UTSA Runner Research Press (Univ. of Texas at San Antonio)
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Continuing Nixon's Method: Republican Engagement with Hispanic Voters
No full textThe research presented this thesis examines Richard Nixon's method for increasing his Hispanic vote share and investigates how subsequent Republican presidents sought to emulate his approach. To analyze the extent to which future Republican presidents followed Nixon's method, a descriptive analysis will be conducted on its implementation during the initial campaigns, first terms, and re-election campaigns of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Donald J. Trump.Political Science and Geograph
Without My Family, I Don't Know If I Would Be Here: The Role of Families in Supporting Latinx Computer Science Students at HSIs
No full textThe underrepresentation of diverse communities in STEM disciplines, particularly in computer science, remains a significant challenge. This study investigates the experiences of Latinx students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) within computer science departments that are actively working to increase Latinx graduation rates. Utilizing data from ethnographic case studies, we conduct a thematic analysis through the lenses of Yosso's community cultural wealth model and Rendón's validation model to examine the pivotal role families play in fostering the success of Latinx students in computer science at HSIs. Our findings reveal that families provide essential encouragement, serve as a source of motivation to combat isolation, and celebrate students' achievements in their pursuit of computer science careers. Recognizing the critical contributions of familial support is essential for enhancing the success of Latinx students in one of the most underrepresented fields within STEM. These insights are crucial for developing strategies that can effectively promote diversity and inclusion in computer science.Educational Leadership and Policy Studie
Effects of Laser Irradiation of Self- Assembled Complexes of Photosensitizers with Globular Proteins
No full textPhotosensitization of proteins is a critical phenomenon observed in biological systems and extensively utilized in experimental research. This process involves interactions between photosensitizers light-sensitive molecules and proteins, leading to structural and functional changes. In this study, we aimed to create and analyze artificial photoreceptor protein models using various metalloporphyrins as photosensitizers. Specifically, we investigated complexes formed between zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX), tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPPIX), manganese protoporphyrin IX (MnPPIX), magnesium protoporphyrin IX (MgPPIX), protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), and hemin protoporphyrin IX (HeminPPIX) with two globular proteins: bovine beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) and human serum albumin (HSA). These complexes were subjected to laser irradiation to simulate photochemical reactions. We employed UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence emission, lifetime decay measurements, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy to monitor interactions and light-induced modifications. Our results reveal that the type of metalloporphyrin, environmental pH, and specific protein influence the extent and nature of these modifications. Different metalloporphyrins caused varying degrees of structural changes in BLG and HSA, with distinct patterns based on pH conditions. This study highlights the complex interplay between photosensitizers, proteins, and environmental factors in photochemical processes. These findings are valuable for optimizing artificial photoreceptor models for applications in photodynamic therapy, molecular imaging, and fields where controlled light-induced protein modifications are essentialPhysics and Astronom
Racial Micro-Affirmations: Latinx Close Friendships and Ethnic Identity Development
No full textThrough analysis of semi-structured interviews of 30 Latinx college students, we examined how Latinx students experience belonging, acceptance, and affirmations at a Hispanic-Serving Research Institution (HSRI) in California. Drawing from the theoretical perspectives of racial micro-affirmations, we uncovered two major themes: the importance of close friendships and the impact that ethnic studies courses have on ethnoracial identity development. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion of the on-campus experiences of underrepresented students as well as how to best serve and affirm them at HSRIs.Educational Leadership and Policy Studie
Autotile: Autonomous Task-tiling for Deep Inference on Battery-less Embedded System
No full textDeep Neural Networks (DNNs) are increasingly applied in various intelligent applications for enhanced accuracy for in-situ decision-making. Considering the cost and longevity, those intelligent applications usually employ energy harvesting (EH) for power supply. Nevertheless, due to inherent intermittency, EH power can frequently disrupt the runtime operation, resulting in subsequent forward progress loss when executing long computations of DNN inference. To address this issue, DNN tiling has been employed where the input data is partitioned into multiple smaller tiles for efficient runtime operation. However, under the energy harvesting scenarios, the size of the tiles can influence runtime energy efficiency significantly under different EH conditions. Therefore, we proposed environmentally adaptive dynamic DNN tiling methods to optimize energy efficiency and runtime reliability. The experimental results on a real testbed show that the proposed technique can outperform the state-of-the-art methods by 19.24% on average.Computer Scienc
Properties and Applications of Phosphonium-Functionalized Conjugated Polyelectrolytes
No full textThe full text of this item is not available at this time because the author has placed this item under an embargo until May 16, 2026.The thesis herein explores the design, characterization, and functional properties of a series of novel poly (phenylene ethynylene) (PPE)-based phosphonium-functionalized conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) for versatile applications in phosphate sensing and photodynamic therapeutics against pathogenic bacteria. The synthesis of the new class of CPEs was completed following the step-growth polymerization approach through the Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction. Moreover, the molecular weights of the polymers were estimated utilizing NMR diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY). Steady state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy shed light on the optical properties and state of aggregation of the CPEs. The photophysical properties of the polymers are dependent on the lengths of the phosphonium pendant groups. Further fluorescence quenching studies demonstrated the efficient sensing response of the CPEs towards a set of nucleotides. The quenching effect is driven by electrostatic interactions that induce the formation of the polymer-quencher complex and instantaneous static quenching as principal mechanism. Notably, the polymer PPh-4-3C undergoes self-assembling in the presence of ATP, producing a chiral supramolecular structure that is originated by J-aggregation of the PPh-4-3C – ATP system. Given that the series of CPEs generate singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen species under light irradiation, <i>in vitro</i> antibacterial activity against <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> bacteria was evaluated. The results evidence profound light-activated antibacterial effects attributed to the bacterial membrane disruption, and a correlation between the dark bactericidal effect and the side chain lengths of the cationic pendant groups. Overall, the novel series of CPEs with phosphonium functionality represent a new platform of functional polymeric materials for relevant biological-related applications.Chemistr
