Digital Commons Network^™

Analysis Of English And Spanish Academic Proficiency Of Pre-Service Bilingual Teachers At A University In South Texas, Matthew E. Meyers

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this research was to examine the English and Spanish academic writing proficiency of pre-service bilingual teachers at a university in south Texas and attempt to establish factors that have influenced that proficiency or lack of proficiency. Ninety-four participants who volunteered to take part in the study completed a 50-question survey that solicited demographic information and perceived proficiencies in English and Spanish. After collecting the data from the survey, participants wrote essays on four separate themes. Two of the essays were written in Spanish, and two were written in English. The compositions purported to elicit the participants' written …

Use Of Pedometers To Promote Improvement In Selected Physiological Measurements In An Older Female Mexican American Population, Zasha Romero

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The problem of this study was to determine if pedometers promoted daily walking exercise reflected by changes on selected physiological measurements in older Mexican American females. Significance in the study was determined at the 95% level of confidence. The researcher offered the null hypothesis of no difference in results from the pretest to the posttest in both the control and treatment groups for the selected physiological measurements. The subjects of this study were 55 Mexican-American females ages 60 to 75. The subjects were randomly assigned to a treatment or control group. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) method was used to …

Prayer As A Treatment Modality In Patient Healthcare: Physicians' Spiritual Beliefs And Religious Practices And Their Relationship To Patient Health, D. Ronald Rickerhauser

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The intention of this study was to determine whether physicians' spiritual beliefs and the integration of prayer in medical practice are associated with patient health. In this study, 546 physicians from 40 different family practice residency programs in the contiguous United States completed and returned surveys. Regression analyses using these data and patient statistics provided by the clinics were performed. Patient's length of hospital stay and a ratio of clinic patients to hospital patients were used as dependent measures. The results did not show a relationship between physician beliefs, prayer, and patient health. However, there was a significant relationship between …

Rf Cmos Receiver Front-End Using A Reflex Amplifier, Radovan Kuzet

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

A concept for an RF-CMOS receiver with reflex topology is developed and tested, using OrCad as the primary design and simulation tool. The main idea of the reflex topology is to reuse a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) stage in the circuit and thus eliminate one high power consumption stage. A Gilbert cell is used for down conversion, with the benefit of low noise and low power while maintaining gain. A set of passive diplexers allows reuse of the LNA at the RF and IF. The complete circuit was simulated using 0.18 micron and 0.5 micron AMI technology. Parameters for the …

The Effect Of Scaffolding On Children's Oral Language Development, Ana Villaurrutia

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This was a quasi experimental nonequivalent control group design used with 71 subjects in two Head Start center settings. LAP-D assessment results were also taken in account for the purpose of comparison regarding the dependent variable. The subjects were children 4 and 5 years old who were attending classes in two different Head Start centers. These subjects were students from 2 classrooms from Center One and 2 classrooms from Center Two. In Center One, teachers were trained in the use of scaffolding techniques, whereas in Center Two teachers had no training on scaffolding techniques. An analysis of variance procedure was …

Where In The Hell Is Dorothy Parker?, Thomas J. Fuschetto Jr.

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The famous members of The Algonquin Round Table once got together to write and produce a play called No, Sirree! Since very little is known about the production, questions remain of how the members decided to do such a production, what was the production, and what they later thought about the production. Since such information is missing, then I filled in the gaps with my imagination of writing and producing an original play that represents my research and my imagination of how the members of The Algonquin Round Table decided to do a play production, how they prepared for the …

The Working And Living Conditions Of Migrant Farm Workers, Hilario Molina Ii

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this thesis was to explore the world of migrant workers, through first hand account, through the description of the living and working conditions of migrant farms by focusing on each camp (A, B, and C), by observing and describing the line of work, by discussing the social and cultural dynamics of migrant farm working—the role and culture of the migrant women, children, and alpha males—and by documenting the exploitation of migrant farm workers. This is a qualitative research, based on ground theory, which consisted of participant observation of these factors. There was no hypothesis due to the …

Reading Instruction Practices By Teachers Of Hispanic Elementary Students: A Teacher Survey Of Classroom Time Spent In 25 Reading Instructional Activities, Richard A. Steele

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This study was conducted in order to measure the amount of time spent among Hispanic elementary students in each of the most commonly used reading instruction methodologies. A survey was conducted among 500 randomly selected pre-kindergarten through fifth grade teachers instructing students who are 95% Hispanic and 63.4% English-as-a-second-language (ESL). Twenty of the 221 elementary campuses within a two-county area were randomly selected, representing ten school districts. All teachers at selected campuses were asked to estimate the amount of weekly class time spent in 25 reading and reading-readiness activities and methods of instruction. In addition, teachers provided various demographic data. …

