Digital Commons Network^™

The Tests Of Time: An Examination Of Contemporary Indigenous Artwork On Display In Southern Museums, Gwendolyn R. Pfrenger

Honors Theses

This paper examines current practices in three Southern museums of varying sizes and missions as they relate to the curation and display of Indigenous art. Specifically, the paper aims to investigate the place of contemporary Native art in art and anthropology museums: How does display vary across the two disciplines? What is its role, now that cultural institutions are becoming more progressive and making a stronger push toward representing artists from minority groups? This is a fairly new area of study, especially for art history, so much of what is discussed here is drawn from art historians, anthropologists, and museum …

Msw Portfolio, Nannie R. Stewart

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

Nannie Stewart, a student in the University of Montana's online MSW program, presents her portfolio and provides a narrative about several key topics from her coursework and practicum experiences. She highlights her theoretical orientation, emphasizing the humanistic and strength-based approaches when working with diverse clients, including young adults, adolescents, and the elderly. Nannie further covers her experiences addressing social, racial, and economic justice, and learned experiences from indigenous cultures. Nannie also discusses her engagement in simulated practice, which allowed her to develop skills in micro, mezzo, and macro-level interventions, such as creating a domestic violence support group and advocating for …

Microstructure Refinement And In Vivo Evaluation Of Biodegradable Magnesium Metal Matrix Composites, Pedram Sotoudehbagha, Alison Grise, Andrew Romero, Andres Larraza, Sun Latt, Abel Córdova Flores, Kayley Romero, John Lovejoy, Mehdi Razavi

Research Data and Datasets

This dataset corresponds to the original data for the manuscript titled Microstructure Refinement and In Vivo Evaluation of Biodegradable Magnesium Metal Matrix Composites.

What Is The Relative Influence Of Race, Age, Gender And Teaching Experience In Determining Preference For School Leadership: A Study Utilizing Conjoint Analysis, Kristie Obannon

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

This dissertation examines the relative influence of race, age, gender and teaching experience in determining preferences for school leadership. Utilizing conjoint analysis, the study explores how these characteristics impact the desirability of principal candidates among evaluators, including parents and teachers. The findings suggest that race and teaching experience are the most influential factors in shaping preference for school leadership, with Black candidates who have more teaching experience being preferred. The study, which included a sample size of 143 participants, aims to inform selection committees, school districts and policy makers to guide diversity hiring and retention efforts, ultimately contributing to the …

Msw Portfolio, Katarina T. Keeler

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Creasing In Thick Hemispherical Shells As A Model For Foveal Formation, Indigo Skye Peppard

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This research experimentally investigates creasing behavior on the inner surface of hemispherical shells with the ultimate goal of modelling the formation of the foveal pit, a sharp surface deformation present in the retina of the eye of many animals. Creasing is a phenomenon observed in hyperelastic materials and is characterized by sharply localized surface deformations that appear at ~35% compressive strain. The foveal pits of anoles (small iguanian lizards) are funnel-shaped and resemble creases when cut along the central axis. Furthermore, during foveal pit formation the anole eye contracts around 35% along this same axis. Given these similarities we believe …

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 …

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 …

Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanisms: Mitochondrial Impairment, Tau Aggregation, And Neuroinflammation As Central Drivers Of Disease Progression, Luis D. Estrella

Theses & Dissertations

The study of the intricate molecular mechanisms behind the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases has become a primary research area in the past decades. The major branches of these studies involve both disease progression and disease pathogenesis, in which neuroscientists have studied, and continue to study, the role that mitochondrial dysfunction, aberrant protein aggregation (like Tau), and immune cell reactions have on these. However, more recent studies have shined light to the fact that these three pathological features are not independent from one another and that their synchronous contributions may be the ultimate driver of neurodegeneration. This dissertation encompasses four different …

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 …

Identifying The Trends Of K-12 Funding Formula Reforms In Red States: A Comparative Case Study Of Texas, Tennessee And Mississippi., Hannah E. Watts

Honors Theses

Following the decade after K-12 public education funding cuts brought on by the Great Recession, some states are addressing these funding cuts with changes to their funding formulas. This comparative case study identifies trends of significant changes in education funding formulas since the end of the Great Recession in states with majority Republican legislatures—red states. The states analyzed in this study are Texas, Tennessee, and Mississippi. The research analyzes what caused the states to change their education funding formulas as well as trends regarding the changes of the actual education funding formula. With other red states looking to change their …

Creative Expression Through Worldbuilding: A Study On The Connections Between Literature And Music Through Analysis Of Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive, Lauralei S. Palmer

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the worldbuilding connections visible throughout fantasy literature and musical works. Though their tools seem different, authors, composers, and performers use equivalent techniques to draw in their audiences and produce an immersive, emotional experience. This research focuses on American author Brandon Sanderson’s highly detailed worldbuilding in his epic fantasy series, The Stormlight Archive. The Stormlight Archive exhibits the three pillars of worldbuilding: completeness, invention, and consistency. This research also examines Franz Liszt’s Les Préludes, a symphonic poem based on Alfonse Lamartine’s poem, Ode. Finally, this thesis culminates in the fusion of literary and musical worldbuilding in description …

