State-Sponsored Disinformation about Uyghurs: Euphemism as Genocide Denial

My research uncovers the use of euphemism by the Chinese government to spread false narratives and deny allegations of human rights abuses and genocidal acts against the Uyghur ethnic minority. Euphemistic names for policies like vocational training centers and poverty alleviation are rooted in information campaigns that deceitfully frame Chinese actions as positive and beneficent. Likewise, the Chinese government labels Uyghurs as terrorists, harmfully and falsely characterizing an entire ethnicity as criminal. My analysis contributes to the field of Disinformation Studies by highlighting the specific function of the device, euphemism, as an intentionally false distortion of narrative that causes significant harm while also bridging the gap between the study of genocide and the disinformation narratives that falsely justify it.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2023/1098/thumbnail.jp

Obituaries: Chris McGregor

Photocopied epitaph of Chris McGregor from the newspaper The Independent

Curvature in compressed thin cylindrical shells approaching the isometric limit

The ability to manipulate surface elastic instabilities finds many applications in engineering smart interfaces, e.g. in fluid-structure interaction and micro-fabrication. We study the buckling of a thin cylindrical shell constrained to slide onto an inner non-deformable pipe. Our goal is to characterize the relationship between the shell thickness and the localization of stresses by using curvature measurements. First, we induce surface buckling by immobilizing one end of the shell and applying force to the other end. Then, we obtain a virtual reconstruction of the surface from 3D optical scanning and compute the Gaussian curvature for every point on the mesh. We find that as the shell gets thinner, the distribution of Gaussian curvatures becomes broader. Furthermore, measurements of areas enclosed by the parabolic lines around protruding vertices from the buckled surface show that the transitions between regions of positive and negative curvature are more localized. Finally, the Gaussian curvature reveals the formation of substructures within the lobes around the vertices. The localization results demonstrate that the cylindrical shell clearly evolves towards the isometric limit represented by the well-known Yoshimura pattern. However, the emergence of substructures indicates that this evolution is more complex than originally anticipated

Characterization of Non-Saccharomyces Yeast Strains Isolated from Grape Juice and Pomace: Production of Polysaccharides and Antioxidant Molecules after Growth and Autolysis

Non-Saccharomyces yeasts (NSY) represent a relevant part of must and wine microbiota, contributing remarkably to the composition of lees biomass. Despite a number of studies indicate their capacity to increase wine polysaccharide content, their contribution to wine quality during aging on lees (AOL) has not been well elucidated yet. In the present study, twenty yeast strains (13 non-Saccharomyces and 7 Saccharomyces) were isolated from grape must and pomace and identified by morphologic and genetic characterization. Biomass production, cell growth and the release of soluble molecules (polysaccharides, amino acids, thiol compounds and glutathione) were evaluated after growth and after autolysis induced by β-glucanases addition. Differences between strains were observed for all parameters. Strains that produced higher amounts of soluble compounds during growth also showed the highest release after autolysis. Hanseniaspora spp. showed the greatest production of polysaccharides and antioxidant molecules, and biomass production and cell viability comparable to the commercial S. cerevisiae and T. delbrueckii used as reference. The aptitude of certain NSY to release antioxidants and polysaccharides is an interesting feature for managing AOL through sequential or mixed fermentations or for the production of inactive autolyzed yeasts for winemaking

Effect of a yeast autolysate produced by high pressure homogenization on white wine evolution during ageing

The enological characteristics and the performances of a yeast autolysate produced by high pressure homogenization (HPH-YD) were investigated for the first time in white wine and model solution, in comparison with a thermolysate (T-YD) and a commercial yeast derivative (COMM). In wine-like medium, HPH-YD showed a significant release of glucidic colloids (on average, slightly higher than the other products), also leading to a greater glutathione solubilization with respect to T-YD. Concerning the volatile composition of the autolysates, HPH-YD was characterized by the highest concentration of alcohols and esters, while showing an average amount of fatty acids, carbonyls and heterocyclic compounds lower than COMM. These features are potentially linked to a more favorable impact of this product on the composition of wine aroma, should these compounds be released into the wine itself. HPH-YD determined minor modifications on wine volatile profile when added for short contact times, without releasing unwanted compounds and with a slightly lower binding capacity towards wine esters. The effects of the three yeast derivatives (YDs) on wine color during ageing was also investigated in comparison with sulfur dioxide (SO2). HPH-YD was the most efficient preparation, limiting wine color changes due to oxidation during four months and behaving more similarly to SO2. The use of HPH for the production of yeast autolysates for winemaking may represent an interesting alternative to thermal treatments, improving the enological characteristics of these additives, particularly their antioxidant capacity, leading anyhow a significant release of colloidal molecules and a limited impact on wine aroma composition

