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Navigating The Transition: Hispanic High School Graduates\u27 Experiences With Eight-Week College Semesters
No full textThis study explored the transition from high school to higher education within the context of eight-week academic semesters for Hispanic students. Utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and grounded in Schlossberg\u27s Transition Theory, the research investigates the lived experiences of Hispanic high school graduates navigating accelerated college courses. The students faced challenges such as time management, transportation, and financial constraints, they also exhibit resilience and adaptability. The eight-week semester format was generally perceived positively, offering flexibility and fostering a sense of achievement
Expression Of Glycine Transporter 1 In The Rodent Basal Ganglia: Glial Vs. Neuronal
No full textGlycine functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS),and it is mainly involved in autonomic functions. The levels of extracellular glycine are regulated by two membrane transporters, glycine transporter 1 and glycine transporter 2 (GlyT1 and GlyT2, respectively). These transporters differ in function and localization within the CNS. For many years, studies suggested that only GlyT2 served as a neuronal marker; however, GlyT1 has been localized in neurons in recent studies. The expression of GlyT1 is widespread compared to GlyT2; hence, the main objective is to determine the nature of the expression of GlyT1 in areas devoid of GlyT2, especially in subcortical regions of the brain. More specifically, cell bodies labeled with Neuronal Nuclei (NeuN) antibody (Ab) in the subthalamic nuclei (STN) and substantia nigra (SN) have shown expression of GlyT1 at the plasma membrane. Staining with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) has demonstrated poor colocalization of GlyT1 in astrocytes. Furthermore, staining with Glutamate Decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) and GlyT1 has shown co- expression in groups of cell bodies and neuronal processes, suggesting a double-inhibitory phenotype. Nonetheless, to confirm these data, a knock-in mouse was generated to label GlyT1- positive cells with the reporter tdTomato (tdTom). Results have shown tdTom expression in neuronal cell bodies co-labeled with NeuN and GlyT1 antibodies (Ab\u27s) in the STN and SN. Additional characterization of these cells includes the intracranial delivery of adeno-associated viral particles (AAVs) and expression of the reporter in glial or neuronal cells. Future directions also include the application of electrophysiological techniques to investigate the role of glycinergic circuits on inhibitory post-synaptic currents (IPSC) as well as behavioral studies to assess the in-vivo effect on basal ganglia-regulated functions by blockage of glycine receptors (GlyRs) in the GPe through intracranial infusions. Moreover, while analyzing GlyT1/tdTom expression across sections, the cerebellum engaged our interest due to its saturated expression. Staining with GAD67, showed co-expression with tdTom in Purkinje cells. This co-labeling suggests a double-inhibitory phenotype, as it is well- documented that Purkinje cells are GABAergic. Altogether, the project\u27s hypotheses are supported by these data showing GlyT1 expression in neurons in subcortical brain structures and cerebellum
Experimental Investigation Of Photovoltaic Soiling Losses And Aerosol Absorption And Scattering Related To Dust In The Chihuahuan Desert Region
No full textThis dissertation explores the interaction between mineral dust and solar radiation in the Chihuahuan Desert, one of the dustiest areas in North America. I focused on two main aspects: (1) the characterization of atmospheric aerosol optical properties during dust events, and (2) the effects of dust deposition (soiling) on the performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules. I characterized the intrinsic optical properties of aerosols in El Paso, Texas during the peak of the 2021 dust season. Ground-level, high-resolution optical and meteorological data were collected at the Black and Brown Carbon (BC^2) study site, whereas particulate matter and additional meteorological parameters were acquired from a collocated air quality monitoring station. PM10, wind speed, and scattering Ångström exponent (SAE) were used as criteria for identification of 27 dust events, predominantly originating from the west-southwest. Their optical characteristics were characterized in terms of SAE, absorption Ångström exponent (AAE) and single scattering albedo (SSA). My findings indicate that the optical properties (SAE, AAE and SSA) of dust at El Paso differ from published values for pure dust at other locations, since aerosols during dust events at El Paso were consistently mixed with urban pollution. Moreover, it was found that dust is a constant key component of the aerosols in El Paso even in non-dust-event conditions. The effects of dust deposition on PV systems were assessed using an indoor soiling chamber and a field study at Alamogordo, New Mexico, near the White Sands (WS) dune field. The indoor experiments simulated soiling under various outdoor conditions using five representative types of sand and dust from southwestern North America. Dry (R.H. \u3c30%) and wet (R.H. \u3e90%) deposition methods were employed to evaluate current (IN) losses. Under dry deposition, quartz-dominated dust