Exploratory User Research for Computational Resource for South Asian Languages (open access)

Exploratory User Research for Computational Resource for South Asian Languages

Report for the project, Exploratory User Research for CoRSAL, which was an exploratory ethnographic study to generate a foundational understanding of how different user groups might use a planned language archive for South Asian languages. Their research project was to be used by the CoRSAL team to help plan the design of CoRSAL’s infrastructure, and laid the groundwork for further studies that will take a deeper look at issues surrounding the design and use of the planned language archive.
Date: December 7, 2016
Creator: Al Smadi, Duha; Barnes, Sebastian; Blair, Molly; Chong, Miyoung; Cole-Jett, Robin; Davis, Aaron et al.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and the Economy (open access)

Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and the Economy

This report discusses ways that artificial intelligence could potentially automate manual tasks and relieve human labor. However, the authors recognize this shift would displace the livelihoods of millions of Americans. The pros and cons of artificial intelligence on the economy is discussed.
Date: December 2016
Creator: Council of Economic Advisors
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Walling Family of Nineteenth-Century Texas: An Examination of Movement and Opportunity on the Texas Frontier (open access)

The Walling Family of Nineteenth-Century Texas: An Examination of Movement and Opportunity on the Texas Frontier

The Walling Family of Nineteenth-Century Texas recounts the actions of the first four generations of the John Walling family. Through a heavily quantitative study, the study focuses on the patterns of movement, service, and seizing opportunity demonstrated by the family as they took full advantage of the benefits of frontier expansion in the Old South and particularly Texas. In doing so, it chronicles the role of a relatively unknown family in many of the most defining events of the nineteenth-century Texas experience such as the Texas Revolution, Mexican War, Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Close of the Frontier. Based on extensive research in census, tax, election, land, military, family paper, newspaper, and existing genealogical records; the study documents the contributions of family members to the settlement of more than forty counties while, at the same time, noting its less positive behaviors such as its open hostility to American Indians, and significant slave ownership. This study seeks to extend the work of other quantitative studies that looked at movement and political influence in the Old South, Texas, and specific communities to the microcosm of a single extended family. As a result, it should be of use to those wanting a greater …
Date: December 2016
Creator: Cure, Stephen
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library

After the Harvest: Preservation, Access, and Researcher Services for the 2016 End of Term Archive

This presentation discusses the End of Term Archive and methods for identifying and selecting in-scope content (including using registries, indices, and crowdsourcing URL nominations ["seeds"] through a web application called the URL Nomination Tool), new strategies for capturing web content (including crawling, browser rendering, and social media tools), access models including both an online portal as well as research datasets for use in computational analysis, and preservation data replication between partners using new export APIs and experimental tools developed as part of the IMLS-funded WASAPI project.
Date: December 13, 2016
Creator: Bailey, Jefferson; Grotke, Abigail & Phillips, Mark Edward
Object Type: Presentation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Parcel-Based Change Detection Using Multi-Temporal LiDAR Data in the City of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada (open access)

Parcel-Based Change Detection Using Multi-Temporal LiDAR Data in the City of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

Change detection is amongst the most effective critical examination methods used in remote sensing technology. In this research, new methods are proposed for building and vegetation change detection using only LiDAR data without using any other remotely sensed data. Two LiDAR datasets from 2009 and 2013 will be used in this research. These datasets are provided by the City of Surrey. A Parcel map which shows parcels in the study area will be also used in this research because the objective of this research is detecting changes based on parcels. Different methods are applied to detect changes in buildings and vegetation respectively. Three attributes of object –slope, building volume, and building height are derived and used in this study. Changes in buildings are not only detected but also categorized based on their attributes. In addition, vegetation change detection is performed based on parcels. The output shows parcels with a change of vegetation. Accuracy assessment is done by using measures of completeness, correctness, and quality of extracted regions. Accuracy assessments suggest that building change detection is performed with better results.
Date: December 2016
Creator: Yigit, Aykut
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Kuwait: Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy (open access)

