Digital Commons Network^™

Long-Term Spatial And Temporal Assessment Of Criteria Air Pollutants Concentration Trends In The Lower Rio Grande Valley Region Of Texas, Usa, Md Salahuddin Majumder

Theses and Dissertations

Air pollution is a substantial environmental challenge all over the world. This study investigated the long-term air pollution levels in the Lower Rio Grande Valley region, by utilizing data collected from five continuous ambient monitoring stations in two counties over 23 years, from January 2000 to December 2022, to analyze daily, monthly, and seasonal variations of different pollutants, including ground-level ozone, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide. This study also identified distinct daily and seasonal patterns for O3, PM2.5, PM10, and CO at each monitoring site, influenced by factors such as traffic emissions, temperature, solar radiation, indoor heating, and weather conditions. …

Perspectives Of Esl Teachers On Translanguaging Pedagogy In Supporting The Literacy Engagement Of Emergent Bilingual Students In A Texas Charter School, Gemma Olson

Theses and Dissertations

The interconnectedness of the world today through advanced technology and travel allows students exposure to a diverse cultural landscape. Combined with a fast-changing computer technology-driven education, and culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms, there cannot be just one way to teach and learn. This study explored the perspective of ESL teachers on translanguaging pedagogy in supporting the literacy engagement of emergent bilingual (EB) students in an urban elementary charter school in Texas. Through Participatory Action Research (PAR), data was collected from three ESL teacher participants using the spiral-action cycle. Findings that emerged included (a) intrinsic motivation that translanguaging pedagogy support emergent …

A Thin Line Or Intimations Of Violence, Saul A. Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is meant to be an honest discussion about the state of literature from the perspective of a student. Each chapter deals with a different aspect of writing, whether it be putting pen to paper, garnering sufficient experience to achieve verisimilitude, or dealing with critique. Interspersed between the essays are fiction vignettes.

The nonfiction aspects of this body of work are inspired by the voices of philosophers and traditional essayists alike: people such as Fyodor Dostoevsky, T.S. Eliot, Aristotle, D.H. Lawrence, Henry Adams, and Ralph Ellison. The topic of liminality regarding culture and migration is also addressed, mainly through …

Fifth Grade Teachers Use Of Cooperative Learning In Science, Liza Ramos

Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to explore Cooperative Learning theories and practice by examining the relationships among three aspects: Experience, Practice and Perceptions. The data were from interview records from eight science teachers.

As a student-centered active pedagogical trend, cooperative learning has become part of one of the most effective and efficient educational trends that has illuminated constructivist science classrooms in South Texas. This method is conducive in the field of education. Students, in general, are encouraged to cooperatively get involved and to collaboratively participate in problem solving, discussions, and/or productions in group sessions to build a sense of community with the …

Biological Optimization Of Polymer-Based Antiretroviral Drug Towards The Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (Galt), Arkajyoti Paul

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has significantly decreased the disease mortality associated with HIV-1 but does not efficiently reach the HIV reservoir organs such as GALT. In this regard, the present study determined the efficacy of the polymer-based nanoformulations using F127 alone and in combination with L61 to encapsulate three clinically available cART drugs such as Emtricitabine (FTC), Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF), and Dolutegravir (DTG) in in vitro and in vivo system. Methods: The selected formulations were studied for their biological and chemical characterization towards human cell line viz. Caco-2 and Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and in vivo …

The Witch In The Woods: An Exploration Of Female Representation In Mexican American And Japanese Folklore, Sydni D. Salinas

Theses and Dissertations

An exploration of female archetypes that examines their display and representation in Mexican American and Japanese folklore. The study ties the two cultures together for the purpose of juxtaposing an older and younger culture utilizing folklore in similar ways of control over women’s narratives. It examines how a patriarchal culture’s folklore provides punishments through the medium of storytelling for transgressive or deviant women. When women act outside of their preferred archetypes or behavior in folklore, they are met with severe narrative consequences. The archetypes discussed in this thesis, “La Virgen Armada and the Final Girl,” “The Bride,” “The Sacrilegious …

