Browsing by Subject "Persistence"
Now showing 1 - 20 of 29
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Academic library use and undergraduate engagement and persistence(2013-05) Taylor, Meredith A.; Saenz, Victor B.Once considered the "heart of the university," many academic libraries are facing heightened pressures to prove their relevance and value to administrators, faculty, and students, especially during these times of constrained resources and greater calls for accountability and productivity in higher education. At the same time, colleges and universities are continually striving to understand how their institutional environments affect undergraduate engagement, persistence and, ultimately, degree attainment. As a fundamental co-curricular resource, it is time for academic libraries to start systematically assessing how they affect, either directly or indirectly, their parent institutions' goals of student engagement and persistence. This quantitative study investigated the relationship between the use of an academic library, its physical resources and spaces, and student engagement and persistence at a large, public, research university. This unique study combined institutional and library data sources for analysis, including the results from a large-scale student experience survey with over 13,000 respondents, data from the student information system, and library use data from a variety of library data systems. Descriptive statistics as well as correlations, linear regressions, and logistic regressions were conducted to investigate the relationship between the library-use variables and variables representing sense of belonging and satisfaction, academic engagement, academic disengagement, and persistence. The study found many practically significant, as well as statistically significant, correlations and predictive relationships between the library-use variables and the student outcome variables for engagement and persistence, although most of the effect sizes were small. The small to medium effect sizes re-presented in the results suggest that there a complex relationships between the variables and indicate the need for further research. This study contributes to an area of the literature that has received little attention from previous researchers and demonstrates one approach to creating a unique student-level dataset by combining student experience survey data with institutional data and library use data in order to investigate how the use of library resources and spaces may affect student success outcomes.Item Artists for life: a proposal to increase the retention of first-year undergraduate students in the Texas Tech University Department of Theatre and Dance(2007-05) Scheckel, Beth; Adair, Aaron; Durham, GenevieveWhy do students abandon theatre or dance programs within or shortly after their first year of college? How does a department identify the factors that keep undergraduate students in the same major throughout their college careers? Once these factors are identified, how does a department implement improved strategies for retaining its students? How can a department, in conjunction with the university, best support undergraduate students to achieve a balance of success in academics, extracurricular activities, and personal matters? I propose a program for the Texas Tech University Department of Theatre and Dance that will improve the retention of its first-year undergraduate majors through increased student knowledge of department policies and procedures; increased support from faculty, staff, and successful majors; and increased awareness and access of campus resources.Item The campus climate of a border HSI : redefining Latino student success(2011-05) Cortez, Laura Jean; Sáenz, Victor B.; Vincent, Gregory J.; Reddick, Richard J.; Rodriguez, Victoria E.; Yamamura, Erica K.The number of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) is on the rise. Research suggests that institutions designated as HSIs graduate over fifty percent of Latinos enrolled in college (Santiago, 2006). However, few studies have examined the campus climate of HSIs and how such climate may influence the degree attainment of first-generation, Mexican American students. Considering the instrumental role HSIs have had in advancing the number of Latinos in postsecondary education, this study investigates the campus climate of an HSI along the U.S.-Mexico Border. By utilizing the theoretical frameworks of funds of knowledge (Moll, Amanti, Neff & Gonzalez, 1992) and organizational habitus (McDonough, 1997) this qualitative study involved first-generation, Mexican American students, faculty, and administrators from the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA). Data collection methods included: student focus groups, individual interviews, observations, reflective notes and a review of relevant documents. Instrumentation used for this study incorporated a student questionnaire as well as pre-established interview questions. Findings revealed students’ perceptions of a Border HSIs, the experiences they describe as helpful in allowing them to obtain a degree; and the institutional characteristics faculty and administrators found critical in allowing first-generation, Mexican American students to persist. This study builds upon a pilot conducted in 2009-2010, that assessed Latino students’ perceptions of HSIs. The goal of this study is 1) to contribute to the literature on first-generation, Mexican American student success and 2) to further enrich our knowledge about the campus climate of Border HSIs and their role in degree attainment of Latinos.Item Case study of persistence by African-American female transfer students from two-year to four-year institutions of higher education(2012-08) Franklin, Kenna Morgan; Roueche, John E.; Brown, Keffrelyn; Belton, Ray; Dolch, Norman A.; Holme, Jennifer J.; Nelson, Wanda L.The purpose of this treatise was presented in three parts; 1) to identify and understand the perceived factors that aid in the persistence of African-American female transfer students, 2) to access how the college environment is perceived to influence their success, and 3) to determine how the factors of intersectionality: race, class, and gender influence the persistence of this student sub group. All obtained information will be used to guide program development and the implementation of services to the chosen site institution. Through the use of qualitative methods and a case study design, this