Digital Commons Network^™

Multi-Population Sufficient Dimension Reduction, Xuerong Meggie Wen, Yuexiao Dong, Li Xing Zhu

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

A novel dimension-reduction method is introduced for multi-population data. The approach conducts a joint analysis that exploits information shared across populations while accommodating population-specific effects. Unlike partial dimension reduction methods, which identify related directions across all populations, or conditional analyses conducted independently within each population, the proposed two-step procedure leverages cross-population information to enhance estimation accuracy. The methodology is demonstrated through simulations and two real-data applications.

The Evaluation Of Broiler Lines Divergently Selected For Water Conversion Ratio Under Acute And Chronic Stress, Baileigh B. Cash

Poultry Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

            The importance of water conversion ratio in broiler production influences not only bird physiology but also barn environment, litter quality, and provides potential solutions to environmental stressors. However, very little is known about how genetic selection for water conversion ratio can affect litter characteristics and performance parameters, specifically under heat stress conditions. This study evaluates the effects of genetic lines, environmental conditions, and time, on litter and bird performance characteristics in high water conversion ratio (HWCR) and low water conversion ratio (LWCR) broilers. Litter samples were collected from HWCR and LWCR broilers raised under heat-stress and thermal-neutral conditions, both before …

Status Of The Potentially Invasive Australian Redclaw Crayfish (Cherax Quadricarinatus), Margaret (Addie) Munn

Biology Theses

The introduction of invasive species, including crayfish, is common through aquaculture and aquarium trade pathways and is an important factor causing the decline and/or extinction of native species. Invasive species cause billions of dollars in damages annually and threaten almost half of the native species in the United States. Australian Redclaw Crayfish (Redclaws) are a species of large individuals that originated in Australia and New Guinea and have been introduced specifically for aquaculture and the aquarium trade. Redclaws are known to thrive in tropical and subtropical locations. They can tolerate high temperatures and low oxygen and are generalist omnivores that …

Reshoring In The U.S. Textile And Apparel Industry: A Systematic Literature Review, Grace Whittier

Major Papers by TMD Master of Science Students

This systematic literature review examines the renewed movement to reshore textile and apparel production to the United States in response to rising geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and sustainability pressures. Although interest in reshoring has grown, existing research remains fragmented, with industry reports, government documents, and academic articles often working separately instead of building on one another, creating gaps in understanding. To address this, the review synthesizes 45 peer‑reviewed articles, industry reports, and government publications published between 2010 and 2026.

Using PRISMA guidelines and purposive sampling, the study identifies key drivers of reshoring—including tariff exposure, supply chain risk, sustainability demands, …

The Cultivating Influences Of Mass Media: Portrayals Of Female Athletes In The Wnba, Reece Wassink

Senior Seminars and Capstones

The differences in how male and female athletes are represented in the media are a significant topic of scholarly interest for decades. My goals are to better understand how female athletes are positioned within the media landscape and how such portrayals may cultivate public perceptions of their athletic performance, because the sports community is powerful, influential, and historically dominated by masculine identities. This study extends the research conversation by examining the portrayal and coverage of female athletes on accounts/posts dedicated to women’s sports, especially the WNBA. This research is conducted through the observation and qualitative systematic content analysis of selected …

Why Is Living Still A B*Tch A Hundred Years Later? Finding Cultural Meaning In Adaptations Of Spring Awakening, Leah Marcil

Theses & ETDs

Inspired by my unique experience working on the musical Spring Awakening by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, this thesis asks the question: what type of cultural meanings do adaptations of the story of Spring Awakening create and transmit? In order to answer this question I first investigate the cultural context of Frühlings Erwachen , the original play by Frank Wedekind the musical is adapted from, in Chapter One. Chapter One also allows me to discuss translation as a form of adaptation by analyzing different English versions of the play. Chapter Two focuses on the debut Broadway production of Spring Awakening …

Investigating The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Financial Decision-Making And Professional Practice, Elijah Jones

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

The following study is an investigation into the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) as it relates to financial decision-making and professional processes. The focus of the study is to address the gap between theoretical applications analyzed by researchers and real-world use. The existing literature extensively analyzes the exponential growth of AI in finance over the years and its uses in relationship management, predictive analysis, trading, risk management, and more. While the studies show the potential transformative capability that AI has regarding workflows, there is limited data that shows how these newfound technologies are actually being adopted by professionals. To address …

Turning Down The Heat: Fine-Tuning Tempo-Modified Nanocellulose And Emim-Ac Ionic Liquid Membranes For Kidney Dialysis, Olivia Reid

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

TEMPO modified nanocellulose membranes are utilized across various laboratory and industrial applications from protein purification to advancements in kidney dialysis. This study investigates the effect of varying coagulation temperatures on the morphology and transport properties of these membranes to enhance their performance for targeted filtration. It was hypothesized that higher temperatures would accelerate the solvent-nonsolvent exchange during phase inversion, resulting in larger pore structures. Conversely, lower temperatures were expected to slow solvent diffusion, yielding smaller, more uniform pores. The membranes[JH1]  were synthesized using 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl (TEMPO) to improve selectivity and antifouling characteristics. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) served as the primary …

