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Description
This thesis explores the evolution of Indian bridal attire and its cultural significance within the context of modern weddings. It delves into the intersection of tradition and contemporary influences, particularly examining the impact of Indian cinema and Indian couture on bridal aspirations. While Bollywood and Indian fashion have played substantial roles in shaping perceptions of the "Big Fat Indian Wedding," this study reveals a growing disconnect between mainstream representations and authentic cultural heritage. Through empirical research and personal narratives, it advocates for a celebration of diverse regional customs while embracing contemporary trends, highlighting the importance of cultural authenticity and women's empowerment in shaping the narrative of Indian weddings. Accompanied by a creative project in the form of a short film, this endeavor aims to inspire filmmakers and fashion designers to prioritize diverse representation and individualized expression, ensuring that Indian weddings remain dynamic manifestations of tradition and identity.
ContributorsMukherjee, Maya (Author) / Testa, Danielle (Thesis director) / Gray, Nancy (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Art (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) accounts for 10% of patients on dialysis and leads to a complete life transformation, as patients suffer from pain, fatigue, and isolation. With 22% of ADPKD patients experiencing depression, this study hoped to unveil specific coping strategies that mediate the link between patients’ sources of social support and levels of depression (Simms et al., 2016). Online survey data was collected with a sample of ADPKD adults (N= 81, 67.9% female), administering measures that capture social support (SS), coping strategies (CS), and depression. Mediation analyses revealed that the relationship between three types of social support (e.g., family, friends, and significant others) and depression, were significantly mediated by two types of coping strategies: acceptance (p < 0.05 - 0.01) and planning (p < 0.001). More specifically, acceptance coping partially mediated the link between the social support of family and significant others and depression, whereas acceptance coping demonstrated a trend towards partial mediation in the link between friends’ social support and depression, with acceptance mitigating depression. Interestingly, utilizing planning coping masked the link between familial social support and depression, such that planning increased depression. Taken together, ADPKD patients who learn to accept their diagnosis are less depressed, while those who plan ahead experience greater depression.
ContributorsFusciello, Chiara (Author) / Taylor, Teri (Thesis director) / Flores, Valerie (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Chromothripsis, a phenomenon characterized by complex chromosomal rearrangements, has garnered significant attention in cancer research due to its potential implications in disease pathogenesis and progression. In this study, we investigate the role of chromothripsis in multiple myeloma (MM) using the EJM cell line as a model system. Through a comprehensive analysis of genome assembly methods and alignment algorithms, we aim to elucidate the impact of chromothripsis on the genomic landscape of MM and its potential clinical relevance. Our results highlight the efficacy of HifiASM and Shasta assemblers in handling complex genomic rearrangements associated with MM, suggesting their utility in genomic research and clinical applications. Comparative analyses of alignment lengths and coverage provide insights into assembly methodologies and algorithmic nuances, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate tools for accurate reconstruction of chromothripsis-affected genomes. Additionally, our study underscores the need for further optimization of assembly methodologies and analysis metrics, as well as the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies targeting chromothripsis-mediated genomic alterations in MM. Overall, our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of chromothripsis in MM pathogenesis and pave the way for personalized treatment approaches in MM patients.
ContributorsKulkarni, Nisha (Author) / Lynch, John (Thesis director) / Keats, Jonathan (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Computer Science and Engineering Program (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the benefits and barriers of the circular economy in comparison to the traditional, single-use linear economy. The project scope pertains to a case study of a 100% reusable cup café store, conducting analysis through an environmental, financial, and social lens. Two tools were created to analyze this program. A life cycle analysis was designed to interpret environmental impacts, and a total cost assessment was designed to analyze operational financing. The main finding of this work is to ensure that reusable cups exhibit an average lifetime, quantified in the number of uses, that exceeds environmental indicator break-even points to produce a lower emissions footprint within an open population café store setting.
ContributorsSroka, Sara (Author) / Simonson, Mark (Thesis director) / Johnson, Nathan (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
“Assessing the Need for a Comprehensive Web Toolkit for Brand Visual Identity” explores the imperative need for small businesses to establish a distinctive brand identity in a competitive digital marketplace. The research within highlights the profound impact of visual elements like logos, color palettes, and typography on consumer perceptions and brand association, emphasizing the strategic use of these elements in enhancing brand equity. This thesis goes on to address the gaps in current web tools that assist with brand development, particularly for small businesses with limited resources. Further, this project proposes the development of a new, more integrated, and cost-effective toolkit. This toolkit is designed to empower small businesses by providing accessible educational resources and generative design tools that simplify the creation of a cohesive brand identity.
