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An Environmental Justice Framework for Transportation Equity
No full textIn 2021, transportation accounted for 29% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, making it the largest contributor by sector, and 58% of these emissions came from the use of passenger cars and light-duty trucks. Electrification of personal vehicles and promotion of sustainable transit options is often centered in environmental discourse and policymaking, but many discussions neglect pertinent issues of social inequity at play. The transit-reliant urban poor, isolated in city centers by suburban sprawl, live in communities with not only a reduced access to jobs, healthcare, education and public resources, but an increased exposure to pollution, especially from automobiles. This paper seeks to incorporate the perspective of transit equity into the broader field of environmental justice and build a multidisciplinary framework for developing transit policy that is both environmentally and socially just. Chapter 1 examines quantitative and qualitative data on the relationship between transit inaccessibility and environmental disamenities in New York City and the uneven distribution of these issues across neighborhoods of different incomes and demographic makeup. Chapter 2 provides a historical account of suburbanization and car culture in America as it relates to social inequalities and public transport infrastructure. Chapter 3 uses a sustainable urban design perspective to explore transportation planning in New York City. Chapter 4 evaluates current transportation-related policy in New York City through the lens of environmental justice. Chapter 5 draws on discussions in previous chapters to establish specific policy recommendations for the City of New York based on a combined framework of environmental justice and transit equity
“Not the Mecca We Know”: Analyzing the Spiritual and Cultural Ramifications of Contemporary Commercialism in Saudi Arabia
No full textThe Islamic Hajj, one of the world\u27s most prominent religious pilgrimages, has in recent decades faced increasing scrutiny due to its rapid and persistent commercialization under the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s government. To make way for this commercialization, researchers estimate that over 95% of Islamic heritage sites have been destroyed, the justification for which often lies in Wahhabi attempts to avoid idolatry. The few remaining sites have been renovated beyond the point of recognition. Amid the drastic transformation of both Islam’s holiest city and holiest ritual, this thesis finds that the Kingdom’s fundamentalist Islamic interpretations and extreme commercial developments have two goals. The first is to create a “Hajj commodity” that commodifies the pilgrimage’s religious value, and the second is to promote a “new state mythology” that seeks to essentialize the “Saudi Arabian” character of both Hajj and Islam itself
The Regulation of Phosphatidylserine Exposure During Photoreceptor Outer Segment Renewal
No full textIn the mammalian retina, photoreceptor outer segment renewal involves diurnal exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) at the distal tips of outer segments following light onset. The function of exposed PS serves an “eat-me” signal, stimulating the well-characterized phagocytic machinery of the neighboring retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). However, the regulation of PS exposure following daily light onset remains to be fully understood. Toward this end, I investigated the roles of the extracellular ligand galectin-1 (gal-1), the PS scramblase TMEM16F, and daily light onset itself in regulating PS exposure as part of photoreceptor outer segment renewal.My results revealed that recombinant gal-1 promotes PS exposure at outer segment tips within minutes. While PS tip density may be increased indiscriminately to wild-type peak levels, elongation of individual PS tips is possible only once following light onset in wild-type mice. Furthermore, there is a maximum threshold in PS exposure, equivalent to wild-type peak values, beyond which recombinant gal-1 does not promote in all models tested to date. Moreover, both PS exposure and RPE phagocytosis are altered in mice lacking the PS scramblase TMEM16F (tmem16f-/-), demonstrating that TMEM16F promotes both diurnal PS exposure and RPE phagocytosis. Recombinant gal-1 promotes PS tip density but not length in tmem16f-/- mice, suggesting TMEM16F functions specifically in PS tip elongation promoted by gal-1. This is the first evidence to my knowledge of a role for a phospholipid scramblase in outer segment renewal.Furthermore, the acute absence of light onset impairs both diurnal PS exposure and RPE phagocytosis. Optic nerve manipulations in situ and tissue dissections ex vivo demonstrate light-induced PS exposure is locally controlled. RPE is required for local light regulation, demonstrated by elongation of PS tips following illumination of intact isolated eyecups but not isolated neural retina. Light-induced PS exposure in intact eyecups is prevented by acute inhibition of the photopigment melanopsin. Together, my results provide new insights into the regulation of photoreceptor outer segment renewal. My findings demonstrate critical roles for gal-1, TMEM16F, and daily light onset itself in diurnal PS exposure by outer segment tips and photoreceptor outer segment renewal as a whole
