Browsing by Subject "Recovery"
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Item Algorithms for Incorporation of Dynamic Recovery in Estimating Frequency of Critical Station Blackout(2012-07-16) Rodi, Paul J.This thesis involves exploring enhancement of estimating the probability of a critical station blackout in nuclear power plant operations by the use of direct numerical evaluation of multidimensional nonrecovery integrals. This requires development of computational methods with data provided from South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Company (STPNOC). Several methods that are currently used in the industry to estimate such probabilities often overestimate the value substantially. The computational integral method developed in the thesis will reduce excess conservatism while maintaining plant safety standards. This computational integral is calculated using a MATLAB research code referred to generally as "STP-TAMIL" which is for South Texas Project --Texas A&M Improved LOOP. The code itself (along with the user manual) was developed in conjunction with this Thesis. STP-TAMIL is successful in reducing the estimated probability of critical station blackout by a significant amount (about 88.47 percent ) with the incorporation of recovery of offsite and onsite power for South Texas Project? s nuclear plants, and results were verified. This thesis also describes an asymptotic justification for to the non-recovery integral used. Applications to the industry, or STPNOC, which will use the "TAMIL" code are addressed. Some assumptions used throughout the problem suggest that if more dynamic rates or distributions are used then more recovery can be obtained, which will decrease the probability of critical station blackout. Methodology developed in this thesis will be used in future work to develop this STP-TAMIL research code into a model used industry wide in commercial nuclear power plants.Item Benchmarking tests on recovery oriented computing(2012-05) Raman, Nandita; Perry, Dewayne E.; Krasner, HerbBenchmarks have played a very important role in guiding the progress of computer science systems in various ways. Specifically, in Autonomous environments it has a major role to play. System crashes and software failures are a basic part of a software system’s life-cycle and to overcome or rather make it as less vulnerable as possible is the main purpose of recovery oriented computing. This is usually done by trying to reduce the downtime by automatically and efficiently recovering from a broad class of transient software failures without having to modify applications. There have been various types of benchmarks for recovering from a failure, but in this paper we intend to create a benchmark framework called the warning benchmarks to measure and evaluate the recovery oriented systems. It consists of the known and the unknown failures and few benchmark techniques which the warning benchmarks handle with the help of various other techniques in software fault analysis.Item Characterization of insulin-like growth factor-I gene expression and post-receptor signaling in skeletal muscle following tourniquet-induced ischemia reperfusion injury in young and old mice(2007-12) Hammers, David Wayne; Farrar, Roger P.Pneumatic tourniquet (TK) use is common during orthopedic surgery, making postoperative recovery from ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) a considerable affliction to the elderly. To characterize age-related mechanisms in skeletal muscle I/R recovery, 6- month (young) and 24-month-old (old) C57 B/L mice underwent 2 hours of TK-induced ischemia, followed by 1, 3, 5, or 7 days of recovery. More damage and muscle mass loss was seen in old in response to the I/R injury than young. Old subjects demonstrate both reductions and temporal shifts in total IGF-I, IGF-I Ea, and IGF-I Eb gene expression in the first 7 days compared to the young. Old subjects also show significant reductions in Akt-dependent pro-anabolic signaling (mTOR and FoxO3) through the time course, but were more pronounced at day 7. These data demonstrate that aged skeletal muscle is characterized by more damage and impaired recovery following TK-induced I/R damage, and link the significantly blunted IGF-I expression and signaling during the early course of recovery to this phenomenon.Item Dropouts and a Dropout Recovery Program at a Suburban High-poverty High School Near a Large Urban Area(2013-12-11) Butler, Pamela WThe decision to drop out of high school is a serious problem for the individual making the decision to drop out, but it also has dramatic implications for their families, their communities, and the economic health of the greater community. As a result, the literature on the causes of dropouts is prolific. However, I find that much of this literature is focused on blaming the students and their families for dropping out of high school. Thankfully, there is also much critique of the mainstream view as to