A Communication Model of the Impact of Presidential Candidate Character Traits on Vote Preference

This dissertation presents a communication model of the impact of candidate character traits on vote preference and outlines how the communication environment surrounding US presidential elections influences the selection of salient candidate character traits, how these traits are framed by mediated communication, and reports their influence on vote preference which is dependent on voters’ level of news media use. A conceptualization of traits and the theoretical basis for how and why they may play a role in vote preference is presented and suggests traits provide an easily accessible heuristic allowing citizens to make predictions for future behavior of a candidate if elected. The theoretical foundation of the model is based on the integration of agenda-setting, priming and framing theories. The moderating role of media use on the relationship between perceptions of candidate traits and vote preference is also explicated. Support for this model is presented in three case studies that analyze three different datasets across two US elections. Specifically, the 2004 and 2008 general elections are explored using the 2004 and 2008 National Annenberg Election Studies (NAES) and an October 2008 dataset from Pew Research Center. These data provide empirical evidence supporting the theoretic argument driving this dissertation. All three case studies produce similar and consistent results and the congruence of the findings across different elections and multiple data sources contributes to the robustness and validity of the communication model of the impact of candidate character traits on vote preference offered in this dissertation

What Is Civil Engaged Argument and Why Does Aspiring to It Matter?

To answer the question posed by the title of this article, we sketch what we mean by the concepts of civility and argument and engagement; note the ways in which the rise of partisan media menaces civil engaged argument; and close with analysis of an exchange between a prominent Democrat and Republican that illustrates the importance of common definitions and sources of trusted evidence

Fabrication of quencher-free liquid scintillator-based, high-activity 222^{222}Rn calibration sources for the Borexino detector

A reliable and consistently reproducible technique to fabricate $^{222}$Rn-loaded radioactive sources ($\sim$0.5-1 kBq just after fabrication) based on liquid scintillator (LS), with negligible amounts of LS quencher contaminants, was implemented. This work demonstrates the process that will be used during the Borexino detector's upcoming calibration campaign, with one or several $\sim$100 Bq such sources will be deployed at different positions in its fiducial volume, currently showing unprecedented levels of radiopurity. These sources need to fulfill stringent requirements of $^{222}$Rn activity, transparency to the radiations of interest and complete removability from the detector to ensure their impact on Borexino's radiopurity is negligible. Moreover, the need for a clean, undistorted spectral signal for the calibrations imposes a tight requirement to minimize quenching agents ("quenchers") to null or extremely low levels

The Effect of Media on Public Knowledge

This chapter takes a look at the effect of media on public knowledge, studying the knowledge on the candidates\u27 issue stands and endorsements, and then introducing the concept of the Gas Tax Holiday. It also discusses the effects of partisan media and selective avoidance, along with the informing effect of the Internet

Will Ignorance & Partisan Election of Judges Undermine Public Trust in the Judiciary?

The complete independence of the courts of justice is peculiarly essential in a limited Constitution. By a limited Constitution, I understand one which contains certain specified exceptions to the legislative authority; such, for instance, as that it shall pass no bills of attainder, no ex post facto laws, and the like. Limitations of this kind can be preserved in practice no other way than through the medium of courts of justice, whose duty it must be to declare all acts contrary to the manifest tenor of the Constitution void. Without this, all the reservations

Ion Exchange Modeling for Removal of Cesium from Hanford Waste Using Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Resin

The expected performance of an alternative ion exchange resin, i.e., Resorcinol-Formaldehyde for the removal of cesium from Hanford high level radioactive alkaline waste is discussed. The SuperLig(R) 644 resin is the current primary resin of choice. A consistent performance comparison between RF and SuperLig(R) 644 resins is also provided. This report represents an initial report on our ability and knowledge with regard to modeling the RF resin ion exchange system, i.e., RF in its spherical bead structure. Only the loading phase of the cycle process is addressed within this report. Pertinent bench-scale column tests and batch equilibrium experiments are addressed. The methodology employed and sensitivity analyses are also discussed, i.e., the existing methodology employed for SuperLig(R) 644 resin analyses is also employed for the RF resin analyses. Pilot-scale testing is not assessed since no pilot-scale testing was available or planned at the time of this report, i.e., only Stage 1 activities are covered. Column performance predictions are made considering three selected feed compositions under nominal operating conditions. The sensitivity analyses provided help to identify key parameters that aid in resin procurement acceptance criteria. The methodology and application presented within this report reflect the expected behavior of RF resin manufactured at the small-scale, i.e., approximately 250 ml batch size level by Sintef. No analysis associated with the original ground RF resin is presented within this report. WTP decided that the baseline RF resin should be changed to the spherical bead form