4449 research outputs found
Sort by
WHEN THE FRINGE BECOMES MAINSTREAM: WHAT SOCIOLOGY CAN TELL US ABOUT THE TRANSFORMATIONS IN THE U.S.
Full text linkThis thesis examines how transformations in legitimacy and authority have allowed the mainstreaming of radical and populist politics in the MAGA era. Grounded in Max Weber’s theory of legitimacy, this analysis explores how rational-legal authority has weakened and how charismatic and affective forms of validation have filled that void. Structural strain (Merton 1938) and relative deprivation (Gurr 1970) provide the macro-level foundation for understanding institutional breakdown and a collective loss of direction, while theories of emotion (Turner 2007; Hochschild 2016) explain how resentment and pride are mobilized into collective identity.
Foucault’s notion of power and knowledge further highlights how institutions manage the same emotions that keep charismatic authority alive, while helping to reproduce faith in charismatic leaders. Together, these frameworks demonstrate how legitimacy itself has moved from bureaucratic rationality to emotional identification, transforming the foundation of political authority. This thesis argues that this shift reshapes the line between governance and grievance, showing how movements once viewed as fringe and radical, become normalized through where emotion becomes morality, politics becomes performance, and charisma becomes part of the institution itself
Exploring the moderating potential of maladaptive personality traits on adverse childhood experiences and risk-taking
Full text linkRisk-taking behaviors are associated with a multitude of negative outcomes such as mortality and interactions with the criminal justice system. Thus, it is imperative for researchers to explore factors that influence decision-making and lead to engagement in these behaviors. Identifying factors that lead to greater engagement in risk-taking behaviors could help to inform potential intervention targets. Research has shown strong associations between adverse childhood experiences, risk-taking behaviors and maladaptive personality traits. The current study aimed to further elucidate these relationships by investigating differential associations between personality trait domains of the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD), adverse childhood experiences, and risk-taking behaviors. We conducted preliminary correlational analyses and investigated interactive effects of adverse childhood experiences and each AMPD domain on risk-taking behaviors through moderation analyses. We hypothesized that adverse childhood experiences would be positively correlated with all personality domains and risk-taking behaviors. We hypothesized that the domains of antagonism, disinhibition, negative affectivity, and psychoticism would be positively correlated with risk-taking behaviors. We further hypothesized that these four domains would moderate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and risk-taking behaviors such that as scores for each personality domain increased, the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and risk-taking strengthened. Our hypotheses were partially supported such that there was evidence for positive relationships between some AMPD domains, adverse childhood experiences, and risk-taking behaviors, depending how each construct was measured. However, none of the AMPD domains moderated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and risk-taking behaviors
DIFFERENTIATION OF HEMP FROM MARIJUANA: GENETIC AND CHEMICAL CHALLENGES
Full text linkCannabis sativa can be classified into two distinct crop-types: marijuana, widely recognized as one of the most commonly used illicit drugs, and hemp, utilized for its fibers and as a valuable food source. In light of the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act (Federal Farm Bill) legalization concerning hemp cultivation in the United States, this study addresses pivotal challenges arising from the 0.3% Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) legal threshold for distinguishing hemp from marijuana on a dry weight basis. A primary concern was the need for new methodologies in seized drug sections of crime labs to differentiate hemp from marijuana. To address this, qualitative decision-point methods were developed and rigorously validated utilizing Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). An inter-laboratory validation was conducted across four independent labs, ensuring the robustness of the developed methods. Notably, this study comprehensively evaluated the factors that would impact CBD conversion to Δ9-THC during GC-MS analysis, in terms of inlet temperature, liner types, liner condition, and instrument condition. Additionally, genetic tools were explored to augment existing chemistry methods. Two approaches were pursued: investigating chloroplast genome-based genetic markers and markers within cannabinoid synthase genes. DNA barcoding and Next Generation Sequencing techniques were utilized. This comprehensive exploration led to the development of a differentiation flowchart for genetically distinguishing hemp from marijuana. Building upon this flowchart, two rapid genotyping assays were devised, providing fast and reliable differentiation solutions. Furthermore, the rapid proliferation of hemp and CBD derivatives, including isomers and synthetic cannabinoids, raises public health concerns. The metabolism of Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), a THC isomer of emerging interest, and its synthetic derivative, Δ8-THCO-acetate were also investigated using liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-Q/TOF-MS). This research provides a profound understanding of these compounds, addressing critical gaps in scientific knowledge. In summary, this dissertation not only investigated both chemistry and genetic methodologies to fulfill legal differentiation requirements but also advanced scientific knowledge regarding emerging cannabinoids and drugs of concern. Our findings provide essential insights into the differentiation of hemp from marijuana, and the analysis of cannabinoids, offering crucial solutions for laboratories navigating the legal nuances of cannabis regulation and enforcement
