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WORLDS BUILT AND BORROWED: A PARACOSMIC EXPLORATION OF THE METATEXTUAL UNCONSCIOUS
Full text linkThis thesis explores literary phenomenology through the lens of fictional world-building and borrowing, integrating psychoanalytic play theories and reader response criticism, primarily through the works of D.W. Winnicott, Stanley Fish, and Wolfgang Iser. In applying this theoretical approach, the thesis investigates how fictional worlds function as intermediary phenomena through which creators can externalize and process their individual or collective experiences of being. Employing a comprehensive literary survey framework, the project spans a diverse range of texts, from canonical literature, such as the Brontës’ juvenilia and Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, to contemporary works like Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight and E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey. By establishing literary worlds as externally preserved phenomenological expressions, the thesis reveals a transauthorial relationship between author, reader, and researcher, in which interpretation and recreative engagement facilitate narrative continuation. Through this process, a literary metatext, once unconscious, begins to emerge and gradually revives the functionality of fiction as a dynamic, imaginative play space where the full range of human experience can be explored and expressed
Feeding Competition and Play: Exploring the Role of Play in Managing Social Tension in Captive Hamadryas Baboons (Papio hamadryas)
No full textChimpanzees and bonobos show increased social play prior to competitive feeding periods, suggesting that play may have an important role in mitigating conflict during periods of high social tension. In the present study, we investigated whether captive hamadryas baboons showed increased play behavior or showed selectivity in play partner choice in periods of high social tension. A high-value scattered feeding was provided at a fixed time each day, creating social tension leading up to the competitive feeding period. Using scan and focal observations, we recorded play, co-feeding, aggression, submission, affiliation, and partnerships during four distinct periods: control, early pre-feeding, late pre-feeding, and feeding. Contrary to predictions, the frequency of play behavior did not differ significantly across the observation periods. Play partner choice had no influence on co-feeding partner selection. However, during the control period, partner choice was influenced by kinship, age difference, and sex, while during the pre-feeding and the feeding period, partner choice was primarily influenced by kinship. These findings suggest that while play may not function as a general tension-reduction mechanism in hamadryas baboons, kinship remains a crucial factor in social interactions during periods of heightened tension
In Vitro Microfluidics System for Mechanobiologic Investigations
Full text linkMechanobiology is an emerging field that aims to study the relationships between mechanical forces and cellular behavior. Such mechanobiological relationships are especially critical in the cardiovascular system, where endothelial cells lining the vasculature align in response to fluid shear stresses from blood flow (Sinha, 2016). Implanted flow devices, diabetes, chronic hypertension, and various other diseases and pathophysiologies alter vessel geometries and flow dynamics. Such alterations impact fluid shear stress and endothelial cell behavior, leading to microcirculatory dysfunction, vessel leakage, and organ failure (Poredos, 2021; Papadaki, 1999; Leitschuh, 1987). To simulate dysfunctional endothelial cell behavior in vitro and evaluate novel therapeutic interventions, such as therapeutic ultrasound, to recover normal endothelial cell behavior, platforms must be developed to precisely expose endothelial cells to a wide range of fluid shear stresses while accommodating a multitude of experimental configurations and imaging techniques. This thesis represents the initial development efforts of such a tool through the creation of an inexpensive, reusable device that exposes cells cultured on a removable coverslip to laminar flow and homogeneous shear at physiological and supraphysiological magnitudes. Specific objectives of this thesis include development of design considerations, evaluation of the features and limitations of current commercial and research technologies, design and manufacturing of a custom device capable of meeting design goals, and initial validation of the device with in vitro testing of live endothelial cells at physiological and supraphysiological conditions.
