Honors College

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A Descriptive Study of Protective Tissue Formation in Stems of Quercus buckleyi Nixon & Dorr (Fagaceae)
(2012-04-25) Abbott, Kristin J.; Rushing, Ann E.; Biology.; Baylor University.; Honors College.
The epidermis and periderm are two components of the protective tissues that cover plant stems and roots. The epidermis is the first protective layer of the plant, and is later replaced by the periderm, which is typically composed of three different tissues: phellogen, phellem, and phelloderm. The objective of my study was to observe and describe the developmental process of protective tissues in stems of Quercus buckleyi, commonly known as Texas Red Oak. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is used in this study to examine Q. buckleyi specimens. The epidermis is composed of a single layer of cells that divide anticlinally to compensate for increased diameter. The meristematic phellogen is initiated in the subepidermal layer. The phellogen undergoes both periclinal and anticlinal divisions to create new cells for the periderm. Phellem matures to the outside of the phellogen and is thick walled. It eventually causes the epidermis to slough off during later stages as the periderm replaces the epidermis. No phelloderm to the inside of the phellogen is apparent in the stems of Q. buckleyi.
Public Perception and Poverty: The Importance of Understanding How We Think about the Impoverished
(2012-04-25) Heard, Amy; Womack, Elizabeth; English.; Baylor University.; Honors College.
American thoughts and attitudes are affected by fact, fiction, and experience. My research explores public perception of the impoverished by considering academic writing and the popular media, then examining one organization that seeks to change negative perceptions of the impoverished. The first section of my research is a brief literature review of current poverty theory, followed by a section examining the role of popular media in public perception. A brief survey of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Waco Tribune-Herald, among others, revealed positive and negative trends in the way poverty is presented. The final chapter examines the strengths and weaknesses of a Baylor Campus Kitchen, a student-led hunger alleviation group that can help reduce negative stereotypes by introducing the middle class to the impoverished without reducing the dignity of the poor. When engaging in any discussion, it is important to know the topic and recognize your biases. This project seeks to encourage everyone to at least acknowledge both sides of an argument before making decisions.
Transitioning from romance to mélodie: An Analysis of Hector Berlioz’s La captive
(2012-04-25) Graves, Victoria; Bartlette, Christopher; Music.; Baylor University.; Honors College.
In the eighteenth century, French art song was dominated by the romance, which was simple in its construction and set strophic poems that dealt with love and gallantry. After the Lieder of Franz Schubert (1797-1828) were introduced into France, a desire for a more developed and expressive French art song was stirred. Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) was one of the first composers to call these new songs mélodies. However, labeling vocal works from this period as exclusively romance or mélodie is difficult, because the two styles have similar characteristics. This thesis explores Berlioz’s transformation from the romance to the mélodie through four revisions of the song, La captive. His setting of La captive is then compared to settings of the same poem by his contemporaries—as well as other songs by Berlioz—in order to demonstrate Berlioz’s evolutionary compositional style.
The Process of Healing in Multiple Sclerosis: The Role and Experiences of the Patient, Physician, Family and Peers
(2012-04-25) Cameron, Kyrie; Hillis, William D.; Biology.; Toombs, Sheila Kay, 1943-; Honors College.
Patients who suffer from multiple sclerosis are faced with the reality that this disease, which causes such tremendous physical and emotional distress, simply cannot be cured. Though medical researchers have not yet been able to find a cure, multiple sclerosis patients may certainly experience healing during their struggle. To cure one from disease is a permanent eradication of all physical symptoms that the body experiences, whereas healing is the retaining of a sense of personal integrity and self-worth in spite of the physical manifestations of illness. Healing is experienced by the patient, but is also an experience in which the physician, family members and peers play significant roles. In cases of incurable disease, such as multiple sclerosis, it is important that every patient is provided with an opportunity for healing. In order for each patient to have this chance, it is beneficial for each of the individuals involved in the healing process to recognize those practices and attitudes that contribute to healing.
Ut Omnes Unum Sint: Examining the Presence of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition at a Baptist University
(2012-04-25) Galvan, Carmen; Hankins, Barry, 1956-; Journalism.; Honors College.