Folk Healing In The Tradition Of The Fidencista Movement, Katherine Brittain

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The Fidencista Movement is a religion in process . Like in many other medico-religions whose primary ministry is healing, women hold the highest positions of authority. The shamanic channeling of the spirit of the folk saint, Niño Fidencio , plies Fidencistas' belief in the spirit world and ameliorates physical and emotional healing. Fidencistas are concentrated in the Texas/Mexico borderland region where they are facing a passing of traditionalism, the social matrix in which folk healing thrives. However, the signature of the Movement, the penitential trek up the Vía de Dolores in Espinazo, is a cohering bi-annual ritual that fortifies devotion …

The Effect Of A Family Literacy Parental Involvement Intervention On Oral Language Development, Azucena C. Escobar

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The subjects that participated in this study were 36 Hispanic children who attended Head Start Programs. The participants were 4 and 5 year olds from four classrooms. An intervention, training of parents regarding literacy activities was implemented in the study to determine the outcome of parental involvement on oral language development. This researcher implemented parental training prior to the treatment. Parents were to provide their children with oral language intervention for fifteen to twenty minutes, three times a week. These activities took place at the children's home from March through June of 2004. Children's oral language development was determined using …

A Study Of Education Reform In Texas: State Mandated Testing Results, Effects, And The University Of Texas-Pan American, Monica M. Trevino

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The study will use scores on TASP, and ACT as predictors of first year college success. First year college success will be measured by first-year year college grade point average and number of class hours dropped. We expect to find a high correlation between standardized test scores and college success. In order to continue yearly state test administration efforts, data needs to be found supporting that these efforts are sufficient. If this evidence is not present, then state mandated achievement testing needs to be reconsidered for use as a requirement for receipt of a high school diploma, school accountability, and …

Is The Maquila Industry A Factor Influencing Migration To Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico?, Maria Cristina Guzman

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This thesis is divided into three chapters. Chapter one starts with the historical background of the city of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico and has a brief definition of migration explaining the factors that push or pull someone to make the decision to move. Chapter two contains the thesis statement, methods, and scope. In chapter three, there is a summary of the findings and conclusions. Analysis of the data collected through a survey conducted in 1997 among maquila workers reveals that a total of 51.01% of both the men and women's moves were influenced by the maquila industry. A similar pattern was …

The Effects Of Using An Off-Task Paper As A Nonverbal Intervention For Inappropriate Disruptive Behavior, Pamela R. Vancleef

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The following study took place within the Academic Compliance Training program at Cathey Middle School in McAllen, Texas. Off-task papers were implemented as a nonverbal intervention during inappropriate behavior occurring after students were given directions for independent assignments. An A-B design was utilized to demonstrate a functional relationship between the independent variable, off-task papers administered as a nonverbal intervention, and dependent variable, operationally defined as all academically off-task behavior. The results of this study suggest that using off-task papers as a nonverbal intervention effectively reduces academically off-task behavior during independent seatwork.

Efficacy Of A Social Skills Training Procedure Used On A Child Having Moderate Mental Retardation, Anestacio Quintana Jr.

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This single subject multiple baseline study tested the efficacy of a social skills training procedure. The subject for this study was an eight-year-old female having Down Syndrome. The subject was diagnosed as having moderate mental retardation. Using an A-B-A-B design, the investigator and two observers collected data on off task behavior, during baseline phases. During intervention phases, the Subject was introduced to a social skills training program addressing the off-task inappropriate behaviors. The results of the study illustrated a positive effect of the social skills training procedure on the Subject. There was an established relationship between the implementation of the …

Self-Efficacy, Metastasis, Treatment, And Demographics As Predictors Of Functional Performance Status Of Adult Colorectal Cancer Patients, Dollie A. Husfeld

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this study was to assess self-efficacy as a predictor of functional performance status in order to discover correlations that could be used to improve care of the colorectal cancer patient. Thirty participants were accessed through three outpatient cancer clinics during a two-week period. Data was collected through a demographics questionnaire, the Cancer Behavior Inventory Long Form, and the Karnofsky Performance Scale Index. Stepwise multiple regression was used to identify and relationships between the dependent variable, functional performance status, and the independent variables, self-efficacy, age, gender, residence, treatment, and metastasis ( p = .05). Pearson's correlation showed a …