A unique, modular (58 mm x 32 mm x 13 mm), parallel plate flow chamber with a live-cell imaging area of 200 mm2 was designed in Onshape CAD software, and laminar flow and shear homogeneity in the chamber were validated in COMSOL Multiphysics computational fluid dynamics software. Through an extensive development and revision process, simulation and low-fidelity prototypes were used to evaluate performance and identify necessary areas of improvement, culminating in a final prototype machined from stainless steel 316L. To evaluate flow dynamics and imaging capabilities of the device, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were seeded on a coverslip and placed within the device, exposing them to flow with plate shear stresses at physiological (4 Pa) and mildly supraphysiological (8 Pa) magnitudes. Brightfield imaging was performed throughout flow experiments to evaluate cell morphology. Additional experiments were performed at 4 Pa of shear, using fluorescence microscopy to visualize detailed alignment at various timepoints throughout flow and demonstrate imaging capabilities of the device. Experimental results show evidence of cellular alignment in the direction of flow, mimicking in vivo behavior and suggesting laminar and homogeneous flow at a physiologically relevant shear stress magnitude within the device. Observations of alignment occurred within 12-18 hours at 4 Pa of shear, and 8 hours at 8 Pa of shear, consistent with literature observations (Noria, 2004). To validate repeatability of the work, five devices were manufactured, and experiments were repeated at 4 Pa of shear. Initial reproducibility testing revealed device-to-device variability, prompting the development of optimal, standardized cell-handling procedures for the device to improve experimental consistency. Preliminary work into cell-handling protocol optimizations revealed strong alignment in three of the four devices tested, demonstrating promise for a reproducible platform with continual work to mitigate device-to-device variability by refining manufacturing and biological protocols. The development and performance of this device under physiological and supraphysiological shear provides a robust and versatile platform for future studies to investigate shear-dependent cellular responses and assess novel therapeutic treatments, ultimately advancing understanding and treatment of vascular disease
Evaluation of Sex Trivalent Chromosome in Giant Shield Mantis (Rhombodera megaera) and Holocentric Chromosome in Milkweed Bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus)
Full text linkAneuploidy, which refers to the abnormal number of chromosomes within a haploid set, has a significant effect in both physical and cognitive process of development. Proper chromosome segregation during cell division is crucial to prevent aneuploidy. Chromosome segregation is affected by the alignment of chromosomes on the metaphase plate as well as the position of centromere on the chromosome. Many arthropod species have sex chromosomes that either naturally are unpaired or pair in ways that differ for the usual patterns for autosomes. Also, some arthropods possess unique centromere position on their chromosomes which directly affects chromosome segregation pattern. Evaluating the chromosome behavior during cell division in such species provides great insight into the chromosome’s segregation pattern. The two primary goals of this study are: (1) Evaluation of sex trivalent chromosome in giant shield mantis (Rhombodera megaera) and (2) Analysis of chromosome movement in meiosis and mitosis in an organism with holocentric chromosome Oncopeltus fasciatus. In this study, I investigated both systems using live-cell and fixed cells using immunofluorescence imaging to reveal the mechanisms that control and regulate chromosome alignment and segregation, to facilitate more comprehensive understanding of general principles of chromosome behavior across species
Mujeres Juntas, Women Together : Combating Data Driven Distortions of Mexican Femicide Through Narrative
No full textThis digital humanities project combines literature and data analysis to depict the severity of femicide in Mexico.
The project includes an interactive map tour that overlays book suggestions onto a map depicting the severity of femicides per Mexican state. The project also includes advocacy materials and learning guides.
