The Psychology of Terrorism and Radicalization

Terrorism and radicalized political groups are an ever-growing subsection of the American and international news cycles. Mainstream media outlets tend to focus on the atrocious actions of terrorists, leaving the American public without a true understanding of what encourages someone to become a violent, radicalized extremist. This paper intends to investigate possible psychological factors that can predict a person’s likelihood to become radicalized and participate in a salafi jihadi terrorist campaign. If such psychological conditions exist, perhaps they are the key to preventing radicalization in the first place, and in turn, the key to preventing any terrorist activity. What other factors motivate someone to partake in terrorist activities? How can counterterrorism strategies distinguish between those who merely feel animosity towards the West and those who are indoctrinated to devote their lives to the West’s demise? While the concept of terrorism is by no means a new one, modern events have provided new opportunities for research and study. Beginning with the World Trade Center attacks of September 11th, 2001, we see a new era of terrorism in which Al Qaeda and its affiliates are able to recruit, train, and produce armies of radicalized fighters in record time, making the fight against terrorism an increasingly difficult one. By studying these modern examples of terrorism and combining this research with the behavioral sciences, we can gain some insight into the mind of a terrorist and the process by which organizations are able to meet the psychological needs of their recruits. Previous research has concluded that almost all terrorists, including salafi jihadi extremists, do not suffer from any abnormal psychological conditions, as terrorist organizations extensively screen participants for any instability that may threaten their mission. However, many terrorists do report feelings of doubt, persecution, and insecurity; these emotions are important in the framing of a terrorist cell’s rhetoric to gain new members. Abnormal psychopathology is not an accurate predictor of one’s potential to become a radical, violent Islamist extremist. Psychological factors, such as the quest for significance and identity, are very influential in prompting someone to interact with extremist groups. The manner in which terrorist organizations communicate with the public and their potential recruits is the defining variable that can determine to likelihood of radicalization. In turn, counterterrorism strategy must be focused upon dismantling the image that extremist groups project to the public and providing alternative options for those interested in joining a group to fulfill their psychological needs

The Shop-Locally Discourse in Jefferson County Kansas

Inhabitants in the villages of Jefferson County, Kansas, respond to socioeconomic changes in a variety of ways. Empirical research conducted in 2004 revealed multiple discourses that constituted such responses. The shop-locally discourse emerged in structured interviews, newspaper articles, and newspaper advertisements as an emblem of socioeconomic empowerment. Discourse was analyzed within its context and interpreted to provide some insight into residents\u27 responses to change. The discourse revealed not only nostalgia for formerly vibrant commercial districts but also the importance of economic vitality to social life. Shopping locally today, however, will not restore yesteryear\u27s social milieu. The proximity of midsize cities in adjacent counties pulls the economic lifeblood out of Jefferson County, transforming the villages into bedroom communities. If their economies are to be revitalized, inhabitants will need to become more thoughtful and creative agents of change within their own villages

The Interpretation of Religious Liberty of John Courtney Murray, S.J. and John Paul II

This thesis looks at the perspectives of John Courtney Murray and John Paul II on the right to religious liberty particularly through their interpretations of the Second Vatican Council document “Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) (1965).” By analyzing both Murray’s and John Paul II’s ecclesiologies, notion of the relationship between of freedom and truth, and church and state, the author explores whether or not the two thinkers interpretations of the right to religious liberty is differs fundamentally. In the end, the author concludes that too many ambiguities exist to make this claim

The Influence of Patient Exposure to Breast Reconstruction Approaches and Education on Patient Choices in Breast Cancer Treatment.