This research collected firsthand accounts of faith and teaching from both Catholic and non-Catholic faculty at Baylor University in order to prove that Baylor has intentionally sought and hired additional Roman Catholic faculty in order to strengthen the university’s religious identity. The appeal of Catholics was found to be the Catholic intellectual tradition, which holds that faith be integrated with learning in all aspects of academia. The research revealed four major commonalities of Baylor’s Catholic hiring: 1) the university hiring process, 2) the integration of faith and learning in the classroom, 3) the positive and/or negative experiences faculty have had at Baylor, and 4) the faculty’s perspective of Baylor 2012 and its future.
The Image of Christ in Thomas Hardy's Poetry of Progress
(2012-04-25) Washburn, Caitlin; King, Joshua S., 1979-; University Scholars.; Baylor University.; Honors College.
Although many scholars discuss the importance of Christian images in Thomas Hardy’s poetry, most conclude that the ideas and images of the Christian faith were ultimately inadequate for Hardy in his attempts to find hope for the moral progress of humanity. In this thesis, I argue that Christ is crucial as a figure of hope and a symbol of redemption in Hardy’s attempt to assert the possibility of moral progress through human actions. Through a close reading of several of Hardy’s poems, as well as a study of texts that influenced his ideas about progress and about Christ, I first discuss the importance of concrete examples of human goodness, rather than speculations about miraculous or divine help, as sources of hope for Hardy. I then examine the continued importance of Christian images, especially the figure of Christ, within Hardy’s humanist worldview. To Hardy, Christ serves as a historical example of the lasting efficacy of virtuous activity, as well as a poetic symbol with the power to inspire further virtuous activity in other humans.
The Evolution of Health Maintenance Organizations
(2012-04-25) Paynter, Stewart; Marcum, James; History.; Honors College.
This thesis focuses on the development of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) in the twentieth century. While the origins of the movement in the 1930s and 1940s are discussed, emphasis is also placed on the early 1970s and the 1990s, when HMOs proliferated at the national level, altering the spectrum of healthcare provider models in the United States. By 1999, the number of HMO enrollees in the U.S. had grown to its peak of approximately 80 million. In addition to its historical background, the overall philosophy of HMOs is studied and subsequent flaws in both HMO structure and function are examined. This last part focuses on the ethical and moral questions of HMO patient care. In examining the evolution of HMOs, cases of patient neglect and treatment shortcomings are evaluated and found to be the result of a business model designed for treating patient populations with an economically efficient remedy, rather than a treatment that is the most medically effective.
Reevaluating Reynolds: The Constitutional Case for Religiously Motivated Polygamy
(2012-04-25) Baumgardner, Paul; Waltman, Jerold L., 1945-; Political Science.; Baylor University.; University Scholars.
In 1878, the U.S. Supreme Court defined, and applied, the free exercise clause of the First Amendment for the first time. The case, Reynolds v. United States, concerned the constitutionality of the Morrill Act of 1862, which made it a federal crime to practice polygamy. This congressional act was neither the first nor the last federal action taken to suppress the growing Mormon faith. Although the Mormon Church believed that the free exercise clause protected such integral faith-based actions as polygamy, the Court deemed polygamy to be "morally odious" and outside the realm of constitutional protection. However, the evolution of marital standards, minority freedoms, and free exercise jurisprudence over the past 133 years of American history has supplied ample room for a contemporary reevaluation of Reynolds v. United States. In particular, the Supreme Court’s recent protections of same-sex lifestyles and heterodox religious conduct indicate that a religiously motivated polygamy case would receive a much more favorable treatment today.
Analysis and Interpretation of Neolithic Near Eastern Mortuary Rituals from a Community-Based Perspective
(2012-04-26) Connelly, Ashley; Arbuckle, Benjamin; Anthropology.; Honors College.
Early farming communities located in the ancient Near Eastparticipated in unique mortuary practices throughout the Neolithic period (9300-4700 B.C.). These practices include a “skull cult,” which involved preserving and honoring human skulls apart from the rest of the skeletons. Interpretations of the meaning behind this “skull cult” have been a major focus of archaeology.In this thesis, I critique previous work interpreting the skull cult, particularly Kathleen Kenyon’s theory of a venerated male ancestor skull cult, and explore Ian Kuijt’s theory on the social role of these mortuary ritual practices, giving insight into the emergence and evolution of social complexity within these developing societies. Ethnographic accounts supporting Kuijt’s theory of community-based mortuary practices and their significance in understanding the societal structure during the Neolithic period suggest that while people of the Neolithic Near East were preserving the skeletal remains of their ancestors, it may not have been for veneration purposes, but rather a mortuary rite allowing the deceased to transition to the afterlife, all while preserving and renewing the social relationships involved in the community.
