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Investigating the Development of the Hemp Processing Industry in New York State
Get PDFHemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has emerged as an environmentally beneficial renewable resource due to its short growing cycle, carbon sequestration properties, and the medical applications of cannabidiol (CBD). All parts of the hemp plant can be used to produce products that are eco-friendly. New York State (NYS) has recently legalized production of hemp. Many farmers have obtained permits to grow hemp, but there has been a lack of hemp processors within the state who can turn raw hemp into hemp products. This research focuses on the lack of processing within the hemp market in NYS in order to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the industry as a whole. Through interviews with hemp growers, processors, and state-level politicians involved in creating hemp legislation, as well as review of existing data on the industry, this research will identify what actions are necessary, both in entrepreneurship and state legislation, to improve the conditions and efficiency of the hemp industry in the state. A more comprehensive analysis of the hemp industry from seed to product will allow for a more effective market, and subsequently, more eco-friendly products in the market for consumers to purchase and greater economic opportunity for producers and processors.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2021/1053/thumbnail.jp
Policy Analysis: Black Voter Turnout after Shelby v. Holder
Get PDFIn the United States, state governments have targeted Black and other disadvantaged voters through a combination of policies meant to increase challenges related to casting a ballot. These challenges have resulted in low voter turnout that impacts the ability of our democracy to function successfully. The Voting Rights Act (VRA) passed in 1965 was intended to remedy this discrimination and ensure equal voting access. Though it has been successful at increasing the voting rates of people of color, the Supreme Court’s Shelby v. Holder (2013) decision struck down Section 5 of the VRA. Section 5 provided a formula that the Justice Department used to require certain states with histories of passing discriminatory voting legislation to receive preclearance from the federal government before pursuing new voting reforms. For this paper, we specifically look at Black voter turnout between 2008-2018 in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia to analyze how voting restrictions have affected voting trends. Undertaking an analysis of voting restrictions enacted in the aftermath of Shelby v. Holder (2013), and the extent of their impact on Black voter turnout in the United States, requires the establishment of evaluation criteria necessary for the comparison of policy alternatives. With our primary aim to rectify this problem and prompt an increase in voter turnout within the Black community, we have set effectiveness, equity, and political viability as the three evaluation criteria that guide our suggestions for policy alternatives. In alignment with these criteria, we propose three recommendations for feasible policy alternatives: Status Quo, Modifying the Voting Rights Act, and Federalizing the U.S. Election Administration System. Based on this analysis of our recommended policy alternatives and our corresponding evaluation criteria, we conclude that our second policy alternative, ‘Modifying the Voting Rights Act’, best fulfills our outlined standards.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2021/1056/thumbnail.jp
What is Color?: Mazviita Chirimuuta on Color Relationism Seen Through Paintings
Get PDFHow to explain color? Is it a property of things in the world, or is it produced through processes of visual perception? This has been a central question for philosophers of color. Some lean toward the explanation of physicists who are able to measure color through the frequencies of electromagnetic energy that colored objects reflect, and chemists who attribute color to the microphysical properties of things. Others, however, argue that it is produced through physiological processes, since our perception of it is dependent upon photoreceptors on our retinas, and on processing of this information by our brains. This process of interpretation of visual stimuli factors in contextual information like the play of light and shade and the distance of the object from the viewer, but it also is shaped by language and the color categories we have in our repertoire. Philosopher of color, Mazviita Chirimuuta, argues for a new approach- what is called a “relationist” understanding, that sees color as neither one thing nor the other, but as something that is produced through an interaction between physical properties of things and our processes of perception and interpretation. My project examines and analyzes particular paintings to illustrate Chirimuuta’s arguments about the nature of color and our perception of it. I argue in support of her approach, using the analysis of paintings to demonstrate the limitations of conventional understandings of color. I will draw attention to aspects of those approaches that Chirimuuta strongly objects to, and to show what her perspective can reveal to us about what color is.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2021/1063/thumbnail.jp
Biogeographical Patterns in Oak Gall Wasp-Parasitoid Communities Associated with Oregon White Oak, Quercus Garryana, Under Anthropogenic Change
