Digital Commons Network^™

Teaching Methods To Build The Numeracy Skills Of Preschoolers With Disabilities And Complex Communication Needs, Avery Briggs

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This project explored the use of a curriculum that incorporates naturalistic and explicit instructional approaches through literature and direct teaching moments on the numeracy skills of three students with disabilities and complex communication needs. The numeracy skills targeted included patterning and sorting, shape discrimination, and quantity discrimination. This project took place during Extended School Year (ESY), a program that extends the traditional school year to provide services to students with disabilities. Student present levels and progress were assessed through a pretest and posttest given on the first and last days of ESY, in addition to progress monitoring data taken during …

Designing A Robust Lab Scale Electrocoagulation Reactor For Removal Of Micro- And Nanoplastics From Drinking Water, Emmanuel Louis Aduhene

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

The widespread occurrence of micro and nanoplastics in drinking water sources could cause serious public health issues. These plastics particles, products of industrial operations and weathering of larger plastics, can interact with other contaminants in the environment, leading to more severe environmental pollution. Present drinking water treatment technologies were designed to remove suspended colloids. However, due to the distinct chemical and physical properties of micro and nanoplastics from conventional colloids, it is challenging for traditional chemical coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation process to achieve satisfying removal performance. This report investigates a design of a lab-scale electrocoagulation reactor for the removal of nanoplastics from drinking …

Quantitative Analysis Of Protective Effect Of Resveratrol Against Nanoplastic-Induced Oxidative Stress, Bryan Gustafson

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Nanoplastics and microplastics are a growing ecological and health concern due to their widespread prevalence. The effects of these microscopic particles in biological systems primarily relate to their potential to produce reactive oxygen species and interactive effects with other cytotoxic agents. Of particular interest in this work is the effect on mammalian intestinal cells, due to the regular unintentional ingestion of micro- and nanoplastics in the normal western diet. In this study, Caco-2 cells were cultured and exposed to polystyrene particles in vitro as a simple model of the human digestive endothelium.

Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, has been …

Examining Support By Residents For Community Scale Wildfire Mitigation Strategies In The Wasatch Front, Conner R. Smith

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Current development trends along the Wasatch Front are causing a greater threat of wildfires to the Utahns who reside there. Research indicates that although studies meant to examine wildfire mitigation strategy preferences do exist, their findings are not applicable to the Wasatch Front. This thesis addresses the lack of applicable data and the resultant lack of understanding of the Wasatch Front residents' preferences. In my project specifically, I will be looking at what wildfire mitigation strategies, at the community scale, residents of the Wasatch Front prefer. Additionally, I will be comparing the preferences of residents living in areas with above …

Pavlovian Conditioned-Reinforcer Training As A Means Of Reducing Impulsive Choice, Emma Visser

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Impulsive choice is associated with a host of human maladaptive behaviors warranting investigations aimed at reducing impulsive choice. Pavlovian conditioning was explored in 22 male Wistar rats. The experimental group was exposed to a stimulus that signaled a large delay-reduction to an food, whereas the control group experienced a stimulus that was controlled by a random schedule that did not predict food. Subsequently, a test of conditioned reinforcement was conducted, indicating a difference in conditioning between groups. Finally, a test of impulsive choice failed to find effects of training on impulsive choice.

Course Of Disease Progression And Time To Death Among Different Dementia Types In A Population Based Study, Kaitlyn E. Kauzor

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, Other types of dementia include vascular (VaD) and mixed forms, like AD with VaD, other mixed forms of dementia or dementia of unknown etiology (DUE). Research has focused on factors that may increase risk of developing dementia, with less understood about disease course. Factors associated with risk for developing dementia onset include age, female sex, family history of dementia, genetics (e.g. having the ε4 allele of the Apolipoprotein E or APOE gene), and various health conditions. This project used previously collected data from the Cache County Study on Memory and …

An Analysis Of Psychological Concepts In Interactive Media, Kieryn Funk

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

An analysis of how video games display psychological concepts and facilitate psychological experiences. Video games are an extremely competent medium for experiences and learning psychology due to the manner in which they elicit emotions and teach procedurally. Psychological concepts are explained in a brief way, then specific examples are brought up from video games connecting the concept to an element in the game, specifically in gameplay mechanics, narrative story, or aesthetics and elements in the game world. Behavioral science is examined both on a conceptual level and on a technical level showing how video games, in general, display the theories …

Viking And Native North American Interactions: The Spread Of Disease In The Norse Discovery Of North America, Sarah N. Haughawout

