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Statistical mechanics of walks defined on the spatial graphs of the city of Lubbock (10,421 nodes) and the Texas Tech University (TTU) campus pedestrian network (1466 nodes) are used for evaluating structural isolation and the integration of graph nodes, assessing their accessibility and navigability in the graph, and predicting possible graph structural modifications driving the campus evolution. We present the betweenness and closeness maps of the campus, the first passage times to the different campus areas by isotropic and anisotropic random walks, as well as the first passage times under the conditions of traffic noise. We further show the isolation and integration indices of all areas on the campus, as well as their navigability and strive scores, and energy and fugacity scores. The TTU university campus, a large pedestrian zone located close to the historical city center of Lubbock, mediates between the historical city going downhill and its runaway sprawling body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines attempts at the Southwest Collection at Texas Tech University's Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library (SWC/ SCL), in Lubbock, Texas, to integrate its oral history program into collection acquisition, arrangement, description, and discovery processes. Beginning with the creation of a staff position dedicated to acquisition, and continuing through an evolution of job duties resulting from COVID-19, the SWC's oral historians now not only facilitate collection acquisition through extensive relationship building but also engage donors during arrangement and description. Such reconceptions have led to new processes and workflows, wherein oral history has become an endeavour of collaborative knowledge creation and an enabler of a more democratic archives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing urbanization over the last century has resulted in a greater abundance of invasive species. Invasive feral pigeons (Columba livia) damage critical urban infrastructure and pose risks to human health. Universities, including Texas Tech University (TTU), located in Lubbock, Texas, have difficulty decreasing adverse effects caused by pigeons. Assessing reliable estimates of population demographics is an important first step to understanding and managing damaging pigeon populations. Our goal was to estimate pigeon abundances at TTU and understand the underlying mechanisms that facilitated pigeon persistence on campus. We surveyed 23 independent locations from March to April 2017 to estimate pigeon abundance across the entire campus. Separately, we also examined pigeon densities on two campus buildings from March to December 2017 to assess and quantify variation in pigeon detection probabilities and abundance both during the diurnal period and among calendar seasons. Our estimates suggested campus abundance was comparable to other urban areas (1,584.4 pigeons/km², SE = 43.58, 95% CI = –1,969). Our results indicated hot spots (i.e., high pigeon abundances) existed on campus; for example, we estimated ~2,819 pigeons (SE = 76, 95% CI = –138) on a single building on campus during our surveys. Enumeration of pigeon abundance on two campus buildings (mean = 326, SE = 16, 95% CI = –11) indicated abundance was greatest in the fall and during the morning hours, and peak abundance occurred shortly after 0700 h and declined during the day. Our results suggested pigeons were abundant on campus due to structure and composition of buildings that facilitated nesting and loafing spots that likely maximized efficiency and effectiveness of thermal regulation as well as direct access to water during the study period. In general, pigeons clustered on two buildings on campus and our findings suggested success of population-control measures may be maximized if they are implemented around these buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon carbide (SiC) is becoming a preferred technology of choice for power dense application compared with silicon (Si). A more comprehensive analysis of the long-term pulsed power reliability of SiC is necessary so that the technology can make the transition commercially. In this article, a testbed is utilized to evaluate research grade 15-kV SiC MOSFETs and 20-kV SiC IGBTs manufactured by Wolfspeed, a Cree Company. A testbed was developed here at Texas Tech University (TTU), Lubbock, TX, USA, to test these two devices. The narrow pulse testbed’s capacitor bank can be charged up to 10 kV and output square waveform pulse up to $2.0~\mu \text{s}$. The waveform has a full-width at half-maximum pulse and is tested at a repetition pulse rate of three seconds. The electrical characteristics of the forward conduction and reverse breakdown of the device under test (DUT) are measured periodically during the experiment. The DUTs were pulsed at different current levels, up to 340 A (1.06 kA/cm2) for the IGBTs and 74 A (296 A/cm2) for MOSFETs, while the electrical device degradation was monitored. This work discusses the results of the long-term pulsed power reliability, failure modes, and their robustness in overcurrent operations of high-power SiC MOSFETs and IGBTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