the causes of dropouts. This critique of the mainstream literature places significant blame on our schools for causing students to drop out and considers schools?rather than students?at-risk for failing our students and actually pushing students out of school before they graduate. This critical view of the mainstream viewpoint focuses on the economic, social, and personal issues that cause students to be pushed out of school before they graduate. While this study surveys the mainstream literature on the subject of dropouts, the focus of this study supports the critical approach. The purpose of this qualitative inquiry was to conduct an in-depth study of the students, and dropout prevention and recovery efforts in place at a high-poverty high school during the 2007 through 2013 academic years. A goal of the study was to create a profile of a dropout at the school during that time period and to begin to create a plan that will reduce the number of students who drop out of the high school as well as the other four high schools in the district. Accordingly, for this study I examined quantitative data regarding students who dropped out of a high-poverty high school in order to look for patterns in the data that may help in creating a profile of a dropout at the school. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with professional staff that worked at the school and students who recently attended the school. Half of the students interviewed had not dropped out of high school and the other half chose to drop out. The purpose of the interviews was to hear the perspectives of key individuals who have personally experienced the drop out problem in hopes that their voices would further contribute to the creation of a profile of a dropout and ultimately assist with solutions to the problem. Findings support other research that shows there is no single predictor or indicator of what causes a student to dropout of high school. In fact, the data in the quantitative section about each individual dropout indicate that the dropouts possessed some or several of the typical dropout at-risk indicators such as being poor, have low-academic achievement, being previously retained, having a history of discipline problems, and having high absenteeism. While some of the students I interviewed possessed some of these same characteristics, not all did and in fact, interview data indicate that each student saw the importance of graduating and were frustrated that school and personal circumstances prevented this accomplishment. Another finding was that the adult interview data indicated traces of deficit thinking in how they were addressing the dropouts from their schools. Solutions suggested include addressing the deficit thinking, academic programming, and systems that need to be in place in order to better assist students who are at-risk for dropping out of high school.Item Dynamic stability during perturbed human walking(2012-08) Frank, Kelly Anne; Dingwell, Jonathan B.; Jense, Jody L.The recovery strategies after a trip vary depending on several conditions. The location, timing, and magnitude of the trip are determining factors as well as the speed of the subject when the trip occurs. Previous studies focused on the trip and the recovery without systematically varying the walking speed. Individuals at high risk of falls alter their walking speed in an effort to be more stable in case of a trip. However, no studies to date have analyzed the recovery strategies when walking faster and slower than preferred. Using a treadmill and a specially designed tripping device allows for subjects to be unsuspectingly tripped at different times and different speeds while measuring kinematic and EMG responses. The tripping device included a cuff attached to the left ankle of the subject and would stop the left ankle when signaled by the experimenter. From these findings we can infer that slower walking does aid in trip recovery. Although a more robust study should be performed to confirm the consistency of these findings across multiple populations, it seems that slower walking does aid in trip recovery.Item The effects of carbohydrate and HMB supplementation on glycogen synthesis post-exercise(2013-08) Choi, Ran Hee; Farrar, Roger P.Carbohydrate plus additional protein supplementation provided immediately after exercise has been found to increase the rate of muscle glycogen restoration compared to carbohydrate alone. To examine whether leucine, and/or β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) to carbohydrate plus protein supplementation affects short-term recovery (45 min) of muscle glycogen, we compared plasma glucose and insulin, the muscle glycogen concentration, and the cellular signaling proteins controlling muscle glycogen synthesis 45 min after supplementation. Rats (n=35) underwent high-intensity resistance exercise followed by supplementation with carbohydrate (CHO: 1.2g/kg body weight), carbohydrate with whey protein (CP: 1.2g CHO + 375mg whey protein/kg body weight), carbohydrate with whey protein plus HMB (CPH: 1.2g CHO + 375mg whey protein + 400mg HMB/kg body weight), carbohydrate with whey protein, HMB plus leucine (CPHL: 1.2g CHO + 375mg whey protein + 400mg HMB + 444mg leucine/kg body weight) or exercise only (CON). Blood samples were collected immediately after exercise and 45 min after supplementations. Muscle samples of plantaris were excised immediately and 45 min post-exercise. Plasma glucose was increased by CHO and CPH supplementation and reduced by CPHL at 45 min post-exercise. Plasma insulin was elevated by CP and CPHL treatments compare to CHO. Muscle glycogen concentration was unaffected by all treatments and did not differ from CON. Phosphorylation of Akt/PKB, GSK3α/β, and GS at 45 min of recovery for all supplements was not significant difference from CON. Phosphorylation of mTOR was significantly increased by CPHL and CP supplementation compared to CON, CHO, and CPH. Phosphorylation of AS160 was markedly reduced by CPH supplementation compared to CON. These results suggest that supplementing with carbohydrate plus protein with or without leucine and its metabolite, HMB, to enhance muscle glycogen replenishment following exercise may not provide an advantage during the early phase of recovery (45 min). Furthermore, there is some indication that HMB may elicit insulin resistance, and this needs further evaluation.Item Employing handicrafts to communicate the course of trauma : a test in using handicrafts as an explanatory method(2010-05) Willman, Lisa Anne; Olsen, Daniel M., 1963-; Hall, Peter A.This report contains discussion of four design projects aimed to investigate the ability of handicrafts to communicate complicated subject matter. In this exploration, handicrafts are used to present the experience of recovering from a traumatic experience by challenging commonly held stereotypes about handicrafts. By breaking the trauma and recovery process into four distinct stages, each stage can be discussed in detail via the corresponding design piece. Consequently, each stage also allows for new opportunities to apply handicraft practices in new ways. Through this line of questioning, the four pieces expand upon the imagery, materiality, subject matter, and formal creation techniques typically used in handicraft projects. This collection adds to a greater body of work that intersects traumatic experiences with art and design and that explores the power of design as a communication tool. It opens the door for further investigation into the application’s potential as a teaching tool for trauma victims, nontraditional applications of the craft, its ability to aid in the recovery process, and the potential risk and benefit victims have from such work being done and from creating such pieces themselves.Item Forecasting of isothermal enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and waterflood processes(2011-12) Mollaei, Alireza; Delshad, Mojdeh; Lake, Larry W.; Patzek, Tadeusz W.; Edgar, Thomas F.; Lasdon, Leon S.Oil production from EOR and waterflood processes supplies a considerable amount of the world's oil production. Therefore, the screening and selection of the best EOR process becomes important. Numerous steps are involved in evaluating EOR methods for field applications. Binary screening guides in which reservoirs are selected on the basis of reservoir average rock and fluid properties are consulted for initial determination of applicability. However, quick quantitative comparisons and performance predictions of EOR processes are more complicated and important than binary screening that are the objectives of EOR forecasting. Forecasting (predicting) the performance of EOR processes plays an important role in the study, design and selection of the best method for a particular reservoir or a collection of reservoirs. In EOR forecasting, we look for finding ways to get quick quantitative results of the performance of different EOR processes using analytical model/s before detailed numerical simulations of the reservoirs under study. Although numerical simulation of the reservoirs is widely used, there are significant obstacles that restrict its applicability. Lack of necessary reservoir data and time consuming computations and analyses can be barriers even for history matching and/or predicting EOR/waterflood performance of one reservoir. There are different forecasting (predictive) models for evaluation of different secondary/tertiary recovery methods. However, lack of a general purpose EOR/waterflood forecasting model is unsatisfactory because any differences in results can be caused by differences in the model rather than differences in the processes. As the main objective of this study, we address this deficiency by presenting a novel and robust analytical-base general EOR and waterflood forecasting model/tool (UTF) that does not rely on conventional numerical simulation. The UTF conceptual model