This website reiterates the importance of bringing together data and storytelling to tell this story of brutality humanely and accurately
Data Centers: Centers of Controversy in the Big Tech AI Buildout
No full textThis is a project looking at industry reports on environmental impacts of data centers for a broad overview of the issues raised by the current AI-driven data center buildout. It uses news coverage to add dimension to the impacts experienced by the particular communities in which these massive data centers are being constructed
Reading Nietzsche as a Tool for Feminist Politics
No full textMy Honors Thesis in Political Science builds upon the scholarly tradition of reading beyond Friedrich Nietzsche’s explicit discussions of women, which are oftentimes blatantly misogynistic. As a philosopher typically included in the Western existentialist canon, Nietzsche’s ethics of self-transcendence is relevant to one of the vital feminist objectives: individual autonomy. His commentary in Beyond Good and Evil, The Gay Science, On the Genealogy of Morals, and The Use and Abuse of History for Life prescribe ways of being that disrupt traditional moral systems and their accompanying social conditioning. If we examine patriarchy as one of these value systems that are presented as immutable, natural truth throughout Western culture, we become empowered as feminists to actively participate in the dismantling of patriarchy. We become inclined to transition from a passive posture to an active one in the making of meaning. Chapter one interrogates existing feminist interpretations of Nietzsche’s ethics that I argue misinterpret his claims or take his aphorisms at face value. Furthermore, I explore how his genealogical method of looking at history can be used to understand how the contingent constructions of gender become so ingrained that they seem inevitable or natural, limiting individuals’ range of possibilities and self knowledge. Chapter two investigates how Nietzsche’s ambivalent approach to history is useful to feminists, due to his emphasis on actively engaging with origins in order to overcome present stagnation. Ultimately, my thesis recognizes how Nietzsche’s existentialist approach to self-transformation, self-overcoming, and self-creation can be of use for feminist politics in the contemporary era, despite his claims of being an “anti-political” thinker. My analysis reveals the problematic, life-denying implications of certain feminist practices through the application of a Nietzschean ethical lens
Investigation of Aluminum Hollow Shapes Subject to Torsion
No full textThis research investigates the torsional strength of hollow aluminum shapes, specifically fairly stocky square and circular cross-sections made from 6061-T6 alloy. A total of six cross-sections were tested, with six specimens for each cross-section, resulting in 36 tests. Torque and angular deformation data were recorded for each specimen to determine the torque corresponding to full- yield of the cross-section. Additionally, Strand7 finite element models were created to simulate the experimental results and assess whether the torsional behavior could be accurately replicated through numerical analysis. This allows for future research to be conducted using Strand7 or similar finite element software.
The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the accuracy of the current design equations provided in the Aluminum Association’s Specification for Aluminum Structures (SAS), which bases the torsional limit state on first yield criteria. The findings reveal that while the existing design equations for hollow square sections accurately reflect the full-yield strength, the equations for hollow circular sections significantly underestimate their actual capacity, leading to overly conservative designs. As a result, this study proposes revised design equations specifically for hollow circular sections, accounting for full-yield behavior and providing a more accurate representation of their torsional strength. These adjustments offer a more efficient design approach, optimizing material usage without compromising safety
Coercion in Campus Sexual Misconduct
No full textWomen are at a high risk of experiencing sexual misconduct or assault during their time in college (Graham et al., 2022). Studies suggest that many college students, specifically women, are likely to experience sexual coercion, which is defined as: unwanted sexual activity that occurs when you are pressured, threatened, tricked, or forced in a nonphysical way (Pugh & Becker, 2018; Office on Women’s Health, 2021). Coerced sex is not illegal in most states in the US, so sexual coercion is not seen as important as more aggressive forms of sexual assault that are illegal (Peterson, 2023). Furthermore, the research on sexual assault perpetration is even more lacking, as most of the research focuses on victimization.
This study used a mixed-methods approach, including a survey and interviews. Survey results revealed a correlation between the two superordinate categories in the SISS. In addition, those who mainly have sex with men scored higher overall on the SISS compared to those who mainly have sex with women. Lastly, the results of a Chi-square test measuring SISS prevalence rates across sorority status displayed no difference for sorority status on problematic versus non-problematic measures. Information from the interviews revealed important themes and context about sex on Bucknell’s campus that proved difficult to measure in a survey.
The data from this study demonstrates the need for further research about sexual coercion in diverse populations. Improvements to sexual education and further research regarding college campus culture will provide important information to inform education and prevention methods
A Phenomenological Approach To Addiction
No full textThis paper proposes a phenomenological investigation of addiction, with the goal of describing how it is experienced from within, as an embodied and existential phenomenon. I begin by establishing a conceptual framework—drawn from the works of existential phenomenologists Heidegger, Sartre, and Merleau-Ponty—outlining the key structures of everyday experience such as being-in-the-world, freedom, embodiment, bad faith, and sedimentation. I then turn to a description of the lived experience of addiction by drawing on various first-person addiction memoirs, showing how the aforementioned existential structures are experienced in active addiction and how pathways to sobriety reflect and are experienced as targeting these structures. I argue that addiction is experienced as a deeply sedimented process, one that is both shaped by and reinforced by the existential conditions that structure everyday life