26400 research outputs found
Sort by
High-Frequency Seismic Noise in Desert Environments
No full textThis study investigates the generation and modulation of ambient seismic noise in arid environments, with a focus on aeolian processes such as saltation, wind shear, and precipitation events. Using a dense array of three-component seismic nodes co-located with meteorological sensors and a novel particle transport instrument (SANTRI), high-frequency seismic signatures were examined within the Jornada Experimental Range in southern New Mexico. Time-frequency analysis reveals that wind-driven saltation events produce measurable seismic energy enhancements, particularly within the 100-300 Hz band, with clear spectral distinctions between wind-only forcing and particle-laden transport. Additionally, rainfall events were identified by elevated seismic amplitudes in the absence of particle activity, while several unexplained seismic anomalies displayed localized energy bursts not associated with any known environmental driver. These findings highlight the sensitivity of ambient seismic monitoring to surface processes in desert settings and underscore the potential for seismic arrays to detect subtle interactions between atmospheric forcing and granular surface dynamics. The results also suggest that site-specific factors, such as sediment availability and surface moisture, play a critical role in modulating seismic responses, opening new avenues for environmental seismology in non-tectonic contexts
Voice-Language Cues in Speech Comprehension
No full textVoice familiarity has a powerful effect on speech comprehension, improving both intelligibility and recall. Speaker consistency also benefits speech comprehension with better recall for words spoken by one versus multiple speakers. The goal of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the benefits of voice familiarity for bilinguals depend on the consistency between a familiarized voice and the language of production, with improved perception for words when the speaker produces in the same language versus in a different language. Highly proficient Spanish-English bilinguals performed a speech-in-noise transcription task. During a familiarization phase, participants listened to brief utterances in both English and Spanish that were either produced by the same voice or each produced by a different voice. This was followed by a test phase in which they listened to individual words presented in speech-shaped noise and typed in the word they heard. At test, the initial voice-language pairing was either kept consistent or inconsistent - one-voice condition words were produced by a novel voice and two-voice condition words had the voice-language pairing swapped. Consistent with the central hypothesis, transcription accuracy was significantly lower in the two-voice conditions when the language pairing was swapped relative to when it was kept consistent
Electrodeposition of Gallium Nitride_Unraveling the Role of Precursors, Deposition Conditions, and Substrate Effects for Semiconductor Applications
No full textGallium nitride (GaN) is a wide-bandgap semiconductor noted for its remarkable optoelectronic and structural characteristics, rendering it a potential material for high-power, high-frequency, and optoelectronic device applications. This dissertation investigates the electrochemical synthesis of GaN thin films by potentiostatic and galvanostatic electrodeposition techniques using aqueous solutions of gallium nitrate (Ga(NO3)3), ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), and auxiliary agents like potassium nitrate and urea. The main aim is to examine the essential elements affecting nitrogen incorporation and film shape while assessing electrochemical performance on various conductive substrates.A thorough investigation was performed to evaluate the impacts of electrodeposition duration, electrolyte pH, precursor molar concentrations, deposition technique (potentiostatic versus galvanostatic), and substrate type - specifically fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and indium tin oxide (ITO). Protocols for post-deposition annealing and pre-treatment were also investigated. The surface morphology, elemental content, and structural properties of the deposited films were examined utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Despite efforts to enhance nitrogen incorporation, difficulties remained, especially due to spectrum overlap between nitrogen and tin in EDS measurement, along with restricted nitrogen retention at mildly acidic pH values. Significant variations in film growth behavior were noted between FTO and ITO substrates, indicating that substrate choice profoundly affects nucleation kinetics, interfacial charge transfer, and overall film uniformity. This study enhances the comprehension of GaN electrodeposition in aqueous environments and elucidates the intricacies of regulating nitrogen incorporation under ambient circumstances. It underscores the possibilities and constraints of low-temperature, scalable methods for GaN thin-film synthesis, providing insights into future avenues for environmentally friendly semiconductor fabrication procedures appropriate for advanced optoelectronic and power device technologies
The Limestone Wars
No full textIt\u27s 1999 when Joan Lewis turns thirteen in rural Kentucky, just as her parents sell their land to open a limestone quarry. When a petty theft leads to a summer of chores followed by loss, Joan\u27s world begins to explode. As her mother sinks into addiction, a family secret is revealed, forcing Joan to question everything and set her sights on how to escape Lower Fork Branch
Exploring Willingness To Seek Help And Well-Being In Rural Veterans With Health Conditions: A National Rural Health Study
No full textThe population of Veterans in the United States has increased significantly, with a substantial number residing in rural areas. This study aims to highlight and understand the correlation between military service members\u27 physical and mental well-being and the quality/access to care they receive. This study also aims to explore mental health-seeking behaviors, health, and well-being in rural Veterans with health conditions. The study included 400 rural-dwelling Veterans with documented physical and mental health conditions. Data was collected through surveys distributed via various media channels, including social media platforms, and the results demonstrated that willingness to seek psychological help was positively correlated with rural Veteran\u27s well-being. The results highlight the critical role of willingness to seek mental health support and access to mental health and substance use care services for rural Veterans. These findings can inform policies and interventions aimed at enhancing overall well-being and quality of life for this population
