Digital Commons Network^™

I,Metaboy, Mario Leal Jr.

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

I,metaboy is a stage play about a young homosexual couple, one a soldier and the other a writer, during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in the 2000s and the struggles they encounter in their relationship when the soldier marries a woman to pass in the military. The story follows in the tradition of other Queer literatures that explore the state of the trope of the homosexual male within his given historical period. This historically places the identity. I,metaboy is based on an amalgamation of imagery from a variety of media (theatre, literature, TV, film, social policy, historical texts, myths, …

La Gente De Migración Y Acción: African Americans In Revolutionary Mexico 1880–1929, Alfredo Aguilar

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This thesis argues that Mexico historically presented African Americans with options to pursue freedom through outlets of migration (civil) and counter-violence (violent resistance). In addition, the thesis exhibits Mexico’s historical anti-slavery stance which reflects why Mexico was a viable place of relocation and resistance. Furthermore, it argues Mexico and the United States had roles in African Americans’ relation to Mexico and these endeavors of resistance. By using primary sources such as newspapers and government reports, the extent of propaganda methods and use becomes discernible. The objective is to highlight the international assistance Mexico provided towards African Americans, the U.S. role …

Special Delivery, Jacob M. Guerra

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Special Delivery is a play that focuses on gender roles, specifically that of the Latino male in today’s culture.

El Murmullo De La Noche: Antologia De Cuentos Extranos, Alberto Alejandro Cabada

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

La presente tesis es un trabajo de creación literaria. Esta antología está compuesta de trece cuentos cortos en los que se relatan diversas historias usando una narrativa en primera y tercera persona. Los géneros que se manejan en estos cuentos son el terror, el surrealismo y lo fantástico, desarrollando los temas de la muerte, la locura, la soledad y el horror. Asimismo, es una obra creativa que comparte rasgos con la literatura del período romántico y los movimientos naturalistas y simbolistas de finales del siglo XIX, al igual que la vanguardia latinoamericana de principios del siglo XX.

Reduction Of Nitroaromatic Compounds With Sodium Borohydride Using Transition Metal Sulfides, Samuel Pina Jr.

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The following systems: NaBH4/Fe3S4, NaBH4/Co3S4, NaBH4/NiS, NaBH4/CuS, and NaBH4/ZnS, were investigated for their nitro reducing abilities. Quantitative conversions were observed for the reduction of nitrobenzene with NaBH4/Co3S4 and NaBH4/NiS systems as opposed to only 9% conversion without any catalyst, representing a ten-fold increase in the reducing ability of NaBH4. In ethanol, various nitroaromatic compounds were also successfully reduced in moderate to high yields with 3 molar equivalents of NaBH4, demonstrating a mild alternative for the effective reduction of nitroaromatic compounds to their corresponding aryl amines. Screening of catalysts was carried out using gas chromatography. All products were characterized using 1 …

Graduation As A Function Of Attendance And Discipline Of Students In The Student Success Initiative Of Texas In One South Texas Urban School District, Maria Luisa Trevino-Guerra

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This study examined the trends and patterns across time of grade placement committee students on the dependent variable, graduation. Longitudinal data for independent variables, attendance and discipline was collected for 173 students from 2005 to 2013. The independent variables of attendance and discipline were examined to determine whether or not high school completion is dependent on these two measures.

The Grade 5 students of 2005-2006 in one south Texas large urban school district who were retained in the fifth grade or advanced to the next higher grade by the grade placement committee in accordance with the Student Success Initiative (SSI) …

Stolen Youth: A Co-Authored Memoir, Jeanilee A. Garza

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This literary work of creative nonfiction qualifies under the literary genre of memoir, as a co-authored memoir. While the work incorporates the practices of both memoir and testimonio, the classification as a co-authored memoir recognizes a collaboration between the writer and the individual interviewed for this piece. “Stolen Youth: A Co-Authored Memoir” presents nine chapters and an epilogue, and is part of a larger creative work. The piece narrates the life of, Cirano “Cid” Lagunas, III, a dear friend who offered me the opportunity to convey his personal experiences through memoir. His memoir begins at the age of 12, following …

Will A Confederate's Initial Decline Of Assistance Influence People's Willingness To Help Others?, Israel Vela

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Observational study testing the effect a confederate has on social influence. The study examined whether overhearing a prior refusal to assist from a confederate had an influence on a subsequent person’s willingness to help in time of need. Similarity characteristics between model and participant were also examined to determine if they contributed to an increased likelihood of helping. Observation was held at the University of Texas-Pan American and consisted of 60 male participants. Participants were approached, and asked for assistance, in two separate conditions: Experimental (confederate) condition (n=30) and Control (non-confederate) condition (n=30). Assistance was determined by a participant’s willingness …

