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CONSTRUCTING IDENTITY THROUGH POWER ANALYZING WAR RESPONSIBILITY DISCOURSE THROUGH ZAINICHI KOREANS AND ABANDONED JAPANESE SETTLERS IN MANCHURIA
Full text linkA rich historiography of war responsibility (sensō sekinin) and postwar responsibility (sengo sekinin) has existed in Japan that explores themes of guilt, accountability, and redress. This discourse has largely centered on judging who is responsible for Japanese wartime actions— collective culpability or limited to military leaders— and how they are responsible— moral, legal, and political responsibility. However, war responsibility scholarship has frequently overlooked the history of Japanese colonialism and the perspectives of the subaltern. This thesis aims to fill this gap by presenting a different question for exploration: How can one understand war responsibility discourse as a system of colonial power rather than a dichotomy of perpetrator vs. victim? By examining the Koreans in Japan (Zainichi Koreans) and Japanese settlers abandoned in Manchuria (zanryū hōjin), this thesis argues how postwar intellectual knowledge production, namely debates on war responsibility, served to reproduce the colonial mentality that essentializes Zainichi Koreans and zanryū hōjin. The thesis will thereby present early Japanese war responsibility as a construction of identity that perpetuated colonial legacies of exclusion and essentialization.This thesis also demonstrates how the reproduction of colonial structures became embedded in Japanese nationality and citizenship laws during the U.S. Occupation. The family registry system (koseki) that once served to disentangle the political status of Japanese nationality and the rights of Japanese citizens became a tool to control and exclude Zainichi and zanryū populations. In turn, Japanese nationality in the postwar era became a system to propagate an ideology of Japanese ethnic homogeneity and silence former colonial subjects. Similarly, the colonial othering of these subaltern groups manifested in Japanese and SCAP repatriation policies. These programs demonstrate how the reproduction of Japanese colonial structures became tied to broader Cold War dynamics, which stigmatized Zainichi, zanryū, and hikiagesha (Japanese repatriate) populations as ethnic, social, and ideological others.The analysis also explores how Zainichi and zanryū subjects internalized the structure of postcolonial power through the intersectionality of their identities. The silencing of former Japanese settlers who survived Red Army sexual violence demonstrates how patriarchal structures contributed to the broader reproduction of colonial structures. The voices of these survivors also serve to highlight how bravery, resistance, and agency can manifest within these oppressive structures of power. This intersection of subaltern identities is also exhibited in multigenerational family dynamics through the passing and disrecognition of second and third-generation Zainichi Koreans and zanryū hōjin. I argue that second and third generations can present a de-essentialized understanding of Zainichi and zanryū that embraces their complexity, fluidity, and individuality. The decision to reject the label of “Zainichi” or “zanryū” shows the act of resisting colonial structures and embracing their autonomy as human beings
Effects of a Parent-Based Intervention on Positive and Negative Alcohol and Cannabis Consequences among First Year College Students
Full text linkAlcohol and cannabis use among college students is linked to various negative consequences, including poor academic performance, injury, driving under the influence, and hospitalization. Additionally, positive consequences of alcohol and cannabis use are important to consider as they are associated with increased subsequent use. This study examined the effects of a self-directed, parent-based handbook intervention on first-year college students’ negative and positive alcohol and cannabis consequences, as well as whether the effects of the intervention differed by student gender. Parent-student dyads were randomized to either the control condition (n = 309) or handbook condition (n = 609) across two cohorts. Parents received the handbook, designed to promote family protective factors, during the summer before their student started college at a large public university. Students completed surveys during spring of their senior year of high school (baseline) and their first semester of college (time 2). Zero-inflated Poisson regression models examined intervention effects on negative and positive alcohol and cannabis consequences at time 2, controlling for baseline consequences, gender, and cohort. Moderation analyses examined if the relationship