Digital Commons Network^™

On The Extraction Of Volatiles From Lunar Regolith Using Solar Power, Jorge Alberto Frias

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Recent lunar missions have confirmed the presence of water and miscellaneous volatiles within the craters of the Moon's South Pole. If harvested, these resources have the potential to provide an incredible budget saving to the human space exploration program by dropping the total mass that astronauts need to carry from the Earth. The area that develops these technologies is called In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). ISRU allows reducing the payload, and consequently reduces the energy consumption and cost of space exploration. The present thesis investigates methods for the extraction of volatiles from regolith within the shadowed craters of the Moon using …

Applied Evaluation For Life Cycle Impact Assessment Methodologies In The Medical Industry, Aaron Arturo Martinez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In the present thesis, a comparative evaluation using different Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) Methodologies is presented; the study is performed considering the LCIA of ChloraPrep 26 mL Hi-Lite Applicator produced in a local manufacturing company. The focus of the research is to analyze the different aspects such as: characterization, classification and normalization; that each of the LCIA methodologies evaluate and are used for a policy regulations and sustainable development. The evaluation will determine which aspects could be used depending on the Life Cycle Inventory, since limited information is available if not using softwares, such as SimaPro or GaBi, to …

Sustainable Water Management In The University Of Texas At El Paso, Cora Martinez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This thesis showed how to improve water and financial savings for UTEP and El Paso by improving water conservation and sustainability of the UTEP campus. The goals of this research were successfully accomplished by focusing in three principal objectives.

1. Analyze historical data of water consumption of the UTEP campus for the past decade.

2. Evaluate water consumption to quantify water consumption by buildings and type of use, as well as provide recommendations for water and cost savings.

3. Synthesize a water management framework within the UTEP Facilities' Geographic Information System (GIS) for long-term monitoring and evaluation

Echo Questions In Turkish, Hasan Sezer

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The main purpose of this study is to see the extent to which Turkish echo questions (EQ) are on a par with English EQs. A detailed English EQs analysis of Sobin (2010) is presented in the study as a backdrop to the main discussion. What follows it is the parsing of the data in Turkish echo questions. Then it is shown that the data in both superficially distinct languages can be argued for a proposal that echo question formation in English and Turkish follows similar norms.

Secondary Structure Prediction Of Long Rna Sequences Based On Inversion Excursions And A Modularized Mapreduce Framework, Daniel Tesfai Yehdego

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules and their secondary structures play important roles in many biological processes including gene expression and regulation. The genomes of many viruses are also RNA molecules. Since secondary structures are crucial for RNA functionality, computational predictions of the RNA secondary structures have been widely studied. However, the tremendous demands on computer memory and computing time for complex secondary structures limit the capability of existing thermodynamically based algorithms for structure predictions to handling only short RNA sequences with a few hundred bases. One approach to overcome this limitation is by first cutting long RNA sequences into shorter, non-overlapping …

Vamonos Al Baile! Corridos, Regionalism, & Cultural Symbolism: An Expressive Narrative Approach To Los Tigres Del Norte, Jorge Luis Aguilar

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study seeks to understand how qualities and characteristics of the study's participants are influenced not only by their families and humble roots, but also for how they are influenced specifically by corridos of Los Tigres Del Norte in which the theme of the songs speak of immigrant life, values, and experiences as bicultural citizens and naturalized citizens. In this study, these ideas are explored and examined using various methodological approaches, including in-depth interviews, open-ended questions, and participant observations. This study also demonstrates how corridos communicate with their listeners, how they are influenced by the corridos, and more importantly, how …

Role Of Human Protein Disulfide Isomerase (Pdi) In The Redox Regulation Of Anthrax Receptor 2 (Antxr2), Naima Mohamed Alshrif

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by B. anthracis, a gram-positive and spore-forming bacterium. Anthrax toxin is a tripartite AB toxin composed of a receptor binding/pore-forming moiety, protective antigen (PA), and two catalytic moieties, edema factor (EF) and lethal factor (LF). Anthrax toxin PA binds to cell-surface receptors, where it gets activated by furin, and assembles into a ring-like heptameric structure. The toxin-receptor complex is internalized into endosomes where the acidic pH triggers PA pore formation on the endosomal membrane that translocates the toxin catalytic moieties. Recent study has shown that anthrax toxin receptors play a critical role in …

Distortion, Disparity, And Dubious Data: The Impact Of Accountability On Instructional Practice, Curtis Jack Barnes

