Digital Commons Network^™

Density And Nest Success Of Shrub-Dependent Birds On Formerly Strip-Mined Lands, Luke Headings

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

As bird populations continue to decline across North America, it is important to understand the benefits that disturbed habitats can have for breeding birds. One of the major land disturbances and causes of habitat loss in the United States is surface mining, which often results in altered vegetative communities. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the relationships between bird populations, habitat, previous and current land use, and densities of invasive plant species on formerly strip-mined land. Due to the proliferation of invasive shrub species in post-mined landscapes, we sought to determine the effects of post-mined habitat features …

Selected Elementary Music Educators’ Perceptions Of Curriculum, Scheduling, And Workload, Mara Nowlin

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Elementary music is a field that many people would agree is important, but the subject does not always get an equal opportunity when stacked up against subjects that are regulated with standardized tests, such as math or language arts. I set out to study elementary music programs in the region where I am employed (the Four State Region of Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma) in the Midwest. Some questions I sought to answer were what types of elementary music curricula are available and popular, and how districts come to select their music curriculum. Additionally, I wanted to examine the school …

Study Of A Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Using A Biobased Polyurethane As A Thermosetting Resin, Teddy Mageto

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer composites (CFRP) have garnered increasing interest in recent years especially in the aerospace and automobile industries where they are gradually replacing metals as structural materials. This is owing to their light weight, high strength, high modulus, and excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Polymers are typically used as thermosetting resins in these composites. However, the synthesis of polymers currently is conducted via petrochemical processes which leads to adverse effects on the environment. To this end, in this work a biobased Polyurethane (PU) was used as a thermosetting resin in a CFRP. The biobased PU was synthesized by the reaction …

The Railsplitter And The Pathfinder: The Relationship Between Abraham Lincoln And John C. Frémont, Kourtney Yantis

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

This study serves as an analysis of the connections between Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States and John Charles Frémont as a Civil War general. Lincoln’s position within history is solid, unlike that of John C. Frémont. The thesis will elevate Frémont to a higher status as a historical figure by arguing that the emancipation edict that he issued for Missouri in August of 1861 would influence Abraham Lincoln’s preliminary emancipation proclamation of September 1862, even though Lincoln repealed Frémont’s decree. In biographies of each man, their interactions are merely a small part of the stories of their …

Sunflower Oil-Based Wood Adhesive With High Mechanical Strength And Enhanced Bonding By Introducing Fillers, Arjun Chaudhari

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Petroleum-based compounds are generally utilized in industries for getting higher mechanical strength for wood application, where the process of synthesis releases toxins into the environment and causes health issues.

Because of this, scientists are trying to make biobased compounds and products. In this research, sunflower polyol was used to make polyurethane (PU) resin. For the formation of polyol, an epoxidation reaction followed by a ring-opening reaction was performed. The presence of hydroxyl groups was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and hydroxyl value determination test to confirm the polyol formation. After that, hydroxyl groups of polyol were reacted with …

Effect Of Graphene-Based Fillers On The Properties Of Sunflower-Based Polyurethane, Vishwa Suthar

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Polyurethane market majorly depends on synthetic materials which are noxious. This stimulated an idea to replace petrochemical resources with renewable resources for polyurethane production. Keeping this in mind, this research focused on the use of sunflower oil for the preparation of polyol and its use in polyurethane composition. The reaction mechanism of epoxidation and ring-opening was approached for the conversion of sunflower oil to polyol. During the conversion of sunflower oil, unsaturated groups of sunflower oil were converted into hydroxyl groups of polyol.

Sunflower oil-based polyol was successfully blended with methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) to form urethane bonds. Confirmative tests …

Evaluation Of Promising Eco-Friendly Flame Retardants For Bio-Based Rigid Polyurethane Foams Based On Modified Castor Oil, Prasadi Abeysinghe Arachchilage

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Fossil fuel derivatives in the polyurethane industry are gradually being replaced with environmentally friendly alternative bio-based resources. Vegetable-oil-based polyols are emerging bio-based resources that can decrease cost competitiveness in polyurethane markets, reduce environmental impacts, and meet the urgent need for green and sustainable development strategies. Among this, interest is the use of castor oil to make polyurethane because of its inedibility and the fact that it contains many functionalizable chemical groups. However, the poor thermal stability and low load-bearing capacity of castor-oil-based rigid polyurethane foam limits its application. Two methods were used to address these limitations: (i) more hydroxyl groups …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Polyaniline-Based High-Performance Carbon For Energy Storage Applications, Udeshika Kangane Arachchige

