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Killer Queers: A Content Analysis of Queer Serial Killers in the News
Get PDFThis study examines how offenses by queer serial killers were addressed by law enforcement through the eyes of the media. The analysis focuses on infamous serial killers John Wayne Gacy and Jeffrey Dahmer to analyze how the criminal justice system handled their cases through news article documentation. The study aims to explore how the media shapes the narrative surrounding queer identities when they become offenders. The study discusses how homophobia serves as a driving force for upholding negative stereotypes of an entire community. The content analysis shows how the media responded to the serial killers in terms of their sexual identities
Jews and Other Okies’: How Jews Extended the Frontier in Indian Territory and Oklahoma, 1867-1952
Get PDFThe topic of this thesis revolves around Oklahoma Jews and how their lives and works have shaped and challenged conceptions of Oklahoma History. Like many in the American West, Jews came to Oklahoma for economic opportunities and new beginnings. These Jews were both legally white and could readily pass as such. The frontier realities of Oklahoma, however, only exacerbated the differences in, and the positionality of, different peoples. As merchants and other professionals, Oklahoma Jews found themselves in a curious place between the various nonwhite ethnic groups that existed in the state, and white Christians whose populations would eventually dominate the state’s demographics. In this middle ground, Jews would negotiate their own identities as both Jews and Oklahomans in the face of cross-cultural interactions, shifting racial hierarchies, and dramatic demographic change.
I argue that these Jews, rather than just contributing to the growth of capitalism and colonization, extend the frontier well beyond its proverbial “closing” in 1890. This thesis considers a frontier to consist of different groups both coexisting and negotiating their own identities in the face of cultural exchange. Jews, occupying a middle ground between whites and nonwhites, extended the frontier by maintaining and adapting their own identities as both Jews and Oklahomans throughout tumultuous shifts in population, economic change, and insidious racial politics. Rather than providing a massive account of Oklahoma Jewish history as a complete story, I have selected specific historical actors, communities, cities, and time periods in order to give readers a sense of historical cohesion without being bogged down in detailed exposition. Indeed, through the examples of Muskogee, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Ardmore, I argue that the state’s history lies in the stories of cultural interaction and identity preservation, rather than in the whitewashed narratives of Land Run centric Christian pioneers
A COLLOID AND INTERFACE STUDY OF PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFAS) REMOVAL FROM WATER THROUGH FOAMING
Get PDFDespite their widespread use in products like nonstick pans and firefighting foams, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—a group of synthetic fluorinated organic compounds—have permeated the environment globally, particularly affecting water sources and being linked to numerous health issues. Foam fractionation offers a promising solution for separating PFAS from water by harnessing their unique surface-active properties for effective separation. Thus, a deep comprehension of PFAS's air-water interfacial properties becomes crucial for enhancing the feasibility of using foam fractionation for PFAS removal from PFAS-contaminated water in the future. However, the correlation between the interfacial properties of PFAS and their foam properties remains underexplored and not well systematically investigated. Moreover, the efficient removal of short-chain PFAS (i.e., four carbons, C4) through foam fractionation poses a significant challenge, highlighting a critical area for future research.
Hence, this dissertation initially delves into the air-water interfacial properties of PFAS, focusing on dynamic surface tension and interfacial dilatational rheology. It reveals that the PFAS with shorter chain length (C4) display lower adsorption capabilities, as indicated by the Gibbs and Langmuir isotherms, and a notable absence of interfacial dilatational modulus, likely contributing to their limited foaming capacity. In contrast, for the PFAS with longer chain length (C8), the dilatational elastic (storage) modulus is greater than the dilatational loss modulus, with both significantly influenced by the concentration and oscillation rate. A notable maximum in dilatational modulus relative to PFAS concentration aligns with predictions made using the Lucassen and van den Tempel model, highlighting the competition between molecular adsorption and molecular exchange between the air-water interface (subsurface) and the bulk for the PFAS with longer chain length (C8). In addition, according to the classic Ward-Tordai model, the diffusion coefficients of the PFAS with longer chain length (C8) are dependent on their bulk concentrations, showcasing that, at equal concentrations, the PFAS with shorter chain length (C4) demonstrate lower diffusion coefficients.
