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Domestic violence is a complex crime against humanity that has been socially constructed over time by a patriarchal system that has encouraged an imbalance of power relationships between men and women for centuries (Dupont & Sokoloff, 2005, p. 42-43). The objective of this thesis is to create further dialogue based on the pioneering work of Danns and Parsad’s (1989) research in exploring the role colonization plays in shaping domestic violence in the Caribbean. As a result, this research identified gaps in knowledge around women’s reluctance to report incidents of domestic violence, a tendency to rationalize men’s violence and at some level male violence is tolerated, as well how colonization altered the national identities and ethnicities of Caribbean people. The concepts presented throughout this thesis were informed through social constructionism, where certain ideologies have created psychological or ‘internal’ divisions around ethnicity, region, and gender (Brereton, 2010). Over time, Danns and Parsad (1989) argue that the implications of colonization have created issues of insecurities, frustration, and ego by means of social norms which emphasize a male machismo. Danns and Parsad (1989)’s study also refers to the impact of colonization as a root of domestic violence and how Caribbean history reproduces male dominance. As a result, violence against women and domestic violence is based on gender inequality and female subordination, which has transcended through colonization. Further, women’s vulnerability is reinforced by the lack of economic opportunity and the power of authorities to dismiss or minimize women’s issues (p. 23). This has led me to think about the history of Trinidad and Tobago, domestic violence, and how this has impacted on women. In addition, I asked if such policies and legislation as the Domestic Violence Act (1991) support organizations in their role to help and assist women from violence then why is violence against women not decreasing in Trinidad and Tobago? To explore these ideas and the impact domestic violence has had on Caribbean women, I engaged in a qualitative research study over a six-week period on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. This research focused on two major questions: (a) what are some of the contributing factors that sustain domestic violence in Trinidad and Tobago and (b) how do organizations respond to the demands of women enduring domestic violence. The research engaged a feminist and a critical theoretical approach, eliciting stories from 10 women. From these stories, a number of themes emerged which included: 1) ‘visible’ yet ‘invisible’; 2) ‘light skin’/’dark skin’; 3) ‘private matters’; 4) re-victimization of women by the system; and 5) an overarching theme of ‘power’ and ‘control’. As a result, women shared that domestic violence and the history of colonization play a role in keeping women in subordinate positions in three disadvantaged dimensions: reproductive health, empowerment, and the labour market. Yet, this research also speaks to potential ways in which men and women can find common ground through the deconstruction of the history and colonial legacy of violence (Cruz et al., 2011; Murdoch, 2009). The research also points to ways for the unequal distribution of power to be minimized in both the public and private spheres, and ways to understand the impact of domestic violence and the possibility of ending it in the future. / Thesis / Master of Social Work (MSW)

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Chronic systemic inflammation increases with age and is associated with late life diseases (e.g. sarcopenia, and frailty) but the mechanisms causing systemic inflammation are largely unknown. Our laboratory has shown that the aged microbiome increases intestinal permeability which allows bacterial products into the circulation, thus causing systemic inflammation. We do not, however, know which microbes drive this phenomenon and ultimately impact healthy or unhealthy aging. To determine the degree to which frailty, sarcopenia, and systemic inflammation can be accelerated or exacerbated via the microbiome, we colonized germfree (recipient) mice with ‘young’ (≤6 months) or ‘old’ (≥ 18 months) microbiota from specific pathogen free mice. Initially, we investigated the impact of recipient age by colonizing young and old germfree mice. Differences in sarcopenia and cellular inflammation were driven by recipient age, not microbiota age, after 6 weeks of colonization, while frailty decreased in old mice colonized with young microbiota. To further investigate the impact of the microbiota in aging, we colonized middle-aged (10-14 month) germfree mice and assessed them 6 weeks and 6 months post colonization. The aged microbiota drove an increase in frailty after 6 months of colonization. To understand the differences between young and old microbial compositions we quantified short-chain fatty acids and sequenced 16S rRNA from fecal pellets of young and old mice. We used frailty, sarcopenia, and cellular inflammation data to identify relationships with short-chain fatty acids and the microbial community. We have identified specific microbes that correlate with age, frailty, sarcopenia, and cellular inflammation from Lachnospiraceae, Akkermansiaceae and Rikenellaceae families. By understanding the role of the microbiome in healthy and unhealthy aging we can develop therapeutics to combat chronic systemic inflammation and prevent and/or reverse poor health outcomes. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

This thesis posits the creation of a lunar settlement, examining the practical and theoretical challenges of urban design in a space environment. Analysis of the lunar environment aided by data and imagery from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter allows the project to narrow focus on site selection while simultaneously capturing the bizarre and beautiful landscape. Intensive site study becomes the framework of a uniquely tailored, imaginative design emphasizing an urban fabric that is sensitive to astrological presences through passive and reactive design. / Master of Science / Whether it be through accident, conquest, or expedition, humanity has long held an innate desire to root itself in new environments that challenge us. The sky has proven to be no limit, the 20th century has shown that the exploration and colonization of space is inevitable. The question is where will we begin the first colony in space and what form will it take? This thesis posits the creation of a lunar settlement, examining the practical and theoretical challenges of urban design in a space environment. Site selection is crucial with the birth of any new city or civilization. Much like settlers of the past, a thorough understanding of constraints and strategic positioning is necessary to ensure the growth and survival of a colony. The accumulative site knowledge presented with this thesis is the framework of a uniquely tailored design to sustain long-term inhabitance on the moon. While this project can make no bold claims to predict the intentions of future colonists, it does serve to create an imaginative urban form to begin this journey, derived from grounded research and intensive site study. This thesis adds new perspectives beyond conventional engineered plans, to explore the potential of an immersive, reactive urban fabric with sensitivity to astrological presences. Urban design recommendations are made to enhance day to day livability in space, offer a sense of time and place, foster meaningful interaction among colonists, and consider growth beyond the initial settlement. While such a colony will undoubtedly serve as the staging area for the next steps in space exploration, it foremost will be a testament to what we as a people choose to collectively bring with us to the moon.

Based on thesis (M.A.)--East Texas State University, 1992. / Includes bibliographical references (p. [77]-84) and index.

abstract: This dissertation project is a legal and policy analysis of California's involuntary psychiatric commitment laws and policy as applied to American Indians (AI). Mental health-based civil commitment and conservatorships constitute some of the most severe intrusions into personal liberties and freedom outside of the criminal justice system. In the context of AI peoples and tribal Nations, however, these intrusions implicate not only individual freedoms and well-being but also larger notions of tribal sovereignty, self-determination, culture, and the dialectic relationship between individual identity and community knowledge related to definitions of health, illness and the social meaning of difference. Yet, in the context of involuntary psychiatric commitments, the law reflects a failure to understand this relationship, alternating between strategic use of the sovereignty doctrine to deny access to services or, alternatively, wholly absenting issues of sovereignty and Indigenous worldviews from legal discourse. This project explores the nuanced ways in which these issues are weaved into the fabric of mental health law and policy and how they function to codify, enact and maintain colonization for AI peoples and Nations. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Justice Studies 2013