The Effect Of Cybersecurity Training On Government Employee’S Knowledge Of Cybersecurity Issues And Practices, Juan Jaime Saldana Ii

Theses and Dissertations

There is an ever-pressing need for cybersecurity awareness and implementation of learning strategies in the workplace to mitigate the increased threat posed by cyber-attacks and exacerbated by an untrained workforce. The lack of cybersecurity knowledge amongst government employees has increased to critical levels due to the amount of sensitive information their agencies are responsible for. The digital compromise of a government entity often leads to a compromise of constituent data along with the disruption of public services (Axelrod, 2019; Yazdanpanahi, 2021). The need for awareness is further complicated by agencies looking to cater to a digital culture looking for a …

Road Mitigation Structure And Road Effect Zone Impacts On Rodent Community Composition, Activity, And Predator-Prey Dynamics In South Texas, Adam F. Sanjar

Theses and Dissertations

The effects of road mortality mitigation structures on rodent activity and rodent community composition are not fully understood, both on the regional scale of south Texas and in the broader field of road ecology. This is primarily due to the low conservation priority of most rodent species and the difficulty of noninvasively surveying for rodents effectively. This thesis focused on characterizing how rodents were impacted by both roads and mitigation structures in south Texas, and if rodents are a significant factor to consider when studying the road ecology of rodent predators in south Texas, particularly ocelots, bobcats (Lynx rufus …

A Programmatic Geographic Information Systems Analysis Of Plant Hardiness Zones, Andrew Bowen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Plant Hardiness Zone Map consists of thirteen geographical zones that describe whether a plant can survive based on average annual minimal temperatures. As climate change progresses, minimum temperatures in all regions are expected to change. This work programmatically evaluates predicted future climate projection data and converts it to United States Department of Agriculture-defined hardiness zones. Through the next 80 years, hardiness zones are projected to move poleward; in effect, colder zones will lose area and warmer zones will gain area globally. Some implications include changes in crop growing degree days, which could alter crop productivity, migration and settlement of …

The Scenic Design: Songs For A New World By Jason Robert Brown, Morgan Mcinnis

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown was produced by the University of Arkansas Department of Theatre as the final show of the 2022-2023 season. The musical comprises sixteen independent songs taken from Brown's work on various projects, coming together to create a collection of scene-songs that examines life and the choices we make. While each song's storyline is different and musically distinctive, each presents similar stories of characters facing a moment of decision in their lives and an opportunity to transition from old to new. The result is neither an ordinary musical nor revue but a theatrical …

Interpreting Spain's Jewish Past: Jewish Heritage Tourism And The Politics Of History, Ana C. Berman

History Honors Projects

This honors project explores Jewish heritage tourism in twenty-first-century Spain and how the politics of historiography permeate all aspects of the tourism experience. It argues that Jewish heritage sites in Spain are deeply entrenched in global, centuries-long historiographical debates about Spanish empire, nationalism and legacy. This, in turn, has shaped decisions about which Jewish spaces Spanish entities preserve for future generations and how Spanish entities represent present-day Jews, Jewishness, and Judaism. To demonstrate the reach of academia beyond the classroom, I use on-site signage, heritage management initiatives, and souvenirs to trace the influence of historiographical narratives, like Spanish Black and …

Exploring The Occupational Transition Of Leaving A Cult, Justine Thompson, Baylee R. Chelossi, Emily Osborn, Christian J. Quitoriano

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

The emergence of cult groups has introduced a new population for occupational therapists to understand and support through the unique challenges they face after transitioning out of these organizations. While research within the field of psychology is robust, little is known about the occupational transition of individuals who leave cults and how occupational therapists can provide occupational science based intervention. In this study, the frameworks of Doing, Being, Becoming (Wilcock, 2002), and Belonging (Hitch et al., 2014b) were utilized to guide theme development and enrich interpretation of 11 hand-searched first-hand accounts. First-hand accounts were analyzed from multimedia sources such as …

