Honors Thesis Collection

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https://jewlscholar.mtsu.edu/handle/mtsu/4628

Honors Thesis Collection

As of January 2018, the complete online archive of the Honors Thesis Collection is located at http://jewlscholar.mtsu.edu/handle/mtsu/3483.

The items below only represent a portion of the collection and are included in the complete collection located at the link above.

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    Accounting's Role in the Ethical Behavior of Management
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2015-12-02) Ball, Emily
    Within business there are many debates over the ethical behavior that managers employ when making business decisions. There are many decisions made every day that question ethical codes of conduct. Though some actions may be legal, they may not necessarily be ethical. This paper delves deeper into this ethical debate of management’s behavior within organizations. It explains how accounting is used to influence the ethical behavior of management. Even accounting standards and regulations do not encompass all ethical decision making within an organization. Some decisions are entirely based on ethics and what a company deems appropriate. This paper takes the ideas of earnings management and agency theory and determines how they affect the ethical decision making of management. This paper explores the background of accounting and how company culture, agency theory, and fraud affect the ethical behavior of management within a company.
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    De anima: An Exploration Using the Short Story
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2017-05) Owens, Hanah
    In this project, I set out to illustrate each of the human faculties identified by Aristotle in his De anima in order to examine their role in shaping the perceptions of the individual: a conceptual, singular entity. In doing so, I ultimately strive to establish an understanding of the nature of what Aristotle calls the human soul, which is more likely known to the modern reader as the human psyche. In order to accomplish such a task, I have written a collection of five short stories. Each is an attempt to illustrate one faculty, in particular, of those listed by Aristotle as comprising the soul: desire, reason and understanding, imagination, memory, and emotion. Together, these stories form a collection which suggests that the soul is not only comprised of an individual’s faculties but is also intertwined with the souls of those who surround the singular individual.
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    Antibacterial Properties of Plant Extracts Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria gonorrhoeae
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2016-05) Saine, Kelly
    The overuse of antibiotics has led to multi-drug resistant (MDR) organisms which few antibiotics can kill. Due to the need for novel antibiotics, pharmaceutical developers are looking at ancient homeopathic remedies for answers. The purpose of this study was to determine if any traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) crude extracts had antibacterial properties, with the larger goal of identifying antibacterial drug candidates. A total of 120 extracts from 22 plants used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) from Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants (GBGMP) in Nanning, China were assayed against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This was done following Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines for aerobacteria using the broth microdilution assay and the disk diffusion assay, respectively. The broth microdilution assayed revealed the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the MIC50. Select extracts exhibiting greater than 80% bacterial inhibition and less than 10% toxicity against mammalian cells underwent a dose response to determine the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Of the 120 extracts assayed, none were found to inhibit N. gonorrhoeae. Overall, 28 extracts exhibited inhibition within the above parameters against S. pneumoniae. Three of the extracts had bactericidal potential, 21 had bacteriostatic potential, and four extracts had confounding results and need to be retested. Further testing is needed to identify pure compounds from the crude extracts.
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    Apocalypse Then and Now
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2015-12-02) Duke, John
    This project is a documentary film about changing perspectives in public opinion and public memory of the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War was an event that left a mark on American society and is seen by many as a turning point in American history. This project will examine how the Vietnam War is remembered by the American people, both those who were young when the war was happening and those who are only now studying it. The main content of this project comes from a series of interviews with veterans of the Vietnam War returning to Vietnam decades later and with modern-day college students who are studying the war through a study abroad program in Vietnam. This project will show how people’s personal opinions on the war have changed over the years and how the entire American society’s views on Vietnam have shifted across generations and will attempt to explain why these changes have occurred.