Kuwait: Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy

This report examines Kuwait's relationships with its neighbors in the Persian Gulf, and its own political system which has been in turmoil since 2006. Kuwait remains pivotal to U.S. efforts to secure the Persian Gulf region because of its willingness to cooperate with U.S. strategy and military operations in the region and its proximity to both Iran and Iraq.
Date: December 1, 2016
Creator: Katzman, Kenneth
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Cognitive Engagement in Later Life: Descriptive and Explanatory Findings (open access)

Cognitive Engagement in Later Life: Descriptive and Explanatory Findings

Findings on the relationship between engagement in lifestyle and cognitive functioning are not consistent; some authors report that engagement in lifestyle predicts an individual's cognitive functioning; while other report that an individual's cognitive functioning predicts the type and level of engagement an individual participates in. The current study will use longitudinal data (N = 235) to investigate the bidirectional relationship between engagement (engaged lifestyle activities) and cognition (crystallized & fluid intelligence). Despite inconsistent findings it is proposed that cognitive functioning may be better understood when examining how stimulation of activity, need for cognition, and openness to experience affect engagement in an active lifestyle. As such the current study will investigate if stimulation of activity, need for cognition, and openness to experience moderate the relationship between engaged lifestyles and cognitive functioning. The results, limitations and implications are discussed.
Date: December 2016
Creator: Abdullah, Bashir
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Analyzing Tuberculosis Vulnerability and Variables in Tarrant County (open access)

Analyzing Tuberculosis Vulnerability and Variables in Tarrant County

Over 9 million new cases of tuberculosis (TB) were reported worldwide in 2013. While the TB rate is much lower in the US, its uneven distribution and associated explanatory variables require interrogation in order to determine effective strategies for intervention and control. However, paucity of case data at fine geographic scales precludes such research. This research, using zip code level data from 837 confirmed TB cases in Tarrant County obtained from Texas Department of State Health Services, explores and attempts to explain the spatial patterns of TB and related risk markers within a framework of place vulnerability. Readily available census data is then used to characterize the spatial variations in TB risk. The resulting model will enable estimations of the geographic differences in TB case variables using this readily available census data instead of time-consuming and expensive individual data collection.
Date: December 2016
Creator: McGlone, John Francis
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Maternal Transfer of Dietary Methylmercury and Implications for Embryotoxicity in Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas) (open access)

Maternal Transfer of Dietary Methylmercury and Implications for Embryotoxicity in Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas)

Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, which is capable of global atmospheric transport. As a result, even the most pristine aquatic ecosystems are affected by atmospheric Hg deposition, following which microbial transformation yield organic Hg forms, the most concerning of which is methylmercury (MeHg). Methylmercury is capable of bioaccumulation and biomagnification in food webs, resulting in potentially toxic body burdens due to regular dietary exposure in long-lived organisms at higher trophic levels. It is also a molecular mimic of some endogenous amino acids, providing a route of transfer from mother to offspring via large amino acid transporters. Exposure during neurodevelopment can lead to serious, irreversible neurological dysfunction, associated with a variety of cognitive and motor abnormalities across species. The present studies evaluate the effects of maternally-transferred dietary MeHg, at environmentally relevant concentrations on early life stage fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Embryos were collected from adult fatheads exposed to one of three diets with varying concentrations of MeHg for 30 days. Adult reproductive metrics were also monitored over the course of the study, with results indicating no effects on spawning frequency, clutch size, or total egg output. In embryos, Hg concentration was a function of female diet and the duration …
Date: December 2016
Creator: Bridges, Kristin N.
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library

Trends in Digital Newspaper Delivery: Leveraging existing resources, collaborations, and interoperability in the libraries community

This presentation reflects on the latest efforts toward improving the digital delivery of "hyperlocal" news in libraries, followed by open discussion, with a focus on multi-institutional collaborations, leveraging existing platforms and resources, and interoperability via IIIF for digital newspapers.
Date: December 12, 2016
Creator: Rabun, Sheila; Estlund, Karen & Phillips, Mark Edward
Object Type: Presentation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Interim Report to the 85th Texas Legislature: House Select Committee on Mental Health (open access)

Interim Report to the 85th Texas Legislature: House Select Committee on Mental Health

