19304 research outputs found
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Pulsed Power Plasma Stimulation: A Comprehensive Review and Field Insights
No full textPulsed Power Plasma Stimulation (3PS) represents a promising and environmentally favorable alternative to conventional well stimulation techniques for enhancing subsurface permeability. This comprehensive review tracks the evolution of plasma-based rock stimulation, offering insights from key laboratory, numerical, and field-scale studies. The review begins with foundational electrohydraulic discharge concepts and progresses through the evolution of Pulsed Arc Electrohydraulic Discharge (PAED) and the more advanced 3PS systems. High-voltage, ultrafast plasma discharges generate mechanical shockwaves and localized thermal effects that result in complex fracture networks, particularly in tight and crystalline formations. Compared to conventional well stimulation techniques, 3PS reduces water use, avoids chemical additives, and minimizes induced seismicity. Laboratory studies demonstrate significant improvements in permeability, porosity, and fracture intensity, while field trials show an increase in production from oil, gas, and geothermal wells. However, 3PS faces some limitations such as short stimulation radii and logistical constraints in wireline-based delivery systems. Emerging technologies like plasma-assisted drilling and hybrid PDC–plasma tools offer promising integration pathways. Overall, 3PS provides a practical, scalable, low-impact stimulation approach with broad applicability across energy sectors, especially in environmentally sensitive or water-scarce regions
An Assessment of Virtual Reality and BIM-Based Job Hazard Analysis in the Construction Industry
No full textWorkplace injuries remain a persistent challenge in the construction industry. Conventional Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) methods, such as checklists, written procedures, and paper-based drawings, often fall short in conveying the spatial and procedural information required for proper task planning. This limitation is further compounded by the industry’s high workforce turnover and the presence of personnel from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. Due to varying levels of technical proficiency, many workers struggle to understand task requirements when communicated solely through verbal instructions or static visuals. Such miscommunication or misinterpretation frequently results in unsafe practices and, in severe cases, fatal incidents. This study investigates whether complementing the existing JHA process with a Virtual Reality (VR) and Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based system can enhance workers’ understanding of construction tasks and ability to identify potential hazards. The primary objective is to assess whether this interactive approach improves the effectiveness of JHA in terms of task understanding and hazard recognition. The research also examines factors influencing its effectiveness and explores challenges participants face during implementation in construction settings. A mixed-methods design was employed to capture both quantitative performance outcomes and qualitative user experiences. The study involved a plumbing installation task modeled in Autodesk Revit and visualized using VREX software with the Oculus Quest 2 headset. Forty participants, including construction professionals and graduate students, engaged with the virtual scenario and completed pre- and post-assessments to evaluate improvement in task understanding and hazard recognition. Professionals’ answers to the open-ended interview questions provided qualitative insights into user experience and implementation-related challenges, to support the quantitative data. Quantitative results revealed statistically significant improvements in task understanding and hazard identification following the VR- and BIM-supported JHA process (p < 0.001). Participants with limited prior VR experience performed slightly better than those with none, although no consistent trends were observed for age or industry experience. Qualitative findings highlighted connectivity issues, model integration challenges, and navigation learning curves during the VR experience. Overall, the study contributes to construction safety research by demonstrating that VR with BIM can introduce a visual dimension to the existing JHA process. This added visual layer enhances spatial understanding and task visualization, supporting better communication across a diverse workforce and reinforcing existing JHA practices in construction environments
Using "Recombineering" Technology to Modify a wnt1/wnt10b Genomic PAC Clone
No full textWnt1 is a conserved gene in vertebrates that is required for brain development. In spite of its importance, little is known about the mechanisms that control its expression in embryos. The focus of this project is to use 'recombineering' technology to modify a zebrafish (Danio rerio) wnt1/wnt10b genomic P1 Derived Artificial Chromosome (PAC) clone. The PAC clone will be engineered to integrate two different fluorescent protein genes into the wnt1 and wnt10b loci. After successful recombineering, the engineered PAC will be injected into zebrafish embryos, and the pattern of fluorescence will be documented. Furthermore, a stable transgenic line will also be produced. This project will set the stage for subsequent studies to analyze the factors that control the fluorescence patternBiology and Biochemistry, Department ofHonors Colleg
