Digital Commons Network^™

Implementing Organic Fertilization Practices To Improve Aloe Vera Growth And Soil Health In The Lower Rio Grande Valley, Isaiah Edward Jaramillo

Theses and Dissertations

Aloe vera (L.) (Aloe) Burm. f., is valued for its applications across the cosmetic, medicinal, and food industries due to its leaf gel. In the aloe industry, the extraction of gel from leaves generates significant quantities of organic waste, which presents an opportunity to repurpose this material as an amendment in aloe cultivation. While Aloe is renowned for its resilience, understanding the feasibility of using these organic shavings as a soil fertility amendment in aloe production is critical. This research aims to identify sustainable fertilization methods for Aloe that can maintain and/or improve crop yield while enhancing soil health. This …

Proof Of Concept: Simulating Drone Tracking In A Border Security Context, Jose Ruben Espinoza

Theses and Dissertations

Worldwide availability of drone technology has risen to unprecedented levels within the past century due to its commercial availability. While there has been various positive applications of such technology, it has additionally found usage within security critical contexts. Specifically, there have been reports of illegal drug smuggling along the Mexico-United States border in which quadrocopter based drones have been used. Within our research we aim to showcase, as a proof of concept, that autonomous drone technology can be leveraged within a defensive approach via the usage of reinforcement learning and object detection for security critical contexts. To promote the importance …

The Heroine Among Us: An Analysis Of The Feminine Principle Of The Heroine Archetype In Motion Pictures And Its Implication For Social Discourse, Neldie Gonzales

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores an emerging myth perceived by the rise of the feminine principle in modern society that challenges traditional gender roles. It forms a connection between the heroines seen in film and those in the real-world. It explains how the characteristics of unity, equality and love align to the feminine principle, the acquisition of which defines the archetypal hero along the hero’s journey as described by Joseph Campbell. This work proposes that stories containing this kind of archetypal hero are seeded by the discourse occurring in real-world society. Conversely, it suggests that when viewed by billions of people, blockbuster …

A Nursery Study Of The Interplay Between Soil Texture, Rooting Space, And Nurse Plants On Seedling Growth And Root Development In Woody Species Of Tamaulipan Thornscrub, Lance I. Santos

Theses and Dissertations

Reforestation attempts in semi-arid regions are plagued with seedling mortality. Blanket greenhouse practices may not be optimal, in addition, commensalism interactions between nurse plants are considered. To better understand the effects of soil texture and nurse plant interactions on growth and drought tolerance, two experiments were developed. For soil texture, Border palo verde seedlings were grown in different-sized plant bands with three soil types. To observe the effects of nurse plants, an experiment using guayacan, was developed using Texas Ebony, as a leguminous nurse plant. Plants were also exposed to a drought experiment. The results suggest that some soil textures …

Evaluation Of Polymerization Condition Reactions Of Methyl Vinyl Ketone For Hydrogen Storage, Rituborna Ghosh

Theses and Dissertations

Hydrogen is widely regarded as one of the most promising clean alternative fuel sources; however, its widespread adoption has been hindered by significant challenges related to storage and transportation. Various storage methods have been proposed and developed, with continuous advancements being made to address these issues. Among the most effective solutions is the utilization of polymers, which serve as safe and efficient hydrogen storage media. This work investigated the polymerization of methyl vinyl ketone using different ratio of monomer: initiator and monomer: crosslinker using N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as initiator in a free radical polymerization mechanism. …

Differential Effects Of Workplace Readiness Training And Job Placement Services Provided By Vocational Rehabilitation Vs School Transition Programs: A Retrospective Study Of Young Hispanic Adults, Ashley Laura Wheeler

Theses and Dissertations

This ex-post facto study, “Differential Effects of Workplace Readiness Training and Job Placement Services Provided by Vocational Rehabilitation vs. School Transition Programs: A Retrospective Study of Young Hispanic Adults” investigates differential effects of workplace readiness training and job placement services provided by vocational rehabilitation versus local education agency on employment outcomes for young, Hispanic, transition-aged youth with Autism or Intellectual Disabilities. The study examines sustained employment and differences in employment rates for individuals aged 18-23 who participated in work-based learning experiences with job coaches through VR or an LEA. Participants include 30 TAY with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities who exited …

Thank You For Your Service, Dwayne Vega

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis offers an intimate exploration of my experiences as a soldier during two deployments to Iraq, describing everyday realities of military life. Rather than glorifying the battlefield with warrior myths, I focus on the emotional toll, survival, and the complex relationships among soldiers. My narrative traces the gradual development of PTSD and my eventual reliance on drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism. Through this personal lens, the thesis seeks to challenge common misconceptions about the soldier's life, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of service, trauma, and the lasting effects it had on my life.

