, Uttam Kumar Saha

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Safe, reliable, and clean drinking water sources are a basic necessity. More than 1.7 million individuals rely on private wells for drinking water in Georgia and are confronted with water quality challenges stemming from chemical contamination as private wells are not under mandated regulations as public water supplies. In Georgia, previous studies suggested that the variation of soil and rock in a physiographic province (region) plays an essential role in the quality of private well water. There is a need to understand the distribution of these chemical contaminants above the federal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) and how different geologies …

Let-7 Restrains An Epigenetic Circuit In At2 Cells To Prevent Fibrogenic Intermediates In Pulmonary Fibrosis, Matthew J Seasock, Md Shafiquzzaman, Maria E Ruiz-Echartea, Rupa S Kanchi, Brandon T Tran, Lukas M Simon, Matthew D Meyer, Phillip A Erice, Shivani L Lotlikar, Stephanie C Wenlock, Scott A Ochsner, Anton Enright, Alex F Carisey, Freddy Romero, Ivan O Rosas, Katherine Y King, Neil J Mckenna, Cristian Coarfa, Antony Rodriguez

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

MicroRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of lung alveolar type 2 (AT2) and AT1 cell differentiation remains understudied. Here, we demonstrate that the let-7 miRNA family plays a homeostatic role in AT2 quiescence by preventing the uncontrolled accumulation of AT2 transitional cells and promoting AT1 differentiation. Using mouse and organoid models, we show that genetic ablation of let-7a1/let-7f1/let-7d cluster (let-7afd) in AT2 cells prevents AT1 differentiation and leads to KRT8 transitional cell accumulation in progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Integration of AGO2-eCLIP with RNA-sequencing identified direct let-7 targets within an oncogene feed-forward regulatory network, including BACH1/EZH2/MYC, which drives an aberrant fibrotic cascade. Additional CUT&RUN-sequencing analyses …

Letter To The Editor On “Timing Of Puberty Suppression In Transgender Adolescents And Sexual Functioning After Vaginoplasty (Van Der Meulen Et Al., 2024)”, Alison Clayton, Jilles Smids, Kathleen Mcdeavitt

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.