Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The two main testable hypotheses of labeling theory, the “status characteristic hypothesis” and the “deviance amplification hypothesis”, are derived from the conflict perspective and the symbolic interactionist tradition, respectively. This paper focuses on the latter hypothesis and extends the labeling framework to the organizational-level. Symbolic interactionist labeling theorists attempt to answer the question: “what happens to the individual after being labeled” (Paternoster and Iovanni, 1989)? By extending labeling theory to the organizational-level, the central question becomes: “what happens to the organization after being labeled?” More specifically, do organizations that are labeled amplify their deviant behavior? This paper utilizes Lemert’s sequence of interaction process to illustrate that it is possible to label an organization, in this case a police agency, as deviant. More importantly, this paper tests the deviance amplification hypothesis at the organizational-level using a quasi-experimental design.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: Diagnostic agents capable of accurately identifying a causative bacterial pathogen would allow clinicians to more rapidly provide appropriate treatment to patients. Such diagnostic agents would decrease unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and allow a more tailored approach to treatment. We propose the development of radiolabeled bacteriophage that would specifically identify the causative bacterial agents. Bacteriophage (phage) are viruses that infect bacteria exclusively, showing no affinity for mammalian cells. Our work involved radiolabeling bacteria-specific phage. Our hypothesis is that Tc-99m-labeled phage with the correct specificity could be utilized as a valuable diagnostic aids via nuclear medicine imaging, in cases where bacterial infections were suspected. Objectives: to show 1) that Tc-99m-MAG3 could be used to label a phage of interest; 2) that the labeled phage could differentiate between different bacteria in-vitro; and 3) that a radiolabeled phage could specifically bind bacteria in-vivo. Methods: Escherichia coli (strains ER2537 and 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (strain 29213) and Salmonella typhimurium were used as targets for M13KE and P-22 phage. S-acetyl NHS-MAG3 was conjugated to the phage, then radiolabeled with Tc-99m. Experiments were performed to assess in-vitro specificity of the phage, stability of the radiolabel in serum, and the biodistribution of radiolabeled phage in mice. Results: Radiolabeled phage displayed selectivity in bacterial binding in-vitro, stability in serum, and their biodistribution revealed selectivity of uptake in infected versus inflamed tissue, though liver uptake was also noted. Implications: Radiolabeled phage may be useful tools for in-vivo identification of bacteria

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This study investigated how following standard usability guidelines impacted participants' cognitive and affective perceptions of a website. In particular, the study focused on how participants reacted to (deliberately introduced) problems with the usability of a website. A 2x2 (descriptive labels by informative feedback) between-subjects experiment (N = 80) was designed to test the hypotheses that conforming to usability guidelines would result in not only better memory for website content and better task performance but also more positive attitudes toward the website. The results confirm the hypotheses, and provide insight into the consequences of designing for usability, and can help to guide designers struggling to navigate the tension between performance (usability) and emotional response (affect). Theoretical implications of the findings for human-computer interaction as well as technological variables such as interactivity and navigability are discussed.

Publication Type: Panel Paper
Abstract: This paper draws on extensive field studies about cases of rural agorindustry clusters as localized agro-food systems in Central and South America. The paper discusses the political significance of rural collective action and place-based products in rural development. A key issue involves identifying how rural people and institutions can come together to make decisions grounded in collective responsibility (i.e., citizenship) rather than individual rights.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper explores empirically the extent to which collective party label is important in elections and its difference under various electoral rules, using the electoral data from several developed democracies.