between the intervention and consequences differed by gender. Compared to the control group, students in the intervention group were more likely to report zero negative alcohol consequences, zero negative cannabis consequences, zero positive alcohol consequences, and zero positive cannabis consequences at time 2. Additionally, they reported fewer negative cannabis consequences, positive alcohol consequences, and positive cannabis consequences at time 2. Further, the handbook had a stronger effect in reducing positive consequences among males relative to females. Findings suggest that this low-cost parent handbook intervention is an effective strategy to reduce alcohol- and cannabis-related harms among first-year students. Further, reducing positive consequences may contribute to lowering subsequent use and consequences
Effects of Genes Altering Calcium and Sterol Pathways in Plant-Nematode Interactions
Full text linkPlant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are a major threat to agriculture due to their wide host range and worldwide distribution. Meloidogyne spp., otherwise known as root-knot nematodes (RKNs), are among the most prevalent. They significantly impact crops through the destruction of roots by the formation of galls and interception of nutrients. Chemical nematicides, though effective, are extremely harmful and in the process of being phased-out, therefore, research to develop other forms of resistance is urgent. This research focuses on understanding how the manipulation of two different areas of systems in Arabidopsis; calcium-dependent protein kinases (CPKs) and the sterol biosynthesis pathway, affects the nematode’s ability to infect and develop. CPKs are one of the earliest calcium sensing proteins and are vital to triggering signal cascades that allow the plant to initiate its immune responses. This study specifically targets CPK28, which is a negative regulator of P2K1, an extracellular ATP (eATP) receptor involved in various signal cascades. Three independent nematode assays using the mutant lines oxCPK28 “A”, oxCPK28 “E”, and cpk28-1, were conducted using Meloidogyne hapla in Arabidopsis thaliana. The results showed that differences in gene expression of CPK28 did not influence M. hapla parasitism.Furthermore, the sterol biosynthesis pathway was manipulated using Arabidopsis mutants to examine the effects these genes and phytosterols have on the nematode life cycle. Since nematodes do not produce their own sterols, they rely on the intake of sterols from their plant hosts. This study focuses on the characterization of 20 Arabidopsis mutants with genes altered in various levels of the pathway to determine which lines have potential use as genetic resistance options for RKN. Four independent nematode assays were conducted using Meloidogyne javanica with four different lines: CD-HMGROE “E”, CD-HMGROE “F”, fkj3158, and cvp1-3. The two independent lines CD-HMGROE “E” and CD-HMGROE “F” overexpress the HMG-CoA reductase 1 (HMGR1) enzyme which catalyzes the production of mevalonic acid (MVA), an important intermediate in sterol production. Despite the importance of this enzyme, overexpressing this gene did not result in altered M. javanica parasitism. The fkj3158 mutant possesses a point mutation in the FACKEL gene further downstream of HMGR1, which results in poor catalyzation by the FK C-14 Reductase enzyme. The impact this mutant has on the sterol biosynthesis pathway caused M. javanica second-stage juveniles (J2s) to progress slower from pre-feeding stages into feeding stages. Further downstream in the pathway is another major enzyme known as sterol methyltransferase 2 (SMT2). The cvp1-3 mutant has a point mutation in the gene encoding this enzyme, leading to a knockdown in its expression. The nematode assays with this mutant displayed increased parasitism by M. javanica. By studying these mutants, it is clear that the FACKEL and SMT2 genes are important in RKN parasitism. Future studies are needed to identify the specific sterol products made by these mutants, and more infection assays must be conducted with the rest of the lines characterized in this study. A greater understanding of the sterol biosynthesis in plant-nematode interactions is important, as it provides a promising pathway towards effective RKN resistance methods
HOST SELECTION BY BLACKLEGGED TICKS (IXODES SCAPULARIS)
