19304 research outputs found
Sort by
A Constant Threat: Yellow Fever, Public Health, and Race in the Texas-Mexico Borderlands, 1853-1903
No full textThis thesis is a history of yellow fever in the Texas-Mexico borderlands. Focusing on this disease's influence on the political, economic, and medical structures in this period of borderlands history.History, Department ofHonors Colleg
Stem Cell Therapy for Myocardial Infarction Recovery: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions
No full textMyocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of morbidity worldwide, resulting from ischemic damage and necrosis to cardiomyocytes. While the standard treatment regimen for MI can be successful in restoring coronary perfusion, it typically does not resolve myocardial damage, which can leave patients particularly vulnerable to complications such as heart failure or electrical conduction abnormalities. Stem cell therapies offer a promising novel approach aimed at restoring cardiac function and decreasing the incidence of functional complications after an MI. This review used a literature search to evaluate the current landscape of stem cell therapy for post-MI recovery and focuses on the stem cell candidates for MI recovery therapy, delivery methods of such treatment, and their effectiveness. Both preclinical and clinical trials have demonstrated the safety of stem cells, but have struggled with limited cell retention, inconsistent efficacy, and survival. Mechanisms are employed by stem cells to promote regeneration, such as paracrine signaling, angiogenesis, and structural remodeling, in addition to the various stem cell delivery methods, including intracoronary infusion, direct myocardial injection, and intravenous administration. Furthermore, some strategies to combat past challenges in this field are discussed; for instance, extracellular vesicles, bioengineered patches, hydrogels, gene editing, and bioprinting. This article will provide a framework for future research in stem cell therapies and highlight the current progress in the field
Essays on Application of Behavioral Economics Principles to Sales Force Management
No full textSalespeople operate in a high-stakes and target-driven environment, where performance is objectively measured and continuously monitored. This makes sales an ideal setting to study behavioral economics principles in action, because this unique context allows for the empirical testing of how psychologically meaningful events shape salesperson behavior. In this dissertation, I examine how two such principles—counterfactual thinking and the kick-start effect—operate in the context of salesperson turnover and performance. Specifically, I investigate how near misses—falling just short of a sales goal—provoke counterfactual thinking that can influence salesperson’s decision to quit. I also examine how early wins—achieving success at the start of a performance period—can trigger a kick-start effect that boosts subsequent performance. The first essay explores how narrowly missing a sales quota—referred to as a “near miss”—can have counterintuitive effects on turnover. While prior work shows that failing to meet quota increases quitting, this essay reveals that repeated near misses, despite being objectively better than large failures, are especially demotivating. Drawing from counterfactual thinking theory, I demonstrate that near misses foster negative emotions such as regret and envy, which in turn increase the likelihood of quitting. Using data from three studies—a cross-industry dataset of 25,000 salespeople, a panel dataset of over 2,900 retail salespeople, and a behavioral experiment—I show that the turnover risk associated with near misses intensifies when variable pay is high and peer performance is more homogeneous. Interestingly, a single near miss can still be motivating; the negative effect emerges only through repetition. The second essay introduces the concept of a “kick-start,” a psychological boost in performance triggered by early success at the beginning of the month. Integrating fresh start V theory with the concept of self-efficacy, I argue that early wins are especially powerful when they occur at the start of a performance cycle, as they are more likely to be interpreted as mastery experiences. This strengthens self-belief and drives sustained performance. Using daily sales data from a large car dealership network over four years and nearly 600 salespeople, I find that day-1 performance significantly predicts rest-of-the-month sales. The kick-start effect is stronger when it follows prior-month success, occurs under a high span-of-control manager, or during year-end periods. It is weakened when peer sales are also high. This essay sheds light on how organizations can leverage early-month wins to shape long-term outcomes. Together, these essays demonstrate how psychologically meaningful but operationally subtle cues—like nearly missing targets or starting strong—can profoundly impact salesperson behavior. The findings offer theoretical insights into sales performance and turnover, along with actionable guidance for managers aiming to enhance retention and productivity
Cost-Effective Strategies for Assessing CO2 Water-Alternating-Gas (WAG) Injection for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) in a Heterogeneous Reservoir