Get PDFSpecies are expanding their ranges poleward as a consequence of global climate change. However, natural enemies may lag behind range-expanding hosts, facilitating “ecological release.” A species that has experienced a recent poleward range expansion is Neuroterus saltatorius, an oak gall wasp (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) that expanded its range from mainland western North America to Vancouver Island, BC. In its expanded range, it is threatening oak savanna ecosystems. This species induces gall structures on its host plant, Quercus garryana. Parasitoid wasps are attracted to galls and feed on developing insects in galls, acting as population control agents. We examine how interactions with enemies and competitors change over the range of Q. garryana and in the native and expanded range of N. saltatorius, and if changes in interactions relate to ecological release. Parasitoid wasps were reared from cynipid species collected from Q. garryana at 18 sites from Northern California to Vancouver Island, BC and identified to morphospecies using taxonomic keys. We found 21 cynipid morphospecies that co-occur with N. saltatorius on Q. garryana throughout its range, with a subset of cynipids (9 morphospecies) in the expanded range. We have identified 16 species of parasitoids from N. saltatorius. Preliminary results suggest a different composition of parasitoid enemies in its expanded range compared to its native range. This is likely due to a change in the composition of known generalist parasitoids that attack the range-expanding host that may not be effectively switching other from other competitors, rather than from a loss of known specialist parasitoids. We have also identified parasitoid morphospecies from a co-occurring competitor cynipid, Andricus quercuscalifornicus, and found no overlap in parasitoids with N. saltatorius. This suggests that A. quercuscalifornicus is not a competitor and does not contribute to the release of N. saltatorius. Uncovering how species interactions with range-expanding hosts are altered is important to predict outcomes of anthropogenic range expansions.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2021/1085/thumbnail.jp
The Unique Experience of Living in Non-Urban Kentucky as LGBTQ+ Youth: Encouraging Wider-Inclusivity in Protection Policies for The LGBTQ+ Community
Get PDFDiscrimination and opression can be a part of a queer person’s daily routine, such as going to the supermarket, attending classes or mass, and even at home. Unfortunately, the LGBTQ+ community does not have complete, protective rights in the United States despite recent expansion of legal rights through progressive jurisprudence. However, advancement of equal rights in the legal arena does not adequately address or protect everyone in the LGBTQ+ community. In the discussion of LGBTQ+ rights, conversation often adopts a dichotomous approach to queer issues, and as a result, can exclude those who do not fit into one simple category. An intersectional approach recognizes that different social categorizations create interactive and independent systems of discrimination and privilege. Specifically, there has been little research of queers in non-urban areas; most scholarly research is based in urban areas and coastal regions. This research focus could be attributed to the “escape to urban oases\u27\u27 for queers; however, there are still a large portion of the LGBTQ+ community in non-urban areas. My research project will be taking an intersectional approach to the unique experiences of queers within non-urban areas of Kentucky and how they go about creating connectedness, inclusivity, recognition, and affirmation (internally and externally). Most of the research will focus on the personal stories of myself and others, being qualitative in nature. A large emphasis will be placed on the culture of non-urban Kentucky; more specifically, family, faith, education, and community. With a culture deeply rooted in tradition and faith, religious exemptions are a common discussion within non-urban Kentucky, so this will also be explored. It is my hope that this research will bring attention to the unique, but not exclusive, experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, and aid in pushing for wider-inclusivity in protection policies for the LGBTQ+ community.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2021/1089/thumbnail.jp
The Effects of Vilazodone, YL-0919, and Vortioxetine in L-DOPA Treated Hemiparkinsonian Rats
Get PDFParkinson\u27s Disease (PD) is a debilitating, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms, including bradykinesia, tremor, stiffness, and postural instability, that result from significant nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) loss. The current gold standard treatment for PD involves replacement therapy via the DA precursor L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA); however, 90% of patients eventually experience choreic and dystonic side effects termed L-DOPA induced dyskinesia (LID). A key driver of LID is neuroplasticity within the serotonin (5-HT) system leading to the unregulated release of L-DOPA derived DA from 5-HT terminals into the striatum. Previous work has implicated the dual action of 5-HT1A receptor agonism and 5-HT transporter (SERT) blockade as an effective therapeutic method for attenuating LID. The present study examined 3 purportedly similar pharmacological drugs, Vilazodone, YL-0919, and Vortioxetine, that act as 5-HT1A agonists and SERT blockers. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats received unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) to deplete DA neurons. Thereafter they received 2 weeks of L-DOPA treatment until they developed stable abnormal involuntary movement (AIMs) akin to LID. Rats were also assessed for motor performance with the forepaw adjusting steps (FAS) test. Results revealed that Vilazodone and Vortioxetine significantly reduced AIMs and maintained L-DOPA beneficial prokinetic effects. In contrast, YL-0919 unexpectedly had no effect on LID though it did maintain L-DOPA motor performance. Overall, these findings support pharmacological targets within the 5-HT system that reduce LID. They also provide evidence for unique features of Vilazodone and Vortioxetine, both FDA approved compounds, as potential adjunct therapeutics for LID management in PD patients.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2021/1090/thumbnail.jp
Community-Focused Resilience, Climate Adaptation, and Sustainability Planning — One in the Same or Distinct Planning Processes?
