17179 research outputs found
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Bridges Over Troubled Waters: A Comparative Study of Japanese and Texan River Conservation in the Face of U.S. Deregulation
No full textSan Marcos, Texas, is a growing community in central Texas that faces increased risks for environmental degradation and natural disasters. The city is approaching a water crisis and must navigate how to effectively prepare for, prevent, and protect the community from these challenges. This paper examines the historical development of environmental activity in both the United States and Japan to propose a planning strategy for San Marcos. By exploring Japan’s environmental history and current practices, this research aims to expand the existing knowledge base on how local communities like San Marcos can best preserve their natural resources. One model, machizukuri city planning and community engagement, is examined and recommended as a potentially effective framework for San Marcos to adapt. Challenges associated with the model are analyzed, along with suggestions for how San Marcos can avoid these pitfalls. One plan for incorporating machizukuri principles into community development while prioritizing environmental protections is proposed. Finally, the paper identifies areas for further research on strategies to achieve balanced urban growth.Political Scienc
Exploring the Evolution of Low-Mass X-Ray Binaries through Binary Population Simulations
No full textLow-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) are systems in which a compact object—either a neutron star or black hole—accretes material from a low-mass stellar companion, producing high-energy X-ray emission. Despite their importance in astrophysics, the formation pathways of LMXBs remain incompletely understood, particularly in reconciling the requirement for massive progenitors with the presence of low-mass donors. In this thesis, we investigate the formation and evolution of LMXBs using binary population synthesis simulations across a broad parameter grid, varying both the initial mass ranges of the binary components and the metallicity of the stellar population. Each model evolves 100,000 primordial binaries using a rapid evolution code over 15 Gyr. We find that LMXB production is most efficient in populations with metallicities between Z = 0.001 and Z = 0.01 and initial mass ranges that include low-mass secondaries (0.5–100 M☉). The X-ray luminosities of the resulting LMXBs predominantly fall within the 10³³–10³⁹ erg s⁻¹ range, consistent with observed populations. Contrary to one widely proposed hypothesis, our simulations do not support a dominant formation channel involving intermediate-mass secondaries that are stripped down during binary evolution. Instead, systems with genuinely low-mass companions from the outset are more successful in forming LMXBs. An unexpected population of intermediate-age (100–1000 Myr) X-ray binaries emerge in the simulations, occupying a transitional regime that is neither characteristic of high-mass nor classical low-mass X-ray binaries. These systems warrant further investigation as potential probes of recent star formation and stellar evolution pathways. This study refines our understanding of LMXB demographics and lays the groundwork for future models that incorporate detailed physics, dynamical interactions, and observational selection effects.Physic
Between Bison Bone Beds: The Intermediate Horizon at Bonfire Shelter (41VV218)
No full textNo abstract prepared.Anthropolog
The Power of Portrayal: Media's Role in Shaping the Narrative Surrounding Black Youth
No full textThis study analyzes how media representation of black juveniles influences the public perceptions of Black youth and the association with crime. By conducting a qualitative content analysis of news articles about juvenile homicide cases, this research compares black juvenile cases to white juvenile cases. Findings revealed a clear discrepancy between the way the juveniles were portrayed when Black juveniles were often depicted in mugshots or cruel narratives compared to white juveniles. These portrayals contribute to the reinforcement of the cycle of systematic oppression and reinforcing stereotypes that shape their identity and behavior. By promoting equitable representation in news outlets, this can begin steps in remedying this narrative surrounding black youth.Criminal Justice and Criminolog
Analyzing the Social Dynamics of Studentification in San Marcos, Texas
No full textThis project aims to investigate the social impacts of studentification in the city of San Marcos, Texas through a case study of the Lindsey Street Project, a new mixed-use development proposed in the downtown area of San Marcos. Studentification can be defined as the concentration of university students in a city, and its related social, cultural, and infrastructural impacts. Studentification produces a distinct form of urban change that alters the community dynamics, housing markets, and social structures with a constantly changing and transient student population. Also known as the McClain Student Housing Project, the new development highlights a broader trend of student housing expansion accompanying the rapid growth of the city’s anchor institution, Texas State University. To examine this phenomenon in the city of San Marcos, this study will employ a multi-faceted approach that combines both content analysis and community engagement. Public hearings from City Council meeting transcripts and narratives from local news outlets will be analyzed to identify the most common narratives regarding the McClain Student Housing Project, and to highlight narratives that align with similar cases of studentification. Additionally, surveys and interviews will be conducted with tenants of The Elms and Lindsey Oaks apartment complexes where they have been given a notice to vacate due to the new developments in order to capture lived experiences and perceptions of neighborhood change. Through this case study, this research aims to identify the common narratives surrounding studentification in San Marcos and analyze its implications for housing stability, social cohesion, and community identity while contributing to a deeper understanding of student driven neighborhood change in university-centered cities.Geography and Environmental Studie
"Therapy is Not For Us": Understanding Community and Self-Imposed Stigma on Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviors in Black University Students
