An Examination of Potential Causal Mechanisms Linking Genes and Political Behavior

Dawes, Christopher University of California, San Diego 2011 해외박사(DDOD)

Motivated by earlier work studying the genetic basis of political attitudes (Martin, Eaves, Heath, Jardine, Feingold & Eysenck 1986, Alford, Funk & Hibbing 2005), researchers found that political behaviors such as voter turnout (Fowler, Baker & Dawes 2008), broader participation (Fowler, Baker & Dawes 2008), and partisan attachment (Settle, Dawes & Fowler 2009, Hatemi, Hibbing, Alford, Martin & Eaves 2009) also have a significant heritable component. These findings prompted a great deal of discussion and debate and helped spawn the nascent field of "genopolitics". However, in order to push this area of research forward scholars must identify causal mechanisms linking genes to political behaviors. The goal of this dissertation, which is made up of three distinct chapters, is to explore potential causal pathways my testing potential mediators such as personality traits and cognitive ability as well as identifying new genetic variants that may be associated with political behaviors. The first chapter presents a twin study testing whether the psychological traits cognitive ability, personal control, and extraversion mediate the relationship between genes and political predisposition and acts of participation. The second chapter is a candidate gene association study that tests the hypothesis that extraversion mediates a relationship between a variant of the COMT gene and partisan attachment. The third chapter presents the results from a genome-wide association study of validated voter turnout in the 2010 election. To complete this work I have utilized four novel genetically informative data sets. Two of these data sets were constructed here at UCSD, one at the University of Minnesota, and another with a research team from Sweden. All three studies shed new light on the relationship between genes and these political behaviors. However, the mediation results from Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 suggest only a modest amount of the relationship between genes and political behaviors are mediated by personality traits and cognitive ability. In addition, the investigation of over 500,000 genetic variants presented in Chapter 3 did not turn up many new significant associations. However, all three chapters provide a template for how future work in this area should be done as well as highlight the pitfalls in this burgeoning area of research.

Peer influence in early adolescents' popularity goal

Dawes, Molly Temple University 2014 해외박사(DDOD)

The goal of this study was to examine influence of peers on the popularity goal of early adolescents. Research has demonstrated that there is increased preoccupation with popularity status during early adolescence, but there is little research on what influences youths' actual goal for popularity status (Adler & Adler, 1998). To address this gap in the literature, this research investigated two types of peer influences on adolescents' popularity goal over time: peer group norms and perceived peer norms. Youth are assumed to be influenced by the norms set by their peer groups and by their perceptions of the peer norms for popularity. However, individuals are also assumed to be differentially open to such influence. Therefore, I considered potential moderators for both types of peer influence. Two moderators were explored for the influence of peer group norm on early adolescents' popularity goal over time: the group's popularity status and an individual's own status within the group. For the influence of perceived peer norms on early adolescents' popularity goal over time, I considered an interaction with the peer group's norm for popularity goal. Given the nested nature of the data, with adolescents within peer groups, this study employed Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) analyses to model the effects of peer groups on individuals over time. A total of 232 adolescents in 57 peer groups were included in the study. A series of models were analyzed to test for the influence of peer group norms on adolescents' popularity goal over time. First, the main effect of peer group norm on adolescents' popularity goal was tested. Results demonstrate that the higher the peer group norm, the higher adolescents' popularity goal at Time 2, after controlling for their popularity goal at Time 1. Second, the two-way interaction between peer group norm and groups' popularity status on adolescents' popularity goal was tested. Results indicate that the association between peer group norms and adolescents' popularity goal was significantly moderated by the popularity status of the group. A higher peer group norm was associated with higher popularity goal over time when adolescents were in low popular groups. The association between peer group norm and popularity goal remained relatively stable for those adolescents in high popular groups. Third, I tested the three-way interaction between peer group norms, groups' popularity status, and individual members' status within the group on adolescents' popularity goal over time. Results indicate that the strength of the association between group norm and adolescents' popularity goal was stronger for low status individuals than high status individuals in high popular groups. For those high status individuals, a negative association was found. There was also a positive association between group norm and popularity goal for both low and high status individuals in low popular group with overall higher levels of popularity goal (Time 2) for the low status individuals than for the high status ones in these groups. This study also analyzed models to test for the influence of perceived peer group norms for popularity on adolescents' popularity goal over time. Results indicate there is a positive association between perceived peer norms for popularity and adolescents' popularity goal over time, even after controlling for the influence of peer group norms. There was no significant interaction of perceived peer norms and peer group norms on the adolescents' popularity goal over time. Together, results provide evidence that youths' popularity goal may be influenced by the norms established in their peer group, their groups' popularity status as indicated by the nuclear members' popularity levels, their own status within the group, and their perception of peer norms in the networks. Results suggest that both individual and peer group factors contribute to youths' openness to peer influence and that such factors should be considered when investigating how peers may influence youths' social goals.