A Modified Sir Model Used To Investigate The Relationship Between Congenital And Adult Syphilis, Kaleesta R. Waysman

Honors Thesis

A complex SIR model integrating the relationship between adult and congenital syphilis was developed. The goal of the project was to determine the specific population(s) or control strategies that should be enforced, altered, or removed to decrease the number of children experiencing clinical sequelae due to congenital syphilis. Early clinical sequelae include hydrops fetalis, preterm birth, central nervous system infection, hepatosplenomegaly, hyperbilirubinemia, cholestasis, hemolytic anemia, snuffles, osteochondritis, and lesions or rashes in the palms and soles. Late clinical sequelae include interstitial keratitis, hearing loss, Hutchinson teeth, saber shins, Clutton joints, mulberry molars, and saddle nose. After implementing real-world data into …

Yoga Therapy For Psychological Safety In Healthcare Staff, Kristen Fabiszewski

Doctoral Projects

Establishing a culture of psychological safety is a necessary foundation for creating a High Reliability Organization. Healthcare professionals must practice emotional self-regulation to maintain equanimity and facilitate positive communications with their colleagues. This can be exceptionally challenging when increasing numbers of healthcare professionals are experiencing burnout. Using the framework of Polyvagal Theory, yoga practices have been demonstrated to support emotional self-regulation and reduce symptoms of burnout. The purpose of this project was to implement yoga therapy to increase the perception of psychological safety in healthcare staff. Veterans Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System (VALBHS) staff invited to attend one 45minute yoga …

Red Cows, Yellow Dogs: Political Identity, Political Polarization, And Media Skepticism In A Single-Party Socialist Republic, Huu Dat Tran

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation examines the interplay among political identity, trust in government and media, and patterns of media consumption in Vietnam, a single‐party socialist republic in Southeast Asia. Moving beyond the liberal democratic focus of existing scholarship, the dissertation challenges the assumption of political homogeneity in authoritarian settings and empirically explores the extent and character of polarization.

The dissertation takes a quantitative approach and employs multiple statistical techniques, including latent profile analysis (LPA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). It uncovers multiple latent political profiles within Vietnamese society, defined by varying degrees of trust in the government and ideological orientation. Further analysis …

Production Of Sustainable Liquid Fuel From Waste Polymeric Materials Via Thermal Pyrolysis, Md. Sabbir Ahmed, Selim Reja, Sk Md Ali Zaker Shawon, Farhana Nazmin, Abdullah Mohammad Sarjish, Yousuf Ali, M. Azizur R. Khan, M. Jasim Uddin, Md. Wasikur Rahman

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

The widespread use of polymeric materials has become an environmental threat as they are durable and nonbiodegradable in nature, which is directly responsible for severe ecological consequences. Thermal pyrolysis offers a sustainable and efficient approach to converting these polymeric waste materials into liquid fuel, which is also referred to as pyrolysis oil (PO). In this study, a novel method was developed for producing oil from a composite of waste polymers that include vehicle tires, tubes, and medical waste. A fixed-bed stainless steel reactor is used to thermally breakdown the waste polymeric feedstock (300–750°C) in an inert environment. The PO was …

Healthcare Experiences And Pain Dismissal By Healthcare Professionals, Amanda Warren

Honors Theses

Background. Pain dismissal by healthcare professionals has gained recent attention in popular culture as people have come forward to discuss their own experiences with this issue. Pain dismissal is prevalent within the healthcare system, and college-aged young adults may be particularly vulnerable to experiencing pain dismissal because of their age. College students may also be influenced by societal factors that may affect their attitudes towards seeking help and advocating for themselves during healthcare visits. There is limited research on college students' attitudes and behaviors on seeking help after experiencing pain dismissal by a healthcare provider. This study aims to 1) …

Effects Of Structure Of Mepegn Polymers On Hydroxide Conductivity In Anhydrous Anionic Exchange Membranes, Athan M. Gregory

Honors Theses

Anhydrous hydroxide ion (OH-) conducting polymer electrolytes composed of a 1-methyl-pyrrolidinium (1mp) head group linked to various MePEGn (n = 3, 7, 12) backbones were prepared. We have examined the structure of these anion exchange membranes to observe how the structure of the electrolyte affects the observed ionic conductivity. The structural parameters investigated were polymer length, viscosity, fractional free volume (FFV), and volume fraction of PEG (Vf,PEG), and each polymer varied in these properties. Through a comparison of the conductivity and structural parameters in the MePEGn-based anion electrolytes, we have shown that each of these structural properties weakly affects the …

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. …

The Mechanism Of Election Denial: How Ideological Extremism Leads To Anti-Support For The United States Government, Emily C. Reeks