caused IN losses of 58 - 63%, whereas gypsum dust (WS) produced lower losses (~15.5%). During wet deposition, IN losses of ~81% for Arizona dust were observed. These findings highlight the importance of dust mineralogy and particle size in soiling. During the field study, despite experiencing 22 dust events, soiling losses were low (3% in fall and 2% in spring) compared to other regions. The small soiling losses were attributed to the prevailing south-southwest winds, hitting the front surface of the module, acting as a cleaning mechanism. Rainfall also reduced soiling; as little as 2.2mm of rain was sufficient to restore PV performance. Seasonal variations in dust mineralogy were observed; quartz dominated over the fall and calcite along with WS gypsum being major constituents of the dust during the spring. Mean size of particles collected from the surface of the modules was between 8 and 21 µm, with over 90% dust (\u3c50 µm). Overall, this study helped elucidate the complex interaction between solar radiation and mineral dust in the Chihuahuan Desert by characterizing aerosol optical properties during dust events and assessing dust\u27s subsequent impact after deposition on PV modules. Through field and laboratory experiments, this study identified key factors influencing the interaction between light and dust, including mineral composition, particle size distribution, and meteorological condition
Engineering Of Metallic Interpenetrating Phase Composites For The Control Of Deformation And Failure Modes During Dynamic Events
No full textAerospace components, automotive structures, and ballistics armor are all engineered to withstand high strain rate service events through a combination of material selection and design choices. However, structural components may be less effective when their implementation is constrained by other factors such as weight or design limitations. To meet these challenges, the development of next-generation materials will need to increasingly rely on composite material systems rather than monolithic materials. This thesis presents the fabrication, dynamic characterization testing, and post-mortem analysis of 316L/A356 interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) made from the PrintCasting methodology. These composites consist of additively manufactured 316L stainless steel lattices as a reinforcement phase and infiltrated as-cast A356 aluminum for a matrix phase. Two reinforcement lattice geometries, the gyroid and simple cubic, were evaluated at volume fractions of 1/3 and 2/3 stainless steel. Dynamic behavior of the composites was performed using a Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar (Kolsky bar) system to assess mechanical performance. Post-mortem optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the deformation mechanisms of the composites. The results demonstrated that the lattice geometry and volume fractions of phases influence the mechanical behavior and deformation of the composites. This work establishes a framework for the fabrication of 316L/A356 IPCs and provides a foundation for future iterations involving new lattice designs, PrintCasting optimization, alternative material selection
A Cross-Sectional Examination of Rejection-Identification and Collective Action Among Latino College Students Following the Walmart Shooting in El Paso
No full textObjectives: The present study aimed to test predictions derived from the rejection-identification model and collective action perspectives. Using a cross-sectional design, hypothesis 1 examined whether ethnic identification mediated the association between perceived discrimination and psychological distress, and hypothesis 2 examined whether attitude toward activism moderated the mediating effect of ethnic identification on the association between perceived discrimination and issue-specific activism. Method: 372 (77.4% female; Mage = 20.9 years, SD = 4.2) Latino undergraduate students from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) completed an online survey within approximately two years after the El Paso Walmart shooting, the deadliest attack against Latinos in modern U.S. history. A simple mediation analysis and a moderated mediation analysis were used to assess the relationships in hypothesis 1 and hypothesis 2, respectively. Results: Results of hypothesis 1 revealed that perceived discrimination was directly related to increased psychological distress, but not indirectly related to decreased psychological distress through higher levels of ethnic identification. Results of hypothesis 2 revealed that perceived discrimination was directly associated with increased issue-specific activism and ethnic identification. However, ethnic identification was not directly associated with increased issue-specific activism. Attitude toward activism did not moderate the mediating effect of ethnic identification on the perceived discrimination-issue-specific activism association. Conclusion: The findings highlight the role of perceived discrimination and ethnic identity development on activism engagement among Latino college students
El pájaro negro
No full textEl proyecto presentado para esta tesis se titula “El pájaro negro” y son dos nouvelles de iniciación con tintes de folk horror. Están situadas en un pueblo minero escondido en el desierto, con una neblina o “camanchaca maligna”. Esta corriente de humedad tiene entre uno y un metro y medio de altura y tiene una cualidad ácida que quema a la persona con quien se pone en contacto. Las nouvelles están situadas en dos momentos históricos distintos, y cada una se centra en la relación del curandero del pueblo encargado en ese momento de sanar la camanchaca con su aprendiz