Full text linkThe mechanisms that drive how parasites ultimately end up feeding upon different host species can have profound consequences for our expectations of parasite range expansion, extinction risk, and in disease risk. Optimal foraging theory suggests natural selection should favor parasites that selectively feed upon high quality hosts and avoid low quality hosts, but only if they can expect to encounter, and thus have a choice between, multiple hosts of multiple species. In this scenario, parasites will feed upon host species in proportion to their quality as a host. If host encounters are rare, the risk of starvation would outweigh the fitness costs of feeding upon a low-quality host, and the parasite should attempt feeding upon any host they encounter. Here, parasites will feed upon host species in proportion to their encounter rates with those species. Determining the underlying mechanisms of parasite host selection requires breaking this complex behavior into its component parts and empirically examining each part through precise and ecologically realistic experiments.Here, I have broken the blacklegged tick host selection process into discrete stages — from encountering a host to climbing onto a host — to empirically evaluate how juvenile blacklegged ticks select (or perhaps do not select) their hosts. By breaking down the host selection process into discrete stages where ticks may or may not exhibit differential responses to host species, I can determine if the underlying mechanism driving observed patterns of blacklegged ticks’ feeding upon host species is variation in encounters with host species or tick preferences for high quality host species.I found that while blacklegged ticks encounter hosts frequently enough for selective feeding behaviors to be beneficial, at least in theory, laboratory experiments examining tick responses and attachment rates to host species show that while ticks differentially attach to host species, it does not scale with the quality of the host species. Instead, the probability a tick attaches to a host may be related more to host qualities that impact the hosts ability to “sweep” up ticks from the environment, rather than ticks choosing to attach. Collectively, this work suggests that observed patterns of blacklegged ticks feeding upon different host species may be driven by encounter rates with different host species, modified by how effective the host species is at sweeping up ticks from the environment
BEYOND THE FIRST WEAR UNDERSTANDING WHAT DRIVES CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT IN BRAND-OWNED RECOMMERCE PROGRAMS (BORPs)
Full text linkThe U.S. secondhand fashion industry is projected to grow three times faster than traditional fashion, pushing retailers to adapt or risk missing out on this rapid expansion. Brand-Owned Recommerce Platforms (BORPs), like Patagonia’s Worn Wear, expand brands into the secondhand market, fostering accountability for garment quality, boosting revenue, strengthening customer loyalty, and supporting sustainability. This study explores customer motivations to purchase from and trade in clothing to BORPs. While previous secondhand fashion research focuses on thrift stores or third-party platforms like Depop or Poshmark, this study explores consumer engagement with BORPs, addressing a key gap.This research deploys a two-part approach to holistically investigate both purchase and trade-in intentions, utilizing foundational theories such as the Theory of Planned Behavior, Perceived Value Theory, and Social Exchange Theory. Data for both stages is collected through Prolific, an online research platform, using survey questionnaires. The data is analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Study One includes 399 participants and Study Two includes 400 participants.The findings reveal that consumers consider price value, green value, quality, and platform credibility when deciding to purchase from BORPs. They also seek advice from others (e.g., friends, family, and society) to shape their purchasing attitudes and decisions. Regarding trade-in, consumers prioritize lenient policies, green values, and financial incentives. The findings demonstrate how BORPs can benefit customers, brands, and the environment, positioning sustainability as an advantage rather than a compromise. This research offers critical implications for the future of fashion, as brands continually face pressure to innovate and adopt circular practices
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF BACTERIAL LEAF SPOT CAUSED BY PSEUDOMONAS SYRINGAE PV. APTATA IN TABLE BEET AND SWISS CHARD SEED PRODUCTION IN WESTERN WASHINGTON