School-Wide Positive Behavior Support: A Proactive Approach, Marisa Garcia

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This study explores what an effective School-wide Positive Behavior Support program looks like, how Positive Behavior Support programs have impacted school districts and what is needed in an educational organization to implement such a program. The study also provides an overview of different strategies that have been utilized for the effective implementation of interventions at the different levels of a PBS program. Different models and projects that have been created based on this theory are also discussed through this study. In addition to this, the study will include the results of observations and interviews conducted by the researcher at X …

Mariguano, Juan Ochoa

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This book is in many ways autobiographical, but at the same time attempts to tell the story of the many silent characters that have long been omitted from most works on border life. By “silent characters” I am referring to those who operate on the margins of a marginalized society. The reader will be allowed to glimpse inside the life of a social group that values silence and indifference as basic survival skills.

It is this value on silence and indifference that have forced these stories to go unrecorded for so long. Aside from meeting my thesis requirements, it is …

The Development Of Web-Based Aerobic And Anaerobic And Muscle Static Work Capacity Modules Using Legacy Cycle Approach, Anant Ravindra Deshpande

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The Legacy cycle is an instructional model that emphasizes inquiry. Learners are faced with progressively complex challenges. For each challenge, learners generate initial thoughts on how they might react to the challenges. In this thesis, a web based instructional method that evaluates interactivity and motivation is presented. The system presented in the thesis helps student to integrate the use of legacy cycle approach in the regular study of aerobic and anaerobic and muscle static work capacity modules. The thesis also focuses on developing modules which contain challenges encompassing various sections, which helps student as an asynchronous learning tool, intended for …

Dynamic Mechanical And Thermal Analysis Of Aligned Vapor Grown Carbon Nanofibers Reinforced Polyethylene, Jose Jaime Taha-Tijerina

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Dynamic-mechanical and thermal characterization of aligned vapor grown carbon-nanofibers (VGCNFs)-reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been performed. VGCNFs with diameters ranging from 50–200nm were used. Nanofibers were purified to remove amorphous carbon and metal catalyst, resulting in deagglomeration, and creating an open network that allowed polymer infiltration during mixing. High-shear mixing was used to disperse and distribute the nanofibers uniformly within the matrix. Extensional flow at different draw ratios (λ) was used to obtain anisotropic nanoreinforced composite (NC) tapes. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) showed a dual increase, in storage and loss modulus, with draw ratio. This behavior is attributed to the …

Cultural Relevance In The Lep-Ld Classroom, Blanca Estella Rojas

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This investigation considered Mexican-American students classified as Limited English Proficient (LEP) and Special Education Learning Disabled (LD) on achievement in and attitudes toward reading. Two students used culturally matched materials and two students used non-culturally matched, grade appropriate materials. The individuals who received treatment were paired with those who did not receive treatment on key variables as closely as possible. Qualitative descriptive information answered the following questions: (1) Will the use of a culturally matched novel have the same learning effects as use of a non-culturally matched novel? (2) Will the use of the culturally matched novel lower the affective …

Acquiring North Of The Border Culture Through The Teaching /Learning Process In Spanish -Speaking Adults Along The South Texas-Mexico Border, Manuel J. Gutierrez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the ways in which a second culture is being communicated to Spanish-speaking adult second language learners enrolled in selected English language acquisition programs along the South Texas-Mexico border. This study focused on adult populations in need of receiving instruction in the English language and in the north of the border American culture in southern Texas. The research questions explored in this study sought to define north of the border culture as perceived by adult students; to determine if the language programs are preparing the students culturally; and to investigate how the …

Extraversion/Introversion And Subclinical Self-Harm In Undergraduate Students, Norma Salazar-Cortez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Objective. To examine the relationship between the extraversion/introversion personality dimension and mildly injurious (fingernail biting, skin picking, etc.) and more injurious (cutting, burning, etc.) self-harming behaviors.

Method. An undergraduate sample of 146 students volunteered to complete several measures including the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised and Self-Harm Information Form.

Results. Participants with no history of self-harm endorsed similar levels of extraversion in comparison to participants with a history of mildly or moderately injurious self-harm. Comparison between the groups using a One-Factor Between Subjects Analysis of Variance was not significant.

