In this paper, I sought to identify and develop a protocol on electrode arrays as a result of rapid aging by applying rapid current over time. We, however, apply a different approach by using phosphate buffer solution (PBS) to mimic the conditions of the body. Here we have established an in vitro protocol for accelerated aging, a process that involves testing in extreme conditions such as oxygen, heat, sunlight, humidity, and vibration aimed at speeding the normal aging process of items; on commercially available shape memory polymer electrode arrays from Qualia over a period of 30 days in PBS. Two electrode arrays were placed in 37°C and 2 were placed in 57°C. Open lead electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was conducted on the electrode arrays. Overall, the results showed there were differences in average impedance during this accelerated aging protocol. At 37°C we see that the average impedance values increased as the electrodes were aged at 1kHz from an average of 4.15E6 to 9.14E6 Ohms. At 57°C electrode arrays 4 and 5 showed strong P values well above 0.05, but average impedance increased drastically from 3.27E6 to 9.97E6 and P value of 0.04 from measurement day 24 to day 30. This …

Synthetic biology is a rapidly growing field that aims to treat cellular biological networks in an analogous way to electrical circuits. However, the field of plant synthetic biology has not grown at the same pace as bacterial and yeast synthetic biology, leaving a dearth of characterized tools for the community. Due to the need for tools for the synthetic plant biologist, I have endeavored to create a library of well-characterized TATA box variants in the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter using the standardized assembly method Golden Braid 2.0. I introduced single nucleotide changes in the TATA box of the CaMV 35S promoter, a genetic part widely used in plant gene expression studies and agricultural biotechnology. Using a dual-luciferase reporter system, I quantified the transcriptional strength of the altered TATA box sequences and compared to the wild-type sequence, both in transient protoplast assays and stable transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants. The library of TATA-box modified CaMV 35S promoters with varying transcriptional strengths created here can provide the plant synthetic biology community with a series of modular Golden Braid-adapted genetic parts that can be used dependably and reproducibly by researchers to fine-tune gene expression levels in complex, yet predictable, synthetic genetic circuits.

The FeCo-V alloy, commercially referred to as Hiperco, is known for its great soft magnetic properties. However, the high cost of production has limited the usage of this alloy to small-scale applications, where the small volume and high magnetic performance are critical. Additive manufacturing (AM) has the potential to solve the production problems that exist in Hiperco manufacturing. The present research has focused on selective laser melting (SLM) based AM processing of Hiperco. The goal was to perform a detailed examination of SLM processed Hiperco and determine how the process parameters affect the microstructure, mechanical and magnetic properties. While a systematic set of SLM process parameters were employed, the results indicate that the energy density was quite similar for this set of process parameters, resulting in similar properties. Overall, the saturation magnetization (Ms) values were very good, but the coercivity (Hc) values were very high, in the case of all as SLM processed conditions. Additionally, a large variation in porosity was observed in the as SLM processed samples, as a function of process parameters. Interestingly, long-term heat-treatments of these samples in an Ar+H2 atmosphere resulted in substantial decreases in the Hc values. These results are presented and discussed.

The corrosion resistance under elevated temperature of additively manufactured 316L stainless steel made by directed energy deposition was studied. Test samples were prepared in a hybrid additive manufacturing machine using standard deposition parameters recommended by the manufacturer. Control samples were cut from wrought material to compare the results. The test was performed under a corrosive atmosphere with a solution of water with 3.5 % in weight of salt (NaCl). The total duration of the test was 635 hours, divided in five stages of 12, 24, 48, 226, and 325 hours to analyze the samples between each stage. The samples were analyzed quantitatively measuring weight loss and surface topography, and qualitatively by macroscopic inspection with digital photography, and microscopic inspection with optical and scanning electron microscopy. The results show a higher corrosion rate for the additively manufactured samples compared to the control samples. An evident increase in the size of pits initially present on the samples was observed and quantified on the additively manufactured. Although the additively manufactured samples were more aggressively attacked by corrosion, they still presented a shiny surface finish at the end of the test, reinforcing the idea of the formation of a passive oxide layer and suggesting …

Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is a polymorph with possible phase transformation toughening occurring during impact. The fractography and mechanical properties of laminated alumina and YSZ were studied in this thesis. Five sample types were studied in this thesis: (5:5) Al2O3/YSZ (a sequence of 5 alumina tapes stacked on 5 YSZ tapes), (5:5) Al2O3/YSZ (1 wt.% Pure ZrO2), (7:3) Al2O3/YSZ, Al2O3, and YSZ. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microscopy (XRM) were used to study morphology and crack propagation with three-point tests performed to study the flexural strength. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra of all samples pre and post three-point tests were examined to determine if a change in monoclinic zirconia occurred. The combination of SEM and XRM data found microcracks in the YSZ layers of Al2O3/YSZ laminates with none present on YSZ laminates, leading to the conclusion tensile stress was performed on YSZ during sintering with Al2O3. Fracture patterns show a curving of cracks in Al2O3 layers and abrupt, jagged breaks in YSZ layers with crack forking at major YSZ microcrack regions. YSZ laminates were found to have the highest average flexural strength, but a very high standard deviation and low sample count and Al2O3 laminates having the second highest flexural …

Digital language archives are used for the preservation of documented language data, such as video and voice recordings, transcriptions, survey data, and ethnographic fieldnotes. This data is most often used for research and linguists and anthropologists are generally heavily involved in the creation of language archives. Ideally, Indigenous communities that are represented in the archives are also able to access their data, but this is not always the case, especially if poor internet access and lack of technological know-how prevent archive use. In addition, western epistemologies are embedded in archival logics, exacerbating the issues surrounding Indigenous access and pointing to the need for a decolonizing archival design that centers the needs of its users. Using ethnographic research methods and a decolonizing framework, I conducted a usability study on the Archive of the Indigenous Languages of Latin America (AILLA) to uncover the cultural-based meanings that inform AILLA use. Using linguistics and anthropology listservs, I recruited research participants for a Qualtrics survey and conducted semi-structured interviews that explore the user perspective on AILLA. I analyzed AILLA's Google Analytics data and used qualitative and quantitative research methods to build upon the previous literature in user-centered design approaches to language archives. As one of …

Disaster science is a procedural field often construed as producing blanket policies that attempt to cover everyone, but the complexity of human lived experiences must have a space to exist within disaster science if its research and findings are to be effective. This thesis illustrates that disaster policies and publications often leave out the most vulnerable communities—those in greatest need of collective support. Through critically analyzing beautification through green space, discussing photovoice interviews, and by deconstructing public preparedness documents published by Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HCOHSEM), it is clear that accumulation by dispossession filters down through not only property and money but also access to green spaces and a healthy life. By dispossessing low-income communities of their right to green spaces and life, those communities end up in places that are environmentally dangerous, leaving them at a disadvantage in the disaster preparedness and recovery process. This thesis serves as a case study highlighting how HCOHSEM failed to provide low-income communities with assistance prior to, during, and after Hurricane Harvey. The lessons from these gaps in protective measures show that public policies need to be malleable to ensure residents of any community are covered. Though no …

In this study, I analyze the relationship between sexual permissiveness and affiliation with a fundamentalist religion and how this relationship has changed over time. I first consider previous research that reviews how religious affiliation, religiosity, and religious fundamentalism shapes sex attitudes and, therefore sexual permissiveness. I then review existing studies that discuss what factors influence permissiveness toward different sexual behaviors. Next, I discuss the mechanisms of religious institutions that influence sexual permissiveness. Prior literature motivates my research question as there is a lack of studies that explore sexual permissiveness across religious affiliations. This study fills a void in the existing literature by exploring the gap in sexual permissiveness between religious affiliations and how that gap has changed over time. After considering the current literature, I introduce a hypothesis exploring the relationship between sexual permissiveness and affiliation with fundamentalist religion. This study performs OLS regression using secondary data from the General Social Survey (GSS) that describes respondents' religiosity, religious affiliation, and attitudes towards sex. The study's findings show that affiliation with more fundamentalist groups is significantly correlated with more conservative sex attitudes reflecting lower levels of sexual permissiveness. The results also suggest that the gap in sexual permissiveness between those that …