aima Moustaid-Moussa Department of Nutritional Sciences, And Obesity Research Institute, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79424, USACorrespondence: Naima Moustaid-MoussaTexas Tech University, Department of Nutritional Sciences & Obesity Research Institute, 1301 Akron Street, Lubbock, TX 79409-1270, USATel + 806-834-7946Email naima.moustaid-moussa@ttu.edu Introduction: The renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) is a hormone system known for its role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. Numerous RAAS inhibitors routinely prescribed for hypertension have also beneficial effects in type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention. RAAS components are expressed locally in many tissues, including adipose tissue and pancreas, where they exert metabolic effects through RAAS bioactive hormone angiotensin II (Ang II). Pancreatic beta cells are specialized insulin-producing cells; they have also developed endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which contributes to beta cell dysfunction, when proteins are misfolded in disease states such as T2D. However, no studies have investigated the relationship between RAAS and ER stress in beta cells as a mechanism linking pancreatic RAAS to T2D. Hence, we hypothesized that Ang II treatment of beta cells increases ER stress and inflammation leading to reduced insulin secretion. Methods: To test this hypothesis, we treated clonal INS-1E beta cells and human islets with Ang II and assessed changes in ER stress markers. INS-1E beta cells were also used for measuring insulin secretion and for assessing the effects of various RAAS and ER stress inhibitors. Results: We demonstrated that Ang II significantly increased the expression of ER stress genes such as Chop and Atf4 and reduced insulin secretion. Furthermore, inhibition of Ang II production with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi, captopril) significantly reduced ER stress. Moreover, the Ang II receptor blockade reduced ER stress significantly and rescued insulin secretion. Discussion: This research provides new mechanistic insight into the role of RAAS activation via ER stress on beta cell dysfunction and provides additional evidence for protective effects of RAAS inhibition in T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It is now well-known that high suction pressures develop along the leading edges of the building due to the formation of corner vortices when the wind is incident at oblique angles. These high suction pressures can damage the roof surface, which may even result in total failure. This paper gives the results from experiments carried out on 1:100 scale models of the Texas Tech University Test Building in a wind tunnel under different flow conditions. Both sharp-edged models and round-edged models were used to conduct flow and turbulence experiments. The results from flow visualization experiments reveal that there exists a separation and recirculation region on roof top at normal incidence and corner vortices form at oblique incidence with different magnitudes of rounding of roof edges influencing the turbulence levels and flow differently. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To compare the performance of the Marco Nidek ARK-530A autorefractor pupillometer function and the Keeler PupilScan II pupillometer (study pupillometer) against the clinical standard NeurOptics PLR-200 pupillometer (standard pupillometer) for measurement of the dark-adapted pupil diameter. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA. Design: Evaluation of diagnostic test or technology. Methods: Subjects aged 20 to 60 years were dark-adapted for 2 minutes at 1 lux ambient illumination. Accommodation was controlled through distance fixation. The dark-adapted pupil diameter was measured with the standard pupillometer, then the study pupillometer, then the autorefractor. Results were compared using Bland-Altman graphs. Results: The autorefractor underestimated the dark-adapted pupil diameter by a mean of 1.03 mm (range 0.0 to 2.3 mm). Thirty-four (85%) measurements were at least 0.5 mm smaller than the corresponding standard pupillometer values, and 16 (40%) were more than 1.0 mm smaller. Observer experience did not improve accuracy. The study pupillometer underestimated the dark-adapted pupil diameter by a mean of 0.31 mm (range 0.0 to 0.9 mm). Ten (25%) measurements were at least 0.5 mm smaller than the standard pupillometer values. Accuracy improved in the final 10 subjects (study pupillometer smaller; mean difference 0.16 mm; range 0.0 to 0.4 mm). Conclusions: The autorefractor pupillometry function had an unpredictable negative bias (variable underestimation of dark-adapted pupil diameter). The study pupillometer had a slight negative bias but required significant examiner skill and knowledge of normal pupil movement to obtain a valid result. Neither device was sufficiently accurate for confident surgical planning or clinical diagnosis. Financial Disclosure: Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the partnership between Best Elementary School and Texas Tech University's College of Education in Lubbock, Texas. It offers a brief profile of Best Elementary School along with its achievement. It presents narratives of four professionals exploring the importance of partnership at Best. Among the professionals include Barbara Morgan-Fleming, associate professor at Best, Douglas J. Simpson, a professor of curriculum and instruction in the College of Education at Texas Tech University, and Kristi Curtis, a first grade teacher at Best.