is based on the fundamental law of material balance, segregated flow and fractional flux theories and is applied for both history matching and forecasting the EOR/waterflood processes. The forecasting model generates the key results of isothermal EOR and waterflooding processes including variations of average oil saturation, recovery efficiency, volumetric sweep efficiency, oil cut and oil rate with real or dimensionless time. The forecasting model was validated against field data and numerical simulation results for isothermal EOR and waterflooding processes. The forecasting model reproduced well (R2> 0.8) all of the field data and reproduced the simulated data even better. To develop the UTF for forecasting when there is no injection/production history data, we used experimental design and numerical simulation and successfully generated the in-situ correlations (response surfaces) of the forecasting model variables. The forecasting model variables were proven to be well correlated to reservoir/recovery process variables and can be reliably used for forecasting. As an extension to the abilities of the forecasting model, these correlations were used for prediction of volumetric sweep efficiency and missing/dynamic pore volume of EOR and waterflooding processes.Item Identifying and feeling supported in a self-help group : comparing face-to face and online videoconference meetings(2012-12) Murphy, Melissa Lynne; Stephens, Keri K.; Donovan-Kicken, ErinThis exploratory study investigated the differences between traditional 12 step meetings and online 12 step videoconferencing meetings in a recovery-based social networking site (SNS). Drawing from a social support framework and the social identity model of deindividuation effects (SIDE), I conducted an online survey (N = 97) measuring perceptions of effectiveness, small group and relational satisfaction, identification, social support and network quality, anonymity, and access for both traditional and online videoconferencing meetings. In addition, an index was created to assess online community members’ level of engagement within the SNS. Findings reveal that (a) traditional 12 step meetings rank significantly higher on perceptions of social support quality and recovery network quality, as well as overall meeting effectiveness, and small group and relational satisfaction, (b) members’ perceptions of small group and relational satisfaction, social support and network quality are significant predictors of identification within a 12 step group, and lastly (c) members’ level of engagement within the SNS is strongly correlated with a number of positive outcomes suggesting that the more engaged a member is with various features within the SNS, the more social support and recovery benefits a member perceives. In sum, this study advances practical understanding of the role SNS and online videoconferencing meetings have in shaping the experiences of members in recovery. The usefulness of this study for online social support researchers as well as suggestions for future research are discussed.Item Mineral Nutrient Recovery from Pyrolysis Co-Products(2012-07-16) Wise, Jatara RobPyrolysis is the thermo-chemical degradation of biomass in an oxygen-free environment to product liquid, gaseous, and solid co-products. The liquid co-product, known as bio-oil, can be used as a transportation fuel. The gaseous co-product, known as synthesis gas, can be used to power the pyrolysis reactor or other machinery. The solid co-product, known as bio-char, has been studied as an amendment to enhance soil physical and chemical properties and nutrient status. Although previous publications have described the beneficial effects of pyrolysis bio-char on soil physical and chemical properties, relatively little has been published on the recovery of mineral nutrients from pyrolysis co-products. This work quantified the recovery of feedstock nutrients (P, K, Ca, and Mg) and micronutrients (Na, Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn) from pyrolysis co-products from various feedstocks using three distinct pyrolysis reactor designs. The reactors comprised a laboratory-scale fixed-bed reactor and two fluidized-bed reactors located in College Station, TX and Wyndmoor, PA. Nutrient recoveries, on a feedstock basis, were calculated for a comparison of reactor efficiencies. In addition to nutrient recoveries, physical and chemical properties of input biomass and of bio-char generated by each reactor were characterized through ultimate and proximate analyses. For the fixed-bed reactor, results revealed variation among feedstocks for the recoveries of feedstock sources of macronutrients and Na, Fe, and Cu in pyrolysis co-products. Variation among species was also detected for the recoveries of feedstock sources of P, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe in pyrolysis co-products for samples pyrolyzed using the Wyndmoor reactor. For the College Station reactor, recoveries of feedstock