In this dissertation, foaming and defoaming properties of PFAS are studied, demonstrating that the PFAS with longer chain length (C8), particularly those with sulfonic acid head, exhibit superior foamability, foam stability, and higher liquid retention within the foam structure. Through dimensional analysis, connections between foaming behavior and various dimensionless numbers are established. For instance, our results show that the foaming kinetics for long-chain (C8) PFAS are strongly associated with parameters such as the Reynolds and Boussinesq numbers. However, accurately predicting the foaming kinetics of short-chain (C4) PFAS proves challenging without incorporating dimensionless numbers that account for the effects of interfacial dilatational rheology. Notably, the analysis reveals a peak in the rate of foam expansion correlating with the capillary number, coinciding with the highest observed dilatational modulus. Moreover, we find a significant correlation between the defoaming properties of long-chain (C8) PFAS and dimensionless numbers, emphasizing the role of the Boussinesq number in understanding PFAS defoaming behavior.
This research also investigates the impact of electrolyte addition. It finds that introducing electrolytes lowers PFAS surface tension, increases their maximum surface excess concentration, and shifts the critical micelle concentration (CMC) to lower PFAS concentrations. The type and valence of the salts play a significant role in altering the diffusion coefficients and dilatational modulus of PFAS. For example, the addition of NaCl results in a decrease and then an increase in both the dilatational elastic and loss moduli for long-chain (C8) PFAS with sulfonic acid head, indicating changes in interfacial viscoelasticity with increasing NaCl concentration. A similar trend but with different significance is observed, especially for dilatational elastic modulus, when CaCl2 is added. This study also shows that salt addition modifies PFAS foam characteristics; notably, CaCl2 enhances foam stability for long-chain (C8) sulfonic acid PFAS by affecting factors such as the Boussinesq number, the ratio of surface tension to interfacial elasticity, and the ratio of surface tension to interfacial loss modulus. Moreover, the presence of NaCl, in concentrations ranging from 5-50 mM, improves both foamability and stability for long-chain (C8) carboxylic acid PFAS, influenced by changes in the capillary number and the balance between surface tension and interfacial elasticity.
As ongoing research, to advance our understanding of how PFAS molecules interact with salt ions, preliminary investigations within the bulk phase have been conducted by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Findings from these methods suggest a preferential interaction of the sulfonic acid groups in C8 PFAS with Ca2+ ions, whereas the carboxylic acid groups show a tendency to interact with Na+ ions. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations performed by collaborators reveal that introducing Ca2+ ions to long-chain (C8) sulfonic acid PFAS systems leads to the development of complex structures at the air-water interface
Essays in Corporate Finance
No full textThis dissertation consists of two essays. The first essay (Chapter 1) looks at retiree medical plans in the context of mergers and acquisition activity. The second essay (Chapter 2) is an investigation of the at-the-market (ATM) offerings, an alternative method for follow-on equity issuance.
In my study of retiree medical plans, I conduct the first analysis of private sector firms with retiree medical benefit plans in the context of mergers and acquisitions activity. Examining how acquirers respond to the presence of retiree medical plan liabilities in their targets, I find statistically and economically significant reductions in acquisition premia in deals in which the target is a sponsor of a retiree medical plan. Critically, these results are driven only by plans that have a general assets funding arrangement, in which in which a plan has no assets, or the assets are comingled with the plan sponsor’s other funds. This suggests acquirers are aware of and compensate for the liabilities arising from the transfer of the retiree medical plan with reduced acquisition premia. I also find that target firms that sponsor retiree medical plans are less likely to be targeted for acquisition as well as less likely to be acquired. These effects are also driven by plans with a general assets funding arrangement. This suggests the uncertainty about the value of retiree medical plan liabilities is a source of risk that acts as a takeover deterrent.