A Comparative Look At The Training Objectives Of The United States Marine Corps And Corporate America, Davis M. Johnson

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis investigates how divergent institutional objectives influence leader development in two organizational contexts: U.S. Marine Corps officer training and corporate leadership development programs. The study draws on organizational socialization theory, institutional theory, and stress inoculation research. It contends that leadership formation is shaped by the missions, values, and structural demands unique to each institution. The research uses comparative analysis of selection practices, socialization tactics, identity construction, and adaptability development, explicitly contrasting how each institution develops leaders. The Marine Corps uses divestiture socialization, collective identity formation, and structured stress exposure to embed group loyalty and prepare officers for decisive action …

Strengthening Kidney Dialysis One Membrane At A Time: Enhancing Tempo-Oxidized Nanocellulose And Ionic Liquid Membrane Strength Through The Variation Of Cosolvents, Bailey M. Butler

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys lose the ability to effectively filter the blood, which causes waste build up. End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is the most severe case of kidney disease and requires either dialysis or a kidney transplant. Hemodialysis, the most common form of dialysis, is an extremely time-intensive and physically burdensome process that is currently limited by membrane performance. The polysulfone (PSf) membranes that are widely used for dialysis today have many limitations, including fouling, toxin rejection, and essential protein loss. Recently, new membranes made from TEMPO-Oxidized nanocellulose dissolved in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMIM-Ac) have shown promising characteristics, …

Shooting For The Stars: Stem Outreach Strategies Between 2nd And 7th Grade, Paige Miller

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Engineering and planetary science outreach programs are increasingly important as industries and research organizations face growing demand for STEM professionals. Despite the importance of these fields, many students receive little exposure to engineering careers during their early educational experiences. This honors thesis examines the effectiveness of interactive STEM outreach presentations designed for elementary and middle school students. Specifically, this study evaluates outreach activities centered on chemical engineering applications and the NASA M2M CO₂ regeneration project for Martian environments.

Two student age groups participated in this study: 2nd grade students at Butterfield Elementary School and 7th grade students at Woodland Junior …

The Limits Of Democratic Representation: Institutional Constraints And The Failure To Reflect Public Will In The Case Of Congressional Term Limits, Kian Mcwilliams

Political Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study examines why congressional term limit reform has not succeeded despite widespread public support. Although there has been sustained bipartisan approval across decades, term limits have not gained any meaningful institutional traction, raising a central question: Why do reforms with strong public backing fail to advance within Congress itself? Drawing on historical analysis, public opinion data, and original survey research conducted with Members of Congress, this study argues that the failure of congressional term limit reform is not the result of a lack of public engagement, but rather a consequence of institutional constraints that prevent public preferences from translating …

Hawi Atinafu Honors Portfolio, Hawi Atinafu

Honors Capstone Portfolios

Hawi Atinafu's honors capstone portfolio captured in May 2026.

Elle Eckert Honors Portfolio, Elle Eckert

Honors Capstone Portfolios

Ellle Eckert's honors capstone portfolio captured in May 2026.

Vernice Horton Honors Portfolio, Vernice Horton

Honors Capstone Portfolios

Vernice Horton's honors capstone portfolio captured in May 2026.

Emma Sealey Honors Portfolio, Emma Sealey

Honors Capstone Portfolios

Emma Sealey's honors capstone portfolio captured in May 2026.

Jessica Heinsch Honors Portfolio, Jessica Heinsch

Honors Capstone Portfolios

Jessica Heinsch's honors capstone portfolio captured in May 2026.

A Case For Right-To-Right-Brain Youth Discipleship, Emily Ellis

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Many people sitting in pews weekly undergo little to no change in their lives throughout their Christian journey. Currently, the primary approach when someone feels a bit dissatisfied with their faith or wants to grow in their spiritual maturity is to prescribe more Bible study, more prayer, or more church engagement. In this paper, I am going to explore how understanding brain science and attachment theory should influence how discipleship occurs in churches.

Testing The In Vitro Effectiveness Of Protease Inhibitors Against Histomonas Meleagridis, Evy Belle Hafer

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Histomonas meleagridis is a protozoal parasite able to exist in a flagellated or amoeboid form that infects gallinaceous birds, particularly turkeys, and causes significant mortality. There is currently no effective treatment for this disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the anti-histomonal activity of commercially available protease inhibitors, leupeptin, bestatin, and antipain, using an established in vitro model. Three protease inhibitors, leupeptin, bestatin, and antipain, were evaluated across five assays. Treatment groups included: 1) non-treated control, 2) leupeptin 100 µM, 3) bestatin hydrochloride 100 µM, and 4) antipain dihydrochloride 100 µM. Histomonads were enumerated using a hemocytometer after …

Modeling Hot Jupiter Atmospheres For The Classification Of Low Abundance Molecules, Mika Brown

Physics Undergraduate Honors Theses

Transmission spectroscopy is a powerful method for studying exoplanet atmospheres. With the recent launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), several molecules have been successfully detected in hot Jupiter atmospheres at an unprecedented level of precision with transmission spectroscopy. To better understand current detection capabilities and limitations, this project used machine learning techniques to determine which molecules are currently identifiable at the spectral resolution and wavelength range of JWST’s NIRSpec instrument in PRISM mode. A large synthetic dataset of transmission spectra was first generated using the petitRADTRANS radiative transfer Python package. The resulting spectra were then used to train …

