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A Texas-Sized Problem: Abortion Policy And Public Perception On The Border
No full textThe present study is an examination of the impacts Texas\u27 abortion restrictions have had on residents of El Paso, Texas. As of 2022, virtually all instances of abortion are illegal in the state of Texas. Despite the complete overturn of Roe V. Wade, in addition to Texas\u27 passage of the Texas Heartbeat Act , lawmakers have continued to propose and enact laws that encourage the intimidation, investigation, and punishment of anyone suspected of aiding and abetting an abortion, regardless of whether it occurred outside of state lines. These policies are ever-changing and impact millions of Texans, whether they know it or not. As the largest, westernmost city in Texas, El Paso\u27s unique proximity to Mexico and New Mexico has created a new type of in-between space, one in which El Pasoans are impacted by changing laws in Texas, yet can find themselves in a new state, or country with entirely different abortion policies in a matter of minutes. Bearing in mind that these three places hold dramatically different abortion-related policies, findings reveal how El Pasoans make sense of changing laws, where they turn to for help, and the consequences it has for their everyday lives. By utilizing theories of reproductive justice, border theory, as well as frameworks incepted by leading Chicana feminist scholars in the communication field, this project documents the direct experiences of El Pasoans impacted by Texas\u27 abortion restrictions and sheds light on a community that holds great significance to the conversation surrounding reproductive justice in Texas
The Relationship Between Inclusive Classroom Practices, Stem Identity And Stem Interest In Latinx Secondary Students
No full textLatinx students remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields despite representing a growing portion of the U.S. school population. Research suggests that inclusive classroom practices (ICPs) that affirm students\u27 cultural and linguistic identities can play a critical role in shaping STEM identity and fostering interest in STEM pathways. This mixed-methods study investigated the relationship between ICPs, Latinx high school students\u27 STEM identity development, and their interest in pursuing STEM careers in the Texas borderlands. The study employed a convergent design, integrating quantitative survey data from 52 students and qualitative interview data from four secondary science teachers. Quantitative findings indicated low to strong correlations between ICPs and student outcomes, potentially influenced by factors such as sample size, student perceptions, and contextual variables including bilingual language use and socioeconomic status. Qualitative themes emphasized the importance of cultural relevance, student-teacher relationships, and classroom climate in fostering a sense of belonging and academic confidence among Latinx students. While teacher self-reports suggested a strong commitment to inclusive instruction, the lack of observational data limited the ability to validate these practices. The study highlights the complexity of measuring inclusive pedagogy and underscores the need for future research using triangulated data sources, including classroom observations and curriculum analysis. Recommendations include incorporating lesson study as a professional development model and promoting policies that support culturally and linguistically responsive instruction. Overall, findings provide preliminary but compelling support for inclusive practices as a pathway to equity in STEM education and contribute to a growing body of literature on identity-based approaches to broadening participation in STEM. The study has implications for educators, administrators, and policymakers seeking to create learning environments where Latinx students feel seen, supported, and inspired to pursue STEM futures
A Digital Twin Approach To Job Shop Scheduling: Simulation And Optimization In Anylogic
No full textIn complex manufacturing environments such as job shops, machine breakdowns and maintenance activities can significantly disrupt production flow, leading to delays, bottlenecks, and reduced throughput. This thesis presents the development of a digital twin for a job shop system using AnyLogic simulation software to evaluate the effectiveness of fallback routing logic, where jobs are dynamically rerouted to alternative machines when primary machines are unavailable due to scheduled and unscheduled events. The digital twin replicates real-world job shop conditions, incorporating variable job sequences, machine-specific processing times, and both preventive and corrective maintenance schedules. Two scenarios were compared: a baseline configuration with fixed routing with first- in-first-out (FIFO) order and an alternative configuration with fallback logic. Performance was assessed across different KPIs, including makespan, machine utilization, throughput, and average waiting time. Simulation experiments were conducted in a FIFO (First In First OUT) sequence and with downtime events (preventive and corrective maintenance), results were validated through sensitivity analysis and statistical testing. The findings showed that fallback logic reduced makespan by 8.24%, improved throughput by 8.89%, and led to more balanced machine utilization. A two-sample t-test confirmed that the makespan reduction was statistically significant at the 90% confidence level (p = 0.0304). These results suggest that integrating fallback routing into a job shopâ??s digital twin enhances system flexibility and resilience, enabling more adaptive and efficient production control. The study contributes to the growing body of research on digital twin technology and supports its role in enabling smart, disruption-tolerant manufacturing systems aligned with Industry 4.0 objectives
