Digital Commons Network^™

A Comparison Of Principal Motivational Orientation And The Orientation Of Principal Actions To Motivate Teachers, Charles K. Stewart

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This study was planned and conducted to evaluate the correlation between a principal’s dominant motivation type (intrinsic or extrinsic) related to their dominant method to motivate others (intrinsic or extrinsic). The study included nine elementary school principals who led schools to high levels of academic performance. Three participating principals were selected from a school with high poverty rates. Three other principals were selected from schools with medium poverty rates, and three more were selected from schools with low poverty rates.

The researcher collected information from the nine participating principals regarding factors that motivate them to improve student learning at their …

Caregiver Implemented Standardized To Individualized Behavior Analytic Toilet Training Package For Autistic Preschoolers, Jessica A. Osos

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Autistic children often face challenges with toilet training and may benefit from a more structured and systematic approach compared to methods used for neurotypical children. While research and literature in this area has shown that behavior analytic toilet training packages can lead to increasing successful urinations and reducing accidents for autistic children, limitations such as not including caregivers as the individuals implementing the package, unsustainable sit schedules, and lack of acceptable levels of checks for accurate data collection and implementation of procedures highlight the need for refining of implementation oversight and examination of updated toileting procedures without the use of …

Determining The Structure And Function Of Type Iv-A Anti-Crisprs, Olivine Redman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Bacteria face a constant existential threat in the form of infection by viruses along with other forms of mobile genetic elements, such as bacteriophage and transposable elements. To survive, bacteria and other prokaryotes have evolved various immune systems to evade these would-be invaders. One such immune system is the CRISPR-Cas system, an adaptive immune system able to record the genetic signature of invading viruses in order to recognize and destroy them should they be encountered again in the future. In this thesis I present data that sheds light on the mechanism of one particular subtype of CRISPR-Cas systems: the type …

A Survey Of Master's Qualifying Exam Practices And Content In Real Analysis, Zachary M. Coverstone

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Graduate programs in mathematics are intended to develop experts in mathematics. As part of a graduate program, many students are expected to engage in a qualifying examination that can serve myriad purposes. This dissertation investigates real analysis qualifying examinations at the master's level through a nation-wide survey of institutions in the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU). This study reveals the practices in administration of real analysis qualifying exams, institutions reported offering traditional, pencil-and-paper exams and generally asked students to prepare individually using previously administered exams. The survey results show that approximately two in three APLU institutions offering master's …

Increasing The Spatial Resolution Of Snow Hydrology Data And Augmenting Existing Hydrology Monitoring Networks Using Low-Cost Snow Sensing Stations, Braedon Dority

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Snow is a crucial part of the water cycle, especially in mountainous regions where melting snow provides water for millions of people. However, accurately measuring how much water is stored in snow is challenging. Current monitoring networks, such as the snowpack telemetry (SNOTEL) network in the western United States, provide valuable data, but have gaps in coverage and are expensive to operate and expand. This research explores a more affordable way to improve snow measurements by designing and testing low-cost snow sensing stations. These stations use open-source datalogger and software technology along with research-grade sensors to measure important snow variables. …

Blind Construction Of A Party Check Matrix For Arbitrary Linear Block Codes, Aaron J. Womack

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Communication systems are systems in which a transmitter sends data across a channel to a receiver. In any modern communication system, Forward Error Correction (FEC) is used to detect and correct errors that occur during transmission. As communication systems have developed over the years, many FEC algorithms have been proposed. Each FEC algorithm has parameters that can be selected based on the needs of the communication system. Typically, the transmitter and receiver are both aware of the FEC parameters, but in some cases the receiver may not know how the transmitter encoded its message. In this case, the receiver must …

Component Analysis Of Interactive Computer Training To Teach Paraprofessionals To Deliver Behavioral Skills Training, Scott V. Page

