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The Mental Well-Being of Students Enrolled in Dual Credit Courses at a West Texas Early College High School
No full textThe mental well-being of any adolescent is critical to how they think, feel and act in any environment. The purpose of the study was to measure the level of satisfaction with life of students enrolled in dual credit courses in a West Texas Early College High School (ECHS). The focus domains of life satisfaction were in these five areas: Family, Friends, School, Living Environment, and Self. The sample consisted of 152 ECHS students. The tool used was the Multidimensional Student Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS). The MSLSS revealed that although overall ECHS students have a positive satisfaction with life, ECHS students had a low satisfaction with the School domain, below 4.0, indicating a lower life satisfaction in this area. There was no statistically significant difference in life satisfaction among students between grade levels, but there was a statistical difference between genders in the Family domain. An intervention course that integrates resilience-building and social-emotional learning (SEL) is recommended to address these findings. Further research is also recommended towards the adolescent well-being of ECHS students enrolled in dual credit
Evidence for Metabolism of Creatine by the Conceptus, Placenta, and Uterus for Production of ATP During Conceptus Development in Pigs
No full textDuring gestation in pigs, most embryonic mortality occurs during two gestational time points with high energy demands due to extensive cell proliferation and migration. Between Days 14 and 25, free-floating conceptuses (embryo/fetus and associated placental membranes) elongate and attach to the uterus. Between Days 50 and 70, the uterine-placental interface undergoes extensive folding and develops mature areolae to maximize support for development of the fetuses. We hypothesize that insufficient energy in the form of ATP in conceptuses and uterine tissue may contribute to conceptus loss in pigs. Creatine, an organic compound commonly stored in the muscle as phosphocreatine, can regenerate ATP through the creatine (Cr)-creatine kinase (CK)- phosphocreatine (PCr) pathway. However, the expression of factors involved in creatine metabolism has not been examined in conceptus and uterine tissues throughout gestation in pigs. In the present study, we performed real-time qPCR to quantify expression of mRNAs for enzymes and the creatine transporter involved in the creatine metabolic pathway in conceptus and uterine tissues from Days 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 24, 30, 40, 60, and 90 of gestation. Results of qPCR analyses revealed increases in expression of AGAT, GAMT, CKM, CKB, and SLC6A8 mRNAs in conceptuses on Day 15, and a further increase in AGAT mRNA in the chorioallantois on Day 90 of gestation. Immunofluorescence staining of the uterine-placental interface from Days 15, 16, 20, and 25 corroborated qPCR results, with the expression of GAMT, CKM, and CKB proteins appearing to increase in conceptus Tr cells on Day 15. The presence of GAMT, CKB, and CKM proteins were confirmed with Western blot analyses. Levels of endometrial AGAT and CKM mRNAs increased on Day 15, CKB mRNA increased again on Day 30, and AGAT, GAMT, and SLC6A8 mRNAs increased significantly on Days 40, 60, and 90. Furthermore, HPLC analyses confirmed the presence of Cr and PCr metabolites in uterine luminal fluid, allantoic fluid, and amniotic fluid with significant increases in the uterine fluid and allantoic fluid on Days 11 and 40, respectively. Collectively, results of this study indicate that the Cr-CK-PCr pathway could establish sufficient energy stores to support cell proliferation and migration required for conceptus elongation, implantation, and remodeling of the uterine-placental interface during gestation in pigs
Using Antibiotic Alternative Feed Additives to Improve Overall Duck Growth Performance and Welfare
No full textGrowing ducks with optimal efficiency, health, and welfare has become of paramount importance. While numerous antibiotic alternatives (AA) have been investigated in other poultry species to reach these goals, there has been limited research on Pekin ducks. Several experiments were conducted to determine the effects including (i) organic acids (OA), (ii) oregano oils (OO), and (iii) direct fed microbials (DFM) in ducks. Experiment 1 evaluated duck growth, health, and welfare with water supplementation of OA and OO. The OA and OO improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body weight (BW) (P 0.05). Experiment 2 evaluated optimum inclusion rates of a commercially available (DFM) feed additive. Duck growth, stress, fear response, welfare, and litter conditions were evaluated. Results conveyed CON had higher (P 0.05) compared to CON. Experiment 3 evaluated the use of the same treatments as Experiment 2 except for the addition of a prolonged heat stress period added during the grow out. Results indicated BW and FCR compared to CON (P > 0.05) was higher than all other treatments. Total white blood cell counts were lower than CON (P < 0.05) compared to all other treatments in the DFM heat stress trial. Heterophil counts, H/L ratio, and total plasma corticosterone levels were also lower than CON (P < 0.05) compared to all other treatments reviewed whether through water supplementation or dietary supplementation. Lymphocytes counts were higher than CON (P < 0.05) compared to all other treatments. Villus height presented differences (P < 0.05) in all other treatments compared to CON. In conclusion, these experiments indicate that Organic Acid, Oregano Oils, and Direct fed microbials can be used to improve duck growth, feed efficiency, stress susceptibility, and bird welfare
Innovative Fabrication of Asymmetric Mixed-Matrix Membranes for Gas Separation
No full textDespite extensive research on mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs), their path to commercial deployment has been obstructed by a range of scientific and engineering barriers. This study introduces a novel, one-step method for fabricating MMMs, promising to advance their commercialization by addressing many of these existing challenges. This method, known as phase-inversion in sync with metal-organic framework (MOF) formation (PIMOF), allows for the swift creation of high-performance, asymmetric MMMs on a scalable basis. It involves a polymer film undergoing phase inversion while ZIF-8 nanoparticles are simultaneously generated in-situ within the polymer matrix. The produced MMMs exhibit exceptional propylene/propane separation efficiency, largely owing to the high effective ZIF-8 loading and the augmented molecular sieving capability of the uniquely small sub-5 nm ZIF-8 filler nanoparticles, facilitated by restricted linker swing motion. Subsequently, our research delves into the impact of modulating ligands, sodium formate and 1,4-butanediol, on the development of ZIF-8 fillers within the polymer matrix, aiming to elevate the separation capabilities of asymmetric MMMs crafted via the PIMOF technique. Our computational analysis supplements this empirical research, examining how the size of ZIF-8 nanoparticles influences the specific surface interaction energy and the apertures of ZIF-8. The findings suggest that smaller ZIF-8 nanoparticles foster stronger interactions with the polymer, affecting the nanoparticle's aperture size. These advancements mark a significant leap forward, surpassing the performance of all previously documented propylene-selective MMMs. Lastly, a hybrid strategy that involves the mixing of metals and/or linkers has been explored to precisely adjust the porosity and surface characteristics of the ZIF framework, thereby broadening their utility in the separation of various critical gas mixtures. The technique of linker-doping, as detailed in this report, represents a viable approach to diversify the range of imidazolate linkers, enabling the creation of mixed-linker hybrid ZIFs. Specifically, the doping of 2-ethylimidazole (eIm) into the frameworks of ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 has been examined, demonstrating the potential of this innovative method to improve gas transport across the membranes. This approach not only illustrates the adaptability of ZIF materials to meet diverse separation needs but also highlights the potential for tailored membrane design to enhance separation performance
John Bickham field notebook: AK7501-AK8000.pdf
No full textBound book, each page corresponds to a karyotype slide data.Data pages for AK8001-AK8500 corresponding to unique identifiers of specimens/samples examined for biological research. Specimens are primarily housed at Texas A&M University; Biodiverstiy Research and Teaching Collection
Assessment of Corrosion Prevention and Mitigation Techniques for Concrete Bridge Decks in Texas
No full textCorrosion in reinforced concrete is a self-accelerating process. Once rust forms on steel due to cracks and environment factors, it expands in size, causing larger cracks. The corrosion in reinforced concrete bridge decks has resulted in significant economic losses. To repair and maintain the durability of bridges, the Texas Department of Transportation spends millions of dollars every year. This study provides a comprehensive study of corrosion mitigation methods, such as high-performance concrete (HPC), calcium nitrite corrosion inhibitor (CNI), linseed oil, silane, and epoxy-coated rebar, for concrete bridge decks throughout Texas. To assess the performance of the mitigation methods, 61 concrete bridges across Texas were selected for both field evaluation and