The LAIR at East Texas A&M
Not a member yet
7179 research outputs found
Sort by
A Comparison Study of Hispanic Students’ College Readiness in Public High Schools and Charter Schools in Texas’s Lower Rio Grande Valley
No full textThis quantitative study examined whether statistically significant differences in college readiness outcomes, specifically in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics, exist between Hispanic graduates of traditional public high schools and those from public charter high schools in Texas’s Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV). Archival data from six demographically similar schools (three charter, three traditional) from the years 2017 to 2019 were analyzed using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to control for variables such as economic disadvantage, student-teacher ratios, and emergent bilingual percentages
Hydrobiogeochemistry of Constructed Wetlands: Intertwined Relationships of Redox Buffer Capacity and Water Treatment Performance
No full textConstructed wetlands (CWs) are engineered ecosystems that utilize natural processes to improve water quality. This study examines the hydrogeochemistry and treatment performance of the George W. Shannon Wetland (constructed) in Texas, with a focus on evaluating the resistance and resilience of wetland towards the disturbance of raw Trinity River water injection by calculating redox buffer capacity with spatial and seasonal variations. Water and soil samples were collected from the sedimentary cell, reaction cell, control cell, and outflow cell. Results showed a progressive decrease in electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) along the wetland flow path, from the control cell (EC: 585.8 µS/cm, TDS: 295.4 mg/L) to the outflow cell (EC: 458.1 µS/cm, TDS: 230 mg/L), indicating effective ion removal. Surface soils in the reaction cell exhibited the highest concentrations of nitrate (64.5 mg/kg), sulfate (2740 mg/kg), and potassium (75.1 mg/kg), while depth soils across all cells retained more calcium and magnesium but had lower nitrate and sulfate, indicating prolonged anoxic conditions that favor the retention of divalent cations and reduction of nitrate and sulfate. The reaction cell demonstrated the most dynamic redox behavior, with Eh values ranging from -800 to 500 mV whereas the control cell showed Eh values ranging from 100 to 500 mV and the sedimentary cell ranged from 100 to 400 mV. Throughout the study, calcium (Ca²⁺) and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) consistently emerged as the dominant ions in water highlighting the carbonate-buffered nature of the system. PHREEQC modeling identified carbonate dissolution and sulfate reduction as key geochemical processes in the wetland system. Resistance and resilience calculations indicated that the Reaction Cell was more vulnerable to disturbances (resistance: ~4.14; resilience: ~0.07) compared to the Control Cell (resistance: ~0.06; resilience: ~0.92), and Sedimentary Cell (resistance: ~0.27; resilience: ~0.33) during the monitoring period. Across all cells, C/N ratios in surface and depth soils were relatively high (8.91-10.67), especially in the outflow cell, suggesting increased nitrogen immobilization and reduced nitrate removal efficiency. Treatment performance data showed high removal efficiencies for sulfate (78.75%) and phosphorus (45.9%), but lower nitrate removal (20.9%) during the monitoring period. Compared to previous field-scale studies, phosphorus removal efficiencies in this study were similar (phosphorus: 45.9% vs. 45.4% previously), but nitrate removal was substantially lower than the 76.8% removal reported in earlier work, indicating a limitation in the current system’s capacity for denitrification. These findings highlight the importance of cell-specific and seasonal hydrobiogeochemical processes in optimizing constructed wetland design for sustainable and effective pollutant mitigation
Effect of the His, Cys, or Asp Substituent Groups on the Gas- and Solution Phase Zinc Affinities of the Acetyl-Aa\u3csub\u3e1\u3c/sub\u3e-Aa\u3csub\u3e2\u3c/sub\u3e-Gly\u3csub\u3e3\u3c/sub\u3e-Pro\u3csub\u3e4\u3c/sub\u3e-Tyr\u3csub\u3e5\u3c/sub\u3e- His\u3csub\u3e6\u3c/sub\u3e-Aa\u3csub\u3e7\u3c/sub\u3e Heptapeptides and Comparison With the His-Tag
No full textSelective interaction with zinc-chelating resins is essential for efficient affinity-based purification of biomolecules. This study explores the zinc-binding properties of three novel heptapeptides—ac-Asp₁-Asp2-Gly3-Pro4-Tyr5-His6-Asp7, ac-Asp1-Cys2-Gly3-Pro4-Phe5-His6-Cys7, and ac-His1-His2-Gly3-Pro4-Tyr5-His6-His7—benchmarking them against the widely used 7×His tag and a previously established reference sequence, ac-His1-Cys2-Gly3-Pro4-Gly5-His6-Cys7. Ion mobility–mass spectrometry (IM-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) revealed that the His-rich peptide displayed the strongest affinity for the zinc resin and was readily eluted under mild acidic conditions. Conversely, the peptides containing multiple Asp residues showed weaker retention and no clear elution, likely due to steric hindrance and charge repulsion from their carboxyl groups. The reference peptide’s performance underscored the stabilizing effect of Cys in coordinating zinc ions. Collectively, the results offer insights into the design of more efficient metal-affinity tags for targeted purification workflows
Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for The Removal of Nutrients from Water: Synthesis, Application, Performance and Limitation
No full textNutrient contamination is a major contributor to eutrophication and water quality degradation worldwide. Conventional treatment technologies often lack selectivity and efficiency in complex aquatic environments, highlighting the need for advanced materials with tailored recognition capabilities. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as promising adsorbents for nutrient remediation due to their high selectivity, stability and reusability. This review synthesizes recent progress on the synthesis strategies of MIPs. Applications of MIPs in removing phosphate, nitrate and ammonia from water are critically examined, with particular attention to adsorption performance under varying environmental conditions. The limitations of current systems, including modest adsorption capacities, incomplete template removal, matrix interferences and scalability challenges, are discussed alongside concerns about the fate and transport of MIPs in natural waters. Finally, the review highlights future opportunities in green synthesis and hybrid MIP composites to overcome current barriers. Collectively, this work positions MIPs as promising next-generation materials for selective nutrient removal and sustainable water remediation
Woman in Period Costume
No full textA black and white negative of a person in period costume to celebrate the centennial of East Texas State University.https://lair.etamu.edu/scua-univ-photos-browse-all/2698/thumbnail.jp
The Impact of Race on Sentencing Outcomes in the United States
No full textThe United States, with just 5% of the world’s population, houses nearly a quarter of the world’s prisoners. Moreover, the racial composition of the United States prison population is 56.8% White, 38.0% Black, 2.9% Native American, and 1.5% Asian (Federal Bureau of Prisons, 2023). This highlights the disproportionate presence of minority offenders in the prison system, prompting concerns about racial disparities in sentencing. While research on sentencing is robust, much of the research relies on outdated data sources. This study adopts a contemporary approach by utilizing current data to examine whether the race of an offender affects two essential sentencing outcomes: (1) the likelihood of incarceration (i.e., the decision between imprisonment and non-imprisonment) and (2) the length of the sentence. This study leverages data from the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) for the year 2022, analyzing 64,142 offender cases. Important independent variables consist of offender characteristics (e.g., race, sex, age, level of education, citizenship status) and crime characteristics (e.g., weapon use, criminal history, offense type, and plea agreement). The dependent variables measured whether the defendant was given a prison sentence, and if so, the length of incarceration in months. The research hypotheses predict that non-White offenders will receive both harsher and longer sentences than similarly situated White offenders. Results indicate that Hispanic offenders were more likely to receive a sentence of incarceration than similarly situated White offenders. In addition, the findings suggest that Black offenders received longer sentences compared to either White or Hispanic offenders. Through a focal concerns theoretical framework, the study highlights the continued influence of structural racial inequalities in sentencing. By recognizing these inequalities, this research contributes to policy reforms related to reducing racial bias in sentencing processes and enhancing equity in the U.S. criminal justice system
The Implications of the Scientific Developments Behind Oxidative Stress, Heat-Shock Proteins, and Antioxidants on Neurodegenerative Pathology
No full textHomeostasis is essential for the health and development of all organisms, serving as a universal defense mechanism that ensures the stability of physiological processes faced with external and internal stimuli in the form of health challenges (Archana et al., 2017). Maintaining homeostasis is crucial for our health, as it helps keep the body\u27s internal balance. However, this delicate equilibrium is challenged by various environmental factors, such as diet, exposure to chemicals, and fluctuations in temperature (Collier et al., 2017). These disruptions can lead to dysfunction in cellular processes, particularly affecting the production and regulation of proteins vital for biological functions. Therefore, it is important to prioritize wellness to prevent diseases (Collier et al., 2017)