The article features several research related to academic advising in the U.S. Topics of the research include the importance, responsibility, and satisfaction with academic advising, another on the impact of a university-based center for student recovery, and the experiences of deaf and hard of hearing students. One of study shows that faculty members thought that academic advising is valued by most departmental chairs. The results of another study show that respondents have positive views regarding the Center for the Study Addiction and Recovery (CSAR) at Texas Tech University. Another study reveals the positive and negative results for academic and social integration of hearing impaired students.

This article explores the hybrid or online courses and the future of writing programs. A study by the Sloan Consortium reported that the number of students taking on online course in 2005 has increased by 400,000 students per year. The Interactive Composition Online Program (ICON) and Texas Tech Online-Print Integrated Curriculum of the Texas Tech University in Lubbock are examined. It is concluded that the value and innovation of hybrid courses structures and programs will allow radical new assessment practices.

The article examines the content of the underground newspaper "The Catalyst," a biweekly alternative to standard newspapers in Lubbock, Texas and staffed by Texas Tech University students. Particular attention is paid to the journalistic intent and latent themes found in student alternative journalism on topics such as the Vietnam War, Civil Rights, women's rights, and politics during a period of social discontent between 1969 and 1971. Consistent themes centered on increasing social awareness, a call for activism, a highlighting of hypocrisy, and satire to draw attention to social problems. The noticeable lack of sarcasm on topics of race relations and civil rights is discussed. The questioning of traditional value systems and established governing systems is noted.

The origin of the Small-Scale Spinning Test, which is used to characterize the quality of samples of cotton weighing between 15 and 30lbs (6.8 and 13.6 kg), lies in the annual cotton crop assessments performed by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service and the Textile Research Center of Texas Tech University. Each program of evaluation involved thorough testing of the raw cotton followed by the ring spinning of at least two yarns by the ring spinning route. The machinery used was of industrial size to emulate production conditions. The Small-Scale Spinning Test advocated by the USDA's SRRC has been extended to include fabric manufacture, yet condensed by a need to conserve space that has required the elimination of one drawframe from the sequence of machines employed. The objectives of this study are three-fold; • to describe the evolution of the Small-Scale Spinning Test, and its execution, • to examine the importance of the drawframe in the process, and • to identify a new method of operation in which setup errors are minimized when the same machine is used to perform both passes of drawing. The use of 27tex (Ne22) yarn throughout more than 60 years of small-scale evaluations is noted. Control of linear density throughout processing is critical to minimize waste and machine downtime. Benefits can accrue from the use of autolevelling for both passes of drawing, and reducing the chances of error by eliminating four of the five changes previously required, as well as decreasing machine downtime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the effect of LearnStar, a supplemental learning technique, on student's performance in an introductory chemistry at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry added Chemistry 1301, Introductory Chemistry, to its curriculum, intended to help underprepared students develop the skill needed in taking General Chemistry. Result has shown a positive initial effect. An overview of a study executed at Texas Tech on data from 1996-2001 is offered. Details related to the implementation of chemistry placement exam are also provided. The study executed for student performance in General Chemistry showed a positive impact with the use of LearnStar, and determined that LearnStar is an effective method of supplemental instruction.

The article discusses the StickNet platforms, 24 portable, versatile rapidly deployable surface observation systems developed by researchers at the Texas Tech University (TTU) in Lubbock, Texas. It says that the systems measure standard atmospheric state variables with high sampling rates. Each StickNet contains a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver/antenna to determine accurate positioning and to synchronize data acquisition time. The systems will also contribute to the scientific goals of the upcoming Verification of the Origin of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2) in 2009 and 2010.

