Honors College Theses

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Accessible exercise: improving parks and recreation in the city of Pontiac
Rowe, Corey; Lucarelli, Jennifer
Parks and Recreation Master Plans help communities identify and prioritize recreational needs for diverse populations. This project contributed to redevelopment of the city of Pontiac's Parks Plan by recording geographic and pictorial information in twelve parks for use in identifying barriers to accessibility affecting residents with physical disabilities. The parks were selected using existing disability and lifestyle data, council district location, and size. Facilities were assessed with a GPS device and geographic information system (GIS) software. Accessibility features were photographed, assigned location information, and organized into a comprehensive map. Multiple barriers were discovered, including uneven or non-unitary ground surfaces and a complete absence of accessible restrooms, parking, and pathways in 100% of parks assessed. These findings will be integrated into redevelopment of the Pontiac Parks Plan. Proposed short-term solutions included improved grass maintenance, pathway clearing, and redesigning parking areas to improve access for those with disabilities. Long-term proposals included play areas with unitary ground surfaces, new pathways to connect existing park facilities, and restoring restroom facilities. Integrating these solutions into Master Plans will encourage and enable Pontiac’s disabled population to use the park system, leading to a higher number of physically active residents with improved health status.
Activated Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β’s Ability to Inhibit Keloid Formation
Carulla, Megan; Telgenhoff, Dale
Keloid scars are abnormal wound healing processes characterized by excessive collagen deposition that exceed the borders of the original wound. Inactivated glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (GSK-3β), a molecule that breaks down β-catenin which is used by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in hypertrophic scarring, has been found to be abundant in keloid fibroblasts. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is known to influence hypertrophic scarring, and the activation of GSK-3β has been found to inhibit other hypertrophic scarring diseases. This project focuses on determining if activating GSK-3β will inhibit keloid formation by decreasing the collagen, elastin, and fibronectin levels. Human keloid fibroblasts were cultured in vitro and treated with sodium nitroprusside to activate GSK-3β, lithium chloride to inhibit GSK-3β, and a negative control. Protein levels were then assessed through Western Blot analysis. The results of this study suggest that GSK-3β is partially inactive in keloid fibroblasts and that activation of the protein activates the Wnt signaling pathway and decreases collagen and elastin production. Fibronectin levels were found to increase with treatment, but this may be explained by its role in cell adhesion and contraction in wound healing. Further research is needed to fully identify activated GSK-3β as a therapeutic target for keloid scar patients and individuals who are prone to keloid scarring.
Alcott Elementary Drumming Program
Anderegg, Darren; VanderLinde, Deborah
This report on an inner-city drumming program at Alcott Elementary school in Pontiac MI demonstrates the value of such a program. There has been no music program at Alcott Elementary for fifteen years, and the school is in need of a musical outlet. This program allowed some sixth grade students at Alcott the opportunity to engage in authentic musical experiences with their peers and learn about the value of music as a part of community. Furthermore I was able to deepen my understanding of elementary pedagogy. Through this program I have grown in my confidence as a music instructor and feel able to implement such a program in any other area again.
Alienation in College Students and Their Reasons for Travel
Williams, Nina; Srauy, Sam
People travel all over the world for a variety of reasons. During a student’s college experience, is a time for exploration and understanding one's identity and to a lesser extent discovering their historical roots amongst other college students. Some of these experiences allow students to study abroad, participate in class trips, and visit new destinations. However, limited research prevents the idea behind the reasons behind why college students yearn to travel to new destinations and if it plays a key role in solving identity issues. To fill this gap, this research will go into depth about the importance of identity among college students and why traveling to new destinations may pose a reason for clarity in understanding who they are. Cultural identity research amongst college students that live in America or students who have had family come to America overseas is an issue that is worth taking a look into in terms of young students and their ability to understand their cultural identity. This research will add to the questioning of identity in young adults and how it affects identity crisis in terms of travel. The benefits of this research may answer some of the questions that come with cultural identity issues among college students and how travel may come as a beneficial aspect in this department.