At-the-market offerings, in which firms forgo the firm commitment process and issue follow-on equity directly into the secondary market, has rapidly become an important method by which firms raise equity capital. Across a sample spanning 2005-2019, I document a trend of increasing number of issues as well as proceeds, both in absolute terms and relative to SEOs. In 2019, the number of ATM issues was 72.4% that of SEOs, and the proceeds from ATMs were 29.5% that of SEOs. I also find a -3.61% market reaction to ATM offering announcements, compared to -1.34% for SEOs. I find that the market reaction to both ATM offer announcement and SEO announcement has a strong negative association with prior stock price run-up. However, ATM offer announcement returns are decreasing in offer size, while the market’s reaction to SEO announcements is increasing in offer size. These findings are consistent with the asymmetric information framework of Myers and Majluf (1984) and with the costly certification hypothesis of Chemmanur and Fulghieri (1994). Finally, I use a difference-in-difference framework exploit the 2008 SEC regulations change to test the potential effect of an ATM offering on firm value. I find evidence consistent with ATMs being value-enhancing for firms that choose to utilize them
Lottie Moon: Southern Baptist Feminist
Get PDFCharlotte Diggs “Lottie” Moon is widely acknowledged by Southern Baptists as a key contributor to the mass expansion of Southern Baptist missions during the 19th century. Though the missionary is celebrated for her fierce commitment to the mission field of China, the strides Moon made for Southern Baptist women in over 300 letters to the Foreign Mission Journal have yet to be recognized for their feminist qualities. This study aims to elevate this writer whose work has been undervalued for its contributions to Southern Baptist women. To do so, it examines the ways in which Moon was able to usurp the patriarchal authority of the Southern Baptist Convention while maintaining a good enough standing to remain the idolized figure she is today. Reclaiming the voice of a woman writer who is undervalued by the patriarchal system she existed in is imperative to the continuation of exploring and elevating marginalized voices in religious contexts
BRIDGING BALLET AND LATIN DANCE: AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO CHOREOGRAPHY AND CULTURAL INTEGRATION
Get PDFThis study explores the intersection between ballet and Latin dance, two dance styles with divergent trajectories in the choreographic field. It examines the history of ballet from the appearance of the Ballet de Cour in the 15th century and its relationship with European social dances, highlighting its origin and evolution as an artistic expression rooted in popular culture. Additionally, the history and evolution of four emblematic Latin dances—cumbia, merengue, bolero, and salsa—are analyzed, exploring how these genres have emerged, evolved, and been danced to over time. The study also investigates how ballet has successfully merged with other dance genres, evidencing previous mixtures between ballet and various styles. Simultaneously, it examines how Latin dances have transcended their social origins to reach international stages and competitions. Finally, a choreographic proposal is presented that unites ballet with salsa and bolero, showcasing the creative and artistic potential of this fusion, both in choreographic and cultural terms. This investigation contributes to the understanding of the intersections between classical dance and Latin cultural expressions, emphasizing the richness and diversity of both traditions and their ability to engage in dialogue and enrich each other in the artistic field.