No full textThis study evaluates the feasibility of CO<sub>2</sub> Water-Alternating-Gas (WAG) injection for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in a highly heterogeneous reservoir using cost-effective and efficient tools. The Rule of Thumb method was initially used to screen the reservoir, confirming its suitability for CO<sub>2</sub>-WAG injection. A fluid model was constructed by comparing several component lumping methods, selecting the approach with the least deviation from experimental data to ensure accuracy. The minimum miscibility pressure (MMP), a critical parameter for CO<sub>2</sub>-EOR, was estimated using three methodologies: 1D simulation based on the slim tube test, semi-empirical analytical correlations, and fluid modeling. These techniques provided complementary insights into the reservoir&rsquo;s miscibility conditions. The CO<sub>2</sub> Prophet software version 1 was employed to history-match production data and evaluate different development strategies. The Kinder Morgan CO<sub>2</sub> Scoping Model was used to perform production forecasting and assess the economic viability of implementing CO<sub>2</sub>-WAG. Quantitative comparisons showed that the CO<sub>2</sub> Prophet version 1 model revealed minimal deviations from the history match results: oil production estimates differed by only 3.5%, and water production estimates differed by &minus;4.11%. Cumulative oil recovery was projected to reach approximately 20.26 MMSTB over a 25-year production period. The results indicate that CO<sub>2</sub>-WAG injection could enhance oil recovery significantly compared to water flooding while maintaining economic feasibility. This study demonstrates the practical integration of analytical tools and inexpensive models to evaluate and optimize CO<sub>2</sub>-EOR strategies in complex reservoirs. The findings provide a systematic workflow for deploying CO<sub>2</sub>-WAG in heterogeneous reservoirs, balancing technical and economic considerations
Seismic Performance of Steel Structures with Base-Hinged Columns Under Rigidly and Flexibly Braced Systems
No full textSteel structures with base-hinged columns are one of the typical forms adopted for rural housing in villages and towns due to their superior seismic resistance, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits. The lateral bracing system plays a crucial role in the ability of steel frames with base-hinged columns to resist horizontal forces. This study investigates the impact of rigid and flexible bracing on the seismic performance of such structures, emphasizing that enhanced ductility&mdash;particularly in flexibly braced frames&mdash;is essential for seismic resilience in earthquake-prone areas. Two full-scale steel frame models, one with rigid bracing and the other with flexible bracing, were fabricated based on typical rural housing designs and subjected to low-cycle reversed loading tests. The results indicate that the rigidly braced frame undergoes brittle failure, characterized by fractures and buckling at bracing intersections. In contrast, the flexibly braced frame exhibits ductile failure, identified by the bending deformation of tension rods. Despite the flexibly braced frame reaching a peak-load bearing capacity that is only 69.1% (positive direction) and 76.0% (negative direction) of the rigidly braced frame, it achieves ultimate displacements 2.7 times (positive direction) and 2.5 times (negative direction) greater. Additionally, the flexibly braced frame exhibits a stable energy dissipation capacity, with cumulative energy dissipation 1.49 times that of the rigidly braced frame. Numerical simulations were conducted to develop finite element models for both rigidly and flexibly braced frames. The resulting failure characteristics and bearing capacities of the frames were obtained, providing further validation of the experimental results. These findings provide data-supported evidence for promoting steel structures with base-hinged columns in rural housing applications
Retinal Ganglion Cell Axon Characteristics In Nonhuman Primates With And Without Glaucoma
No full textPurpose: To quantify retinal ganglion cell axon diameter, shape, and mitochondrial content in six different circumpapillary sectors in the non-human primate experimental glaucoma model. Methods: Five rhesus macaque monkeys were induced with unilateral glaucoma and monitored with optical coherence tomography to various endpoints, at which time they were euthanized. Animals were perfusion fixed, and circumpapillary was tissue prepared for electron microscopy. Serial block face scanning electron microscopy was used to acquire 20 x 20 x 20 micron volumes. Axons were manually outlined in ImageJ for three of the 200 sections from each volume. For 10 axons, variability in axon diameter, shape, and mitochondrial content was assessed using 25 out of 200 sections. Results: The average axon diameter for control eyes was 0.73 ± 0.36 μm and was not statistically different from axon diameter for glaucoma eyes (0.72 ± 0.36 μm, p=0.603). Axons were smallest in the temporal sector and largest in the superior nasal sector (p<0.01, one-way ANOVA). The axon area variability over the 20 μm sampled volume for control (RMS = 0.67 ± 0.60) and experimental glaucoma eyes (RMS = 0.62 ± 0.61) was not statistically different (p>0.05 for all sectors). The number of mitochondria was similar for control and experimental glaucoma eyes (Control: 2.32 ± 1.22, Glaucoma: 2.32 ± 1.06, p>0.05 for all sectors). The size of mitochondria was also similar for control and experimental glaucoma eyes (Control: 4.47 ± 3.08 μm, Glaucoma: 3.91 ± 2.16 μm, p>0.05 for all sectors). Conclusions: RGC axon diameter, and hence axon density have regional differences in the circumpapillary nerve fiber layer. Mean axon diameter does not vary between control and experimental glaucoma eyes. Mitochondrial content is independent of circumpapillary sector and disease status
Microgravity Impacts on IL-2 Cytokine Production
No full textThe exploration of space presents unique challenges to human health, particularly concerning the immune system's functionality under microgravity conditions. This study investigates the effects of microgravity on the production of Interleukin-2 (IL-2), a pivotal cytokine in immune response regulation. IL-2 is critical for the proliferation and differentiation of T cells, making its proper production essential for maintaining immune competence. Mice would be utilized as a model organism on the International Space Station under microgravity conditions along with parallel control experiments of mice under standard Earth gravity conditions. Blood samples would be collected bi-monthly over a six-month period to analyze the IL-2 levels. The methodology will include testing each step of the IL-2 NFAT production pathway to identify specific points of disruption under microgravity. By comparing the presence and activity of pathway products in both groups of mice, we aim to pinpoint the exact stage(s) at which microgravity exerts its effects. The potential results of this study could enhance our understanding of how microgravity impacts immune function, with implications for long-term human spaceflight and potential applications on Earth to improve treatments for immunocompromised individuals who exhibit similar immune system challenges. By identifying specific changes in IL-2 production under microgravity, we hope to contribute to the development of targeted therapeutic strategies to mitigate immune system dysfunction in these particular populations.Honors Colleg
