Digital Commons Network^™

Seeing Skin, Seeking Evidence: Lessons From A Dermatology Internship, Isabella Floyd

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Indoor tanning exposes individuals to artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation through devices such as tanning beds and sunlamps, increasing the risk of skin damage and malignancy. Prior research suggests associations between indoor tanning and melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with potential variation based on age of initiation and cumulative exposure.

Purpose: The purpose of this literature review was to examine the association between indoor tanning and skin cancer risk, with a focus on age at first exposure, frequency, and duration of tanning bed use across melanoma, BCC, and SCC outcomes.

Methodology: A structured literature review …

Examining Institutional And Personal Barriers To Women's Participation In The U.S. Foreign Service In Comparison To Scandinavian Countries, Isabella R. Thompson

Political Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

What explains women’s underrepresentation in the United States Foreign Service? The United States Foreign Service Act of 1980 claims that the foreign service needs to be “truly representative of the American people throughout all levels.” Women also constitute the majority in such fields as political science and international relations, which often lead to a career in foreign service. If there are no legal obstacles to women’s entry into foreign service and women are the majority in the education systems that lead to a career in foreign service, then why are women not participating? Existing explanations focused on structural factors such …

Comparatively Exploring Journalism And Oral Histories As Modes Of Advocacy For Marginalized Communities, Miceala R. Morano

Journalism Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this study, four oral history interviews produced at the Pryor Center and news stories produced by four local media outlets were comparatively analyzed using software program MAXQDA. Each was qualitatively coded for expressions of identity, community and advocacy. These three key themes were determined through bottom-up processing, meaning the overarching themes were selected after each interview was listened to twice.

The results of this process were then used to determine the key similarities and differences between oral history and journalism, and how both practices can be used to accurately capture the narratives of marginalized communities. These findings were combined …

Wisconsin Camp Meeting: Taste Of Heaven, Lake Union Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists

Lake Union Herald

No abstract provided.

Sex Differences In How Celebrity Crushes Bolster Self-Perceived Mate Value, Madyson M. King

Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Previous research indicates that parasocial relationships provide surrogate connections for individuals to where they offer various psychological benefits. Some benefits include self-esteem and improved body image, which may be connected by such relationships facilitating attainment of one's ideal self. Given this benefit of social surrogacy, it could be possible that a vicarious romantic connection with a parasocial figure may similarly bolster one's mate value if that relationship were to move an individual closer to a personal ideal. We predicted that engagement with a celebrity crush would be associated with a heightened mate value. A community sample of men and women …

Negation And The Backfire Effect, Caden Fowler

Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Quick! Do not think of a polar bear. Did you think of a white bear? As Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote in his 1863 essay “Winter Notes on Summer Impressions,” “[when tasked to not think of a polar bear] you will see that the cursed thing will come to mind every minute.” The consequence of negation without context (i.e., unlicensed negation; Levine & Hagaman, 2008) is what has come to be referred to as the “backfire effect,” a phenomenon where correcting misinformation strengthens belief in that information rather diminishing it (Ecker, et al., 2020). Fake news and misinformation in …

The Effects Of Cannabidiol (Cbd) On The Social, Cognitive, And Physical Facets Of Anxiety Sensitivity, Ezri Rathbun

Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

The current study investigated how repeated administration of 300mg of cannabidiol (CBD), when compared to a placebo, affects the social, cognitive, and physical facets of anxiety sensitivity (AS), a characteristic that reflects fear of the consequences of anxious arousal. Prior work suggests CBD may have anxiolytic effects that may be specific to the social aspects of anxiety. Thus, it was hypothesized that, that, relative to placebo, CBD would reduce self-reported AS-social concerns, but not AS-cognitive or AS-physical concerns, compared to baseline. Participants (N= 79; 52 women; M_age = 22.06) with elevated perceived stress were randomly assigned to 14 …

Amusement In The Absence Of Empathy: Psychopathy In Relation To The Use And Appreciation Of Dark Humor, Jolie A. Brewer

Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Although humor functions to foster integration between individuals, not all types of humor are equally appreciated by everyone. Some forms of humor are controversial, which limits their appreciation to specific contexts and potentially to specific people. One form of humor that may meet this definition is dark humor. Production of dark humor could imply that the humorist is disinterested in conventional social situations while similarly conveying an exploitative intention. Given that individuals who exhibit heightened levels of psychopathic personality traits also have a relative disinterest in adhering to social norms, it could be possible that psychopathy is associated with a …

What Are The Roles Of Vocabulary And Working Memory In Metaphor Comprehension?, Claire Simpson

Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

One of the most notable factors that influence sentence comprehension is the presence of metaphors (e.g., Inhoff, Lima, & Carroll, 1984). The metaphor interference effect (MIE) is a very interesting result of metaphor comprehension. It is a well-known linguistic effect (e.g., Al- Azary et al., 2021; Glucksberg et al, 1982) that can result in participants taking longer to determine that a metaphoric statement is false compared to other non-metaphoric literally false statements. The present study investigated the impact that vocabulary knowledge, working memory capacity, and memory load have on the metaphor interference effect. We predicted that each of these characteristics …

Avoiding Pathogens Or Avoiding People? Pathogen Avoidance, Pathogen-Specific Stereotypes, And Intergroup Bias Toward South Asians, Aashvi Dahiya

Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

People are motivated to avoid pathogens because infection poses serious risks (e.g., illness, death). Pathogen avoidance often relies on indirect cues and stereotypes—like appearance or group membership—to identify potential pathogen threats. A large body of literature has linked pathogen avoidance to intergroup bias, but recent work suggests that this link may vary across social groups. In particular, pathogen avoidance may be more strongly associated with intergroup bias toward groups specifically linked to pathogen-specific stereotypes. The present study examined whether pathogen-specific stereotype endorsement moderates the relationship between pathogen avoidance and intergroup bias toward South Asians. A sample of 684 participants completed …

A Vicious Cycle: The Interplay Between Anxiety, Perfectionism, And Indecision, Kaelyn G. Moran

Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Chronic indecisiveness is a pervasive issue that can negatively impact academic, occupational, and psychological functioning. Although prior research has identified anxiety and perfectionism as relevant correlates of indecisiveness, less is known about how these factors uniquely and jointly contribute to decision-making difficulties. The present study examined the relationships between trait anxiety, multidimensional perfectionism, and indecisiveness in a sample of 199 undergraduate students at the University of Arkansas. Participants completed self-report measures assessing anxiety (STICSA), perfectionism (Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale), and indecisiveness (Revised Indecisiveness Scale). Zero-order correlations and multiple regression analyses were conducted to evaluate both overall and dimension-specific effects. Results …

The Effect Of Self-Disclosure To Dogs On Stress, Coping, And Emotional Well-Being, Lilian Crawford

Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Self-disclosure has been defined as the voluntary sharing of personal thoughts and experiences with another individual, and in recent years, it has been associated with improvements in psychological and physiological well-being. Recent research into animal-assisted therapy has also demonstrated the emotional benefits of interacting with dogs. However, the current research has not yet explored how the specific act of self-disclosure to dogs affects emotional well-being. The present study explored the effects of self-disclosure to dogs on stress, ability to cope, and emotional well-being. Participants (N = 113) included dog owners who were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: self-disclosure …

The Relationship Between Media Use, Identity, And Attitudes Towards Women, Kelly A. Summers

Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Pornography’s popularity among college men is widespread, with degrading content being common in top-selling pornography (Bridges et al., 2010; Foubert et al., 2011). Research has shown higher consumption of degrading pornography is associated with more negative attitudes towards women, greater acceptance of rape culture, more sexist beliefs, and greater likelihood of engaging in aggressive and dominant behavior during physical intimacy (Bridges et al., 2023). “Incels” (a term meaning involuntarily celibate) are individuals who have not yet had a sexual debut despite an interest. Relatively little research exists on this population, but the little that has been conducted suggests incels have …