Vulnerability, Perceptions of Stress, and Coping with Natural Disasters: The Case of Hurricane Iris in Belize
(2012-04-26) Smith, Stephanie; Alexander, Sara E.; Environmental Studies.; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Honors College.
As climate change affects global weather patterns, coastal communities experience more high-intensity storms. Social and economic conditions have created more vulnerability to these disasters in some households, exacerbating the damage. The village of Placencia in Belize was particularly affected by one such event, Hurricane Iris, in 2001. This study uses data from households in Placencia to examine the relationship between vulnerability to coastal storms, feelings of stress, and coping strategies. My objectives are (1) to identify those households that are vulnerable, (2) to determine stress scores for each household, and (3) to examine the influence of stress on the coping strategies (used in response to Hurricane Iris) of vulnerable households. This study concluded that households with low levels of neighborhood cohesion did not use social interaction to cope with disaster. Additionally, highly-stressed households did not use monetary means of coping with the aftermath of the storm.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Malignant Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Basal Cell Carcinoma in a General Dermatological Practice
(2012-04-26) Taylor, Rachel; Abell, Troy D.; University Scholars.; Honors College.
Introduction. Incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer is increasing worldwide. Melanoma is the sixth most common cancer in the United States, making skin cancer a significant public health issue. Background and goal. The goal of this study was to provide estimates for sensitivity (P(T+|D+)), specificity (P(T-|D-)), and likelihood ratios (P(T+|D+)/P(T+|D-)) for a positive test and (P(T-|D+)/P(T-|D-)) for negative test of clinical diagnosis compared with pathology reports for malignant melanoma (MM), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) , basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and benign lesions. This retrospective cohort study collected data on 595 patients with 2,973 lesions in a Central Texas dermatology clinic, randomly selecting patients seen by the dermatology clinic between 1995 and 2011. The ascertation of disease was documented on the pathology report and served as the “gold standard.” Hypotheses. Major hypotheses were that the percentage of agreement beyond that expected by chance between the clinicians’ diagnosis and the pathological gold standard were 0.10, 0.10, 0.30, and 0.40 for MM, SCC, BCC and benign lesions respectively. Results. For MM, the resulting estimates were: (a) 0.1739 (95% C.I. 0.0495, 0.3878), for sensitivity; (b) 0.9952 (95% C.I. 0.9920, 0.9974) for specificity; and (c) the likelihood ratios for a positive and negative test result were 36.23 and 0.83, respectively. For SCC, the resulting estimates were (a) 0.0833 (95% C.I. 0.0312, 0.1726) for sensitivity; (b) 0.9976 (95% C.I. 0.9950, 0.9990); and (c) the likelihood ratios for a positive and negative test result were 34.71 and 0.92, respectively. For BCC, the resulting estimates were: (a) 0.2178 (95% C.I. 0.1630, 0.2812) for sensitivity; (b) 0.9910 (95% C.I. 0.9867, 0.9941) for specificity; and (c) the likelihood ratios for a positive and negative test result were 24.20 and 0.79, respectively. For benign lesions, the resulting estimates were (a) 0.4942 (95% C.I. 0.4715, 0.5169) for sensitivity; (b) 0.9305 (95% C.I. 0.9135, 0.9450) for specificity; and (c) the likelihood ratios for a positive and negative test result were 7.11 and 0.54, respectively. Estimates for the kappa statistic (95% confidence intervals) were 0.1896 (0.0261, 0.3532), 0.1898 (0.0899, 0.2896), 0.3308 (0.2608, 0.3532), and 0.3585 (0.3319, 0.3850) for MM, SCC, BCC, and benign lesions, respectively. Conclusions. Over-biopsying lesions and fear of missing malignancy have a significant impact on the sensitivity and specificity of clinical diagnosis, leading to lowered accuracy. These results challenge clinicians to continue to work toward improving their diagnostic skills concerning MM, SCC, BCC, and benign lesions.
