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A six-factor model of ethical decision-making
No full textThis dissertation extends the Ethical Perspectives Scale (EPS; Diegel et al., 2024) by incorporating Care ethics as a sixth moral dimension. Rooted in feminist moral philosophy, Care emphasizes empathy, attentiveness, and relational sensitivity, qualities often overlooked in existing psychological models of moral judgment. Across four studies (N = 1,401), we developed and validated the Revised Ethical Perspectives Scale (REPS), a six-factor measure of ethical reasoning.
Study 1 used exploratory factor analysis to identify three Care items that loaded onto a distinct factor. Study 2 demonstrated moderate test–retest reliability over three weeks, supporting the temporal stability of the Care subscale. Study 3 used confirmatory factor analysis and predictive modeling to assess Care’s unique contributions to moral judgments across 50 dilemmas. Study 4 replicated these findings in a nationally diverse adult sample, establishing external validity.
Across studies, Care consistently predicted decisions in contexts involving interpersonal vulnerability, emotional salience, and harm prevention. It also uniquely predicted higher subjective well-being. These findings support Care ethics as a stable, psychometrically distinct moral orientation that enhances the REPS framework. By measuring compassion-based reasoning, the REPS offers a more comprehensive tool for understanding individual differences in moral judgment
Eleven Precursor-Derived Graphene Quantum Dots with Near-Infrared Emission for Bioimaging
No full textGraphene quantum dots (GQDs) have gained attention in the bioimaging community due to their biocompatibility and the capability of some GQDs to facilitate deeply-penetrating near infra-red (NIR) fluorescence image-tracking. Development of multiple NIR fluorescent GQD structures from a variety of precursors can facilitate their application in multiplex imaging, multianalyte sensing and combination therapy delivery. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of an unprecedented set of 11 distinct GQD structures capable of NIR fluorescence, achieved through a facile microwave-assisted bottom-up synthesis of 11 different materials: ascorbic acid, chitosan, citric acid, dextran, glucose, glucosamine hydrochloride, hyaluronic acid, l-glutamic acid, polyethylene glycol (PEG), sodium cholate, or sodium citrate. All GQD structures exhibit remarkable biocompatibility at concentrations of up to 2.20 mg/mL and can be successfully tracked by their NIR fluorescence in vitro while exhibiting effective cellular internalization in HEK-293 cells . This work provides a unique comprehensive study offering versatility in synthetic approach and physical/chemical properties of biocompatible NIR-emissive GQDs to fit a variety of bioimaging applications
A role for spatial proximity in feature-positive discriminations using spatial search tasks in rats and humans
No full textFeature-positive discriminations involve reinforcement of a feature-target compound (XA+) and nonreinforcement of the target alone (A-). The temporal proximity between the feature and target have been frequently studied. When X is less temporally proximal to A and reinforcement (i.e., serial; X→ A+, A-), occasion setting typically occurs. Whereas when X is more temporally proximal to A and reinforcement (i.e., simultaneous; XA+, A-), direct control by X typically occurs. These effects suggest that the temporal proximity of cues influence their salience or noticeability. Salience can also be affected by physical intensity, (i.e., brightness, loudness, size), with a more physically intense A leading to occasion setting, and a less intense A resulting in direct control. Manipulating spatial proximity can also influence salience but hasn’t been looked at directly in feature-positive discriminations. The current experiments utilized a spatial feature-positive discrimination, where one response is correct in the presence of X and A (e.g., left cup), but another response (e.g., right cup) is correct in the presence of A alone. In both experiments, the target and reinforcer was either more (near) or less proximal (far) to the feature. We hypothesized that when the feature and target are near, that occasion setting-like behavior would occur and when far, direct control, or failure to acquire the task would occur. In Experiment 1, rats did not learn the discrimination in either group, due to other cues overshadowing the target landmark cue. In Experiment 2, humans underwent a similar procedure with both Near and Far groups, with effect of anxiety (Non-anxious, Anxious) on feature-positive learning also being evaluated. Results revealed that all participants were more anxious after the task and did not learn about both XA and A trials. However, during feature extinction testing, there was a reduction in responding to the extinguished X, but not to XA in the Non-anxious Near, Anxious Near, and Anxious Far groups, which is consistent with occasion setting. No evidence of occasion setting occurred in the Non-anxious Far group. Additional research is needed to continue to explore the effects of anxiety and spatial proximity on feature-positive learning
THE EQUITY ECONOMY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AMERICAN WEALTH-BUILDING TRAJECTORIES AND INFLATION SENSITIVITIES, 1990–2060
No full textThis study examines the divergent wealth-building trajectories of Americans who were 25 in 1990 (now 60) versus those who are 25 today (reaching 60 by 2060), revealing a sizable restructuring of economic opportunity across generations. Through comprehensive analysis of Federal Reserve, Census Bureau, and Bureau of Labor Statistics data under multiple inflation scenarios (1.4%-3.8%), this research identifies a troubling paradigm shift: today's young adults face projected negative net income in later working years, dramatically lower financial asset accumulation, and diminished wealth-building efficiency if the trends established over the last 15 years are allowed to continue. The findings demonstrate inflation's role not merely as a monetary phenomenon but as a powerful redistributive force, with higher inflation scenarios correlating with substantially lower real wealth outcomes despite nominal and real income growth. This research documents the ?Equity Economy??a financial system where participation in appreciating assets has become the primary determinant of economic security, overshadowing income-based advancement. In this environment, those without early access to asset ownership face increasingly insurmountable barriers to wealth accumulation. These structural changes necessitate strategic adaptation by young Americans to navigate this unprecedented environment
Investigating the Effects of Diet on Hepatic Gene Expression
No full textMetabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a growing global health concern linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. Diet plays a central role in the development and progression of MAFLD, particularly the type and quality of dietary fats consumed. Saturated fats, which are prevalent in the Typical American Diet (TAD), have been shown to promote hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and activation of pro-inflammatory pathways such as NF-kB. In contrast, unsaturated fats found in the Mediterranean Diet (MED) may support healthier lipid metabolism and exert anti-inflammatory effects through mechanisms involving Nrf2-mediated antioxidant responses. This thesis investigates how isocaloric TAD and MED feeding over three months influences hepatic fat deposition, oxidative stress markers, and expression of lipid metabolism genes in a mouse model. We hypothesize that the TAD will exacerbate liver fat accumulation and inflammation, while the MED will confer protective effects by promoting more favorable metabolic and inflammatory profiles. Understanding how dietary fat composition modulates liver health has critical implications for the prevention and management of MAFLD and related metabolic disorders
Simple, standard, secure: A quantitative analysis of stakeholder perspectives on K-12 ERP implementation in Texas
No full textThis study examined stakeholder perceptions of ERP system implementation within a large urban K-12 school district in Texas, addressing a significant gap in the educational technology research. The researcher employed a confirmatory quantitative case study using a cross-sectional survey design (n=54) to investigate variations in stakeholder perceptions, implementation factor effectiveness, and employee role differences. Data were collected from full-time employees in the Business & Finance, Talent Strategy, and Information Technology divisions involved in the Frontline ERP implementation during 2022-2024, utilizing an integrated conceptual framework combining People-Process-Technology, COBIT, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and McKinsey 7-S models.