Contents, North Carolina Law Review

North Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

Overview: Neuroscience And The Law, John M. Conley, Rami Major

North Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

Off-Label Neuroimaging, Jane Campbell Moriarty

North Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

Neural Implants: The Promise, Peril, And Regulatory Challenges, Richard S. Saver, Jeffrey L. Saver

North Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

Legal And Regulatory Considerations For Post-Trial Access To Maintenance Of Beneficial Investigational Neural Devices, Alexandra L. Foulkes, Erika Versalovic, Amanda R. Merner, Gabriel Lázaro-Muñoz

North Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

Memoir: The Brain, Neuroethics, And Bioethics, Leslie C. Griffin

North Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

Celebrating The “Year Of The Uk” At Ksu: Symphony Orchestra, University Choirs, And Ksu Community & Alumni Choir

Bailey School of Music Concert Programs

Featuring Jana Young, Soprano and Joshua Zink, Baritone

Clinical And Demographic Characteristics Of Hospitalized Patients With Xylazine-Related Wounds, Elizabeth Novick, Nikhil Seval, Dagan Coppock, Mollie Tucker, Daniel Taupin, John Zurlo, Carolyn Kramer

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES: Little is known about the demographic and clinical features of patients with xylazine-related wounds. We sought to characterize hospitalized patients with substance use disorder (SUD) and xylazine-related wounds seen for infectious diseases consultation.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 193 patients diagnosed with SUD at 3 Philadelphia hospitals between October 2023 and January 2024. Patients were identified as either being diagnosed with (n=73) or without (n=120) xylazine-related wounds. We compared the demographic and clinical features between the 2 groups.

RESULTS: Patients diagnosed with wounds were younger ( P < 0.001), more likely to be White or Hispanic and less likely to be Black/AA ( P < 0.001), more likely to have tested positive for fentanyl ( P < 0.001), amphetamines ( P < 0.001), and cocaine ( P 0.001), more likely to acknowledge injection ( P < 0.001), and more likely to leave the hospital by patient-directed discharge (PDD) ( P < 0.001). Most patients had multiple wounds (75%), and more than half (53%) had at least one wound greater than 10 cm at its widest dimension. Although most patients diagnosed with wounds received antibiotics, many did not have symptoms or signs of infection.

CONCLUSIONS: Xylazine-related wounds are highly associated with illicitly manufactured …

Utilizing 3d Scanning Workflows For Interdisciplinary Applications: Processing, Optimizing, And Deployment Of Digital Models, Dakota J. Garrett

Master of Fine Arts in Digital Media Culminating Experience

This study explores the development of 3D scanning workflows focused on transforming raw scan data into high-quality, application-ready digital models. While scanning technologies have advanced significantly, the processes required for cleaning, reconstructing, and optimizing data remain complex and underrepresented. Through a series of applied case studies, this research examines geometry processing, AI-assisted texture enhancement, small artifact scanning workflows, and the integration of LiDAR with 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS). Each project emphasizes the decisions, challenges, and techniques used to move from raw capture to final output, highlighting the importance of adapting workflows based on object scale, material properties, and intended use. …

Transforming Legacy Brands Into Cultural Moments: The Power Of Transmedia Storytelling, Grace Goshert

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Throughout my internship, I was captivated by the company’s journey to being driven by

intellectual property rather than just being product driven. On my very first day, the Vice

President of Marketing for North America, Matt Brutocao, spoke to all the interns about his role

and the direction the company is going. My first notes from my internship and his presentation

are the words marketing is storytelling. Throughout the rest of my internship, this idea would

come into play during talks with executives, company people in all departments, and with my

peers. It was very clear that Mattel wanted to …

"Nobody Reads Books Anymore:" Challenges, Opportunities, And Recommendations For The Book Publishing Industry In A Digital World, Nathan D. Provencher

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis analyzes the current challenges and opportunities facing the book publishing industry in the digital era. Although recent data suggests a decline in reading for pleasure among U.S. adults, industry revenues remain relatively stable, indicating that traditional measures of reading do not fully reflect industry performance. This thesis examines how digitization influences key aspects of the book publishing industry, including production, marketing, and consumption. Using a combination of secondary research and an interview with a self-published author, this thesis analyzes the impact of digital technology on the industry. The findings indicate key challenges, including increased competition for consumer attention, …