Conclusion. A proposition is made to expand future research …

Factors That Predict Underachievement In Hispanic Gifted Students, Sandy Salinas Olivarez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that predict underachieving gifted students. The participants were 44 Hispanic gifted students enrolled in the 8 th grade from 3 different junior high and middle schools in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. The following were used as independent variables: parental influence, motivation, self-concept, attitude, self-perceptions, and goal motivation. The dependent variable was dichotomous, achiever or underachiever. The School Attitude Assessment Survey-Revised and the Parent Influence Survey were the instruments used to collect the data. Analysis was done using the logistic regression model. The results show that attitude towards school …

“Yours For The Salvation Of Mexican People”: Race, Identity, And The Growth/Decline Of Mennonite Brethren Missionary Efforts In South Texas, 1937–1971, Felipe Hinojosa

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The Mennonite Brethren (MB) church in south Texas is an anomaly. Mennonite Brethren missionaries were once prominent in Protestant circles in south Texas between 1937 and 1971, planting eight churches during this time. Today, however, the Mennonite Brethren church is relegated to several small congregations sprinkled throughout Hidalgo and Starr County. This research argues that Mennonite Brethren missionary efforts with Mexican Americans were racist and oppressive. Furthermore, the racist ethos that developed was maintained throughout the life of the mission because of the institutional rigidity of the MB church. Both Church Growth Theory and the Contact Hypothesis are applied to …

The Hispanic Image Reflected In Post-War Texas Films: From Jennifer Jones To Jennifer Lopez, Monique James

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

After a history of negative, stereotypical Hispanic film depictions, the largely positive evolution of the Hispanic film image after World War II was the result of three primary forces: America's changing social movements and beliefs, Hollywood's financial concerns, and the filmmakers' backgrounds and views. Through the analysis of post-World War II films set in Texas and the study of film reviews, filmmaker's comments, articles, and books on the subject, the thesis argues that screen Hispanics generally became more multi-dimensional, and less stereotypical as the 20 th century progressed.

Attitudes Of Mexican Nationals Toward The Use Of Code Switching In The Rio Grande Valley, Jennifer M. Vojtko

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this study is to establish the beliefs and attitudes of Mexican Nationals living in the Rio Grande Valley toward the use of code switching, or the use of two or more languages during a speech act. Because of the high influence of the Spanish language in the Rio Grande Valley, code switching is more commonly referred to as Spanglish. Researchers have been studying code switching since the early fifties; however, limited research has been conducted on attitudes toward code switching. The goal of this study is to offer a comprehensive look at the attitudes demonstrated by Mexican …

Stock Returns And Noise Trading: Domestic And International Evidence, Rahul Verma

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

In recent years there has been a growing debate on the possible linkages between the behavioral aspects of investors and stock prices. The financial economics have become more receptive to imperfect rational explanations and in this regard, investor psychology has emerged as a major determinant of stock prices. Under this approach, the central task is to examine how stock prices are related not only to risks, but also to the noise (Hirshleifer, 2001). After decades of study, the sources of risk premium in purely rational dynamic models are well understood; while, dynamic psychology based asset pricing theories are still in …

Differences In Language Acquisition Among Students When Using Materials They Choose Vs. Teacher's Reading Program, Alicia Gomez Bastar

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This investigation considers four groups of university level students enrolled in remedial English as a foreign language courses at the University of Montemorelos, NL, México. The reading comprehension and vocabulary development of these 55 students were compared when the students selected their own reading materials and when the teacher's program of readings was used. In addition, the students' attitudes toward reading and the class procedures were considered. This research intended to compare two treatments, students' CHOICE and teachers' PROGRAM, in terms of student improvement for reading comprehension and vocabulary, as well as student attitude. The results showed significant differences for …

Adaptive Optimal Control Design For Stable Vibration Attenuation Of Active Constrained Layer Damping Beam Structure, Tatyana G. Korotkova-Egan

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Vibration suppression using active constrained layer damping (ACLD) has proven to be an invaluable means for improving the performance of a wide variety of engineering systems. The ACLD creates the hybrid of active and passive damping, attaining favorably high damping characteristics, while at the same time, combines unattractive attributes of both treatments, such as stability sensitivity. Control efforts are needed to achieve an adequate performance of the structures treated with ACLD. The purpose of this research is to investigate theoretically and numerically the adaptive optimal controller of the constrained layer damped beam system, using the classical three-layered distributed-parameter model that …

Design And Evaluation Of High-Performance Packet Switching Schemes, Taner Doganer

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The design of high-performance packet switches is essential to efficiently handle the exponential growth of data traffic in the next generation Internet. Shared-memory-based packet switches are known to provide the best possible delay-throughput performance and the lowest packet-loss rate compared with packet switches using other buffering strategies. However, scalability of shared-memory-based switching systems has been restricted by high memory bandwidth requirements, segregation of memory space and centralized control of switching functions that causes the switch performance to degrade as a shared-memory switch is grown in size. The new class of sliding-window based packet switches are known to overcome these problems …