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

With the increase in global population, the demand for the energy required for daily activities including household necessities, electronic and electric devices, etc. enhances at an alarming proportion. Under these circumstances, supercapacitors (SCs) have attracted great attention as electrochemical energy storage devices. Nowadays, most commercially available supercapacitors are composed of metallic compounds. Due to the high consumption, and limited availability of these elements, it is necessary to find an alternative, effective, low-cost materials in place of using it. With the purpose of achieving high electrochemical performance, this research work focuses on developing carbon derived from polyaniline (PANI) as an efficient …

Electrochemical Properties Of Mof-Derived Nickel Compounds For High-Performance Supercapacitors And Electrocatalysts, Shiva Bhardwaj

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

There are various forms in which humans use energy in daily life. From applications that require a high energy density to long-term storage, the requirements for energy usage are diverse. Therefore, with the continuous increase in users worldwide, more practical energy-driven sources are required, allowing manufacturers to look toward emerging functional materials. An emerging class of functional porous materials referred to as metal-organic framework (MOF) has received considerable attention over the past two decades, partially because of their potential use in various applications, including gas storage, molecular separations, electrocatalyst, and energy devices. For example, metal oxide and hydroxide-based MOF materials …

The Mechanization Of Humanity, Joshua Lipe

Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Socially Mediated Self-Presentation, Image-Construction, And Twitter: A Multimodal Analysis Of Vice Presidents Across A Continental Divide, Nana Kwame Osei Fordjour

Communication ETDs

Struck by the paucity of studies on vice presidential rhetoric, the omnipresence of social media, and its centrality in politics, I analyzed the tweets of the vice president of the US, Kamala Harris, and the vice president of Ghana, Dr. Bawumia, after their respective elections in 2020. Taking a multimodal rhetorical analysis guided by a theoretical self-presentational framework centered around gender, personalization, and authenticity. I contribute to the broader discourse of how politicians communicate on social media to construct their public image. Taking a cue from the rhetorical approaches used by the two vice presidents, I argue that vice-presidential communication …

The Lithium Economy: Bolivia's "New" Resource And Its Role In Revolutionary Politics, Zsofia J. Szoke

Anthropology ETDs

Through an ethnographic analysis of the lithium industry this dissertation recounts the complex way lithium industrialization has interacted with Bolivia’s democratic and cultural revolution, officially known as the proceso de cambio, and with localized social forms and structures, which the national-level revolution seeks to reconstitute. I will argue that it is important to examine the implications of lithium industrialization’s intersection with local experiences of revolutionary politics. The dissertation’s main contention is that the industrialization of lithium in Bolivia has been conceptualized as an insurgent tool of political change and social transformation by the Morales-Linera regime and as such it has …

2021-2022 Accounting Practicum: A Sequence Of Financial Accounting Case Studies, Virginia Barksdale

Honors Theses

The following set of financial accounting case studies represents two semesters of work under Dr. Victoria Dickinson at the University of Mississippi’s Patterson School of Accountancy. As is customary for the Honors Accounting Practicum, subjects covered included current events – e.g., the anniversary of 9-11 and the COVID-19 pandemic – as well as the conceptual frameworks of different financial accounting disciplines. Some cases were more research focused while others involved specific deliverables relevant to the topic of the week. All case studies required the integration of knowledge from past coursework with the knowledge gained through the cases themselves. The work …

A Comprehensive Analysis Of Financial Accounting Through Case Studies, Will Bounds

Honors Theses

This thesis is a collection of accounting case studies. There are eleven cases that comprise this thesis including: 102 Minutes that Changed America, Design Your Life – Nashville, Excel Crash Course, Pfizer Profitability, Business Interview – Hank Bounds, Case Competition – Overview, Case Competition – Audit, Case Competition – Tax, Case Competition – Advisory, Case Competition – Risk, and Case Competition – Presentation. There are a large variety of topics involved in all these cases. All of them have proven to be great learning experiences for myself. Case VI through Case XI deal with the Case Competition that went on …

Fedex And Other Case Studies, Anderson Martin

Honors Theses

This thesis includes nine case studies on accounting topics and uses. In our Honors Accountancy Thesis class, we researched various topics in the field of accounting. Following this research, we constructed case studies employing different methods and styles. Three of the case studies were completed individually, while the other six were completed in a group of 3-5 members. The case studies honed my skills in research, communication, and teamwork. Furthermore, I developed confidence in my public speaking as well as earning a certification in excel.