study explored the responses of nine individuals currently affiliated with the chosen four-year institution. Three of the participants in the study were faculty advisors and the remaining six were African-American female students who were also identified as transfer students as well. Semi-structured interview protocols were separately collected from both students and faculty. Findings revealed that four factors were perceived to aid in the persistence of African-American female transfer students. They were: strong support systems that involve both fictive and kinship networks, possessing and developing internal locus of control, the ability to see and be effective role models, and to exhibit strong commitment behaviors for school. Implications are presented with the intent to add to the limited scholarly literature regarding the persistence of African-American female transfer students. Recommendations include the creation of a Transfer Student Taskforce, establishing a charter chapter of Tau Sigma, which is a national Honor Society for Transfer Students, and the creation/implementation of a campus climate survey.Item Community College Student First Year Fall to Fall Persistence: Experiences of Successful First-Time-In-College Hispanics at a Predominately Hispanic Student Community College in the South Texas/Mexico Border Region(2012-02-14) Canales, LuzelmaAs the United States and Texas become increasingly dependent on the success of Hispanics in higher education based on degree attainment, decision-makers and policy-makers are looking for strategies for addressing the education attainment needs of the Hispanic population. The purpose of this naturalistic inquiry was to understand 1) the barriers experienced by successful first year (fall to fall) first-time-in-college Hispanic students at a predominately Hispanic student community college on the South Texas/Mexico Border Region, 2) the expertise/knowledge required to successfully overcome these barriers during the first year (fall to fall) in college, and 3) based on these findings, offer suggestions and recommendations for addressing the barriers experienced by Hispanic students enrolled in such community colleges. More specifically, the researcher examined the barriers experienced by students during the first year of college, and based on their experiences, the expertise required to overcome those barriers. The study utilized Padilla?s (1991) Student Success Model as the primary theoretical framework for the study. The data analysis led to the identification of six barrier categories, which included: 1) transition from high school to college; 2) personal and family commitments; 3) institutional support; 4) student accountability; 5) instructor issues; and 6) developmental studies/college readiness. In the findings, I include the role of general college knowledge and academic college readiness in students successfully completing the first year (fall to fall) of college. The researcher utilized the results of the study to develop the Community College Student Success Model for First-Time-in-College Students, which was adapted from Padilla (1991, 2001) and Padilla, Trevi?o, Gonzalez, and Trevi?o (1996). The researcher recommends utilizing Lynham?s (2002) General Method of Theory-Building to move towards the development of a theory for Hispanic student success in predominately Hispanic community colleges. The researcher also recommended the development and implementation of collaborative programs and services between the public school districts and the community college for facilitating the acquisition of general college knowledge by high school students before they graduate from high school.Item Determination of precipitated primary non-adherence after step therapy intervention in 4 classes of therapy(2013-08) Sohl, David Jeremy; Lawson, Kenneth Allen, 1952-In light of drastically escalating costs for today’s medications, pharmacy benefit managers are seeking a constant balance of effectiveness and cost control. Step Therapy helps to address these concerns with a try medication “A” before medication “B” logic. Like all medical interventions, the possibility of unintended consequences exists. The purpose of this study was to determine if non-adherence results from application of Step Therapy for selected medication classes (antihyperlipidemics (specifically the HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors), angiotensin receptor blockers, uro-selective alpha-blockers, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors) in the Department of Defense. Using a retrospective database analysis, this study examined the primary adherence rate of subjects after they have been denied coverage due to Step Therapy intervention. Additionally, this study examined the association of demographic and service-related factors with the likelihood that a patient will be non-adherent after encountering the intervention. Finally, the study measured the time to adherence after intervention for those who were persistent after a Step Therapy claim rejection. STATA version 10.0 was used to conduct logistic regression analyses to meet the study objectives. After examination of 279,508 claims for 27,202 subjects, the estimated primary non-adherence rate following the Step Therapy intervention for all medication classes combined was 15.1%. Additionally, there was inter-class variability in this rate ranging between 13.1% and 19.5%. A statistical and practical difference was also noted in non-adherence rates between subjects who received care at the retail point of service versus those who received care at the mail order point of service. Subjects who received care through retail were nearly twice as likely to be non-adherent as those who received care in the mail order segment. For those subjects who were persistent with therapy, the median time-to-fill was estimated at 7 days. The occurrence of non-adherence following a Step Therapy intervention was clearly demonstrated through this study. Although this study provides good framework for designing interventions after claim rejection, further research would help to determine the health impact of primary non-adherence as well as the economic consequences of the intervention.Item Developmental students' levels of engagement and student success in two-year institutions : a study of a suburban community college in Texas(2011-08) Sesay, Marie; Bumphus, Walter G.; Roueche, John; Northcutt, Norvell; Muller, Chandra; Johnson, DreandThe