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    Applying a Model of Bystander Apathy: Increasing Intervention in Child Emotional Abuse
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2016-12) Still, Jensen
    Childcare workers observe many things, most of them are joyful, but a few are horrific. This thesis focused on the latter by applying empirically supported bystander apathy reduction methods to situations of child emotional abuse perpetrated by parents and recognized in the childcare setting. Specifically, an in depth exploration of Bibb Latané and John Darley’s bystander apathy model was applied to cases of children suffering psychological trauma to create guidelines designed to move childcare workers from the first stages of accurate recognition to the final stages of effective reporting. The resulting guidelines include recommendations to help childcare workers progress through noticing emotional abuse symptoms in a childcare setting, recognizing these symptoms as requiring further investigation, assuming responsibility for reporting, knowing how to report, and accepting any costs that may come as a result of intervention.
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    Are Ethical Hackers the Best Solution for Combating the Growing World of Cyber-Crime?
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2017-05) Marsh, Devin
    n/a
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    Assessment of Anti Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Activity in Bidens biternata and Mangifera persiciformis
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2017-05) Tabotabo, Darcy
    The disease known as herpes, caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV), is a common infection resulting in lesions on the mouth or genitals. At least half of the population of the United States has experienced infection by HSV. There is presently no preventative vaccine for HSV and resistance to acyclovir, the only currently available therapy, is increasing. This signals a need to find other chemotherapeutic agents to use in treatment. This research evaluated extracts from two plants, Bidens biternata and Mangifera persiciformis, both used in traditional Chinese medicine, for potential anti herpes properties in a cell culture system. Both of these plants have shown high anti herpes activity. Bidens biternata showed 6% cytotoxicity from its most active fraction; however, this fraction failed to reliably inhibit HSV. We report an unknown isolated compound from M. persiciformis that has shown nearly 90% virus inhibition with 6% cytotoxicity at 50 μg/mL. This promising compound will be evaluated for structural identification in a future project. ii
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    Assessment of Somatic Cell Count, Milk Production, and Hygiene in Dairy Cows Housed in a Compost-Bedded Pack Barn
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2015) Grosskreutz, Emily
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    Assessment of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine Plant Extracts' Potential to Inhibit Activity of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2016-05) Huynh, Trang
    Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is associated with oral and genital lesions as well as more serious, even fatal, infections in immunocompromised patients or when transmitted to infants. Currently, there is no cure or preventative vaccine available for HSV. Acyclovir is used for treatment of HSV infections but resistance to this drug is common in immunocompromised patients and severe side effects can develop when used by pregnant mothers and infants. The lack of a preventative option and limited treatments demonstrate the need for more effective treatment measures. Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of TCM plants against various illnesses, but little has been done to evaluate TCM plant extracts against HSV-1. This study tested 51 TCM extracts from 13 different plants for their potential to inhibit HSV-1. Extracts were separated into fractions and dissolved in the solvents petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, 95% ethanol or water. Vero cells were used to evaluate plant extracts for anti HSV-1 activity. Extracts were combined with virus and protection of cells was determined by using PrestoBlue, a cell viability fluorescent dye. Extracts were tested for toxic effects on host cells and were diluted to non-toxic levels prior to antiviral testing. A total of 51 extracts from 13 different plants were tested. Out of these 51 extracts, 14 were found to have at least 50% viral inhibition with 3 of them showing above 95% viral inhibition. The ultimate goal of this study is to isolate and identify a pure compound that can combat HSV-1. ii
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    At the Intersection of Earth and Sky: Archaeoastronomy and Experimental Archeology, an Autoethnographic Perspective of Sacred Landscapes
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2015-12) Harris, Lydia
    This project was designed to use the methods of phenomenology and experimental archaeology to explore the mind and practices of the Neolithic Passage Tomb builders of Ireland, connecting first with the monuments within their original landscape, then attempting to understand their construction through the design and execution of a solar-centered sacred space. The intent was to understand the process: its difficulty and logic, the amount of knowledge of the movement of heavenly bodies needed to create the famous solar alignments and the incorporation of symbolism and function into a single meaningful space. By doing so, the author examined the use of the method of phenomenology for its place within the ideological and methodological toolkit of archaeology.
