Honors College
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/2104/8070
Browse
Browsing Honors College by Title
Now showing 1 - 20 of 1619
- Results Per Page
- Sort Options
Item The 2014 Medicaid Expansion, Access to Care, and Heart Attack Mortality(2020-05-21) Liang, Alyssa; Neilson, Bill; University Scholar.; honors collegeIn March 2010, the Affordable Care Act was passed by Congress, including a provision that expanded access to Medicaid to all individuals with an income of 138% of the federal poverty level or less. In National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, the Supreme Court struck down the provision that required states to expand Medicaid or lose pre-existing funding, allowing each state to voluntarily make the decision whether to expand Medicaid or not. Medicaid expansion was implemented beginning in January 2014, and as of now 37 states have expanded Medicaid. Medicaid expansion is associated with increased access to care, including decreases in uninsurance, greater utilization of health care services, and better performance on measures of quality to care. The body of research indicated that heart attacks are sensitive to access to care. Delays in seeking care in the event of a heart attack have a significant impact in how much heart muscle can be saved, and people with less access to care may find it more difficult to receive timely care. This study used data from the Health Care Utilization Project to investigate the impact of Medicaid expansion on the proportion of fatal heart attacks. Ultimately, data analysis found that from 2013 to 2016, the proportion of fatal heart attacks decreased significantly in expansion states but did not decrease in non-expansion states, suggesting that Medicaid expansion reduced the proportion of fatal heart attacks.Item The 2014 Scottish #IndyRef: How Failure is Still Progress for Scottish NationalismRoyall, Ashlyn; Hamerly, Ivy; University Scholars.; Baylor University.; Honors College.In September of 2014, Scots voted in a referendum on Scottish independence from the United Kingdom. Though the unionist vote won by a slim margin, the campaign had become much closer than expected. In a last-minute effort to maintain the union, the British government promised further devolution of power, what they called "devo-max," to Scotland if they voted to stay a part of the union. In this thesis, I analyze the development of the Scottish nationalist movement and the progress of the 2014 independence referendum to draw conclusions about what economic and cultural factors affected Scottish support for independence. Then, I explore how the results of the referendum--the promised plan for "devo max"--will likely affect the British state, especially with respect to the development of federalism. Finally, I will look toward the future of Scottish nationalism and identify how broad shifts in political attitudes and values might affect progress of the Scottish nationalist movement going forward.Item A Historical Tracing of Teaching on Human Origins Within the Catholic Church’s Response to Modernism for American Catholics (1864-1950)(2024) Kainer, Colton; Hinojosa, Lynne; Science Research Fellows.; Baylor University.; Honors College - Honors ProgramRecent studies have demonstrated American Catholics are split on beliefs regarding not only human origins but also the interpretation of scripture, and such splitting highlights the dynamic relationship between the interpretation of scripture and beliefs based upon such interpretation. In making sense of the mentioned splitting among American Catholics, this thesis historically traces magisterial and popular teaching on human origins within the Catholic Church’s response to modernism both within Italy and within the United States between 1864-1950. Through such an historical tracing, this thesis demonstrates teaching on human origins has developed to adopt an openness to theistic evolution through developments in the interpretation of scripture. This complex development traced both within Italy and within the United States during the addressed timeframe—a relatively short one—may explain recent splitting among American Catholics on beliefs regarding both human origins and the interpretation of scripture.Item A Homeric Narnia: Xenia, Oikos, and Nostos in the Chronicles of Narnia(2024) Saladino, Emily; Heckenlively, Timothy; Classics.; Baylor University.; Honors College - Honors ProgramThere are numerous allegories present in Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, both Christian and mythological. References to Homeric epic, however, have received less study. This thesis aims to examine the parallels between Homer’s Odyssey and the Chronicles of Narnia, specifically through the themes of xenia, oikos, and nostos. An understanding of the location and function of these themes within the Chronicles of Narnia will lead to a deeper interpretation of the structure, narrative, and characters of the seven books. Chapter one will explore Homeric xenia and its placement within The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Chapter two will then discuss Homeric oikos and nostos throughout LWW, The Horse and His Boy, and The Last Battle. Through these two chapters, I hope to encourage a greater appreciation for the close relationship