Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
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Advanced computer architecture
No full textIntroduction: What is Computer Architecture? The science and art of designing, structuring, and optimizing the core components of a computer system. Defines how instructions are processed, data is accessed, and system components communicate. Acts as the bridge between the software (instructions) and hardware (physical components). Provides a foundation for understanding the trade-offs between performance, power consumption, and cost in advanced systems. Enables an in-depth analysis of advanced techniques like pipelining, superscalar execution, and memory hierarchies. Forms the basis for optimizing software for specific architectures and exploiting their capabilities. Helps in appreciating the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies like multicore processors and GPUs
Fundamentals of computer design: Advanced computer architecture
No full textIntroduction: In this topic, we will explore: What is Computer Design, Historical Context, Key considerations that go into creating efficient & powerful computer system
The impact of digitalized community-based squarestepping exercise program on cognitive and balance functions among older adults living in senior facilities: A pilot study
No full textObjectives: Older adults exhibit a high desire for active and healthy aging without physical or mental dysfunction, particularly those living independently in senior facilities. Preserving or improving cognitive function and minimizing fall risks are essential for older adults to live a happy and active lifestyle. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effectiveness of the innovative digitalized community-based square-stepping exercise program (DC-SSEP) in improving cognitive and physical function among older adults residing in senior facilities.
Methods: Guided by the Health Promotion Model and Social Cognitive Theory, this pilot study used a quasi-experiment design with one intervention group. A total of 17 older adults recruited from a senior facility in Southern Texas participated in 40 sessions of DC-SSEP over 20 weeks. Cognitive function was measured using the latest version (8.1) of Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the balance function focusing on balance and functional mobility was measured using Berg Balance Scale and Time to Up and Go.
Results: Most participants were non-Hispanic white women. The DC-SSEP was a feasible and safe exercise program for older adults living in senior facilities; and the results showed the preliminary effectiveness of the DC-SSEP in improving cognitive and balance function (P < 0.01) among older adults.
Conclusion: This pilot study is distinctive as it is among the first to evaluate the multi-layered impacts of DC-SSEP using Internet of Things (IoT) technology and integrated operating software in the United States. Despite the small sample size and homogeneity of participants, this pilot study suggests multiple valuable directions for future research using DC-SSEP.This study was supported by the Texas Comprehensive Research Fund from Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi (TCRF-09/2022; grant number # 143403-00140)
Cellular response of keratinocytes to the entry and accumulation of nanoplastic particles
No full textPlastic accumulation in the environment is rapidly increasing, and nanoplastics (NP), byproducts of environmental weathering of bulk plastic waste, pose a significant public health risk. Particles may enter the human body through many possible routes such as ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. However, studies on NP penetration and accumulation in human skin are limited. Loss or reduction of the keratinized skin barrier may enhance the skin penetration of NPs. The present study investigated the entry of NPs into a human skin system modeling skin with compromised barrier functions and cellular responses to the intracellular accumulations of NPs. Two in vitro models were employed to simulate human skin lacking keratinized barriers. The first model was an ex vivo human skin culture with the keratinized dermal layer (stratum corneum) removed. The second model was a 3D keratinocyte/ dermal fibroblast cell co-culture model with stratified keratinocytes on the top and a monolayer of skin fibroblast cells co-cultured at the bottom. The penetration and accumulation of the NPs in different cell types were observed
using fluorescent microscopy, confocal microscopy, and cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The cellular responses of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblast cells to stress induced by NPs stress were measured. The genetic regulatory pathway of keratinocytes to the intracellular NPs was identified using transcript analyses and KEGG pathway analysis. The cellular uptake of NPs by skin cells was confirmed by imaging analyses. Transepidermal transport and penetration of NPs through the skin epidermis were observed. According to the gene expression and pathway analyses, an IL-17 signaling pathway was identified as the trigger for cellular responses to internal NP accumulation in the keratinocytes. The transepidermal NPs were also found in co-cultured dermal fibroblast cells and resulted in a large-scale transition from fibroblast cells to myofibroblast cells with enhanced production of α-smooth muscle actin and pro-Collagen Ia. The upregulation of inflammatory factors and cell activation may result in skin inflammation and ultimately trigger immune responses.The study was supported by NIH (R15ES030955) and Harte Research Institute Fellowship
Temporal variation in sulfide intrusion in the seagrass Halodule wrightii
Get PDFSeagrasses are productive ecosystems that form dense meadows in shallow marine waters. Anthropogenic disturbances, particularly nutrient enrichment, have caused the loss of 29% of seagrass meadows in the past century. Sulfide intrusion, a toxic byproduct of microbial processes in sediments, is known to be a significant stressor to seagrasses, leading to reduced photosynthesis, hindered growth, and even die-off. We conducted a nearly year-long study on sulfide intrusion in H. wrightii tissue, measuring d34S and total sulfur values in leaf, rhizome, and root tissues during the summer, fall, and spring seasons. We also investigated the relationship between these intrusion indicators and environmental factors known to affect them, such as sedimentary d34S, porewater H2S, total biomass, total organic content, and iron levels. While the levels of these factors varied across weeks and seasons, we found few significant correlations with intrusion. However, we did observe significant correlations between plant tissue d34S and total sulfur content (Rroots =-0.49, Rrhizome = -0.44), suggesting that sulfide intrusion contributes to total sulfur content in below-ground tissues. In general, it appears that the factors affecting sulfide intrusion are both subtle and complex. By exploring other variables and sampling sites, we may be able to uncover more information about these relationships.Physical and Environmental SciencesCollege of Scienc
Language policies and Englishes in the United States