Theoretical Insights And Analysis Into Luneburg Lens, Aram Flores

Theses and Dissertations

Advancements in wireless communications necessitate innovative antenna designs for radar systems and satellite communications. The Luneburg lens, theorized by Rudolf Luneburg in 1944, is a gradient-index lens capable of focusing electromagnetic waves onto a point on its surface, offering potential improvements in antenna gain and performance. Access to the lenses, courtesy of Assured Space Access Incorporated, enabled me to research the lenses response, and specific design details remain confidential. Practical assessments of 3D-printed Luneburg lenses of varying sizes are limited, including factors such as lens alignment and focal point offset. This study investigates the performance of 6-inch and 13.25-inch Luneburg …

Investigating The Role Of The Estrous Cycle On Memory In Syrian Hamsters, Laura Emma Garcia

Theses and Dissertations

The female reproductive system plays a significant role in cognitive function in humans and animals. For this reason, it is important to study the estrous cycle and memory in the female Syrian hamster as a model to better understand its role on cognition. Like the human female menstrual cycle, the female hamster has inconsistencies and changes in their cycles as they age. Irregular menstrual cycles and the absence of estrogen, the sex hormone necessary for supporting the sexual and reproductive health of a woman, also affect a woman’s brain, including memory (John Hopkins Medicine, 2022). In the present study, we …

Examining The Impact Of Body Esteem And Cyberbullying Victimization On Mental Health Outcomes In College-Aged Women, Lorena Victoria Houghton

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the role of cyberbullying victimization, body image constructs, and social anxiety on depression and suicidal ideation among 396 college-aged women. The researcher hypothesized there would be an indirect relationship between various body image-related constructs and depression/ suicidality through cyberbullying victimization and that the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and depression/ suicidal ideation would be moderated by social anxiety. Moderated mediation analyses via bootstrapping revealed cyberbullying victimization significantly mediated the relationship between various body image-related constructs (appearance-related social media consciousness, body esteem, and internalization of body ideals) and suicidal ideation while social anxiety served as a moderator between cyberbullying …

Study Of Temperature Effects Of Glucose And Microwave Dielectric Dispersion Model, Ethan Grant Boone

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, the temperature effect of dielectric properties in various aqueous solutions containing glucose are examined. A design for a new testing chamber is introduced to provide improved conditions for testing to ensure accurate and precise measurements. A N-SMA Adaptor is used when obtaining dielectric characteristics of glucose solutions ranging 100-300mg/dl. Dielectric parameters are obtained adopting a modified Debye dispersion model. MATLAB is used to confirm coaxial dimensions are suitable fabrication designs using fixed dielectric parameters of air and water. Simulations and design models were implemented utilizing ANSYS High Frequency Structure Simulator and 3-D Modeler software to develop the …

3d Bioprinted Coaxial Tubule Optimization For Human Aortic Endothelial Cell Growth, Ilse Gabriela Perez Garcia

Theses and Dissertations

This paper introduces a research study of printing parameter optimization of extruded, cell-laden, 3D bioprinted coaxial tubules, as well as cell interaction observations. Optimization of printing parameters seeks to reduce variability of the tubules’ inner and outer diameters. The tubules were manufactured from a 0.4% Collagen I - 1.6% NaC6H7O6 (Sodium Alginate) bioink, that reaches gelation through interaction with a 3.2% CaCl2 (Calcium Chloride) solution. The bioinks were extruded through a dual syringe pump mechanism connected to a coaxial nozzle, which is mounted on an adapted 3D FDM (Fused Deposition …