Full text linkBacterial leaf spot (BLS), caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. aptata (Psa), has become more prevalent in table beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris Condivita Group) and Swiss chard(Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris Cicla Group) seed production in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). This disease has caused significant economic losses due, in part, to increased demand for seed to plant baby leaf beet and Swiss chard crops which have become more popular as a result of the convenience and perceived health of these leafy green products. The PNW region of the United States produces up to 40% of the global supply of beet and chard seed (Western Washington Seed Advisory Committee, personal communication). Psa is a seedborne and seed transmittedpathogen that is characterized by testing positive for levan production; negative for oxidase, pectinolytic activity, and arginine dihydrolase production; and positive for tobaccohypersensitivity (+---+) LOPAT reaction. The objectives of this study were to: 1(i) determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Psa in table beet and Swiss chard seed crops in western Washington, and (ii) identify genetic factors that differentiate strains of P. syringae pv. aptata pathogenic to beet and chard from non-pathogenic strains of P. syringae, and that differentiate strains pathogenic to beet and chard vs. beet only; (2) investigate the colonization of table beet and Swiss chard plants by Psa in the vegetative and reproductive growth stages; and 3 (i) determine the location of infection of table beet and Swiss chard seed by Psa, (ii) evaluate hot water and bleach seed treatments for management of seedborne Psa, and (iii) evaluate potential use of decortication for control of seedborne Psa. BLS was present in 72% of the beet and chard seed crops surveyed in 2020 but absent in all seed crops surveyed in 2021 and 2023. Pathogenicity tests on beet and chard seedlings demonstrated variation in virulence among Psa isolates from the beet and chard crops surveyed, with some isolates more virulent on beet than chard. A wide diversity of Psa strains was detected in surveys of beet and chard seed crops, based on multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 38 strains. However, non-pathogenic isolates of P. syringae of these crops also grouped with pathogenic isolates, with genetic evidence of possible horizontal gene transfer between pathogenic and non-pathogenic isolates. Of 192 isolates, there were 25 from table beet seed crops, and one isolate from a table beet fresh market crop that were 100% identical to the pathotype strain CFBP 1617PTof Psa based on MLSA. Based on WGS, Type III effectors of the Psa strains are located in the pathogenicity island comprised of the conserved effector locus (CEL), the hypersensitivity response and pathogenicity (hrp)/HR and conserved genes(hrc), and the exchangeable effector locus (EEL), with the EEL being the most variable of these three loci among strains. Greenhouse trials were completed with two strains of Psa tagged with a green fluorescent protein (GFP), GFP-Pap009, which causes BLS on table beet and Swiss chard; and GFP-Pap014, which causes BLS on table beet only. Both strains colonized both the epidermis and apoplast of inoculated table beet and Swiss chard leaves, contrary to the hypothesis that Pap014 is non-pathogenic on Swiss chard if it can only colonize the epidermis, not the apoplast, of chard leaves. However, GFP-Pap009 was recovered at significantly greater populations (~500-fold) than GFP-Pap014 by 72 h after inoculation. Confocal microscopy revealed that Psa colonization is concentrated along the guard cells of stomata and the walls of spongy mesophyll cells in the apoplast, indicating that stomata may be important entry points for infection. A table beet seed crop field trial was inoculated with a rifampicin resistant strain of Psa (rif-Pap010) in each of three years (2021-2023) to monitor development of Psa and BLS in the seed crop. Fluctuating environmental conditions over the duration of each season had a significant impact on Psa population and BLS development. The amount of rif-Pap010 recovered from samples in each table beet seed crop trial varied over the duration of the trial. The rif-Pap010 population increased following each inoculation but declined when conditions remained dry. In 2021, seedborne rif-Pap010 was detected on the harvested seed compared to the 2022 harvested table beet seed at ~200-fold greater population (mean of Log104.9 ± 0.1 vs. Log102.5 ± 0.4 CFU/g seed), respectively. The recovery of rif-Pap010 population from each of three asymptomatic weed hosts, lambsquarters (Chenopodium album), pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) and ladysthumb (Persicaria maculosa), also varied widely over the trial duration, but demonstrated that weeds could serve as reservoirs for the pathogen in seed crops. Rif-Pap010 was only recovered from the pericarps, not the embryos, of the seed lots harvested from the inoculated beet seed crop field trials in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Chlorine seed treatment (1.2% NaOCl for 5, 15, 25, 