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Interpretations Of Aesthetic Experience And Its Enactment In High School Visual Arts Education
Get PDFThis dissertation sought to identify interpretations of Aesthetic Experience (AE) of high school visual arts teachers and purposes of its facilitation in their classrooms. Five high school visual arts teachers within a large school district in West Texas were interviewed. A qualitative Hybrid Phenomenological Method was utilized to analyze the data consisting of a descriptive and an interpretive approach. The descriptive approach highlighted common and unique characteristics of aesthetic experience as interpreted by the teachers. An interpretive approach was also employed utilizing Aesthetic Critical Pedagogy, Feminist Theory, and Aesthetic Theory frameworks along with my 20-years-experience as a visual arts teacher. This analytical approach yielded five themes: (1) AE is Facilitated Toward Individualistic Pursuits; (2) AE Facilitated with Minimal Consideration for Postmodern/Contextualism Views; (3) A Disconnect of Self from Classroom Experience; (4) Challenges Facilitating AE; and (5) Novel Views of AE.Analyses showed that teachers interpreted aesthetic experience differently and maintained a variety of ways in which they recognized, planned for, and facilitated it. Although the results all pointed toward a type of transcendenceâ??a climbing or going beyondâ??the advance was more of a transformation of self for personal gain, rather than a transcendence toward others. Hence, in a move away from the current literature on aesthetic experience that encourages the use of imagination and creativity toward alternate views of self and society to influence positive change, the findings instead revealed that AE at the high school level is facilitated more as a personal and private event. Analysis also showed that most teachers intentionally and inadvertently distanced themselves from classroom experiences, avoided Postmodern aesthetic approaches, and deliberately evaded complicated conversations. Results revealed several novel views of aesthetic experience and challenges in facilitating it at the high school level that are not currently found within the literature
Computational Investigation of Layered N_((2-x) ) Ni_((2-y) ) Co_y TeO_6 (x = 0.0 - 0.5, y = 0.1 - 0.25) For Sodium-Ion Battery Cathodes
Get PDFSodium-ion batteries have been a source of interest since the 1980\u27s. In 1991, lithium-ion batteries became commercialized and gained popularity, which left studies on sodium-ion batteries behind until recently. The compound Na2Ni2TeO6 shows promise and was the principal material studied in this investigation. The goal of this project was to develop sodium-containing novel layered honeycomb oxides for battery cathodes. Density functional theory calculations for three different sodium sites (i.e., Na1, Na2, and Na3) in Na2Ni2TeO6 were conducted. Our results indicate that Na atoms in the Na1 site are energetically more favorable than the ones either in Na2 or in Na3 sites. This finding agrees well with the measured XRD data. Chemical tuning was performed to introduce defects to the structure including introducing cobalt and reducing the concentration of sodium. Results indicate AFM cobalt-doped structures are energetically favorable. The sodium-deficient structures show linearity with decreasing sodium concentration
Zebra Limestone From The Gypsum Valley Salt Diapir, Colorado
Get PDFZebra rocks displaying alternating light and dark-colored millimeter to centimeter thick bands of crystals have been found at the Gypsum Valley salt diapir, Colorado in the Paradox Basin where they are associated with gypsic diapiric caprock. Elucidating their origin may provide crucial information about intermittent fluid flow at the margin of salt diapirs and about Zebra rock formation, which often is associated with carbonate-hosted lead-zinc mineralization (Mississippi Valley Type, MVT) and hydrothermal dolomite -hosted hydrocarbon reservoirs.
The Gypsum Valley Zebra rocks consist of calcite, i.e., it is a Zebra limestone. It shows a finely crystalline light banding and coarsely crystalline dark color banding which is inverse to the often dolomitic Zebra rocks in the literature. It also exhibits a wide variety of crystal fabrics from regular banding to chaotic distribution of bands and vugs with sedimentary infill. Combining field observations, petrographic and geochemical analyses with new insights into the impacts of anhydrite-gypsum transformation, I conclude that Zebra limestone at Gypsum Valley originates from the replacement of a petroliferous microcrystalline dolostone. Conversion of anhydrite to gypsum in the cap of the salt diapir is both the driver and benefactor of a process that cyclically results in compression and extension of the lithologies overlying the anhydrite/gypsum cap.