The first case studies are focused on unique topics or events. The final five cases …

Analysis Of Financial Accounting Principles Through Case Studies, Mary Lauren Crane

Honors Theses

This thesis is a compilation of ten case studies completed throughout the 2021-2022 academic year under the direction of Dr. Victoria Dickinson. The first five cases look at various aspects of the accounting world and profession ranging from the effects of COVID-19 on the market to researching a potential location in which to start an accounting career. The latter half of the cases involve an in-depth study of ExxonMobil as a company and the accounting risks associated with it.

Financial Accounting Case Studies, Turner Willson

Honors Theses

This thesis is a compilation of eleven accounting case studies which covers a wide variety of topics that were discussed throughout the ACCY 420 course taught by Dr. Victoria Dickinson during the 2021-2022 academic school year. The cases vary in subject which started with the reflection of the 9/11 terrorist attacks had on the country and ended with choosing Tyson Inc. as an audit client. Some of the other cases included becoming excel certified, interviewing someone in the field that we wished to join upon graduation, and researching a future city in which we would like to live in the …

Diverse Analyses Of Accounting: A Series Of Case Studies, Hannah Harris

Honors Theses

This thesis consists of a diverse variety of case studies surrounded accounting and accounting-related issues. The first five cases span a broad range of topics, such as 9/11 and COVID-19 and their effects on the accounting industry. The last five cases, which were completed as a team, provide an in-depth analysis of Goldman Sachs, mostly through the team’s study of their 2020 and 2021 financial statements. These cases provide an overview of the company and the team’s suggested improvements in each line of service—audit, tax, advisory, and risk advisory. Through these cases, I was provided a much deeper insight into …

« Iel Dit Quoi ? » : A Study Of The Origins And Evolution Of Francophone Gender-Neutral Pronouns And Inclusive Language And A Discussion Of French Versus Canadian Acceptance, Alyssa Claire Langlois

Honors Theses

Our interpretation of human gender identity has never been constant. And with it, language has always shifted in order to best represent the many different gender identities and expressions that people associate with themselves. This research examines the current gender-inclusive and gender-neutral French language that exists in both France and Canada. I use three factors: occupational nouns, l’écriture inclusive, and neopronouns, especially iel, the most common. In this thesis, I evaluate what exists, what has yet to be accepted, and the many different public reactions. I analyzed statements from official language offices, current event articles, and opinions pieces, as well …

Brand On The Run: The Effects Of Internal And External Stakeholder Communication Of Corporate Rebranding Efforts, Abby Vandiver

Honors Theses

A company’s most valuable asset is its brand. Not just limited to its name and logo, a brand is loosely defined as the identity of an organization. A strong brand identity can create strong customer loyalty. Changing even a part of this identity can cause confusion and ultimately revenue loss. This study examined how business owners and marketers communicate with their stakeholders when they decide a rebrand is necessary. After researching current literature on this topic, businesses in Oxford, Mississippi which have undergone a rebrand in the last decade were recruited to answer questions. Ten organizations participated either through interview …

The Importance Of Informal And Formal Spaces In The Development Of Policy In Washington Dc: How Actors In Policy Interact To Create Legislation, Andrew Harrison Foxworth

Honors Theses

Drawing on data from a series of interviews with policy actors, as well as literature on the significance of spaces in policy development, this thesis investigates the relationships between formal and informal spaces in policymaking and their roles in creating laws. By examining evidence of the importance of spaces in policy making both in the United States and globally, this thesis highlights how spaces can have an outsized impact on the legislative process. Specifically, it argues that policy is often shaped and advanced within a limited number of spaces where power extends far beyond elected officials and the republican principle …

The Value Of An Integrated Marketing Campaign To Grow Interest In Visiting The U.S. National Parks, Hermine Granberry

Honors Theses

When the centennial celebration of the National Park Service was approaching in 2016, the National Park Service launched a two-year campaign to only commemorate the last century of NPS, but to also reconnect Americans with the parks. Ten years have passed since the initial creation of the campaign. This thesis researches the value of how another integrated marketing campaign could increase visitation to the U.S. National Parks in the future.