This study was a replication and an extension of the 2021 research performed by Spurgin and Borquez on the correspondence between receptive and expressive behavior. Spurgin examined the role of the echoic in a hear-say procedure with adult learners, while Borquez examined the role of the echoic in both hear-say and see-say procedures. Both studies found that receptive and expressive correspondence did not occur consistently across participants. The present study asked if the fading steps used during training contributed to the results of the previous researchers. In the present study, the fading steps were changed to minimize the chance that the participant developed a position bias. The conditions were also counterbalanced to analyze the effects of hear-say vs. see-say, easy vs. difficult words, and the order in which the words were trained on the acquisition of receptive labels and the emergence of expressive labels. The study consisted of five phases: pre-training, hear-say teaching, see-say teaching, receptive testing, and expressive testing. Results indicated that although that acquisition of receptive labels improved, the change in fading steps did not make a significant difference in the correspondence of receptive and expressive language. Results showed similar correspondence in the hear-say and see-say procedures. Easy …

This was a mixed-method user-centered study regarding the University of North Texas's student-owned learner record and credentialing system. Through methods of quantitative and qualitative inquiry, student perceptions were unearthed and recommendations to improve the system were provided.

Broadly defined, group testing is the study of finding defective items in a large set. In the medical infection setting, that implies classifying each member of a population as infected or uninfected, while minimizing the total number of tests.

Historical dress as a museum theater and research process encompasses material, technological, and cultural experiences from the past in the present. This research examines how intimate experiences with heritage materials, processes, and environments may impact development of educator pedagogy. Historical attractions in the US draw visitors due in part to providing guests with context for the objects and built environments displayed. New Materialist theory offers insights into how inanimate objects and environments "teach" human and non-human entities in their own right. Using a New Materialist lens, I observed, interviewed, and conducted participant observations through a novel research methodology, intra-active narrative inquiry, with costumed museum educators to better discern how relations between humans and historical materials intra-act as embodied experiences of object knowledge in museum pedagogy.

Multiple contributors to neurocognitive impairment in individuals with sickle cell disease have been identified. Research indicates that a history of cerebrovascular accidents, such as silent infarcts and strokes are associated with greater cognitive decline among children with sickle cell disease. Additionally, disease effects such as hemoglobin and hematocrit levels significantly effect cognitive performance among this population and should be taken into consideration when examining neurocognitive impairment. Further, previous studies show a significant relationship between child behavior problems, family functioning, and cognitive performance in children with sickle cell, marking those as important targets for intervention among this population. While cognitive decline with increased age is not typically examined in healthy child populations, some research indicates the presence of age effects in those with SCD. A majority of the literature addresses cognitive impairment from a broad perspective, while a limited number of studies have begun to address effects among specific cognitive domains. Using archival data from the National Institutes of Health's Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease, results revealed that disease severity was negatively correlated with some aspects of cognitive functioning, including visual-spatial domains. Additionally, some measures of cognitive performance were inversely correlated with age. Consistent with hypothesized outcomes, family functioning was …

A projective plane tropical curve is a proper immersion of a graph into the real Cartesian plane subject to some conditions such as that the images of all the edges must be lines with rational slopes. Two important combinatorial invariants of a projective plane tropical curve are its degree, d, and genus g. First, we explore Gathmann and Markwig's approach to the study of the moduli spaces of such curves and explain their proof that the number of projective plane tropical curves, counting multiplicity, passing through n = 3d + g -1 points does not depend on the choice of points, provided they are in tropical general position. This number of curves is called a Gromov-Written invariant. Second, we discuss the proof of a theorem of Mikhalkin that allows one to compute the Gromov-Written invariant by a purely combinatorial process of counting certain lattice paths.

Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems have been proposed as a resource for combating the challenges in 5G network coverage and expanding connectivity to a global realm. This research focuses on the current architecture of LEO satellite constellations, with an emphasis on satellite coverage, visibility patterns and coordination schemes. Key-elements of integrating LEO satellites into the eMBB component of 5G are presented and a breakdown of potential link channel characteristics and physical layer performance metrics are described. The produced information allows for a justified analysis on the conceptualized integration.

Works of art on Porcelain by artist Brianna Shimer (Pieces within Exhibition) as part of a 2022 MFA exhibition, entitled "To(Gather)/Together" in the the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76201, from March 9 to 12, 2022.

Works of art on Porcelain by artist Brianna Shimer (Research for Thesis) as part of a 2022 MFA exhibition, entitled "To(Gather)/Together" in the the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76201, from March 9 to 12, 2022.

Diversity can serve as both a unifying force as well as grounds for intolerance of differences. Behavior analysts working in applied settings often encounter diversity and it is in these settings that meaningful relationships and harmonious collaboration are vital. Skilled dialogue has been recommended as an approach to capitalizing on diverse perspectives so that new solutions and meaningful relationships are developed. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a training workshop to teach skilled dialogue to behavior analysts. The participant was trained to provide welcoming, allowing, sense-making, appreciating, joining, and harmonizing statements using instructions, rationales, models, role-plays, and feedback. The effects of the training workshop were evaluated using a multiple baseline design across training components. Audio responses to role-play scenarios were recorded, transcribed, and scored in order to assess the effects of the training workshop on communication skills. The results of the study indicated that this training workshop is an effective method to teach behavior analysts to engage in the components of skilled dialogue, hopefully contributing to harmonious collaborative communication in their work settings.

Additive friction stir deposition (AFSD) of AZ31B magnesium alloy was conducted to examine evolution of grain structure, phases, and crystallographic texture. AFSD was carried out using a hollow tool made from tool steel at a constant rotational velocity of 400 rpm on the AZ31B base plate. Bar stock of AZ31B was utilized as a feed material. The linear velocity of the tool was varied in the range of 4.2-6.3 mm/s. The feed rate of the material had to be maintained at a half value compared to the corresponding linear velocity for the successful deposition. The layer thickness and length of the deposits were kept constant at 1 mm and 50 mm respectively. The tool torque and actuator force values were recorded during the process and for calculation of the average input energy for each processing condition. Temperature during the AFSD experiments was monitored using a type k thermocouple located 4 mm beneath the deposition surface at the center of the deposition track. The average input energy values showed a decreasing trend with increasing tool linear velocity. The temperature values during deposition were ∼0.7 times the liquidus of the alloy. The deposited material then was examined by laser microscope and profilometer, …

This study implemented a GIS-based analysis of local climate zones (LCZ) in Denton, TX with data sets from 2009, 2011, 2015, and 2016. The LCZ scheme enables evaluation of distinct regions' thermal characteristics with greater granularity than conventional urban-rural dichotomies. Further, the GIS-based approach to LCZ mapping allows use of high-resolution lidar data, the availability of which for the study area enabled estimation of geometric and surface cover parameters: height of roughness elements, sky-view factor, and building surface fraction. Pervious surface fraction was estimated from National Landcover Database impervious imagery. A regular grid was used to estimate per-cell mean values for each parameter, and with a decision-making algorithm (if/then statements) two maps were produced (2011 and 2015) and six LCZ identified in each: LCZ 6 (open low-rise), LCZ 8 (large low-rise), LCZ 9 (sparsely built), LCZ A (dense trees), LCZ B (scattered trees), and LCZ C (bush/scrub). Post-processing was carried out to ensure identified zones met the spatial minimum for qualification as LCZ. Landsat Collection 2 Level 2 surface temperature products from various seasons of 2011 and 2015 were acquired to examine LCZ thermal differentiability, and preliminary surface urban heat island intensity values were estimated. Particular attention was afforded to …