Implementing Teacher Common Planning Time to Increase Achievement Among English Language Learners
No full textIt is acknowledged that English language learners (ELL) perform lower than their non-ELL peers and that their lack of language acquisition impacts their graduation rates. However, the approaches taken to reduce the achievement gap between ELL and non-ELL students varies widely. To maximize ELL graduation rates, content area and ELL teachers need to purposefully collaborate on lesson formation using a structured protocol to guide their planning through a meaningful and targeted approach. This mixed-methods case study leverages two key strategies to develop the areas mentioned above, including increasing ELL English language acquisition and engagement, as well as establishing ELL and content area teacher collaboration through the use of structured common planning time. The theory of action in this study proposes that if structured, common planning time is made available for the content area teacher and the ELL teacher, who focuses on academic English language, an increase in ELL student academic achievement and graduation rates will be achieved
Authenticity as Experimentality in Search of the Good Life
No full textThis dissertation is aimed at explicating an interpretation of the ideal of personal authenticity, in terms of its meaning and (ethical) value, in part as an action-guiding principle by which individuals might be expected to live. Amidst the debates pertaining to what the true self is supposed to reference, how it might be realized, and what the purpose or value of realizing it might be, I find that authenticity is best understood as an appeal to the potential for each individual to meaningfully contribute, in solidarity with a given community, to the shared pursuit of defining and clarifying the proper aims and values of human life. On this understanding, authenticity requires individuals to deprioritize (or fully suspend) the egoistic drive towards mere personal self-preservation (and private goods associated with this), and to determine decisions and actions metapersonally, in part by reflecting upon competing perceptions, interpretations, and judgements of value, concerning themselves and the world around them
Women’s Leadership in Ghana’s Catholic Colleges of Education Lived Experience and Catholic Identity
No full textThis qualitative phenomenological study delves into the product of women’s leadership in Catholic colleges of education in four regions of Ghana. Using the synergistic leadership and organizational culture theories as the conceptual frameworks, the study examined the essence of the lived experiences of women in leadership positions of these Catholic institutions and the Catholic identity. With a focus on Ghana, where the Church and the State Partnership manage Catholic colleges, the study sought to understand how women’s leadership navigates some of the challenges that such affiliation poses to the Catholic identity of the colleges. To understand this phenomenon and answer the research questions, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 women leaders and document analysis. The data revealed four significant themes: balanced leadership, relational leadership, Catholic identity, and Catholic education. Additionally, the sub themes included mentoring and women\u27s empowerment, democratic leadership, collaboration and consensus, leadership for learning, holistic education, Catholic culture on campus, church-state partnership, and a majority non-Catholic student population. In conclusion, critical to women’s leadership is an intentional leadership formation by stakeholders in Catholic education to enhance their skills and to keep the pipeline of women’s leadership secured
Through the Blurred Lens: A Humanitarian Exploration of Visual Impairment in Lebanon Through Ihsan’s Eyes
No full textThis thesis delves into the lived experiences of visual impairment in Lebanon through the lens of a young Lebanese woman named Ihsan and her journey coping with Stargardt disease. Employing a qualitative case study methodology, and auto-ethnography, this research scrutinizes the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments in accessing essential services like education and healthcare, as well as achieving social inclusion within Lebanon’s intricate socio-political landscape. It uncovers the profound influence of cultural beliefs and societal attitudes towards disability, alongside systemic barriers, on the lives of visually impaired individuals. This study underscores the prevalent societal attitudes that often stigmatize and marginalize visually impaired people, reflecting a broader issue of inclusivity. By advocating for a humanitarian approach that not only addresses immediate needs, but also seeks to transform societal attitudes, this thesis aims to foster a more inclusive, empathetic society that accommodates the diverse needs of all its members, including those with disabilities. In amplifying the voices of those directly affected, the research contributes to a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of visual impairment in Lebanon and advocates for a world that genuinely meets the needs of all individuals regardless of their capabilities