need for development education for first year community college students is a growing trend and has a variety of solutions. Engagement and retention of these students is vital to the success of the student and the college in which they attend. Taking developmental education courses should not be repetitive hurdles for a college student. This study is to establish the level of engagement of community college students who are enrolled in developmental education compared to students not enrolled in developmental education and their levels of success. The study evaluates administrative practices that engage developmental students in 2-year institutions. This study aims at increasing successful outcomes in developmental education students through research. The study of levels of engagement, retention, successful strategies and academic support may be the determining factor of success of developmental education students and the 2-year institution in which they are enrolled. Quantitative analysis will determine if there are significant differences in the engagement levels among first year developmental education students versus first year viii non-developmental college students within 2-year institutions and what institutional practices or academic support initiatives support developmental students’ engagement in 2-year institutions. The instrument used was the 2009 SENSE (Survey of Entering Student Engagement). This tool assists colleges to focus on the “front door” of the students’ college experience. This study uses an independent sample t-test to analyze the responses of students currently enrolled in developmental education courses versus students enrolled in non-developmental courses. The SENSE Survey was administered to students at 120 member community colleges during the fourth and fifth week of the fall 2009 semester. Fall 2009 was the first national administration of the survey. A 20- year community college system in suburban Houston, TX was specifically examined. This study determines the significance of implementation of successful programs and academic support procedures to enhance the college experiences and performance of students enrolled in developmental education, increases more efficient use of college resources, and assists students to complete developmental courses to persist into college level courses.Item Evaluation of a pharmacist-led medication management program in high-risk diabetic patients: impact on clinical outcomes, medication adherence, and pharmacy costs(2009-12) Hanson, Kristin Anne; Wilson, James P.; Rascati, Karen L.; Godley, Paul J.; Browne, Barry A.Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders caused by a relative or absolute lack of insulin. Currently, 23.6 million Americans have diabetes. Diabetes can lead to serious microvascular and macrovascular complications, such as cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney disease, lower-limb amputations, and premature death. Due to the potential cardiovascular complications and the high prevalence of co-morbid hypertension and/or hyperlipidemia in patients with diabetes, diabetes management should include close monitoring of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Medical management of diabetic patients is costly; approximately 1 in every 10 health care dollars is currently spent treating diabetes. Studies have shown that in chronic conditions such as diabetes, increased medication use results in demonstrable improvements in health outcomes, reduced hospitalization rates, and decreased direct health care costs. To date no studies have evaluated the impact of a pharmacist-led intervention on diabetic medication adherence. The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the impact of a pharmacist-led medication management program on medication adherence and pharmacy costs and to evaluate clinical measures of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. This study was a quasi-experimental, longitudinal, pre-post study, with a control group. Scott & White Health Plan (SWHP) patients with diabetes (type 1 or type 2), poor glycemic control (most recent A1C >7.5%), and living within 30 miles of participating pharmacies were invited to participate in the intervention which consisted of monthly appointments with a clinical pharmacist and a co-payment waiver for all diabetes medications and testing supplies. A total of 118 patients met study inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the intervention between August 2006 and July 2008. Intervention patients were matched on sex and age to SWHP patients with poor diabetes control living more than 30 miles from a participating pharmacy. To measure the impact of the intervention, medical and pharmacy data were evaluated for one year before and after the study enrollment date. A significant difference was seen in the percentage of patients with type 1 diabetes in the intervention group (14) and the control group (3). The medication management program significantly improved A1C levels in intervention patients relative to controls (-1.1% vs. 0.6%) and was more effective in lowering A1Cs in type 2 diabetics than type 1 patients. Although the generalized linear model did not show that the intervention significantly improved the percentage of patients achieving the ADA goal A1C of <7% compared to controls, the multivariate logistic regression, which controlled for factors such as diabetes type, showed that patients participating in the intervention were 8.7 times more likely to achieve the A1C goal. Persistence with diabetic medications and the number of medications taken significantly increased in the intervention group; however, adherence rates, as measured by medication possession ratio (MPR), did not significantly improve relative to controls. The expenditure on diabetic medications and testing supplies increased substantially more in the intervention group than in the control group. The percentage of patients adherent with antihypertensive medications (MPR ≥80%) increased from 76% to 91% in the intervention group and decreased from 68% to 63% in the control group (P<0.05); no significant difference in blood pressure control was observed. For hyperlipidemia medications, adherence and persistence increased and pharmacy costs decreased in both groups, likely due to the introduction of the first generic HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor into the market during the study period. Future research is needed on the impact of the