Prader-Willi Syndrome and a Potential Weight Loss Supplement
(2012-04-26) Flowers, Kellsie; Leutholtz, Brian; Biology.; Honors College.
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder caused by a lack of the 11q-13q segment of the paternal chromosome 15. Although the cause of the lack of genetic information varies, the result is an extreme increase in appetite, hypogonadism, mental retardation, and behavioral problems. Often, the most prominent obstacle the individual with PWS faces is managing the excessive weight gain that comes with having constant, ravenous hunger. Since there currently is no cure, managing the symptoms is the focus for most doctors. If the issue of excessive weight gain can be mollified, then the disorder would become more manageable. Therefore, I am proposing a hypothetical research project that examines the effects of capsaicin, a potential weight loss supplement, on individuals with PWS. Since the experiment is hypothetical, a guideline for this potential project is explored, along with rubrics for interpreting possible results. Several potential data sets have been prepared, and are accompanied by an interpretation of what these results could mean for PWS patients in the future.
“Unusual Forces”: A Conceptual Model of the Realm between Naturalistic and Supernatural Healing
(2012-04-29) Shuler, Sunny; Levin, Jeff; University Scholars - Honors Program; Honors College.; University Scholars.
In contemporary research on spiritual healing, the traditional way to view healing is as occurring either because of naturalistic means (i.e., explainable by the popular scientific method and by reference to existing scientific theories) or by supernatural means (i.e., explainable as miraculous or due to God or a divine power acting “ex nihilo”). In addition, there exists a third category of explanations for healing posited by some investigators, invoking a variety of unusual forces, whereby healing cannot be described as attributable solely to either supernatural or naturalistic categories. This thesis explores explanations for healing attributed to this third category, and presents a conceptual model-taxonomy categorizing the various ways that healing due to such forces has been described. After first explaining the need for a conceptual model, this thesis next presents an overview of current explanations proposed from those working within numerous scholarly disciplines, including the philosophy and history of medicine, consciousness research, prayer research, Christian religion and theology, and transpersonal psychology. By presenting a conceptual model that differentiates these explanations on the basis of the concept of nonlocality, this thesis provides a way to make sense of cases of healing attributed to such forces. This model will thereby aid in providing a foundation for further theoretical discussion, research, and practice in regard to different types of spiritual healing.
The Pirate's Moral Compass: Religion, Morality, Underage Drinking, and Illegal Music Downloading
(2012-04-29) McCallum, Matthew; North, Charles Mark, 1964-; Economics.; Baylor University.; Honors College.
Illegal downloading of music files has plagued the recording industry for years and stricter enforcement of piracy laws has shown little effectiveness in slowing this phenomenon. This paper studies the effect that religion and morality have on illegal downloading practices of music files by college students at a large private Christian university. I conclude that church attendance is associated with lower illegal downloading only for very frequent attenders. Also, students who rate their morals above average are less likely to illegally download than those who self-identified with average or below average morals. Additionally I examine four other “wrong” acts: copying homework, breaking the speed limit, shoplifting, and underage drinking. The results suggest that college students view underage drinking and illegal downloading as morally equivalent.
'Innocent Victims' or 'Criminal Aliens?': A Critique of Trafficking Discourse and Policy in the United States
(2012-04-29) Morgan, Ashley Nicole.; Adams, Linda; Other; Baylor University.; Honors College.
Human trafficking is a global phenomenon with important implications for conceptualizations of citizenship, gender and sovereignty. The approaches by the US government and many academic studies of trafficking are based upon understandings of trafficked persons as "victims" and methods for identifying the trafficked that prevent them from being identified or self-identifying. These "victim" stereotypes reproduce inaccurate and unethical gender norms and limits of political community that devalue the lives of the trafficked. Problems with trafficking efforts extend beyond issues of identification. The ideologies of human rights and security are unnecessarily injected in anti-trafficking discourse and policy at the expense of providing support for the trafficked. US immigration policies are overly restrictive to the point of putting relief from trafficking out of reach of trafficked persons and actually facilitating trafficking. In place of status quo anti-trafficking efforts, this thesis provides recommendations for scholars and policymakers to re-prioritize the support of the trafficked.
The Role of Spectraplakin in Drosophila Photoreceptor Morphogenesis
(2012-04-29) Mui, Uyen Ngoc; Nam, Sang-Chul.; Biology.; Baylor University.; Honors College.