Strike Up the Band!: Examining the Marching Arts Activity and its Relationship to Music Education in America
No full textThe purpose of this thesis is to re-introduce the history of the marching arts activity to the upcoming generations of music educators through a historical analysis that thoroughly examines the marching arts activity from the early twentieth century to the present. This analysis will seek to uncover the musical and visual concepts that contribute best to a well-rounded education in music, as well as personal and professional growth in students. This analysis will also seek to expose the concepts that impair students’ growth, both artistically and personally. The information from this analysis will inform a single arrangement designed for a high school marching show, and will highlight the traditions of the past, as well as honor the modern concepts that have successfully enhanced music education
The Effects of \u3ci\u3eMaclura pomifera\u3c/i\u3e on MCF-7/Vector and MCF-7/G1P3 Breast Cancer Cells
No full textBreast cancer is considered one of the most common types of cancer, mainly affecting women worldwide. The most aggressive type is Triple-negative breast cancer, which accounts for approximately 10-15% of the total amount of breast cancer cases. The majority of breast cancer cases are regarded as estrogen receptor-positive, accounting for 70% of the total number. Current treatment options consist of immunotherapy, surgery, endocrine therapy, and chemotherapy. Research in breast cancer treatment has been a topic of interest in recent years, as the rate of individuals becoming diagnosed is increasing. The Osage orange, or Maclura pomifera, is a fruit native to northern parts of Texas and southern parts of Oklahoma. The fruit has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In some cases, it has been shown to combat cancer, as it contains isoflavones osajin and pomiferin, compounds known to exhibit toxicity to cancer cells. In this study, the effects of M. pomifera extracts will be investigated on 2 breast cancer cell lines: MCF-7/Vector and MCF-74/G1P3. The experiment will be executed by treating the cells with different concentrations of the extract. The results entailed that the Osage orange extracts halted cell proliferation of both cell lines; however, it significantly affected the MCF-7/Vector cells at a greater rate. The results could be deemed positive, the phytochemicals isolated from the Osage orange could lead to the development of new, safer, breast cancer therapies. However, further experimentation is needed to confirm this
Growing Leaders: An Exploratory Case Study of the Leadership Skill Development of School Principals
No full textDespite the significant changes in the history of campus administration, the role of a school principal has continuously required specialized knowledge and skills. School principals hold primary responsibility for their campus facilities, resources, stakeholders, communities, and outcomes. The effectiveness of a school principal has a greater impact on student outcomes for the entire campus than that of a single teacher. To achieve this impact, principals must successfully lead their buildings, navigate changing educational and social landscapes, and ensure positive outcomes, which requires an expansive and adaptable skill set. Effective school leaders employ a unique balance of skills. These include organizational management, human capital management, strategic operations, instructional leadership, transformational leadership, collaboration, advocacy, culture-building, and attention to relationships. The development of leadership skills that are necessary for a successful school principal does not happen by chance. Aspiring and practicing school principals must take full advantage of every opportunity they have to grow and develop the skills necessary to be effective leaders. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to examine how school principals’ engagement in preparation, professional development, networking, and practice influenced their leadership skill development. I explored the complexity of leadership skill development of three practicing school principals through the lens of their perceptions and observations of their application of their skills. Data derived from multiple sources such as pre- and post-observation interviews, observation field notes, and reflective journals enabled me to gain a deep understanding of the extent the roles of the experiences in preparation, professional development, networking, and practice play in the development of school leaders participating in the study. The development of logic models for each participant and a subsequent cross-case analysis enabled me to identify and illustrate emergent themes within and across cases