Impact Of Magnetic Fields On Cosmic Ray Density In Molecular Clouds
No full textWe investigate the effects caused by Cosmic Rays (CRs) in a Molecular Clouds (MCs) environment and the effects of varied magnetic field configurations in the core (r = 1 Pc ) of a MC. We take as initial conditions for the interstellar medium a product of various supernova explosions as injected initial perturbation and observe the evolution during the timescale of ~4.5 Myrs. We compute the CR reduction factor R as a measure of the density of a distribution of particles traveling with a guiding center along randomized field lines near the core and discuss their impact on the ionization rate. We employ data from ideal and non-ideal MHD simulations using AREPO (Alexander Mayer, MPA) in the densest region for each snapshot, characterizing lines of sight with column densities as a parameter for the evolutionary stage of the MC; also, we observe the correlation between reduction factor and the gas density at said position. Our results point towards an important attenuation of the CR density which may affect the ionization rate inside the MC, thereafter influencing the coupling between the magnetic field and the gas density
Authentic Self-Actualization: The Underlying Mechanisms Of The Self That Are Associated With Well-Being And Alcohol Outcomes Among At-Risk Drinkers
No full textResearch indicates that individuals who consume alcohol beyond recommended guidelines are at-risk for harmful health outcomes. Moreover, alcohol is often used as a coping strategy to alleviate negative emotions that stem from self-discrepancies, potentially reinforcing maladaptive drinking behavior and exacerbating alcohol-related problems. Although various motivational theories related to the self-concept have independently contributed to our understanding of drinking behavior, no framework has synthesized these perspectives. Grounded in self-discrepancy theory, self-determination theory, and self-actualization, the present study introduces Authentic Self-Actualization as a comprehensive theoretical framework to examine how motivational aspects of the self-concept influence well-being and alcohol-related outcomes. A total of 421 (69.6% Non-Hispanic White; 53.7% Males; Mean Age = 39.28, SD = 11.32) adult at-risk drinkers were recruited through Prolific to complete an online survey. Participants responded to measures assessing self-discrepancies (ideal-actual, ought-actual) and values importance (both intrinsic and extrinsic), as well as negative emotions (depression, anxiety), well-being (basic psychological need satisfaction, meaning in life), alcohol-related outcomes (alcohol use, related problems), and sociodemographic variables. Structural equation modeling was used to test direct, indirect, moderated, and moderated mediation effects across four models. Results largely supported the hypotheses, such that ideal-actual discrepancies were associated with greater depressive symptoms, while ought-actual discrepancies were linked to elevated anxiety symptoms. Moreover, values importance amplified these relationships, as larger discrepancies involving more personally important values elicited stronger negative emotions. In turn, symptoms of depression were associated with lower well-being and increased alcohol-related outcomes. However, symptoms of anxiety were unexpectedly associated with slightly improved well-being, and was not linked to alcohol-related outcomes. Lastly, highly important intrinsic ideal-actual discrepancies were associated with lower well-being and greater alcohol-related outcomes to a greater extent compared to highly important extrinsic ought-actual discrepancies. These results underscore the importance of considering the magnitude of self-discrepancies and the motivational nature of the values they represent, especially highly important and intrinsically oriented values. Failing to meet personally significant aspirations appears to undermine well-being and foster maladaptive drinking to a greater extent compared to not fulfilling external obligations. These findings point to the potential psychological toll of neglecting ones deeply held values, highlighting the intensified distress that arises from failing to realize one\u27s authentic self. By integrating self-discrepancy, self-determination, and self-actualization, the Authentic Self-Actualization framework offers a robust lens through which to understand and address negative emotions, well-being, and alcohol-related outcomes among adult at-risk drinkers. Future studies should refine these measures to increase reliability, and use both experimental and longitudinal designs to examine the causal and temporal nature of these relationships
