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The Rise and Fall of Control Penology in the Texas Prison System 1948-1983
No full textData Collection Methodology:
We use comparative-historical methods to outline and analyze primary and secondary sources regarding penology methods in the Texas prison system. This particular paper focuses on the post-WWII period from 1948 to 1983.
Expected Findings:
The nature of this project is historical, so we find that there were several different key individuals in the development and promotion of control penology including O.B. Ellis, Dr. George Beto, and W.J. Estelle. Roughly speaking, these leaders developed, seemingly perfected, and then oversaw the dissolution of control penology respectively.In this article, we outline and analyze the development and implications of Control Penology in the Texas prison system in the post-war era. Responding to a predicted increase in prison population after the influx of returning WWII veterans, Texas prison officials came to terms with the need to update and manage their lagging and unsustainable prison infrastructure. In the hands of three main historical overseers, O.B. Ellis, Dr. George Beto, and W.J. Estelle, we trace the origins, development, and eventual demise of Control Penology in Texas during this period
Is All Prejudice Created Equal? Emotions, Power, and Position in the Russian Federation
No full textTopic: This project analyzes sources of prejudiced attitudes toward minority groups in Russia. The innovation here is that I demonstrate that by disaggregating prejudice by emotional types (rather than by level of intensity, for example, the way social distancing scales might), we see that there are really two very different types of prejudice that are better defined as hostility or fear. | History: American Sociological Association, Regular Session presentation, 2013 American Sociological Association, Regular Session presentation, 2018 | Data Collection Methodology: I use statistical methods to analyze a sample of approximately N=10,000 individual from the Russian Federation. The data was collected as a representative sample in 2003-2004. | Expected Findings: Depending on relative group position, I find differing emotional types of prejudice expressed toward non-Russians. I am attaching the paper here, and the findings are in the Results section in more detail.This article argues for conceptualizing prejudice in terms of emotional-types rather than a monolithic feeling of ‘antipathy’ as in paradigmatic work on the subject (Allport 1954). I propose two distinct emotional-types of prejudice: fear-prejudice and hostility-prejudice. I demonstrate how relative group and subgroup positions may predict each type of prejudice. I support this distinction empirically using survey data from approximately 10,000 individuals in the Russian Federation collected in 2003-2004. Results indicate that non-significant predictors of a monolithic conception of prejudice are in fact quite important for predicting different emotional types of prejudice. Within the dominant ethnic Russian group, relative sub-group positions affect the emotional-type of prejudice expressed toward outgroups. I find that individuals within the dominant ethnic group (non-Muslim, ethnic Russians) who possess arguably less social power (women, youth, and those with very low income) are more likely to express fear-prejudice; those with broader anti-racist socialization (the elderly and those with higher levels of education) are more likely to express tolerance, and those with greatest social power (men and those with high incomes) are more likely to express hostility-prejudice
Planting the Seeds of College and Career Readiness in Preschool
No full textTopic: The investigation explores the implementation and challenges of introducing a structured framework to enhance college and career readiness at the preschool level. The mixed-methods authentic case study focuses on how the core beliefs of the No Excuses University (NEU) framework have influenced the participants and the culture of achievement at one nonprofit preschool. | History: Informally presented preliminary research findings to the West Texas A & M Center for Learning Disabilities leadership team. Shared announcement of journal article publication on the COESS Facebook page. This will be the first poster presentation of the research findings beyond the JARC published journal article. | Data Collection Methodology: Online surveys used to collect data from adult participants (parents, preschool faculty/staff). Face-to-face interviews were conducted with preschool participants. | Expected Findings: The findings from this study suggest that preschool is not too early to begin shaping students’ identities for future success and developing the self-efficacy skills to seek out post-secondary opportunities to fit their unique interests and talents. This can be accomplished by creating a culture of college and career readiness; providing ongoing training and support for faculty, parents, and students; and addressing the ongoing challenges that occur when implementing this framework.Many jobs require some type of post-secondary degree or specialized training beyond high school, therefore addressing college and career readiness concepts at an early age may influence young children‚Äôs future success. This mixed-methods authentic case study explores the implementation and challenges of introducing a structured framework to enhance the culture of universal achievement at one non-profit preschool in a rural hub city. The research site is non-profit preschool accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) which serves predominantly low-income families. The purpose of the study was to discover how the core beliefs of the No Excuses University (NEU) program have influenced awareness of post-secondary opportunities and prospects for educational achievement. Participants included 18 preschool faculty/staff members, 37 parents of preschool students, and 31 preschool students. Adult participants answered online survey questions, while preschool students responded to face-to-face interview questions. Analysis of the collected data revealed that fostering a culture of universal achievement in a preschool setting can enhance young students‚Äô and their families‚Äô awareness of future educational opportunities, increase communication regarding long-term post-secondary goals, and support the development of a positive future story. Conclusions drawn from this study indicate that implementing a structured framework that addresses a variety of educational opportunities can positively influence the child, their parents, members of the school faculty, and the local community. Strategies and effective approaches executed by the preschool include the use of powerful symbolism and multi-faceted collaboration. Some untold challenges to program implementation are discussed. The implications from this research study on early exposure to college and career readiness concepts are applicable to many fields of study
Circadian Rhythms in Peripheral Serotonin in Mice
No full textHistory:
Some of this research has been presented at Texas Society for Microscopy (2019), Texas Society for Biological Clocks and Medicine (2018), and Cornette Library Research Symposia at WT (2017-2019) .