Husky Dick and Chubby Jane: A century of childhood obesity in the United States

Dawes, Laura Louise Harvard University 2010 해외박사(DDOD)

This thesis examines changes in how childhood obesity has been measured and diagnosed in the twentieth century (Part I) and developments in understanding its causes and treatment (Part II). The earliest diagnostic technique---aesthetic judgment---has been supplemented with quantitative techniques. Childhood obesity can be readily diagnosed by eye and this is responsible for much of the condition's social valence and how it is experienced. Quantitative techniques have measured different characteristics of children's bodies (size, contour, fat content), producing a plethora of techniques rather than a definitive method for diagnosing obesity. Measurement issues are an outcome of continued endeavors to establish whether, how, and why childhood obesity is harmful. Dilemmas are fuelled by vogues in research methodology, a desire to use avant guarde technology, but also by practical needs. Moving from lab, to pediatrician's office, school nurse's office and home, requires translations and compromises. In part two, I argue that responses to childhood obesity reflect societal values and decisions about apportioning responsibility for children's well-being between parents, children themselves, and society. Over time, theories of childhood obesity's etiology have been layered, not replaced, producing an understanding of the condition as complex and multi-factorial. Chapters address biological explanations and drug treatment; family environment and psychological factors (Hilde Bruch as a case study); metabolic imbalance and treatment through diet and exercise, specifically diet books and fat camps. Parents' role in causing and treating their child's condition is one of the major threads traced. Increasing rates of childhood obesity since the 1960s have been attributed to the nature of modern---especially American---society. "Treatment" has been conceptualized as changing the child's macro-environment through social activism, legal and public health measures. The increase is often framed as a sign that modernity is, ironically, pathological. Interventions are largely directed at children's behavior, but fail to engage with current understandings implicating the macro-environment. Recognizing that people enjoy and value certain features of the "obesogenic" environment, and the vested interests in maintaining the status quo, placing major responsibility for managing childhood obesity with children themselves is nonetheless an abrogation of adult responsibilities, and, as history suggests, likely to be ineffective.

The key switch gene for hermaphrodite development in Caenorhabditis elegans

Dawes, Heather Elizabeth University of California, Berkeley 2000 해외박사(DDOD)