sources of P, K, Ca, and Mg in pyrolysis co-products did not vary among species, but Zn did vary. Ultimate and proximate analyses of biomass and bio-chars generated by the three reactors revealed variation among species. Additionally, the results showed that the recovery of feedstock nutrients varied by reactor design. Statistical analysis revealed high correlations and linear relationships between the recovery of nutrients and reactor mass and energy efficiency and feedstock fiber properties.Item Novel 125 I production and recovery system(2009-05-15) Kar, AdwitiyaThis research suggests ways of reducing contamination of iodine-126 in iodine-125 and lays out a simpler iodine-125 production technique to increase the yield. By using aluminum irradiation vessels the yield of iodine-125 produced by neutron irradiation of Xe-124 can be doubled compared to using stainless steel vessels. Because of increased yields irradiation times are shorter, the chance of I-126 contamination is reduced. Solidified iodine within the aluminum vessels can be extracted using 0.1 N sodium hydroxide solution, however the solution also reacts with the vessel walls. These impurities in the extracted solution are then removed by distillation that concentrates and purifies the extracted solution. High recovery, ranging from 88 to 96 percent, was typical for the experiments described. Gamma spectroscopic results suggest that the distillate is free from any impurities such as aluminum or sodium ions. Distillation can reduce the extracted solution to at least one third or less of its original volume. The work described here provides the basis for I-125 production at the Texas A&M Nuclear Science Center.Item Phosphorus speciation in municipal biosolids for efficient phosphorus recovery(2016-05) Gutierrez, Carlos Felipe; Katz, Lynn Ellen; Kinney, Kerry A.; Lawler, Desmond F; Kirisits, Mary Jo; Blackhurst, Michael FPhosphorus is a required element for industrialized crop production. Our ability to produce phosphorus fertilizers has allowed humanity to sustain its population. The current sources of phosphorus are apatite sedimentary deposits geographically concentrated in four countries (Vaccari 2009). Recent reports have suggested that these resources will be exhausted by the end of this century and that the limited geographical distribution of phosphorous deposits may prove to be a source of political conflict in the future (Smil 2000, Cordell et al. 2009, Vaccari 2009). To avoid these conflicts, the potential for spent phosphorus recovery and reuse must be explored. One promising source stream for phosphorus recovery is from municipal wastewater biosolids. Current methods of phosphorus recovery from these solids only target 10% of the total phosphorus in the biosolids. To recover greater quantities of phosphorus from biosolids, we must understand the phosphorus speciation within, and be able to predict the most effective recovery method for biosolids generated from conventional activated sludge, chemical phosphorus removal or enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR). In order to understand the speciation of these three types of biosolids, nine municipal wastewater treatment plants were sampled. The results showed that in biosolids post-anaerobic digestion and gravity thickening a large portion of the phosphorus is present as particulate orthophosphate and polyphosphate and requires a process that targets these species. Comparison of the speciation of conventional biosolids to the speciation of biosolids from chemical phosphorus removal and EBPR showed that energy intensive technologies such as the Stuttgart process and KREPRO can recover significant quantities of phosphorus from all types of biosolids. Commercial technologies (AIRPREX) only recovered significant quantities of phosphorus when used only with EBPR biosolids. Finally, a life cycle impact assessment was performed to assess eutrophication and green-house gas potential under various scenarios of phosphorus recovery. The results showed that scenarios with chemical or biological phosphorus removal plants typically had a lower eutrophication potential than those with conventional activated sludge. Even though treatment plants with biological and chemical phosphorus removal require more energy and chemicals to operate, the global warming potentials were lower than for conventional activated sludge scenarios.Item A proposal for a compassion based recovery program for chemical dependence(2012-12) Silva, Joseph Anthony; Schallert, Diane L.; Neff, KristinThis report is a proposal for a compassion based recovery program for the treatment of chemical dependence. Chemical dependency is a growing problem with many individuals and families worldwide. Mindfulness and self-compassion are two new constructs in the new wave of positive psychology that have shown to be effective in alleviating many of the symptoms that are related to those whom are chemically dependent This report