Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects Copyright (c) 2013 Western Kentucky University All rights reserved. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses Recent documents in Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects en-us Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:10:12 PDT 3600 What's that Hooting Sound? A Survey on Novel Sound Producing Mechanisms in Chameleons http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/386 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/386 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:01:28 PST This research project seeks to study how chameleons generate low frequency vibrations, some audible and some not. The mechanism responsible for this 'hoot' is unknown. A modified tracheal appendage we termed “the resonator” has been hypothesized as the potential source of this sound. An anatomical survey was conducted on various chameleon species including, Chameleo melleri (Meller), Chamaeleo pardalis (Ambanja, Nosy Be, Panther, Sambava), Furcifer rhinoceratus, Chamaeleo dilepis (Flapneck), Chamaeleo rudis (Side-striped), Chamaeleo calyptratus (Veiled), Chamaeleo jacksonii (Jackson’s), Chamaeleo quadricornicus (4-horned), Chamaeleo quilensis (Flapneck), Chamaeleo senegalensis (Senegal), Chamaeleo jacksonii xantholophus (giant Jackson’s), and Rhampholean brevicaudatus (Pygmy). Each chameleon was dissected in order to examine its trachea and associated appendages. Sagittal-sections of resonators provided for gross anatomical descriptions. From this, it has been determined that, of the species known to hoot, a resonator is always present and is the likely source for sound production/modification. Chameleon species that have never been heard to hoot follow a pattern of possessing smaller, possibly vestigial, resonators or none at all. Such results will be useful in future studies of chameleon behavior and morphology to better understand this novel vocal structure and its functional significance.

]]> Keyana Boka Debating Immigration: Arizona's Controversial Response to Illegal Hispanic Immigration http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/385 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/385 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:01:22 PST Hispanic Immigration into the United States is no new phenomena. What is new in regards to this immigration is the strict measures being taken by various states where Hispanic immigration is most prevalent. These laws are proving to be arbitrary, punitive, and unethical. Arizona was the first to pass a “stop policy” on immigration with Senate Bill 1070. This bill does not aptly address the many push and pull factors that have caused this immigration; push factors being factors that will drive people away from Latin America, and pull factors being factors that attract them to the United States. Likewise, it does not reflect traditional American values towards immigrants, take acceptable legal procedures to reach its supposed ultimate goal, nor levy appropriate punishments. A thorough analysis of this bill will show that the provisions of this bill are unethical and unconstitutional.

]]> Parker M. Wornall Reaction of Halogenated Hydrocarbons with Cysteine and Nucleotides http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/384 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/384 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:01:17 PST Our objective is to develop a simple, inexpensive model to better understand the biologically relevant reactions of halogenated hydrocarbons and characterize them by NMR spectroscopy. We currently have a model that mimics the adduct created by the reaction of ethylene dibromide (a known toxin and carcinogen) with cysteine and guanosine 5’-monophosphate. Early attempts led to side products including ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol; however, our most promising method to date reacts cysteine with 2-bromoethanol in sodium methoxide/methanol followed by reaction of the 2-hydroxyethyl adduct with HCl and later with guanosine 5’-monophosphate. By reacting other halogenated hydrocarbons through the same method, we can directly compare their unknown reactivity to the known toxicity of ethylene dibromide. If the adducts are similar, additional research on these chemicals can be conducted and if determined toxic, classify them in a means that prevents their use. However through this method, reactions with 3-bromopropanol and 70% 1-bromo-2-propanol/ 30% 2-bromo-1-propanol have failed to convert from their hydroxypropyl adduct to their hydrochloropropyl adduct, indicating the model needs additional research and development.

]]> Brittany S. Morgan In Defense of Adaptation: Aestheticism versus Functionalism in the Wicked Franchise http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/383 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/383 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:01:14 PST This project serves as an extended case study on the adaptability of an aesthetic text into a popular text. It focuses on Gregory Maguire’s original novel Wicked, which drew its inspiration from the universally known land of Oz, and the subsequent stage adaptation by the same name. The first half of the project involves an extensive text-to-stage analysis, delineating the differences between the two mediums. The second half of the project involves an examination of the sequels to the original novel as commodities. Each of the novels is a literary text created for a narrower audience, while the popular text of the musical was created for a wider audience. Each medium of the story, however, functions with its own purpose and can engage in a conversation with the other mediums. The successful transformation of the novel to the musical proves that aesthetic and functional texts can apply to separate yet convergent (or intersecting) audiences, disproving the theory that popular texts are somehow inferior to aesthetic texts.