This study documents numerous fluid flow events at the margin of the Gypsum Valley salt wall, offers a model to reconcile opposing explanations for Zebra rock formation by integrating cyclic extension and compression, and proposes a so far unrecognized geochemical transformation that induces replacement of dolomite by calcite while potentially releasing carbon dioxide to the atmosphere
Random Forest For High-Dimensional Data
Get PDFThe exponential growth of data has led to a rapid increase in high-dimensional datasets across various domains, presenting significant challenges in data analysis, particularly in predictive modeling tasks. Traditional Random Forest (RF), while robust, often struggles with datasets filled with numerous noisy or non-informative features, compromising both performance and accuracy. This study introduces an advanced algorithm, High-Dimensional Random Forests (HDRF), designed to address these challenges by integrating robust multivariate feature selection techniques directly into the decision tree construction process. Unlike standard RF, HDRF incorporates ridge regression-based variable screening at each decision split, enhancing its ability to identify and utilize the most informative features effectively. We conducted extensive simulation studies to demonstrate HDRF\u27s superior performance in managing high-dimensional noise and improving predictive accuracy. Furthermore, HDRF\u27s efficacy is validated through real-world applications in a residential housing dataset for regression tasks and a prostate cancer dataset for classification, showcasing its potential in practical, high-stakes environments. This work not only extends the capabilities of ensemble learning models in handling complex datasets but also sets a precedent for future research in algorithmic enhancements for high-dimensional data analysis
Investigation of Ribosome Assembly in Escherichia Coli via Oxford Nanopore Technologies Direct RNA Sequencing and Targeted Gene Modification
No full textThe ribosome is the multimegadaltons RNA-protein complex responsible for protein production in every known organism. Propper ribosome assembly is required for protein production to occur efficiently and accurately. RNA provides the platform for the ribosome assembly. Dozens of protein maturations factors facilitate RNA folding, post-transcriptional modifications and processing during ribosome assembly in bacterial cells. A complete understanding of ribosome assembly in cell requires the systematic characterization of all the RNA folding, modifications, maturation, processing events, and how are all these RNA maturation events are synchronized both in time and space.In cells, bacterial ribosome assembly occurs quickly, with short-lived ribosomal intermediates. To increase the accumulation of ribosomal intermediates in cells for biochemical and structural investigations, the helicase inactive R331A DbpA construct was implemented. DbpA is an Escherichia coli (E. coli) DEAD-box RNA helicase involved in large subunit ribosome assembly in bacteria. When R331A DbpA is expressed in cells, three large subunit ribosomal intermediates with sedimentation coefficients of 27S, 35S and 45S accumulate. Using Oxford Nanopore Technologies Direct RNA Sequencing kit, the RNA modifications and processing of 35S and 45S intermediates present in the E. coli cells expressing R331A DbpA were investigated. Furthermore, using multiple gene deletion and different growth conditions, the role of Hfq and ProQ proteins in ribosome assembly and how their functions are interconnected to the DbpA proteinâ??s function during the ribosome maturation process was investigated
Using Motivational Interviewing to Increase CPAP Compliance
Get PDFBackground: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects one billion adults worldwide. Untreated OSA increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality (Watach et al.,2021). OSA cost the United States approximately $149 billion dollars per year, with more than half of patients requiring continuous use of a positive airway pressure machine (CPAP) for treatment (Watach et al.,2021). Individuals’ beliefs and perceptions regarding OSA impact CPAP compliance. Motivational Interviewing is an evidenced-based approach to change behaviors and improve patient outcomes (Crosby et al.,2022). A 10-day practice assessment log at Sonno Sleep Center identified (n= 51 of 105) patients lacked adherence of 70% in utilizing the CPAP machine indicating a need for change. This project aimed to improve CPAP compliance in non-compliant patients at Sonno Sleep to 70% in over 6 weeks.