The article focuses on the development of a new laboratory and set of graduate courses at Texas Tech University (TTU) in Lubbock. It states that a laboratory was developed in TTU in 2002 using about $175,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and TTU and donations from private corporations to promote an innovative environment. A laboratory classroom that offers an optimal setting for student development and three courses in atmospheric science (ATMO) have been developed using the laboratory's capabilities.

Student performance in an introductory soils class, Principles and Practices of Soils, at Texas Tech University was evaluated for 15 semesters as a function of several high school and college variables on course success. The variables evaluated were SAT score, percentile rank in high school class, high school chemistry background, major, gender, and academic semester in which the class was taken. Two variables, semester the class was taken and high school chemistry, were not significantly related to the final grade achieved in the course. All other variables were significant. Stepwise multiple regression indicated that each participant's high school ranking and SAT score accounted for 19.4% of the variation. A one-unit decrease in percentile rank resulted in a 1.5 increase in final grade achieved, holding the other variables constant. Similarly, SAT score contributed statistically to the regression equation, but to a much lesser extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The profession of clinical laboratory science (CLS) is in dire need of increased exposure to young people. By introducing the clinical laboratory sciences to students at a critical point in their science education and by making it relevant to their lives, more choices are made available to them when considering future career options. With this in mind, the CLS faculty at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) redesigned a recruitment program and developed it into one making use of CLS student knowledge, enthusiasm, and professionalism. CLS students were given the assignment of designing an entire curriculum for a ten day presentation of clinical laboratory science topics to middle and secondary school students. Following the presentations, participants in the program were asked to provide feedback regarding CLS student performance and overall opinion of their interest in clinical laboratory science. The objectives of this study were twofold: 1) to determine if educational methodologies could be appropriately applied by CLS students to present CLS disciplines to middle and high school students; and 2) to determine if the student presentation was successful in initiating interest in the CLS profession based on outcome measures. DESIGN: As a component of the CLS laboratory management course, CLS students were instructed in education methodologies including objective writing, teaching-unit preparation, and evaluation tool design. In the following semester, these students were divided into groups and assigned a specific CLS discipline that would then be presented to middle and secondary school students in a two week, 30 hour educational program. This program was offered by the TTUHSC CLS program in cooperation with the Institute for the Development and Enrichment of Advanced Learners (IDEAL) at Texas Tech University. The curriculum prepared by the CLS students (with faculty supervision) provided the framework for the present study. SETTING: Didactic instruction of the CLS students regarding objective writing, curriculum design, and preparation of evaluations was included as a component of a CLS laboratory management course. The educational program presented by IDEAL in conjunction with the TTUHSC CLS program within the School of Allied Health Sciences occurred in the CLS student laboratories located in Lubbock, Texas. PARTICIPANTS: TTUHSC senior CLS students in a 2 +2 baccalaureate level CLS program acted as instructors in the educational program which was presented to middle and secondary school students from around the region. CLS program faculty served as supervisors of this program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Questionnaires with Likert-scaled responses were used to evaluate outcomes. These questionnaires regarded 1) faculty assessment of CLS student performance relative to instruction in education methods; 2) participant feedback on the effectiveness and competence of the CLS student instructors and overall appeal of the presented subject material; and 3) peer evaluations of attitude, contribution, and effort of the group members. RESULTS: CLS faculty strongly agreed that the CLS students demonstrated a high level of competence when writing objectives, planning age-appropriate curriculum and activities, and demonstrating a positive image of the profession. Regarding satisfaction of the IDEAL student participant, questionnaire responses demonstrated a high rate (84% or greater for middle school participants and 85% for high school students). The program design has been so successful that it has been implemented for several other programs offered by TTU and IDEAL.ߪ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geographical scale of West Texas provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate active engagement between Texas Tech University and the residents of this vast region. The institution responded to community requests and collaborated to develop four new, rural off-campus teaching and research sites and expand the presence of an existing site. These initiatives focused on expanding access to higher education, engaging in outreach research and scholarship, and enhancing early childhood through 12th grade school partnerships. Technology networks and distance-delivered academic resources were leveraged to achieve these goals. State guidelines for the development of new off-campus sites provided limited guidance for rural educational delivery of research partnerships. As a consequence, the institution's engagement with rural communities yielded increased understanding of these institution-community partnerships, their symbiotic benefits, and the constraints that should guide them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lawsuit Channing Club vs. The Board of Regents of Texas Tech University, 1970 has been used as a legal precedent in many student press censorship cases. A thorough understanding of Channing has become increasingly important since Hazelwood and other related decisions. Though Channing has been frequently cited in the literature, comparatively little is known about the specifics of the case. This study adds to the body of literature on student affairs by detailing why Texas Tech University (TTU) administrators sought to ban its distribution, and why the court ruling sided with the newspaper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2001, Texas Tech University Library surveyed faculty who taught distance learning courses. This article reports the findings of the survey. Implicit in the article is the belief that a clear understanding of the needs and expectations of faculty serves as a foundation on which librarians can build a solid program of support for distance learners. This clear understanding may also serve as the basis for better strategies to educate faculty on how librarians can help improve distance learning courses. Unfortunately, what faculty think about library support for distance learning courses is not always clearly understood. To a significant extent, this limited understanding is due to the dearth of information in the professional literature on the subject. More surveys need to be completed and the results published so that distance learning librarians can better understand faculty and better inform them, optimizing support for distance learners. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A major issue in schools of pharmacy, as well as other health professional schools, is the difficulty students face in retaining material learned in the curriculum and applying it to practice. In pharmacy, as in other health professions, students are required to be active learners rather than passive learners. In this study, different methods of instruction were evaluated. The effect on learning of video and audio systems used to connect students in distance sites was also evaluated. The findings indicate that students view the unique teaching methods favorably and that such methods can be effective teaching tools. In addition, no major differences were found between students in the different locations with regard to perception of these methods. This is an indication that with proper planning and by engaging all students in various locations the use of video link equipment can be as effective as if the instructors and students were in the same location. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ABSTRACT. All business school faculties increasingly are being challenged to use technology to teach and engage today's student more effectively. In this article, we describe and examine the pedagogic foundations behind the selection of new technology tools and their implementation in an undergraduate finance course. The discussion focuses on the use of a course Web page and, more particularly, threaded discussions as new tools to help educate and engage students. We also provide preliminary evidence on the effectiveness of these tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research on the multicultural literacy education in Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. It focuses on the preservice or student teachers' perceptions of self cultural identities and values, perceptions of diverse students and literacy teaching, and developing abilities to connect their understandings of diversity to teaching diverse students. Two areas of research are associated with the overall impact of multicultural education courses and experiences in developing the competence in culturally responsive student teaching.