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

This paper evaluates the potential for spread of disease in the Norse and Native North American interactions around 1000 CE. At this time, the Vikings were expanding their territory in search of land and natural resources following the Viking Raids in mainland Europe. They traveled to Iceland, then Greenland, and finally the eastern coast of northern Canada. Norse explorers faced numerous obstacles on their journeys, but they still prospered in North America for a time. The Vikings hunted the land and sea mammals, used the land, and found ways to thrive while having hostile relations and contact with the Native …

Asian American Reproductive Rhetorics: A Rhetorical Analysis Of "The Farm" By Joanne Ramos, Mckinlee Armstrong

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Rhetorical scholars have long analyzed the idea of choice in the context of reproductive rights and have concluded that individual choice does not override the systematic barriers women of color face in accessing reproductive healthcare. Most Asian American rhetorical artifacts that have reached this same conclusion are case studies. I propose that analyzing Asian American fiction, specifically The Farm by Joanne Ramos, is just as necessary because fiction demonstrates the barriers that might exist in the future and how to prevent them from happening. The framework I use to analyze this text is the Asian American rhetorical concept of restiveness, …

D-Optimal Joint Best Linear Unbiased Predictors In Progressively Type-Ii Ordered Statistics, Tamim Alam

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Reliability and life-testing experiments play a crucial role in understanding the longevity and performance of systems and components, particularly in high-stakes applications such as engineering, manufacturing, and quality control. In this thesis, we focus on the prediction of future unobserved failure times by employing joint predictors based on progressively Type-II censored data obtained from such life-testing experiments. Specifically, we derive explicit analytical expressions for the joint best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs) of two future order statistics under the D-optimality criterion. The derivation involves minimizing the determinant of the variance-covariance matrix of the predictors within the context of progressively Type-II censored …

Developing A Bioengineered Nanoparticle For Improving Oral Absorption Of Iron Supplements., Mila Biswas

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are widespread nutritional issues, affecting millions globally. Conventional iron supplements often suffer from low absorption rates and gastrointestinal side effects. We investigated β-glucan derivatives as potential carriers to enhance iron absorption and mitigate these drawbacks. This study explored a novel β-glucan-based carrier system loaded with ferrous sulfate heptahydrate. In-vitro studies demonstrated sustained iron stability for over six hours in simulated gastric fluids due to the carrier's affinity for stomach mucin. Particle size analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed this specific binding. Additionally, drug release studies revealed a pH-dependent release profile, …

Seasonal Abundances Of Aedes Aegypti And Culex Quinquefasciatus In An Urban Community In The Texas/Mexico Border, Kevyn Amezcua

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

AAedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus are two medically relevant species of mosquitoes that can transmit several arboviruses that affect human health. Ae. aegypti is a vector for viral diseases such as Dengue, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, and Zika, while Cx. quinquefasciatus is a vector for West Nile and Saint Louis Encephalitis. Both species are mostly found in urban environments and are affected by several anthropogenic factors such as the presence of artificial containers and overall changes to the native landscape. Little research is done on the ecology of these two species in the Chihuahuan desert, which has some areas that are …

Implementing The Methodology To Generate Diagnostic And Therapeutic Antibodies, Andrea Mariana Carlin

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This research aimed to establish the methodology for developing monoclonal antibodies at The University of Texas at El Paso. Monoclonal antibodies are indispensable across multiple fields, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and biotechnology, yet there is a shortage of commercially available antibodies targeting specific proteins or possessing specialized characteristics. To address this gap, three models were selected: a peptide derived from the intracellular protein Schlafen 8 and two cell surface protein receptors: mouse vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and human melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R). These proteins present unique challenges in antibody generation, including issues of accessibility, expression, and specificity.

Throughout …

Examining Key Predictors Of Enrollment At A Regional, Open-Access Research University On The U.S. - Mexico Border, Marcus Gay

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Each year, approximately 64% of admitted students do not enroll at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). This is particularly concerning given the projected decline in regional high school graduates beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year. The El Paso region is also predominantly composed of groups who have been historically underrepresented in higher education, including Hispanic or Latino students, individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds, and first-generation college students. Using logistic regression analysis, this quantitative study investigates how seven key factors impact the likelihood of enrollment among admitted UTEP applicants. The study utilized admissions data provided by UTEP’s Texas …

Accessibility And Usability Of Medical Devices For Users With Disabilities: Insights From A Bibliometric And Thematic Analysis, Karen Daniela Gonzalez Silva