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    “The Athens of the South”: How the Athenian Parthenon Reinforces and Shapes the Cultural Identity of Nashville, Tennessee
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2016-12) Judkins, Luke
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    Attitudes Toward Interpersonal Violence Against Women as a Function of Relationship
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2015-12-02) Musgrove, Olivia
    This study hypothesized that people would be more accepting of violence towards prostitutes than towards other victims, that women would be less tolerant of violence toward either party than men, and that women would see both situations as equally unacceptable, but men would see violence toward prostitutes as more acceptable than violence against an ex-lover. Participants (114 undergraduate students) were asked to read one of two scenarios involving violence: one involving a prostitute relationship and the other involving an ex-lover relationship. The attitudes being measured were analyzed using a 2 (participant gender) x 2 (relationship: prostitute or ex-lover) ANOVA. The results of this study support all three hypotheses. Women were more pro-victim than men; people were more accepting of violence toward the prostitute than the ex-lover; and women saw both situations as equally unacceptable, but men saw violence toward prostitutes as more acceptable than violence against the ex-lover.
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    Baba Yaga: The Judicious Magistrate of Russian Folklore
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2016-12) Johnson, Kate Ruth
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    Behavioral and Physiological Responses to Simulated Predator Induced Stress in the Eastern Box Turtle, Terrapene carolina carolina
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2016-12) Lay, Victoria
    The behavioral and physiological responses of eastern box turtles, Terrapene carolina carolina, to a simulated predatory encounter were measured. Wild box turtles were randomly assigned to a stimulus intensity group, which consisted of observation (control), a visual stimulus, a poke on the leg, or a pinch on the leg before being flipped. Behavior in response to the stimulus was observed from a distance for 5 minutes, except for the control which was observed for 15 minutes. Immediately after the observation period, turtles were captured and had a small blood sample taken, after which a pinch gauge was used to measure the shell’s closing force. The results indicate that the stronger the simulated predatory stimulus, the stronger the behavioral responses, with the turtles taking more advantage of their fully closable shell at the more intense stimulus groups. However, stimulus intensity did not affect the plasma corticosterone or plasma lactate response. This may be due to too short or weak of a stimulus, increased parasympathetic activity, or seasonal effects. Upon capture and during handling almost all turtles withdrew into their shells and closed their anterior plastron, although fewer actually closed their posterior plastron, and a few engaged in other behaviors such as biting, urinating, and air walking. There appeared to be a correlation between box turtle size and pinch strength; however, the relatively large size of the pinch gauge may have put smaller turtles at a disadvantage compared to larger turtles because of excessive stretching of their closing muscles. The results of this study indicate that in spite of their fully closable shell, box turtles exhibit a complex, graded response to perceived threats. This strongly suggests that full closure of the shell is likely to be costly and occurs only in response to the most intense stimuli.
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    Brexit: An Analysis of Eurosceptic Mobilisation and the British Vote to Leave the European Union
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2016-12) McCrary, Kayla
    In June 2016, Britain narrowly voted to leave the European Union in an in/out referendum on membership. Undoubtedly, the implications of such a vote are unprecedented. Recent mobilisations of Euroscepticism across the European Union have culminated with the first decisive move: Britain’s vote to leave the EU. In the following paper, the implications of Euroscepticism in Britain, as well as briefly discussed in Europe, will be placed contextually in an analysis of Britain’s vote to leave the European Union. The analysis does not intend to argue for or against Brexit, nor does it intend to be a comprehensive and fully-detailed account. In regard to the timing of the vote, many aspects of this paper are transforming and changing as events unfold. As a result, this paper intends to rely heavily on historical implications of Euroscepticism as well as a recent literature on the theories of Eurosceptic voting, demographics, and the history of the relationship between the UK and the EU. The conclusions of the paper wrap up the overall analysis of Euroscepticism, arriving at the conclusion that populist and anti-globalist sentiments driven by political parties such as United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) mobilised Euroscepticism, allowing for a philosophy to transform into effective policy change.