The Effects of Trauma Exposure and Music Listening Intervention on Distress Tolerance
Get PDFThe intent of this study was to examine the effects of trauma and a music listening intervention on distress tolerance. Exposure to trauma and the adverse effects of that exposure have been associated with lower distress tolerance, and music listening has shown the ability to affect the interrelated components of distress tolerance in individuals with and without trauma exposure. The study aimed to (1) assess the relationship between trauma and distress tolerance and (2) evaluate the potential moderating effect music listening has on the relationship between trauma and distress tolerance. The study employed a between-groups, randomized laboratory experiment with 162 participants. Trauma was measured using the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5, Trauma History Questionnaire, and a potential traumatic event survey question, while distress tolerance was assessed using the self-report Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) and the Cold Pressor Task (CPT) as a measure of physical distress tolerance. A 15-minute classical music intervention served as the intervention. Participants completed baseline measures before being randomly assigned to either the music or control intervention. Following the intervention, participants underwent the CPT, then retook the DTS. More self-reported trauma on each scale correlated with less distress tolerance. Multiple regression analyses that included the 3 trauma scales indicate that only PTSD symptoms remained a significant predictor of self-reported distress tolerance. Trauma measures did not significantly predict physical distress tolerance. Music-listening did not moderate the relationship between trauma and distress tolerance. Future research should explore various music types and individual preferences to better understand music's potential moderating effect on the relationship between trauma and distress tolerance.Psycholog
Green Leaf Volatiles: A New Player in the Protection against Abiotic Stresses?
Get PDFTo date, the role of green leaf volatiles (GLVs) has been mainly constrained to protecting plants against pests and pathogens. However, increasing evidence suggests that among the stresses that can significantly harm plants, GLVs can also provide significant protection against heat, cold, drought, light, and salinity stress. But while the molecular basis for this protection is still largely unknown, it seems obvious that a common theme in the way GLVs work is that most, if not all, of these stresses are associated with physical damage to the plants, which, in turn, is the major event responsible for the production of GLVs. Here, I summarize the current state of knowledge on GLVs and abiotic stresses and provide a model explaining the multifunctionality of these compounds.Integrative Biolog
Assistant Principal Balancing Act: Making Sense of Social Justice Leadership in a High-Stakes Testing and Accountability Environment
No full textThe purpose of this study was to examine variation in assistant principal (AP) social justice beliefs and high-stakes accountability perceptions and explore how APs balance accountability policies while addressing social justice issues in their schools. 79 assistant principals participated in a phase 1 survey with 10 APs selected to participate in phase 2 interviews. Findings revealed divergent AP views across social justice and accountability beliefs. APs are not a monolithic block, but individuals with complex histories, working in distinct organizational contexts that shape their ongoing sensemaking and nuanced perspectives regarding social justice leadership and high-stakes testing accountability.
Findings drove recommendations for policy, practice, and future research by connecting what APs shared regarding leadership balancing actions that support social justice goals and mitigate impacts of high-stakes testing. Policy recommendations include reducing frequency of testing, development of alternative authentic assessments, and redesigning more robust measures of school-based accountability. Recommendations for practice include continued support for APs beyond initial certification, democratic leadership practices by APs, and more professional development that address issues of marginalization. Recommendations for future research include research to investigate relationships between schools with more students with disabilities and APs' social justice beliefs, and AP mentoring and rotational assignments.
The study highlighted the complexity and ambiguity of the assistant principal position, the complicated, nuanced, and ongoing sensemaking of assistant principals, their importance at the forefront of campus leadership, and the impact these often-unnoticed school leaders have on their students, teachers, schools, and communities.Educational Leadership and Policy Studie
Synergism of Fuzzy Leaky Bucket with Virtual Buffer for Large Scale Social Driven Energy Allocation in Emergencies in Smart City Zones
No full textSmart cities can be viewed as expansive systems that optimize operational quality and deliver a range of services, particularly in the realm of energy management. Identifying energy zones within smart cities marks an initial step towards ensuring equitable energy distribution driven by factors beyond energy considerations. This study introduces a socially oriented methodology for energy allocation during emergencies, implemented at the zone level to address justice concerns. The proposed method integrates a fuzzy leaky bucket model with an energy virtual buffer, leveraging extensive data from diverse city zones to allocate energy resources during emergent situations. By employing fuzzy sets and rules, the leaky bucket mechanism distributes buffered energy to zones, aiming to maximize energy utilization while promoting social justice principles. Evaluation of the approach utilizes consumption data from simulated smart city zones during energy-constrained emergencies, comparing it against a uniform allocation method. Results demonstrate the socially equitable allocation facilitated by the proposed methodology.Electrical and Computer Engineerin