Presents the Master of Environmental Engineering (MEnvE) program at Texas Tech University (TTU). Justification of MEnvE degree plan; Separate degree program; Employment market for MEnvE graduates; Faculty commitment to MEnvE degree program; MEnvE curriculum; Administrative requirements; Continuing challenges.

Describes the development and impact of microcomputer based system of instructional management of General Psychology program in Texas Tec University in Lubbock, Texas. Development on the content mastery approach; Effectiveness of computer in effort augmentation of instructors; Determination of performance on the students.

The article reports on several acquisitions in the collections of the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. The Collections' College Baseball Hall of Fame has acquired the complete print archive of the "Collegiate Baseball Newspaper". The library also acquired the papers of Theodore Fujita, creator of the Fujita Scale which classifies tornadoes by intensity.

The article highlights the topics that were discussed at a professional development seminar held as part of the family and consumer science (FSC) graduate program at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. Aside from focusing on issues related to FSC, the seminar incorporated the topics of service learning. The seminar not only identified, researched and reported on issues of poverty, it also related the issues of poverty to professional practice. The participants of the seminar also reflected on the issues and shared insights in small group and class discussions. In addition, attendees gained exposure to poverty through a service learning project.

The article describes a relatively inexpensive, easy to install, reliable communication system which was the result of an opportunity presented by the construction of new clinical facilities at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. The opportunity prompted a review, by the clinical staff, of the available methods for making communication between the observation room and the therapy room possible. A telephone system was identified as the best approach. Furthermore, opting to use such a system presented several pragmatic and technical problems which had to be considered.