Digital Commons Network^™

Accuracy And Racial Biases Of Recidivism Prediction Instruments, Julia J. Dressel

Dartmouth College Undergraduate Theses

Algorithms have recently become prevalent in the criminal justice system. Tools known as recidivism prediction instruments (RPIs) are being used all over the country to assess the likelihood that a criminal defendant will reoffend at some point in the future. In June of 2016, researchers at ProPublica published an analysis claiming an RPI called COMPAS was biased against black defendants. This claim sparked a nation-wide debate as to how fairness of an algorithm should be measured, and exposed the many ways that algorithms are not necessarily fair. Algorithms are used in the criminal justice system because they are regarded as …

Charging A Police Officer In Fatal Shooting Case Is Rare, And A Conviction Is Even Rarer, Philip M. Stinson

Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Ending Human Trafficking: A Stakeholder’S Challenge, Dennis V. Blanco

Social Transformations Journal of the Global South

The paper analyzes the concepts, theories, causes, and methods of human trafficking as culled from various contemporary policy capacity literature which tackle human trafficking as thematic consideration and topical affair. It posits the question of the what, why, and how of human trafficking and attempts to answer these questions using an integrative review approach of literature. A critical component of the paper is its analysis and discussion on the current and prevailing stakeholder institutions, actors and agents engage in human trafficking and the corresponding challenges, opportunities and directions it needs to do to stop human trafficking.

Brief Amici Curiae On Behalf Of International And Constitutional Law Experts In Support Of Petition For Certiorari, Al Bahlul V. United States , 840 F.3d 757 (D.C. Cir. 2016) (En Banc), Robert D. Sloane, Foley Hoag Llp

Faculty Scholarship

Amici curiae, legal experts in international and constitutional law, believe that a majority of the en banc panel in Bahlul v. United States, 840 F.3d 757 (D.C. Cir. 2016) (en banc), mistakenly affirmed Ali Hamza Ahmad Suliman al Bahlul’s conviction by a military commission for a non-international war crime. The main concurring opinion in that case misconceived how international law defines the jurisdiction of law-of-war military commissions. As amici argue below, it is the Constitution—not international law—that limits the jurisdiction of lawof-war military commissions.

Admissions Report - Detailed Data - May 2017, Office Of Institutional Research & Effectiveness, Wright State University

Admissions Reports

Detailed report of applicants to Wright State including data on county of residency, intended major, and ethnicity for Fall Semester 2017.

Are We Dreaming Or Doing? How Health Science Graduates Access Information In Their Professional Lives, Valeria Long, Betsy Williams, Barbara C. Harvey, Christopher A. Kierkus

Presentations

No abstract provided.

Detection Of Cathinone And Mephedrone In Plasma By Lc-Ms/Ms Using Standard Addition Quantification Technique, Theron W. Ng-A-Qui

Student Theses

Designer drugs are structural analogs of Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Schedule I and II substances. They are synthesized to mimic the effects of illegal drugs of abuse and to bypass the provisions of drug regulations. Despite the increased availability of designer drugs, few studies have focused on specific analytical extraction techniques for their detection and quantification in biological samples. Solid phase extraction (SPE) is the most commonly used technique for sample preparation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the extraction efficiency of the various SPE columns with different sorbent materials for two designer drugs, cathinone and mephedrone in …

Inmate Death In Private And Public Prisons, Alexis Acevedo

Student Theses

Despite the vast body of research on privatization of prisons in the United States, little is known about the relationship between these types of facilities and death in custody. The literature on privatization compares private prisons to public prisons on many factors such as recidivism and cost-benefit analyses. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding death in custody in public and private facilities. This study focuses on both individual and facility level differences in Florida and Texas to explore potential difference in death in custody between public and private prisons. The research focuses on differences in the number …

Quantitative Analysis Of Opioids And Cannabinoids In Wastewater Samples, Alethea Jacox