Analysis and application of the Toyota Production System in American manufacturing
Gudenau, Daniel; Wade, Dennis
The focus of this research is to explore the management practices characteristic of lean organizations with an emphasis on manufacturing applications. The history surrounding the development of the Toyota Production System (TPS) and kaizen culture, of which contemporary lean methodologies bear their foundation, will be examined through the insights of the manufacturing system’s principal originator, Taiichi Ohno. The fundamental management techniques underlying lean philosophies, including but not limited to just-in-time production (JIT), the identification and elimination of waste, or muda, in operational processes, and the role of the gemba in managerial decision making will be investigated to ascertain how organizations adopting a kaizen strategy can realize the remunerations of higher quality, lower cost, and minimized delivery schedules in their respective production systems (Imai, 2012). Case studies related to the implementation of lean methodologies at American, automotive manufacturing organizations will be studied to provide a quantitative analysis of the operational impacts of lean systems as well as the challenges faced by such firms in aligning organizational cultures to the kaizen mentality (Hartwell & Roth, 2010). In an effort to develop synergies between literary research and practical application, a twelve-week lean workout managed by the author for a Michigan-based, CNC manufacturing firm will be debriefed to serve as a praxis of the aforementioned themes; core areas of focus will include the challenges faced by the organization related to its existing operational condition, the value stream analysis of its production system, the objectives of the kaizen team, and the implementation plan of the team’s recommendations for improvement.
Analysis of Gear Tooth Profiles for use in a Mechanical Clock
Cowdrey, Jacob; Latcha, Michael
This project explores the differences in two gear teeth profiles, involute and cycloidal, and determines which profile is more advantageous for use in a gear train like that found in a mechanical clock. Involute gear teeth have been the standard gear tooth design since the 1920’s, before that all gear teeth were cycloids. Involute teeth keep the pressure between the teeth constant, are cheaper to produce, and allow for larger tolerances in design. However, a cycloidal gear tooth is stronger than an involute gear tooth, especially for very low numbers of teeth typically found in clocks. To achieve this, two sets of gears one with cycloidal teeth and one with involute are 3D printed and their operation is studied. This project benefits others faced with the decision of which gear tooth profile to use in their designs.
Analysis of the Evolution of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Its Effect on University Students
Paricio Sunyer, Oriol; Oleksyk, Taras
Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is defined by the CDC as a neurodevelopmental disorder which can cause inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity (Centers for, 2021). While this disorder has been studied from many angles, including characterizing the symptoms through many age groups, its causes from a genetic and environmental perspective, and what treatments can be most effectively used to treat people with it, one perspective that goes commonly unused is to view the disorder from an evolutionary perspective. Using data from genome-wide association studies such as the IMAGE project, two candidate genes were identified for association with ADHD (DRD4 and DAT1) which served as the basis for the study of the evolution of ADHD (Brookes et al., 2006). With the data on these genes pulled from the NCBI, GenomAD, ClinVar, and OMIM databases, the Evolutionary history of the variants of these genes which have shown statistical significance in their association with ADHD were analyzed. With that information, multiple testable hypotheses as to which situations and problems people with ADHD may have evolved to be better equipped to handle in the modern day were generated for testing in Alexis Albright’s section of this study.
ANALYZING EFFECTS OF OSIRIS GENE ON DROSOPHILA DEVELOPING TRACHEAL TUBE FORMATION
Newman, Darren; Jiang, Lan
This project focuses on specific genes that help with transcription and regulation of transcription and translation of proteins involved in the development of the tracheal tubes and tube morphogenesis. Our research performs tests on Drosophila melanogaster because they are considered a model organism that will develop similar to humans in regard to tubular organs. The tracheal system delivers oxygen to all of the cells in the body, and Drosophila melanogaster’s are excellent model organisms to study this tube development process. Previous research has revealed the mechanisms of the early steps of tube formation, including the specification of branch identities and the migration of tracheal cells in stereotypical directions to form distinct tubes. After formation of a continuous tube, the tube expands in both diameter and length to form a liquid-filled trachea lumen. Thereafter, luminal material needs to be cleared and followed by air filling. The mechanisms of tube morphogenesis in this organism are highly conserved, meaning they are consistent steps in order to produce to final fully mature trachea. It also represents a very simple structure in comparison to other organisms. It can easily be studied for its phenotypic effects because of straightforward and easy to understand anatomy. We are focusing on the phenotypical tube formation differences between a negative control group and combination knockout groups of specific genes within the Osiris gene family, a family of genes seen within the Drosophila and other insects. The basis behind the research is to look at tube morphogenesis and apical clearing, which is the development of epithelial tubes in order to allow for the tracheal system to form. These tubes can form in many different ways, but one of the things they have in common is how the apical epithelial surface always lines the lumen. Multiple things play a role in tube morphogenesis including vesicle fusion, secretion, and apical and luminal clearing to allow for air filling in the tubes. Our prediction for the role of the Osiris gene family genes is that they play an important role in the development of the tracheal system and also tube morphogenesis as the larvae develops.