intervention on medical resource utilization and costs.Item Evaluation of fecal indicator bacteria loadings from a wildlife point source and sediment resuspension in inland streams(2010-05) Sejkora, Patrick John; Barrett, Michael E.; Kirisits, Mary JoThe contamination of inland surface water by point and nonpoint sources is a widespread human health concern. To address this problem, a thorough understanding of the sources and persistence of this pollution is necessary. Using fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) as a surrogate for enteric pathogens, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state agencies have developed surface water quality standards. If a segment does not meet these standards, a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) must be developed for the watershed to identify sources of bacterial pollution. Currently, FIB pollution is the leading pollution type addressed by TMDLs in the country. One source of FIB identified in TMDLs is colonies of birds roosting under bridges. It has been proposed that the birds’ feces can augment the FIB concentrations downstream of bridges. In this year-long study of Bull Creek in Austin, Texas, it was determined that the concentrations of Escherichia coli and fecal coliform downstream of a bridge were significantly greater when migratory cliff swallows were nesting under the bridge. The downstream concentrations of both FIB exceeded contact recreation standards. Data also suggest that FIB from the feces could be swept into the stream by runoff from storm events. No enterococci loading was observed in conjunction with the swallows. This study also investigated the affects of sediment resuspension on surface water FIB concentrations and the persistence of FIB in shady, inland streams. The resuspension of sediments with attached FIB could also increase the FIB concentration in the water column and increase its persistence. The results of reactor-based experiments demonstrated that the concentration of E. coli in water from an effluent-dominated stream increased by a factor of 3 when riverine sediments were resuspended and exceeded single sample standards for contact recreation, suggesting sediments as a reservoir of E. coli. Additionally, concentrations of E. coli decreased by approximately 90% and 70% over 2 days in reactors containing stream water and sediment-laden stream water, respectively.Item Examining the power of performance : an investigation into STEM persistence across field of study and gender(2012-05) King, Barbara Anne; Riegle-Crumb, CatherineAre students in the physical sciences/engineering (PS/E) similar, in terms of academic performance and degree persistence, to students majoring in other fields? Previous research tends to focus exclusively on students within STEM; conversely, this dissertation uses a nationally representative sample to examine persistence rates among students whose initial major is in PS/E, life science, business, social science, education, health, or humanities. Students in PS/E majors are sometimes more and sometimes less likely than students in other fields to earn a degree in their initial field of study versus another field. Additionally, students in PS/E are the most academically prepared for college, as measured by high school mathematics and English performance. Despite these high levels of preparation, PS/E students earn lower college grades within their intended field of study than students in other fields. The results show that the gap in college grades, net of background and preparation, explains (in part) why students in business, education, and humanities have higher persistence rates than students in PS/E. Moreover, the association between within-field college grades and persistence is strongest for PS/E students. Taken together, these results demonstrate that students who enter PS/E are indeed unique in terms of academic performance, persistence, and the relationship between the two. Further, among PS/E students, females are more likely than males to earn a degree in fields outside of PS/E compared to within PS/E. Using college transcript data, I investigate the commonly used argument that gender gaps in PS/E persistence can be explained by female underachievement during the college years. Regardless of whether performance is measured using students' PS/E GPA, the proportion of low grades earned, or the difference between PS/E and non-PS/E GPA, there is no evidence that differences in performance explain the gender gap in persistence. This result is not surprising given there is no significant gender gap in PS/E grades. Lastly, I find that the relationship between PS/E GPA and persistence is similar across gender. These results build on the growing body of literature suggesting that gender differences in academic performance are ineffective at explaining gender inequality in PS/E.Item Factors associated with the initiation of biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs in Texas Medicaid patients with rheumatoid arthritis(2014-05) Kim, Gilwan; Barner, Jamie C.Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive autoimmune disorder of joints that is associated with high health care costs and yet lacks guidance on how early to initiate biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), a class of medications that is the major cost driver in RA management. The main purpose of this study was to examine patient socio-demographics, medication use patterns, and clinical characteristics associated with initiation of biologic DMARDs. This was a retrospective study using Texas Medicaid prescription and medical claims database during the study period of July 1, 2003 – December 31, 2010. Patients (18 – 63 years) with an RA diagnosis (ICD-9-CM code 714.xx), no non-biologic DMARD or biologic DMARD use during the pre-index period, and a minimum of 2 prescription claims for the same non-biologic DMARD during the post-index period were included in the study. The primary study outcomes were time to initiation of biologic DMARDs and likelihood of initiating biologic DMARDs. There was a total of 2,714 subjects included in the study. The majority had claims for pain medications (92.4%), glucocorticoids (64.9%), and non-biologic DMARD monotherapy (86.4%); while 24.3% initiated on biologic DMARDs and 58.9% had a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score=1. Compared to time to initiation (days) of biologic DMARDs for methotrexate (539.7±276.9) users, it was longer