Get PDFCommunities in the United States are increasingly undertaking initiatives aimed to prepare themselves for the impacts of climate change, improve their resilience, and build their sustainability. To achieve these objectives, communities often undertake a planning process resulting in various planning documents - namely, sustainability, climate change adaptation, hazard mitigation, and resilience plans. These documents are integral to communities as they create plans and objectives that help them achieve goals related to climate change, environmental sustainability, and economic development, among other topics. As communities undertake initiatives to simultaneously address these objectives, it is important to understand how the planning processes used may be similar and potentially complementary, or may be distinct and present trade-offs to one another, and to anticipate how this may affect community planning. To explore this issue, as part of the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) working with researchers at The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Community Resilience Group, we conducted a content analysis of community resilience, climate change adaptation, hazard mitigation, and sustainability planning guides at the community scale. Through identifying the commonalities and differences of these documents, our research aims to improve planning efficiency, foster communication on these topics, and benefit communities.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2021/1091/thumbnail.jp
Changes in Immigration Policy Regarding Muslim Immigrants Across the Obama and Trump Administrations
No full textImmigration to the United States has always been complicated, with legislation and the appreciation of immigrants often falling along racial, ethnic, and religious lines. This dominant theme has persisted and even emboldened in recent years, particularly for Muslim immigrants after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This presentation argues that there exist significant changes and continuities in immigration policy regarding Muslim-majority countries, across the Obama and Trump presidencies, and that the cultural rhetoric surrounding Muslims during each directly impacted policy. Based on an analysis of laws, including executive orders, Congressional hearings, and past legislation, juxtaposed with rhetoric regarding Muslim immigration, I maintain that the laws put into place by each President contrast starkly. The hostile narrative adopted by former President Trump and his administration was directly reflected in his legal actions, whilst Obama’s more cooperative stance with the Muslim world was made clear with many of his decisions. Data from the Department of Homeland Security and independent immigration organizations illustrate the significant drop in Muslim immigrants and refugees accepted by the Trump administration, in sharp contrast with the record number of Muslim refugees accepted by the Obama administration. This data is used in conjunction with legislation and scholarly articles regarding the Muslim experience after 9/11 to more accurately portray the implications of policy on the people it affects. The attitude toward immigrants in the United States often seems cyclical, with feelings of xenophobia toward certain groups manifesting itself in legislation. In order to prevent discriminatory legislation from being established and mitigate harm to immigrants and refugees, we must recognize these patterns and remedy the grievances people hold toward immigrants
Why ICE’s Role in Immigration Enforcement Needs to be Re-Examined
Get PDFThis presentation investigates how Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) helps or does not help the United States live up to international standards of how countries should enforce immigration policies. This presentation argues that ICE ultimately does not aid the United States in establishing more humane and fair immigration policies. Furthermore, ICE’s actions are often detrimental to the goal of treating immigrants, whether they are documented or undocumented, according to international standards established in the United Nation compact on migration. The compact details multiple goals that signatories have pledged to work towards regarding the fair and humane treatment of migrants. This argument is based upon reporting and detailing various ICE controversies. Many of the primary sources focus not only on these controversies, but also the lack of accountability ICE faces even after the bureau’s questionable actions become public knowledge. The secondary sources utilized for this presentation examine ICE’s actions in a larger scope. Most focus on one particular area that ICE can improve, including eroding political trust in minority communities, over-criminalizing immigration, and employing potentially illegal tactics in tandem with local law enforcement. Many of ICE’s controversial decisions and policies seemingly get swept under the rug as the bureau is routinely praised by public officials, especially during the Trump presidency. This paper ultimately aims to prove that when one closely examines ICE policy and its ripple effects, heaping praise on ICE as an effective immigration enforcement mechanism becomes much more difficult.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2021/1102/thumbnail.jp
The Kelmscott Chaucer Facsimile: Dystopia or Utopia
Get PDFAmong the Chaucer manuscripts and printed editions, the Kelmscott Chaucer produced in 1896 is a special case that stimulates scholars’ curiosity about the purpose behind the creation of a quasi-manuscript centuries after the Middle Ages. Existing studies contend that the creative, artistic and time-consuming nature of the codex reflects Morris’s nostalgia for medieval guilds that granted craftsmen equal agency, freedom and flexibility in their work. Scholars have, however, paid little attention to the palette and paper in the Kelmscott Chaucer, as well as their interaction with other decorative elements. There is less discussion of the audience in terms of what different beholders with varied familiarity with medieval manuscripts could get from the codex. They have paid even less attention to facsimiles that are accessible for a wider audience despite material compromise. My research focuses on the Kelmscott Chaucer facsimile preserved in the special collections of Bartle Library. The black-and-white palette of the codex is a rupture in the “unity”, which, though incoherent with other lavish decorative elements, coheres with the heterogeneous Chaucer text and manuscript tradition. This heterogeneity that demonstrates Morris’s reliance on medieval examples for his utopian conception of Book arts and their manufacture, however, is visible only to those who are familiar with medieval manuscripts. Beholders without experience thereof would be too habituated to mass-produced books to detect the unusual palette. With its covertly heterogeneous decoration that conveys manuscript tradition accessible only to a select audience, the Kelmscott Chaucer, contrary to many scholars’ assumptions, implicitly challenges Morris’s socialist utopia that emphasizes equality. My research also attends to the rough-edged paper of the facsimile, comparing the paper with that Morrison originally commissioned. The comparison sheds light on a utopian attempt within a dystopia: what and how facsimiles can preserve most tangibly and efficiently despite the inevitable material compromise.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2021/1108/thumbnail.jp