Utilizing a Multidisciplinary Approach to Assess the Impact of Maternal Mental Health on Neonatal Health Outcomes in Sierra Leone
No full textMaternal mental health significantly influences neonatal health outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings like Sierra Leone, where maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain high. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to assess the impact of maternal mental health conditions, such as stress, depression, and anxiety, on neonatal outcomes, including birth weight, gestational age, and morbidity. Data were collected through structured interviews, focus groups, and clinical record reviews involving pregnant and postpartum women, healthcare providers, and community health workers. Preliminary findings reveal a strong association between maternal mental health challenges and adverse neonatal outcomes, highlighting barriers such as limited access to mental health services, cultural stigma, and systemic healthcare challenges. The results emphasize the need for integrated, multidisciplinary healthcare approaches that address both maternal psychological and physical health to improve neonatal survival rates. These findings underscore the importance of expanding mental health services within maternal healthcare frameworks in Sierra Leone to drive sustainable improvements in maternal and neonatal health outcomes. [This project was completed with contributions from Natalie Toro, Makaila Davis, Jonathan Jean Charles, Dontavious Scott, and Angelique Jeanty from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine.]Honors Colleg
Advanced Multiplex Lateral Flow System for Detection of OPN and Cystatin C in the Urine of Lupus Nephritis
No full textLupus nephritis is an autoimmune kidney disease characterized by the overproduction of autoantibodies, leading to damage to vital organs. Most patients are diagnosed with lupus nephritis once significant symptoms appear. However, early clinical treatment can greatly improve and stop the pathogenesis of the disease before it progresses to a worse state. The lateral flow assay's multiplex format helps with specific and sensitive detection of multiple protein biomarkers for accurate diagnosis. Individual antigens from the patient's sample bind with the capture antibodies on the membrane detected by labeled detection antibodies, resulting in a color signal. The experiment investigates the potential protein biomarkers OPN and Cystatin C in patient urine to diagnose patients with lupus nephritis using a multiplex lateral flow system. For optimization, the results showed that the 1:2 dilution had the most optimal intensity of the other dilutions.Biomedical Engineering, Department ofHonors Colleg
Analyzing the Benefits and Risks of Telehealth in Adolescent Psychiatry
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the use of telehealth in adolescent psychiatry, transforming the patient-physician interaction. Telehealth has promised greater accessibility, especially for underserved or remote populations. As we move beyond the pandemic, it is crucial to examine whether telehealth's benefits-such as increased access and satisfaction-apply universally. Rapid technological advancement has introduced new opportunities and challenges, especially for adolescents whose needs differ from adults. This review evaluates the current effectiveness, acceptance, and limitations of telehealth in adolescent psychiatry post-COVID-19, focusing on its impact on both quality and access to care. [This project was completed with the contributions from Paul Nemer from Baylor College of Medicine and Bassam Ballout from Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.]Honors Colleg
Investigating the Relationship Between Texas School District Healthcare Expenditures and Academic Outcomes
No full textThis study investigates the relationship between the amount of school district funding that goes towards healthcare services and key educational outcomes, including absenteeism, graduation/dropout rates, standardized test scores, and post-high school readiness. Previous research indicates that healthcare services such as school nurses are associated with reduced absenteeism and fewer missed classes, but their impact on other academic achievement remains unclear. Given that many school districts do not require dedicated funding for healthcare services, despite their potential to enhance student success, this research aims to fill a critical knowledge gap. By examining the role of healthcare expenditures in fostering an environment conducive to learning, this study seeks to determine whether their presence is correlated to academic performance. The findings could provide valuable insights for policymakers, potentially advocating for mandatory allocation of funds for school nurses and other healthcare services to promote better educational outcomes. Through a comprehensive analysis of Texas school district data from the TEA datasets, this research will explore whether investing in healthcare functions can lead to measurable improvements in academic achievement, thereby informing future funding decisions and educational policies.Honors CollegeBiology and Biochemistry, Department o
The Effect of Autism and ADHD on Children's Attentional Engagement