Student Theses

Wastewater-based epidemiology is an innovative approach that uses the analysis of human excretion products in wastewater to obtain information about exposure to drugs in defined population groups. We developed and validated an analytical method for the detection and quantification of opioids (morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone and hydromorphone), and cannabinoids (9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-nor 9-carboxy- tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH) and THCCOOH-glucuronide) in raw influent wastewater samples by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Method validation included linearity (5–1 000 ng/L for opioids, 10–1 000 ng/L for cannabinoids), imprecision (<21.2%), accuracy (83%–131%), matrix effect (from –35.1% to –14.7%) and extraction efficiency (25%–84%), limit of detection (1–5 ng/L) and quantification (5–10 ng/L) and auto-sampler stability (no loss detected). River, sewage overflow and wastewater samples were collected in triplicate from different locations in New York City and stored at -20 C until analysis. River water samples were negative for all the compounds. Water from sewage overflow location tested positive for morphine (10.7 ng/L), oxycodone (4.2–23.5 ng/L), oxymorphone (4.8 ng/L) and hydromorphone (4.2 ng/L). Wastewater samples tested positive for morphine (133.0– 258.3 ng/L), oxycodone (31.1– 63.6 ng/L), oxymorphone (16.0–56.8 ng/L), hydromorphone (6.8–18.0 ng/L), hydrocodone (4.0– 12.8 ng/L) and THCCOOH (168.2– 772.0 ng/L). This method is sensitive and specific for opioids and marijuana determination in wastewater samples.

How Stable Are Human Aesthetic Preferences Across The Lifespan?, Cameron P. Pugach, Helmut Leder, Daniel J. Graham

Publications and Research

How stable are human aesthetic preferences, and how does stability change over the lifespan? Here we investigate the stability of aesthetic taste in a cross-sectional study.We employed a simple rank-order preference task using paintings and photographs of faces and landscapes. In each of the four stimulus classes, we find that aesthetic stability generally follows an inverted U-shaped function, with the greatest degree of stability appearing in early to middle adulthood. We propose that one possible interpretation of this result is that it indicates a role for cognitive control (i.e., the ability to adapt cognition to current situations) in the construction …

How Stable Are Human Aesthetic Preferences Across The Lifespan?, Cameron Pugach, Helmut Leder, Daniel J. Graham

Publications and Research

How stable are human aesthetic preferences, and how does stability change over the lifespan?Here we investigate the stability of aesthetic taste in a cross-sectional study. We employed a simple rank-order preference task using paintings and photographs of faces and landscapes. In each of the four stimulus classes, we find that aesthetic stability generally follows an inverted U-shaped function, with the greatest degree of stability appearing in early to middle adulthood. We propose that one possible interpretation of this result is that it indicates a role for cognitive control (i.e., the ability to adapt cognition to current situations) in the construction …

Pilot Test Of Information Uptake Among Post-Incarcerated Adults, Deborah Shelton, Mackenzie Goodrich

Journal for Evidence-based Practice in Correctional Health

Abstract

This exploratory study sought to understand the challenges of navigating the health care system from the perspectives of post-incarcerated individuals; and, to develop dissemination strategies to support these individuals in their efforts to provide self-care management following incarceration. Phase 2 provided a pilot test of the effectiveness of an informational CD and flyer intervention and the outcome of self-care. Sixty-two individuals with an incarceration history participated in this pretest-posttest with a 1-month follow up study. A significant change in knowledge and utilization of services (χ^{2 =}12.571, df =1, p =.001) was found immediately after the intervention; and …

Effectiveness Of Co-Payment Policies In The Correctional Healthcare Setting: A Review Of Literature, Andrew L. Glick, Megan Ehret, Valori Banfi, Deborah Shelton

Journal for Evidence-based Practice in Correctional Health

Objective: To investigate the effects co-payment policies in the correctional health environment on access and utilization of healthcare services, cost-effectiveness of care, and health outcomes. Methodology: A literature search yielded 97 articles, 15 duplicates were eliminated. Thirty-three additional articles not in peer review journals were eliminated; 40 were eliminated because they did not focus on the research question and four were eliminated because they did not adequately present their data. A decision was made to retain the four quantitative studies in the review, and to utilize the single qualitative study to support conclusions and, or the discussion section. The Reporting …