Report from the Texas House Committee on Mental Health describing the group's goals, activities, accomplishments, and other information, for review by the 85th Texas Legislature.
Date: December 29, 2016
Creator: Texas. Legislature. House of Representatives. Select Committee on Mental Health.
Object Type: Report
System: The Portal to Texas History
The Express-Star (Chickasha, Okla.), Ed. 1 Saturday, December 31, 2016 (open access)

The Express-Star (Chickasha, Okla.), Ed. 1 Saturday, December 31, 2016

Triweekly newspaper from Chickasha, Oklahoma that includes local, state, and national news along with advertising.
Date: December 31, 2016
Creator: unknown
Object Type: Newspaper
System: The Gateway to Oklahoma History
Hellcat News (Garnet Valley, Pa.), Vol. 70, No. 4, Ed. 1, December 2016 (open access)

Hellcat News (Garnet Valley, Pa.), Vol. 70, No. 4, Ed. 1, December 2016

Monthly newsletter published by the 12th Armored Division Association, discussing news related to the activities of the U.S. Army unit and updates on previous members of the division.
Date: December 2016
Creator: Twelfth Armored Division Association (U.S.)
Object Type: Newspaper
System: The Portal to Texas History
Fort Hood Sentinel (Fort Hood, Tex.), Vol. 74, No. 50, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 15, 2016 (open access)

Fort Hood Sentinel (Fort Hood, Tex.), Vol. 74, No. 50, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 15, 2016

Weekly newspaper published for the military and civilian personnel of Fort Hood, that includes local, state, and national news along with advertising.
Date: December 15, 2016
Creator: Pruden, Todd
Object Type: Newspaper
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Jo Ann Redden, December 6, 2016 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Jo Ann Redden, December 6, 2016

Transcript of an interview with Jo Ann "Josie" Lochte Redden, Montessori educator and stained glass artist, discussing her German extended family, her upbringing in Kerrville, Texas, life in New York, and travel with her husband John throughout Texas and western United States to photograph, catalogue, and reproduce Native American pictographs, or rock paintings.
Date: December 6, 2016
Creator: Collins, Francelle Robison; Flory, Bonnie Pipes & Redden, Jo Ann Lochte
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Modeling Cognitive Authority Relationships (open access)

Modeling Cognitive Authority Relationships

Information-seeking behavior is a mixture of activities and attitudes, oftentimes motivated by an individual's need to make a decision. One underlying element of this mixture is cognitive authority - which sources (e.g., individuals, institutions, texts, etc.) can be trusted to fulfil the information needs? In order to gain insight into the dynamics of cognitive authority selection behavior which is an information seeking behavior, this study explored primary source text data (316 text records) that reflected selection in the mundaneness of life (advice column submissions and responses). Linguistic analysis was performed on the data using the Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (LIWC2015) software package. Pearson correlation and 1-sample T tests revealed the same 45 statistically significant relationships (SSRs) in the word usage behavior of all subgroups. As a result of the study, the gap in research formed from the lack of quantitative models of cognitive authority relationships was addressed via the development of the Wordprint Classification System which was used to generate a cognitive authority relationship model in the form of a cognitive authority intra-segment wordprint. The findings and implications of this study may provide a contribution to the body of work in the area of information literacy and information seeker behavior …
Date: December 2016
Creator: Johnson, Barbara Denise
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Fort Hood Sentinel (Fort Hood, Tex.), Vol. 74, No. 48, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 1, 2016 (open access)

Fort Hood Sentinel (Fort Hood, Tex.), Vol. 74, No. 48, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 1, 2016

Weekly newspaper published for the military and civilian personnel of Fort Hood, that includes local, state, and national news along with advertising.
Date: December 1, 2016
Creator: Pruden, Todd
Object Type: Newspaper
System: The Portal to Texas History
Exploratory User Research for a Website that Provides Resources for Educators of American Indian Students in Higher Education (open access)

Exploratory User Research for a Website that Provides Resources for Educators of American Indian Students in Higher Education