Latinas In The Figured World Of Economics: Constructing Identity And Agency
No full textWomen\u27s endeavors to enhance their numbers, visibility, and presence in economics are a significant topic of discussion in the field of economics. While it has long been documented that women are outnumbered in economics, there was almost no research on Latinas: only on White women. Using a theoretical framework of identity and agency in cultural worlds, this qualitative study aimed to understand how Latinas who graduated with master\u27s degrees from three universities along the U.S.-Mexico border constructed their identities and positioned themselves as economists. Ten Latinas who graduated between 2002 and 2022 from the Paso del Norte regional universities were interviewed for this study. Research findings were that 1) Latinas\u27 positional identities as economists were shaped by socioeconomic factors, 2) Latinas\u27 self-authored themselves through their agentic practices and activities, and 3) Latinas\u27 figurative identities as economists were shaped through dialogic processes. This study explored the structural and cultural supports or barriers they experienced in pursuing their professions as economists and how they positioned themselves after graduation. This study attempts to bring to light and analyze stories that are largely absent from the conversation and research about women in economics
Imperial Ideology and Subversive Practice in Arthurian Legend
No full textThis project approaches Arthur and Arthurian legend as vital elements in British self-identification from the medieval period onward by examining narratives of national origin in legendary history, romance, and other forms of cultural production. In my readings of these texts, I am concerned with how national identity and otherness are constructed and negotiated in a literary space, how myths of utopian origins rely on the endorsement and glorification of cultures of violence that sustain and justify imperial enterprises in the Middle Ages and beyond. It is my argument that in the absence of actual voices of resistance, romance tropes often stand in for that unofficial voice. In the case of Arthurian legend, this most often manifests in the representation of magic and sexual difference. I distinguish between magic and supernatural as differently invested tropes in Romance. The supernatural acts as a literary representation of Otherness and marginality as viewed from the hegemonic center; the supernatural is passive and locked into objecthood. Magic, however, represents an agential Other, and therefore carries far more subversive potential than the mere supernatural in the Arthurian Romance
Elucidation Of Nano-Mechanical Property Evolution Of 3D-Printed Zirconia
No full textThis dissertation presents an in-depth look at the mechanical behavior, size changes, and process improvement of ceramic and polymer materials made with additive manufacturing (AM). The work consists of four separate but related studies, each tackling important challenges in fabrication, characterization, and predictive modeling. Chapter 1 examines the nano-mechanical property changes of 3D-printed zirconia made using digital light processing (DLP). By employing nanoindentation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the effects of print orientation and sintering on hardness, elastic modulus, and microstructure are revealed. The results indicate that 0°-oriented sintered samples have up to 140% higher hardness compared to preconditioned samples, with mechanical properties comparable to those of conventionally processed ceramics. Chapter 2 introduces a Python-based image processing method to observe size changes during sintering. Optical images are analyzed through edge detection and spline fitting to monitor shrinkage and deformation. This non-contact technique supports mechanical testing by allowing real-time observation of shape changes. Chapter 3 details the creation of a high-load barium titanate (BaTiO3) slurry for DLP-based production of piezoelectric ceramics. The study assesses photoblocker concentrations, cure depth, and printability. A 90 wt% BaTiO3 mixture was successfully printed, reaching a target cure depth of 0.050 mm, showing that it is possible to produce dense lead-free ceramics using DLP. Chapter 4 investigates machine vision and machine learning to predict the mechanical behavior of 3D-printed silicone lattice structures. Cross-sectional images of the printed lattices are analyzed to identify geometric features. These features are then used to train predictive models, such as convolutional neural networks and genetic algorithms. This section emphasizes the potential of merging image processing with data-driven modeling for effective property prediction. These studies together improve our understanding of additive manufacturing processes and offer new tools for characterizing, optimizing, and predicting the performance of engineered materials