The Art and Rhetoric of Letter Writing: How Letter Writing Manuals Have Evolved and Preserved Rhetorical Strategies Throughout Centuries
(2013-05-29) Cerku, Ashley; Driscoll, Dana
Rhetorical strategies can be traced back to ancient rhetoricians of the Classical period through the examination of the evolution of letter writing. Letters took the art of oral rhetoric and transferred it to the art of writing in the early Medieval period. Because of the need for documentation, especially in the Church, letter writing became important in order to preserve historical speeches. The art of letter writing soon evolved into the Renaissance period, in which letters became more private and personable. However, although some of the intentions of letter writing changed throughout the centuries, rhetorical techniques have progressed or have been adapted in order to teach basic letter writing today. This paper will research how the art and rhetoric of letter writing has evolved from the Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance periods, through the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, and how some of the techniques and strategies of letter writing from these periods can still be found in different writing genres today.
Artful Bacteria: Educating Children About Healthy Behaviors and Healthcare Professions Through the Beauty of Microbes
See, Lauren; Landis-Piwowar, Kristin; Lim, Christina
This project explores bacteria collecting, testing, and identification as a means to compile a presentation for children that incorporates pictures of bacteria art. This project is meant to inspire an interest in science in these children, to educate them on various sources of environmental microbes, and to reveal the medical laboratory science healthcare profession to them. Multiple environmental sources of bacteria were investigated and bacteria were differentiated and subcultured from mixed cultures. Multiple specimens were cultured on multiple growth mediums, including specialized chromogenic agars that produced colorful colonies of yeast. As the bacteria propagated, they formed pictures or images referred to as bacteria art. The bacteria art is unique because it has not been used previously as a teaching tool. Using the pictures of bacteria art, the presentation shows what types of bacteria grow around people when they do not have proper hygiene, food safety techniques, or wash their hands. The presentation also includes information about the medical laboratory science profession which routinely works in microbiology and identifying organisms. A pre- and post-questionnaire could be used to determine the effectiveness of the presentation.
Assessing the Accuracy of Biological Sex and Gender Identity Terminology Usage in Ergonomics Research: A Scoping Review
Gualtieri, Abigail; Diesbourg, Tara
Introduction Ergonomics research sometimes incorporates biological sex and gender identity in order to assess their influence on workplace health and safety recommendations. Currently, researchers are discussing how to best include sex and gender. However, there is a lack of discussion on whether these terms are being used accurately when they are. Therefore, the purpose of this research is threefold: 1) to understand how biological sex and gender identity are currently used in ergonomics research, 2) to evaluate the accuracy of this use, and 3) to provide recommendations for future research. With this work, I aim to answer the following question: “How accurate is ergonomics research in the way it considers biological sex and gender identity?” Methods I conducted a scoping review of ergonomics research that studies biological sex and gender identity. I evaluated how sex and gender terms were used throughout research and how accurate this use was. I screened database results using filters, evaluating article titles, reading study abstracts, and extracting relevant information from full research articles. I recorded uses of sex and gender terms in each included article in order to identify trends and assess accuracy. Results The results of my scoping review indicated that ergonomics research does not apply biological sex or gender identity concepts correctly. Specifically, sex and gender were frequently treated synonymously and their terms were used interchangeably. Also, gender was discussed more frequently than sex, although physical characteristics were discussed more than social ones. Discussion Although gender may not always be necessary to discuss in ergonomics research, sex-based differences are extremely important considerations. When communicating these sex-based differences, it is imperative that this is done accurately, in order to ensure that all readers, especially those affected by this research, are able to understand and apply its findings. The results of this analysis revealed that sex and gender terminology are almost always used incorrectly in ergonomics research. Ergonomics research failing to apply biological sex and gender identity correctly could lead to misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the subsequent recommendations. If sex and gender are conflated, findings could be interpreted as being relevant to one group although they were meant for another. Also, gender is not necessary to discuss in ergonomics research that aims to identify physical or biological traits. However, if social differences are discussed, all possible gender identities should be included so ergonomics can help the greatest number of people. Recommendations Ergonomics research should aim to be more accurate while discussing biological sex and gender identity. Sex and gender should be used properly, discussed separately, and gender should only be discussed in social contexts acknowledging all gender identities, rather than just men and women.