]]> Amanda S. Adams The Lyme Disease Spirochete in Tick Species Collected from Warren County, Kentucky http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/382 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/382 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:01:10 PST The overall goal of this present study was to determine the prevalence of the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, in south central Kentucky. A survey of ticks collected from a single location in Warren County, Kentucky was conducted between the months of April and June, 2010. A total of 293 ticks were collected. Three species were identified: 264 (91.7 %) of the ticks were Amblyoma americanum, 18 (6.6%) were Dermacentor variabilis, and 1 (0.35%) was Ixodes scapularis. The ten remaining ticks were immature nymphs and could not be identified. After identifying the species and sex of each tick, DNA isolations were performed for each specimen. DNA concentrations ranged from 2.2 ng/µl to 90.9 ng/µl. A PCR-based assay was used to test for the presence of DNA from Borrelia burgdorferi into DNA. The results indicated that 31/293 (10.95%) of ticks tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi.

]]> Cheryl C. Onwu The Concise Guide to the Modern Calvinist/Arminian Debate http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/381 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/381 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:01:03 PST The Calvinist/Arminian debate is not a new issue to the Protestant Church; however, it is an issue that has resurged within contemporary Christianity. One major offense committed in this controversial debate occurs when a person or group uses a term from the opposite side in a way that is not the proponent’s original intent or meaning. Furthermore, misconceptions concerning the actual doctrines maintained by either side have become commonplace in the debate. In order to correct this problem, this thesis will serve as a guide for understanding the Calvinist/Arminian debate. It will provide information on the founders of the two systems, the definitions of fundamental doctrines of each, the definitions of lesser-known terminology of the debate, the truth behind common misconceptions, and an analysis on the debate. This thesis will, in no way, attempt to determine a correct view. All the definitions, information concerning the founders, and information regarding misconceptions have been retrieved from the proponents of the respective theologies. Only Calvinists will define Calvinist terminology and only Arminians will define Arminian terminology. The goal of this work is to present an accurate depiction of both Calvinism and Arminianism.

]]> David J. Leonhardt Synthesis and Characterization of Metallocorrole and Metalloporphyrin Complexes for Catalytic Oxidations http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/380 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/380 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:01:01 PST Macrocyclic ligand-complexed transition metal-oxo intermediates are the active oxidizing species in a variety of important biological and catalytic oxidation reactions. Many transition metal catalysts have been designed to mimic the predominant oxidation catalysts in nature, namely the cytochrome P450 enzymes. Metal porphyrin complexes have been the center of research as catalysts in this context. This study focuses on the synthesis of porphyrin and corrole macrocyclic ligands and the corresponding ruthenium and iron complexes which are fully characterized by UV-vis and NMR spectroscopies.

The catalytic oxidation reactions towards organic sulfides by these metal complexes were also studied. Two ruthenium porphyrin complexes were examined to be suitable catalysts in sulfoxidation reactions with soluble oxygen source under mild conditions. Iodobenzene diacetate [PhI(OAc)2] was found to be an excellent oxygen source with the ruthenium porphyrin complexes toward sulfur oxidations and excellent reactivity and selectivity are observed. Over 95% conversion is reached within 12 hrs for both systems without over-oxidation.

The kinetics of two-electron oxidations of para-substituted thioanisoles by ruthenium(II) carbonyl porphyrin complexes in the presence of iodobenzene diacetate were studied. Based on the results of a series of competition studies of catalytic oxidation reactions, in the absence of organic sulfide, the oxidation of ruthenium(II) porphyrin with excess of PhI(OAc)2 can generate the well-known trans-dioxoruthenium(VI) species. However, the competition studies indicates the trans-dioxoruthenium(VI) porphyrin complex is not likely the sole oxidant in the catalytic reactions.