RIPENSARE PETER SINGER. LE APORIE DI UN'ETICA PRATICA

Il lavoro di ricerca prende in considerazione il pensiero morale di Peter Singer, filosofo utilitarista il cui intento è quello di attribuire pari valore alla vita umana e animale, operando una rivoluzione copernicana nel codice di comportamento occidentale. In seguito a una parte monografica, si sono analizzati i principali elementi che compongono il sistema etico di Singer: il principio dell’eguale considerazione degli interessi e l’antispecismo. Dopo aver lasciato spazio alla descrizione delle tesi suddette, si è proceduto a un loro esame critico, aprendo un dialogo con autori del panorama internazionale quali Bernard Williams e Mary Midgley. L’ultimo capitolo è dedicato alla questione dell’eutanasia non volontaria per chi nasce con una disabilità, pratica che Singer ritiene legittima sulla base della nozione utilitaristica di qualità della vita. Le riflessioni conclusive si sono concentrate sul concetto funzionalista di persona assunto da Singer, per il quale solo coloro posseggano in atto determinate facoltà cognitive superiori possono dirsi “persona”. Sulla base delle considerazioni svolte, si è giunti alla conclusione che le teorie di Singer non siano in grado di dare conto della complessità della vita umana, né sotto l’aspetto ontologico, né sotto quello etico, realizzando un approccio che introduce significative disuguaglianze etiche e sociali.The thesis takes into consideration the moral thought of Peter Singer, utilitarian philosopher who aims to give equal value to human and animal life, operating a Copernican revolution in the Western code of behavior. Following a monographic part, the main elements of Singer's ethical system were analyzed: the principle of equal consideration of interests and anti-specism. After an extensive description of these elements, a critical examination of them was carried out by opening a dialogue with authors of the international scene such as Bernard Williams and Mary Midgley. The last chapter is dedicated to the issue of involuntary euthanasia for those born with a disability, a practice that Singer considers legitimate on the basis of the utilitarian notion of quality of life. The final reflections focused on the functionalist concept of person assumed by Singer, for which only those who possess certain higher cognitive faculties can be called "person". On the basis of the considerations made, it was concluded that Singer's theories are not able to account for the complexity of human life, neither from an ontological nor from an ethical point of view, creating an approach that introduces significant ethical and social inequalities

Examining the effect of technology enhanced learning (TEL) support models and organisational culture on the adoption of TEL in United Kingdom (UK) higher education

Using a three-stage explanatory sequential design approach, this thesis examined the effectiveness of support for technology enhanced learning (TEL) within United Kingdom (UK) higher education (HE) institutions and the role of organisational culture on successful adoption of TEL. The research is framed within the perspective of institutional heads of TEL. Data were collected via a survey of 33 institutional representatives from the Heads of e-Learning Forum, followed up by in-depth interviews with five heads of TEL. The initial findings were discussed and verified via an open TweetChat with 24 participants in TEL support roles, including heads of TEL, and through a directed content analysis of the Universities and Colleges Information Systems Association (UCISA) TEL Case Studies. The findings identified a predominant TEL support model within UK HE as having a primary TEL team based in a central department, often working in conjunction with other central teams supporting TEL and alongside some local TEL support, typically unconnected from the primary TEL team. TEL support initially evolved organically within institutions; more recently there has been a shift towards planned re-organisation of TEL support. The research identified three key factors relevant to successful adoption of TEL: 1. size and location of TEL support teams; 2. how institutions identify and support local needs, and 3. governance structures for TEL. The findings also discussed the role of organisational culture on the successful adoption of TEL and identified two key factors relating to discipline specific needs and the role of influential people. One output of this thesis is the development of a draft Framework for Action, which is a set of self-reflexive, evaluative questions based on the factors identified in the research to enable heads of TEL or senior managers to reflect on their TEL support model and identify areas for change

