Digital Commons Network^™

Marrying Strangers: Arranged Marriages And Picture Brides In The Us, 1875-1943 And 1990-Present, Michelle Kh Nguyen

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

This paper examines the historical phenomenon of picture or mail-order marriages during two periods; the first period is the era of Asian exclusion at the turn of the twentieth century and the second period is the rise of online dating at the turn of the twenty-first century. This research project examines oral testimonies, government reports, and products of popular culture to suggest that women have used their own agency to make these marriages beneficial as often as the marriages have been exploitative. In the era of Chinese exclusion, marriages help to sustain Asian communities especially in light of serious racial …

The Effects Of Miniaturization On The Brain Case Of Gymnopthalmodiea (Squamata), Britney Le

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

The concept of miniaturization states that as we go down the phylogenetic tree, species begin to become smaller in body size due to environmental pressures, especially within the Gymnophtalmoidea squamata. We question how the brain case morphology between different lizard species in the Gymnophtalmoidea squamata compares to one another when considering the differences in their body size. The brain cases of five lizard species were isolated using a 3D segmentation computer program, then reconstructed using an illustrator computer software and compared. The lizard studied includes one species from the Alopoglossidae family (Alopoglossus embera), one species from the Teiidae family (Dracaena …

How Wag31 Affects The Growth Of The Mycobacterial Cell Wall, Parthvi Patel

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Tuberculosis, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, kills over a million people worldwide each year. To understand how mycobacterial cells grow, we are studying growth in the model organism Mycobacterium smegmatis. The mycobacterial cell wall has asymmetrical polar growth. The insertion of new peptidoglycan near the cell poles accounts for the growth of the cell wall. The wag31 gene in Mycobacterium smegmatis cells was mutated, and different mutations were used to evaluate the function of Wag31. The strains were stained with HADA staining the peptidoglycan and Syto-24 staining the DNA of the bacteria. The bacteria were then observed under the …

Application Of Log-Concavity Property Of Non-Ruin Probability In Allocation Of Insurance Pools, Jared Ackley

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Consider a sequence of independent and identically distributed random variables Zi, i = 1,2,... and an integer-valued random number M with a log-concave pmf that is independent of Zi, = 1,2,. It is known that Sy = Le1 Z; is log-concave. This can be applied to the classical Lundberg risk model by choosing Z; to be record lows and M to be a geometric random variable representing the total number of record lows. Choosing L to be the sum of the random number of record lows, it was found that 1 (u) = P(L ≤ u) is a log-concave function …

Academic Stress And Extracurriculars: An Examination Of In-Group Identification, Participation Motivation, And Stress In College, Rebecca Roten

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Academic stress is a common feature of college life, but excessive stress can have negative effects on academic outcomes, health, and general well-being. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between academic stress and factors of extracurricular participation, including in-group identification, participation time, and participation motivation. It was hypothesized that higher in-group identification and internal motivation would relate to lower academic stress. A sample of undergraduate college students (n = 296) completed a survey consisting of an academic stress scale and a series of question about their extracurricular participation. Academic stress was not associated with any of …

Dual Automated Colorimetric Detection Of Bacteria Using A Lateral Flow Assay, Reginald Conley Ii

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Bacterial infections are one of the biggest issues facing hospitals today; they prolong hospital stays, worsen patient outcomes, and decrease the quality of life for these patients. In the food and water industry, bacteria are causes for food recalls and non-potable water. The objects of this research were to develop a biosensor that could detect E. coli and S. aureus bacteria simultaneously using the lateral flow assay platform and to generate a software program that could accurately read results of the LFA. The biosensor was not built due to antibody shortages from the COVID-19 pandemic. The software program was developed …

Mental Health In Historically Black Communities: The Role Of Local Non-Profits, Cindy N. Ledat

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

This study examined the role that local non-profit organizations play in bridging the gap to mental healthcare services in historically Black communities. With a focus on the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas, Texas, semi-structured interviews were gathered from participants working for local non-profit organizations, specifically those that connect the community to mental health services. Utilizing a phenomenological approach to qualitative analysis, the key themes that emerged were those of combatting shame, building trust, and engaging with community stakeholders. Additionally, there were themes of helplessness in the face of systemic barriers as well as empathy towards a participant’s cultural community. Though …

Learning-Based Minimum Time-Energy Path Planning Through Integral Reinforcement Learning For A Multivehicle Nonlinear System Subject To Unknown Disturbances And Collision Avoidance, Evanns Gabriel Morales