The Shift: Web 2.0 Tools And Learner Engagement From The Teacher Perspective, Deig Aaron Sandoval

Theses and Dissertations

The COVID-19 epidemic has altered the educational technology landscape and made Web 2.0 tools' potential for online instruction more apparent. This study uses the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB) paradigm to examine teachers’ perceptions of Web 2.0 tools and online learning. The study aims to investigate and advance the expanding body of research on teachers' perceptions of Web 2.0 tools' potential to increase student participation in the classroom. The research questions examine how ready instructors are to utilize Web 2.0 tools, how they feel about using them, how perceived behavioral control variables affect their intents, and how subjective norms …

Student Loan Debt Disparity Among White, African American And Hispanic Women: A National View, Arnoldo Trejo

Theses and Dissertations

Published research into the student loan debt problem reveals a disproportionate impact on underrepresented groups within higher education, notably Hispanics, African Americans, and women students. Research on student loan debt underscores that lower-income and first-generation college students are significantly more affected when compared to their higher-income counterparts. The escalating trends in student loan debt are forcing college-going students in the United States to postpone major life events such as homeownership, marriage, and starting a family. The burden of high student debt negatively influences the accumulation of family wealth, including critical aspects such as home ownership, retirement savings, investments, and other …

Online Learning Communities And Secondary Educators' Tech-Enhanced Instructional Practices: A Correlational Study, Oscar R. Carrera

Theses and Dissertations

This correlational study investigated how secondary educators' engagement in online learning communities relates to their tech-enhanced instructional practices, a relationship that gained importance following the COVID-19 pandemic's acceleration of educational technology adoption. Through the lens of Keller's ARCS Model of Motivation (Keller, 1987) and demographic analysis, the research examined three key aspects: the relationship between community engagement and tech-enhanced instructional practices, demographic predictors of engagement, and correlations between ARCS motivational components and engagement. Data collected through a cross-sectional survey of 115 secondary educators revealed a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between engagement in online learning communities and tech-enhanced instructional practices. …

Enhancing Educator Technology Skills In The Digital Age: A Comparative Analysis Of Video And Screenshot Microlesson Professional Development, Brittni Knebel Kalich

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined video and screenshot microlesson formats as a technology professional development for enhancing educators’ technology skills. As educators face increasing demands for technology proficiency in the twenty-first century classroom, this study was conducted to help address a need for further investigation into whether screenshot or video microlessons can serve as effective PD tools for teachers (Bowman, Vongkulluksn, Jiang, and Xie, 2020). Using a comparative design, this study evaluated three groups: one receiving video microlessons, another receiving screenshot-based microlessons, and a control group receiving no lesson. Data were collected through post test scores (multiple choice questions), a Likert-scale survey, …

Bayesian Lasso Regularized Quantile Regression And Its Applications, Priscilla Kissi-Appiah

Theses and Dissertations

Since the pioneering work of (Koenker and Bassett Jr 1978), quantile regression has been a popular regression technique that helps researchers investigate a whole distribution of the response variable. In addition, due to the quantile check loss function, it is robust against outliers and heavy-tailed distributions of the response variable and can provide a more comprehensive picture of modeling via exploring the conditional quantiles of the response variable. In this research, we study the lasso regularized quantile regression from a Bayesian perspective. We develop an efficient sampling algorithm to generate posterior samplings for making posterior inference by using a location-scale …

Understanding Social Media As A Communicative Tool To Facilitate Critical Discourse: Using #Blackgirlmagic To Explore How Black Women In Higher Education “Talk Back", Crystal Spruill Carter

Theses and Dissertations

Black women have engaged through social media platforms, as a mechanism to uplift their embodiment, despite being relegated to the margins. The hashtag #BlackGirlMagic (BGM) is linked to narratives of Black women in higher education that are empowering and problematic. The development of the popular social media movement during a time when Black women were being portrayed negatively made engaging in the discourse "talking back" possible. This study explores the lived experiences of Black women college students and recent graduates, using currere as an analytical tool for my own communication journals entries as a data source to structure my reflections …

Teachers’ Perceptions On The Impact And Effectiveness Of Certification Programs In Preparing And Retaining Educators, Teresa De Jesus Padilla