Data Collection Methodology:
Data collection methods include tissue analysis using qPCR, ELISA, and LC-MS-MS, cell counting with a hemocytometer, and stool collection.
Expected Findings:
We observed that serotonin and 5HIAA levels appeared to exhibit a circadian rhythm in duodenum in AL animals only, and RF conditions disrupted rather than shifted the phase of this rhythm. No rhythm in serotonin abundance was detected in serum. In contrast, platelets were highly rhythmic under RF conditions, whereas no rhythm was detected while on an ad libitum diet in LD or DD.Most organisms possess biological circadian clocks which control and coordinate numerous physiological processes over each twenty-four hour day. Circadian oscillators play a role in generating biological rhythms and coordinating numerous processes with environmental stimuli (such as timing of a meal or exposure to light). In rodents it has been demonstrated that restricting the availability of food to a short window of time during the day can shift the phase of rhythmic oscillations in some peripheral organs (such as the gut and liver) while not affecting the phase of the light entrainable hypothalamic circadian pacemaker. We hypothesize that this paradigm of restricted feeding (RF) would result in a phase shift in the daily rhythm of the hormone serotonin within the serum and gut of mice compared with mice maintained on an ad libitum diet (AL). We also measured circulating levels of platelets since most of the serotonin in the blood is taken up and transported by platelets. Here we present data demonstrating the daily profile of serotonin and its major metabolite, 5HIAA, in serum and duodenum of AL or RF animals maintained under LD or free running conditions. As expected, motility rhythms entrained to the rhythm of food availability cues, whereas no statistically significant rhythm was detected in serum serotonin levels. In duodenum, serotonin and 5HIAA levels appeared to be rhythmic in AL mice only. Interestingly, a circadian rhythm in circulating platelets levels was detected only under RF conditions, but not in AL animals or in constant darkness. This suggests that food intake, but not light, may drive oscillations in platelet production or serve as a zeitgeber for entrainment. Further investigations of circadian control of serotonin biosynthesis and metabolism is ongoing
Reformations to Developmental Mathematics Education: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Programmatic Changes
Get PDFA mixed methods study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a newly implemented developmental mathematics education program at an institution of higher education. Under the old program (Program 1), at the most, students would take two developmental mathematics courses; a beginning algebra course, and an intermediate algebra course, after which students would then be able to enroll in a credit-bearing mathematics course. Under the new program (Program 2), this is shortened to only one beginning algebra course, after which students can then enroll in a credit-bearing mathematics course. A Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD) was utilized to find differences in retention of students who have taken either of the mathematics pathways provided at the institution. The experiment also looked for qualitative differences in student and faculty experiences in these courses through the lens of a developmental education theory proposed by Wambach, Brothen, and Dikel (2000). Implications from this research extend to determine factors that could hinder student success, generate program improvement, and provide additional literature on reforms in developmental mathematics education
Daily Rituals
Get PDFThis thesis takes seriously the banal moments of daily routines of home and career, which for me includes a commute between two rural towns in West Texas—Muleshoe, where I live, and Canyon, where I am a graduate student—but also a shift between the two worlds of domesticity and professional life. Back and forth, again and again, I feel like I have one foot always in each world, but never fully in either. Part of my routine is a drive that is exactly ninety minutes long—too long to be brief and too short to really count as long. Again, this amount of time feels divided between two things but never either one fully. The repetition of this activity, of this to and from across space and time, has given me an opportunity to look at the world and think about making art. My thesis explores how art is a balancing act of short and long, of living life and creating work. I investigate how art, especially the kind of stylized art I do, is always built on the observation and experience of the world but then it is always also a translation of the world into something else, something aesthetic
Typology of Tweets and User Engagement Generated by US Companies Involved in the Development of COVID-19 Vaccines
Get PDFExpected Findings:
The pharmaceutical companies' tweets shared much scientific/technical information and disseminated Covid-19 related information. This study indicates growing importance of technical communication in corporate settings during public health crisis.COVID-19 has evoked an unprecedented public health crisis throughout the world. This study conducted a quantitative content analysis of (N=295) Twitter posts generated by four US companies engaged in discovering a vaccine for COVID-19 to understand how their Twitter feed balanced corporate branding, product branding (vaccine, medicines, etc.), and disseminated reliable scientific information relating to COVID-19, in the social media space. Results suggested that these companies were actively embedding technical information in their corporate and product branding in the context of COVID-19. It was also observed that tweets providing technical and scientific information about the progress made towards the development of COVID-19 vaccine garnered high levels of user engagement from target audience. Findings indicate growing importance of technical communication in corporate settings during public health crisis