A Qualitative Study On Long-Term Adherence To Home Exercise Programs In People With Parkinson’S Disease, Caroline Stafford, Brennan Decena, Shawn Lopez, Judith Thepkaisone

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Exercise has been found to slow the progression of Parkinson's Disease (PD) symptoms which can increase independence for daily activities and overall quality of life. In order for the benefits of exercise to continue after a program is completed, integration of the exercises into everyday life may lead to long-term adherence. Through the use of semi-structured interviews, this study investigated if increasing facilitators while decreasing barriers improves adherence to home exercise programs, leading to the establishment of exercise integrated habits in People with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPD). This study found that long-term adherence was achieved by participants. The themes related to …

Ots Delivering Culturally Sensitive Care For Dementia Family Caregivers From Diverse Backgrounds, Abraham Lai, Lucy Palacios Mendez, Darren Sarmiento

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

As occupational therapists, addressing key cultural barriers that may obstruct access to dementia care and education for individuals with dementia and their caregivers from diverse backgrounds is a priority for client-centered care. Stress, racial discrimination, and distrust may exacerbate symptoms and prevalence of dementia in certain populations, such as Chinese- Americans and Latinx (Quinones et al. 2020). Immigrants’ experiences of aging and health are diverse due to belonging to different socioeconomic, ethnic, cultural, and linguistic groups and having varying levels of education and work experience (R. S. 2020). There are existing cultural differences regarding caregiving and family networks, perception and …

Life After Brain Injury - Survivor And Family Perspectives, Brandon Duenas, Gary Eng, Haleli Moalem, Miguel Regidor

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Background: Acquired brain injuries (ABI) is an umbrella term for mild to severe injuries on the brain with different etiologies, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI) caused by an external force like a motor vehicle accident, or a non-traumatic brain injury (NTBI) results from an internal force, such as a stroke or aneurysm (Oyesanya, 2017). Current practice trends anchored in traditional rehabilitation models provide the most services and interventions for brain injury survivors (BIS) within the first year post injury. Yet, ABI can have lifelong occupational engagement impacts and there is limited research focused on the brain injury survivor’s (BIS) …

Measuring Outcomes Of Occupational Therapy Facilitated In Natural Settings With Young Children, Amie Smith, Deepak Dale, Brinda Saini, Zoe Peters, Amanda Laccone

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

To date, there is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of Occupational Therapy (OT) services delivered outside in nature. This study explored the benefits of OT intervention in Natural Settings (NS) for children by examining development in the areas of self-regulation, social skills, sensory processing, confidence, and motor skills. A quantitative, quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was used in this study. Researchers partnered with a local outpatient OT clinic that offers an 8-week outdoor program. Seven children and their parents were recruited and participated in the study. A modified version of the COPM and two BOT-2 subtests, along with a novel log …

Promoting Cultural Arts Access Through Sensory-Friendly Theatre, Chanelle Bautista, Alyssa Cho, Jazmine Cunanan, Ariana Marino, Miko Ramos

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Children with sensory processing differences have “reduced participation in recreational and community activities compared to children with both typical development and other developmental disabilities” due to their difficulties with social communication, and strict social settings (Giserman-Kiss et al., 2020). Sensory-friendly theatre programs aim to dismantle social participation barriers for individuals with sensory processing differences by creating a relaxed theatre experience that includes preparatory materials, environmental modifications, and specialized training (Umeda, 2017). We implemented a pilot sensory-friendly performance of Willy Wonka, Jr. in collaboration with youth actors at the Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley, CA on February 13th, 2022. Approximately 80 …

No Middle Ground: Demagogic Rhetorical Practices At The Truth And Courage Bus Stop In Harlingen, Tx, Kymberly O. Morquecho