No full textThis article provides an overview of language policies governing U.S. Englishes (e.g., African American English, Appalachian English, Hawai’ian (Creole/Pidgin) English, and standard/mainstream American English). Several dominant language ideologies, such as the standard language ideology, strongly shape the language policy context for Englishes in the United States. The domains of educational language policy, workplace language policy, and the legal system are explored—revealing layers of institutionalized, covert policies that acknowledge widespread multilectal practices to varying degrees. Recognition and explicit legitimization of such practices through language policies can mitigate some aspects of linguistic discrimination. However, in the US, legal frameworks bound to categories such as race and national origin as well as those that do not incorporate intra-linguistic variation are obstacles to such interventions
Size matters? Penis dissatisfaction and gun ownership in America
No full textIn this study, we formally examine the association between penis size dissatisfaction and gun ownership in America. The primary hypothesis, derived from the psychosexual theory of gun ownership, asserts that men who are more dissatisfied with the size of their penises will be more likely to personally own guns. To test this hypothesis, we used data collected from the 2023 Masculinity, Sexual Health, and Politics (MSHAP) survey, a national probability sample of 1,840 men, and regression analyses to model personal gun ownership as a function of penis size dissatisfaction, experiences with penis enlargement, social desirability, masculinity, body mass, mental health, and a range of sociodemographic characteristics. We find that men who are more dissatisfied with the size of their penises are less likely to personally own guns across outcomes, including any gun ownership, military-style rifle ownership, and total number of guns owned. The inverse association between penis size dissatisfaction and gun ownership is linear; however, the association is weakest among men ages 60 and older. With these findings in mind, we failed to observe any differences in personal gun ownership between men who have and have not attempted penis enlargement. To our knowledge, this is the first study to formally examine the association between penis size and personal gun ownership in America. Our findings fail to support the psychosexual theory of gun ownership. Alternative theories are posited for the apparent inverse association between penis size dissatisfaction and personal gun ownership, including higher levels of testosterone and constructionist explanations.The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The data collection for this study was supported by funding from Change The Ref, an organization that ‘‘uses urban art and nonviolent creative confrontation to expose the disastrous effects of the mass shooting pandemic.’’ Although Change The Ref holds a clear political stance with respect to the role of guns in society, this organization played no part in the planning or implementation of the study
Enhanced removal of ultratrace levels of gold from wastewater using sulfur-rich covalent organic frameworks
No full textIn view of the increasing global demand and consumption of gold, there is a growing need and effort to extract gold from alternative sources besides conventional mining, e.g., from water. This drive is mainly due to the potential benefits for the economy and the environment as these sources contain large quantities of the precious metal that can be utilized. Wastewater is one of these valuable sources in which the gold concentration can be in the ppb range. However, the effective selective recovery and recycling of ultratrace amounts of this metal remain a challenge. In this article, we describe the development of a covalent imine based organic framework with pores containing thioanisole functional groups (TTASDFPs) formed by the condensation of a triazine-based triamine and an aromatic dialdehyde. The sulfur-functionalized pores served as effective chelating agents to bind Au3+ ions, as evidenced by the uptake of more than 99% of the 9 ppm Au3+ solution within 2 min. This is relatively fast kinetics compared with other adsorbents reported for gold adsorption. TTASDFP also showed a high removal capacity of 245 mg·g−1 and a clear selectivity toward gold ions. More importantly, the material can capture gold at concentrations as low as 1 ppb.This work was supported by New York University Abu Dhabi and the NYUAD Water Research Center, funded by Tamkeen under the NYUAD Research Institute Award (Project CG007). We thank NYUAD for their generous support for the research program. We also thank Sandooq Al Watan (Grant No. SWARD-S22-014; Project ID, PRJ-SWARD-628) for their generous support. The research work was carried out by using the Core Technology Platform resources at NYUAD. We acknowledge Graphic Designer Aisha Jrad, who made the abstract and Table of Contents (TOC) artwork of the manuscript ([email protected])
Muffled Sound
Get PDFCollege of Liberal Arts; School of Arts Media and Communication, Art Department, Bachelor's of Fine Arts Program; Faculty Mentor: Joe PenaClay is a medium for sculpture and that has been used since the beginning of mankind. Historically, it was used for idols and vessels for religion and everyday use. In the body of work which I call Muffled Sound, I utilized the method of wheel-throwing, which uses centripetal force, to create cylindrical vessels and slip-casting to cast molds of baby doll arms. Also, I incorporate the process of slip-casting since it allows me to use molds and utilize the idea of multiples in order to bring about a sense of anxiety in the repetition of forms. The process of wheel-throwing allows me to use a traditional technique with a traditional medium to connect with the origins of humanity as well as my very human anxieties. Both of these techniques as well as the imagery allows me to explore the effects of taking on the stresses that come with life as the arms slowly begin to take over the vessel. This type of work is important in allowing us to rethink how women’s roles are represented in society and it helps me deal with anxieties over family and identity
Synthesis of symmetric bifurcated amino acid surfactants
No full textCollege of Science; Bio-Medical Sciences, BS; Faculty Mentor: Roslyn SwonkeMy project focuses on how structure-based predictive tools can investigate and explain the features responsible for self-assembly, function, supramolecular structure, and molecular recognition in bifurcated amino acid-based surfactants (AABSs). Bifurcated amino acid-based surfactants are branched compounds synthesized from natural amino acids and fatty acids. The overall goal of my project is to synthesize bifurcated amino acid-based surfactants and to use proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy to verify the synthesis of these compounds. This project paves way for future studies in critical micelle concentration (CMC), aggregate morphology, and applied studies in pharmaceuticals. This project relates to my degree in biomedical sciences because amino acid-based surfactants increase the bioavailability of pharmaceuticals and can act as drug-delivery agents