Honors Theses

The violent events of January 6, 2021 explicitly demonstrated the widening ideological gap in the United States, as citizens and members of Congress both questioned the results of the 2020 election. This research paper seeks to understand if this increasing ideological extremity might manifest itself as questioning the legitimacy of an election among members of Congress. Researchers across decades have studied the sort of effects that increasing ideological extremity can have on voters; however, I could not find much research on how it might affect members of Congress. I theorize that ideological extremity amongst members of Congress is causing them …

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 …

Academic Burnout In Human Anatomy & Physiology I Students, Shivani Shukla

Honors Theses

Human Anatomy and Physiology I is the study of the function and structure of the human body. It is a challenging class that many students have to take for their undergraduate degree. Due to the vast information that is given in this complex class, students can struggle with understanding the material and knowing how to study thus leading to burnout in the course. Understanding why students undergo burnout in their courses could uncover ways that professors and institutions could help the students to prevent burnout. The goal of this study was to determine the level of burnout in Human Anatomy …

Exploring Contemporary Issues Through Accounting Case Studies, Emaline Myers

Honors Theses

This thesis was completed as part of the course “Accounting 420- Independent Study” under the guidance of Dr. Victoria Dickinson and includes a collection of five case studies exploring the role of accounting, ethics, and policy in today’s world. Each case investigates how financial information, government decisions, and business strategy intersect, and what that means for professionals entering the accounting field. The topics covered in this thesis range from international financial fraud to environmental disclosures, military spending, public education, and small business development. Several key takeaways emerged from the completion of these cases. Case Study I highlights issues in global …

Breaking News And Broken Hopes: Inter-Korean Engagement And The Emotional Consequences Of Media Framing, Sophia Lizanne Trombley

Honors Theses

This thesis analyzes two periods of pro-North Korean engagement regimes in South Korea during the presidencies of Kim Dae-jung (1998-2003), Roh Moo-hyun (2003-2008), and Moon Jae-in (2017-2023). Through analysis of the three aforementioned presidents’ initiatives for engagement with the North, categorization of news headlines from two major South Korean sources, and public opinion polls, I argue that especially high and low emotional reactions among the South Korean public during these periods were exacerbated by news media’s overly dramatized portrayal of inter-Korean interactions, both big and small. This has led to desensitization and emotional exhaustion among the South Korean public, causing …

Syrian Perspectives On The U.S. Intervention Against Isis: Analysis Of Youtube Videos, Nelson Cleveland

Honors Theses

This thesis investigates Syrian public opinion surrounding the 2014 U.S.-led military intervention against ISIS through critical discourse analysis of Arabic-language YouTube videos. In light of the renewed interest and continued presence of U.S. troops in Syria following the Assad regime’s collapse in 2024, the study examines how Syrians originally responded to the coalition strikes and political context in which they occurred. Drawing on four primary videos including street interviews, protest recordings, and discussions from expert panelists, the analysis uncovers recurring themes of distrust towards the U.S. and other states who engaged in intervention, condemnation of perceived collusion and exploitation, and …

An Adaptation Of Nonlinear Aerodynamic Models For Non-Traditional Control Effectors, Christian R. Bolander, Douglas F. Hunsaker

Engineering Education Faculty Publications

This paper presents the development of a novel aerodynamic model tailored for the Bio-Inspired Rotating Empennage (BIRE), a non-traditional fixed-wing aircraft empennage inspired by avian flight. The BIRE replaces the conventional vertical stabilizer with an extra degree of freedom for the horizontal stabilizer, which is allowed to rotate about the body-fixed x axis. This empennage is similar to the tail of a bird, and allows control of both longitudinal and lateral moments. However, such a design introduces complex nonlinear longitudinal and lateral aerodynamic interactions, not typically accounted for in most fixed-wing aircraft aerodynamic models below stall. This work presents a …

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 …

American Football Internal Helmet Padding Material And Design Testing, Spencer J. Pigman

Honors Thesis

Football helmets have evolved significantly to improve player safety and reduce the risk of concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Early leather designs offered minimal protection, while modern helmets use advanced materials to absorb and distribute impact forces more effectively. To support ongoing helmet safety research, a custom 3D-printed headform modeled from a human scan was equipped with a WitMotion BWT901BLECL5.0 accelerometer and used in controlled drop tests. The study evaluated various internal padding materials including spray foam, two sizes of bubble wrap, Oobleck, scrub sponges, KTOESHEO foam, Hijelyn air pillows, and the standard padding from a Riddell Victor youth helmet. …

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 …

Designing An Economically Viable Off-Grid Photovoltaic System Considering The Battery Discharge Rate, Ahmed S. Abdelrazek, Eslam Mohamed Ahmed, Mahmoud Elsisi, Mokhtar Said

Mansoura Engineering Journal

The primary significance of harnessing power from clean and renewable sources lies in the fact that numerous rural areas are far from the utility system. Among the renewable energy technologies catering to power needs in residential areas is the solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Despite the potential of PV technology and the abundant sun radiation exposure in Hurghada, Egypt, there is a lack of empirical studies evaluating the feasibility of off-grid power production using this system. A notable aspect of this study is the consideration of the discharge rate of the battery for sizing the off-grid system, involving the distribution of …