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Integrated Study Of Aerosol Concentrations And Meteorological Conditions In El Paso Airshed Using Modeling And Instrumentation, Joscelyne Guzman-Gonzalez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Atmospheric aerosols are solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere. Aerosols can be primary, which are directly emitted into the atmosphere, or secondary, which are formed when emitted gases undergo complex chemical reactions. Atmospheric aerosols can range from a few nanometers to tens of microns in diameter. Atmospheric aerosols play a significant role in climate; they can absorb or reflect heat, influencing temperature and weather patterns. Air quality is also affected by aerosols, which can have detrimental effects on human health, contributing to respiratory issues and other health problems. El Paso Texas is located at the south of the …

Integrating Responsible And Ethical Conduct Of Research Into Cures: A Longitudinal Study Observing Professional Development Of Fellows Within The Ethics Network For Course-Based Opportunities In Undergraduate Research, Aimee Angelica Hernandez-Gaytan

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Protective And Risk Exposures Of Cancers Disproportionately Affecting Hispanics In A U.S. - Mexico Border Population: A Clinical Informatics Approach, Amir Hernandez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. with over 8 million new cases between 2016 and 2020. A variety of protective and risk exposures are associated with multiple cancers and disparities and inequalities exist in the health outcomes of minority populations. Hispanic populations in the U.S. and Texas have some of the highest rates of cancer incidence and mortality when compared to other populations. The use of Population and Public Health Informatics approaches to address these issues have shown promise when employed in healthcare institutions METHODS: A case-control study design examined associations between multiple cancers …

Enhancement Of Zika Virus Infection By West Nile And Dengue Virus Antibody Positive Cord-Blood Samples From Mothers In El Paso-Texas, Jeanette Orbegozo

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The recent Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak and its association with microcephaly cases and other neurological syndromes are important public health concerns. A phenomenon known as antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) involves preexisting flavivirus antibodies to a specific flavivirus that enhances the severity of a second infection with a different flavivirus. Since ZIKV is related to flaviviruses like West Nile virus (WNV) and dengue virus (DENV), prior exposure to these viruses could elicit cross-reactive antibodies that may enhance a subsequent ZIKV infection. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if WNV and DENV antibodies from cord blood enhanced ZIKV infection in vitro. Initially, a …

Pretrial Release Decision-Making: Understanding The Factors Contributing To Pretrial Release Bond Information, Chelsea Sierra Queen

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

At initial appearance, judges and magistrates must strike a balance between a defendantâ??s likelihood of returning to court and the safety of the community when determining pretrial release bonds, using limited available information in short periods of time. Across two complementary studies, factorsâ??both established by literature and novelâ??are assessed to further understand judicial decision-making in pretrial settings. Study 1 was a secondary data analysis to determine whether established factors considered at release are replicated in El Paso, Texas. Study 2 used observational data to review characteristics specific to defendants and the initial hearing interaction, while similarly analyzing established factors considered …

Examining The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Coping Behaviors, And Metabolic Syndrome In Mexican-American Men, Paulina Torres

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been increasing in the US over recent years. Individuals who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and developed maladaptive coping strategies are at increased risk of developing MetS. Hispanic men might have an increased risk of developing MetS due to higher exposure to ACEs and increased use of maladaptive coping strategies.Purpose: To examine the relationship between ACEs, coping, and MetS among Mexican-American men. Methods: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional study of 100 adult men from El Paso, Texas in 2018-19. ACEs were examined using the 10-item ACE questionnaire. Coping was assessed through …

Optimal Route Planning Considering Microlevel Sequence Of Delivery Task Using Computer Simulation, Dana Alejandra Zamorano Orozco

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

As globalization reshapes our industries worldwide, supply chain management has evolved into a highly interconnected world that oversees traditional management, making countries more interdependent. Driven by rapid technological advancements, this shift allows companies to share information in a matter of seconds across continents, aligning operations and building adaptability to quick changes. Therefore, industries have greatly needed to adjust to and use the new technology to their advantage. However, even when this impact can be observed globally, the general impact can be analyzed and eradicated by performing micro-level analysis within the supply chain using technologies to their advantage. AnyLogic is a …

Thermal Inequity Along The Us-Mexico Border: An Analysis Of El Paso, Texas, Mia Alexandra Trevino

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The Urban Heat Island effect (UHI) combined with rising average global temperatures invariably results in thermal inequality, the unequal distribution of temperature patterns by different socioeconomic and sociodemographic groups, resulting in an array of negative public health impacts. This thesis research focused on the historical factors that contribute to UHI and tree cover in historically underserved neighborhoods in El Paso, Texas. The impact of maps from 1933-1954 created by the Home Ownerâ??s Loan Corporation (HOLC), a federal selective lending program, resulted in decades of disinvestment and inequality especially in redlined areas. Geospatial analyses of environmental and socioeconomic indicators such as …

Water Fluoridation: The Evidence Behind The Risk Of Fluoride Use, Margherita Fontana D.D.S., Ph.D., Carlos González-Cabezas D.D.S., M.S.D., Ph.D., Livia Tenuta D.D.S., M.Sc., Ph.D.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The debate surrounding fluoride use for caries control has intensified due to recent events, including a National Toxicology Program (NTP) report and a court ruling mandating EPA action on fluoride levels in tap water.