The Effect Of Perceived Parental Style On Hispanic Adults Receiving Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment In South Texas, Elizabeth C. Palacios

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Hirschi's (1969) Social Control Theory proposes that parental relationships serve as a shielding factor and has positive impact in the decreasing delinquency (i.e. substance use/abuse) in young people. This theory provides a framework for understanding substance use/abuse in young adult populations. Other factors including gender, cultural influences, family composition and birth order were also examined in this study. The Drug Abuse Screening Test - 20 (Skinner, 1982), the Parental Authority Questionnaire (Buri, 1991), and a demographic scale were utilized in a population of 182 adults in outpatient substance abuse treatment centers in South Texas, Texas Gulf Coast and areas in …

Estrategias Utilizadas En Aulas Bilingues En La Ensenanza De La Lectura En Espanol, Maria Marquez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Para este estudio se observaron las diferentes estrategias utilizadas en aulas bilingües en la enseñanza de la lectura en español. Asimismo, este estudio cualitativo observó las diferentes estrategias utilizadas por los maestros en los salones de clase bilingües donde se enfocó la lectura en español. La meta de este estudio es que los maestros bilingües del preescolar rebasen todos las expectativas de la enseñanza en la lectura, que estén capacitados para la enseñanza en español y que faciliten las estrategias de la lectura para promover la fluidez lectora. Las estrategias investigadas son aquellas que promueven la fluidez y la comprensión …

Metodos De Lectura En Espanol [Reading Methods In Spanish], Maria T. Almanza

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

En la actualidad existe una deficiencia enorme en la educación de un país tan desarrollado como es Los Estados Unidos, y siendo lectura considerada una pieza fundamental en el éxito o fracaso de la educación, este estudio fue enfocado en recabar información acerca de las diferentes metodologías de la lectura en español. Este sirve como tal para que el docente analice los diferentes métodos de lectura. Se han elegido los métodos de lectura en español debido al gran influjo de inmigrantes hispanos a este país y muchos de estos hispanos están siendo educados en su lenguaje vernáculo. A partir del …

Oxidation Of Dibenzothiophene To Dibenzothiophene Sulfone Using Tio2, Juan H. Leal

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The oxidation of dibenzothiophene (DBT) to dibenzothiophene-sulfone has been considered as an alternate method to remove sulfur from crude oil. This study demonstrates that the oxidative desulfurization (ODS) of DBT to DBT-sulfone occurs using rutile TiO2 as a catalyst with the aid of O2. In addition, anatase and brookite were synthesized and tested in the reaction. Particle size of the catalysts was calculated and morphology was explored using SEM. A kinetic study was performed to determine the catalytic effect and activation energy of TiO2. The oxidation reaction was carried out by refluxing TiO2 and DBT in decahydronapthalene while flowing O2 …

Review Of Cerebral Aneurysm Formation, Growth, And Rupture., Nohra Chalouhi, Md, Brian L Hoh, David Hasan

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Gfsa Encodes A Novel Galactofuranosyltransferase Involved In Biosynthesis Of Galactofuranose Antigen Of O-Glycan In Aspergillus Nidulans And Aspergillus Fumigatus, Yuji Komachi, Shintaro Hatakeyama, Haruka Motomatsu, Taiki Futagami, Karina Kizjakina, Pablo Sobrado, Keisuke Ekino, Kaoru Takegawa, Masatoshi Goto, Yoshiyuki Nomura, Takuji Oka

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Summary: The cells wall of filamentous fungi in the genus Aspergillus has galactofuranose (Galf)-containing polysaccharides and glycoconjugates, including O-glycans, N-glycans, fungal-type galactomannan and glycosylinositolphosphoceramide, which are important for cell wall integrity. Here, we attempted to identify galactofuranosyltransferases that couple Galf monomers onto other wall components in Aspergillus nidulans. Using reverse-genetic and biochemical approaches, we identified that the AN8677 gene encoded a galactofuranosyltransferase, which we called GfsA, involved in Galf antigen biosynthesis. Disruption of gfsA reduced binding of β-Galf-specific antibody EB-A2 to O-glycosylated WscA protein and galactomannoproteins. The results of an in-vitroGalf antigen synthase assay revealed that GfsA has β1,5- or …