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

In education and Applied Behavior Analysis, there is growing demand for well-trained entry-level individuals to deliver behavior interventions. Interactive Computer Training allows trainees to access online instruction with video demonstrations, interactive tasks, and feedback, without a live instructor. This training approach could save valuable training time and money. Prior researchers demonstrated these types of training can teach trainees to correctly use behavior interventions. There are gaps in our understanding of Interactive Computer Trainings that limit its successful use. Few studies measured cost-effectiveness, identified the effective features of Interactive Computer Training (e.g., videos, quizzes, feedback), or trained users to deliver effective …

Bim Assessment For State Departments Of Transportation, Francisco Israel Guillen

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been used by the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry to enhance the efficiency and quality of work across various stages, including planning, design, construction, and operation and maintenance (OM) of projects. Despite widespread adoption in vertical construction, BIM implementation in infrastructure projects is still falling behind. This disparity can be attributed to several factors, including the complexity and scale of infrastructure projects and varying levels of BIM adoption and integration within organizations. Efforts to standardize BIM practices and enhance the digital capabilities of infrastructure projects are essential to bridge this gap and ensure the …

Testing Revenge Pornography Using The General Strain Theory And Online Disinhibition Effect, Jesus Manuel Guardado Hernandez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The current study tests whether perceptions of general strain and online disinhibition effect could explain the intent to commit Revenge Pornography (RP). The data was collected using an online survey that was launched on a research platform called "Connect Cloud Research." After gathering the data, bivariate correlation and multiple regression analysis were necessary to establish the relationship and causality. Results were mixed, showing that there is a positive correlation with general strain and online disinhibition effect factors with the intent to commit RP, while multiple regression indicated that the independent variables did not predict the intent to commit RP. Unexpectedly, …

Leveraging Predictive Analytics To Improve Prognostic Models For Uterine Cancer, Arnav Joshi

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC) presents notable disparities in incidence and outcomes across racial groups, warranting deeper investigation through transcriptomic and predictive modeling approaches. This thesis presents a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of RNA-Seq data from 177 individuals, comprising both tumor and control samples, specifically from the UCEC_CN_High molecular subtype. The cohort was stratified by race, focusing on differences between Black and White individuals to explore race-associated gene expression patterns. To uncover genes with prognostic significance, LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) regression was applied for feature selection, identifying a subset of genes most strongly associated with overall survival. These …

An Alienated Population; Societal Issues And Educational Neglect In The Field Of Gifted Education, A Narrative Literature Review, Venus Jennifer Mendez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this narrative literature review is to explore societal issues and educational neglect in gifted education, focusing particularly on the underrepresentation of African American and Hispanic students. Through a comprehensive analysis of 36 peer-reviewed sources, the study reveals systemic inequities which leads to a creation of different themes stemming from racial and linguistic biases, imprecise definitions of giftedness, and the lack of teacher diversity, which collectively hinder equitable access to gifted programs. The findings magnify the urgent need for reform in identification process and procedures where the impact of having imprecise definitions and a lack of teacher diversity …

Navigating The Transition: Hispanic High School Graduates' Experiences With Eight-Week College Semesters, Jonathan Nickerson

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study explored the transition from high school to higher education within the context of eight-week academic semesters for Hispanic students. Utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and grounded in Schlossberg's Transition Theory, the research investigates the lived experiences of Hispanic high school graduates navigating accelerated college courses. The students faced challenges such as time management, transportation, and financial constraints, they also exhibit resilience and adaptability. The eight-week semester format was generally perceived positively, offering flexibility and fostering a sense of achievement.