Keywords: ballet, Latin rhythms, cumbia, merengue, bolero, salsa, choreographic fusion, cultural integration
A combined method to locate and improve DNA recovery from fabrics
No full textThe purpose of this thesis project is to identify touch DNA on different clothing surfaces and improve DNA recovery and efficiency. This study undertook a multi-method approach to improve identify touch DNA on clothing and enhance recovery rates. The approach was initiated after Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD) processing to visualize the location of DNA on the fabric's surface. The multi-method approach involved comparing wet-swab and M-Vac® techniques for DNA collection, evaluating silica-membrane-based (QIAmp™) and magnetic silica-based (DNA IQ™) DNA extraction methods, and gauging the efficacy of size exclusion chromatography in eliminating metal ions from VMD-processed DNA samples. Nine fabrics with duplicates, eighteen in total, were collected for processing. Dark colored fabrics were processed with silver and zinc, and the light-colored fabric samples were processed with gold and zinc. After collection, each sample fabric type had quadruplicates for statistical analysis. Results indicated that the multi-method approach did not apply a statistically significant effect on the concentration of DNA in a sample. The multi-method approach did apply a statistically significant effect on the number of allele peaks present in an electropherogram (p<0.05). QIAmp™, no size exclusion chromatography performed, and M-Vac® collection samples performed better than their respective counterparts in the general linear mixed effect model. A technique that employs the M-Vac® wet vacuum for gathering touch DNA samples, followed by DNA extraction utilizing the QIAmp™ kit, and bypasses size exclusion chromatography, can offer more detailed genetic profiles
The detection and distribution of antidepressants in biological specimens
No full textThis study developed and validated a method utilizing Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) paired with tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) to detect and quantify thirteen antidepressants and metabolites in blood and various biological tissue samples from deceased pilots whose specimens were sent to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for toxicological analysis following autopsy. Validation was conducted using a modified version of American National Standards Institute/American Academy of Forensic Science Standards Board (ANSI/ASB) Standard 036, and included a calibration model, limit of detection, carryover, cross contribution, dilution integrity, drug interference, bias and precision, fluid and tissue controls, ion suppression/enhancement, recovery, process efficiency, stability, and measurement of uncertainty. Using a linear dynamic range of 200 times the lowest cutoff concentration, all analytes and matrices were successfully validated. Analytes were found to be stable at 4?C for at least four days, through at least three freeze/thaw cycles at -20?C, and on the instrument autosampler (10?C) for at least four days. Once this method was successfully developed and validated, Phase II consisted of a postmortem distribution study that examined citalopram and its N-desmethyl metabolite to determine the feasibility of relating a tissue drug concentration to the blood concentration, as well as a metabolite to drug ratio. The only correlations that could be established were the citalopram brain:blood ratio at 8.3 and the citalopram muscle:blood ratio at 1.6. Though other correlations were not established, notable trends were observed. Liver and lung had the highest concentrations of drug and metabolite, while spinal fluid and vitreous had the lowest. No metabolite to drug ratio correlation was established, although bile appeared to have the highest ratio at 1.3 while all other specimens were below 0.5, indicating a low concentration of metabolite present compared to the parent drug
Teaching in the Digital Age: Exploring the Integration of Educational Technology in Social Studies Classrooms
Get PDFTeaching in the digital age presents many unique challenges that previous generations of educators did not have to consider during their careers as classrooms teachers. This research study was designed to aid social studies teachers in addressing those challenges through the utilization and integration of educational technology in the classroom. Educational technology consists of tools, devices, or applications that can help teachers create learning experiences which will foster the development of essential skills and instill valuable knowledge within students as they pursue their individual goals in life. In this qualitative study, I conducted a series of focus group interviews with active social studies teachers to determine how schools can more effectively utilize and integrate educational technology into social studies classrooms. Participants were divided between three separate groups based on their years of teaching experience. This was done to identify if there were any notable patterns related to educational technology between social studies teachers at different stages of their career. The focus group interviews were facilitated using an interview protocol that included both open-ended and follow-up questions, which encouraged the participants to reflect on their experiences with educational technology. After analyzing the data from these conversations, I identified five themes that are highly relevant to addressing the main inquiries of this research project. I will be referring to the first theme as “technological learning.” In this context, technological learning refers to how teachers learn to use technological devices. Other prominent themes that revealed themselves during the interviews include digital literacy, affordances of technology, drawbacks of technology, and issues of accessibility. In conclusion, I discuss the findings of my research while also exploring the implications and future research opportunities that could emerge from this study