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the rhetorical and discursive strategies embraced by conservative politicians and their supporters on the campaign trail. Using Dr. Patricia Roberts-Miller’s definition of demagogic cultures coupled with the five markers, or tendencies, of these cultures, I explore how the speakers at the October 22, 2022 Truth and Courage PAC campaign rally in Harlingen, TX deployed these tactics to galvanize voters to vote for TX-34 Republican candidate Mayra Flores. Through a combination of descriptive and rhetorical analysis, I demonstrate how these presenters engage in demagogic and anti-democratic rhetorical moves to an audience of Hispanics. Lastly, I outline how these …

The Effects Of Carbon Coating On The Electrochemical Performance Of Metal-Oxide Short Fiber Anodes For Lithium-Ion Batteries, David A. Sanchez

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis focuses on the process of oxidizing centrifugally spun precursor fibers and the subsequent process of carbon coating via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for use as anode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Metal oxides have been studied as a potential replacement for graphite as they have been shown to have high theoretical capacities, good electronic conductivity, and can be synthesized using low-cost, scalable methods. However, metal oxides with high theoretical capacities also have low cycle life. To avoid this, metal oxides have been integrated with carbon to expand their life cycle. The work in this thesis shows the synthesis …

A Machine Learning Approach To Obese-Inflammatory Phenotyping, Tania Mayleth Vargas

Theses and Dissertations

Obesity is the accumulation of an abnormal, or excessive, amount of fat in the body, which can have negative effects on overall health. This excess accumulation of macronutrients in adipose tissue can cause the release of inflammatory mediators, leading to a proinflammatory state. Inflammation is a known risk factor for various health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. This study sought to examine the use of data mining methods, particularly clustering algorithms, to identify inflammatory biomarker phenotypes and their association with obesity in a local adolescent population. The algorithms evaluated in this study included: k-means, Ward's hierarchical …

Structural And Functional Insight Of Helicobacter Pylori Translation Initiation Factor If1 (Hpif1) In Protein Biosynthesis And Rational Design Of New Antimicrobial Candidates, Asif Shahriar

Theses and Dissertations

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the human gastric mucosa and is associated with peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Bacterial protein synthesis is a fundamental metabolic process occurring in all bacteria and is a validated target of antibiotics; however, the precise structural mechanism of H. pylori protein biosynthesis remains unknown. Protein synthesis contains four stages, and translational initiation is the most important and highly regulated critical step, involving three initiation factors (IF1, IF2, IF3) and other key components. IF1 plays a vital role in regulating this step by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit cooperatively …

Geospatial Analysis Based On Hurricane Storm Surge Scenarios On Coastal South Texas And North Mexico, Layda Belia Spor Leal

Theses and Dissertations

The coastal area of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and Northern Tamaulipas, Mexico, has historically faced a variety of natural disasters involving flooding hazards, such as hurricanes and tropical storms. These scenarios not only represent imminent danger for the population in the area but can lead to long term effects on the infrastructure located in the impact zone. As such, it is imperative to conduct analysis on not only the specific areas that will be affected, but the severity of flooding that can result after a catastrophic event. Modelling work that simulates the storm surge in case of various …

Red Snapper Abundance, Growth, And Movement At Different Structural Configurations In The Rio Grande Valley Artificial Reef, Marybeth J. Weihbrecht

Theses and Dissertations

The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) artificial reef was built with the goal of providing habitat for reef fish at various life stages. This study used fish trapping to analyze red snapper and grey triggerfish size and abundance in the RGV reef. Mark-recapture of red snapper was utilized to determine growth, movement, and site fidelity within the reef. Nine configurations of patches consisting of varying combinations and densities of concrete pyramids and low-profile modules were surveyed, as well as additional sites of cinder block palettes and concrete railroad ties. Red snapper and triggerfish abundance per trap hour varied significantly by site …