Aims/Methods: A Plan-Do-Study-Act quality improvement framework was used. Two primary interventions, self-efficacy screening and motivational interviewing (MI) were applied over three, 2-week cycles. Data were analyzed after each cycle. Quantitative data were collected via aggregate tables and qualitative data were collected and analyzed for specific trends. Core interventions for this initiative were self-efficacy screening using the Self-Efficacy Measure for Sleep Apnea (SEMSA) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Results: During the 6-week quality initiative, CPAP compliance of at least 70% was attained with the use of Motivational Interviewing (n=9 of 10).
Conclusions: CPAP compliance improved with the use of Motivational Interviewing (MI) throughout this quality initiative. Self-Efficacy screening aided in detection of risk perception, outcome expectancies, and concerns of patient’s treatment compliance. Implications to Practice: Future areas of this quality improvement project include widespread distribution of Motivational Interviewing to all providers at Sonno Sleep Center
On Solid Ground: A Quality Improvement for Fall Prevention
Get PDFBackground/Problem Statement: Falls among older adults are a significant concern, affecting up to 30% of individuals aged 65 and older annually. Multiple risk factors contribute to falls, including age, comorbidities, medications, and environmental hazards. Despite the common belief that falls are inevitable with aging, this project emphasizes the preventability of falls through multidisciplinary management and proactive engagement in fall prevention programs.
Aims/Methods: The initiative focuses on implementing the Matter of Balance (MoB) program within an institutional setting. MoB has shown favorable effects on fall-related concerns. The study employs a comprehensive outreach strategy targeting older adults at risk of falling, those fearful of falling, and those with a history of falls. Stay Independent self-risk assessment tool identifies at-risk individuals, while validated tools such as Timed Up and Go, 4-stage balance tests, and self-reported scales assess program effectiveness.
Results/Interventions: The project provides insights into institutional-based fall prevention strategies, emphasizing proactive intervention, outreach, and evidence-based programs like MoB. Evaluation of the program\u27s impact on fall risk, strength, and balance measures informs future initiatives aimed at promoting healthy aging and improving older adults\u27 quality of life.
Conclusion(s): Implementing the MoB program within an institutional setting demonstrates promising results in addressing fall-related concerns among older adults. Multidisciplinary approaches and evidence-based interventions contribute to reducing fall risk and enhancing the well-being of older individuals.
Implication(s) for Practice: Institutional-based fall prevention strategies, such as the MoB program, offer valuable insights for healthcare practitioners and policymakers. Proactive engagement, outreach, and utilization of validated assessment tools are essential components in addressing falls among older adults. Emphasizing evidence-based interventions in institutional settings can lead to meaningful improvements in older adults\u27 health and quality of life
Synthesis Of Neoglycoproteins As Potential Biomarkers For Chagas Disease And Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused By Leishmania (viannia) Braziliensis
Get PDFProtozoan parasites are responsible for causing numerous diseases in humans and mammals worldwide. Among them are Chagas disease (CD), caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), and tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL), caused by the parasite Leishmania (Viannia). Both diseases coexist in many regions of Latin America, and current hurdles to differentially diagnose them and determine chemotherapy success need to be overcome. CD can be diagnosed by traditional serological tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), but disadvantages of these methods are that they may produce false negatives because the antigens used in commercial CD kits are not conserved across all T.cruzi genotypes. Additionally, to determine the treatment efficacy by conventional serology would have to rely on negative antibody seroconversion, which takes 10-20 years. On the other hand, PCR might not detect the parasite when its concentration in the blood circulation is below ~0.3-0.5 parasite equivalent/ mL of blood. For CL, traditional