Scale for Autism in Females: A Diagnostic Interview for the Female Phenotype
No full textThe female phenotype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exists as a profile of a female with autism who presents with a higher quality of communication, gestures, and a greater interest in social interactions. There are currently no assessment tools available specifically targeting this presentation of neurotypicality, which does a disservice to girls and women. In response, the researcher developed a measure to assess identified characteristics and symptomology. It includes the following domains: camouflaging & masking, social relationships, emotions & empathy, restrictive & sensory interests, and early childhood & development. This study sought to validate this measure through feedback obtained from subject area experts. Qualitative feedback was analyzed using thematic analysis. The themes that emerged included: differentiation from neurotypicality, level of insight, gender & sexuality, lack of prior training on female phenotype, and expression of items. Participant feedback was used to make modifications to the measure, which improved its face and content validity. This ultimately resulted in the creation of an experience-enriched interview protocol for female clients seeking better-informed autism evaluations
Bergman, Abby
No full textAbby Bergman lived in the Bronx until he was 18 years old. He was born in the Bronx in 1946. When he was 8 years old, he moved to a different neighborhood in the Bronx, the Pelham Parkway area. His neighborhood was a mix of Jews, Italians, and Irish people. There were some tensions between the Jews and the Christians. People mostly kept within their own groups, although Bergman does recall that his parents had very close Catholic friends. In Bergman’s high school, the Christian kids were more popular than the Jewish kids. All of Bergman’s friends in high school were Jewish.
Bergman lived in a very close-knit community when he was growing up. His family members all lived within a block of each other, and they were able to support each other. People often arrived at each others’ homes uninvited.
Bergman did not feel very connected to Judaism when he was growing up. He did not like going to Hebrew school, as the teachers were not kind. However, he was sometimes involved with Judaism in other ways, such as attending services on the High Holidays. Now, he feels that he is culturally Jewish but not very observant. He has taken Yiddish lessons and is interested in Yiddish literature.
Bergman’s career has included principalships at multiple different schools. In addition to being a principal, Bergman has worked as a chief of staff for a medical practice. He has also written seven books.
Bergman feels that the Bronx that he knew as a child no longer exists. Though he enjoys coming to the Bronx to visit places such as the Botanical Gardens and the Bronx Zoo, he would not be interested in living there
BP
No full textBP was born in 1937 in Pelham Parkway, and moved to the Parkchester housing development in 1941, where he grew up. He recalls the convenient amenities such as nearby shopping and playgrounds, but notes the occasional shortages and power outages connected to World War II. He also shares his experiences with antisemitism, citing the 4.7% quota on Jewish tenants and taunts from children while coming home from school.
BP led a busy, studious childhood at JHS 98 and the Bronx High School of Science, from which he graduated in 1954. He continued his education at New York University’s University Heights College until 1958, and then attended the University of Buffalo School of Medicine, interning at Meadowbrook Hospital on Long Island and subsequently serving two years in the US Air Force as a flight surgeon. Upon return, he settled on Long Island where he completed his residency and began practicing obstetrics and gynecology, which he did for 50 years.
Growing up, BP’s family was religiously observant. They occasionally attended services at Temple Emanuel, especially on holidays. He had his bar mitzvah there in 1950. BP’s mother moved to the US from Ukraine in her youth, and worked at Metropolitan Life Insurance as an adult. His father was born and raised in Manhattan and the Bronx.
BP reflects on his experiences with antisemitism throughout his life, beginning in elementary school, continuing into the Air Force, and even in medical school. He notes that antisemitism was less prevalent after World War II, but has now become prevalent once more.
He raised his children Jewish on Long Island, in Woodbury, New York. BP is now a grandfather to his son’s three Jewish teenagers living in Manhattan