No full textAttentional engagement during social interaction is crucial to children's development. Previous research indicates that there is a significant overlap between autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with children in both populations demonstrating affected attentional behaviors (e.g., sustained attention and joint attention). However, the attentional differences between children with autism compared to those who have autism and co-occurring ADHD remain unclear. The study in progress aims to assess the attentional engagement of children aged 4-8-year-olds who have either autism, both autism and ADHD, or no diagnosis of either autism or ADHD. We used head-mounted eye trackers during a five-minute naturalistic parent-child play session to measure the synchrony between children's attention to objects and their object handling. In our forthcoming analyses, we will investigate group differences in the rates of (1) when children are actively looking and touching an object simultaneously, (2) when children are actively looking at an object and not touching it, and (3) when children are not actively looking at an object but are touching it. We hypothesize that children with no diagnosis will exhibit greater attentional engagement during the play session; children with autism only will have greater attentional engagement than children with autism and ADHD. This research has the potential to enhance our understanding of engagement patterns among children with atypical attention profiles during social play, which ultimately may inform strategies and interventions that could improve day-to-day informational processing and subsequent development. [This project was completed with contributions from Sarah S. Mire from Baylor University.]Psychology, Department ofHonors Colleg
Parental Education and Child Vocabulary Outcomes: The Role of Parent Labeling and Child Visual Attention Synchrony During Parent-Child Play
No full textParental education has been linked to children's language development, with one study finding that properties of maternal speech are a critical link between parental education and children's productive vocabulary. Additionally, word learning outcomes have been shown to improve through the synchronization between a parent's labeling of objects and a child's visual attention, a behavior referred to as visual optimal naming moment (VONM). Studies have examined the impacts of parental education on vocabulary outcomes, but little is known about the role VONMs play in this relationship. The present study used head-mounted eye-trackers to document children's visual attention during a 5.33-minute parent-child play session. From this, we identified VONMs (e.g., when the child looked at an object that was simultaneously being named by the parent) and related them to children's receptive and expressive vocabulary scores. Participants included 23 neurotypical children between 37-67 months (M = 53.495, SD = 8.125; 14 females), and 23 parents whose educational years ranged from 12-20+ (M = 16.826, SD = 2.480). Our preliminary moderation analysis showed that the frequency, not duration, of VONMs moderates the relationship between parental education and children's receptive vocabulary, where more years of parental education was associated with better receptive vocabulary scores, especially when parents and children engage in an average or high amount of VONMs. These findings contribute to our knowledge of how parents and caregivers can promote better word-learning activities for preschool-aged children through the modification of perceptual experiences.Psychology, Department ofHonors Colleg
Cultural Differences in Teacher-Student Relationships Between the U.S. And Mexico and Its Impact on Sense of Belonging and Academic Outcomes
No full textRecent literature has largely overlooked cross-national comparisons as a means to identify cultural differences in educational institutions and understand differential outcomes in sense of belonging between countries. This study examines how teacher-student relationship quality influences students' sense of belonging in schools across the U.S. and Mexico, and how these effects vary by students’ immigration status. Additionally, the study reiterates the influences of sense of belonging at school on student outcomes at the national level. Using data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), and teacher-student relationships as a key measure, the cross-national analysis concluded Mexican students report stronger teacher-student relationships and a greater sense of belonging. However, the relationship between teacher-student quality and sense of belonging is more prevalent in the U.S., with no significant differences observed among immigrant students between the two countries. This demonstrates that while Mexican students report higher quality teacher-student relationships on average, these relationships do more to improve sense of belonging in the U.S. context. Furthermore, a strong sense of belonging is associated with higher aspirations for a bachelor’s degree and increased academic motivation in math courses. These findings suggest that while Mexican students experience more positive teacher-student interactions on average, the impact of these relationships on fostering a sense of belonging is particularly pivotal in the U.S. context, highlighting potential teaching methods the U.S. can borrow from Mexico to improve educational outcomes