laboratory experiments using concrete cores extracted from the bridges. The field evaluation included visual inspection and non-destructive evaluation, such as infrared thermography, ground penetrating radar, ultrasonic tomography, half-cell potential, and corrosion rate mapping. In the laboratory, experiments included surface resistivity, bulk resistivity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, water absorption, chloride content measurement, carbonation depth measurement, coating adhesion testing, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Using the results from both field and laboratory evaluations, a decision-making tool for selecting corrosion mitigation methods in reinforced concrete, based on different environment conditions of Texas, was developed. The tool seeks to contribute to the formulation of a comprehensive strategy to control corrosion and reduce corrosion-related financial losses as much as possible. This research aims to provide various approaches for evaluating the performance of different mitigation methods applied to concrete bridge decks, as well as to determine the durability and effectiveness of the mitigation methods that have been in use on real bridges for an extended period
Diasporic Imprint on Religious Architecture: Post-1965 South Asian Mosques in Houston
No full textDiaspora plays a role in shaping and reimagining the built environment that ethnic groups establish in a foreign land. Mosques, both as individual buildings and as a part of Islamic centers, function as the space for congregational prayer for Muslim worshippers. Mosques serve as a way for Muslims to express cultural values and identity. When placed in a diasporic environment, mosques combine inherited traditions with the diasporic needs of immigrant Muslims. The objective of this research is to investigate and understand how South Asian immigrants have developed the architecture of mosques and Islamic centers in the Greater Houston Area since the 1965 Hart-Cellar Act was passed, and how they have merged diasporic and traditional design elements in mosque architecture. The research hypothesizes that the architecture of South Asian American mosques in Greater Houston is an attempt to retain cultural identity through the hybridization of traditional and diasporic influences.
An explanatory research method has been implemented to do a comparative case study analysis of three cases of mosques and Islamic centers located in Greater Houston. Data for the research has been collected through literature review, archival studies, and field observation. The thesis is expected to provide a cultural narrative on the development of South Asian American mosque architecture within the diaspora of Greater Houston and add to the existing history of South Asian American religious architecture
Immediate and Lifelong Consequences of In Utero Exposure to Alcohol: A Systemic and Multi-organ Approach
No full textPrenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has an estimated prevalence of ~8 to15% in North America, making it the largest single cause of neurodevelopment disabilities and growth deficits. There is increasing recognition that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) is a ���whole-body��� disease, impacting the health of the individual immediately in utero and persistently throughout the lifespan, likely due to epigenetic alterations and stem cell reprogramming. To gain a better understanding of the more immediate consequences of PAE, I first characterize the consequences of PAE on the placental transcriptome, correlating these changes to observed differences in fetal growth and placental blood flow in a murine model. Secondly, I utilize a murine neural stem cell (NSC) culture model equivalent to mid-1st to 2nd trimester in humans to study the adaptive role of ethanol sensitive Gag-Like Proteins (GLPs) in NSCs. In addition, I also focus on the lifelong impact of PAE, characterizing baseline health differences in young adult (5 mo) PAE rats and identifying an association of a pro-inflammatory state of mesenteric adipose tissue and liver with changes in behavior. Subsequently, I examine transcriptomic differences in the enteric organs (mesenteric adipose tissue and liver) that occur as a response to a health stressor (cerebrovascular ischemic stroke), correlating differences in response to observed impaired recovery post-stroke. Overall, this dissertation focuses on examining PAEinduced (mal)adaptations at different critical time points in development and in life
Essays on Hospital Performance
No full textThis dissertation consists of three essays that focus on hospital service quality and healthcare delivery performance issues. I provide insights on how hospital administrators can leverage hospital personnel, accreditation, and community outreach services to influence hospital performance.