Theses and Dissertations

Mathematics is integral to STEM fields, making math critically important for the stability and development of the nation. As a result, mathematics teachers have a crucial role in our society. A role whose importance needs the necessary support to accomplish its numerous responsibilities. However, research indicates that certification routes—traditional and alternative—often fail to adequately prepare math teachers for the challenges they face, leading to high turnover rates. This study explores the impact of these certification routes on teachers’ abilities to support student achievement, address diverse learning needs, and manage additional duties. Surveying secondary math teachers in the Rio Grande Valley, …

Examining Hispanic Beginning Farmers And Ranchers In The Rio Grande Valley Through A Community Capitals Framework, Perla Kimberly Schrock

Theses and Dissertations

While existing literature addresses the experiences of beginning farmers and ranchers (BFR), there is a notable gap in research focused on Hispanic beginning farmers and ranchers (HBFR). This study aimed at exploring the unique experiences of HBFR in a predominantly Hispanic region, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), employed the Community Capitals Framework (Flora et al., 2016). I conducted 16 semi-structured interviews with HBFR and local nonprofit organizations and federal employees, complemented by participant observations. Through thematic and content analysis of the interview transcripts, findings revealed valuable insights into the livelihoods of HBFR. Despite HBFR facing significant challenges, this study demonstrated …

Leveraging A Community Of Practice To Advance Stem Education Reform And Promote Teacher And Student Self-Efficacy, Ruth Renee Colyer

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examined the impact of the CREST-MECIS community of practice on K-12 STEM teachers and undergraduate and graduate students, addressing the urgent need for innovative approaches in science education to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The study was grounded in response to three primary problem statements: 1) the significant learning losses and socio-emotional challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, 2) the inadequacy of traditional instructional methods in post-pandemic classrooms, and 3) the need for culturally relevant and inclusive teaching practices that acknowledge students’ lived experiences. Data were collected through pre- and post-interviews, survey analyses, and qualitative feedback …

Community Reintegration Of Previously Incarcerated Individuals From A Virtue Perspective, Cindy Noemi Hernandez

Theses and Dissertations

Community reintegration is one of the most important indicators that determine the success of previously incarcerated individuals’ rehabilitation. It is influenced by several factors such as support, attitudes, strengths, and virtues. One emerging area of study that can be related to community reintegration is virtue. The concept of virtue has received increasing attention in rehabilitation research, focused on how one’s virtuous pursuit of excellence improves well-being and adaptation (Kim et al., 2016). In that community reintegration is a type of life adjustment, virtue can be related to community reintegration. The present study examined community reintegration and perceived support of previously …

Challenges And Strategies In Science Learning: A Thematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Angelica A. Guanzon

Theses and Dissertations

This study thoroughly explores the relationships between the challenges faced by students and the alternative problem-solving strategies employed. By analyzing these connections, the research aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of how students address difficulties in science learning and the adaptive strategies they apply. Through this research, teachers can gain valuable understanding in adapting learning resources that successfully address diverse needs of students. By identifying specific challenges and correlating effective strategies, targeted interventions are designed to enhance the overall science learning experience. The study emphasizes the importance of a dynamic and adaptable teaching approach that caters to the evolving landscape …

Exploring 3rd-8th Grade Teachers’ Conceptions Of The Nwea Map Assessment And The Relationship On Grade Level, Content Area, And Students’ Academic Growth, Dymphna Jewelle Canales

Theses and Dissertations

In education, assessment helps shape teaching practices and student outcomes, as it influences how teachers perceive their roles, approach instruction, and engage with students. This study investigated 3rd-8th grade English Language Arts and mathematics teachers' conceptions of the NWEA MAP Growth assessment, focusing on four key factors: (1) improvement for teaching and learning, (2) school accountability, (3) student accountability, and (4) assessment irrelevance. The research examined the relationship between teachers' conceptions and variables such as grade levels, content areas, and students' academic growth as measured by NWEA MAP scores. Using a descriptive correlational design, data were collected from 61 teachers …

The Role Of Hope In Recovery From Sexual Assault For Hispanic Women, Esmeralda Rivera

