Cooking with Roots: How Older Adults Strengthen Connection with Younger Generations Through Recipe Sharing

This research investigates how older adults experience sharing recipes with younger generations, and examines conditions that contribute to the expression of generativity within the context of intergenerational recipe sharing. In Study 1, semi-structured interviews centered on experiences with intergenerational recipe sharing will be conducted with 30 older adults (age 65+). Participants will complete a survey of generative concern before and after engaging in a basic recipe sharing task. In line with previous research on generative art activities, responses will highlight feelings of autonomy as well as desires to teach others and leave a legacy. It is also hypothesized that generative concern will increase as a consequence of the recipe sharing task. Following preliminary research, Study 2 will examine how recipe type (special occasion vs. everyday-style recipe), mode of sharing (oral vs. written), and identity of recipe recipient (relative vs. stranger) influence generative concern in 792 older adults. Participants will complete the same survey described in Study 1 before being randomly assigned to one of eight recipe sharing tasks. After three sharing sessions, participants will be re-tested for present and future-oriented generativity. While all groups will show an increase in generativity over time, participants who share recipes with a younger relative and those who share recipes orally will benefit more from the intervention than their counterparts. Results will suggest that generativity is dependent on factors of recipe type, mode of sharing, and recipe recipient when recipes are passed from one generation to another. Implications and further directions are discussed, including intergenerational learning, well-being, and ego integrity in late life

Communicating with the World: History of Rhetorical Responses to International Crisis and the 2007 U.S. National Strategy for Public Diplomacy and Strategic Communication

Following the events of September 11, 2001, we have seen a revival in American public diplomacy. I argue the U.S. continues to rely on similar rhetorical responses to crisis that are an essential part of American public diplomacy interconnected through history, from the birth of our country to the recent 2007 U.S. National Strategy for Public Diplomacy and Strategic Communication. Tracing this recurring rhetorical process from our founding to the Carter Administration illustrates our reliance on similar rhetoric despite changing contexts. I use Burke’s concept of identification and the interrelated use of ethos and enemy construction to demonstrate the rhetorical parallels between the Carter Administration’s 1979 Communication Plan with Muslim countries and the 2007 NSPDSC. This analysis not only contributes to the gap in public diplomacy research but provides insight into American public diplomacy since 9/11

DNA Identification Tests and the Courts

This Comment assesses the current state of forensic DNA tests and analyzes whether courts should admit the results of these tests as evidence. Section I provides a background discussion of how DNA tests work. This knowledge is essential for attorneys and courts seeking to evaluate expert testimony and analyze important issues concerning the reliability and admissibility of DNA test results. Section I also proposes safeguards and standards to facilitate the judicial acceptance of forensic DNA tests. Section II discusses judicial approaches to the admissibility of novel scientific techniques such as DNA tests, and concludes that courts should admit the results of DNA tests

DNA Identification Tests and the Courts

This Comment assesses the current state of forensic DNA tests and analyzes whether courts should admit the results of these tests as evidence. Section I provides a background discussion of how DNA tests work. This knowledge is essential for attorneys and courts seeking to evaluate expert testimony and analyze important issues concerning the reliability and admissibility of DNA test results. Section I also proposes safeguards and standards to facilitate the judicial acceptance of forensic DNA tests. Section II discusses judicial approaches to the admissibility of novel scientific techniques such as DNA tests, and concludes that courts should admit the results of DNA tests

Exploring the Relationship between Self-esteem and Wearing Plus-size Apparel

This study explored the relationship between being a plus-size woman and self-esteem among African-American, Caucasian, and Latina women. Thirty-one participants completed a survey using Rosenburg\u27s self-esteem scale, an in-depth interview, and a 3D body scan. ANOVA and Chi-square were used to examine quantitative data. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and examined for patterns and inferences. Significant differences regarding self-esteem and being a plus-size woman were observed among ethnicity, income, education, relationship status, and whether or not the participant had children. Participants in the middle-income range, those with only a high-school education, divorced women, and those with no children, were found to be the least satisfied with being considered plus-size. In-depth interviews revealed ethnicity and its associated cultural values and have a significant impact on how a plus-size woman views herself. Additionally, participants provided advice to the apparel industry regarding styles, prints, colors, and cut of plus-size apparel currently on the market

A Longitudinal Body Scanning Research Study to Improve Apparel Grading: Methodological Implications

Standardized sizes and pattern grading practices used in the industry contribute to poor fit. Sizing systems are based on anthropometric data and in turn grading systems are based on sizing systems. Grading practices are based on assumptions that all body measurements increase and decrease in both width and length at the same rate and location when migrating from one standardized size to another. This funded longitudinal study was initiated to examine how various body shapes transform as they migrate through multiple standardized apparel sizes and explore the relationship of body shape to current fit and grading practices. Men and women over the age of 18 enrolled in weight loss programs are receiving 3D body scans with each 10 pounds of weight loss to examine body shape and size changes. Preliminary data and study methodology are presented