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Exploring connections between access to resources, financial distress, and adaptation among bereaved Black Americans after the death of an immediate family member
No full textThis dissertation examined the multifaceted relationship between social stratification and bereavement processes among Black Americans. It explored the interconnectedness of systemic inequalities related to wealth, health, and societal status, and how these components shape the bereavement experiences of Black individuals after the loss of an immediate relative. Using conflict and critical theory as the philosophical orientation, along with the Double ABC-X model as a research lens, this study investigated the relationships between socioeconomic status, access to afterlife resources, financial distress, and adaptation processes in the context of Black bereavement. A survey instrument was synthesized and disseminated to specifically capture the financial impacts of loss, and the survey data was used to conduct regression analyses to test five hypotheses which derived from the study's research objectives. Results indicated that increases in financial worry after the loss of an immediate family member significantly predict decreases in resilience levels. The findings emphasize the need for future research to address gaps in the existing literature and to gain further understanding of inequities embedded in the bereavement experiences of Black individuals facing familial losses
Effect of a composite plant-based protein drink on blood glucose and insulin metabolism
No full textThis study developed a plant protein beverage utilizing mung bean, lima bean, and bambara bean proteins, with the objective of replicating the amino acid composition of chicken. Protein extraction was most efficient with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), succeeded by mild acid hydrolysis to maintain low salt concentration. A clinical experiment involving 11 male participants assessed the drink's impact on blood glucose, insulin, and amino acid levels during a three-hour period. The plant protein beverage independently controlled blood glucose levels; but, when mixed with glucose, it induced hyperinsulinemia. The interaction between glucose and plant proteins greatly affected the amounts of amino acids, including valine, isoleucine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. The research indicates that plant protein may assist in regulating blood sugar and insulin levels, potentially lowering the risk of metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders. Additional investigation is required regarding amino acid metabolism
Do you see what I see? A phenomenological exploration of body image in elementary school through the perspective of elementary school counselors
No full textThis study was guided by a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to identify factors that elementary school counselors perceive to shape elementary-aged student’s interpretation of body image. This study spotlights concepts that elementary school counselors and stakeholders can share with families, teachers, and communities to help bridge the gap of body image conversations with elementary-aged students.
Four elementary school counselors in an independent school district in a suburb of a southern metroplex participated in this study. Each counselor participated in one, face-to-face, one-hour interview. Interpretive phenomenology analysis (IPA) was utilized with the use of in vivo and process coding. After data analysis, three themes and three subthemes were identified as factors that play a role in an elementary-aged student’s interpretation of body image: Parents (subtheme: affirmations), peers (subtheme: comparison), and social media (subtheme: filtering).
The findings contribute to the knowledge and field of body image and serve as an advocacy tool for counselors to receive more resources regarding body image related topics for elementary-aged students and families of this population. The hope of this study is to raise awareness for more body image related curriculum and resources for elementary-aged populations
Role of sibling relationships in children's experience of IPV: A grounded theory study
No full textIntimate Partner Violence (IPV) and sibling relationships are significant public health concerns. Siblings often share significant time and form enduring bonds, providing essential social support during stressful events. Key aspects of sibling relationships include warmth, love, conflict, and rivalry. This study aimed to explore the role of sibling relationships in children's IPV experiences using a constructivist grounded theory methodology. Eleven participants were interviewed using a semi-structured protocol. Strengthening sibling bonds emerged as the central process and title for the grounded theory. Seven main categories were identified: types of abuse, family and sibling dynamics, roles assumed, the role of sibling relationships, coping strategies, and outcomes. Three main themes were constructed regarding the role of sibling relationships: engaging in daily activities, experiencing IPV together, and sharing emotional responses. The findings revealed that sibling relationships during IPV strengthen sibling bonds, facilitating positive outcomes. Due to the small sample size, the findings are not generalizable. Implications for research and practice include adopting mixed-method approaches to comprehensively understand sibling relationships in IPV contexts and developing targeted interventions to support affected families. By recognizing and enhancing sibling bonds, practitioners can create supportive environments that bolster children's resilience against IPV's detrimental effects
An in-depth analysis of Texas craft beer consumer insight, dry hop techniques, and pairing effects of hop bitterness with flavor adjuncts
No full textThe aim of this collective research was to determine insights into both consumers and producers of craft beer, evaluate the validity of upcycling hop waste, and to determine consumer perception of hop flavor and bitterness levels in beer through sensory analysis. Surveys determined that consumers (n=1130) prefer sensory characteristics of fresh/light (67.79%) over bready (17.69%) and bitterness (19.24%), while producers (n=46) reported brewing IPAs (100%), which are known for heavy, hoppy, and bitter notes. Acid analysis of beer produced with reused hops showed no significant differences (p=0.05) in bittering acids (iso-alpha acids) from a control, indicating that this could be a viable option for hop reuse. Consumer studies showed bitterness and hop flavor liking had strong positive correlations to pleasantness intensity (r=0.721 and 0.725 respectively) and balance intensity (r=0.669 and 0.662). The results of these studies can aid brewers in recipe development, marketing, and cost reductio