35 minutes) eradicated rif-Pap010 from the 2021 seed lot at all durations of treatment but not from the 2023 seed lot. Evaluation of hot water seed treatments using the 2021 and 2023 harvested seed lots from the field trials revealed that treatment at 55℃ for 40 or 50 minutes eradicated rif-Pap010 without affecting seed quality (germination) adversely. Although treatment at 60℃ was highly effective for eradication of Psa at all durations, treatment for >30 minutes reduced seed germination. For the decortication trial with 2021 seed lot, the highest amount of rif-Pap010 was recovered from the powder removed from the seed by decortication of the table beet seed samples (log104.9 ± 0.0 CFU/g powder) recovered compared to (log104.7 ± 0.1 CFU/g seed for the non-decorticated seed), and (log103.9 ± 0.1 CFU/g seed) for the decorticated seeds. This study unravels some of the complexities of the epidemiology, genetic diversity, and management of Psa in table beet seed production in the Pacific Northwest USA
SERTOLI CELL DYNAMICS ACROSS THE CYCLE OF THE SEMINIFEROUS EPITHELIUM
Full text linkSertoli cells, omnipresent, somatic cells within the seminiferous tubules of the mammalian testis are essential to male fertility. Sertoli cells maintain the integrity of the testicularmicroenvironment, regulate hormone synthesis, and of particular importance, synthesize the active derivative of vitamin A, all-trans retinoic acid (atRA), which is required for germ cell differentiation and the commitment of male germ cells to meiosis. Stages VIII-IX, when atRA synthesis occurs in the testis, coincides with multiple developmental and testicular restructuring events that rely on Sertoli cell gene products to proceed normally. Through this work, we have sought to elucidate the molecular drivers that regulate Sertoli cell behaviors during stages VIII-IX and expand our knowledge on proposed Sertoli cell products. We have synchronized and captured murine testes at four recurrent points of atRA synthesis to observe transcriptomic changes within Sertoli cells as the testicular microenvironment is exposed to increasingly developed germ cell subtypes. These experiments provided comprehensive, high-resolution characterization of when known, functional Sertoli cell genes are induced across the first wave of spermatogenesis, along with in silico predictions of germ cell derived signaling mechanisms targeting Sertoli cells. From these predictions, we have started investigations into the Notch signaling pathway as a potential driver of germ-Sertoli cell signaling by generating a germ cell specific conditional knockout mouse model of delta like non-canonical Notch ligand 1 (Dlk1) and evaluating the affected transcriptome of the Sertoli cells and germ cells prior to, and after, the “A to A1 transition” as induced by atRA treatment. From this work we have found evidence that Dlk1 regulates testicular Notch signaling during early postnatal development, and controls Sertoli cell proliferation, and may regulate germ cell differentiation. Finally, we have identified several potential Sertoli cell cytoskeletal proteins by evaluating the RNA and protein expression of several actin bundling and myosin-protein coding genes at a cell- and stage-specific resolution. Based on the specific expression observed through immunohistochemical analysis, we predict that these proteins may predominantly act to facilitate the formation and maintenance of Sertoli-germ cell adherent junctions and the blood-testis barrier and may play a role in mitotic and meiotic germ cell division. Together, this work has provided previously unseen resolution into the expression patterns of stage VIII-IX Sertoli cells, and the dynamics of germ-Sertoli cell communication, throughout spermatogenesis
RESOURCE ALLOCATION AND MARKET DYNAMICS A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF UNCOMPLETED OIL WELLS' GROWTH, AGRICULTURAL TRADE LIBERALIZATION, AND PUBLIC HEALTH INVESTMENT
Full text linkThis dissertation explores critical issues in resource allocation and market dynamics across three interconnected domains: energy economics, agricultural trade, and public health investment.The first study examines the growth of uncompleted oil wells in the United States, focusing on the effects of inventories, capital expenditures, and economic factors across key oil-producing regions. A theoretical model incorporating exploration and development capital expenditures is developed, followed by empirical validation using Autoregressive Distributed Lag models with monthly data from 2013 to 2019. The findings reveal that exploration capital expenditures increase uncompleted well growth, whereas completion capital expenditures have the opposite effect. Additionally, the study highlights the