]]> Zhibo Yuan Personal Reflections on JUMAH COLA TIME TO DRINK and a Declaration of Ideals http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/379 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/379 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:00:57 PST Approximately one year ago, I founded an experimental theater group on the campus of Western Kentucky University called The Corporate Surrealists of America. The group is made up of artists from radically different departments and disciplines and is focused on fostering an alternative kind of performance that is both richly multi-disciplinary and seriously concerned with burning political, social, and historical issues. One of the group’s main tenets has been to attempt to make art in the periphery of an institution as much as possible. Several thrilling independent productions were mounted including NIGHT RAID, WITH THESE MY HANDS OF THE BARBARIAN, and A COURTROOM DRAMA OF REBIRTH. The most recent project was a culmination in many ways. The play was an original called JUMAH COLA TIME TO DRINK and was staged in Van Meter Auditorium in November of 2012. The ideas of this poetic drama grew from the words and lives of Rudyard Kipling, Bertolt Brecht, Vandana Shiva, and Ross Caputi, among others. It centers on the subject of water examined through political, spiritual, anthropological, ethical, economic, philosophical, historical, militaristic, and aesthetic lenses.

]]> Joel R. Fickel Perceptions of Peer Leadership Among Honors Students http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/378 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/378 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:00:53 PST My Capstone Experience/Thesis project seeks to explore and compare the perceptions of peer leadership among freshmen honors students who have received formal leadership training and freshmen honors students who have received no formal leadership training. Peer leadership plays an important role in all aspects of life. If students who have had formal leadership training have a more positive perception of their peer leaders, educators may want to put more peer leadership curriculum into their programs. This study tests the hypothesis that freshmen honors students who have received formal leadership training will have a more positive perception of their peer leaders. This study uses a known reliable and valid survey to collect data regarding the perceptions of peer leadership among honors students. Two subgroups were analyzed in the SPSS program by using the t-test method. The hypothesis was not supported by the findings in this study. Possible reasons for these findings are explored, including implications for further study and limitations of the current study.

]]> Christy M. Culbreth The Effects of Endothelin-1 on Cell Migration of Corneal Endothelial Cells http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/377 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/377 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 12:36:44 PDT Wound healing occurs through the processes of cell proliferation (mitosis) and/or cell migration. The corneal endothelium in humans is known to be mostly non-proliferative. As a result, wounds in the corneal endothelium heal by migration. A 21-amino acid peptide called Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is studied in the Crawford research lab and is a known mitogen, i.e. increases cell proliferation. Data suggests that Endothelin-1 can stimulate cell proliferation in the corneal endothelium. This fact led to the first hypothesis that ET-1 stimulated wound closure in this cell layer. I explored this hypothesis using a bovine model of corneal endothelial cells isolated and grown in 10% calf-serum DMEM media. Half the cells were treated with ET-1 and the other half were left in media alone (control). The cells were wounded mechanically and allowed to heal for 72-hours with photo micrographs taken every 24-hour to record wound closure. The data suggested that ET-1 stimulated wound closure because the cells treated with ET-1 had a higher percent wound closure when compared to the control. This experiment was modified to test my second hypothesis, that inhibition of cell proliferation would inhibit wound closure. In this experiment, half the cells were treated with 5-Flurouracil, an inhibitor of cell proliferation. The data showed that the prescence of 5-FU decreased the percentage of wound closure, but did not eliminate it. ET-1 was still able to increase wound closure in the presence of 5-FU by 10.8% compared to the cells treated with 5-FU alone. My third hypothesis then became that ET-1 stimulates cell migration. I explored this hypothesis using a chemotaxis assay. The endothelial cells were loaded with Calcein-AM, a fluorescent dye, and migration was examined with a Chemotx chemotaxis system. The cells were treated with serum free media (control), 0.1 nM ET-1, 1 nM ET-1, 10 nM ET-1, or serum (positive control). They were allowed to incubate for 48-hours and fluorescence of migrated cells was recorded. The data suggests that ET-1 stimulates wound healing, promotes wound closure in the absence of proliferation, and that ET-1 stimulates cell migration.

]]> Leah B. Frazier Fighting for Fairness: The History of Kentucky’s Local Movements to Enact Fairness Ordinances in 1999 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/376 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/376 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 11:19:15 PDT This CE/T project explores the histories of the local movements for fairness ordinances which transpired in Kentucky in the year 1999. Fairness ordinances expand local civil rights protections on the basis of ‘sexual orientation’ and sometimes ‘gender identity’ to include lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) peoples and usually protect in the areas of employment, housing, and public accommodations. Four communities in the state considered such laws in 1999: Greater Louisville, Lexington-Fayette, the City of Henderson, and the City of Bowling Green. This thesis takes a holistic approach towards the history of these movements, exploring the procession of chronological events, arguments for and against, and reactions to passage. In the conclusion, these four localities are briefly analyzed together for what each contributed to the 1999 events and as well as for what each teaches about the state of the overall LGBT rights movement in Kentucky.