Black Narratives in Print: Analyzing Intergenerational Trauma in Memphis: A Novel & 20th Century Newspapers
No full textThese are the generational responses to intergenerational trauma within the African American community hold significant scholarly and societal importance. By analyzing newspaper reports and a literary work like Memphis by Tara Stringfellow, this interdisciplinary research bridges English literature with Communications, enriching our understanding of systemic issues. Situated within narrative reconceptualization, it challenges biased media rhetoric and provides a nuanced historical context. Expanding representation within African American communities, and interrogating how media rhetoric shapes public perceptions and perpetuates systemic inequalitiesEnglish, Department ofHonors Colleg
Queering Graduate Training: Advanced Doctoral Psychology Students Self-Reported Attitudes, Knowledge, And Skills to Work with LGBT Individuals
No full textBackground: LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) individuals face disproportionate levels of mental health issues and barriers to accessing mental health care compared to non-LGBT individuals. Since skill development ideally begins during doctoral training, it is crucial to identify doctoral psychology students’ competency to serve LGBT individuals and the impact of various personal factors on self-reported competencies during graduate training. Purpose: This study aimed to examine advanced doctoral psychology students’ competency training during their graduate program, as defined by self-reported attitudes, self-reported knowledge, and self-reported skills to work with LGBT individuals and to identify personal factors that might impact competency development. Methods: Participants were recruited by requesting program directors of APA accredited doctoral psychology programs to distribute the survey to their graduate students. Additionally, participants were encouraged to share the survey with other graduate students in their program. Inclusion criteria were: (1) enrollment in a doctoral psychology program, including Clinical Psychology, School Psychology, or Counseling Psychology in the United States and its territories, and (2) completion of at least a 12-month field practicum rotation during their doctoral program. Ninety-four participants completed the study questionnaire that included a demographic form, the Sexual Orientation Counselor Competencies Scale (SOCCS) -Version 1 (LGB) and Version 3 (Transgender). Data analysis: Data analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics, correlation analyses, and separate MANOVAs for the both SOCCS - Version 1 (LGB) and Version 3 (Transgender) across different personal characteristics variables. Results: Findings revealed significant differences in self-reported attitudes, self-reported knowledge, and self-reported skills to work with LGBT individuals across students from different doctoral psychology programs and self-perceived level of experience working with LGBT individuals, but no differences were found in these variables based on different political inclinations and levels of religiosity. Conclusion: These findings provide preliminary information about the competency of advanced doctoral psychology students and the impact of personal factors, as a first step toward skill development in affirmative care therapy in graduate training. Practical implications are also discussed
An Exploratory Analysis of Cultural Capital Among Black Engineering Students at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs)
No full textDespite ongoing efforts to increase the representation of Black students in engineering, participation among Black students remains low. While past research on Black students in engineering has highlighted the challenges they experience in higher educational institutions, a growing amount seeks to use assets-based perspectives to highlight their experiences. We draw and build upon the work of researchers who highlight how engineering students possess cultural wealth that allows them to succeed in engineering. Using community cultural wealth (CCW), we explored how five Black engineering undergraduate students at Historically Black Colleges & Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions cultivated and used their cultural capital. We used a qualitative approach that included semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analyzed using an iterative process of inductive and deductive coding. The six forms of cultural capital (linguistic, resistant, familial, social, aspirational, and navigational) served as a priori codes for deductive analysis. We developed two themes that describe how students built, supported, and used their cultural capital, which included Relationships as the Bedrock for Success and Intersections of Cultural Capital in Overcoming Challenges. Our research findings revealed that familial and social relationships are crucial for early STEM engagement, emotional support, building aspirations, and developing needed skills for navigating engineering. To overcome challenges, Black engineering students used intersections of their cultural capital. These students employed combinations, layers, and multi-directional aspects of their cultural capital to persist and become successful in engineering. We contribute to the body of research that uses antideficit approaches to examine the experiences of Black engineering students at MSIs.Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, William A. Brookshire Department ofHonors Colleg