Live Streaming Terror: Examining the Role of Social Media in the U.S. Capitol Insurrection
Full text linkFor several decades, domestic terrorism and violent extremism have been on the rise in the United States. The Capitol Insurrection on January 6, 2021, highlights the increase of domestic terrorism and violent extremism among right-wing groups. While right-wing extremists have been gaining support by utilizing social media platforms, these same platforms were used by federal prosecutors to bring criminal charges against
individuals who stormed the Capitol. This thesis focuses on how posts and images captured on social media platforms were used as evidence to prosecute individuals who breeched the Capitol on January 6. Out of the 942 individuals criminally charged at the Capitol, the thesis analyzes 567 individual cases. By using a mixed method approach of visual criminology, the thesis identifies 10 themes across social media posts used as evidence by the U.S. Department of Justice and found in court documents to further criminal prosecution. The thesis concludes that social media platforms should reconstruct and reinforce their guidelines pertaining to violent/terrorist content
Expression and Functional Analysis of Profilin Genes (pfn1/2a/2b) during Early Embryonic Development of Zebrafish
Full text linkThe profilin family of small actin-binding proteins are an ancient and widespread group of proteins found across both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. These proteins primarily function in promoting actin polymerization, which is essential for cell shape maintenance, movement, and division. Disruption of profilin function is associated with various pathologies including spinal muscular atrophy, diabetes, vascular hypertrophy, and hypertension. Zebrafish possess four paralogous profilins genes (zpfn1, zpfn2a, zpfn2b, zpfn4), whose roles during embryonic development remain only partially known. This study aimed to investigate the expression patterns and functional roles of pfn1/2a/2b isoforms during zebrafish embryogenesis. Using RT-PCR, in-situ hybridization, mRNA overexpression, morpholino-mediated knockdown, and CRISPR-Cas9 knockout approaches, we characterized these profilin gene paralogs. RT-PCR analysis revealed that pfn1/2a/2b are expressed throughout the early developmental stages. In-situ hybridization demonstrated that pfn2a/2b expression is restricted to the brain region. For pfn1, overexpression and CRISPR-Ca9 knockout experiments showed no detectable phenotypic changes during embryonic development. Similarly, pfn2a overexpression and morpholino knockdown produced no phenotypic alterations during development. Future investigations will extend to pfn2b and pfn4 to provide a comprehensive understanding of profilin isoform functions. This research contributes to elucidating the roles of profilin genes during vertebrate embryogenesis and enables comparative analysis of isoform-specific functions across vertebrate species
The United States 4th Infantry Division from Utah Beach to Hurtgen Forest to Dachau Concentration Camp
Full text linkThe United States Army’s role in the liberation of Europe during World War II has been analyzed at multiple levels from strategic to operational to tactical as well as from the political and ideological viewpoints of the participating powers. Various upper level commands and their leaders have been examined since the end of World War II. However, division level commands and below have been overlooked by historians who have focused on individual battles, grand strategy, or biographical work on leaders. The United States Army’s 4th Infantry Division is a unit that played a critical part in the European Theater of World War II and its liberation from Nazi Germany. The 4th Infantry Division’s roles in Operation Overlord, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the liberation of the Dachau’s subsidiary concentration camps were key to the destruction of Nazi Germany.
Historians have examined how various corps and armies worked together to achieve strategic objectives. During the Normandy Invasion, multiple corps and divisions worked together to secure Normandy, France in the summer of 1944. An example is in taking the Cotentin Peninsula two U.S. airborne divisions, the 82nd and 101st, completed enough of their objectives and diverted the enemy sufficiently to allow seaborne elements of the VII Corps to successfully secure their beachheads along the Normandy coast. This has been analyzed at the strategic level answering the question of how Normandy was taken during the first critical forty-eight hours of the invasion. It does not, however, show how those divisions developed strategy at their level and how they responded to unforeseen circumstances.