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents with difficulties in social communication, repetitive and/or restricted behaviors, as well as variable language development. Individuals with suspected ASD ideally participate in assessments which include measures of cognitive abilities, adaptive functioning, language functioning, and ASD specific measures (i.e., ADOS, ADI-R). Diagnosis of ASD can occur confidently at 2 years of age, however, the mean age at diagnosis is 4-5 years old. Delays in diagnosis are accounted for by lacking professionals and centers with the capabilities to assess ASD, as well as long waitlists for assessments. Early identification and intervention have been shown to provide the best improvements in ASD symptomology. The aim of the current study was to conduct a program evaluation of an autism treatment center that was designed to provide high quality evidence-based interventions. The study determined if treatment-as-usual in that center yields the expected gains in adaptive functioning and corresponding decreases in barriers to learning. Results indicated improvement in scores on standardized direct assessment of milestone achievement and barriers to learning, but no significant improvement in adaptive skills via secondary informant questionnaire measures following 6 months of treatment. The overall sample size was small due to COVID-19 complications, lack of institutional procedures, …

Empirical studies have shown that white racial attitudes tend to predict racial policy support. It has also been established that the relationship between whites' espoused racial tolerance and their support for ameliorative racial policies is imperfect, due to the principal-policy gap which characterized misalignment between individuals' espoused values for racial equity and their limited support for policies aimed at achieving those ends. Less consideration however, has been given to how the principal-policy gap changes over time. Using data from over 14,000 respondents who participated in the General Social Survey from 1994 through 2018, I show that the principal-policy gap is persistent, and that distances between principal and policy decline and expand over time. Using OLS regression models to analyze a sample of white adults, I find that the link between individuals' expressed liberal racial attitudes and their support for racial policies changed over the 24-year span. A noticeable narrowing of the principal-policy gap is also evident in the latter years of the sample. The reduction in the gap from 2014 through 2018 suggests that the influence of social movements like BLM may have been driving this trend.

In this study, I examine how self-reported religiosity predicts political opinion toward abortion and gun control. In particular, I examine how self-reported religiosity relates to individuals' inconsistent attitudes on these two issues where liberal attitudes are held toward one issue, but conservative attitudes are held toward the other. Most commonly, these inconsistent attitudes are found among individuals who hold pro-life (conservative) and pro-gun control (liberal) views. Using data from the 2018 General Social Survey, I find that religiosity significantly predicts these inconsistent attitudes regarding abortion and gun control. This suggests that religious ethics regarding life and death can offer a partial explanation for inconsistent attitudes toward partisan issues.

Establishing effective language intervention for those who struggle to acquire it early on has received significant attention from researchers within the field of behavior analysis. The procedures of the present study were adapted from Spurgin' thesis research from 2021, in which a stimulus specific consequence was used during teaching after participants made correct responses. In this case, the stimulus specific consequence was a label for a picture that participants were required to point to during teaching trials. When participants pointed to the correct card, the researcher would label the card and deliver a small wooden block which the participants were told they were working for. In the hear-say procedures, participants were taught one set of cards and instructed to echo the researchers' labels. In the see-say participants were taught a second set of cards and instructed to "beat' the researcher to saying the word. After all cards were taught, were tested with a non-vocal receptive identification test. Immediately following this, participants were tested with a vocal expressive identification test. An extended teaching was included to determine the effects of additional practice within each condition. Results indicated that the participants were able to require some receptive and expressive language but targets …