Through evaluating the previous Find Your Park campaign and current trends in travel and vacation, this research investigates not only future campaign ideas but also the use and incorporation of …

Speak Now To Forever Hold Your Piece: On Aesthetic Ownership And Interpretation, Spencer Heitman

Honors Theses

The primary objectives of this research are to describe ways in the interpretation of art-objects is shaped by their ownership and to endorse fan culture participation as a mechanism through which people might be led to aesthetic value. This analysis shall be grounded in an understanding of trust and shall point the reader toward care, noting that these phenomena positively correlate and help interpreters to receive meaning of more abundance and depth. It will be initially claimed that art interpretation is itself contribution to aesthetic dialogue with artists. This claim is grounded in an understanding of art’s communicative capacities and …

Accountancy 420 Case Study Analysis, Olivia Peterson

Honors Theses

During my junior year at the University of Mississippi, I took part in an accountancy practicum course, titled Accountancy 420. I was able to work on ten cases involving a multitude of accounting topics. During the first semester, I analyzed a 9/11 documentary, conducted research around potential cities for accounting internships, became Excel certified, investigated the financial impact of COVID-19 vaccines, and completed an interview with a business professional. These projects make up the first five cases of my thesis. We additionally were able to learn from speakers at many impressive firms about different topics surrounding the accounting industry. In …

'I'M Rooting For Everybody Black': The Intersection Of Black Joy, Politics, And Linked Fate, Rabria Moore

Honors Theses

Linked fate is a concept that says what happens to one individual in a group affects the group as a whole. Research has shown that Black people tend to subscribe to that concept of linked fate, especially in relation to politics. Further studies, although not exclusively labeled as such, have shown that Black people feel a sense of linked fate when it comes to pain too. This thesis explores the intersection of Black joy, politics, and linked fate. Black joy is understood to be a shared experience amongst individuals of African descent. Black joy emphasizes the choice that Black people …

An Analysis Of Key Financial Accounting Topics, Alec White

Honors Theses

The Accounting Capstone Project is to design to help accounting students consider problems throughout the accounting industry. To accomplish this, students will complete several case studies dealing with areas of financial reporting. My group and I decided to present potential tax-saving strategies for Apple Inc.

Reframing Culture: The Decolonization And Repatriation Process In The Italian Museum System, Leila De Gruy

Honors Theses

In 2022, the collections of the former Museo Coloniale, Colonial Museum, were reopened to the public as a part of the Museo delle Civiltà in Rome. This reopening, viewed by many as an exhumation of fascist dictator Mussolini’s former collection, in the neighborhood he built for the World Fair, reinvigorated the debate surrounding museum decolonization and brought Italy into the spotlight for this topic. This thesis seeks to explore the conversation surrounding the topic of Italian museum decolonization, using the Museo Coloniale’s collection as the primary example of a colonial museum in a post colonial world. Through this, it asks …

Our Mothers Are Dying: How Economics Affect Maternal Mortality, Kendall Wheelock

Honors Theses

One of the primary goals from the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals is to reduce maternal mortality on a global scale. It is well documented that economic success has a strong correlation with maternal mortality (Kirigia et al 2014, 1-3). There is ample research on how one’s health affects their ability to participate in society, furthermore protecting women within the sphere of medicine is a key part of advancing society. This thesis aims to give qualitative and quantitive backing to a deeper investigation of the correlation between economic success and maternal health.

To focus this research, the thesis focuses on …

Chinese Political Rhetoric And Ideology: Tension And Pretension, Israel Paredes

Honors Theses

This changing nature of the Chinese government’s ideology leads one to believe that its core beliefs are not dogmatic, despite the foundation for their ideology being rooted in specific societal and economic theories. Starting with Mao Zedong to modern day, the Chinese government officials will continue to support the original tenets (and, no doubt, future presidents’ additions to the tenets). However, the interpretation of their ideology over time is fluid and is used to support policies and actions during a political cycle. Chinese political leaders are unlikely to disagree with a past leaders, and will rather use their own interpretation …

Verb Tense Production Differences Across Various Discourse Tasks In People With Fluent And Nonfluent Aphasia, Madeline Ann Zurbrugg

Honors Theses

Background: Fluent and nonfluent aphasia are both seen to exhibit varying degrees of morphosyntactic difficulties, with particular difficulties in verb tense production. There is disagreement regarding why tense is particularly impaired, which type of aphasia is more impaired and why, and whether some tense forms are more impaired than others. There is also evidence that language elicitation tasks affect language production measures because they require different linguistic and cognitive processes. This is likely also true for verb tense production. To date, no studies have examined discourse elicitation task effect on verb tense production in both fluent and nonfluent aphasia. The …