The first essay provides empirical associations regarding impacts of the extent of use of midlevel providers (MLPs) on (i) hospital quality, as measured by the Triple Aim Performance (TAP) metrics, and (ii) hospital costs. Hospital administrators are shifting care delivery models toward an approach that uses more caregivers in the form of mid-level providers (MLPs), such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists. To date, however, healthcare operations management (OM) literature remains ambiguous about longitudinal empirical associations between mid-level providers and hospital costs, quality, and other performance measures. This essay, by providing one of the first panel data analyses of midlevel provider impacts in general service hospitals, improves upon existing case studies found in the extant literature. I find that MLPs can improve hospital clinical quality, technical efficiency, and patient experience without impacting hospital costs.
The second essay analyzes associations of hospital accreditation with hospital technical efficiency. As the U.S. healthcare marketplace becomes more competitive, many hospitals face problems of communicating with potential patients about the process conformance of their services. Similarly, patients face uncertainty when choosing a hospital from which to obtain care. A possible solution to this problem involves a hospital obtaining an accreditation. Hospital accreditation is a publicly visible indicator that a hospital provides care and services that should meet a high standard, as defined by an accreditation body. Hospitals can use accreditation as a signal to potential patients to help reduce information asymmetry between the two parties. I contribute to healthcare OM literature by providing one of the first panel-based SFA analyses of associated impacts that hospital accreditation has with hospital efficiency. I find that hospital accreditation is associated with improved hospital technical efficiency, but this association is moderated by government efficiency mandate signals. Since obtaining and maintaining hospital accreditation is a resource intensive and expensive process for administrators, the findings give hospital administrators and other stakeholders useful knowledge that should help in the decision-making process of whether or not to obtain hospital accreditation.
The third essay examines the association that alignment between hospital community outreach services and community needs may have with hospital readmission and mortality rates. One of the tools hospital administrators may employ to potentially reduce readmissions and improve care quality is providing community outreach services within the surrounding community. Individuals��� health is largely determined, in part, in the geographic community and context that they live and/or work in. Community-based hospital outreach programs may serve to educate community members about the availability of care services at the hospital or inform recently discharged patients about proper post-discharge care. I investigate whether these community outreach programs are associated with reduced hospital readmissions and reduced mortality. Overall findings suggest that alignment between hospital community outreach services and community needs are not significantly associated with hospital readmission rates but may be associated with higher hospital mortality rates depending on how hospital community outreach services are operationalized
Phylogeography and Systematics of the Sand Shiner, Notropis stramineus (Cope, 1865)
No full textNotropis Rafinesque, 1818 is a species-rich genus of North American minnows that has been demonstrated to harbor ���cryptic��� diversity. The Sand Shiner, Notropis stramineus, is one of the most widespread North American minnows. Various subspecific classifications have been proposed for the Sand Shiner, the most widely accepted of these comprising two subspecies, N. s. stramineus and N. s. missuriensis, based largely on minor differences in scale-row counts between individuals inhabiting tributaries to the Great Lakes, upper Mississippi River and Texas Gulf Coast river systems (N. s. stramineus) and those inhabiting the Missouri and Arkansas River systems (N. s. missuriensis). Analysis of three loci revealed that the Sand Shiner, N. stramineus comprises five clades, and further, other members of Notropis were recovered between clades of N. stramineus, though gene tree discordance created difficulties for determining species boundaries. Ultra-conserved elements (UCEs), enriched from each clade of N. stramineus, related species, and several outgroup taxa, were then analyzed. All least-inclusive clades recovered were identical across analyses and corresponded to clades recovered in Chapter II, however, relationships between the clades differed. In contrast to Chapter II, most clades comprising N. stramineus were monophyletic, and are here termed the N. stramineus species complex. As in Chapter II, a separate clade of N. stramineus was recovered outside of the clade containing the N. stramineus species complex as the sister taxon to a species of Notropis not previously considered to be closely related (N. chihuahua). These results demonstrate that N. stramineus is likely comprised of five distinct evolutionary lineages, which are diagnosed and described (clades B1, B2 and D) or redescribed (clades A and C) in the final chapter, with species diagnosed using characters derived from aspects of pigmentation, body and head shape, tuberculation, and osteology