heterogeneous effects of oil prices, refiner acquisition capital expenditures, reserves, rig count, pipeline capacity, and exports on uncompleted well growth in both the short and long run. The analysis also examines the impact of the 2016 repeal of the U.S. crude oil export ban, demonstrating its significant influence on uncompleted well growth at the national level and in the Haynesville region.The second study evaluates the impact of COVID-19 on U.S. meat and grain exports using a structural gravity model and counterfactual analysis. Utilizing monthly data from 2015 to 2022, the study finds that new deaths in U.S. trading partners reduce beef, poultry, and corn exports, while increased vaccinations in the United States boost meat and grain exports. Counterfactual analysis suggests that, absent the pandemic, U.S. beef, poultry, and corn exports would have been significantly higher, increasing by approximately 0.4 billion, and $4.6 billion, respectively, on average for 2020, 2021, and 2022. These findings highlight the vulnerabilities of agricultural trade to global health crises and provide insights for strengthening food supply chain resilience.The third study examines the transboundary nature of disease outbreaks and the challenges posed by varying national incentives for preventive investment. Using a game-theoretic framework, the study determines optimal investment levels and compares ex-ante preventive investments under centralized and decentralized decision-making for spatially adjacent, heterogeneous countries. The model incorporates both prevention and mitigation costs while accounting for unit-level analysis, considering individual animals or entire herds. The findings reveal that decentralized decision-making neglects spatial spillover effects, leading to suboptimal investment, whereas centralized coordination reduces outbreak risk and expected losses. However, trade sanctions on high-risk countries can create low-investment equilibria, where no country has an incentive to unilaterally increase investment. To address this, the study proposes an international transfer scheme with asymmetric investment, demonstrating that multilateral agreements can achieve Pareto improvements. Together, these three essays provide a comprehensive analysis of market dynamics, policy interventions, and strategic decision-making in energy, trade, and public health, offering valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders
THE EFFECTS OF TRAUMA-INFORMED CLASSROOM PRACTICES IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION AND THE BENEFITS FOR ADOPTED STUDENTS
Full text linkAbstract by Jamie C. Rollerson, M.A.
Washington State University
April 2025Chair: Jessica Masterson
The purpose of this study is to illuminate the unique circumstances of adopted children in educational spaces, and to explore challenges that stem from adoption-related trauma. The education system is working to be inclusive and responsive to students’ needs through support such as Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504s. It provides paraprofessionals and language specialists to English Language (EL) and Multilingual Learners (ML) and counseling services to students with social and emotional needs. Through research and personal accounts, this study explores the importance of understanding the trauma and educational needs of the adopted child and the relevance of implementing trauma-informed mainstream classrooms as a means of inclusivity and support for these underserved individuals’ academic successes
Questioning Patterns of Elementary Teachers During Synchronous Online Instruction
Full text linkTeacher questioning is one of the most direct ways in which educators interact with students and influence learning and engagement. This qualitative case study explores the questioning patterns of three elementary teachers who taught in synchronous online settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each teacher reflected on their perspectives regarding the purposes of teacher questioning, participated in multiple observed teaching sessions, and analyzed their own instructional practices. The study identified three different questioning tendencies, including a more routine oriented questioning approach, a metacognitive approach, and an information “tour-guide” approach. From these findings, several important themes emerged that have practical and policy implications for both in-person and synchronous online teaching environments. These include considerations regarding professional development, teacher autonomy, a lack of student collaboration opportunities in synchronous online learning environments, equity in synchronous online learning environments, and the value of ongoing teacher self-reflection