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study examined the impact that state and federal accountability systems have had on instructional practice in two large Texas school districts by comparing the performance of students at these schools on individual items from the 2011 Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) and relating performance to item difficulty and the schools' accountability risk as determined by prior accountability performance. To make this comparison, schools were placed into accountability risk groups based on past performance on the No Child Left Behind Act's (NCLB) Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) accountability instrument. The researcher then calculated the mean differences between average performance …

Carrier Collaborative Networks: Hybrid Hub Location Algorithms, Satyen Suresh Awale

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Within the context of the Logistics and supply chain and management, the Hybrid Hub and Spoke system has certain complexities regarding the selection of the hub location in the supply chain facility system. The performance and efficiency of the network route selection and hub location depends upon the percentage savings that has been made by choosing the appropriate location for the hub to maintain the efficient flow of the goods within the network. Hub location selection mostly depends on the profit margins shared by the carrier, supply and demand status of the facility and amount of flow of the goods …

Acculturation Effects On Preference For English And Spanish-Language Tv Commercials Among Hispanic Audiences Of Mexican Descent, John Burton

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The growth of the U.S. Hispanic population and its purchasing power over the past twenty years continues to be monitored closely by corporate interests anxious to gain market share and brand loyalty of the segment that now represents the largest minority group in the country. Marketers continue to look for competitive advantages in effectively communicating targeted messages to Hispanics in order to increase revenues and profits.

This study focused on the historically dominant mass-reach medium of television and explored concepts of acculturation theory to examine the effects of acculturation sub-dimensions on TV commercial language preference and attitudes among Hispanic audiences …

Confirmation And Investigation Of Higher Science Curiosity In Juarez Middle School Students Compared To Their Peers In El Paso, Texas, Karla Carmona Miranda

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In the last 20 years attitudes towards science and science classes in K-12 education have been an important topic of investigation due to the decreasing number of students choosing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related careers, and the increasing need for STEM prepared workers to cover the job demands of the future. The purpose of this study is to confirm a previously measured difference in scientific curiosity between middle school students in El Paso and in Ciudad Juarez, and to collect additional data that might tell us what the possible factors or reasons for this difference are. Our sample …

Stereo Matching - Improving Image Quality, Aritra Dattagupta

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Stereo vision or stereopsis is a biological process in which the impression of the depth of a scene viewed by the two eyes is perceived. Stereo vision helps us to see where objects are in relation to our bodies. Computational stereo describes the process of synthesizing the mechanics of binocular vision; and stereo matching is an important process in the problem of computational stereo.

Stereo matching is used for Digital Elevation Modeling (DEM), which is the method of extracting 3D information from digital images obtained by cameras and, therefore, is a crucial process for representing a 3D view of surfaces …

This Is The Art Form: Examining Concept Albums' Methods Of Constructing Meaning In The Digital Age, Mario Alonzo Dozal

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study examined how the communicative characteristics of concept albums (music albums that center on a specific theme) have been adapted from a traditional physical form to exist in the digital age. Using three rock concept albums, this study examined how three different formats (vinyl, audio compact disc, and digital download) of the same concept album communicated the overall theme of the album to listeners, and also examined the advantages and disadvantages of each format. Additionally, using discursive analysis, this study sought to expand the academic literature on concept albums by examining the role that supplementary material plays in helping …

Getting The Message Across: Message Dissemination Through The Social Media Platform As A Public Relation Tool As A Media Richness Perspective, Ana Isabel Gonzalez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Prior studies that evaluated social media recommended the use of social media in PR efforts. But they lacked the theoretical framework to fully evaluate the richness of the communication medium. Through Media Richness Theory, the investigator assessed the perceptions of 162 PR professionals to shed light on the richness of social media as a communication tool and, most importantly, as an effective tool for the purposes of PR. While this study revealed that social media is not a fully "rich" communication outlet, there are components that provide value to PR professionals. This study suggests that social media not simply be …

Three-Dimensional Structural Electronic Integration For Small Satellite Fabrication, Cassie Gutierrez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The ability to realize truly three-dimensional electronic circuits is complicated if not impossible using traditional fabrication techniques. Such techniques are limited to the use of two dimensional printed circuit boards (PCBs), and require various dissonant processes which exhaust time, volume and cost. Due to the nature of Additive Manufacturing (AM) such problems are diminished and in some ways completely overcome. Additive Manufacturing allows for a higher range of design freedom along conformal surfaces, as well as unit level customization; it is the threshold for embedded electronics, allowing for three-dimensional circuitry in ways traditional fabrication is unfeasible. In such ways, additive …