BackgroundThe landscape of surgical and medical management and patient choices for breast cancer treatment changes as breast reconstruction and oncoplastic approaches improve and diversify. Increased access to breast reconstruction, in addition to patient education, influences the breast cancer patient. Therefore, the examination of the possible impact of reconstructive surgery on all stages of the breast cancer management per se seemed timely.MethodsPlastic surgery consults were arranged for 520 new patients diagnosed with breast cancer (2012-2016) including patients with noninvasive breast cancer but at high risk of further cancer development. To test the plastic surgery impact on patient choices regarding the management of the cancer, a subset of 90 patients was identified to test the plastic surgery impact on patient choices. These patients were referred to plastic surgery, following the first round of consultations by surgical and medical oncologists with only the preliminary oncological management plan defined. After a plastic surgery consultation, but prior to finalization of the overall oncological management plan, they were surveyed on the subject of modification of their personal choices and requests pertaining to their cancer management.ResultsIn this subset of 90 patients 40 (44%) returned to their surgical or medical oncologist considering changes of the primary management plan after their plastic surgery consultation. Twenty-six (28%) ultimately altered their plan, and the following patient-driven changes were made: mastectomy as opposed to lumpectomy (18 patients [20%]), contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (11 patients [12%]), nipple/areola removal as opposed to nipple/areola sparing suggested by the oncologists (5 patients [6%]), oncoplastic breast reduction as part of lumpectomy (5 patients [6%]), and other modifications (3 patients [3%]).ConclusionsDecisions for altering the preliminary oncologic plan or choosing a specific alternative (eg, lumpectomy plus radiation vs mastectomy) resulted from patient education on (1) reconstructive options, (2) aesthetic pitfalls and results. and (3) their interfacing with the oncological outcomes. Ultimately, plastic surgeons influence the multispecialty breast cancer management and patient decision-making process. Therefore, oncological literacy for plastic surgeons is essential to provide state-of-the-art breast cancer care and avoidance of suboptimal patient decisions

Mesenteric Vascular Dysregulation and Intestinal Inflammation Accompanies Experimental Spinal Cord Injury

Cervical and high thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) drastically impairs autonomic nervous system function. Individuals with SCI at thoracic spinal-level 5 (T5) or higher often present cardiovascular disorders that include resting systemic arterial hypotension. Gastrointestinal (GI) tissues are critically dependent upon adequate blood flow and even brief periods of visceral hypoxia triggers GI dysmotility. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that T3-SCI induces visceral hypoperfusion, diminished postprandial vascular reflexes and concomitant visceral inflammation. We measured in vivo systemic arterial blood pressure and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and duodenal blood flow in anesthetized T3-SCI rats at 3 days and 3 weeks post-injury either fasted or following enteral feeding of a liquid mixed-nutrient meal (Ensure™). In separate cohorts of fasted T3-SCI rats, markers of intestinal inflammation were assayed by qRT-PCR. Our results show that T3-SCI rats displayed significantly reduced SMA blood flow under all experimental conditions (p\u3c0.05). Specifically, the anticipated elevation of SMA blood flow in response to duodenal nutrient infusion (postprandial hyperemia) was either delayed or absent after T3-SCI. The dysregulated SMA blood flow in acutely-injured T3-SCI rats coincides with abnormal intestinal morphology and elevation of inflammatory markers, all of which resolve after 3 weeks. Specifically, Icam1, Ccl2 (MCP-1) and Ccl3 (MIP-1α) were acutely elevated following T3-SCI. Our data suggest that arterial hypotension diminishes mesenteric blood flow necessary to meet mucosal demands at rest and during digestion. The resulting GI ischemia and low-grade inflammation may be an underlying pathology leading to GI dysfunction seen following acute T3-SCI

Meeting the Goals of Service Learning in Pharmacy Education through Community Campus Partnerships

Healthy People 2010, published by the US Department of Health and Human Services, is a statement of health objectives for the nation to be achieved by the end of this decade. The goals are to increase quality and years of healthy life and to eliminate health disparities. In 2006, the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy began a revision to its Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum to include pharmacy practice experiences that would provide students with experience in developing disease prevention and health promotion programming in the community. Thus, the School of Pharmacy began a three-semester longitudinal service learning program which focused on advancing the objectives of Healthy People 2010 through service learning. The experiences of the School of Pharmacy service learning program from 2006 to the present are detailed