Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

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 …

Impacts Of Post-Incarceration Programming For Women's Lives And Local Communities, Megan Greenslade

Sociology and Criminology Undergraduate Honors Theses

Previous research on reentry programming has focused mostly on male inmates and less attention is given to female inmates. In Arkansas, where female reentry rates have recently increased, research is needed to add to the conversation surrounding effective programming for previously justice-involved women, its impact on their lives and behaviors, and how this can influence the likelihood of recidivism. This qualitative study also aims to discover whether reentry programming can have a positive impact on the local community. Residents and staff at a local Northwest Arkansas transitional housing facility for previously justice-involved women were interviewed to analyze the effects of …

Sustainable Megastructures: Examining The Synergy Between Smart Technologies And Eco-Friendly Lifestyles In High-Density Urban Environments, Reagan G. Potts

2023 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

This undergraduate thesis delves into the concept of megastructures in architecture, which refers to futuristic proposals and experimental designs in urban development during the early 1960s. The study focuses on investigating the potential social and environmental problems that may arise as megastructures become more prevalent in urban design due to technological advancements. The research is significant as it has the potential to impact the architecture community positively. By presenting well-informed insights, designers can make better decisions and address social and environmental issues that may arise due to the implementation of megastructures. The methodology employed in this research involves a comprehensive …

Increasing Adherence Of Chg Bathing: An Evidence-Based Practice Quality Improvement Project, Melissa Benedetto

DNP Projects

Introduction

Patients admitted to hospitals are at risk for developing Healthcare-acquired Infections (HAIs). Evidence suggests that these infections, including Central Line Associated Infections (CLABSIs), increase the cost of patient care and have a negative impact on patient outcomes. Daily chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing has been identified to help decrease HAIs in the hospital for patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), those with Multi-drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs), and/or patients with a Central Venous Catheter (CVC).

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to implement an intervention to assess and improve CHG bathing adherence for hospitalized patients. Patients targeted include those at …

The Implementation Of A No-Show And Cancellation Policy In The Primary Care Setting: Quality Improvement Project, Dwayne Hall

DNP Projects

The purpose of this quality improvement project is to evaluate the implementation of a no-show and cancellation policy in an urban out-patient primary care setting. The high occurrence of patient no-shows and cancellations in primary care settings is a persistent problem affecting how efficiently healthcare is delivered. No-shows occur when a patient makes an appointment and does not attend the appointment. It diminishes the practice opportunity to schedule other patients in the missed appointment time slot, thus leading to a loss of revenue. It tends to affect practice resource allocation, thereby worsening the quality of healthcare services. The current problem …

The 2022 Arkansas Gubernatorial Election And The Impact Of High-Profile Conservative Women On Gender Perceptions, Frances Delacey

Political Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

How does the presence of a high-profile female candidate impact citizen gender perceptions about women in politics, specifically conservative candidates? Studies aimed at finding which common identities voters will align with, whether it be gender or political party, have found that voters will be more likely to align with their party rather than gender. In The Clinton Effect? The (Non)Impact of a High-Profile Candidate on Gender Stereotypes it was found that voters primed for Clinton did not experience a difference in gender perceptions as compared to those not primed. Voters still carry biased views as they define appropriate attributes of …

Their Pain Is Our Pain: The Intersectionality Of Identity Formation, Socioeconomic Status (Ses), And Transgenerational Trauma In Latine Youth, Fernanda Alcantara

Political Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis will explore the intersectionality of identity formation, socioeconomic status (SES) and transgenerational trauma in Latine youth. There is extensive research in the Hispanic identity formation and the factors that influence it. However, there is little to no research that focuses on the role SES and transgenerational trauma from growing up in a Hispanic household with adversities specific to the immigrant experience and how they influence identity formation during the pre- adolescent and adolescent years. As well as how the Hispanic identity they form influences the adversities they face and SES they shift to or stay in. This research …

Measuring Attitudes And Behavioral Trends As It Pertains To Global Poverty Eradication, Zoe Patrick

Political Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Since the 1990s, approximately 1.1 billion people have escaped poverty across the globe, and they no longer must live on less than $2.00 a day. This progress has been consistent over the last 20 years, but recent social and economic disruptions have led to a steadily increasing number of people struggling under the weight of extreme poverty. Data collected by the World Bank shows that 88 to 115 million people are projected to be pushed into extreme poverty because of the 2020 economic downturn and coronavirus pandemic. There are hundreds of nonprofit organizations that donate time and money towards the …

Trauma And Academic Impact: Stories From At-Risk Youth, Brenda Morton, Edd.