for sulfasalazine (670.2±167.8) and hydroxychloroquine (680.2±158.7) users and similar to leflunomide users (541.6±286.5; p<0.0001). There were no significant differences in time to initiation between non-biologic DMARD mono vs. dual therapy. Younger age, glucocorticoid use, methotrexate user (vs. sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine users), and non-biologic DMARD monotherapy user (vs. dual therapy user) were significantly associated with higher likelihood to initiate biologic DMARDs. In conclusion, age, glucocorticoid use, non-biologic DMARD type and therapy were significant factors associated with initiation of biologic DMARDs. Healthcare providers and Texas Medicaid should recognize these potential driving factors and take efforts to achieve optimal therapy for RA patients through thorough RA medication evaluation, well-structured RA monitoring programs, and patient education.Item Factors influencing patient adherence and persistence to hormonal therapy drugs in treatment of breast cancer(2015-05) Richhariya, Akshara; Shepherd, Marvin D.; Barner, Jamie C; Chung, Karen; Lawson, Kenneth A; Oster, Gerry; Richards, Erika KThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between patient out-of-pocket costs and adherence and persistence to hormonal therapy (HT) used in treatment of breast cancer. A retrospective analysis of medical and prescription drug claims for patients with breast cancer (N=6,504) was conducted to estimate the medication possession ratio; adherence; days of persistence; persistence; HT out-of-pocket costs, and total out-of-pocket costs, over 12 months after index HT and over the study period. The multivariate linear regression, logistic regression, and the Cox proportional hazard regression were employed to evaluate the association. The mean (SD) MPR over the 12 months and the study period was 85.6 (23.5) and 89.3 (16.1) percent, respectively. The MPR was positively related to HT out-of-pocket costs and not related to total out-of-pocket costs. Of the study sample, 75.1 percent of the patients were adherent (MPR≥80 percent) to HT over the 12 months period and 82.0 percent were adherent over the study period. The adherence to HT was positively related to HT out-of-pocket costs but not related to total out-of-pocket costs. The mean (SD) days of persistence over the 12 months and the study period were 313.3 (97.8) and 826.8 (583.7) days, respectively. HT out-of-pocket costs and total out-of-pocket costs were inversely related to risk of discontinuation over the 12 months period. The HT out-of-pocket costs and risk of discontinuation were inversely related over the study period. No relationship was observed between total-out-of-pocket costs and risk of discontinuation over the study period. A total of 68.2 percent of the patients were persistent to their therapy for the 12 months and 30.9 percent were persistent (gap of 60 days or less in continuous therapy) for the study period. A positive relationship was observed between HT out-of-pocket and total out-of-pocket costs and persistence during the 12 months period. The study period analyses showed positive relationship between HT out-of-pocket costs and persistence and no relationship between total out-of-pocket costs and persistence. The results show that patient HT adherence and persistence is poor; however, patient HT and total out-of-pocket costs do not have an adverse effect on adherence and persistence.Item Forage potential of selected grasses in the southern high plains(2005-12) Cradduck, Will C.; Allen, Vivien G.; Wester, David B.; Green, Cary J.; Galyean, Michael L.; Hopkins, AndyOn the southern High Plains, the supply of irrigation water from the Ogallala aquifer is decreasing, and pumping costs are increasing. Livestock production on forages can decrease water requirements and increase profitability. Forages that are productive and adapted to the climate of the southern High Plains are needed, and evaluation of these forages for production and nutritive value is important to the design of livestock grazing systems. Thus, 18 entries and advanced breeding lines of perennial cool-season grasses were evaluated for persistence, biomass production, and nutritive value under hay-cut or grazing management and limited (300 mm) irrigation over a 3 yr period. Grasses were established at the Texas Tech University Northeast Lubbock County Field Laboratory in small plots with four replications in a randomized block design. Hardinggrasses (Phalaris aquatica), tall fescues (Festuca arundinacea), smooth bromegrasses (Bromus inermis), tall wheatgrasses (Thinopyrum ponticum), and western wheatgrasses (Pascopyrum smithii) persisted well after 3 yr, whereas intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) stands declined. Biomass production averaged 6.5 Mg ha-1 (range 3.6 to 8.8 Mg ha-1) annually for all forages and was generally greatest for tall wheatgrass followed closely by hardinggrasses and Mediterranean tall fescues, and was least for smooth bromegrasses and intermediate wheatgrasses. Biomass production was generally greater in spring than autumn for wheatgrasses, but was greater in autumn than spring for tall fescues. Grazing steers selectively avoided tall wheatgrasses and western wheatgrasses until other forages were grazed. Forage nutritive value was generally greater for tall fescue, hardinggrass, and smooth bromegrass, and less for western wheatgrass and tall wheatgrass. Nutritive value was generally greater for grazed than non-grazed forage harvested as hay. Concentration of CP, ADF, and acid-insoluble lignin were more favorable in spring than autumn, but total nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations tended to be greater in autumn. ‘Jose’ tall wheatgrass may present a risk for grass tetany in spring with a K/(Ca + Mg) ratio (meq/meq) above 2.2. Mediterranean tall fescues exhibited low K/(Ca + Mg) ratios in spring suggesting below average risk for grass tetany. Copper and Zn were deficient in the plants for ruminant nutrition, but smooth bromegrass had greater Cu concentrations than other forages. Sodium concentration was sufficient in hardinggrass and tall wheatgrass to meet requirements for ruminants. Mineral concentrations often differed between Mediterranean and temperate fescues. Ten species and entries of perennial warm-season grasses were established in a randomized block design with four replications to evaluate persistence, biomass production, and nutritive value under hay-cut management