Much historical research has focused on the overall European Theater of operations. Understanding the various units at division level and below that operated in conjunction with each other is necessary in order to achieve a more detailed picture of World War II in Europe. While concentrating on the larger picture is important, individual units’ operations have been mostly overlooked at the division level of command. This has left a gap in the historian’s understanding of World War II. The 4th Infantry Division was one unit amongst many that operated in the European Theater. The 4th Infantry Division’s success was beneficial to the United States Army’s overall success against Nazi Germany by achieving key strategic goals, disrupting the Wehrmacht’s operations, and reducing the Wehrmacht’s effective combat strength
CHILD MALTREATMENT, CPS INVOLVEMENT, AND DELINQUENCY: AN ANALYSIS OF MEAN SCORES ACROSS MALTREATMENT TYPES
Full text linkExtensive research indicates that child maltreatment leads to criminal behavior, psychological outcomes, and physical repercussions. Child Protective Services (CPS) oftentimes intervene in cases of reported or suspected maltreatment, many times removing the child from the home. The strain of fluctuating home environments, constant engagement with governmental officials, and instability of caregivers can be detrimental to a child’s development. Previous research stiffly debates the effectiveness of CPS’s involvement with maltreated children. Although prior research has established that involvement with Child Protective Services (CPS) is often linked to negative mental health outcomes and an increased risk of delinquent behavior, few studies have explored whether specific categories of child maltreatment contribute to differences in CPS intervention rates or subsequent delinquency. The present study addresses this gap by examining whether different forms of maltreatment (neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse) are associated with variation in mean scores and correlation for both CPS involvement and the severity of delinquent behavior. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), two core research questions guide this analysis: (1) Do the categories of maltreatment relate to higher mean levels of CPS intervention? (2) Do these categories relate to higher mean levels of severe delinquency? The findings are then discussed in relation to General Strain Theory, with attention to the implications and future criminological research
Postnatal Ossification Sequence in both Living and Extinct Geckos (Gekkota: Sphaerodactylidae)
Full text linkHispaniola is home to a diversity of lizards, both today and in the biological past, including some of the most complete squamate fossils in the world - small-bodied geckos embedded in amber from the Miocene. To date, only two species of geckos in amber have been formally described (Sphaerodactylus dommeli and S. ciguapa) and very little is known about their ossification. Because morphological comparisons indicate strong differences between the holotype and paratype of S. dommeli, I hypothesized that two specimens assigned to this species actually represent two different lineages. To test this hypothesis, it is necessary to first understand the differences attributed to ontogeny, which allows us to focus on interspecific differences. Morphological changes during postnatal ossification were examined in detail for two species of Sphaerodactylus geckos and this baseline information on development was applied to determine the approximate ontogenetic stage of the two specimens in amber. Once the ossification status of the two specimens was determined, I assessed the skeletal maturation of the holotype and paratype of S. dommeli
STORIES OF SUPPORT: EXPERIENCES OF NONTRADITIONAL STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Full text linkNontraditional students constitute 40% of the undergraduate population on college campuses, yet only 20% of nontraditional students continue with their undergraduate education beyond their first year. At the same time, the number of traditional students enrolling in four-year institutions is expected to drop by 15% over the next five years due to dwindling college-aged participation. There is a need to focus on the lived experiences of nontraditional students and how they use the available sources of support to overcome the challenges they experience. A phenomenological approach was employed to explore the experiences of non-traditional students currently pursuing their baccalaureate degrees. Eleven participants completed semi-structured interviews, resulting in the development of four themes: 1) external support as the foundation of persistence, 2) the search for connection among nontraditional students, 3) navigating institutional support, and 4) the call for proactive and tailored wellness support. These themes were used to provide implications for academic institutions, college mental health clinics, licensed professional counselors, and counselor educators. Limitations of the study and recommendations for future research were also addressed based on the findings of this study
STILL BURNING: HOW MEDIA USE THE WITCH TO SCRIPT WOMEN IN 2024
Full text linkThis thesis theorizes the witch as a contemporary regulatory mechanism rather than a folkloric remnant. It introduces witch-scripting, a framework that explains how patterned narrative and affective cues in mainstream digital journalism render public women intelligible as dangerous, deceptive, or excessive without explicit accusation. A historical-structural grounding draws on feminist historiography and theories of disciplinary power to show how the witch’s function migrated from juridical punishment to discursive management. A synthesis of scholarship on media, visibility, and affect identifies gaps that treat the witch as metaphor, isolate analyses by genre, or overlook the mechanisms linking gendered suspicion to narrative punishment.
Methodologically, the study employs close reading and operationalizes five regulatory logics: media as institutional power, visibility as regulation, narrative as discipline, enforcing the gender order, and affective economies of punishment. Three interpretive vignettes from 2024 illustrate portability across domains. Coverage of Taylor Swift reframes fandom and artistic influence as affective contagion. Portrayals of Kamala Harris convert charisma and authority into illegitimacy through racialized and gendered scripts. Narratives around Karen Read align with institutional accounts to discipline feminine legibility while rarely naming the witch.
The project contributes a theoretical redefinition of the witch as sociocultural mechanism, an interpretive method for identifying historically specific regulatory cues, and a vocabulary useful for media literacy and professional practice. Scope conditions distinguish witch-scripting from generic misogyny by requiring patterned cues that activate the five logics. Limitations include language, domain, and the subjectivity inherent to interpretive analysis.
Future directions include corpus-driven studies, cross-national comparisons, audience reception research, and tests of symbolic geographies, such as whether proximity to Salem amplifies witch-scripting in true-crime coverage. The core claim endures: the witch has traded the stake for the headline, and her disciplinary work persists