In <italic>C. elegans</italic>, an X chromosome counting mechanism determines sex. The target of this counting mechanism is the switch gene <italic>xol-1 </italic>, which is active specifically in XO animals to promote male differentiation and repress dosage compensation, the hermaphrodite specific process that equalizes X-linked gene expression between the sexes. Dosage compensation is achieved by reducing gene expression from both hermaphrodite X chromosomes by half. I have identified <italic>sdc-2</italic> as the sex-specific switch gene that acts downstream of <italic>xol-1</italic> in XX animals to trigger hermaphrodite development, including activation of dosage compensation. SDC-2 protein is expressed exclusively in XX animals, and ectopic expression of SDC-2 in XO animals is sufficient to induce hermaphrodite differentiation and inappropriately activate dosage compensation. This thesis shows that SDC-2 activates dosage compensation by triggering assembly of the dosage compensation machinery on X chromosomes through its own association with X. In so doing, SDC-2 recruits general factors involved in mitotic and meiotic segregation of all chromosomes to the new task of regulating gene expression. SDC-2 associates with X chromosomes independently of other dosage compensation proteins, suggesting that SDC-2 helps recognize X. This thesis also shows that SDC-2 induces hermaphrodite sexual development by associating with the male sex-determnation gene <italic>her-1</italic>. SDC-2 achieves a 20-fold repression of <italic>her-1</italic> transcription, in contrast to the modest two-fold repression achieved by dosage compensation. SDC-2 associates specifically with three distinct <italic>her-1</italic> regulatory regions, one region corresponding to the primary <italic>her-1</italic> promoter, and two additional regions downstream of the transcriptional start site. SDC-2 acts in association with SDC-3 and SDC-1 to activate dosage compensation and repress <italic>her-1</italic> transcription. SDC-3 acts synergistically with SDC-2 to activate dosage compensation and repress <italic>her-1</italic>, and the two proteins require one another for their stable expression. SDC-3 associates with her-1 sequences, and both SDC-2 and SDC-3 require a specific functional domain of SDC-3 to associate with <italic>her-1</italic>. Together SDC-1, SDC-2 and SDC-3 make up the core of a repressive complex at <italic> her-1</italic>.

Adult-child-text interactions in a volunteer read-aloud program

Dawes, Erika Thulin Columbia University Teachers College 2003 해외박사(DDOD)

The purpose of this study was twofold: to address the current lack of research on volunteer programs in public schools and to examine the reflexive interactional patterns of read-aloud events. This study occurred in the context of the Power Lunch program, which matches adult volunteers with public school children for weekly one hour read-aloud sessions. Grounded in a sociocultural framework, this interpretive study examined the adult-child-text interactions of eleven reading partnerships, including single session observations and an extended observational study of one partnership. Data collected included textual materials used with volunteers; observations of read-aloud sessions; and interviews with program participants. The system of discourse analysis employed in this study focuses on how socially-situated identities and activities are constructed through language interactions, and offered a way to identify what counts as literacy learning in these partnerships. An analysis of the patterns of representations in program texts reveals the organizational context for the interactions. Power Lunch is positioned as an efficient successful program focusing on the acquisition of literacy skills vital to the success of our nation and children's futures. Child participants in the program are positioned as neglected deprived children who are “at-risk” for school and life failure. Power Lunch volunteers are positioned as upstanding citizens, successful in work and life, who are willing to spend time mentoring a child's literacy development. Analysis of interactional data revealed that through the situated nature of their interactions, partners assembled meanings about their world, constructing text, sign systems and knowledge, adults, children, adult-child relationships, learning, and reading in diverse ways. Data gathered in the extended observational study of one partnership indicated stable interactional patterns. There was a strong focus on social connection in their sessions; talk and reading became vehicles for affective connections through the sharing of experiences. The findings of this study support theories of literacy as ideological and socially constructed. In Power Lunch, the organizational texts position volunteers as people with potential to greatly influence children's lives. The ways in which volunteers enact this motivation to teach vary according to their own conceptions of literacy and their own teaching and learning experiences.

Effectively Implementing an Online Homework and Testing Management System to Increase Student Achievement - A Student Tailored Pedagogical Approach

Dawes, Dale M Columbia University ProQuest Dissertations & These 2016 해외박사(DDOD)