Improving Traffic Management During Special Events at the Sun Bowl Stadium
No full textThis thesis focuses on improving traffic conditions around the Sun Bowl Stadium, especially during large public events. The goal is to propose effective solutions that enhance the use of public infrastructure during both event days and normal traffic conditions. To understand the current situation, two surveys were conducted during a football game - one monitoring parking lot occupancy and the other measuring traffic volumes using video recordings and pressure sensors. Based on the collected data, design changes were proposed for two key intersections: Sun Bowl Dr. with W. University Ave., and Sun Bowl Dr. with Glory Rd. The new designs follow U.S. and European traffic engineering standards. The proposed improvements were evaluated using PTV Vissim traffic simulation software and safety analysis. Results showed a clear improvement in traffic flow and safety compared to the current conditions
Mentoring Matters: Exploring The Impact Of Mentorship On The Professional Growth Of Latina Assistant Principals
No full textAbstract This qualitative study used an interpretative phenomenological approach. The purpose of this study is to explore the mentoring experiences of Latina assistant principals in the El Paso, Texas region who have been in the role for 0-5 years and to express the need for mentorship in their professional development. While more Latinas are stepping into roles in education, they continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions. Mentorship can be a powerful support system. Through semi-structured interviews, participants shared their lived experiences with formal and informal mentorship. Their voices were analyzed using thematic coding, and several key themes emerged, including the lack of formal mentorship, seeking their own support, and support that would have been beneficial. This study adds to the ongoing conversation about equity and leadership by centering the voices of Latina assistant principals. These findings can help inform how districts, leadership development programs, and mentors can better support emerging Latina leaders. By expanding these stories, this study drives for more inclusive and meaningful mentorship practices in education
Synthesis, Characterization, And Redox Properties Of Select 1,4-Diazocine-6,11-Diones Towards An Electrochromic Dye-Set
No full textThe daily consumption of personalized digital visual information depends on the current purview of electronic-based displays. Present manufacturers utilize modern technologies, such as LCD, OLED, QLED, and electronic ink, or E Ink, in their devices to display text, pictures, and other forms of media to individual users. However, as modern society continues to rely on the use of digital displays, the demand for low-power alternatives will continue to rise as their application in varying scenarios is realized. Currently, E Ink technology continues to grow as the dominant solution in the e-readers and digital signage marketplace, and can even be seen in major retail store fronts. We therefore endeavored to create a novel set of organic molecules to act as redox-active dyes to be implemented in an electrochromic digital display.
Based on the hypothesis that 8-membered ring diazocines can be reduced from a nonaromatic, colorless compound to a more conjugated aromatic structure, a set of Chameleon Compounds (named for their color-changing behavior) was synthesized and characterized via UV-Vis, NMR, and crystallographic techniques. Further insight into the color-shifting behavior of the model compound\u27s core motif was investigated using DFT-based theoretical calculations and solution-phase electroanalytical techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry, spectroelectrochemistry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Upon evaluation of the data obtained, a call for further research towards diazocines, and other electrochromic materials, is made
Aluminum Doped Tin Sulfide Thin Films For Solar Cell Applications
No full textTin sulfide (SnS) is theorized to be a suitable material for solar cells, but there are some difficulties that have not been overcome when making thin films that have the properties needed to compete with other materials. This work investigates the structural and optoelectronic properties of aluminum-doped SnS thin films, deposited via magnetron cosputtering physical vapor deposition at different temperatures. To characterize the films a variety of techniques were used: Raman spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, X-Ray Reflectivity, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results show that the target stoichiometry is a relevant parameter to take into account when growing SnS thin films, the temperature plays an important role in the grain size, and incorporating aluminum significantly changes the optical properties of the film. This shows that if this approach is used for solar cell applications, growth parameters must be meticulously tweaked to obtain the desired films
Lizita, Meet Liz A Memoir
No full textA change of life baby, Liz was born to poor, middle-aged Mexican American parents who didn\u27t want the same things in life that she wanted. Generational trauma, internalized racism, and family dysfunction permeated her psyche and crippled her self-worth sending her into the fantasy worlds she created in her head. She managed to escape her family through marriage at nineteen years old, quickly realizing she had traded family dysfunction for marital dysfunction. But, then, an affair with a man more than twenty years her junior forced her to face the reality of her marriage. Newly divorced and finally free to make a life of her own, she faces the monumental task of becoming the sole caregiver to her elderly mother, diagnosed with dementia-related psychosis. The years that followed tested her limits with her mother\u27s bizarre behaviors. She ultimately fulfills a lifelong dream and discovers a part of herself that she never knew existed, giving her the courage to create the life she always wanted. On a random morning jog in the park, an unexpected life-changing shift happens when Lizita meets Liz