Smart Rocks And Wireless Communication System For Real-Time Monitoring And Mitigation Of Bridge Scour -- A Proof-Of-Concept Study, Genda Chen, David Pommerenke, Y. Rosa Zheng, Andriy V. Radchenko, Yan Tang, Brandon P. Schafer, Ying Huang, Z. L. Yang

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study aims to integrate commercial measurement and communication components into a scour monitoring system with magnets or electronics embedded in smart rocks, and evaluate and improve its performance in laboratory and field conditions for the movement of smart rocks. Properly-designed smart rocks were found to be automatically rolled into the very bottom of a scour hole and can give critical information about the maximum scour depth and effectiveness of rip-rap mitigation strategies. Four types of smart rock technologies were investigated in this proof-of-concept phase of study, including passive with embedded magnets, active with magneto-inductive communication, active with controllable magnet …

Increasing Student Engagement In The Middle School Classroom, Elisa V. Biancalana

Dissertations

There is a need to improve student engagement in the middle school classroom. This change plan seeks to determine the level of student engagement in the classroom using the Instructional Practices Inventory tool. Classroom walkthroughs will be conducted to determine the level of engagement in the classroom. The data collected during the walkthroughs will drive the professional development needed for teachers in order to be able to implement teaching strategies that increase the level of student engagement in the classroom. The effective implementation of this change plan will ensure that teachers will work collaboratively in order to design engaging instruction …

X-Ray Fluorescence (Xrf) Analyzer - Theory, Utility, And Qa/Qc For Environmental And Commercial Product Samples In Cambodia, Sereyrath Lim

Multidisciplinary Studies Theses

Laboratory facilities in developed countries provide a variety of options for analysis of environmental samples and commercial commodities that could impact human health. The same is not true in developing countries and there is a great need to identify technologies that could be used to provide robust, accurate, cost-effective analysis that minimizes the need for extensive technical training. An X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer seems to be an analytical technique that could be such a tool for developing countries. Therefore, the objective of this thesis was to assess the performance and utility of a handheld, portable XRF unit in analyzing different …

Bayesian Methods To Determine Performance Differences And To Quantify Variability Among Centers In Multi-Center Trials: The Ihast Trial, Eo Bayman, Km Chaloner, Bj Hindman, Mm Todd, Ihast Investigators

Peninsula Medical School

BACKGROUND: To quantify the variability among centers and to identify centers whose performance are potentially outside of normal variability in the primary outcome and to propose a guideline that they are outliers. METHODS: Novel statistical methodology using a Bayesian hierarchical model is used. Bayesian methods for estimation and outlier detection are applied assuming an additive random center effect on the log odds of response: centers are similar but different (exchangeable). The Intraoperative Hypothermia for Aneurysm Surgery Trial (IHAST) is used as an example. Analyses were adjusted for treatment, age, gender, aneurysm location, World Federation of Neurological Surgeons scale, Fisher score …

Amap Assessment 2013: Arctic Ocean Acidification. Arctic Monitoring And Assessment Programme (Amap), Amap, Jason Hall-Spencer

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.

A Study Of The Heritage Business Owners And Artisans Of The Bear River Heritage Area, Kevin Bennett

All Current Publications

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has defined heritage tourism as “Traveling to experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present.

Efficient Privacy-Preserving Range Queries Over Encrypted Data In Cloud Computing, Bharath K. Samanthula, Wei Jiang

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

With the growing popularity of data and service outsourcing, where the data resides on remote servers in encrypted form, there remain open questions about what kind of query operations can be performed on the encrypted data. In this paper, we focus on one such important query operation, namely range query. One of the basic security primitives that can be used to evaluate range queries is secure comparison of encrypted integers. However, the existing secure comparison protocols strongly rely on the encrypted bit-wise representations rather than on pure encrypted integers. Therefore, in this paper, we first propose an efficient method for …

Differences In Internet Usage Patterns With Stress And Anxiety Among College Students, Levi Malott, Sai Preethi Vishwanathan, Sriram Chellappan

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Stress and Anxiety negatively affect mental health and can lead a number of debilitating impacts to overall health and wellbeing. In the recent past, adolescents are becoming increasingly afflicted with Stress and Anxiety. In this paper, we report our findings on a six-week study of 70 students at a college campus on associations between Stress and Anxiety with respect to Internet usage of students. Using Cisco NetFlow records, on-campus Internet usage of students was collected continuously and unobtrusively in a privacy-preserving manner. Using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), students were separated based on normal scores and high scores …

Chc-Tscm: A Trustworthy Service Composition Method Based On An Improved Chc Genetic Algorithm, Cao Buqing, Liu Jianxun, Xiaoqing Frank Liu, Li Bing, Zhou Dong