Spatial And Thermal Aspects Of The Ecology Of Three Sympatric Rattlesnakes In The Montane Northern Chihuahuan Desert
No full textTo understand how animals coexist on the landscape, the individual aspects of a species life history must first be understood. Animals need to find locations that provide the resources they need to survive. Movement, microhabitats, and temperature can alter such areas where animals occur. Understanding animal movements provide important information on space use and microhabitats on the landscape. Ectothermic animals must acquiesce to ambient temperatures or use behavioral modifications to alter their body temperature. The ability to maintain suitable body temperature is essential for physiological function, reproduction, and ability to avoid predation. Research on the variation in a species ecology can be especially helpful to identify the dynamics of closely related sympatric species that occupy similar ecological niches. In Chapter 1, I used Very High Frequency (VHF) radio telemetry to study the spatial ecology of the Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox), Rock Rattlesnake (C. lepidus), and Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake (C. ornatus) at the Indio Mountains Research Station (IMRS) in West Texas. The large-bodied Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnakes was predicted to have the largest home ranges and use elevational changes more than the smaller Rock Rattlesnakes and the habitat generalist Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes. Traditional two-dimensional home ranges and core use areas were estimated and then clipped to a digital elevation map to give a three-dimensional spatial estimate. Daily movement estimates between all species were significantly different, but daily elevation changes were not. The Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes had the largest estimates across all metrics, and the Rock Rattlesnakes had the smallest, with the Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnakes consistently falling in between them. In Chapter 2, I compared the winter thermal ecology of three rattlesnake species, specifically looking at winter emergence from hibernacula. I collected body temperature data in 22 free-ranging rattlesnakes, 11 C. atrox, 6 C. lepidus, and 5 C. ornatus at IMRS. Winter basking events were estimated for 14 individuals for which winter temperature data were collected, with C. ornatus most frequently coming out to bask during December, January, and February; with C. atrox egressing the least and C. lepidus nested between C. ornatus and C. atrox. Male C. atrox emerged from hibernacula more frequently than female C. atrox. These data provide important insights into the variation in winter activity of these secretive organisms, which are commonly thought to be non-active during this season. In Chapter 3, I used location data from C. atrox, C. lepidus, and C. ornatus implanted with VHF radio transmitters and tracked for up to one year in the Northern Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas. Gradient surface of elevational metrics and environmental factors for 708 locations from 22 rattlesnakes of these three species were used. A random forest model showed that ground temperature and humidity were the most important explanatory variables to predict body temperature of individuals outside of temporal metrics. Two generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMMs) were used, one with body temperature as the response variable and one with ground temperature as the response variable. Ground temperature and pressure were the most explanatory variables in the body temperature GLMM, and body temperature and mean elevation were the most explanatory variable in the ground temperature model. Geodiversity metrics outside of mean elevation were not explanatory in my GLMMs. These three species of rattlesnake appear to not be strongly tied to gradient surface metrics but more associated with temperature in this arid, montane landscape of West Texas
Application of Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) for Monitoring Asphalt Pavement Strains Under Accelerated Loading Conditions
No full textThis thesis presents a study on the application of Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) technology for detecting pavement\u27s strain response with high spatial resolution. Using a Rayleigh-based optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) system, DFOS sensors were calibrated and embedded in full-scale asphalt slabs subjected to accelerated loading using a Model Mobile Load Simulator 3 (MMLS3). Calibration of the DFOS sensors was conducted using a three-point bending flexural test with known load conditions and reference strain gauges to validate theoretical and numerical models. The results demonstrate DFOS\u27s capability to detect pavement response under static and dynamic loading, as well as changes due to wheel position and temperature change. The study highlights DFOS\u27s advantages over traditional strain gauges, such as higher spatial resolution, continuous monitoring, and potential for predictive maintenance applications