Faculty Publications - College of Education

Youth continue to leave school prior to earning a high school diploma, despite focused attention and resources on this population of students (Porche, et al., 2011), leaving unanswered questions as to what support this group of students need. Researchers identified attendance, disciplinary issues, and low grade point average, as prevalent in dropouts, but few have explored the story behind the statistics. This study sought to fill this gap in the literature by exploring the role of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in the lives of students at risk for academic failure, by examining their lived experiences. To that end, …

The Nuclear Role Of Rpt1 In Long-Term Synaptic Plasticity, Lindsey Duke

Biology Theses

The hippocampus is the region of the brain responsible for the formation and storage of memory for places, events, and things. In order for memories to be stored for long periods of time, the connections between nerve cells called synapses must get stronger. The ability of the synapses to change in strength is termed synaptic plasticity which can last a few minutes (short-term) or for days and years or even a lifetime (long-term). Previous research pointed to the requirement of new gene transcription and protein synthesis for long-term synaptic plasticity. Research over the past several years indicates that protein degradation …

Nursing Students’ Cultural Awareness And High-Fidelity Simulation Skills, Shorok Hamed M Alahmedi

Nursing Dissertations - Archive

Cultural awareness is learning to be self-aware of other cultures and even an individual’s own culture. Nursing students learn about influences of values and beliefs, and the impacts of culture as they consider how to care for patients of other cultures. However, as students are learning cultural awareness for patient care they may struggle with some of their own cultural values and beliefs that may affect them in ways that they are not aware. This descriptive correlational study involved two research questions that examined undergraduate nursing students’ (n = 51) cultural awareness, and the association between undergraduate nursing students’ cultural …

Earnings Management In Response To Fair Treatment: The Roles Of Organizational Identity And Moral Identity, Kimberly M. Bates

Management Dissertations - Archive

Fraud continues to be an issue that organizations face globally, losing an estimated 5% of annual revenue for a total of $4.5 trillion globally. However, fraudulent behavior is difficult to study due to the unacceptable nature of it. I provide researchers with an adapted measure of earnings management that mitigates the socially undesirable act of earnings management which can suppress findings in self-reported studies. Additionally, based on the target similarity model, my dissertation considers accountants’ perception of fair treatment by the organization on willingness to engage in earnings management benefiting the organization. I survey 123 financial and managerial accountants to …

Intersections Between Social Work And Public Administration: A Case Study Of Urban Water Poverty, Katherine M. Lindsey

Social Work Theses - Archive

Despite infrastructure advances, water testing, and environmental policies, there are still areas in the United States that lack clean water. Some communities are negatively impacted by policies, location, socioeconomic status, water obtainment methods, and racial, ethnic, or cultural differences. Social workers desiring to intervene may not know where to begin. To identify potential interventions, this case study examines how the community of Green Tree Estates gained access to clean water through advocacy efforts and community organizing. This community, located within a large city in Texas, is a previously annexed, small mobile home community consisting of a Hispanic, Spanish speaking population …

Challenges Experienced By Rural Informal Caregivers Of Older Adults: A Scoping Review, Jon Shuffler

Social Work Theses - Archive

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document the state of the literature regarding the challenges experienced by rural informal caregivers of older adults in the United States. Methods: A scoping review of peer-reviewed academic articles published through December 1, 2021, was conducted, utilizing the scoping review framework of Arksey and O’Malley (2005). The initial search resulted in 1,255 articles for review, of which 12 studies were included for the final review. Results: Thematic content analysis was utilized to identify emerging themes of challenges experienced by rural informal caregivers of older adults. The identified themes of challenges include a …

I Kissed Shaming Goodbye: Mental Health Implications Of Christian Purity Culture, Danielle Miriam Stillman

Social Work Theses - Archive

This study investigates the impact of Christian “purity culture,” a particular variety of shame and guilt-based approach to sexual development, on the millennial generation. An emerging body of personal reminiscences and essays have been written about the experience of growing up as part of this culture and the damage that has resulted from the teachings impressed upon those born from 1981-1996 during their adolescence. The research introduces social work theory and recommendations for working with the population’s mental health treatment into the body of literature. Data was collected through qualitative methods of research in personal interviews conducted with the researcher …

Autonomous Aerial Vehicles Distributed Control And Interactive Games, Yusuf Kartal