A Review Of Treatment Programs For Offenders With Co-Occurring Addictive And Mental Disorders: Support For Booster Interventions, Annette T. Maruca, Deborah Shelton

Journal for Evidence-based Practice in Correctional Health

Background: Treatment interventions are essential in supporting psychosocial skills, health promotion and successful reintegration to community living for incarcerated persons. Booster interventions are presumed to be important methods for maintaining the effects of treatment effects for persons with addiction and mental disorders, but there has been remarkably little empirical attention to this assumption. Objectives: This review aims are: (1) to describe existing literature on treatment programs for offenders with addiction and mental disorders in the reentry process, and, (2) to add to the literature on this topic by evaluating the impact of booster interventions upon maintenance of treatment effects and …

Computer Forensics And Irish Law, Anthony Keane

The ITB Journal

They say that ignorance of the Law is not a defence but how many people could really say that they have any idea of the legislation regarding compute use. The answer is not many and therefore most computer users do not know if their activities are considered illegal or illegal, other then the obvious ones that appear from time to time in the news media and normally involve fraud, theft or child pornography. This paper is a short overview and discussion of the Irish legislation that can be applied to computer activities and how “computer crime” is dealt with in …

Non-Offending Mothers Of Sexually Abused Children: The Hidden Victims, Seán Stitt

The ITB Journal

This paper is an attempt to raise the awareness of health and social care professions (both in practice and in academia) of the absence of any substantial, targeted support, counselling or advocacy services for non-offending mothers of sexually abused children and of the almost complete lack of any meaningful social scientific academic discourse on the nature and extent of the unique problems faced by such mothers. What little specific research literature that does exist on this issue has been generated in the U.S. and any generalised European commentaries on child sexual abuse that exist actually focus upon: (a) the child …

Anchored In Place : Locational Identity + New Genre Public Art, Stephanie Benenson

Masters Theses

Since its inception in the 1970s when Joseph Beuys proclaimed, “Jeder Mensch is ein Kunstler” or “Everyone is an Artist”, public art that focuses on social engagement (otherwise known as new genre public art) has been tested in a variety of formats and places. Today, the breadth of work in this category is vast and the resulting aesthetics vary based on the artist’s intentions and goals. While measuring the success of these projects remains a challenge, an examination of recent history provides us with insights that can become a tool kit for artists commencing on social projects. Once examined, specific …

State V. Alwin Appellant's Brief Dckt. 44553

Not Reported

No abstract provided.

Bayesian Approach To Toolmark Analysis, Antonio W. Del Valle

Student Theses

Statistical analysis of toolmarks using frequentist methods can be problematic for assorted reasons. Thus, in order to analyze toolmarks whilst avoiding these issues, a Bayesian approach is taken. Specifically for this thesis we discuss the computation of a specific Likelihood Ratio for toolmark comparisons. This Bayesian based approach involves using data already at hand in conjunction with a probability model in order to establish an estimate for its “value”, i.e. the “weight of evidence”. Making the calculations to obtain a Likelihood Ratio is very cumbersome and time consuming. Also many commercial software packages hide the process and underlying assumptions that …

The Power Of The Court: Racial Discrimination As Evidenced Through Supreme Court Decisions After 1954, Marry A. Karam

University Honors Theses

This thesis reviews the way in which Supreme Court cases address racial discrimination from 1954 to 2014 and the impact that these decisions have had on society and politics. The focus will be on four monumental decisions: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), Loving v. Virginia (1967), Batson v. Kentucky (1986), and Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action (2014). It is evident through an analysis of the cases and similar literature, that the Supreme Court has been striving to address the issue of racial injustice in a manner that assists the fight for equal rights. Although the …

Task Force On Decarceration And Resolution For Nonviolent Offenders. 1995-1997, American Society Of Criminology. Division On Women And Crime, Evelyn Gilbert, Karlene Faith, Vickie Brewer

Division on Women and Crime Documents and Correspondence

No abstract provided.