Anxiety in the Archives: A podcast dissertation about knowledge control and dissemination in academia
No full textUsing a podcast format, this dissertation examines our cultural and societal relationships with libraries and archives, both as places of wonder and as places of fear. My examination is conducted through a narratological and rhetorical analysis of four speculative fiction series, including Genevieve Cogman’s The Invisible Library series, A.J. Hackwith’s Hell’s Library series, Rachel Caine’s The Great Library series, and Rod Duncan’s The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire series. My analysis provides the framework for a larger conversation about information accessibility and equity in higher education and the need for open access and open educational resources. Along the way, I provide a transparent perspective on the nature of graduate-level work, the difficulty of the dissertation process, and the mental health struggles that often come along for the ride
Examining regulatory mechanisms of Murid betaherpesvirus 1 M142 promoter region
No full textHuman cytomegalovirus infection occurs in more than half of the world's population and persists for the host's lifetime. We investigated the regulation of M142, an essential gene in the closely related model murine cytomegalovirus. We constructed modified promoter constructs controlling a reporter gene and evaluated these modifications. We confirmed the presence of one or more negative regulatory regions in the interior of the promoter. Our results support that factors conserved between murine fibroblasts and rat neuroblastoma mediate this regulation. We confirmed the presence of a positive regulatory region in the terminal portion of the promoter. We investigated if ELK-1 mediated this effect; however, we found ELK-1 may play a cell-type specific repressive role in an otherwise powerful positive regulatory region. This study expands upon the limited knowledge of promoter regulation in MCMV and beyond the MIEP. These results will inform future studies to identify novel targets to limit cytomegalovirus disease
The relationship between multiracial challenges and self-esteem and multiracial pride as a moderator
No full textMultiracial experiences are insufficiently understood in existing literature, likely due to the complexity of multiracial identity. Multiracial individuals, who identify with two or more racial backgrounds, face unique challenges. Most research focuses on monoracial identities, and studies on multiracial populations often emphasize terminology or psychopathology. This study examined multiracial experiences, specifically how challenges affect self-esteem and whether multiracial pride moderates this relationship. Using a cross-sectional survey of 120 multiracial adults, correlational and regression analyses found no direct link between multiracial challenges and self-esteem, but suggested a positive association between identity challenges and self-esteem. These findings underscore the complexity of multiracial identity and suggest benefits from facing racial identity challenges. Future research should examine multiracial identity development across life stages and its mental health implications
Tiny Pages, Big Impact: The Story of the UNT Zine Library (So Far)
No full textTiny Pages, Big Impact will provide attendees with the information and resources on incorporating zines into their libraries and even the opportunity to learn how to make their own mini-zine. Using the UNT Zine Library as a case study, topics of discussion will include the UNT Zine Library’s collection development policy, the process of selecting the appropriate housing and display options, resources consulted when making decisions about zine acquisitions and their processing, zine instruction and outreach initiatives, and successes and challenges experienced along the zine library journey thus far. After the presentation, an open discussion on the role of zines in libraries will conclude the workshop while attendees can work on their newly created mini-zines
On the Go Again: A Program Development for Farmers and Ranchers to Overcome Health-Related Concerns on the Farm and Ranch
No full textAgriculture is categorized as one of the most unpredictable and hazardous industries globally due to heavy manual labor, long working hours, and daily stressors. Farmers and ranchers are susceptible to many agricultural-related injuries; however, most continue to work through their injury, slowing their productivity rate in their older years. Many existing studies have suggested a need for educational resources that involves intervention training to reduce the risk of agricultural-related injuries. On the Go Again provides farmers and ranchers free educational resources pertaining to health, wellness, and quality of life through the lens of promoting, maintaining, and preventing specific concerns on the farm and ranch. This study examines the effectiveness of a program development that educates aging farmers and ranchers on diagnoses, risk factors, intervention or prevention techniques, and adaptive equipment to prevent injury and increase productivity while aging. A non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to compare function, limitations, work-life balance, satisfaction, confidence, and quality of life levels prior to intervention and after 14-weeks of intervention training. The results found this study to have clinical significance due to participant’s improvements when comparing the pre- and post-surveys, but statistical significance was not reached, though small and medium effect sizes were present. It is within the scope of occupational therapy (OT) for OT practitioners to cater to the individual needs of farmers and ranchers in their natural environments, while implementing the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model into their client’s meaningful occupations.Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service - Victoria Count