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

The path planning problem is crucial in the field of autonomous navigation. By applying integral reinforcement learning, it is possible not just to create a system that iteratively improves upon itself in pursuit of a target destination for a vehicle but also achieves optimality with respect to desired parameters such as minimal time and energy expenditures. The challenge of solving the reinforcement learning problem with a nonlinear system is addressed with two neural networks - one for the actor portion of the reinforcement learning problem and one for the critic portion. This project explores the minimum-time energy path planning problem …

Optimal Tissue Clearing Of Whole Mount Mouse Organs, Toluwani Ijaseun

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Various tissue clearing methods have been made to optically clear tissue for high resolution imaging, but clearing whole organs is an arduous task due to limited penetration depth. To find a potential solution, 1 mm mouse organ slices were used to try four different variations of PEGASOS and BABB, organic solvent based clearing methods. Two of the variations were chosen to stain with antibodies and dyes, such as DLL4, to display vasculature. Axially swept-light sheet fluorescence microscopy was used to obtain 3D images of the kidneys. In addition, stained heart and lungs images were also acquired. Progress photos for clearing …

The Cultural Implications Of Media Portrayals Of Minorities In The U.S., Victoria Munoz

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Research suggests the media shapes the way children perceive the world. In addition, ethnic minorities are typically portrayed negatively in media. Disney Princess movies have become a widespread part of childhood experiences, as these movies often top box-office sales and generate copious merchandise sales.. Disney Princess movies have the ability to produce, circulate, and exchange information, especially to kids. Therefore, it is important to understand how minority and ethnic people are portrayed. Using content analysis, this study analyzes a sample of eight popular Disney Princess movies utilizing a codebook to assess the demographics, types of interactions, and personal/appearance characteristics of …

Generating A Sparse Fluorescent Reporter For A Phagocytic Cell In C. Elegans To Characterize Compartmentalized Cell Elimination, Idararosa Ekong

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Programmed cell death is particularly important for animal development. Our lab discovered a new form of cell death called Compartmentalized Cell Elimination (CCE) in the nematode C. elegans. Here three segments of a complex epithelial cell called the tailspike cell (TSC), that shapes the animal’s tail, die differently. After a cell dies, it remains are taken up by a phagocyte (cell-eating cells) through a process called phagocytosis. We wish to image phagocytosis of the TSC as it dies, we have a fluorescent reporter for the phagocyte. However, in the current version of this marker expression is extremely broad, other cells …

The Science Behind Stuttering: Reducing Stigma And Public Misconceptions, Christine Hekmat Abasi

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Persistent Developmental Stuttering (PDS) affects about 1% of the world's adult population across all cultures and social classes (Buchel & Sommer, 2004). Stigma, especially around stuttering, can be perpetrated in many ways. There has been and continues to be a strong connection between stuttering in mainstream media and negative characteristics such as lack of intelligence, nervousness, or lack of social skills. This study investigates the source of negative social stigma and possible methods to reduce negative stigma. Participants joined in an empirically-based survey meant to analyze thoughts and beliefs on stuttering and the origin of those beliefs. The results are …

Fabrication Of A Microfluidic System To Generate Micro-Carrier Beads For Cell Culture, Giles Fitzwilliams

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Current procedures used to make microfluidic systems can range up to thousands of dollars. The objective of this project was to create a cost-effective four-inlet microfluidic system that can produce uniform microcarrier beads ranging from 100 μm to 1000 μm in diameter. To create this device, research was done on sodium alginate and gelatin, bead components, properties, and their interactions with one another within a microfluidic system. The device was fabricated using a 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic design mold and encasing the mold in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). After cleaning the device with acetone, Harvard syringe pumps were …

The Problem Of Inefficient Machinery In Industries Affects Overall Production And Causes Substantial Errors, Katia Lopez

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

The problem of inefficient machinery in industries affects overall production and can cause significant errors. The Human Assistance for Robot Arm (HAFRA) project consists of a Universal Robot, specifically the UR5, an Intel RealSense depth camera, and software programs. The robot receives a position from the computer vision program, which uses the camera to detect an AruCo tag, and then suctions the envelopes from a conveyor belt and places them into a bin. The project also includes human assistance, which allows remote picking by an operator. A human is able to view an image and use the mouse cursor to …

Social Media As A Tool For Education And Awareness Of Mental Health, Mikaela Neubauer

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

With the growing levels of awareness and discussion of mental health on social media, online social platforms provide a unique and powerful opportunity to reach people. Are social media campaigns effective avenues and tools for circulating educational mental health content and advertising mental health resources? This project uses content analysis to determine the efficacy of a social media campaign regarding mental health. The campaign was designed based off research on the target audience and other previously successful social media campaigns and run for the therapy platform Atlas Health Group Inc. This study found that women ages 21-32 are mostly likely …

Life Cycle Analysis Of Recycled Aggregate And Recycled Plastic In Concrete, Allison Fenske

