The purpose of this thesis is to examine how community organizations respond to the problems of sex trafficking and sexual assault and the related legal issues that help and hinder the response. Sexual violence is a serious problem and it is important to understand the various ways that communities can respond both through policy and programs to better help people who are victims of sexual violence. Case studies of three different community organizations that work with sex crimes and violence against women are conducted. Similarities and differences in the organizations as well as relevant legal issues are examined; recommendations for effective community responses and programs are made.
The purpose of this study is to compare and contrast the background, impacts and treatment of two major oil spills and investigate the appropriateness of existing environmental policies and any need for new and/or different policies. The study traces the growth of relevant policy development and looks at historic and contemporary policy changes and applies this to the in-depth examination of the Bouchard B120 and the Deepwater Horizon spills. Policy recommendations are made based on conclusions drawn from the examination of the two case studies. It is recommended that a new classification system be implemented so that each company in the oil industry is appropriately and equally monitored. An important conclusion of this study is that successful oil spill policy is one that stresses preventative measures and is well-enforced by the appropriate agency.
“ … my sincere gratitude to my advisor, IleneKaplan, for her patience and guidance throughout my … ”
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to examine causes and trends in water pollution in three Upstate New York municipalities and the associated socioeconomic factors and the potential for environmental justice problems. Water pollution and drinking water quality is crucial to examine. The World Health Organization (2019) has reported that 2.2 billion people around the world do not have safely managed drinking water services. Water quality reports for the Town of Glenville, City of Schenectady and Town of Niskayuna, in New York State, were compared. Census data from 2019 also was used to examine race and income in these municipalities. None of the water quality reports showed violations in contamination levels, however the levels of each contaminant varied. These findings were then compared and discussed with regard to potential environmental justice issues.
“ … installment of a riparian buffer (USDA, 2013). Advisor: IleneKaplan, SOC-297H Department of Sociology, Union College … ”
Abstract
Effective watershed management practices are vital for protecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Although the Town of Glenville has taken several steps in protecting their watersheds, such as illicit discharge monitoring, construction site monitoring, and participating in the Environmental Protection Agency's MS4 program, additional watershed management policy actions are proposed. The first policy suggestion details how the proposed policies can be established as a part of the town's MS4 program goals through Stormwater Management Best Management Practices (BMPs). The second policy suggestion calls for the installation of riparian buffers and emphasizes the benefits of natural buffers. The third suggestion pertains to cyclical monitoring assessments and emphasizes the value of regular testing of tributaries. The fourth suggestion encourages Glenville to expand their efforts in public education, with greater distribution of materials, in order to engage more residents in watershed management and protection.
A calcaneal osteotomy is a surgical procedure used to correct flat feet. In adults it is a simple procedure where the calcaneus or heel is cut, shifted medially toward the inside of the foot, and then two screws are inserted from the bottom of the heel into the rest of the heel and forefoot. In pediatric cases this technique cannot be used because the two screws would violate the growth plate in the heel. For this reason, a step plate is used. The current step plates used in pediatric calcaneal osteotomies are difficult for surgeons to install due to their size and screw location relative to the incision. The plates are also bulky and known to cause discomfort in patients. The goal of our capstone project was to create an improved calcaneal step plate that was easier to install and more comfortable for patients.
Our final prototype was a titanium step plate that only used two screws and both screws were easier to view through a smaller incision. The overall size of our final prototype was much smaller than the current plate. When subject to finite element analysis (FEA) of a force 11.1 times the body weight of a 13 year old boy, the titanium plate experienced a max force of 1431 MPa which is below the failing point of titanium which is 44000 MPa. The shear force on each screw was tested to determine if using only two screws would cause a fracture in the cancellous bone. Using FEA and a force of 10000 N to simulate body weight forces, the screw was subject to a max shear force of 149 MPa, which is below the shear modulus of cancellous bone which is 288 ± 117 MPa.
“ … and Low Socioeconomic Status Groups ADVISOR: Professor Ilene Kaplan The purpose of my research is to examine the … ”
Abstract
The purpose of my research is to examine the disproportionate burden of risk that minority groups and/or low-income groups face with regard to environmental pollution and environmental justice. Environmental justice is a burgeoning issue across the United States, and although local, state and the federal government have addressed the issue on numerous occasions, it has not been resolved and continues to leave particular groups of people at a disadvantage. Environmental activists and grassroots organizations have tried to bring the issue of environmental justice to the forefront, and have mobilized efforts to reduce inequities. The work presented here examines two case studies in which problems associated with environmental justice are key. The relevant laws and policies are discussed as well as the role that governments at different levels played in tackling the problems that racial and ethnic minorities face. Policy recommendations are discussed.