Cell polarity, the correct positioning of membrane proteins in the apical and basolateral domains, is critical for the proper development of retinal photoreceptor cells. The regulation of cell polarity is controlled by cell polarity complexes. Crumbs (Crb), a transmembrane protein belonging to the Crb complex, has a critical role in the regulation of the rhabdomeres and adherens junctions during photoreceptor cell elongation. In turn, the cell polarity complexes are influenced by other regulators. Here, I found that Spectraplakin, an actin-microtubule cross-linking protein, participates in the regulation of the localization of Crb during photoreceptor morphogenesis. The Spectraplakin genes are highly conserved throughout evolution, which makes the Drosophila eye an excellent model. The Spectraplakin gene in Drosophila is known as short stop, shot. Shot localizes at the rhabdomere terminal web, located at the Crb domain, and serves as a transition zone for the constant delivery of proteins needed for the photoreceptor. Genetic analysis data indicates that Shot and Crb require each other reciprocally for correct targeting to the final sites within photoreceptor cells. Mutations in shot affect photoreceptor morphogenesis by causing cell polarity defects.
The Baylor Angel Network: Angel Investing in Early Stage Startups
(2012-04-29) Sommers, John; Petty, John William (Bill).; Economics.; Honors College.
Angel investing constitutes an alternative asset in the portfolios of many high net worth individuals. Although angel networks are relatively uncommon, the Baylor Angel Network provides a unique value proposition to not only Baylor University, the students and faculty, but also the entrepreneurs looking for funding. This thesis follows the work of two Senior Analysts within the Baylor Angel Network, and their coverage of entrepreneur pitches for funding, as well as review of portfolio companies for investor screening.
What a Fat Debacle: Saturated and Trans Fatty Acids Effect on Health and the Future of Food Manufacturing Processes
(2012-04-29) Kong, Liz; Walter, Janelle Marshall.; Family and Consumer Sciences; Baylor University.; Honors College.
The recommended consumption of fat has been changed multiple times by the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans in the past decade due to expanding nutrition knowledge. Not only the amount of fat, but the type of fat in the American diet is considered for recommendations to health and food production. Saturated fats in general have long been shown to contribute to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and obesity. In response to consumers’ demands for healthier food products, food manufacturers started using the hydrogenation process to lower the saturated fat content of foods. However, research on health implications and subsequent policy changes of these trans fatty acids, such as listing trans fat content on food label nutrition facts, led the same food companies to re-evaluate the hydrogenation process, or production of trans fat, and begin using alternatives to partially hydrogenated oils. Fifteen food companies were contacted through their websites and surveyed about what kinds of oils and/or methods they used to replace the previously used partially hydrogenated oils in their food products to maintain standards for taste and texture. This research and literature review reveals that food companies are back to using saturated fats and tropical oils, especially coconut oil, instead of the cheap trans fats in their products. Contradicting facts on saturated fats and coconut oil are further explored, with the emphasis on the beneficial functions of coconut oil. Putting research in perspective, the future of food manufacturing processes is dependent on continued research on the health implications and differences between these types of fats in the American diet.
Reexamining the Effects of State Religion on Religious Service Attendance
(2012-04-29) Swift, Matthew; North, Charles Mark, 1964-; Economics.; The Pulse, Undergraduate Journal of Baylor University; Honors College.
This paper reexamines the effects of state religion on religious service attendance across countries. Using attendance data from the World Values Survey and Gallup World Poll, it pays special attention to the variables used for state religion, regulation of religion, and government favoritism toward religion. Because this analysis uses a larger set of data than has been used in many previous studies, it provides a more representative sample of countries and sheds some light on how particular state religions may affect attendance. Results suggest a complex relationship between religious service attendance and various measures of state religion, not the simple negative relationship found in prior literature.
Imbirikani Girls High School: A Business Plan
(2012-04-29) Peterman, Catherine; Bradley, Steve; Economics.; Baylor University.; Honors College.
The Imbirikani Girls High School is an all-girls secondary school that educates Maasai girls in southwest Kenya and provides its students with the necessary skills to fulfill their future goals. This business plan outlines specific marketing, organizational, and financial strategies that will allow the school to achieve continued success in its mission to give these young Kenyan women a place “To Learn, To Serve, To Honour God.”

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