Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Uncovering The Light Network Load Performance Penalty Of The Network Link Outlier Factor (Nlof), Michelle Lara

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This thesis evaluates the effectiveness of the Network Link Outlier Factor with Most Likely Link (NLOF: MLL) algorithm under varying network load conditions. Repeated simulation experiments using Mininet were conducted for four different network-wide load levels: 100 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps, and 5 Gbps. Using statistical inference, our experimental results indicate that NLOF: MLL is ineffective under light load conditions (i.e., 100Mbps load) due to the limited network flow data available for its learning process. This limitation highlights a key challenge in applying the algorithm to lightly loaded networks. A preliminary algorithm was proposed to address this light-load performance …

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 …

Using The Schism Model And Hf Radar Data To Study Surface Currents In Texas Bays: A Case Study Of Sabine Lake (Sl) And Galveston Bay (Gb)., Cletus Ozoemena Ogbodo

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Surface currents study provides invaluable understanding into the physical dynamics of oceans, bays, estuaries, and nearshore environments, offering critical insights about water movement and related coastal processes. These currents play a fundamental role in understanding the state of estuarine and marine systems, such as their effects on sediment transport, heat distribution and climate change, nutrient distribution, and pollutant dispersal. In addition, surface current data provides significant economic and ecological implications for coastal communities essential for managing resources effectively and ensuring the resilience of coastal regions against environmental and anthropogenic pressures. This study was driven by the need to address the …

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 …

Monitoring Of Laser Soldering Process In Hybrid Additive Manufacturing, Alexander P. Pustinger

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Additive manufacturing (AM) has been a maturing technology that has expanded over the course of the last decade in major advancements especially in accessibility, process monitoring, modeling, and stock material design. As its industry use is growing, the demand for added improvements such as multi-functionality increases, such as with a hybrid system that allows for modification of printed parts with different electrical components like the Foundry Multi-3D system. The system's purpose is to create AM parts with multifunctional electrical components with the vision to expand to other areas of interest in manufacturing such as ISAM. This work explores the use …

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 …

Functional Analysis Of The Zebrafish Orthologs Of Host Cell Factor 1 Gene, David Paz

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Host Cell Factor C1 (HCFC1) is a transcriptional co-activator factor that regulates the expression of over 5000 different downstream target genes in human cells. Missense mutations in the HCFC1 gene cause methylmalonic acidemia homocysteinemia cblX type (cblX). cblX, a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome (MCA) characterized by abnormal brain development, craniofacial abnormalities, metabolic deficits, and intractable epilepsy. Published studies suggest that HCFC1 regulates neural precursor proliferation, number, and differentiation. However, these results were derived from studies that were performed with nonsense alleles or transient knockdown approaches. Although these results demonstrate the importance of HCFC1 in brain development, they do not replicate …

Intrinsic, Doped And Alloyed Gallium Oxide Films For Optoelectronics, Francelia Sanchez Escobar

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Due to the impressive advancement of present technology and increasing energy consumption, there is increasing demand for energy-efficient multifunctional devices based on low-cost, eco-friendly material systems. Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) is an emerging semiconductor with potential for the next generation of power electronics and optoelectronic devices due to its ultra-wide bandgap of 4.8 eV and high theoretical breakdown voltage of 8 MV/cm among other intrinsic properties. Some of the possible applications of β-Ga2O3 include ultra-violet (UV) solar blind photodetectors, field effect transistors, solar cells, and chemical sensors. However, to utilize its full potential, understanding the mechanistic aspects of thin film growth …

Enhanced Redox Storage And Diverse Intercalation In Layered Metal Organic Frameworks With A Staggered Stacking Mode, Satya Prakash Suman

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Two-dimensional metal organic frameworks (2D MOFs) with honeycomb-like porous sheets are of growing interest for applications in electrochemical energy storage and electrocatalysis. Notably, 2D MOFs that host their porous sheets in eclipsed or slipped-parallel stacking modes possess continuous one-dimensional pores (1D) and have been widely studied. In contrast, related 2D MOFs with a staggered stacking mode have reduced porosity, are relatively rare, and are largely unexplored for applications. Here we report 2-fold enhanced redox storage and intercalation of diverse ions in a staggered-stacked, nonporous 2D MOF over its eclipsed-stacked, porous counterpart. Interestingly, both MOFs, despite undergoing similar ligand-centered redox processes, …

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 …

The Flexible Pathways Model Of Writing Assessment: A Plan For Equity And Agency In The Writing Classroom, Matthew Varel