The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the impact of television food advertisements on children’s weight and the possible connection of the media to the childhood obesity epidemic. According to the Center for Disease Control, the number of obese children in America has more than tripled in recent decades. Obesity among children is linked to a variety of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea in addition to many psychological issues like depression. One of the major contributors to the obesity epidemic among Americans and especially among children is the media. The food industry spends over $10 million dollars annually on advertising, with the majority directed at children.
This research focused on the influence of television commercials during Saturday morning prime-time cartoons. Results showed that of the 82 advertisements viewed, 33 were food related. The content analysis explores the different ways that the advertisements made the products desirable to children and the social messages that are being sent to America’s youth in relation to food and socialization.
“ … change. Under the guidance of my thesis advisor, Dr. IleneKaplan, and my sociology advisor, Dr. Melinda Goldner, … ”
Abstract
This study examines changes in physicians’ attitudes on the concepts of universal health care and a national health insurance program. Physicians’ historical position towards universal health care has also been examined. Physicians from Buffalo, New York (n = 20) were given surveys in December 2007 and anonymous responses were collected in January 2008. The response rate was 25%. Although useful as a pilot study, the low response rate makes it difficult to generalize to the larger population of physicians. Of the physicians who responded, 35% were found to support universal health care between 1993 and 1994 when President Clinton proposed his Health Security Act, whereas 70% now support universal health care. Results also indicate that 60% of the physicians studied support governmental legislation to establish a national health insurance program and 50% support a program in which the federal government finances a national health insurance program; this also suggests physicians’ high level of support for universal health care. It was found that 90% of physicians believe “costs” to be one of the biggest problems faced by the present health care system. There is little, if any, consensus on the type of national health insurance program that would work best and there is little agreement on what type of policy reforms will be passed after the 2008 presidential election. The lack of agreement suggests that physicians may not promote a particular program or plan which may weaken their influence on the future direction of the United States’ health care system.
“ … Programs. Department of Sociology, March 2013. ADVISOR: Ilene Kaplan . This thesis examines the strengths and … ”
Abstract
This thesis examines the strengths and weaknesses of two non-profit education systems in Cambodia using organizations focused on educating and supporting Cambodian youth. The study addresses the challenges that these different schools face and what they are doing to overcome these issues. Questionnaires were distributed and interviews and guided conversations were conducted at The Global Child and The Ponheary Ly Foundation; teachers, staff, volunteers and students participated. This study discusses how strategies and structure vary between these two different organizations and the impact they are having on education and youth in Cambodia. The information collected indicates that non-profit education programs in Cambodia are making large contributions to the development of the country's education system. Results strongly suggest that collaboration among non-profit organizations would provide the greatest benefit to their society.
“ … Are Workers Truly Protected? Sources 2 ABSTRACT Advisor: Ilene Kaplan Private businesses often claim that they employ … ”
Abstract
Private businesses often claim that they employ fair labor practices and care about employees' well being. However, firms may face contradictory situations since fair labor practices can result in cost increases and lower profit. In this thesis, I examine historic and contemporary workers' conditions and fair labor practices. Workers' conditions during the Industrial Revolution and the basis of relevant Marxist theories are examined. Contemporary labor practices are also examined and a secondary analysis of data on worker attitudes in two major companies is conducted. Results and discussion suggest that although progresses in worker conditions have been made, there still needs to be more improvements.
Nature Abounds is a non-profit organization that is working internationally to spread the word about climate change and all of its effects that we are currently experiencing. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time and any chance at reversing its erratic effects requires immediate action. Nature Abounds employs numerous programs that serve to increase the general public's knowledge of the climate related issues at hand, as well as to have a positive environmental impact in order to increase global environmental health. The organization has programs that focus on biodiversity, water quality monitoring, forest preservation, and changes in wildlife habits and weather patterns.