between ancient epic and Lewis’ modern fiction.Item A Partial Test of Zhang’s Stain Theory of Suicide: Athletic Involvement and Family Connectedness as Moderators of Relative Deprivation and Suicidal Ideation in the ABCD StudyPechacek, Allyson; Ryan-Pettes, Stacy; Psychology.; Baylor University.; Honors College - Honors ProgramThe purpose of this study was to conduct a partial test of Zhang’s Strain Theory of Suicide by examining whether athletic involvement and social connectedness moderate relations between relative deprivation and suicidal ideation in adolescents. It was hypothesized that relative deprivation would be related to the likelihood of suicidal ideation and this association would be moderated by athletic involvement and social connectedness. Specifically, it was expected that greater athletic involvement and stronger social connectedness would weaken this association compared to lower levels of athletic involvement and social connectedness. To test these hypotheses, moderation analyses were conducted using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Results partially supported the hypotheses. Relative deprivation was associated with suicidal ideation, and while social connectedness (measured via family cohesion) significantly moderated this association, results were not in the predicted direction. Moreover, athletic involvement did not moderate associations between relative deprivation and suicidal ideation.Item A Spoonful of Sugar to Help the Prodrug Go Down: The Synthesis of Galactose Prodrugs as Novel Inhibitors of Tubulin Polymerization and Potential Cancer TherapeuticsAnliker, Sam; Pinney, Kevin; Chemistry.; Baylor University.; Honors College - Honors ProgramMicrotubules provide crucial structural support for endothelial cells lining the vascular network of both healthy tissue and tumors. While healthy tissue possesses highly ordered vasculature with uniformly oxygenated cells, tumor tissue is characterized by underdeveloped and disordered blood vessels, leading to hypoxic regions of tumor tissue. This weakness within tumor-associated vasculature provides potential for both selective targeting and efficient treatment using vascular disrupting agents (VDAs). The natural product combretastatin A-4 (CA4), derived from the African bush willow, combretum caffrum, functions as both an antiproliferative agent (cytotoxin) and a promising VDA capable of selective and irreversible damage to tumor vasculature. CA4, administered as its corresponding water-soluble phosphate prodrug salt (CA4P), functions by binding to the colchicine site on the tubulin heterodimer resulting in morphological changes in the endothelial cells, shutdown of the vascular network, and overall inner-tumor necrosis. The Pinney Research Group (Baylor University) designed and synthesized an indole-based molecule, OXi8006, that bears structural similarities to both colchicine and CA4 and functions as a potent inhibitor of tubulin polymerization. OXi8006 and its phosphate prodrug salt (OXi8007) demonstrate inhibition of tubulin polymerization (OXi8006; IC50 = 1.1 μM, OXi8007; IC50 = 4.2 μM) and consistent cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines [GI50 values ranging from 3.5 to 38 nM against NCI-H460 (lung), DU-145 (prostate), and SK-OV-3 (ovarian)]. Cancer cells that have increased resistance to cell-cycle inhibitors are often characterized by cellular senescence, such that a healthy cell exhibits growth arrest while a cancerous cell takes on the resistant qualities of senescent cells. In a study by Wagner and associates, lysosomal-β-galactosidase (GLB1) was found to be the origin of senescence-associated β-galactose activity. Since GLB1 hydrolyzes β-galactose, the addition of a galactose onto select VDA drug candidates could provide a novel approach to selectively target cells with high resistance towards other treatment. To this end, we synthesized an OXi8006 analogue through a covalent linkage of a galactose sugar to the phenolic oxygen of OXi8006 as a proposed selective inhibitor of tubulin polymerization.Item A Systematic Literature Review: Transferable In-Demand Soft Skills Related to Informal Life Experiences(2024-05-03) Walker, Katharine; Eide, Shaun; Finance.; Baylor University.; Honors College - Honors ProgramThe present review examines the relationship between transferable soft skills and unique life experiences. In the contemporary job market, hiring managers are increasingly placing greater emphasis on the soft skills candidates possess, taking a more holistic approach to the hiring process. However, especially in the post-pandemic aftermath, mismatch exists between employers’ soft skill requirements and the actual proficiency levels of job applicants. Through a systematic literature review methodology, this study identifies five unique life experiences that may serve as indicators for transferable soft skill proficiencies: athletics, video gaming, previous employment, crises, and military service. When life experiences are recognized as a valuable domain of exploration, hiring managers may be better equipped to locate desirable job applicants. Additionally, job applicants may gain employment in desired positions through leveraging their unique life experiences throughout the hiring process. Thus, the recognition of