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    Business as Mission: Alleviating Poverty by Reconciling Relationships
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2016-12) Davis, Keaton
    This thesis explores the idea that every human suffers from poverty in their four relationships with self, God, others, and creation. Christians believe that the only way to reconcile these relationships is to accept the gift of salvation from Jesus Christ, who restores all things. The Bible calls for Christians to share this good news of salvation with everyone. A growing worldwide movement to answer this calling is Business as Mission (BAM). This way of doing business describes companies that share the Kingdom of God, focus on holistic transformation of communities through economic, social, and environmental means, concern themselves with the poorest and least evangelized people around them, and commit to profitability and sustainability. By operating in this way, businesses hope to alleviate the poverty of these four relationships. This thesis describes how BAM accomplishes this, gives examples of BAM practices in Murfreesboro, TN, and provides an example BAM company.
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    Characterization of Aurone X as a Potential Drug Candidate Against Cryptococcus neoformans
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2016-05) Mohammed, Yusra
    Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) is an opportunistic, fungal pathogen that can spread from the lungs to the central nervous system and cause life-threatening meningitis, most commonly in immune depressed individuals. There are currently four drugs on the market that are the standard treatment; however, these have resulted in renal toxicity, liver failure, and resistant strains. The lack of safe, effective medication for treating cryptococcal meningitis is the motivation for identifying if aurone X is a potential drug candidate by characterizing the compound’s inhibition. The screening of an aurone library using the A27-M2 CLSI standard micro-dilution method identified aurone X, which showed > 90% inhibition to Cn. Toxicity assays conducted on rat L6 fibroblasts and human THP1 macrophages showed minimal toxicity. Additional tests were performed to determine aurone x’s potential as a drug candidate. We characterized the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of aurone X in different medias, at different cell concentrations, with different serotypes and strains, and tested for synergy with Fluconazole, Flucytosine, and Amphotericin B. Based on our data of aurone X’s low toxicity and effectiveness at low dosages, aurone X could be a possible drug candidate against Cn infections.
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    A Child’s World: A qualitative study of the social and cultural construct of kindergarten children
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2017-05) Sharp, Calla
    The purpose of this study is to study the social and cultural constructs of Kindergarten children. Since the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC), more attention and focus has been placed on voices of children. The researcher wanted to find out what children think of their school, home life and their emotions. A qualitative study was conducted with 30 Kindergarteners at a local elementary school in fall 2016. Through small group focus interview and work sample (children’s drawing), in-depth data were collected. Adopting Urie Brofenbrenner’s ecological systems theory as the theoretical framework, this study envision to study the implication of the data on children’s construct of childhood. The data will be coded and analyzed according to emerging themes. The results and findings of this research are useful to parents and educators across the world.
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    Chronological Life Span of Saccharomyces cereviseae Folate Biosynthesis Mutants
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2015) Merryman, Mitch
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    Civic Engagement Among College-Aged Youth in Middle Tennessee
    (University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2017-05) Shotwell, Jessica
    4 ABSTRACT This study examines social activism among young blacks in Middle Tennessee in the age of Black Lives Matter (BLM). Special attention is given to the participation of college-age young people, and their participation in high-risk activities such as protests and demonstrations. Drawing from the political context theory on youth civic engagement, I hypothesize that black college-aged students participate in high-risk civic engagement, and that this participation is influenced by the current Black Lives Matter movement. This study’s data includes a total of 210 surveys distributed on the campuses of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Tennessee State University (TSU), and Fisk University. Data are also drawn from secondary sources including local media stories of social activism among young blacks in Middle Tennessee. The results show that 45% of black students have participated in high-risk civic engagement, and over 75.6% report a likeliness to participate within the next year. The study focuses on the period from 2014-2017, which experienced an outburst of protests across the country, including Middle Tennessee, particularly focused on police accountability, criminal justice reform, and racial equity on college campuses.