This paper analyses Environmental Clearinghouse of Schenectady, a local nonprofit environmental organization. The paper investigates the history of the organization as well as the effectiveness of its organizational and funding habits. A literary review was conducted to analyze the success of ECOS mission as well as the positive effects ECOS has on society using elements such as environmental education, the importance of early environmental education, how well the organization connects urban residents with the outdoors and the effectiveness of environmental programs. This research promotes the importance of early environmental education on our future generations health and environmental conditions. Additionally, through education, every person learns they are important and powerful enough to make a difference. ECOS is a small, local organization, but ECOS mission stretches past Schenectady's town boundaries to benefit more people and more of our outdoor spaces.
“ … ADVISORS: Dr. Jennifer Weil Malatras, Psychology, and Dr. IleneKaplan, Sociology. It is estimated that 1 in 10 children, … ”
Abstract
It is estimated that 1 in 10 children, almost 240 million children, live with disabilities around the world (UNICEF Division of Global Communication and Advocacy, 2022). The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships between disability stigma, parental stress, and anxiety levels of the neurotypical siblings of children with disabilities and the community response to these issues. Participants in this study included parents of families characterized by at least one child with a neurodevelopmental disability and one neurotypical child. Parents completed the Parental Stress Scale (Berry & Jones, 1995), the Spence Children?s Anxiety Scale (Spence, 1997) regarding their neurotypical child, and the PROMIS Pediatric Stigma - Short Form 8a (The National Institutes of Health, 2022) regarding their child with a neurodevelopmental disability. In addition, information on policies dealing with families with disabilities as well as available federal and community programs were collected and an interview was conducted with a director of community support. Results suggest a positive correlation between parental stress and neurotypical child anxiety, whereby greater parental stress was associated with increased anxiety in the neurotypical siblings of children with a disability. In addition, findings also suggest that programs not only benefit the individual with a disability but are beneficial to the whole family. Addressing parental stress and its impacts on all family members may be a key factor to consider in designing and funding interventions.
“ … Department of Sociology, June 2016. ADVISOR: Ilene Kaplan The purpose of this paper is to examine … ”
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine pollution in the Hudson River and the role General Electric has had in creating this problem. The focus will be on social issues and problems that have emerged as a result of the environmental damage from pollution. Until recently, there was little research done on the health and environmental justice issues that impact the New York communities where GE's factories were located. This paper examines the material collected and studies that were done which document Hudson River pollution and the contributions as well as cleanup efforts of General Electric. The overall problems associated with PCBs and human and health conditions are discussed first, followed by a presentation of the relevant environmental policies and input of grass roots organizations. A discussion of the role of General Electric and the pollution and cleanup of the Hudson River is presented next. Concluding remarks suggest future research and policy to help prevent pollution and protect human and environmental health.
“ … Department of Environmental Science, June 2016. ADVISOR: Ilene Kaplan . Environmental education is vital to the … ”
Abstract
Environmental education is vital to the sustainability of our society. It is often through programs and classes that citizens learn about processes that are harming the environment and how they can be remediated. This thesis explores two different, 501(c)3 organizations in New York State that aim at increasing public awareness regarding environmental pollution and degradation.
The first study presented in on Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. This nonprofit offers class to the general public as well as to local schools aimed at increasing awareness of environmental problems. It has miles of trails dedicated to helping people develop a love and respect for their local environments in the hope that they will do more to protect them.
The second case study is on Clearwater Sloop, Inc., which is a physical ship that sails down the Hudson River. It too offers classes as well as summer camps. The main goal of this organization is to raise public awareness of issues regarding the industrial pollution of the Hudson River, and well as educate on remedial methods and projects that can use more support. This thesis ends with a compare and contrast between the two organizations presented in this paper.
“ … Science, Policy and Engineering, June 2020. Advisor: Ilene KAPLAN The purpose of this study is to compare and … ”
Abstract
ABSTRACT
RELIHAN, QUINN An Evaluation of United States Federal Oil Spill Regulations:
Deepwater Horizon vs. Bouchard B120. Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Engineering, June 2020.
Advisor: ILENE KAPLAN
The purpose of this study is to compare and contrast the background, impacts and treatment of two major oil spills and investigate the appropriateness of existing environmental policies and any need for new and/or different policies. The study traces the growth of relevant policy development and looks at historic and contemporary policy changes and applies this to the in-depth examination of the Bouchard B120 and the Deepwater Horizon spills.