Despite concerns about fluoride's potential neurodevelopmental impact at high concentrations, current evidence shows no adverse effects at the recommended levels of 0.7 ppm in U.S. community water fluoridation programs. While studies in regions with endemic fluorosis suggest an association between high fluoride exposure and lower IQ, methodological limitations undermine causal conclusions.

Global and U.S. health authorities, including the WHO and ADA, reaffirm the safety and efficacy …

The Back Page: The Personal Touch Makes The Difference, Riley Schaff D.D.S.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Riley Schaff discusses the importance of personal connection in engaging new dentists with organized dentistry. Drawing from his own experience of being personally invited to chair a New Dentist Study Club, he emphasizes that direct, personal outreach is more effective than digital communication in encouraging participation among early-career dentists.

The article highlights ongoing efforts at the state level to increase engagement, including enhanced presence at local events and networking programs. However, Schaff argues that grassroots efforts at the local component level are crucial for significant change in membership rates. He concludes that personal engagement from existing members is essential …

What You Must Know: Retention And Destruction Of Dental Records And Your Most-Asked Questions About Dental Records, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

An overview of the basic information about dental records, including retention and destruction, that you and your staff should be aware of, provided by MDA Legal Counsel Dan Schulte, J.D. Plus, for your reference, answers to the questions Michigan dental offices are asking about dental record retention, access, release, and destruction.

Dental records are vital for patient care, legal compliance, and professional practice management. Michigan law mandates retaining dental records for a minimum of 10 years, ensuring their confidentiality, accessibility, and integrity. Destruction of records less than 10 years old requires patient notification and authorization, while those over 10 years …

Preparing Educators To Effectively Engage With Postsecondary Stem Students With Autism, Luzconsuelo Gavaldon

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifetime mental disability (Boucher, 2009). Because the brains of people with autism work differently than their non-neurodiverse peers (Kuzminskaite et al., 2020), they tend to respond to external stimuli in a hypo- or hyper-sensory fashion. One of the primary considerations that must be accounted for when working with individuals with autism is that the brains of these persons are each neurologically distinct. In other words, there is no "one-size-fits-all" means by which individuals with ASD learn and develop and, consequently, no single way to therefore engage with said individuals (Anderson & Butt, 2017; Kuzminski …

Enhancing The Utility Of Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles (Uavs) With Model-Based Systems Engineering (Mbse) And Modular Open Systems Approach (Mosa), Aimee Barraza

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as versatile tools with significant implications across various industries, particularly in defense. The technological advancements in UAVs have revolutionized military operations, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. However, there exist challenges such as environmental factors affecting sensor and flight performance, limited battery life restricting flight durations, and payload capacity constraints impeding task efficiency.This paper delves into the importance of UAVs in different industries, specifically focusing on their pivotal role in the Department of Defense. It emphasizes the necessity of technological upgrades to overcome current challenges and proposes the adoption of a Modular and Open System Approach …

Myofibroblast Targeted Liposomes For The Treatment Of Skin Fibrosis, Elfa Beaven

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Continuous overactivation of myofibroblasts leads to excessive deposition of profibrotic proteins, which in turn causes tissue stiffness and, ultimately, organ failure. One of those proteins, Cadherin-11 (CDH11), is reported to be overexpressed in the tissue of fibrotic skin, specifically on myofibroblasts. Similarly, chronic inflammation drives fibrosis progression in autoimmune-related illnesses like systemic sclerosis (SSc). Therefore, it is hypothesized that CDH11 could be a target for cell-specific delivery of antifibrotic therapies to fibrotic skin tissue. Here, a CDH11 peptide conjugated liposome loaded with Tofacitinib, a JAK inhibitor, was developed to understand the potential of targeted therapies to treat skin fibrosis. The …

Unequal Struggles: The Heightened Burdens Of First-Generation College Students During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Kristen Nichole Branch

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This narrative literature review explores the current research and data on the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on first-generation college students. From academics to mental, emotional, and social effects, the COVID-19 pandemic took the hurdles that this unique group of students already faces and amplified their challenges. This narrative literature review looks at different studies starting at the peak of the pandemic, 2020, to the current year, 2024, where we are beginning to see mitigation strategies and changes to policies to assist the flaws within the education system for first-generation students.