Exploring Willingness To Seek Help And Well-Being In Rural Veterans With Health Conditions: A National Rural Health Study, Jimena Isabel Ortiz

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The population of Veterans in the United States has increased significantly, with a substantial number residing in rural areas. This study aims to highlight and understand the correlation between military service members' physical and mental well-being and the quality/access to care they receive. This study also aims to explore mental health-seeking behaviors, health, and well-being in rural Veterans with health conditions. The study included 400 rural-dwelling Veterans with documented physical and mental health conditions. Data was collected through surveys distributed via various media channels, including social media platforms, and the results demonstrated that willingness to seek psychological help was positively …

The Role Of Ecological Nostalgia And Prostalgia In Pro-Environmental Intentions, Perla Celeste Perez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Climate change will have catastrophic impacts on humans and the natural environment. However, despite abundant evidence suggesting climate change is happening, climate change mitigation remains a highly polarizing issue in the U.S. Addressing this challenge requires social science research to tailor climate change information to resonate with both liberals and conservatives. Certain concepts, such as nostalgia and prostalgia - a sentimental longing for the past and future - have yet to be explored in the context of pro-environmental behaviors within liberal and conservative samples. Specifically, the longing or sentimental attachment to a past or future natural environment (i.e., ecological nostalgia …

Mentoring Matters: Exploring The Impact Of Mentorship On The Professional Growth Of Latina Assistant Principals, Corina Rendon

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Abstract This qualitative study used an interpretative phenomenological approach. The purpose of this study is to explore the mentoring experiences of Latina assistant principals in the El Paso, Texas region who have been in the role for 0-5 years and to express the need for mentorship in their professional development. While more Latinas are stepping into roles in education, they continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions. Mentorship can be a powerful support system. Through semi-structured interviews, participants shared their lived experiences with formal and informal mentorship. Their voices were analyzed using thematic coding, and several key themes emerged, including …

Pathways Of Nitrogen Loss After Fertilization In Dryland Ecosystems, Fidel Manuel Renteria

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Dryland ecosystems cover approximately 41% of the Earth’s terrestrial surface, and are characterized by limited moisture, nutrient-poor soils, and pulsed precipitation regimes that collectively constrain nutrient cycling. Although nitrogen (N) is often assumed to be a primary limiting nutrient in these environments, fertilization studies frequently reveal minimal biotic response to added N—a pattern known as the "dryland nitrogen paradox." This paradox has been attributed to rapid nitrogen loss via gaseous emissions and leaching, exacerbated by interactions with water and phosphorus (P) availability. To investigate these loss pathways, we conducted a field experiment at the Jornada Experimental Range in the northern …

Pilot Study To Compare A Therapeutic Exercise Protocol And Neuromuscular Taping On Improving Plantar Foot Pressure Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients, Sandra Rivera

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: Diabetes has become one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a common complication of diabetes as it causes peripheral neuropathy. It is estimated that up to 50% of peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes may be asymptomatic. Justification: The purpose of this study was to determine if the therapeutic exercise protocol and/or Neuromuscular taping can delay changes in the plantar pressure of the foot in patients with Diabetes. Methods: A two-group quasi-experimental design was used in this study; data was collected at two different points in time; pre- and post-intervention. Baropodometric was used …

Bilingual Inconsistency Effect, Colin Andrew Scholl

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

One of the leading models of discourse processing states that the activation of information within a text occurs through an automatic spread of activation between associated concepts, known as cohort-based retrieval. Moreover, previous studies that have investigated bilingual reading comprehension have found that certain processes that support the construction of quality mental representations of discourse are less efficient in a bilingual's non-dominant language (L2) compared to their dominant language (L1). The current study investigated cohort-based retrieval in the L1 and the L2 using a sample of 44 highly proficient, college-aged Spanish-English bilinguals that read narrative passages all in their L1 …

A Cross-Sectional Examination Of Rejection-Identification And Collective Action Among Latino College Students Following The Walmart Shooting In El Paso, Xavier Vera-Adrianzen

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Objectives: The present study aimed to test predictions derived from the rejection-identification model and collective action perspectives. Using a cross-sectional design, hypothesis 1 examined whether ethnic identification mediated the association between perceived discrimination and psychological distress, and hypothesis 2 examined whether attitude toward activism moderated the mediating effect of ethnic identification on the association between perceived discrimination and issue-specific activism. Method: 372 (77.4% female; Mage = 20.9 years, SD = 4.2) Latino undergraduate students from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) completed an online survey within approximately two years after the El Paso Walmart shooting, the deadliest attack …