Theses and Dissertations

Despite a growing amount of academic literature, there is a lack of research examining the levels of hope in Hispanic women recovering from sexual assault trauma. This quantitative survey investigates hope in Hispanic women healing from sexual assault trauma. The Miller Hope Scale (MHS) examines the variations and correlations between degrees of hope and demographic, personal, and self-advocacy factors. The research employs the Trauma Symptom Checklist—40 to investigate the correlation between levels of hope and trauma among women who have undergone sexual assault. Ninety-one Hispanic women from a crisis center in the U.S. were recruited for the study. Descriptive statistics, …

One Hundred Years Of The U.S. Tax Court (1924-2024): An Examination Of The Tribunal, Its Judges, And Firms’ Involvement In Tax Litigation, Rolando Daniel Sanchez

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation consists of three interrelated essays on the U.S. Tax Court. The first essay examines the institutional background of the U.S. Tax Court (formerly the Board of Tax Appeals), thereby framing its importance and history. Focused on the factors that gave rise to the Board of Tax Appeals, this essay begins by distilling prior histories and discussing the circumstances that birthed the institution. Next, the paper expounds on early proponents of the Board of Tax Appeals, such as the American Mining Congress and key individuals therein. Specifically, I propose strong influence for the formation of the Board of Tax …

Assessing Cover Crop Adoption Factors In The Rio Grande Valley Through A Social-Ecological Perspective, Mackenzie Feldman

Theses and Dissertations

Reducing agriculture’s negative environmental impacts is crucial for mitigating climate change (White, 2021). Cover crops– non-cash crops grown to benefit subsequent cash crops– can slow erosion, improve soil health, enhance water availability, control pests, and increase biodiversity. Despite these benefits, adoption rates remain low, prompting the USDA and other organizations to fund research on increasing their use. Most studies focus on the Midwest and Northeast, and emphasize individual factors over the relationship between structural factors and individual factors that impact farmers’ decisions to adopt cover crops. This USDA-funded study begins to fill this gap by exploring social-ecological factors and how …

Emotion Regulation From A Virtue Perspective: Applications For Individuals With Adverse Childhood Experiences, Maria Eugenia Palomo

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore the contributory effect of Virtues in differentiating one’s ability to regulate emotion. Convenience sampling will be utilized to obtain a total of 102 participants who had adverse childhood experiences. Participants will be recruited via collaboration with local behavioral counseling agencies. Two behavioral health counseling agencies located in Hidalgo County, including Corazon Consulting, Inc. and A Better Tomorrow, LLC, have agreed to be part of the present study. The research packets used in this study consisted of two parts: 1) a demographic information form, and 2) a research questionnaire that includes three instruments …

Resonances Of Electrostatically Actuated Non-Uniform Mems Cantilever Resonator Of Constant Width And Linearly Varying Thickness, Rigoberto Flores

Theses and Dissertations

In this investigation the behavior of an electrostatically actuated non-uniform microelectromechanical (MEMS) cantilever resonator of constant width and linearly varying thickness is investigated. The cantilever resonator vibrates using soft AC voltage at near half the first natural frequency of the cantilever and near the first natural frequency of the cantilever, known as primary and parametric resonances, respectively. Bifurcation diagrams for the amplitude-frequency and amplitude-voltage response are obtained for both resonances. Two methods are used in this investigation, namely the Method of Multiple Scales (MMS) and Reduced Order Model (ROM) using up to 6 modes of vibration.

These methods are used …

Sustainability Of Military Values Post Military Service: A Quantitative Study, Jennifer Ann Jazinski

Theses and Dissertations

Military-to-civilian transitioning represents a multidimensional process of adjustment, encompassing mental and physical health, basic physiological needs, practical (e.g., employment), and cultural domains. The intent of this study is to examine the sustainability of military values (e.g., duty, integrity, ethics, honor, courage, and loyalty) post-military service and to identify whether reported levels of sustained military values impact veterans’ reported level of Quality of Life (QoL). This study will assess the impacts demographic variables (e.g., gender, ethnicity, relationship status, age, number of children, highest level of education, student status, employment status, comfort with finances, living status, county of residence). and military service …