Turning to online educational technology is a growing trend in our society. In particular, many community college Mathematics Departments have adopted online preparation and rigorous enhancement platform (OPREP) such as WebAssign. Nationally educators are attempting to address the low passing rates in developmental mathematics. Developmental mathematics courses are the gatekeepers to higher education. Slow progression through these courses can adversely affect a student's ability to persist to graduation, which in turn impacts an individual's employment opportunities and quality of life. The literature shows that OPREPs are typically employed to replace the tedious and time-consuming task of grading paper-based homework. Ignoring the testing management features of an OPREP and limiting it to a web-based homework tool is a reflection on implementation strategy. The purpose of this research is to develop a grounded theory about effectively implementing OPREP, which is informed by the perspectives and beliefs of the developmental mathematics students who use them. This mixed method study critically analyzed the student comment sheets, student evaluations, and the responses from 129 Elementary Algebra students who completed a questionnaire about their experiences using WebAssign. Analysis through an adult learning theory lens revealed the central phenomenon of the students' needs for immediate feedback and the role that feedback plays in facilitating self-regulated learning. The findings reveal that the nature of the feedback extended beyond correctness. Students preferred to use interactive step-by-step tutorials, practicing different versions of the problem and watching lectures more than any other learning tool. The instructor's implementation was a point of emphasis for key students. Multiple repeaters of elementary algebra stressed the importance of the OPREP implementation strategy on their achievement. Comments range from differences in the availability and strategic deployment of the learning tools to proper instruction on how a student should use the OPREP. Although this study confirms a significant and relative large correlation between homework and an exit examination, it also shows that OPREP assessments such as quizzes and practice examinations have stronger positive correlations. Results showed that OPREP quiz average was the best sole predictor of student achievement. OPREP quiz average was also the only OPREP assignment category included as a predictor of student achievement in the best multiple linear regression model.

Promoting Healthcare Diversity: A Diversity Initiative for Occupational Therapy

Dawes, Monique Peta-Gaye ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Boston University 2020 해외박사(DDOD)

"Freedom Ain't Free:" Race and Representation(s) in Extreme Heavy Metal

Dawes, Laina Columbia University ProQuest Dissertations & These 2022 해외박사(DDOD)

The extreme metal subculture is a collective of musical genres that are generally more sonically aggressive and experimental than heavy metal. This dissertation argues that extreme metal and its accompanying culture can be beneficial to young Black musicians and fans, as it allows for more creative freedom for artists to express themselves within a music culture that on the surface, is concerned more with the music than the visual aesthetics that drive mainstream music genres. However, through my own experience as a Black woman metal fan, I also believe that anti-black racism can be a distinct detractor in active participation within this music culture that because of its absence in mainstream popular music culture, is dependent on its listening audience to stay even more independent. With each chapter, I look at various issues to demonstrate these ideas while also acknowledging that extreme metal shares some of the same sociocultural complications as heavy metal, such as racism, misogyny, anti-Semitism, and homophobia. I explore how black participants who are currently involved in their respective scenes find freedom and individualism despite the challenges they could face. This dissertation is interdisciplinary in nature, as I refer to scholarship from several disciplines to explore how, despite the reluctance from scholars to properly acknowledge the contributions of African American within heavier variations of rock n’ roll, there are sonic, lyrical, and philosophical correlations between the freedom expressed within the music and lyricism of blues music, as well as in Avant Garde jazz stylings, and extreme metal. My methodological process was grounded on providing the “subaltern” a voice: It was crucial to offer space to Black musicians within extreme metal genres to document not just their musical experiences, but their abilities to work within a music culture that has been historically marked as “white-centric” in its music and its aggression. This is no easy feat, but I argue that with each year, there are more Black artists getting involved within their respective extreme music scenes as musicians, fans and industry workers who work behind the scenes as journalists, photographers, and tour managers. I also provide anecdotes from my own experiences as a longtime fan, a music journalist and my knowledge that was gained through my previous work researching and writing a book on the experiences of Black women within the heavy metal, hardcore and punk scenes. Through interviews and examples from my experiences covering extreme heavy metal concerts and festivals, this dissertation effectively blends scholarship and real-life examples that I believe encapsulates the issues that Black extreme metal participants are presently experiencing. I conclude my dissertation with suggestions about the ways in which Black fans can participate within a music culture that is marked with the current political and social climate. By noting that extreme metal genres have been used as a vehicle by White Nationalist groups to recruit members, as well as in sharing disinformation, I provide ideas that participants can use to ensure their safety to enjoy the music they are passionate about. Overall, my philosophy is that extreme metal is not only an enjoyable music but can also be a vehicle for progressive change: The aggression and the energy has been a lifesaver for myself and all my interlocutors as a method to acknowledge and release the frustrations and anger that we feel in living in an unjust society. I am especially concerned with Black youth, as expressions of anger omitted within public spaces could potentially lead to violence enacted on their bodies. Extreme metal allows Black youth to express these emotions within spaces that are shared with a myriad of people from various backgrounds, but we must find productive ways to deter Black youths from internalizing their pain and anger and exploring and advocating for healthy ways they can express these emotions with others who share the same feelings. While these extreme metal scenes come with their own complications, I hope this dissertation serves as a beginning in exploring alternative ways to express our own individuality in whatever manner we choose to.