Walk WT - A Mission for Workplace Wellness
Get PDFTopic: The entire world faces challenges with obesity. An increasing trend in obesity prevalence since the early 1980s has posed a significant population health burden across the globe. If current trends continue, 22 percent of people in the workforce will be obese by 2045. A retrospective chart review from patients at the WT Health and Wellness Clinic was completed and revealed an average body mass index of 26.8% which is considered overweight. Walking is convenient, low-impact, and an easy way for beginners to start exercising. A walking plan for WTAMU was developed in the spring of 2019 and plans to be continued on campus. | Expected Findings: The retrospective chart review revealed 141 patients in the age range of 40-81 years with an average body mass index of 26.8% which is considered overweight. Since walking is one of the best exercises for weight loss, the Walk WT program will be continued when COVID restrictions are lifted.Walk WT – A Mission for Workplace Wellness The entire world faces challenges with obesity. An increasing trend in obesity prevalence since the early 1980s has posed a significant population health burden across the globe (Yosuke, Bo, Jennifer, Rebeccah & Larsen Penny, 2018). If current trends continue, 22 percent of people in the workforce will be obese by 2045 (Medical Xpress, 2018). The most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2017-2018 revealed the highest prevalence of obesity among adults aged 40-59 (11.5%). The WT Health and Wellness Clinic was established in 2018 to serve faculty and staff at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) for wellness exams. The main goal of wellness exams is prevention and health promotion. Past medical history, physical exams and diagnostic testing are provided during the visits. Since the majority of patients seen at the clinic are working faculty and staff, the average age of patients is 40-59 years. Walking is one of the best exercises for weight loss. Walking is convenient, low-impact, and an easy way for beginners to start exercising. A walking plan was developed in the spring of 2019. The program was designed to benefit the faculty and staff of WTAMU by utilizing the American Heart Association six-week beginner walking plan in an on-campus walking movement. The program was set to meet in early March, 2020 for a weekly active walking session that would take place over five consecutive weeks. The weekly sessions were aimed to promote accountability among participants and establish a joint effort to promote health and change within the campus community. The first session met on March 10, 2020 and using the on-campus walking path approximately 1.35 miles were covered. All participants voiced approval and their interest in the program. The next session was set to convene on March 24, 2020. Due to Covid-19 restrictions set forth in mid-March of 2020, the Walk WT movement was cancelled in terms of in-person meetings and utilization of campus resources. Participants were encouraged to continue walking and were given the opportunity to communicate for accountability via email. A retrospective chart review completed in January of 2021 analyzed visits from 2018 to 2020, and revealed 141 patients in the age range of 40-81. The average Body Mass Index on these patients was 26.8% which is considered overweight (CDC, 2020). Based on this information, the future of the walking program will be restarted once COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted
Professor and Victim: Cyberbullying Targeting Professors in the Higher Education Workplace
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Cyberbullying in the workplace has developed into a serious issue on college and university campuses. In particular, faculty have now become regular targets of cyberbullying, which has affected faculty’s professional relationships, job satisfaction, and productivity (Cassidy, 2014; Hollis, 2015). The present chapter provides an overview of the many forms of cyberbullying affecting college faculty. In particular, the chapter discusses how students, fellow faculty members, higher education administrators, and the general public often target faculty with cyber aggression. Nevertheless, college administrators have several tools at their exposal to reduce current levels of cyberbullying and prevent future incidents. For this reason, the latter part of the chapter provides several possible solutions that college administrators might implement to make the higher education campus, both in its physical and virtual spaces, a more respectful workplace.Colleges and universities increasingly depend on technology to facilitate communication and course delivery. As a consequence of this heightened technology usage, cyberbullying now occurs frequently on college and university campuses. College faculty often become victims of cyberbullying due to their visible and active roles as educators and academics. Traumatic cyberbullying incidents cause significant emotional and physical distress for faculty victims. As such, cyberbullying can drastically interfere with faculty’s work. The chapter discusses the various forms in which faculty experience cyberbullying in the higher education workplace. The chapter then identifies the perpetrators of this form of cyberbullying—specifically, students, fellow faculty members, administrators, and members of the general public. Next, the chapter sheds light on the negative psychological, professional, and physical consequences resulting from cyberbullying incidents. Finally, the chapter offers several policy suggestions to curtail cyberbullying on higher education campuses
Reconciling Covenants: From One Lone Star State to Another
No full textReconciling Covenants: From One Lone Star State to Another from Media Communication on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/30706811