and limited irrigation. Sorghum almum (Sorghum almum), johnsongrass (Sorghum halipense), and kleingrass (Panicum coloratum) established the first year. Establishment required 2 yr for other grasses. Establishment was most difficult for eastern gamagrasses (Tripsacum dactyloides), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). Most grasses persisted during the trial, but sorghum almum did not persist after 2 yr. Annual biomass production averaged 10.7 Mg ha-1 for all grasses (range 2.1 to 17.1 Mg ha-1). Annual biomass production was least for big bluestem, little bluestem, and sorghum almum, and differed little among other grasses. Kleingrass was generally greater in nutritive value than other grasses, whereas other grasses were similar. Two forage-livestock grazing systems were evaluated for mineral concentrations in forage and mineral status of grazing steers. Mineral relationships between forage and the steers were examined. Trial 1 included pastures of ‘WW-B. Dahl’ (Bothriochloa bladhii), rye (Secale cereale) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). All forages were deficient in Ca, Cu, and Zn for ruminant nutrition, and ‘WW-B. Dahl’ also was deficient in S and P. Only Cu deficiency in the forage translated to a deficiency in the grazing steers, and a Mn deficiency also was detected in steer blood serum. Forage was adequate in Mn, thus, net Mn absorption seemed insufficient. Trial 2 consisted of a native grass mixture of blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides), green sprangletop (Leptochloa dubia), and sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula). The mixture was deficient in P, S, Cu, and Zn for ruminant nutrition. Serum minerals did not indicate deficiency but tended to decrease by the end of the grazing season. Greater K in blood serum of steers that had grazed ‘WW-B. Dahl’ than steers that grazed the native grass mixture correlated with greater K in ‘WW-B. Dahl’ than the native mixture. Greater S in blood serum of steers that had grazed the native pasture than steers that grazed ‘WW-B. Dahl’ was associated with greater forage S in the native mixture. Several species of warm- and cool-season perennial grasses were identified that show promise for forage production on the southern High Plains with limited irrigation. Characteristics of the grasses that include persistence, biomass production, and nutritive value were determined that will help producers make informed decisions when incorporating these grasses into the design of their grazing system.Item Forging a path to success : the persistence and resilience of low-income college students(2011-08) Alsandor, Danielle Juanice; Kameen, Marilyn C.; Reddick, Richard J.; Holme, Jennifer; Gilbert, Dorie J.; Vincent, GregoryThe rate of persistence among low-income college students continues to lag far behind that of high-income college students (Engle & Tinto, 2008; Mortenson, 2007). Research cites academic and social integration along with economic, social, and cultural capital affect college students’ ability to persist (Bourdieu, 1986; Tinto, 1993). Low-income college students possess lower levels of capital and are six times less likely to persist than their high-income peers (Mortenson, 2007). This qualitative study explored the experiences of low-income college students who have forged a path to success through their persistence. The role of resilience was explored as resilience aids individuals in overcoming adversity. Through an interpretivist lens and a conceptual framework based on social, cultural, and economic capital, this study used phenomenology to add to the literature on student persistence by researching low-income college students and the role of resilience in their lives.Item Hearing their stories : the experiences of general education development (GED) graduates in transitioning to and persisting in community college(2012-05) Harris, Mary Elizabeth; Sharpe, Edwin Reese; Kameen, Marilyn C.; Ovando, Martha; Chesney, Lee; Christensen, KathleenThis dissertation reports the results of a qualitative study conducted at a community college in central Texas. Through a grounded theory approach, participant stories were used to capture the experiences of adults with a GED who transitioned to and were persisting in college. Research questions used to guide the study were: (1) What factors contribute to the decision of adults with a GED to enroll in community college; and (2) What factors do adults with a GED report influence their persistence in community college? Eight students participated in the study through individual interviews. Student demographic information was reviewed to develop a thorough and accurate profile of the study participants. Also, three Recruiting/Advising Specialists were interviewed to capture their perceptions on the experiences of GED graduates in transitioning to and persisting in college. This research demonstrated the positive effect education can have in the lives of the participants and their families. After having little to no previous exposure to higher education, students developed a realization that education was an imperative in order to improve their quality of life. This realization was instrumental in the decision by the study participants to pursue a GED and transition to college. Through the assistance of intrusive advising by Recruiting/Advising Specialists, students were able to successfully navigate the college system. Support during GED preparation was established in the GED classroom and continued for most students throughout their transition to college. When in college, students were comfortable developing relationships with faculty in order to have a source of academic support. Eventually students had a network of student and academic support that gave them a sense of belonging at the college.Item How engagement in curricular learning communities influences the baccalaureate degree attainment of career and technical students(2016-05) Carr, Denise; Kameen, Marilyn C.; Holme, Jennifer J; Borrego, Maura; Lambert, Hillary; Lewis, TedLearning communities at colleges and universities have gained popularity in recent years as a method to increase student persistence and completion. While there has been extensive quantitative research on the effectiveness of learning communities, the focus of this research has been primarily on the academic outcomes of four-year students. While research has begun to address the effectiveness of learning communities on two-year