diagnostic methods, like microscopy, parasite culture, or PCR, have limitations due to the irregular distribution of parasites in biopsy samples. However, even when parasitemia is low, antibody levels in CD and CL patients remain high, with the CD or CL-specific anti-a-Gal antibodies being universally present. The infective form of T. cruzi expresses glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)- anchored mucins (tGPI mucins) with unusual immunogenic glycans having terminal nonreducing a-Galp residues. Besides, another immunogenic moiety, b-galactofuranose (bGalf), is believed to be contained in the (GPI)-anchor. Most of those oligosaccharides are branched and their precise structures remain unknown. The CD-specific anti-a-Gal Abs show a rapid seroconversion within 2-3 years or less, following chemotherapy, making them potential candidates for diagnosis and monitoring post-chemotherapy using serological assays. Similarly, L. (V.) braziliensis expresses a family of low-molecular mass glycoinositolphospholipids (GIPLs), containing terminal a-Galp residues. So far, the exact structures of the immunodominant glycotopes responsible for eliciting IgG antibodies in CL patients have not been determined. However, neoglycoprotein NGP28b, composed of the trisaccharide Galpa1,6Galpb1,3Galfb derived from the type-2 (GIPL)-3 of Leishmania major and linked to bovine serum albumin (BSA), acts as a reliable serological BMK for L. (V.) braziliensis infection in Brazil. This suggests the existence of GIPL-3 or an analogous structure within this parasite, with its terminal trisaccharide either acting as or constituting an immunodominant glycotope. Given these findings, we investigate specific parasite-derived serological BMKs for CD and CL infection in certain New World regions utilizing chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Chapter 1 briefly introduces the hypothesis and specific aims of this study. Chapter 2 demonstrates the background and significance of performing this research in diagnosing and following up CD and CL. Chapter 3 describes the synthesis, optimization steps, and serological evaluation of two b-Galf-containing neoglycoproteins, NGP29b and NGP32b, believed to exist in the GPI anchor of T.cruzi using chronic CD (CCD) patient sera from endemic areas. The biological data obtained suggest that both NGPs are suitable as diagnostic biomarkers for CCD and that the branched tetrasaccharide Galfb1,3Manpa1,2[Galfb1,3]Manpa present in NGP32b is an immunodominant glycotope. In chapter 4, we studied two a-Galp-containing neoglycoproteins, NGP33b and NGP34b, that contain trisaccharide glycans believed to exist in the tGPI mucins of T. cruzi. We present their synthesis and serological evaluation using CD and CL patient sera from endemic areas. Surprisingly, the biological data indicate that the Galpα1,6 containing NGP33b is not suitable for diagnosing CD, but reacts strongly with sera of CL patients, suggesting that the Galp�1,6 moiety is an immunodominant glycotope in L.braziliensis. Also described is the partial synthesis of tetrasaccharide G38SH, another glycan structure potentially present in the T. cruzi tGPI mucins, as suggested by glycomics data. Finally, chapter 5 discusses the synthesis of a Galα1,6Galα1,3Galfβ1,3Manα-containing NGP, NGP31b, as a synthetic biomarker for L. (V.) braziliensis CL in comparison to NGP28b. Included is also a study of the glycotope size requirement. In the future, the promising new NGPs should be more deeply studied as diagnostic and/or prognostic BMKs with a larger number of patient samples. If confirmed as BMKs these NGPs could have a substantial impact on public health as they could be used for disease diagnosis and determination of treatment efficacy. One can also envision the development of an affordable lateral flow assay for point-of-care testing in developing countries where access to ELISA technologies is limited
Artificial Intelligence and Techno-Securitization in Border Control: A Philosophical Appraisal
Get PDFThe study appraises the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technologies in border control in the context of Philosophy of Immigration. Focusing on the United States-Mexico border region, the AI role is philosophically evaluated as one of the factors of algorithmic oppression on borderland gender and ecology. My study aims to orient philosophical approaches regarding smart border related AI technologies research to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs.https://scholarworks.utep.edu/gepp/1000/thumbnail.jp