will list the current approaches to the treatment of chemical dependency. This report will also define mindfulness and self-compassion as well as give a basic framework on how a compassion-based recovery program might look as well as a basic design on testing the effectiveness of such a program.Item The relationship between the public’s belief in the potential of recovery and level of mental illness stigma(2011-05) Barczyk, Amanda Nicole; Davis, King E.; Thompson, Sanna J.; von Sternberg, Kirk; Alexander, Laurie; Springer, David W.Mental health conditions are highly prevalent in the U.S. Approximately two thirds of individuals who have a diagnosable mental health condition do not seek treatment; stigma is a major contributing factor. Stigma can lead to a fear of pursuing one’s goals, loss of self-esteem and a hesitancy to engage in society. This dissertation was a secondary data analysis of 1,437 adults who participated in the 2006 General Social Survey topical modules utilizing vignettes to examine mental health issues. Multiple-group structural equation modeling examined the relationship between respondents’ level of prejudicial attitudes and social distance (i.e., stigma) toward individuals who have a mental health condition and their belief in the potential of recovery. This relationship was examined for mental health conditions in general and across four groups (i.e., alcohol dependence, major depression, schizophrenia and troubled person). The relationship was further explored by testing if previous contact with an individual who has received treatment was a mediator. Findings indicate that the belief in recovery leads to lower levels of social distance. This finding was true for each group. In addition, prejudicial attitudes were found to be a predictor of one’s level of social distance for each group. Parameter invariance was found for all variables except income. In the group of respondents given the vignette depicting a troubled person, those with a lower income were more likely to have lower levels of prejudicial attitudes. In the group of respondents given the vignette depicting an individual with alcohol dependence, those with lower income were more likely to have higher levels of prejudicial attitudes and social distance. While the variable previous contact was not a mediator, it was found that males, respondents of minority background and those with less education were less likely to have had previous contact with an individual who has received mental health treatment. Results from this dissertation indicate a need to place emphasis on the probability of recovering from a mental health condition when developing stigma reducing strategies. Results also highlight the need to focus on the recovery and empowerment of individuals with mental health conditions in education, practice and policy.Item Shock induces a deficit in the recovery of function after a contusion injury: identifying the relative contributions of the brain and spinal cord(Texas A&M University, 2006-10-30) Bopp, Anne CarolinePrior studies have shown that exposure to uncontrollable stimulation can have a variety of adverse consequences on plasticity. For example, as little as 30 min of uncontrollable shock to the tail disrupts both the capacity for instrumental learning and the recovery of locomotor function following spinal cord injury (SCI). Whereas evidence suggests that the disruption of instrumental learning depends on maladaptive plasticity within spinal cord neurons, it is still unknown whether the disruptive effects of shock on locomotor recovery following SCI reflects a brain or spinally-mediated effect. The present experiments address this research question by determining whether shock exposure induces an alteration within the spinal cord of contused rats and testing the effects of disrupting communication between the spinal cord and brain during shock exposure to see if this manipulation protects animals from the effects of shock on locomotor recovery. Experiment 1 found that contused rats transected prior to shock exposure failed to acquire the instrumental response when tested 24 hours later. In addition, contused animals transected after shock exposure also failed to learn when tested, though this effect was less robust. Given the results of Experiment 1, it is plausible that impaired spinal function is sufficient to explain the effects of shock on locomotor recovery. Experiments 2 and 3 addressed this possibility by manipulating communication between the brain and spinal cord prior to shock exposure. In Experiment 2 intrathecal lidocaine was applied rostral to the injury to temporarily disrupt transmission. In Experiment 3, normal brain function was inhibited with intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital. Interestingly, both manipulations showed that disrupting normal communication between the spinal cord and brain during shock exposure protected animals from the adverse consequences of shock on locomotor