]]> Micah Bennett Olympia: A Musical Composition for Wind Ensemble http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/375 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/375 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 11:51:17 PDT Olympia is a one movement musical composition to be performed by a wind ensemble. Written for the composer’s honors capstone project, Olympia is an exploration into the world of composing for large musical ensembles. The main theme, heard in the trombone solo at measure 40, is the proverbial “voice in the wilderness” that heroically comes out of chaos and is heard throughout the piece in different forms. Starting in short score with piano and percussion, the piece was then orchestrated into the final version. Written in the fall of 2011 and the spring of 2012, Olympia was rehearsed and performed by the Western Kentucky University Wind Ensemble for a premiere on April 27th, 2012.

]]> Kyle MacDonald The Exchange: A Novella http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/374 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/374 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 08:33:24 PDT Grace Schmeidler is dealing with her recently broken engagement, which is horrible enough, what with her perfect wedding plans gone to waste. If she think nothing could be worse than the embarrassment she feels now, she is wrong. Her best friend, Audrey, shows up to deliver the only news that could have made her desire to be invisible even stronger; her ex-fiancé married someone else using all of Grace’s wedding arrangements. As if this weren’t enough, Grace’s mother calls with equally unsettling news. Work no longer provides Grace with an escape, and she is forced to deal with life’s circumstances from a point of view she is unfamiliar with. This is a narrative about her journey through—not around—a situation she never dreamed she would find herself in.

]]> Katie Knecht Long-Term Changes to the Frost-Free Season as a Function of Climatic Continentality http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/373 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/373 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 11:04:02 PDT The beginning, end, and length of the annual frost-free season vary considerably both spatially and temporally. The continentality of the climate of a given area has a close connection with the magnitude and nature of these variations. Long term changes in the frost-free season can be divided into three distinct phases: a lengthening of the frost-free season in the early 20th century, a shortening in the mid-20th century, and a renewed, intensified lengthening from 1970 to today. While oceanic and ultraoceanic climates experience decreased incidence of frosts relative to their continental counterparts, analysis has shown that overall 20th century trend towards an earlier onset, later end, and longer length of the frost-free season has been much more pronounced in regions that experience these climates.

]]> Ian Blaylock Using Two Different Approaches for the Creation of Poly(3-Hexylthiophene)-Functionalized Siloxane Nanoparticles for Organic-Based Solar Cells http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/372 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/372 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 10:56:13 PDT Poly(3-hexylthiophene)-functionalized silsesquioxane nanoparticles were prepared from direct hydrolysis and condensation of P3HT-silane precursor using “grafting from” and “grafting to” methods. The size, shape, and surface morphology of these polymer grafts particles were visualized using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Their compositions confirmed by FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis and elemental analysis. The XRD analysis revealed the polymer orientation and packing pattern of the nanocomposites, indicating the highly ordered lamella stacks of P3HT polymer chains. The photovoltaic performance of the blends of P3HT-nanohybrid with the C60 derivative PCBM was evaluated upon annealation in different temperatures, ranging from 50°C to 150 °C. The power conversion efficiency of the best test device was 2.46% (3.8%) for the device configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT-NPs:PCBM/LiF/Al.

]]> Nicholas A. Wright The Influence of European Union Policy on Capital Punishment in the United States Judicial System http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/371 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/371 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 09:55:41 PDT Capital punishment has been present for the entirety of American history. Despite this, there have been active supporters for the abolition of the death penalty in the United States since the early 1960’s. Considering the growing importance of the individual state’s participation on the global stage, including the effects of globalization, international law, and human rights standards, the European Union’s capital punishment policy may have an increasing influence over Supreme Court’s interpretations of the constitutionality of capital punishment. This research intends to evaluate the factors that indicate a nation’s likelihood to abolish the death penalty. It will then explore the potential influence the European Union will have in any future decisions by the American judiciary in regard to the practice of the death penalty.