A Brighter Future Lies Ahead? The Impact Of Juvenile Records On Adults' Hiring Prospects, Morgan Rose Wagner

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Having a record can make obtaining employment difficult - while the stigma against criminal records is well established, the effects of a juvenile record on hiring outcomes is less clear. Juvenile records can often be sealed; however, when sealing is not done consistently or transparently, people with juvenile records face a difficult decision when applying for jobs - disclose a record that may be sealed, or omit information about a record that shows up on a background check? Experiment 1 used a hypothetical applicant paradigm with a sample of hiring managers to evaluate the impact of juvenile record disclosure and …

Leveraging Publicly Available Data To Identify Candidate Intersections For Tactical Urbanism Efforts Using Geospatial Analysis, Luisa Maria Venegas

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Urban strategies and countermeasures to increase pedestrian safety in low-density neighborhoods have been proposed by the Federal Highway Administration. Often municipalities have limited resources and would like to have a strategy to achieve maximum impact per dollar spent, as is the case in El Paso. El Paso's urban landscape is a mix of urban, residential, and commercial in the exurbs of the city. Most of El Paso consists of low-density industrial land, commercial strips, and residential development. A scalable and transferable approach was developed to identify intersections that have the potential to reduce traffic-related fatalities and increase pedestrian safety through …

Women’S Participation In Homegrown And Domestic Terrorism Plots, Caroline Johnson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The 21^st century ushered in major social, political, and cultural changes in the United States, including a new era of homeland security and new forms of domestic terrorism. Little is known about how such shifts may have impacted women’s participation in terrorism plots. In response, data from the American Terrorism Study (ATS) are used to comparatively examine the involvement of women in homegrown and domestic terrorism plots before and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Findings of similarities and differences in women’s involvement in terrorism across time periods are presented and contextualized.

Ghrelin And Decision-Making: Exploring Its Role In Food Reward, Novelty-Seeking, And Cost Valuation, Serina A. Batson

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

When low energy levels are detected, Ghrelin, a peptide hormone, is produced in the fundus of the stomach. Referred to as the "hunger hormone", Ghrelin is traditionally associated with increased food intake and blood sugar levels. A key modulator in the gut-brain interaction, Ghrelin's growth hormone secretagogue receptor can be found widely across the cortico-striosomal circuit. Critical for decision-making, Ghrelin-based manipulation of this circuit can directly affect reward and cost valuation. While Ghrelin is uniformly considered to increase the valuation of food-based rewards, little research has explored its impact on non-food-based rewards or its effects on cost valuation. Therefore, to …

De Novo Design Of Ablative Polymers For Aerospace Thermal Protection Systems Through An Integrated Ai-Theory-Experiment Approach, Rene Damaso Boisseau

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Novolac phenolic resin (NPR) is a widely used polymeric ablative material (PAM) for thermal protection systems (TPS) due to its high thermal decomposition temperature (TD, 500â?¯Â°C) and char yield (YC, 55â?¯wt%). However, its drawbacks (including high thermal conductivity, low mechanical properties and water uptake) prompt the need for improved PAMs. This study explores the pyrolysis behavior and char-forming capabilities of NPR and a potential alternative PAM, poly(1,6-dimethyl phenol) (PPO), through both theoretical and experimental approaches. A graph neural network (GNN) was developed to predict structure-property relationships, revealing that benzyl group positioning and oxygen atom placement significantly influence YC. PPO's para-positioned …

A Texas-Sized Problem: Abortion Policy And Public Perception On The Border, Sabrina Bustillos