recovery. The data suggest that, following SCI, blocking communication between the brain and spinal cord protects animals from the adverse consequences of uncontrollable stimulation.Item Simulation study of surfactant transport mechanisms in naturally fractured reservoirs(2010-08) Abbasi Asl, Yousef; Pope, Gary A.; Mohanty, Kishore K.Surfactants both change the wettability and lower the interfacial tension by various degrees depending on the type of surfactant and how it interacts with the specific oil. Ultra low IFT means almost zero capillary pressure, which in turn indicates little oil should be produced from capillary imbibition when the surfactant reduces the IFT in naturally fractured oil reservoirs that are mixed-wet or oil-wet. What is the transport mechanism for the surfactant to get far into the matrix and how does it scale? Molecular diffusion and capillary pressure are much too slow to explain the experimental data. Recent dynamic laboratory data suggest that the process is faster when a pressure gradient is applied compared to static tests. A mechanistic chemical compositional simulator was used to study the effect of pressure gradient on chemical oil recovery from naturally fractured oil reservoirs for several different chemical processes (polymer, surfactant, surfactant-polymer, alkali-surfactant-polymer flooding). The fractures were simulated explicitly by using small gridblocks with fracture properties. Both homogeneous and heterogeneous matrix blocks were simulated. Microemulsion phase behavior and related chemistry and physics were modeled in a manner similar to single porosity reservoirs. The simulations indicate that even very small pressure gradients (transverse to the flow in the fractures) are highly significant in terms of the chemical transport into the matrix and that increasing the injected fluid viscosity greatly improves the oil recovery. Field scale simulations show that the transverse pressure gradients promote transport of the surfactant into the matrix at a feasible rate even when there is a high contrast between the permeability of the fractures and the matrix. These simulations indicate that injecting a chemical solution that is viscous (because of polymer or foam or microemulsion) and lowers the IFT as well as alters the wettability from mixed-wet to water-wet, produces more oil and produces it faster than static chemical processes. These findings have significant implications for enhanced oil recovery from naturally fractured oil reservoirs and how these processes should be optimized and scaled up from the laboratory to the field.Item Variations in disaster aid acquisitions among ethnic groups in a rural community(2009-06-02) Galindo, Kim BlancaThis research adds greater dimensions to the understanding of the recovery-aid acquisition process for households in rural communities with a racially heterogeneous and contentious population. The study population is divided into three categories based on ethnicity: Anglo, African-American, and Hispanic. The disaster-recovery process assessed if variations exist the disaster-aid acquisition process of households which correlate with ethnicity. During the investigation, researchers examined if the sources of disaster-aid a household was able to acquire was influenced by ethnicity. Relationships along ethnic lines were also examined in the types of aid acquired by the various groups. These measurements were undertaken to see if different paths to housing recovery resulted in differential rates of recovery. The societal context in which these processes took place has also been considered to establish if it affected the speed and efficiency of the recovery process. This research has helped identify some common problems faced in the disaster-recovery process by resource strapped communities, which also lack the ability to effectively engage vertical and horizontal ties to promote speedy and equitable recovery after a major natural disaster. Results indicate that ethnicity plays a significant role in the disaster-aid acquisition process, but one that varies from expectations developed through a review of previous literature on this subject. These finding may be an indication that the ethnic variations examined in this casestudy are an artifact of social-status and social-integration more so than because of any cultural construct of a particular ethnic group. The overreaching implications of this study show, however, that ethnicity is an important variable in determining the process and availability of major sources of recovery aid in the housing recovery process, particularly in a rural community.Item What the drug war left behind(2012-05) Carrillo, Mario Antonio; Minutaglio, Bill; Dahlby, Tracy; Balli, CeciliaSince 2008, Ciudad Juarez has seen almost 10,000 murders due to Mexico’s ongoing war against drug-trafficking organizations. However, in 2011 the murders in the city began to decline. This report examines the reasons for this