An Investigation Of Standardized Assessment Performance For Middle School Students Before And During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Michael Norman Voth

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the learning of students in public education through the analysis of standardized assessment performance before and during COVID-19. The study also compares virtual learning and face-to-face students’ change in performance on the standardized assessments. To answer the research questions, the quantitative research uses 5th and 7th grade math and reading STAAR data from 2019 and 2021 for the same cohort of students at a suburban ISD in Texas. The casual-comparative research study suggests that there is a significant drop in students’ performance on standardized assessments in …

Identifying Direct Foxo Targets Through Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Assays With Sequencing, Alma Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) and basal-like breast cancer (BBC) are aggressive cancers associated with poor prognoses. Basal-like breast cancer (BBC) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are poor prognosis cancers that lack effective targeted therapies. A deregulation of FOXOs has been linked to cancer, as they regulate the expression of genes involved in multiple cellular processes. Canonically, the FOXO family of proteins is generally considered tumor suppressors, but evidence suggests that they may be involved in cancer metabolism as well as angiogenesis. Research in our lab has found that these factors play a role in glycolysis and the developmental WNT pathway. Here we …

Teachers’ Perspectives On Multimodal Texts In Middle School Reading Language Arts Classrooms In The Rio Grande Valley, Angelica Montoya Ybarra

Theses and Dissertations

Literacy in the 21st century includes multiple modes of communication that include culturally and linguistic diverse representation. It also includes multimodal texts that use visual, audio, and technological elements to create meaning. The new changing technologies have expanded literacy to more than print and written forms. Literacy instruction has seen pedagogical changes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Educators need to explore new literacy practices that benefit the growing diversity in societies along with the fast-growing technologies. Students need skills and mentoring to navigate digital learning platforms. Literacy in the 21st century includes multimodal texts, technology, nontraditional literacy skills, and multiliteracies. …

A Microchemical Analysis To Assess Contributions Of Stocked And Wild Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus) To State-Owned Lakes In Arkansas, Morgan Reeves Winstead

Theses

Channel Catfish are broadly distributed in the U.S. and are important commercially and recreationally in many rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and streams. Since they are a popular sportfish, many state-owned lakes are stocked with a variety of sizes to enhance population sizes and provide angling opportunities. The goals of this study were to determine the contributions of stocked fish, determine the fish size at stocking, and to assess the contribution of yearling and catchable sizes to the stocked percentage. Fish samples were obtained from three hatcheries and six lakes within different ecoregions across Arkansas to assess whether chemical signatures were different …

Potential For Bioaccumulation And Biotransformation Of Bifenthrin And 4, 4’-Ddt Through Sediment Exposure To Chironomus Dilutus, Eleni K. Robinson

Theses

The ecological role of chironomids has been described as an abundant and ubiquitous prey item for not only aquatic species, but terrestrial and avian species as well. Global use of pesticides in urban and agricultural applications have introduced a potential threat not only to chironomid populations, but to the individuals that prey on chironomids. Chironomids direct contact with the sediment has resulted in both legacy and current-use pesticides being detected in the individuals throughout their life cycle. The capacity for contaminant uptake and biotransformation among each midge life stage and from larvae to adults, however, is poorly understood. The lipophilic …

2023 (Spring) Ensi Informer Magazine, Morehead State University. Engineering Sciences Department

ENSI Informer Magazine Archive

The ENSI Informer Magazine published in the spring of 2023.

Intouch Week Of May 1, 2023, New York Medical College

InTouch

• Academic Excellence Recognized During Alpha Omega Alpha Iota Chapter 2023 Induction Ceremony
• The Department of Environmental Health and Safety Welcomes New Director
• Department of Physical Therapy Hosts 19th Annual Doctoral Project Presentation Day
• NYMC Hosts Ninth Annual Drs. Gabor and Harriette Kaley Endowed Lecture
• GSBMS Grad Aspires to Treat Neurodegenerative Diseases