Cultural Intelligence Recruitment: A Reflection Of Communication And Marketing At Wallace Myers International, Emily Salazar Coutino

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

In an increasingly interconnected global economy, effective international talent acquisition hinges on the ability to navigate cultural diversity and communicate authentically across borders. This reflective thesis, anchored in a two-month internship at Wallace Myers International, a Dublin-based recruitment agency, examines how the cultural backgrounds of consultants and interns from Germany, France, Italy, Hong Kong, and the U.S. influence workplace communication, employer branding, and recruitment marketing. Drawing on Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory and Inglehart’s Theory of Cultural Transformation, the study analyzes observed communication dynamics among a diverse multinational team and their impact on candidate engagement and client relations. It explores the …

Campaign Finance And Democratic Integrity: Studying The Effects Of Campaign Finance On Elections, Abigail C. Johnson

Political Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Using data collected from the Stanford Database on Ideology, Money in Politics, and Elections (DIME) this paper examines the connection between campaign finance results in independent expenditures. Focusing on 2022 and 2024 United States Senatorial election cycles, this research investigates whether or not female and male senatorial candidates receive higher or lower rates of supportive and opposing funding and how such funding effects the electoral outcomes of female candidates. Through logit regression analyses and descriptive statistics, like histogram and distribution graphs conducted in RStudio, this research measures how financial backing from outside groups affects probability in Senatorial primary electoral …

Creating A Gis-Based Site Suitability Index For A Major Sports Stadium In Kansas City, Theodore E. Blair

Political Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

There are many considerations taken when siting major sports stadiums. Most literature, though, has focused on the political and economic considerations, the negative outcomes of using public money for private projects. However, geographic considerations play a major part in deciding where to site a stadium. These considerations are wide-ranging and can change with the times. This thesis determines ten modern site suitability criteria, and with them, creates a site suitability index using GIS to determine and quantify more and less suitable areas for stadium development. It applies this index to the Kansas City area, as the city is currently in …

Every Why Hath A Wherefore, Harrison Baxley

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates techniques learned in classes at the University of Arkansas that would prepare me for my thesis role as both Dromio twins in The Comedy of Errors. The fast-paced production required a demanding performance from me mentally and physically, with rapid changes between each character. This project breaks down developmental training from One Person Show and Acting Studio classes that would prove essential to my thesis role. The result of this project has led to a toolbox for approaching a career in clowning, multi-character performance, and audience connection.

Burning In The Aftermath: Lightning The Trojan Women, Olivia Mack

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis documents the lighting design process for The Trojan Women at the University of Arkansas, exploring how light can hold space for grief, devastation, beauty, and survival. Guided by the central conceptual image of “flowers burning in a garden,” the design sought to balance fragility and destruction allowing moments of tenderness to exist within the wreckage of war. This document reflects on research, collaboration, conceptual development, drafting, cueing, and rehearsal-to-performance evolution. It evaluates the emotional and visual effectiveness of color, angle, texture, and rhythm in shaping audience experience. Production photographs, the light plot, and cue paperwork are included to …

A Pain That Wouldn't Sleep: Osteoid Osteoma Masquerading As Lateral Epicondylitis, Madelyn Bagley, Luca Halalau, Aimee Espinosa, Terrence Metz

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Osteoid osteoma is a benign osteogenic tumor that accounts for approximately 10% of all benign bone tumors and predominantly affects adolescents and young adults. It classically presents with nocturnal pain that responds dramatically to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a feature attributed to increased prostaglandin production within the nidus. The femur and tibia are most commonly involved, whereas upper extremity lesions are relatively uncommon. A 19-year-old male presented with nearly two years of chronic, progressive left lateral elbow pain and left wrist weakness. The pain was nocturnal, radiated along the left arm, and was markedly relieved by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. He was …