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations - Archive

As the number of quadrotors and other Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) increases in industrial and urban areas, the development of reliable engineering methods to control their behavior as they interact with each other becomes of central interest in control research. With the increase in demand for UAVs to work together, several real-life challenges need to be addressed that include the implementation, test, and validation of the control algorithms in flight test experiments. On the one hand, the interests of UAVs may be in harmony to perform certain tasks such as transportation, surveillance and reconnaissance. On the other hand, the interests …

The Latina Experience: Ethnic Markers & Identity Building At An Hispanic Serving Institution, Tatiana Marie Rivera

Sociology & Anthropology Theses - Archive

This study addresses the identity reconstruction process and ethnic marker development of 2nd generation Latina undergraduates attending a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). A qualitative study consisting of 12 individual interviews and a focus group consisting of two new respondents and two old ones (N=14) were conducted virtually to understand how identity was reconstructed, and which ethnic markers this new generation uses to identify other Latinx. To understand the identity reconstruction process and ethnic marker identification, borderlands theory with a focus on the mestiza consciousness was employed. Results show that not all Latinas reconstruct their identity once they start attending an …

Not All Discounts Are Created Equal: Power Distance Belief And Locus-Of-Discount In A Product Bundle, Hsin-Yi Liao

Business Administration Dissertations - Archive

ABSTRACT: This paper examines the relationship between power distance belief (PDB) – the tendency to accept and endorse power disparity – and preference for a discount on the focal (vs. tie-in) product in a product bundle. The findings show that high PDB consumers prefer a discount on the focal (vs. tie-in) product in a bundle, whereas low PDB consumers’ preference is not affected by the locus-of-discount. This difference is driven by the greater tendency to differentiate among high (vs. low) PDB consumers. Furthermore, contextual factor that affect consumers’ differentiation tendency, namely consumers’ prioritization tendency, set boundary condition for the impact …

Synthesis And Function Of Ion-Selective Single-Molecule Fluorescent Imaging Molecules And Materials, Alena A. Denisenko

Chemistry & Biochemistry Dissertations - Archive

Neutrinos are fermion subatomic particles that interact only by weak subatomic forces—making them almost impossible to detect. However, they can be produced in specific radioactive decay reactions, such as beta decay. We hypothesize the detection of double beta decay through the tagging of the Ba2+ daughter ion from 136Xe (136Xe —136Ba2+ + 2ν + 2β). The proposal is to develop single-molecule fluorescence imaging (SFMI) technology to investigate gaseous chemical constituents in high-pressure gases (ca. 30-150 psi) at gas-solid interfaces. To achieve proper SMFI, heterogenous self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) containing fluorophores that operate under dry conditions and are turned on when a …

Asset Management Of Wastewater Interceptors Adjacent To Bodies Of Water, Mohammad Bani Fawwaz

Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive

This dissertation presents the viability of managing a pipeline network adjacent to bodies of water to maximize asset life by evaluating the significant factors that affect the condition levels of pipeline assets. Pipeline asset management derives from pipelines’ physical conditions, condition rating, and serviceability through testing, monitoring, and analyzing rupture history. The remaining asset life and structural condition of the pipeline network running near and under bodies of water are often hard to predict. In case of pipeline failure, exuberant damages will occur to the surrounding environment, adding up to disruption in service and repairing costs. This research develops Multinomial …

Photonic Crystal Surface Emitting Lasers, Akhil Raj Kumar Kalapala

Electrical Engineering Dissertations - Archive

ABSTRACT: Since the initial proposal in 1999 by Noda et al., photonic crystal surface emitting lasers (PCSELs) have proven to achieve large area, coherent lasing with a narrow, single mode beam. Owing to their unique orthogonal electrical/optical cavity scheme, PCSELs have emerged as one of the most promising platforms for high power diode lasers. The evanescent coupling of the optical mode in the active region with the photonic crystal layer enables large area two dimensional in-plane lasing mode in the photonic crystal cavity due to bandedge effect. Bragg’s multi-order diffraction provides the necessary feedback for the lasing and enhances surface …

Evaluation And Modeling Of Power System Components, Zachary Ryan Bailey

Electrical Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Future power system architectures will rely on a combination of rotating machines, power electronic devices, and energy storage. While it is possible to procure each component separately and conduct studies incorporating these devices into a system, increases in computing power and advanced computer modeling software have expanded the opportunity for research to be conducted on power system architectures without the need for actual hardware. This provides flexibility by allowing the user to design models of individual components that can then be integrated together or effortlessly interchanged depending on the function or testbed design that is being studied. The UTA IDEAL …