No full textIn the U.S., research has repeatedly shown that mental illness prevalence is rising among all populations. While mental health awareness has increased along with this rise, both the acceptance and severity of symptoms are not uniform among demographics. For example, previous studies have illuminated that black populations tend to have more severe and disabling symptoms, yet are among the lowest in mental health service utilization. The main objective of this qualitative study is to understand factors that impede or facilitate mental health help-seeking in black ethnic groups. A supplemental goal is understanding the nuances between ethnic groups and genders regarding MHHS. Data was collected through SONA systems and a Qualtrics-powered survey. The results were analyzed using thematic analysis and interpreted through Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior. An Outsider’s Perspective (45.7%) and Judgement/Stigma (30.5%) were most cited when considering MHHS. Self-reliance, aversion to vulnerability, and prayer were the reasons participants did not seek help. Lack of financial resources, perceived inefficacy of counseling, and resources being contingent on parental/community approval were the common themes that contributed to lower perceived behavioral control. Finally, most participants felt uncomfortable (36.2%) seeking help in a PNBC due to fears of discrimination and dismissal.Psycholog
Two Decades of Urban Transformation and Heat Dynamics in a Desert Metropolis: Linking Land Cover, Demographics, and Surface Temperature
No full textThis study presents a spatially explicit, multidecadal analysis of how land use and land cover (LULC) change and socio-demographic dynamics have influenced land surface temperature (LST) patterns in the Phoenix metropolitan area between 2001 and 2021. Using Landsat-derived summer LST, socio-demographic indicators, and land cover data, we quantify urban land transformation and socio-demographic changes over two decades. To account for spatial heterogeneity, we apply Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR), which improves upon conventional regression models by allowing for variable-specific spatial scales. Results show that the 2001–2011 period was characterized by rapid suburban expansion and widespread conversion of croplands and open space to higher-intensity development, while 2011–2021 experienced more limited infill development. Correlation analysis reveals that agricultural and open space conversions were linked to population and housing growth, whereas redevelopment of existing urban areas was often associated with socio-demographic decline. MGWR results highlight that agricultural land conversion drives localized warming, while shrub/scrub-to-developed transitions are linked to broader-scale cooling. By combining spatial sampling, area-weighted interpolation, and MGWR, this study offers a fi-ne-grained assessment of urban thermal dynamics in a fast-growing desert region. The findings provide actionable insights for planners and policymakers working toward sustainable and climate-resilient urban development in arid environments.Geography and Environmental Studie
Effects of Prenatal Herbal Methionine Supplementation on Growth Indices, Onset of Puberty, Blood Metabolites, and Fertility of Alpine Doelings
No full textThis study investigated the effects of prenatal herbal methionine supplementation on growth, puberty onset, reproductive efficiency, and blood metabolites in first-generation G1 Alpine doelings. Sixty pregnant multiparous goats (G0), each with at least three parturitions, were assigned during the last trimester of pregnancy to either herbal methionine (H-MET-G0; 1% Optimethione®; n = 30) or a control group (CTL-G0; n = 30). Only female offspring (G1 doelings) were studied (H-MET-G1:19; CTL-G1:25) from weaning (45 days old) to 10 months (first breeding). G1 doelings were weighed and monitored weekly for metabolites, IGF-1, insulin, and progesterone. Ovulation of the G1 doelings was induced using vasectomized bucks, followed by breeding with intact bucks. Postweaning growth, age at puberty (H-MET-G1:216 vs. CTL-G1:229 days), and live weight at puberty (H-MET-G1:20.5 vs. CTL-G1:21.0 kg) did not significantly differ (p > 0.05). Age at puberty and conception were negatively correlated with live weight (p < 0.001). First-cycle conception rates were 81% in CTL-G1 and 66% in H-MET-G1, with similar days to conception (p > 0.05). The number of pregnant doelings and the number of kids in utero did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) between treatments. Plasma IGF-1 and insulin levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in H-MET-G1 doelings, whereas plasma metabolites related to nutrition showed no differences between groups (p > 0.05). Prenatal herbal methionine supplementation had no carry-over effect on growth, puberty onset, or reproductive efficiency. Age at puberty and conception were negatively correlated with live weight and positively correlated with IGF-1 and insulin levels.Agricultural Science
Oral history interview: Robert E. Will
No full textEdited and unedited transcript files (.pdf) and edited and unedited video files available with closed captioning.Oral history interview with Kimberly Will about her father, Chief Warrant Officer IV Robert E. Will. Kimberly discusses her father's life, service, and legacy
Effects of Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain on Spinal Reflex Excitability and Time-to-Boundary Postural Control in Single-Leg Stance
No full textBackground/Objectives: Acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) affects balance, often assessed by changes in traditional center of pressure (COP) parameters. Spatiotemporal measures of COP and time-to-boundary (TTB) analysis may offer improved sensitivity in detecting postural deviations associated with ALAS. However, the neurophysiological mechanism underlying these changes remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the effects of ALAS on spinal reflex excitability in the fibularis longus (FL) during single-leg balance and TTB parameters following ALAS. Methods: Fourteen participants with and without ALAS were recruited within 14 days from the onset of the injury. We assessed FL spinal reflex excitability and postural control during a single-leg stance. The primary outcomes included the H/M ratio, H-latency, and TTB parameters. For H-reflex testing, the peripheral electrical stimulation was delivered at the sciatic nerve before bifurcating into the tibial and common fibular nerve while participants maintained a single-leg balance position with the involved side of the limb. The TTB parameters of the medial–lateral (ML) and anterior–posterior (AP) directions of the mean, SD, and minimum were assessed, which indicate postural correction and strategies. Results: Patients with ALAS had a significantly lower AP-TTB minimum compared with healthy uninjured controls, with a moderate effect size (p = 0.039; d = −0.83). However, there was no significant difference in the H/M ratio (ALAS: 0.29 ± 0.16 vs. CON: 0.24 ± 0.10; p = 0.258) and H-reflex latency (ALAS: 34.6 ± 1.92 vs. CON: 33.8 ± 1.75 ms; p = 0.277); Conclusions: These results indicate that reflex control at the spinal level may have a minimal role in response to balance deficits following ALAS.Health and Human Performanc