Policy recommendations are made based on conclusions drawn from the examination of the two case studies. It is recommended that a new classification system be implemented so that each company in the oil industry is appropriately and equally monitored. An important conclusion of this study is that successful oil spill policy is one that stresses preventative measures and is well-enforced by the appropriate agency
“ … of Environmental Science and Policy, June 2012. ADVISOR: Ilene Kaplan This thesis explores the characteristics of … ”
Abstract
This thesis explores the characteristics of sustainable cities and uses New Rochelle, New York as a case study to further describe initiatives synonymous with green communities. Five prominent topics of sustainable cities and urban planning are discussed within the literature review and later mirrored throughout the case study of New Rochelle. These topics include, smart growth, energy efficiency, green buildings, transportation, and recycling. The mayor of New Rochelle and Sustainability Coordinator completed questionnaires and their responses contributed to an assessment of the contemporary issues facing sustainable cities.
“ … College, Schenectady, New York March 2022 ADVISORS: Dr. IleneKaplan, Sociology and Dr. Linda Stanhope, Psychology Studies … ”
Abstract
Studies have found that young parents can experience domestic violence, lack of stable housing, and lower financial resources and that social support to improve these issues has been lacking. My double thesis in Sociology and Psychology is an in-depth case study of Young Parents United in Schenectady, NY, with the purpose of examining the social and psychological stresses that young parents face and the societal response to these problems from this organization. In doing so, this thesis identified the needs of young parents in society, gained more information about what contributes to parenting stress, and investigated how Young Parents United tries to address these problems. The case study used public records, guided conversations with the director of Young Parents United, and a questionnaire with responses from the clients at Young Parents United to gather information. The results from this thesis can help Young Parents United meet the specific needs of their clients more effectively and gather more insight into the stresses and needs of young parents.
“ … of natural … Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Kaplan, Thomas. 2014. "Citing Health Risks, Cuomo Bans … ”
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing is a process currently used to obtain natural gas that is trapped in rock, which has low porosity and permeability. The natural gas obtained from this process had had positive impacts such as creating jobs and boosting our economy, but has also had some detrimental impacts on our environment, as well as people.
“ … Setting. Department of Sociology, March 2018. ADVISOR: Ilene Kaplan Autism spectrum disorder is one of the fastest … ”
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is one of the fastest growing developmental disabilities, affecting more than 3.5 million Americans. In order to ensure that the autism population receives the highest quality of care, it is extremely important that health professionals be equipped with the knowledge to care for individuals with the disorder in an effective manner. Occupational therapists play an important role in assisting people on the autism spectrum. For many children with autism, occupational therapy services are primarily received in the school setting. This study explores occupational therapists' approach to managing the treatment of children on the autism spectrum in the school setting. Using in-depth interviews, it was found that collaboration with colleagues and parents, adapting to individual needs, problem solving, flexibility, and therapists' training were the most effective treatment approaches.
“ … and Intervention Using a Three Themed Model Advisor: Ilene Kaplan The purpose of this study is to examine the … ”
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a bullying intervention model that involves visibility, intervention and support for vulnerable populations. Vulnerable populations are considered to be LGBT youth, gender non-conforming youth, and racial/religious minorities. Research showed that factors in effective bullying intervention programs fell into the themes of visibility, support, and intervention for vulnerable populations. Guidance Counselors at three public schools in the New York State capital region answered questionnaires about how their school's bullying intervention program incorporated the identified themes. The results indicated that schools which programs incorporated high levels of visibility, support, and intervention for vulnerable populations had lower rates of bullying than schools that did not.
“ … Experience, Department of Sociology, March 2015. ADVISOR: Ilene Kaplan Abstract The purpose of this research is to … M. Thornton, Scott Crow, Manfred M. Fichter, Allan S. Kaplan, Pamela Keel, Kelly L. Klump, Lisa R. Lilenfeld and … ”
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to identify and discuss the pressures of adolescents who come from affluent families in American society. This is an important group to study, because recent studies suggest there are misconceptions regarding how "privileged," or isolated from psychosocial maladjustment, these adolescents may actually be. 21 qualitative, in-depth interviews with college students were conducted at a private institution in order to analyze possible areas of distress and mental health concerns. Findings suggest that upper class youth have a unique set of stressors that can potentially lead to mental health problems. High achievement pressures, excessive parental criticism, and perfectionism were salient themes found among affluent youth in this study. In addition, substance abuse was identified as a prevalent coping mechanism. Comparisons between findings of this study and other research of affluent adolescents and their pressures are made and discussed.