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Life cycle analysis [LCA] can compare the environmental impact of products and processes. When waste plastic and waste concrete is not responsibly disposed of, it can end up harming sensitive ecosystems by secreting toxins into its surroundings. To utilize the waste plastic and waste concrete, a study was conducted prior to this one that mixed both recycled wastes in the same mix design. This current study will explore the environmental impacts of the alternatives of the previous study. The analysis is being conducted to determine if the alternative is truly a more sustainable alternative, or if the life of the …

Gender Bias And Creative Idea Evaluation, Carley Andrew

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Gender bias in evaluating creative ideas can partially be explained by role incongruity theory; a perceived mismatch of gender roles and stereotypes with an individual’s sex, leading to gendered outcomes. Idea evaluation is the process of cognitive appraisal, and it is a vital aspect of the creative process. Previous literature links higher perceived levels of creativity to males. The present study utilized a mixed-subjects design of both within (idea gender source) and between-subjects factors (control vs. stereotype threat groups). The sample consisted of 261 undergraduates. The study found that male-generated ideas had fewer pros and cons and no higher evaluations …

Effects Of Personality Traits On The Truncation Of Decision-Making Tasks, Hoa Nickolas Huynh

2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

The Asian Disease Problem or ADP is a hypothetical situation with a framing bias or effect created by Tversky and Kahneman. By utilizing the ADP, we want to observe whether certain personality traits like numeracy (NUM), need for cognition (NC), and need for cognitive closure (NCC) affect participant base decision making. This decision may be based on information that is presented to them or information that has been “mentally filled in” by implications. We used an online survey to gather our data through Amazon MTurk. The survey consisted of demographic questions, personality scales, and the decision tasks that were divided …

The Future Is Female? Evaluating The Utility Of Female Professional Networking Organizations, Lily Arbuckle

Communication Undergraduate Honors Theses

In today’s competitive global market, harnessing the individual strengths of all organizational members is crucial for success. Organizations across all industries need diverse representation and contributions. However, women and other groups continue to be disadvantaged, lacking the same representation that majority and advantaged groups enjoy. The prevalence of gender bias in the workplace not only hinders professional success for women, but also the success of their organizations. To combat some of these issues, networking organizations are forming to help support women through mentorship and relationship building. Most studies in the academic sphere investigate female networking organizations at the professional level. …

Broiler Efficiency As Affected By Dietary Protein Supply And Grain Source, Victoria Reid

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

This experiment was conducted to compare the effects of different diet compositions on performance and carcass yield of male broilers from 15 to 36 days of age. In total, 593 male birds were divided across a randomized design that consisted of 6 dietary treatments, each with 8 replications. The treatments included pelleted diets that varied in grain type and crude protein (CP) value: 3 sorghum-based diets at 20%, 18.75%, and 17.5% CP and 3 corn-sorghum blended diets at the same CP levels. CP amounts impacted only body weight gain and feed conversion rate while feed intake only differed with grain …

Effects Of Retail Case Environment And Led Lighting Temperature On Color And Oxidation Of Previously Frozen Ground Beef Patties, Devin Elaine Whiteside

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate different environments of retail cases and LED lighting temperatures to observe how these conditions affect oxidation of previously frozen ground beef patties. Coarse ground beef (85% lean) was purchased from a commercial beef processor, fine ground through a 10 mm grinder plate, and then formed into 1/3-pound patties with an automatic patty forming machine. Patties were then randomly assigned to four different treatments: open-front display cases with 3000 K lighting (OPEN3000), open-front cases 3500 K lighting (OPEN3500), reach-in door display with 3000 K lighting (CLOSED3000), and reach-in door display at 3500 K …

Social Determinants Associated With Prenatal Visits At A Community Health Center, Savannah Busch

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Understanding the barriers to prenatal care could have implications for community health initiatives, as early initiation of care is vital to maternal and fetal health. Social factors that impact health outcomes and behaviors, such as prenatal care, are referred to as Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), and studying the combined effects of multiple SDoHs is a newer method to identify a specific population’s needs. Purpose: This study explores the associations between SDoH and the initiation and number of prenatal appointments in a cohort of women receiving care at a local community health center (CHC). Methodology: The study retrospectively analyzes …

The Effects Of Water With Anti-Inflammatory Capabilities (Wac) On Circulating Inflammatory Biomarkers At Rest And Following Resistance Exercise, Brittany Martin