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This project is a qualitative study in which I seek to understand how my new model of writing assessment, The Flexible Pathways Model, or FPM, functions when piloted in three First-Year Writing classrooms at a border and Hispanic-Serving Institution. This research builds on the work of composition scholars Peter Elbow and Pat Belanoff, Elbow and Jane Danielewicz, Asao B. Inoue, Ellen Carillo, and Edward White as well as education scholar Benjamin Bloom. The model also incorporates concepts from Universal Design scholarship of Tara Wood, Stephen Dolmage, and Anne-Marie Womack. In the FPM, students learn about four different methods of writing …

La Dos Espíritus, Alfredo Avalos

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

A través de la novela La dos espíritus se examina la representación de las masculinidades diversas, disidentes de la heteronormatividad. El texto dialoga con la novela El vampiro de la colonia Roma (1978) de Luis Zapata y otras representaciones del personaje queer. A través de la protagonista Cayetana, una mujer transgénero y mediante el formato de una larga entrevista que le realiza el periodista Josué, la novela explora temas de identidad, marginalización y resistencia.

Unravelling The Effects Of Knowledge-Sharing Dynamics On Crowdsourcing Contest Participation, Hanieh Javadi Khasraghi, Xuan Wang, Yaojie Li, Xi Mao

Information Systems Faculty Publications

Crowdsourcing contests have emerged as a popular approach for organisations to leverage collective intelligence and tap into the expertise of a diverse crowd. Knowledge sharing in such contests is paramount in promoting individual or team participation. This study employs negative binomial regression analysis to explore the impact of dynamic knowledge-sharing features – knowledge volume, knowledge expansion, knowledge innovation, and knowledge popularity – on team participation, using data from 211 crowdsourcing contests hosted on Kaggle. The findings offer significant implications for researchers and practitioners regarding effective knowledge management within crowdsourcing platforms. Encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration and promoting innovative practices can …

Staff Matters: She’S The Life Of The Party?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article addresses how to handle an employee who has displayed inappropriate behavior due to excessive alcohol consumption at work-related social events. The piece outlines a specific case where a dental assistant exhibited problematic drinking behavior at two separate office parties. The response emphasizes that while these were social gatherings, they were work-related events, especially with vendors and referring dentists present. The article provides detailed guidance on documenting incidents, reviewing workplace alcohol policies, and exploring possible courses of action, including disciplinary measures or supporting rehabilitation if needed. It concludes with recommendations for preventing future incidents by reviewing policies with staff …

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.

Optimization And Purification Of Magnesium Borides Fabricated By Combustion Synthesis And By High-Temperature Sintering, Miguel Joaquin Camarena

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Hydrogen as a fuel provides several benefits over the use of fossil fuels; however, one challenge in utilizing hydrogen as an energy carrier revolves around its storage. Achieving sufficient volumetric hydrogen density in a storage solution will facilitate hydrogenâ??s adoption for use in both stationary and mobile applications. Solid-state hydrogen storage provides a promising pathway to solving this problem. However, the hydrogenation of these materials is characterized by slow kinetics and extreme thermodynamic conditions. Magnesium borohydride (Mg(BH4)2) is a promising material in hydrogen storage due to its reversible properties and a theoretical hydrogen capacity of 14.9 wt.%. To synthesize this …

Functionalized Carbon Quantum Dots: A Promising Nanomaterial For Investigating Their Potential In Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment, Sherin M. El Morsy

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and Huntington's Disease (HD) remain incurable, despite extensive research into therapeutic development. In the United States of America, the annual cost of PD and AD in terms of patient care and lost productivity is approximately $200 billion. Consequently, there is a critical and unaddressed need for the development of innovative drugs and drug delivery systems that can decelerate, stop, or ideally reverse neurodegenerative diseases. The dissertation presented here focuses on devising strategies to target PD through multiple mechanisms, including the inhibition of protein aggregation and the reduction of oxidative stress. …

Phosphene Or 233 Reasons Why I Never Listened To Abba, Matt Edwards

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

A hybrid collection about gods and fathers, saviors and sons

*MFA theses don't have abstracts. My critical preface is 20 plus pages.

Synthesis Of Materials For Additive Manufacturing Of Enhanced Polymers And Textured Ceramics, Diana Fontes

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This research will be divided into two sections. The first section investigates the development of textured Barium Titanate (BaTiO3) ceramics fabricated through Direct Ink Write Printing (DIW) integrated with Templated Grain Growth (TGG). This approach aims to develop lead-free piezoelectric materials with grain alignment during printing process to promote high piezoelectric performance comparable to those in lead-based ceramics. This research evaluates the impact of the DIW-TGG process on grain orientation, material densification, and piezoelectric response, illustrating its potential for developing high-performance ceramics for advanced applications such as sensors, actuators, and other piezoelectric devices. The second project explores the chemical stability …