life experiences as an indicator for soft skill proficiencies can widen the talent pool and address the skill mismatch problems between employers and job applicants. However, this review calls for consistent terminology and definitions to further clarify this field of research. Additionally, due to the unbiased nature of systematic literature reviews and the focus of this present review, certain life experiences, such as video gaming, may not be considered as socially acceptable to emphasize, compared to other experiences like previous employment.Item Ab Initio Formation Energy Calculations for Defect Complexes in Diamond, ZnSe and CdS for Room-Temperature Quantum Computing(2021-05-21) Dickey, Ethan; Blair, Enrique; Computer Science.; Baylor University.; Honors College - Honors Program.Quantum computers are beginning to demonstrate a potential for practical uses in data security, protein folding, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and economics. Current obstacles to reliable large-scale quantum computers include better decoherence times, improved error correction schemes, and consistent fabrication. Creating a qubit (quantum bit) that can exist at room temperature makes large progress in each of these obstacles while decreasing operational costs (by eliminating the need for cryogenic cooling). Diamond has shown promising results when a defect known as the Nitrogen Vacancy (NV) complex is introduced via doping into the crystal. However, diamond is expensive to fabricate and foundries that can do so are rare. ZnSe and CdS, by contrast, can be grown at lower temperatures and pressures than diamond, and do not require the expensive retooling of foundries for the higher pressure and temperature required in diamond fabrication. This study provides a methodology and computational structure with which to identify semiconductors with similar desirable electronic properties as the NV defect in diamond and identifies potential defects for the two specified semiconductors of interest. This work may guide experimental exploration of quantum technologies based on semiconductor defects and could lead to lower cost, room-temperature qubits that are easily fabricated using the vast infrastructure of the current semiconductor industry.Item Aborting Precedent: A Review of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Decision(2023-05-22) Picco, Travis; Block, Steve; University Scholars.; Baylor University.In June of 2022, the United States Supreme Court announced a decision to abandon the abortion precedents established by Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey in favor of new standards on abortion regulation and permissibility. The Court, through its ruling in Dobbs v. Women’s Health Organization, discarded almost 50 years of long-standing case law and returned the power to regulate abortion procedures at any and all stages to the state. While proponents of the decision agree with the Court’s reasoning, many opponents argue that the abdication of precedent is unwarranted and dangerous. This thesis reviews the Dobbs case in its entirety with sections dedicated to the issue’s history, the majority opinion, and the dissenting opinion; finally, the decision is analyzed from a legal standpoint to determine if the Court was justified in its decision to overrule Roe v. Wade.Item Abuse, Exposure, and Female Agency in the Short Stories of Emilia Pardo Bazán(2014-04-29) Lee, Kathryn; Larson, Paul Earl.; Spanish.; Baylor University.; Honors College.The purpose of this thesis is to examine and analyze the short stories of Emilia Pardo Bazán. This nineteenth century Spanish writer uses narratives, historical retellings, fables, and other notable stylistic elements to expose the controversies surrounding women in the nineteenth century Spain. She confronts abuse, incest, the lack of female agency, problems with gender stereotypes and other inequalities women faced and continue to encounter today. Analyzing Pardo Bazán’s short stories: “The Torn Lace,” “The Red Stockings,” “Memento,” “First Love,” “The Oldest Story,” “Sister Apparition,” “Piña” and “Revolver” reveals to readers the variety of styles Pardo Bazán employs, as well as her profound statement on the status of genders in Spain.Item Accessible Translations for an English-Speaking AudienceCameron, Kendra; Souza-Fuertes, Lizbeth; University Scholar.; honors collegeThis thesis presents five short stories that have been translated from the original Spanish versions into English. Though some of these short stories are widely known and celebrated throughout the Spanish-speaking world, these small insights into cultures and experiences of Spanish speakers throughout the world remains largely unfamiliar to most native English speakers. Therefore, this sampling of short stories from different authors, different time periods, and different countries is designed to give the English reader a brief and general overview into the breadth of culture and experience that the Spanish language encompasses in a manner that is easily understandable and enjoyable to read.Item Accuracy and Precision in Marker-based Motion Capture(2019-05-22) Young, Vivian; Rylander, Jonathan.; Mechanical Engineering.; Baylor University.; Jenny Tavares; Honors College.One of the biggest challenges in marker-based