ContributorsPrichard, Brennon (Author) / Gray, Nancy (Thesis director) / Dong, Xiaodan (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Caregiving for a disabled or ill relative can be an extremely stressful role, leading to increased acute physiological responses to stress and also chronic cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. Furthermore, an important consideration for studying CVD and daily stress in caregivers is less is known about gender differences in the effects of caregiving. The aims of this study were to examine the associations between gender and daily stressors on cardiovascular health in caregivers. A sample of 1,841 respondents (ranging from 33-84 years) from the Midlife in the United States study answered a question about caregiving and participated in both a daily diary and biomarker subprojects. Within the sample, only 13.04% of respondents classified themselves as caregivers. Regression analysis was used to test 1. whether stressor exposure and stressor reactivity, which is the emotional response to stress, differ by caregiver status and gender, 2. cardiovascular health as indicated by the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple Seven measure (on scale of poor, intermediate, or ideal) is predicted by caregiving status and gender, 3. whether daily stress is associated with Life’s Simple Seven, and 4. whether daily stress moderates the associations between caregiving and gender with cardiovascular health. Important findings of the study included that caregivers and women experienced more daily stressors, while caregivers and men had greater cardiovascular risk, but this was not related to experience of daily stressors. These results are discussed within the context of study limitations and opportunities for future research building upon daily stress and caregiving.
ContributorsBiernot, Kelsey (Author) / Koffer, Rachel (Thesis director) / Gómez-Morales, Abigail (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
If students receive a form of sexual education, it usually occurs in their K-12 years in the United States. This education serves to prepare them for sexual activity as they transition into adulthood. The study sheds light on the importance of comprehensive and inclusive sexual education in reducing stigma and promoting healthy decision-making for all students. Our study aims to examine various factors influencing a college student's sexual health, including their sexual identity, religious affiliation, regional differences in K-12, sexual education, students' perceptions of their sexual education, and their comfort in discussing these topics with healthcare providers. A survey was conducted using responses from 200 ASU students, which collected data on their sexual behavior, and their responses were used to assess their level of sexual risk. Additionally, data was collected on topics outlined in our research questions, which explored several factors that can impact sexual health. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to analyze these correlations. The findings suggested a correlation between comprehensive sexual health education and increased positive and healthy behaviors related to sexual health. While some of our hypotheses were supported, the only statistically significant one was the impact of regional K-12 sexual health education on college students' sexual health. Overall, our study highlights the importance of implementing nationwide, comprehensive sexual education to promote healthy lifestyles and prepare adolescents with the knowledge to make informed decisions as they prepare for their transition into adulthood.
ContributorsStrasser, Maria (Author) / Brown, Taylor (Co-author) / Berkel, Cady (Thesis director) / Koskan, Alexis (Committee member) / Beaumont, Sarah (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
With its rapid growth and widespread adoption, TikTok has emerged as a formidable platform for marketing and brand promotion. By harnessing the app's unique features and engaging content formats, businesses can effectively reach and engage with their target audiences in innovative ways. Psychological principles prove the affects and better explain why TikTok is a great resource for businesses. This thesis outlines a survey on the app of TikTok and what type of content piqued viewers interest. After avid research conducted through surveys, psychological principles, and secondary research, this thesis compiles a list of the 5 Best Practices businesses should use when using TikTok as a way to grow their business and up their sales. These best practices will not only help them grow their audience, but gain more brand awareness to a younger generation of social media users. Overall, the immense potential for businesses to tap into TikTok's growing user base and vibrant community to drive revenue, sales, and brand awareness.
ContributorsBarbanente, Cassandra (Author) / Lee, Christopher (Thesis director) / Giles, Charles (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Comm (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
In the modern age of marketing and the growing use of influencer marketing, the use of these influencers and social platforms is rapidly evolving. With the rise of TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there was a shift as consumers started to prefer short-form video content and new influencers started to gain popularity. The beauty industry in particular had a large increase in marketing as new influencers popped up with a new style, leading to changing consumer desires and attitudes. This case study aims to aid future researchers in understanding a new topic of research in the rapidly changing marketing world. For this study, I defined three subtypes of beauty mega-influencers: first-mover beauty influencers, who have been in the industry for a decade or more, controversial influencers, who actively create content but have problematic pasts, and beauty lifestyle influencers who gained their popularity on TikTok and their styles develop parasocial relationships with their followers. I gathered a sample of sponsored posts on both TikTok and Instagram to look into the effectiveness of each type’s style for marketing use and how consumers reacted to these types of posts. With this sample, I tested how the credibility within each group and as individuals affected consumer attitudes, and which group is the most effective overall in receiving positive attitudes in terms of response to persuasion. This was done by comparing engagement rates and tracking attitudes in each comment section. My findings found that those with all three facets of credibility, knowledge, expertise, and attractiveness, received the best responses from their audience, and this was found mostly within the newer, TikTok-based beauty lifestyle influencers, however, each subtype had different advantages. There was also the unexpected finding of platform difference, and how much effect that had on consumer attitudes overall.
ContributorsJenkins, Jennifer (Author) / Dong, Xiaodan (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
With the acknowledgement of Type 2 Diabetes as a disease that disproportionately affects the Latinx communities, this study is designed to look at the relationship between health literacy and diabetes awareness. This research was conducted using data from Dr. Felipe Castro's previous study on Latino Lifestyles for Diabetes Prevention. Multiple linear regressions were ran to find the correlation between certain measures and diabetes awareness. Major findings included seeing the positive relationship between education and diabetes awareness and the negative correlation between Behavior Intentions Self Monitoring and diabetes awareness. Further studies are required to see how different social factors impact an individual's ability to gain health literacy regarding Type 2 Diabetes.
ContributorsHuerta, Isabel (Author) / Castro, Felipe (Thesis director) / Lopez, Gilberto (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Human Evolution & Social Change (Contributor) / School of Public Affairs (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05