Several studies have indicated that American Indian students in the United States higher education system confront unique challenges that derive from a legacy of colonialism and assimilationist policies (Huff 1997). Several scholars, American Indian and non-Native alike, have explored the effects of this history upon students in higher education (Brayboy 2004; Guillory and Wolverton 2008; Waterman and Lindley 2013). Very few, however, have explored the role of the educators of American Indian students, and most of the literature focuses on K-12 educational settings (McCarty and Lee 2014; Yong and Hoffman 2014). This thesis examines exploratory user research conducted to generate a foundational understanding of educators of American Indian students in higher education. Utilizing methods from design anthropology and user experience, semi-structured interviews and think-aloud sessions were conducted, almost exclusively virtually, for 17 participants. This research was conducted for a client, Fire & Associates, as part of the applied thesis process. Findings revealed a complex web of needs for educators of American Indian students in higher education related to teaching diverse students, the use of media and technology in the classroom, and the process of networking among other educators. The research culminated in content and design implications for the Fire & …
Date: December 2016
Creator: Roth, Heather S.
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Interim Report to the 85th Texas Legislature: House Committee on Land and Resource Management (open access)

Interim Report to the 85th Texas Legislature: House Committee on Land and Resource Management

Report from the Texas House Committee on Land and Resource Management describing the group's goals, activities, accomplishments, and other information, for review by the 85th Texas Legislature.
Date: December 2016
Creator: Texas. Legislature. House of Representatives. Committee on Land and Resource Management.
Object Type: Report
System: The Portal to Texas History
The 50,000 Watt Blowtorch of the Great Southwest: The History of WBAP (open access)

The 50,000 Watt Blowtorch of the Great Southwest: The History of WBAP

This paper looks at the history of WBAP while examining how programming has changed from 1922-2014 and how WBAPs audience helped shape programming at the station. This paper reveals four formatting changes throughout the stations history and provides in-depth statistical analysis of how WBAPs audience changed during the stations 90 plus years of existence.
Date: December 2016
Creator: Dixon, Chad M
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Fort Hood Sentinel (Fort Hood, Tex.), Vol. 74, No. 49, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 8, 2016 (open access)

Fort Hood Sentinel (Fort Hood, Tex.), Vol. 74, No. 49, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 8, 2016

Weekly newspaper published for the military and civilian personnel of Fort Hood, that includes local, state, and national news along with advertising.
Date: December 8, 2016
Creator: Pruden, Todd
Object Type: Newspaper
System: The Portal to Texas History
Gainesville Daily Register (Gainesville, Tex.), Vol. 127, No. 71, Ed. 1 Wednesday, December 7, 2016 (open access)

Gainesville Daily Register (Gainesville, Tex.), Vol. 127, No. 71, Ed. 1 Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Daily newspaper from Gainesville, Texas that includes local, state, and national news along with advertising.
Date: December 7, 2016
Creator: Armstrong, Mark J.
Object Type: Newspaper
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Floyd Schexnayder, December 17, 2016 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Floyd Schexnayder, December 17, 2016

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Floyd John Schexnayder. Schexnayder was born in 1928. At the age of 16, he changed his birth certificate in order to join the Navy in mid-1944. He completed boot camp in San Diego, California. Beginning around February of 1945, he served as Seaman Second-Class in the gunnery department aboard the USS Terror (CM-5), loading 40mm quadruple antiaircraft guns. They transferred battle casualties to an Army hospital at Saipan, then traveled to Ulithi, where they serviced and supplied minecraft staging for the assault on Okinawa. In March, they arrived at Kerama Retto, serving as a flagship and tender for minecraft. Schexnayder worked hard protecting Terror and other U.S. ships from Japanese kamikaze planes. He describes their ship getting hit by one of these planes, and his participation in the events that unfolded. After the war ended, he was transferred to the USS Steady (AM-118), where they swept mines in the East China Sea. They returned to the U.S. in early 1946, and he received his discharge in August.
Date: December 17, 2016
Creator: Schexnayder, Floyd
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
The Texas Compatriot, Fall 2016 (open access)

The Texas Compatriot, Fall 2016

Publication of the Texas Society Sons of the American Revolution, containing news and events related to the organization and its members.
Date: December 2016
Creator: Sons of the American Revolution. Texas Society.
Object Type: Journal/Magazine/Newsletter
System: The UNT Digital Library