motion capture is maintaining accuracy and precision. The prominence of this issue is due to the common method of placing markers by hand, the reliance on anatomical landmarks, and soft tissue artifacts. The resulting error in the data translates kinematically, which may lead to faulty results and conclusions. However, accuracy and precision can be improved by determining an appropriate motion capture model to use, using marker placement devices, or by utilizing medical imaging. By compiling information from studies and literature in the motion capture field, this thesis provides an overview of sources of error and how to combat error in marker-based motion capture and may act as an introductory resource to these topics. In addition, this thesis presents preliminary validation testing that was performed on a marker replacement device.Item The Acquisition of the Possessive /-s/ Morpheme(2013-05-24) Goble, Grace; Grebenyova, Lydia; Language and Linguistics.; Baylor University.; Honors College.In this study, we investigated children’s understanding and production of the English complex possessive phrases. Children are able to learn language without any instruction other than what they hear from the adults around them. This input, however, is not labeled or organized in any way. Due to the homophony between the possessive and plural constructions in English, there must be some way in which children organize and learn these rules. During the study, we presented children ages 3-5 with different options on how to form complex possessive structures. Surprisingly, their preferred construction is also one that Universal Grammar predicts never will occur. By looking at how they chose to form the construction and how adults form the construction, we hoped to shed more light on not only the children’s understanding of the structure, but the adults’ as well.Item Acquisition of Theta Roles in Deaf Children with Cochlear Implants(2013-05-23) Taylor, Lauren; Weaver, Charles A. III, (Chuck).; University Scholars.; Southwestern Hearing School for the Deaf; Baylor University.; Honors College.; University Scholars.Deaf children with cochlear implants often display delayed language acquisition. As a result, researchers refer to “hearing age,” the time elapsed since the implantation of hearing aids, in addition to chronological age, the time elapsed since birth. This subpopulation may be a possible new avenue of study for language development. I compared the ability of 7 children enrolled at the Southwestern Hearing School for the Deaf as they determined the subject and object roles in a sentence. Each participant was read a sentence and asked to select the correct corresponding picture. The sentences had varying levels of difficulty depending on the number of possible subjects and objects within the sentences. As expected, older children (measured by hearing age) made fewer errors. All children made more errors as the sentences became more complex. The relatively small sample size precludes strong conclusions, but provides tentative support for separating hearing age from chronological age.Item Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Men's Ideas And Women's Actions In Western European Church History(2023-01-11) Sharp, Rebekah; Marvel, Elizabeth; University Scholars.; Baylor University.Evangelical organizations like the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) have recently made headlines for their strong positions against women in the pulpit. However, the debate on women in Church leadership is not a new one. The basis of the argument against women’s ability to lead has evolved, stagnated, and then evolved again. This thesis will analyze primary sources from ancient, medieval, and Reformation eras, attempting to trace male attitudes toward women’s abilities to lead. Specifically, this paper will focus on the primary sources analyzing Genesis’s creation and fall stories. Additionally, it will include the stories of real women who have directly contradicted these men’s theories about their capabilities. By analyzing the work of male philosophers, theologians, pastors, and female martyrs, anchoresses, and laywomen, I will aim to show how male opinions on women often change after encountering strong, capable women who challenge their previously held beliefs.Item Active Catharsis: Unleashing an Athlete's Spiritual and Emotional Energies(2014-05-01) Johnson, Emily; Meyer, Andrew; Health Science Studies.; Baylor University.; Honors College.During strenuous physical activity athletes may experience catharsis, life mentality changes, and flow (Scheff, 1979; Csikszentmihalyi, 1990; Nesti, 2007; Watson, 2007). Beyond these experiences, this thesis examines spiritual elements of strenuous physical activity combining concepts of catharsis and flow. Termed active catharsis, this thesis defines the positive psychological and spiritual experiences of endurance athletes. The concept of catharsis is central for examinations of powerful emotional experiences because “within a sporting context a more spiritual notion of catharsis can be detected in the lives of athletes” (Nesti, p. 166). Furthermore, active catharsis is only fully experienced when athletes achieve flow, feeling “totally absorbed” (Hunter and Csikszentmihalyi, 2000) in the endurance