Investigation Of High-Frequency Electron Spin Dynamics In The Kagome-Lattice Ymn6sn6 Crystal
No full textKagome magnetic crystals received a great deal of research attention in the recent past for their intriguing magnetic properties. Recently, YMn6Sn6 (Y166) has shown to exhibit several nontrivial magnetic phases (such as the Distorted Spiral (DS) phase, Transverse Conical Spiral (TCS) phase, Fan-like (FL) phase and the Forced-Ferromagnetic (FF) phase) and complex magnetic interactions. In this work, we employed very high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (VHF-EPR) spectroscopy to investigate the local microscopic magnetic interactions of Mn ions in the Kagome Crystal Y166 to better understand the new observed magnetic phases. Particularly, we studied the temperature-dependent EPR behavior at variable very-high microwave frequency (ν = 120, 240, and 300 GHz). To broaden our knowledge and understanding of magnetic interactions, we also investigated the EPR spectral behavior above room temperature (5 K-350 K) on Y166 single crystals, where the magnetic field was applied in-plane (IP) and out-of-plane (OOP) orientations of the sample layers. In addition, we have performed EPR at room temperature (290 K) for v = 240 GHz to study the angular dependence of the resonance field, g-value, and linewidth as a function of angle of rotation θ (degrees). We find that the EPR linewidth of Y166 follows a (3cos2 − 1)2-like angular dependence whilst the g-value and resonance field follow a (3cos2 − 1)- like angular dependence which reveals the “W-shape and U-shape” of the linewidth and g-values, respectively. This behavior shows the presence of 2D spin correlations in Y166. This 2D character is responsible for spin fluctuations at higher temperatures. The temperature dependencies of the EPR signal behavior, signal width, and g-values were tracked to study the magnetic phase transitions in Y166 as a function of temperature (5 – 350 K)
El terror y el ritual: Estudio de los festivales de cine de terror en México
No full textEsta investigación contribuye al campo de los estudios de festivales de cine, cine de género y representaciones simbólicas del miedo. Analiza el papel de los festivales de cine de terror en México como espacios de construcción simbólica, circulación cultural y resignificación del miedo. A partir de un enfoque cualitativo basado en entrevistas a organizadores de festivales y cineastas colaboradores, se examina cómo estos festivales configuran experiencias colectivas en torno al terror a través de prácticas rituales, afectivas y culturales. Se retoman conceptos como el capitalismo gore, necro-máquina y contra-máquina para contextualizar la investigación. Se utilizan categorías de los estudios de festivales de cine como cinefilia, curaduría, espacio-tiempo festivo, economía afectiva, y plataforma de legitimación. La investigación muestra que el terror en los festivales de cine es manejado desde una lógica distinta al de la violencia, por lo que puede convertirse en una herramienta para reconfigurar el miedo desde lo cultural. Abstract (English) This research contributes to the fields of film festival studies, genre cinema, and symbolic representations of fear. It analyzes the role of horror film festivals in Mexico as spaces of symbolic construction, cultural circulation, and reconfiguration of fear. Based on a qualitative approach grounded in interviews with festival organizers and collaborating filmmakers, the study examines how these festivals create collective experiences around horror through ritual, affective, and cultural practices. Concepts such as gore capitalism, necro-machine, and counter-machine are used to contextualize the investigation. Key categories from film festival studies—such as cinephilia, curatorship, festive space-time, affective economy, and platforms of legitimization—are also employed. The research shows that horror, as managed in these festivals, follows a logic distinct from that of real-world violence, and therefore can become a tool for reconfiguring fear through culture
Enhancing Developmental Care in the NICU: A Program Evaluation and Roadmap for Trauma- Informed Practice
No full textThis capstone evaluated the current state of trauma-informed developmental care practices in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at El Paso Children’s Hospital to identify barriers and inform sustainable improvement strategies. The capstone student shadowed across multiple disciplines, including occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, and lactation consultants. The capstone student surveyed NICU team members and interviewed unit leadership to assess staff knowledge, confidence, and feedback mechanisms. The capstone student found that staff expressed moderate confidence in delivering developmental care but faced barriers, including communication gaps between disciplines, limited leadership prioritization, and knowledge gaps. The capstone student developed a roadmap specific to the needs of the NICU. The roadmap includes actionable steps to take as well as evidence-based recommendations based on observations, shadowing experience, survey feedback, and formal interviews.https://scholarworks.utep.edu/otcapstones/1014/thumbnail.jp