Transfer of Training Aircraft Maintenance: Perceptions of Blended Learning Impact

Dawes, Scott ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Arizona State Univ 2019 해외박사(DDOD)

The focus of this study was to investigate better learning opportunities at the epicenter of field-level aircraft maintenance technical training for the United States Air Force. While narrow in focus, this project may be informative for training communities across diverse industries. The intent of this project is to improve the transfer of training from the classroom to the workplace by implementing a blended learning classroom pedagogy, successively enhancing class time for more meaningful construction of student-centered learning. This mixed-methods research study utilized surveys, observations, and interviews with students, instructors and supervisors to explore perceptions that aircraft maintainers have about the current and potential value of curriculum. The first significant finding was that aircraft maintainers do believe there is opportunity to improve the current rote transmission style of curriculum and make it more learner-centered. The second significant finding is that aircraft maintainers do see a blended learning classroom as a means to explore the curriculum in more depth and improve the transfer of their knowledge in a more meaningful way to the workplace.

Forsaken paths: The organization of the American textile industry in the nineteenth century

Gumus-Dawes, Zehra Baris Yale University 2000 해외박사(DDOD)

This dissertation examines three competing forms of organizing textiles in nineteenth century America: the Lowell, Slater and Philadelphia systems. I focus on the crucial role of capital formation, a neglected variable in organizational history, and argue that the way capital formation varied in these three systems accounts for the striking differences in their organization and societal impact. In Chapter 1, I examine the comparative development of the Slater and the Lowell systems. I do so to challenge the pervasive belief in the superiority of the mass production of textiles in the Lowell system by demonstrating the system's organizational rigidities, inefficiencies and undesirable social consequences in comparison with the Slater system. In Chapter II, I investigate the factors that contributed to the regional variations in the organization of textiles in the Lowell and the Philadelphia systems. I argue that regional differences in the pattern of capital accumulation rather than differences in the culture of textile entrepreneurs explain the regional variation in the organization of textiles in the Lowell and the Philadelphia systems. I demonstrate that under conditions of chronic capital shortage, the specialized, flexible production networks of the Philadelphia system constituted a viable alternative to the capital-intensive organization of the Lowell system by fostering complementarity and cooperation among textile entrepreneurs. In Chapter III, I make a stronger case for the general effectiveness of Philadelphia-type production networks under conditions of capital scarcity by focusing on Fall River. Most scholars in the textile literature treated Fall River as yet another Lowell-type textile center, and, thus, interpreted the rapid expansion of Fall River textile industry in the post-Civil War period as a sign of the continuing superiority of Lowell-type mass production techniques within the industry. In this chapter, I challenge this interpretation by documenting the presence, in ante-bellum Fall River, of a production network that resembled the industrial districts of the Philadelphia system. I suggest that without the flexibility, diversity and the resilience of this production network that ensured the slow but continuous accumulation of capital during the ante-bellum period, textile industry in Fall River could not have experienced its rapid post-Civil War expansion.