decrease and the lingering effects that will remain once the violence ends. It also analyzes historical factors dating back to the 1960s that have made Juarez a vortex of violence and looks at how such issues might affect the city’s future. Now that the violence is falling, some argue that the people of Juarez must to shift their attention from public safety and security and focus more on the recovery of the city. This report analyzes the question of what it means to reconstruct a city, one of 1.3 million people, or whether or not Juarez can be restored at all. It takes a look at the city through the eyes of several of its residents, including the president of the local Chamber of Commerce, an elementary school teacher, and a working journalist for one of the city’s television stations. It examines how each of their sectors of the city has been affected and how each of them can help in the recovery. This report includes a visit to one of the city’s schools to see first-hand the effects that the drug war has had on Juarez’ most vulnerable citizens, its children. It also follows a city journalist and examines how life for a reporter has changed in Juarez and how reporters can help the city by reporting on it in a more responsible manner. Finally, after seeing more than 10,000 businesses close, the city has struggled in jolting the economy. A project proposed by the Chamber of Commerce hopes to revitalize the economic sector of the city, but many wonder if it’s realistic to expect this project, which is to build a new convention center, to fix an entire city.Item When the recession came to Texas(2011-05) DeCanio, Geoffrey Stephen; Todd, Russell; Minutaglio, BillFor years, Texas’ economy seemed to be insulated from the economic uncertainties faced by the rest of the country. But now, reeling from deficits, the strains of immigration, and a troubled housing industry, Texas is confronted with the realities of trying to survive and thrive in the midst of recession. May still believe Texas plays by a different set of economic rules. Contrary to this opinion, the Texas economy is neither inherently better nor more resilient than any other part of the country. In the global economy, Texas has no particular advantage over any other state. The year 2011 is a defining one for Texas. Its legislature will not meet again until early 2013, and the policies it decides upon now will have an incredible influence on the nature of its economic recovery. Texas remains at an economic crossroads.Item Women's Counter Narrative of Redemption(2010-12) Russell, Matthew H.; Bell, Nancy J.; Zvonkovic, Anisa M.; Sharp, Elizabeth A.; Harris, Kitty S.The purpose of this study was to explore how a group of women construct narratives of redemption in their recovery from long-term drug and alcohol abuse. While there has been a great deal of research on addiction, there has been relatively little research on recovery and virtually none that has made direct inquiry into the lived experiences of women. The narratives that constituted this research represented not only a silenced population but also an alternative narrative to the standard redemptive narrative and the cultural discourse that supports it. Understanding how these women developed and articulated this counter narrative can enhance the understanding of human development in general and the ways in which self-identity is negotiated in everyday life. The research was grounded in post-structural, deconstructive and dialogical theoretical perspectives. Five women who had completed a comprehensive residential substance-abuse treatment program at the Santa Maria Hostel and were active at Mercy Street, a church for recovering addicts in Houston Texas, participated. The Santa Maria Hostel serves an ethnically diverse population of women with children and is known to be the “last chance” for many of these women before the penitentiary. The analysis for the project was based on four semi-structured interviews with each of the women. They were encouraged to talk about their life before recovery, what led to their recovery and how they maintain their recovery. The core imperative with the redemptive master narrative necessitates an interpretive framework based upon Victor Frankl’s “tragic optimism” which creates a direct correspondence between wrongs suffered and the redemptive present. Yet these women’s stories did not conform to the prototypical redemptive construct, particularly in terms of how the past was held, languaged and integrated. They employed entirely different strategies which included holding certain segments of their past in a structure of meaninglessness. This is languaged through what is characterized as the poetics of “nevertheless”. Recovery and redemption is constructed in spite of the past; past suffering is not extolled for present redemption. Implications of this counter narrative in terms of the women’s lives, theory, power relations, and alternative social discourse are discussed.