Assessing the Balance of an Adult Idiopathic Toe Walker and the Effect of Adding Custom Heel Wedges: Case Report
(2023) Racette, Olivia; Treanore, Tamara
Idiopathic toe walkers present with a distinctly different walking pattern that, over a long period of time, can alter the development of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, as well as decrease the stability one has while standing. While research has been performed on how to prevent toe walking, the focus has been on the pediatric population, who are more responsive to treatments, rather than adults whose bodies have adapted to an abnormal way of walking. This study reveals the benefits of creating custom heel wedges for an adult toe walker. The balance of the subject was first assessed using the BTrackS Balance Plate. Then, custom heel wedges were fabricated and the subject’s balance was reevaluated while wearing the heel wedges. The results illustrated an improvement in balance after using the heel wedges, because the subject has more plantigrade support when standing. Due to the successful results, this study offers an alternative solution for toe walkers who cannot or do not want to receive other types of treatment, and potentially decrease the numerous types of injuries they endure due to their lack of stability.
Assessing the Best Ways to Evaluate Elementary School Teachers
(2014-08-25) Harris, Catherine; Chrobak, Jill
In every professional career, employees are assessed to determine if they are still adequate for their position. In education, this process is crucial because a teacher’s performance directly affects the lives of students. In many schools, teachers are given tenure and seniority based on which teachers have been at the school the longest. Certainly, this method is not the most effective to determine which teachers are the best at what they do. This thesis will discover and examine other methods of assessing the performance of elementary school teachers, such as portfolios, point systems, parent feedback, and principal determination. Additionally, these methods will be compared and contrasted to determine which method would be most effective at determining whether or not a teacher is educating children to the best of his or her ability.
Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Hypertension
Crick, Savanna; Reznar, Melissa
Hypertension is growing more prevalent in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) than in the general population. Because of the linked association between OSA and hypertension, patients are at an increased risk for stroke, heart failure, and premature death. The proposed study will explore the bidirectional relationship between OSA and hypertension, and the epidemiologic factors that are responsible for their correlation. The project will examine current methods regarding the treatment of high blood pressure in OSA patients, and it will discover other mechanisms that may be promising for treatment and abolishing apneas. The expected results of the project will allow healthcare professionals to have a better understanding of the link from OSA to hypertension and the preferred route of treating OSA so that hypertension and its related morbidities can be prevented. All patients that are currently diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and have hypertension, as well as those with OSA who may be at risk for developing hypertension, will benefit from the findings of this project.
The Associations that Narcissistic Admiration and Narcissistic Rivalry Have with Childbearing Motivations
Woolston, Abigail; Zeigler-Hill, Virgil
This paper aims to investigate the associations that narcissistic admiration and narcissistic rivalry have with childbearing motivations. Participants in the study completed the Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Childbearing Motivations Scale. The results of this study show that narcissistic admiration had unique positive associations with all four positive childbearing motivation subscales. Narcissistic rivalry had a unique negative association with one positive childbearing motivation, as well as unique negative associations with four of the negative childbearing motivation subscales. Self-esteem had a positive association with one positive childbearing motivation subscale and negative associations with all five of the negative childbearing motivation subscales. The data suggests that individuals with high levels of narcissistic admiration are more likely to be motivated toward having children, whereas those individuals with high levels of narcissistic rivalry lean away from having children.