activity. Data was collected at the 2012 and 2013 Great Brazos Relay using themes found in catharsis and flow literature. Results indicate participants at endurance events experience active catharsis through feelings of life mentality change, emotional release, and flow.Item Acupuncture Research and Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups in the United States: A Scoping Review(2023-05-22) Scheffrahn, Katherine; Boddie, Stephanie; Neuroscience.; Baylor University.The purpose of this scoping review is to assess the existing literature on acupuncture and racial and ethnic minorities in the United States and to identify knowledge gaps and future research priorities. The research and practice of acupuncture has grown significantly over the last few decades, which necessitates an examination of whether researchers have successfully represented populations who have been historically overlooked in medical research. Based on the results of analyzing the data of 83 included publications, several gaps in the research have been identified. Future research should focus on rural areas, as well as Southern and Midwestern metropolitan areas. Research should prioritize the underrepresented Pacific Islander, Native American, and multiracial minority populations. Finally, research should focus on examining access and barriers to acupuncture treatment for racial and ethnic minority groups. Based on this scoping review, a systematic review is recommended to allow for a more focused research question and to carry out a complete literature review.Item Addressing Cervical Cancer Prevention in McLennan County, TX(2022-05-20) Jones, Sarah; Abel, Erika; University Scholars.Persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is known to cause up to 99.7% of all cervical cancers. Two highly effective cervical cancer prevention methods exist – vaccination against HPV and cervical screening. Studies have documented the motivating effects of clinical intervention on preventative care compliance. Through the use of Bayesian time-series forecasting and a thorough healthcare needs assessment, this study identifies McLennan County, Texas as a candidate for population-level cervical cancer care intervention. Currently, only 54.9% of Texas residents have completed the series of HPV vaccinations, and predictive modeling anticipates stagnation in the rate of vaccination within McLennan County, a county with a high percentage of people who experience barriers to healthcare. Annual health promotions clinics that combine the services of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening can be implemented to address this problem. Cervical cancer is an easily preventable disease, thus effective clinical strategies for its prophylaxis should be introduced to medically underserved populations of McLennan County.Item Addressing Healthcare-Related Bankruptcy: A Comparative Analysis of Healthcare Systems in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, and Canada(2024) Klein, Madeline; Chevis, Gia; Biology.; Baylor University.; Honors College - Honors ProgramThis thesis examines the United States healthcare system as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy, despite attempts to mitigate financial burdens. It investigates the system’s financing mechanisms and evaluates the United States initiatives to address these challenges. By comparing the United States’ system with those of the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, and Canada, this study identifies successful strategies these countries have implemented to alleviate financial burdens on their citizens. Drawing lessons from these comparisons, this thesis proposes potential solutions that could be adapted to enhance the U.S. healthcare system’s affordability and accessibility. This research aims to provide insights into how the U.S. can address the issue of healthcare-related financial hardship, offering policy recommendations to enhance the affordability and accessibility of healthcare for all citizens.Item Addressing Postpartum Depression in the Primary Care Setting: Current Screening Practices and Quality Improvement(2021-05-21) Flanders, Abigail; Whitt, Jason; University Scholars.; Baylor University.; Dr. Kristen JohnsonAs the family’s primary point of interaction with the healthcare system in the postpartum period, the pediatric primary care setting offers an invaluable opportunity to identify parents suffering from postpartum depression and refer them for treatment. However, research from the American Academy of Pediatrics indicates that physicians frequently underutilize opportunities to screen parents for the condition, and even those who do screen positive for depressive symptoms may never receive help. This failure to diagnose and treat postpartum depression on a consistent basis ultimately harms both parental and infant health. This thesis examines the current state of the problem, beginning with a brief history of the medicalization of postpartum depression. After giving some general background on the condition, this thesis offers a multivariate analysis of the incidence of postpartum depression in a private pediatric clinic in Northern Virginia. Finally, the referral practices of this clinic are examined, and suggestions are made for quality improvement.