The Profile and Structure of Psychotic Symptoms associated with Methamphetamine Use

Background: Methamphetamine use can precipitate a transient psychotic state, referred to as methamphetamine-associated psychosis (MAP). It can be challenging to distinguish MAP from schizophrenia (SZ) in clinical settings, as these disorders share a similar psychiatric symptom profile. The overlap between MAP and SZ has led some people to question whether MAP is better conceptualised as a distinct clinical entity, or as a precipitation of SZ. To address these issues, this thesis aimed to examine the profile and underlying structure of psychotic symptoms associated with methamphetamine use. Methods: Four research approaches were adopted. A systematic review (study one) was conducted to canvas the existing literature for specific psychiatric symptoms, and the duration of symptoms, in MAP (k=94; n=7387). Univariate regression (study two) was used to investigate the association between methamphetamine use and psychiatric symptom prevalence in a cohort of people with primary psychosis (n=636). Exploratory factor analysis (study three) was used to investigate the factor structure of psychiatric symptoms among a cross-sectional survey of people who use methamphetamine (n=153). Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to examine profiles of lifetime psychotic symptoms among people currently using methamphetamine (n=554, study four), and the concordance between these profiles and a diagnosis of SZ was assessed. In study five, LCA was used to investigate profiles of current psychiatric symptoms among people with past-month methamphetamine use (n=160), and the alignment of these profiles with diagnoses of MAP and SZ was examined. Results: The systematic review (study one) found that most commonly reported symptoms of MAP were persecutory delusions, auditory and visual hallucinations, hostility, and conceptual disorganisation. One-quarter of people with MAP reported persistent psychotic symptoms (>1 month after drug cessation). Methamphetamine use was associated with a higher prevalence of hallucinations and persecutory delusions among people with SZ (study two). A three-factor model of psychiatric symptoms was identified amongst people who use methamphetamine (study three), including a positive/activation factor and an affective factor (both associated with methamphetamine use), and a negative symptoms factor (associated with depressant drug use, but not methamphetamine use). Follow-up LCA showed that negative symptoms were not observed among people with positive/activation symptoms. LCA revealed three profiles of lifetime psychotic symptoms (study four), and three profiles of current psychiatric symptoms (study five) amongst methamphetamine users. In both LCA models, a class of individuals who experienced persecutory delusions and hallucinations were differentiated from a smaller class who experienced a wider range of symptoms (i.e. non persecutory delusions) and who were more likely to meet criteria for SZ. Conclusions: Persecutory delusions, hallucinations, hostility, and conceptual disorganisation are prominent symptoms of MAP. Negative symptoms do not appear to be a component of MAP, but rather are associated with polysubstance use. Two distinct psychotic syndromes exist among people who use methamphetamine. These empirically-derived syndromes partially aligned with current diagnostic constructs, and are consistent with the need for a MAP diagnostic category separate from SZ. Greater consideration of specific symptoms (e.g., negative symptoms and non-persecutory delusions) may improve diagnostic accuracy by identifying people with a higher risk of SZ

Reviewing institutional policies for electronic management of assessment

Electronic assignment submission (e-submission) tools, such as those within course management systems (e.g. Blackboard), or systems such as Turnitin, which enable students to submit coursework online are now one of the main centrally supported institutional tools in Higher Education (HE) in the United Kingdom (UK), however the development of institutional policies for the electronic management of assessment (EMA) has not kept up with the implementation of the technology. This study takes a critical discourse analysis approach to review a selection of EMA policies from UK HE institutions. The results find that the policies are often unclear about the main actors involved in the EMA process and fail to clarify who is responsible for actions. In addition, whilst students feature most frequently in the policies, their role is often back-grounded such that students are not given control of the actions relating to them. The study concludes with guidance aimed at anyone writing their own institutional EMA policy and asserts that policies should be clear about the participants involved and their responsibilities