]]> Jennifer Thomas Environmental Friendly Synthesis, Characterization of Surface Modifiable Starch Encapsulated Gold Nanoparticles with Bactericidal and Catalytic Activity http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/370 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/370 Fri, 25 May 2012 10:59:12 PDT In the present study, we report the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (GNPs), using potato starch as a reducing as well as a stabilizing agent in an aqueous buffer medium. The resulting starch-GNPs (St-GNPs) were near spherical in shape with an average diameter of 15 ± 5 nm. In this approach, St-GNPs were characterized and investigated for their antibacterial properties against both gram negative (Escherichia coli) and gram positive (Staphylococcus epidermidis) bacteria. These St-GNPs were found to possess significant dose dependent antibacterial activity against bacteria. Also, St-GNPs showed a significant catalytic activity and can easily be functionalized using a simple, greener method for various applications in non-polar solvent. The overall results suggest the synthesis of multifunctional St-GNPs, which can be used as an antibacterial agent, catalyst and for a wide variety of environmental, biomedical, and industrial chemical applications.

]]> Dillon Pender “Make Your Move, Choose Your Food”: A Healthy Lifestyles Empowerment Campaign http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/369 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/369 Fri, 25 May 2012 09:22:55 PDT This thesis documents the campaign “Make Your Move. Choose Your Food.” This healthy lifestyles empowerment campaign was one of six conducted in Bowling Green, Kentucky during February 2012 for the Public Relations Student Society of America’s (PRSSA) 2011-2012 Bateman Case Study Competition through the public relations capstone courses Journalism 454 and 456. The objective of this campaign was to encourage children, teenagers, parents, educators and community organizations to improve their individual health and the health of the community. My team, consisting of four public relations seniors and myself, created three overall objectives grounded in research, planned strategies specific to our target audiences’ needs, and implemented positive, educational and sustainable tactics to carry out the campaign. Upon completion, results were evaluated and the campaign was found to be successful. Conducting an extensive project from start-to-finish provided a unique insight into the role of a public relations practitioner. Working directly with local non-profit organizations and government institutions toward a common goal has enhanced my communications and public relations skills and mobilized my passion for social responsibility and community development as I begin my career.

]]> Michelle Child Biomass Assisted Synthesis of Antibacterial Gold Nanoparticles and Commentary on its Future Potential and Applications in Medicine http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/368 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/368 Fri, 25 May 2012 09:04:12 PDT Xylose is a natural monosaccharide found in biomass such as straw, pecan shells, cottonseed hulls, and corncobs. Using this monosaccharide, we report the green synthesis and characterization of biocompatible, biodegradable xylose encapsulated gold nanoparticles (Xyl-GNPs) with potential antibacterial activity. GNPs were synthesized using the bioreduction property of xylose on the chloroaurate anions in an aqueous solution at room temperature and at atmospheric pressure. The characterization of synthesized GNPs was examined by UV-vis spectroscopy; transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results indicate that the particles were stable; near spherical in shape with an average diameter of 15 ± 5 nm. Microbiological assay results showed the concentration dependent antibacterial activity of these particles against Escherichia coli. Thus the facile, environmentally friendly Xyl-GNPs have potential application in the biomedical field, particularly in the development of alternative antibacterial agents.

]]> Chad Willis Semipermeable Membranes, Diffusion, and Osmosis Inquiry: Effective Modeling in a High School Classroom http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/367 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/367 Fri, 25 May 2012 08:34:48 PDT A novel approach is taken in teaching the core chemical and biological concepts of mass transport properties, specifically diffusion and osmosis, in an investigation-rich unit of instruction spanning fifteen days. The unit is based on the highly successful 5-E, inquiry based approach known as project-based instruction which emphasizes the use of laboratories and interactive discussions. The entire unit will center on a grand challenge which the students will provide a media-based solution for by encompassing the concepts taught in the unit. When introducing these topics in the high school classroom, the instructor must be able to help students understand the basic similarities and differences between diffusion and osmosis as well as provide real world applications for these phenomena. The current unit of instruction employs hands-on activities and physical models allowing students to visualize the processes and effects of diffusion and osmosis. Utilizing inquiry-based guided questions and strategies embedded within the lesson plans, the instructor can probe students for their understanding of mass transport properties. By employing the developed hands-on activities and guided-questioning discussions, students are actively engaged and better equipped to master fundamental concepts which can become a foundation for more advanced topics.

]]> Amar Patel