A Study Of Wo3 And W0.95ti0.05o3 Thin Films Using Comparative Spectroscopy, James Heyward Howard

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Tungsten oxide (WO3) is important and well-studied in materials science, particularly for sensor applications. In this research work, we consider the innovation of adding Ti to thin films of this material. Since the characteristics of any such material are strongly dependent on the conditions and methods used in its deposition, the main objective of this project is to provide a detailed spectroscopic characterization by Raman scattering, infrared absorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of WO3 and of W0.95Ti0.05O3. This characterization will be based on comparison of the morphology and composition of WO3-based thin films, grown by radio frequency magnetron reactive …

Minimizing The Retransmission Delay And Energy Expense Of Arq With The Optimal Placement Of Caching Routers In A Video Communication Network, Jesus Enrique Hernandez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The use of intermediary caching routers to service retransmission requests was investigated in this thesis. The main goal is to reduce the expected retransmission delay in a video communication network where the capacity for intermediate caching routers is constrained. In order to reduce the retransmission delay, the effect of the placement of routers with caching ability is investigated. Moreover, as a consequence of reducing the retransmission distance, the energy spent on retransmitting video packets is reduced as well. The average retransmission delay and the average energy consumption were modeled with mathematical programs that select the optimal placement of caching routers …

Evaluating Hydrocarbon Source Rock For Unconventional Shale Oil Play From Seismic And Well Log Data; Kingak Shale, North Slope, Alaska, Sarah Elisabeth Leedberg

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

It has been proposed that Acoustic impedance (AI) responses can be used to estimate total organic carbon (TOC) within thick, clay rich shale. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the effectiveness of the AI inversion technique, and establish a methodology that can be applied to other basins. The Kingak Formation (lower Jurassic to early Cretaceous), located on the North Slope of Alaska, has been extensively evaluated for its unconventional potential. The Kingak is shale and is known to have greater than 30 percent clay. Because clay has ductile properties it makes it difficult to stimulate a well through …

Analysis Of Isolated Traffic Signal Control Systems, Petr Malina

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are implemented for increase of efficiency and safety in transportation. This thesis focuses on the area of traffic signal timing operations which is one of ITS components. The first objective is to compare the Czech and the U.S. methods for isolated fixed time traffic signal control, using an intersection in El Paso, Texas, as the test site. The second objective of this thesis is to evaluate the U.S. actuated isolated timing plan and compare it against the Czech and U.S. fixed time controls. A microscopic traffic simulation model of the selected intersection is coded in VISSIM …

Electrical Characterization Of Microcrystalline Lifepo4 For Application In Lithium Ion Batteries, Sukhdeep Amarjeet Labana

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Electrical Characterization of Microcrystalline LiFePO4 for application in lithium ion batteries. Mainly, to study about the electrical properties of Lithium Iron Phosphate as a cathode material to increase its Electrical consumption.

High-Order Central Finite-Volume Schemes For Atmospheric Modeling, Kiran Kumar Katta

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Atmospheric numerical modeling has been going through drastic changes over the past decade, mainly to utilize the massive computing capability of the petascale systems. This obliges the modelers to develop grid systems and numerical algorithms that facilitate exceptional level of scalability on these systems. The numerical algorithms that can address these challenges should have the local properties such as the high on-processor operation count and minimum parallel communication i.e., high parallel efficiency. They should also satisfy the following properties such as inherent local and global conservation, high-order accuracy, geometric flexibility, non-oscillatory advection and positivity preservation properties. The goal of this …

The Impact Of National Culture On Cost Of Equity Capital In Cross-Listed Firms, Kathy F. Otero

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study examines the GLOBE cultural dimensions of institutional collectivism, in-group collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, and power distance to evaluate the impact of national culture on cost of equity capital for firms cross-listing on two stock exchanges. In addition to evaluating the direct effect of culture on cost of equity capital, the study examines the moderating effect of national culture on impact of the political/regulatory environment and disclosure on cost of equity capital. Limited support was found for both the direct effect and the moderating effect of national culture on cost of equity capital.