All hypotheses were supported by statistically significant findings. Perceptions varied significantly across divisions, with IT staff reporting more positive views than Talent Strategy staff across five of the six variables. Strong positive correlations emerged between strategic implementation factors (simplification, standardization, security) and both stakeholder satisfaction and perceived success. Leadership roles demonstrated significantly higher satisfaction and success ratings than non-leadership roles did. A strategic focus on simplification, standardization, and security is significantly correlated with positive outcomes. Study limitations include the single-case design, which limits generalizability, and reliance on quantitative self-reported data without qualitative stakeholder experiences
Assessing Corrosion Effects on the Electrical Performance of Wearable Photovoltaic Cells: A Comparative Analysis of Current Consistency and Resistance
No full textWearable photovoltaic (PV) cells offer a sustainable and lightweight solution for energy-harvesting applications, including safety gear and protective textiles. Despite their growing adoption, the application of PV cells in marine environments is limited due to the corrosive conditions that can degrade performance. This study evaluates the impact of corrosion on commercially sourced PV cells by analyzing maximum current and electrical resistance. This study used eight samples of two types of PV panel cells and tested them in corrosion conditions, and current and electrical resistance values were recorded. A paired sample t-test was used to assess variations in current and electrical resistance, while a repeated MANOVA compared the performance of two sample types during corrosion. The results reveal that corrosion significantly reduced current values and increased electrical resistance in Sample Type (1), while Sample Type (2) remained relatively stable. The MANOVA findings show a significant decrease in current for both samples, though the magnitude of reduction is similar between types. However, when combining both sample types, corrosion has no significant effect on electrical resistance. These results highlight the need for developing more durable, corrosion-resistant PV cells suitable for marine applications, emphasizing their potential for sustainable and practical use in harsh environments
The Future of Electric Vehicle Batteries: Challenges, Market Dynamics, and Emerging Technologies
No full textThis paper explores the evolving landscape of electric vehicle (EV) battery technologies, focusing on lithium-ion (Li-ion) chemistry and its emerging alternatives: solid-state, graphene-enhanced, sodium-ion, and lithium-sulfur batteries. It examines the cost-performance dynamics, technical feasibility, and sustainability of each technology in the context of U.S. and global markets. Through a mixed-method approach that combines industry data, life cycle analysis, and comparative case studies of Tesla and BYD, the research evaluates which battery innovations are most likely to complement or eventually replace Li-ion in widespread EV deployment. Findings suggest Li-ion will remain dominant through the 2020s, while sodium-ion and solid-state batteries are poised to enter specific market segments within the next decade. The study highlights the importance of vertical integration, supply chain localization, and public policy in shaping the future of EV battery adoption
Women Like Us
No full textWomen like Us portrays life-altering moments for Elizabeth Caldwell?a woman persecuted for witchcraft in Salem 1692?and her daughter Cynthia Abernathy?a newborn who was mystically sent to the modern world in hopes for a better life than she could have in Salem. Before departing from her daughter, Elizabeth had been serving the town as a healer but veiling the extent of her abilities. And after a display of her skills that threaten even a man?s, she is forced to undergo the horrors of the Salem Witch Trials, where she fights to escape the noose and the persecution of both friend and foe. Now all grown up, Cynthia?s research for her dissertation drives her to Salem to further investigate the Witch Trials and, ultimately, uncover the truth about her mother
Oceanic territory: The rise and fall of the whaling empire
No full textThis work highlights the establishment of oceanic space as territory fought between sovereign nations in the first half of the nineteenth century. Focusing on the tensions in the North Pacific, North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, this thesis determines how the motive for harvesting oil from whales commanded the maritime empire of that era.
There is a looming impossibility in encompassing all areas of the global whaling industry—especially in a geopolitical sense. While there is much to be written on the Nantucket women, the economics of the industry and the Inuit, Makahs, Aleutians and Wampanoag peoples, as well as the histories and purposes of other nations in the hunt, my work focuses solely on water, the idea of oil and greed running our world and the countries ruling the seas to acquire it.
My thesis is presented through works of nonfiction, photojournalism and academic research, portraying man versus man and man versus nature