Correspondence: Nwsa Women And Crime Task Force, 1992-1993, American Society Of Criminology. Division On Women And Crime, Imogene Moyer, Shelly Bannister, Kathlene Faith, Delwe Humphries, Lynne Goodstein

Division on Women and Crime Documents and Correspondence

No abstract provided.

Correspondence, Task Force On Decarceration, 1990-1995, American Society Of Criminology. Division On Women And Crime, Lynne Goodstein, Kathlene Faith, Strength In Sisterhood

Division on Women and Crime Documents and Correspondence

No abstract provided.

Correspondence Related To Division Archives Project, 1995-1996, American Society Of Criminology. Division On Women And Crime

Division on Women and Crime Documents and Correspondence

No abstract provided.

Correspondence: Task Force On Criminalization Of Pregnancy, 1991-1992, American Society Of Criminology. Division On Women And Crime, Carole Garrison, Drew Humphries, Timothy J. Flanagan

Division on Women and Crime Documents and Correspondence

No abstract provided.

Does Participation In High Risk Behaviors Create More Intimate Adolescent Friendships?, Hayden Babby

University Honors Theses

This study seeks to understand adolescent participation in high risk behaviors and if participation in these behaviors leads to more intimate adolescent friendships. Homophily, the tendency to seek associations with others who are similar to ourselves, and the fear of rejection are both possible causes for the relationship between these variables. Due to a research gap between these two, this study utilizes previous research to construct a survey that can be used to measure and quantify high risk behaviors and friendships.

Reducing Stigma Associated With Schizophrenia, James Reling

University Honors Theses

I examine stigma associated with schizophrenia and how psychiatric diagnosis, mental health professionals, the criminal justice system, and society ostracize and contribute to the suffering of approximately three million Americans. I doubt schizophrenia’s conceptualization as a progressively deteriorating biological disease and present the social conditions that accumulate stress for the individual and lead to psychotic episodes. I argue that schizophrenia cannot be understood as a “thing," but as a complex system of numerous variables contributing to a system of disorder resulting from prejudiced attitudes, discriminatory social-structural conditions, and unjust treatment of human beings needing extra resources to thrive. Ultimately, I …

Victim-Offender Relationships In Sexual Assault And Subsequent Disclosure And Reporting Styles, Amy R. Ramapuram

Student Theses

There is a discrepancy between the number of perpetrated sexual assaults and the number of reported sexual assaults. Past research has shown that one factor that could contribute to this discrepancy in reporting and disclosure of sexual assaults is the victim-offender relationship. Furthermore, there is evidence that victims of sexual assault minimize when describing their offense and their offender, which could further impact reporting and disclosure. The current study seeks to look into whether the victim-offender relationship influences the disclosure, reporting, and use of minimization, in reference to sexual assault. The victim-offender relationships that were analyzed were “stranger”, “friend/acquaintance”, “partner”, …

Gardner-Webb University Awards Degrees During Commencement Exercises May 12-13, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Gardner–Webb University hosted Spring Commencement on Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13 in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. Six hundred graduates were honored during three separate ceremonies. The exercises also marked the 75th anniversary of the naming of Gardner-Webb in 1942.

The World Watches: How Media Coverage Of American Police Violence Influences The Perspectives Of South Louisiana's Community Members, Jahi J. Mackey

Capstone Collection

Police violence towards African Americans in the United States have gained greater international attention in this decade due to social media and increased media coverage. Alton Sterling’s death in Baton Rouge in the summer of 2016 resulted in local pushes for criminal and racial justice reform. However, international community members were largely absent from both community dialogue and action. Keeping this in mind, my research question is as follows: To what extent does media coverage of American police violence impact the perspectives of south Louisiana’s international community members with regards to African Americans and American society. Through qualitative research methodology, …