student persistence and completion, few researchers have addressed how engaging in learning communities influences the baccalaureate degree attainment of community college students, specifically, those majoring in career and technical fields. Thus, this study begins to address the need for research on institutional practices that may increase the four-year degree attainment of community college students. Three primary research questions guided this study: (1) How did engagement in a curricular learning community influence the baccalaureate degree attainment of community college career and technical graduates? (2) What specific aspects of a curricular learning community influenced graduates to complete a baccalaureate degree? (3) How did the identified aspects influence graduates’ decisions to pursue a baccalaureate degree? This study utilized a qualitative methodology with a case study design. Purposive sampling techniques were utilized to identify (1) the community college under study, and (2) the 15 career and technical graduates who participated in a curricular learning community and persisted to complete a baccalaureate degree. Participants indicated that engaging in a curricular learning community allowed them to experience high levels of student engagement, academic and social integration, and the ability to gain academic momentum, which influenced their decision to pursue a four-year degree.Item The impact of community college initiatives on black males at St. Philip's college : an evaluation of retention, completion, and student engagement efforts(2011-08) Hancock, Anthony, 1956-; Bumphus, Walter G.; Roueche, John E.; Northcutt, Norvell; Brown, Anthony L.; Contreras, AdrianaBlack males continue to struggle when faced with the challenge of seeking a college education (Cuyjet, 1997, 2006; Mincy, et al 2006; Schott, 2006). Currently, they lag behind in college and university participation as compared to other gendered groups as well as their White and Asian counterparts (Cuyjet, 2006; Bush & Bush, 2010). As with every promising Black male community college student, there are barriers to enrollment and completion, e.g., first-generation and first-time-in-college, previous high school academic and disciplinary experiences, peer pressure, family dynamics, financial considerations and social environments serving as barriers to enrollment and completion. Despite these barriers, many Black males students make it to college. However, they often have difficulty remaining in the educational system long enough to complete their certificates and/or degrees. Although, there are many quality community college and university programs designed to increase the overall success of students “prior to” and “during” enrollment, regrettably, many colleges that facilitate outreach and retention efforts do little by way of accountability. Statistical monitoring for evaluation purpose is mixed. Adequate records of how Black males are performing in and apart from college are important for educational institutions as they consider developing specialized programs for minority sub-group participation, engagement, and success. Furthermore, unengaged Black males, and those attempting to aid them, have varying viewpoints as to the type and priority of programs designed to include Black male participation in postsecondary education. This study will examine Black males’ perspectives versus institutional engagement strategies relative to participation, engagement, and successes that influence Black males Men on the Move program at St. Philip’s College. Moreover, the study will furthermore investigate outreach and retention efforts for Black males that were developed by the St. Philip’s College.Item Impact of Medicare part D on adherence and persistence to statin medications for Texas dual-eligible beneficiaries(2010-05) Richhariya, Akshara; Shepherd, Marvin D.; Lawson, Kenneth A.; Richards, Erika K.Statins are commonly used for treating the elevation of lipids in the blood stream, also known as hyperlipidemia. Statins are considered to be an economical and effective way to achieve desirable long-term health outcomes for hyperlipdemic patients, however, ensuring adequate adherence to statin medications is often difficult as hyperlipidemia is an asymptomatic condition and patients sometimes fail to recognize the importance of being adherent to their statin medications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate impact of enrollment under Medicaid and Medicare Part D and patient out-of-pocket costs on patient statin adherence, persistence, and mean number of gap days per claim. A retrospective claims database was used in this study to conduct repeated measures analyses on statin prescription claims from independent community pharmacies in Texas. The pre-period in this study extended from January 1, 2005 to September 30, 2005 (Medicaid period) and the post-period extended from January 1, 2006 to September 30, 2006 (Medicare period). The study population consisted of dual-eligible beneficiaries in Texas who had at least two stain claims in the pre and post-periods each. The final study population comprised of 1734 Texas dual-eligible beneficiaries with 6064 statin claims during the pre-period and 7956 claims during the post-period. Patients had an average of 3.49 statin claims during the pre-period and 4.58 statin claims during the post-period. Patients were dispensed an average of 57.34 days of drug supply per claim during the pre-period and 42.02 days of drug supply per claim during the post-period. The results from this study showed that out-of-pocket costs for patients increased from $0.39 per claim under Medicaid to $13.36 per claim under Medicare Part D. Patient adherence to statins was assessed by calculating medication possession ratio (MPR). The results showed that mean patient MPR increased from 75.71 percent under Medicaid to 79.37 percent under Medicare. Results from generalized estimating equations showed that odds of being adherent (i.e., MPR ≥ 80 percent) to statins increased by 36 percent when patients were covered under Medicare Part D. Linear mixed model analysis showed that MPR increased by 3.66 percent when patients were covered under Medicare Part D compared to Medicaid. Also, patient MPR was found to increase by 0.13 percent when patient out-of-pocket payment increased by $1.00. Patient persistence was calculated by measuring gaps in therapy and patients with a gap of 60 or more days were considered to have discontinued