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The present study is an examination of the impacts Texas' abortion restrictions have had on residents of El Paso, Texas. As of 2022, virtually all instances of abortion are illegal in the state of Texas. Despite the complete overturn of Roe V. Wade, in addition to Texas' passage of the "Texas Heartbeat Act", lawmakers have continued to propose and enact laws that encourage the intimidation, investigation, and punishment of anyone suspected of aiding and abetting an abortion, regardless of whether it occurred outside of state lines. These policies are ever-changing and impact millions of Texans, whether they know it or …

Cyber Resiliency Framework And Mechanisms For Software Defined Tactical Networks, Anthony Castanares

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Traditional tactical networks fail to achieve cyber resiliency for many reasons, but the most prevalent causes include flat designs, the absence of cyber detection capabilities at the lowest level, and immutable resource allocations after instantiation. These design choices allow network threats direct visibility to each device on the network, and the lack of detection allows infections to proliferate. Furthermore, tactical battlefield networks are difficult to secure because of the lack of persistent oversight by an intelligent agent that can exercise control over the network's topology or resources in real-time. However, advances in software-defined networking (SDN) provide an opportunity to address …

Generative Ai For 3d Printed Antenna Design, Jennifer Ann Chavez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This research explores the integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) with a physics-informed particle swarm optimizer (PSO) to develop 3D printable microstrip patch antennas. A neural network was trained on a dataset of microstrip patch antenna geometries and their corresponding performance metrics: return loss and gain. The PSO used a fitness function prioritizing low return loss in potential antennas, eventually yielding novel antenna geometries with parasitic components. 3D printing constraints were also hard coded into the framework, thus preventing any geometries being generated that cannot be fabricated. When simulated using Ansys HFSS, the AI generated microstrip patch antennas exceeded the …

Retoriando "La Neta": Cosechando Testimonios Del Campo Y Desahogos Laborales As Regenerative Rhetoric Pathways For Raza Obrer@ Performing La Talacha In Marginalized Laboral Spaces, Ramiro De Anda

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Emic, phenomenological, and interdisciplinary, this study draws on and seeks to bring the fields of Sociopsychology and Rhetoric and Writing Studies into conversation to address the potential intracultural cognitive bias of raza obrer@ (RO), by raza non-obrer@ (RNO), throughout the Borderland (the El Paso/Juarez Region) through the strategic application of Regenerative Rhetoric.

In this dissertation, I examine testimonios del campo (personal narratives from laboral spaces) and desahogos laborales (emotional laboral releases) of RO performing la talacha (arduous blue-collar work) within marginalized labor spaces utilizing Regenerative Rhetoric reparative discourse/dialectic strategies that spur sentipensamiento en la sudoracion (sensing and thinking within the …

Transnational Teachers On Both Sides Of The U.S.-Mexico Border: Exploring Their Identities And Conocimiento. A Phenomenological Study With A Comparative Stance, Isaac Frausto Hernandez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The transnationalism phenomenon is at the core of an increasingly globalized world. This phenomenological study with a comparative stance explores the lived experiences and perspectives of teachers with a transnational migration background with regards to how they [re]construct their identities and conocimiento. It compares and contrasts the histories and insights from participants in the borderlands with those from the heart of Mexico. Specifically, this study contributes to the under-explored body of literature which has taken a comparative stance in looking at transnationalism in education on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Data derived from migration memory maps and in-depth, phenomenological …

Testing A Benign Multi-Modal Bilingual Intervention To Increase Self-Efficacy, Intentions, And Willingness To Administer A Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test In A Predominately Hispanic Sample, Uchenna Gbugu

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Introduction. Testing is one of the most effective methods for reducing the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 antigen tests can detect proteins from the COVID-19 virus called antigens and produce results within minutes, making them suitable for at-home use. Several factors have been identified as barriers to self-administering a COVID-19 antigen test, including the language of the testing instructions, the cost of testing, and access to tests. Interventions to reduce barriers to self-administering COVID-19 rapid tests are warranted to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The purpose of the present study is to test the impact of a benign multi-modal bilingual intervention …