Cryogenic System Development For Lox/ Hydrocarbon Propulsion Research, Francisco Pineda

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

A propulsion research facility is being developed at the Center for Space Exploration Technology Research (cSETR) at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). These facilities were developed in order to meet new research demand for Liquid Oxygen (LOX)/Liquid methane (LCH4) experiments. The main goal of this system is to produce in-house liquid methane and supply propellants to their respective test set up in a cryogenic state. The work presented describes the design, development, and operation of a liquid methane condensation system and a cryogenic delivery feed system. The condensation system design will allow for a production of methane …

Sensitivity Analysis Of Streambed Leakance Downstream Of Caballo Reservoir, Derrick Ohara

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Modeling transient effects of streams near well fields is an important tool for understanding water balance within the Rio Grande Project (Project). The results are known as stream leakage. Stream leakage quantifies the amount of water seeping from a stream, canal and/or drain to/from a well field. Stream leakages near the Canutillo Well field, primary river losses for years 2005 through 2010 along with historical gain/losses and allocations of surface water with the associated agreements were evaluated.

The overall loss rates per mile in the Project for years 2005 to 2010 averaged -0.75 cubic feet per second (cfs). The historical …

Nanoprobe I-V Characterization Of Cdte/Cds Micro And Nano-Patterned Solar Cells, Heber Prieto

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This thesis presents a novel way to characterize micro and nano patterned cadmium telluride thin film solar cells via a nano-probe system. A historical review of CdTe-based solar cells is presented first followed by review of the technology developed to produce the patterned CdTe cells. A detailed presentation is then provided on the use of a Zyvex nanoprobing system to characterize the patterned solar cells. The I-V response of micro- and nano-patterned solar cells stimulated under different e-beam conditions is presented and analyzed. Suggestions of how to improve the technique are provided. This work documents, for the first time, the …

Spatial Ecology Of The Trans-Pecos Rat Snake (Bogertophis Subocularis) In The Chihuahuan Desert Of Trans-Pecos Texas, Arturo Rocha

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The Trans-Pecos Rat Snake (Bogertophis subocularis) is a medium to large rat snake that occurs from south-central New Mexico, south-central Texas, down into the north-central and northeastern states of Mexico. There is paucity in the ecology of B. subocularis to date. Some North American colubrid snakes, such as Thamnophis sirtalis, are the most represented species in thermal ecology and life history studies in all reptiles. There is nothing known on the winter ecological aspects of this species, and very little information regarding its overall ecology. The goal of this study is to determine home range, movement patterns, habitats and utilization …

Frases Que Se Escriben En La Nevera, Daniel Rios Lopera

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Rinocerontes que comen galletas de soda y niños que le recortan los ojos de las fotos de sus vecinos. Un payaso triste que no puede dejar de sonreí­r y un doblador de voces que ha perdido su propia voz. Un niño al que su hermano fantasma le dibuja pecas azules noche tras noche y un señor que habla con un loro en francés.

Una historia jamás contada. Un relato que jamás usted ha leí­do.

Identification Of Rework Station Location To Enhance Reworkability Using Design For Disassembly, Juan Alejandro Saavedra

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Rework stations are commonly established as part of each assembly stations causing the material flow of the process to be constantly interrupted. Another option is to place the rework station at the end of the production, but this is not cost effective. This breakeven point between reworkability and cost methodology has been proposed in this thesis to identify the location of a single rework station in an assembly line in order to enhance reworkability using the Design for Disassembly (DfD) principles. The methodology uses the 17 guidelines of DfD in a manufacturing scenario in order to propose a reworkability index …

Evaluation Of Non-Nuclear Devices In Measuring Moisture Content And Density Of Soils, Martin Jesus Sotelo

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The objective of this report was to assess the ability of several different devices to measure moisture content and dry density of various compacted geomaterials. The experimental research involved the testing of different subgrade soils and one base material. More than a dozen specimens, 2 ft in height and 1.5 ft in diameter, were constructed to evaluate the Transtech SDG 200, Purdue TDR, and the Decagon 10 HS moisture content sensor. The Speedy Moisture Tester and DOT600 Roadbed Water Content Meter were also evaluated using individual soil samples. All materials were tested at five different moisture contents, but at their …

Control Of A Robotic Prototype Multi-Axis Synergistic System, Julio A. Torres

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Balance is an ability that every person has and uses in normal daily life, to walk, run, stand, dance, etc. However, there are people who suffer a kind of balance impairment. The Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) is technique in balance rehabilitation, where the patient is asked to stand on a moving platform that is equipped with sensors that measure how well you maintain your balance. In this thesis, a new CDP mechatronic system, the Multi-Axis Synergistic System (MASS), for balance assessment is being developed.

As a first stage and as the objective of this research work the transferable control algorithm …