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Purpose: To determine the effects of waters with anti-inflammatory capabilities (WAC) influence circulating inflammatory biomarkers at rest and following resistance exercise. Methods: Participants completed a heavy lifting protocol and drank water with anti-inflammatory capabilities for a total of six weeks. Blood samples were taken at different at 9 different time intervals to assess concentrations of anti-inflammatory markers and to quantify inflammatory biomarkers. Those time intervals included pre-AHREP 1 and post-AHREP 1, 24-hr post-AHREP 1, 48-hr post-AHREP 1, 3-week check-up, pre-AHREP 2, post-AHREP 2, 24-hr post-AHREP 2, and 48-hr post-AHREP 2. Background: The biomarkers that were focused on were: IL-6 …

Transmission Risk Of Malaria Via Gas Flares In Africa, Elle Blake

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Gas flaring occurs at oil drilling sites around the world. It is a method to get rid of the extra gas, as well as to release pressure in emergency situations. The pollutants that are contributed to the air through routine gas flaring can be extremely harmful. Chemicals such as sulfur dioxide and methane are burned into the air we breathe (Baker Hughes, 2019). Not only does this have a direct impact on our health, but also on greenhouse gas emissions. The effects on greenhouse gas emissions impact diseases such as Malaria by increasing the temperature of our planet. The purpose …

Effects Of Recess On Educational Outcomes In Elementary School Children, Katelyn Whitham

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: Because physical activity is beneficial for physical and mental health, the declining opportunities to implement adequate recesses in schools are devastating for children. If educational outcomes are positively affected by increased recess time or quality, schools are more likely to receive funding for programs and resources that support this renovation to recesses, providing research in lacking topics. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review is to find related, academic articles for cross examination of data collected on the effects that recess has on educational outcomes so that schools may use this as a resource to receive funding to increase …

Determining The Protocol And Testing Feasibility And Intensity Of The Burn2learn Interventions And Measures In College Students, Sarah Schwarz

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

High-intensity interval training(HIIT) is a time-efficient form of exercise that combines aerobic and resistance training methods. HIIT workouts have been found to improve executive functioning, therefore making it beneficial for school aged children. This study is an extension of the Burn2Learn protocols developed in Australia. The purpose of this study is to develop the protocol and testing feasibility and intensity of the Burn2Learn activities in college students, specifically comparing an exercise only (Gym) HIIT session and an exercise + cognitive activity (Brain) HIIT session. The participants of this study consisted of 15 undergrad students aged 20-22. Participants took mEMA cognitive …

Print News Media And Prisoner Reentry: An Exploratory Study Of Local Newspapers In 2018, Sydney Gaughan

Sociology and Criminology Undergraduate Honors Theses

In hopes to fill gaps on this subject, the current study uses ethnographic content analysis on newspaper articles while investigating the following research questions: (1) How does local news media portray recidivism by reentering prisoners? and in turn, (2) What are some characteristics of those news articles associated with the likelihood of local media using specific portrayals or “frames”?

There are several reasons to examine these research questions. First, this research aims to convey how local news media might use their positions to create narratives for public consumption that foster worry and panic. This study can shed light on the …

Unequal Treatment: An Exploration Of Immigrant-Related Factors And Likelihood Of Discrimination In The United States, Sophia Woods

Sociology and Criminology Undergraduate Honors Theses

Despite the rapid and considerable growth of the Latino population in the United States, the continual xenophobic rhetoric surrounding Latino immigration along with the nativist public policies set in place have led to higher rates of discrimination. Latino immigrant discrimination has shown to have consequences on mental health, social isolation, physical health, and trust of law enforcement. Using data from the Pew Research Center, I explored the specific factors associated with Latino immigrants that increase the likelihood of experiencing discrimination in the United States. In line with much of the prior literature, age, ethnic identity, English proficiency, Mexican origin, fear …

Can Violent Political Rhetoric Influence Bias Homicide Rates? Analyzing The Trump Effect, Tyler Joseph Patrick Ford

Sociology and Criminology Undergraduate Honors Theses

The founding document of the United States declares that all men are created equal. However, history has shown that this is not the case. Citizens in this country have been discriminated against since its inception based on their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, and many other factors. The first Federal Legislation passed to prevent discrimination against citizens in the United States did not come until 1968, which “made it a crime to use, or threaten to use, force to willfully interfere with any person because of race, color, religion, or national origin” (United States, Department of Justice). It …

Perceived Covid-19 Threat Across The Intersections Of Age, Race/Ethnicity, And Gender, Christina Varghese

Sociology and Criminology Undergraduate Honors Theses

Studying how perceived threat of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) differs across intersections of age and race/ethnicity as well as age and gender will create a basis for identifying subgroups at greater risk of negative mental health outcomes. I analyzed nationally representative survey data collected in February 2021 from the Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel (N=9,069). To measure perceived threat, the respondents were asked whether COVID-19 is considered 0) no threat, minor threat, or 1) major threat for personal and population health. Race/ethnicity, gender, and age categories are used as independent variables. Results from logistic regression models indicate that …