An Axiomatic Method Applied to the Theory of Urban Evolution
Engnell, Anders; Schmidt, Darrell; Hodge, Timothy
The goal of this paper is to lay out a clear and specific mathematical method for solving problems and then to apply that method to the Theory of Urban Evolution within the field of Urban Economics. The application of the method will focus specifically on how mathematicians develop axioms to unify a field where independent statements exist; that is, statements that are unaccounted for by the field’s current axioms. This will be developed as a special case of the General Axiomatic Method by analyzing historical axiomization of fields in mathematics. After the Axiomatic Method has been developed, the Foundations of Urban Economics will be analyzed to determine the whether or not the Axiomatic Method is necessary. Following this, the Theory of Urban Evolution will be discussed to as a potential independent statement that could be unified with the Foundations of Urban Economics. Finally, the Axiomatic Method will be applied in an attempt to unify the Theory of Urban Evolution with the Foundations of Urban Economics so that we may achieve a new way of understanding how urban regions act as evolutionary ecosystems.
The B(r)idesmaid: Writing Bisexual Representation
Nicholson, Danielle; Beckwith, Susan Lynne
I wrote a play called The B(r)idesmaid, which deals with bisexuality. During the process of writing my play, I examined the current research done on the historical methods and effects of writing bisexual and queer representation by watching two influential documentaries, The Celluloid Closet and Disclosure, as well as referencing queer and feminist writers’ work on the cultural storytelling used to inform our ideas of gender and sexuality. Ultimately, I came to understand that the stories we absorb from entertainment have a strong connection to and influence over the cultural stories we live by and perpetuate as a society. Therefore, we must use an empathetic, intersectional approach to writing queer representation if we ever hope to have mainstream media with truly diverse stories and, by extension, a culture that actively celebrates diversity.
Bananas, Beliefs and The Being
Schneider, Margaret; McDonald, Fritz
Is the claim that “God’s existence is unknowable” a valid premise for a religious belief? This paper seeks to argue that “determined agnostheism”, a specific version of agnosticism that claims the existence of God unknowable, is an inadequate assertion. “Determined agnostheism” is a logically conceivable proposition that many individuals assert as a religious belief, yet, due to its claim that knowledge on God’s existence is ultimately unfathomable, its originating premise eliminates it from religious discussions. Previous philosophers of religion such as Richard Dawkins have expressed dissatisfaction with the “wishy-washy” tendencies of agnosticism, but none have gone as far as to prove its argument as incoherent. In order to accomplish this goal of proving agnosticism as a false claim of religious belief, an analytic approach that focuses on an explicit use of definitions, premises, and conclusion is implemented. The paper defines basic terms such as belief, doubt, and religion, followed by a contextual explanation of the most commonly held religious positions in relation to each other, namely atheism and theism. Next, agnosticism is explicitly defined, introducing the new term “determined agnostheism”. This version of agnosticism is evaluated under its logical existence as a proposition, and its actual existence as a religious belief using a process of logical deduction, implementing modus tollens. Lastly, the use of the label of “agnostic” as a cogent religious belief is debunked. Invalidating the premise for “determined agnostheism” will allow individuals and philosophers to hold dialogue regarding the religious belief on God’s existence.
Bariatric Surgery, Body Image, and Mental Health: How is one's mental health affected in relation to changes in body image after extreme weight loss following bariatric surgery?
Tituskin, Sabrina; Lynch, Amanda
In this thesis, a literature review was conducted to examine changes in body image following bariatric surgery and the relationship between body image and different aspects of psychological health. 26 Studies were selected for inclusion and reviewed. Changes in body image, depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and quality of life were evaluated and discussed. The results demonstrated consistent improvements in body image and all psychological variables, most commonly being depressive symptoms. This review confirms the link between weight loss, body image, and mental health and suggests body image counseling should be provided to those seeking bariatric surgery.
Behavior and Habitat Use of Elasmobranchs in Captivity as an Assessment of Animal Welfare
Hart, Alexis; Troxell-Smith, Sandra
This thesis project explores the behavior of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) in captivity at the Michigan Sea Life Aquarium. Little behavioral research is available on elasmobranchs, potentially due to the fact that they are difficult to observe reliably. However, this also leads to a general lack of knowledge about typical behavioral patterns that may impact welfare. Using both scan and instantaneous focal sampling, the location and behavior of seven of these animals was recorded from November 13th, 2018 to June 18th, 2019. As behavior and habitat use are both indicators of animal welfare, these results can be utilized to make positive changes to their current environment. In addition to helping animals currently in the aquarium, these results may aid in positive welfare decisions for elasmobranchs in captivity worldwide, leading to enhanced conservation efforts for these species.

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