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Trustworthy service composition is an extremely important task when service composition becomes infeasible or even fails in an environment which is open, autonomic, uncertain and deceptive. This paper presents a trustworthy service composition method based on an improved Cross generation elitist selection, Heterogeneous recombination, Cataclysmic mutation (CHC) Trustworthy Service Composition Method (CHC-TSCM) genetic algorithm. CHC-TSCM firstly obtains the total trust degree of the individual service using a trust degree measurement and evaluation model proposed in previous research. Trust combination and computation then are performed according to the structural relation of the composite service. Finally, the optimal trustworthy service composition is …

Evaluation Of A Nurse-Led Intervention To Improve Palliative Care For Select Medical Intensive Care Patients, Lori A. Constantine

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Body: Twenty percent of all Americans die in an intensive care unit (ICU) or shortly thereafter. For most of these patients, relentless and distressing symptoms are commonplace. Review of local data reveals opportunity for improvement in the palliative care offered to hospitalized patients. To address this need for improved palliative care, the Volunteer Hospital Association's (VHA) Communication and Care Bundle will be implemented in a local medical ICU, using Roger's (2003) diffusion of innovations (DOI) as the theoretical base.;Evaluation: Communication and Care Bundle within a given time frames, for select medical ICU patients. ICU length of stay and patient mortality …

Essays On Evidence-Based Design As Related To Buildings And Occupant Health, John Christopher Haddox

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation is comprised of three essays that explore the connections between buildings and their impacts on outcomes associated with occupant health. The essays are: 1. The Effect of Certified Green Office Buildings on Occupant Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, 2. Understanding Evidence-Based Design Through a Review of the Literature, 3. Future Directions for Evidence-Based Design in Health Care Facilities.;Essay one, entitled The Effect of Certified Green Office Buildings on Occupant Heath: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, explores the connections between certified green office buildings and their impacts on occupant health via the application of a systematic review and …

Characterizations Of Concretes With Alkali-Activated Binder And Correlating Their Properties From Micro- To Specimen Level, Arkamitra Kar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The manufacturing of portland cement (PC), the main binder of concrete, generates large amount of CO2 (a greenhouse gas), cement kiln dust (solid waste), and consumes significant amount of heat energy. Alkali-activated binder (AAB) is increasingly being considered as an environmentally friendly or green alternative to PC. The AAB is produced by alkali activation of aluminosilicate compounds as precursors with or without calcium ions in them in the temperature range of 60° C to 90° C. Since most of the precursors are waste or by-products, the AAB is regarded as sustainable and green construction material with great potential for its …

Adjustment Of Initial- And Terminal-Link Response Patterns To Suddenly Equivalent Terminal Links, Shrinidhi Subramaniam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Three pigeons were trained on concurrent-chain schedules. Concurrent variable-interval initial links produced fixed-interval (FI) terminal links. Occasional `no-food' terminal links were interspersed pseudorandomly to obtain stop times, a single-trial measure of temporal discrimination. In rapid-acquisition conditions, terminal links were FI 10 s and FI 20 s. Across sessions, the location of the initial link leading to the shorter terminal link varied pseudorandomly. Both terminal links were FI 15 s in a uniform condition. In the rapid-acquisition conditions, initial-link response allocation tracked relative terminal-link immediacy and stop times tracked terminal-link FIs. Initial- and terminal-link pecking stabilized within the first half of …

Item Community High School Library: A Reflection Of School Libraries In Nigeria, Chimezie Patrick Uzuegbu, Olamide Tolulomo Ibiyemi

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study examines the status of Item Community High School library in an attempt to showcase the state of school libraries in Nigeria. The research investigates the personnel, facility and material availability in the library as well as the extent of use of the library by teachers and students. The questionnaire and observation research methods were used to collect data for the study. Apart from observing that the library lacks materials and facilities, the results of the study further show that the school has no person at the moment to man the library. As a result, the library has been …

Converting Vra Core Records To Marc Records: A Study In Crosswalking, Mathew Senander Iii

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper explores the process of converting records created with the Visual Resources Association (VRA) Core metadata scheme to records that comply with Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC), using the J. Paul Getty Museum’s Metadata Standards Crosswalk. Justification for conducting such conversions in actual information organizations and challenges presented during the crosswalking process are explored.

Winter 2013

Conversations

Notes from the dean; Renowned journalist Chris Bury joins the faculty; Public relations students shine on national stage; Alumna finds success bringing bands and brands together; Student organization spotlight: SPJ DePaul; All for DePaul campaign; Around the college; Accolades