therapy. Patients were found to be persistent to their drug therapy for an average of 151.76 days under Medicaid and 159.75 days under Medicare. Linear mixed model analysis showed that patient persistence increased by 7.99 days when patients were enrolled under Medicare Part D compared to Medicaid. Days of persistence was also found to increase by 0.41 days when patient out-of-pocket costs increased by $1.00. Mean number of gap days per claim during the Medicaid period was 11.91 days and decreased to 8.38 days during the Medicare period. Linear mixed model analysis showed that mean number of gap days per claim decreased by 3.52 days when patients were enrolled under Medicare Part D compared to Medicaid. Mean number of gap days in therapy were found to decrease by 0.10 days when patient out-of-pocket costs increased by $1.00. The results of this study showed that implementation of Medicare Part D resulted in an increase in MPR and persistence and a decrease in mean number of gap days per claim for Texas dual-eligible beneficiaries. The results also suggest that increased out-of-pocket costs under Medicare Part D may not have had a negative impact on statin drug utilization by dual-eligible beneficiaries in Texas.Item Managing academic and personal life in graduate studies : an interactive qualitative analysis of graduate student persistence and transformation(2011-08) Winston, Rachel Anne; Roueche, John E.; Northcutt, Norvell; McClenney, Kay; McCombs, Maxwell; Butler, Jess; Reddick, Richard; McCoy, DannyThis study examines the impact of academic and personal life on graduate student persistence and transformation. Of particular interest are the relationships, emotions, and life management skills required throughout the graduate experience and how socialization, emotional intelligence, and advising aid students through their academic program. With an average of seven to eight years required to complete a doctoral program, life happens. Students enter and leave relationships, children are born, family members have emergencies, health issues arise, and emotional growth takes place. Therefore, students transform not only academically, but in many ways. These are intertwined as evidenced by the data-derived system representation. The importance of understanding the interconnected links in graduate experience spans academic, social, economic, and societal spheres. Each year hundreds of thousands of students enter graduate school. However, for doctoral students, there is an enormous gap between acceptance and completion. After seven years, approximately 50 percent complete their program and after ten years the rate climbs to only 57 percent (Council of Graduate Schools, 2010). This study offers a systemic representation and a four-stage model of graduate student development, incorporating student-identified factors: Faculty Impact, Life Management, Relationships, Playing the Game, Growth/Transformation, Emotions, and Reward/Purpose. Stage I: Orientation and Socialization Stage II: Adjustment and Transition Stage III: Navigation and Transformation Stage IV: Completion and Advancement The results, presented as a systems-based model, along with analysis, may be used to support faculty, advisors, and administrators in creating better advising, orientation, evaluation, and support systems. Departmental policies may be improved to identify at-risk students, provide mentorship opportunities, or obtain continual feedback to understand the underlying factors that may stop students from progressing. This research might also help identify students during the application/admission process. The methodological framework used to create the system produced in this study is Interactive Qualitative Analysis (Northcutt & McCoy, 2004), a methodology that provides the quantitative rigor of algorithmically generated data analysis, combined with the qualitative descriptiveness of interviews, in order to provide insights into the drivers of graduate school persistence. This methodology uses a systematic, protocol-driven research procedure to construct a unified, descriptive diagram to illustrate the phenomenon.Item Mathematical modeling of Drosophila larvae crawling(2013-12) Guenther, Maximilian Norbert; Shubeita, George T.; Florin, Ernst-LudwigThe fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is a widely used model organism for development and gene-based diseases. The flies’ genetic homology to humans, tractable genetics and straightforward manipulability make them well suitable for studies of neurologic disorders and neural degeneration. Due to the close relation between the latter and the musculoskeletal system, locomotive impairment and behavioral changes can be used diagnostically for screening and characterization of such disease models. For this purpose, advanced methods to quantify behavioral phenotypes are crucial. Given the complications arising with studying adult flies on a population level as well as the lethality of some mutations before adulthood, studies at the larval stage are more suitable. However, a quantitative mathematical model of the crawling pattern has been lacking so far. In this thesis work I show that the development of such a model and appropriate analysis techniques enable quantification of the crawling behavior and extraction of intricate details that were previously missed. In my studies, Drosophila larvae were found to follow a bimodal persistent random walk pattern, switching between an actual forward crawling phase and events where the larvae rest and reorient. This enabled quantifying the larval behavior using a set of parameters within the framework of this mathematical model. I further used the analysis I developed to study larval model systems of Alzheimer’s disease and Fragile X mental retardation, which allowed identifying differences in the modes of locomotion that were previously missed. The novel ability to sensitively and robustly quantify behavior, as described in this work, opens up the possibility to employ these methods for future drug and genetic screens. Finally, I show that starting from the analysis of a small sample of crawling larvae we can robustly simulate the mutant-specific crawling in its quantitative and qualitative aspects. Using these simulations, predictions can be made on the feasibility of experiments that may require an impractically large number of individuals to reach statistical significance, and the outcome of laborious experiments can be pre-estimated by simulations.