Buyer-Seller Relationships In Rural Belize, Mackenzie K. Albright

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis examines buyer–seller relationships between small-scale farmers and lead firms in rural Belize, with a focus on how sustainability initiatives affect farmer autonomy and satisfaction. Drawing on firsthand fieldwork conducted during an internship with the Belize Ministry of Agriculture in Dangriga, this study analyzes the Sustainable and Inclusive Belize program and its efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture and environmentally sustainable production practices. While these initiatives aim to improve long-term environmental and economic outcomes, findings suggest that strict oversight, organic requirements, and compliance standards imposed by lead firms—such as large agricultural buyers—can reduce farmers’ decision-making autonomy and overall satisfaction.

Through …

Enhancing Corporate Prayer Of The Clearwater Church Of Christ, Lyle Hinsdale

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation was designed to enhance corporate prayer in the Clearwater Church of Christ. The dissertation explores the formative role of corporate prayer in congregational life and how intentional engagement with the Psalms can deepen the theological and spiritual practice of prayer within a local church. Corporate prayer can slip into habitual practice with limited theological range or emotional depth. This project investigates whether structured use of the Psalms as a model for prayer can expand the language, theological imagination, and engagement in the prayers of a worshiping community. The study used participatory action research methodology and was conducted within …

Diet Analysis Of The Gulf Pipefish, Syngnathus Scovelli, In Sarasota Bay, Lily Braun

Theses & ETDs

Seagrass beds are critical habitats that support diverse marine life, and food availability within these ecosystems plays a crucial role in the survival and reproductive success of fish species. In Sarasota Bay, several Syngnathids, including three species of pipefish and two species of seahorses, inhabit these seagrass beds. The Gulf pipefish, Syngnathus scovelli, is one of the most common pipefish species. Our monthly census efforts have revealed a female-biased sex ratio in the natural population. Syngnathus pipefish primarily feed on small crustaceans, including amphipods, copepods, and mysid shrimp. This study investigated potential sex differences in feeding habits between male and …

A Tool For Student Well-Being: Gratitude Journaling And Its Interaction With Extraversion, Csenge Sebok

Theses & ETDs

Research suggests that an individual’s well-being may not only be influenced by external circumstances, but also by direction of attention and interpretation of their experiences. Gratitude journaling has been examined as a simple intervention, which may be a tool to improve emotional well-being, as it shifts attention toward the positive aspects of life. In the present study, gratitude journaling was examined whether it contributes to a greater mood improvement, compared to neutral journaling among students. Additionally, whether these effects are reflected in changes in positive affect, negative affect, and perceived stress. Participants (N = 58) were measured for levels of …

The Economic And Strategic Responses To Black Lives Matter In Professional Sports: A Comparative Analysis Of The Nba And Nfl Post-2020, Jackson Dawson

Theses & ETDs

In 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement prompted sharply divergent responses from the NBA and NFL. This thesis investigates why the NBA embraced visible activism during its Orlando bubble season while the NFL maintained a restrained “Inspire Change” approach, and assesses the economic consequences of these strategies. Drawing on rational choice and stakeholder theory, the study hypothesizes that fan demographics and revenue models shaped each league’s utility-maximizing decisions. Using a Difference-in-Differences framework on regular-season national telecast viewership from 2016 to 2023, supplemented by qualitative process-tracing of league statements, polls, and sponsor behavior, the analysis compares outcomes before and after 2020. …

From Merchant Poetry To Digital Scholarship: The Influences Of Contemporary Mapping Traditions On La Sfera, Nicholas Pagliocca

Theses & ETDs

No abstract provided.

Georgia Library Spotlight: Jasper County Library’S Sunbolt Velocity Solar Workstation, Ivy Corder

Georgia Library Quarterly

No abstract provided.

Georgia Library Spotlight: Spotlight Celebrating Bluey At The Decatur County-Gilbert H. Gragg Library, Michele Croft

Georgia Library Quarterly

No abstract provided.

For Those Who Come After: Building A Website That Colleagues Can Operate, Tom Webster

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article discusses the necessity to design a website with accessibility of not just the front-end, but also the back-end user in mind. Georgia Highlands College was updating its website and rather than go with a normal html coded webpage, the web development team realized they could use Libguides to make a home page that was professional and easy to use, while also being something that librarians could edit without needing html coding experience. While this cannot perfectly future-proof the website, this can make it so librarians can add updates as needed even if the webmaster is indisposed.

Sequoyahcon Soars At Sequoyah Regional Library System, Sarah Childers

Georgia Library Quarterly

Three themes, three locations, one day- On March 14, 2026, Sequoyah Regional Library System presented SequoyahCon, a free community event celebrating fandom and fun. Hosted by R.T. Jones Memorial Library, Pickens County Library, and Woodstock Public Library, SequoyahCon presents an opportunity for community members to experience three miniature fan conventions at no cost.