Digital Commons Network^™

Piano Recital Consisting Of Works By J. S. Bach, L. Van Beethoven And F. Chopin With Extended Program Notes, Danica Borisavljevic

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Partita No 4 in D Major, BWV 828 - Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Sonata No 23 in F minor, Op 57 - Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Scherzo No 1 in B minor, Op 20 - Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)

Optimization Of Transit Transfer Times : A System-Wide Approach, Fabian Cevallos

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a system-wide approach, based on genetic algorithms, for the optimization of transfer times for an entire bus transit system. Optimization of transfer times in a transit system is a complicated problem because of the large set of binary and discrete values involved. The combinatorial nature of the problem imposes a computational burden and makes it difficult to solve by classical mathematical programming methods.

The genetic algorithm proposed in this research attempts to find an optimal solution for the transfer time optimization problem by searching for a combination of adjustments to the timetable for all the routes in …

Myrothecium Verrucaria : A Potential Biological Control Agent For The Invasive 'Old World Climbing Fern' Lygodium Microphyllum, Tainya Cathia Clarke

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Non native plants are a threat to ecosystems across the globe, some delicate ecosystems like those in South Florida are in greater danger because of the large number of endemics at risk. Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum) has become one of the most invasive and destructive weeds in southern Florida. To date different efforts have been made to control its growth and spread but have not been successful. In light of the highly delicate ecosystem affected by L. microphyllum, a biological paradigm may be a more ecologically sound approach to the containment of this obnoxious weed. …

Carmen De Burgos : La Educación De La Mujer Y La Literatura De Viajes Como Género Narrativo, Esther A. Daganzo-Cantens

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzes Carmen de Burgos’ European travel literature, and focuses on two themes: education and travel literature as a literary genre. An examination of her travel literature reveals two essential elements related to her view of education. The first is the influence that the European educational system had on her way of thinking, particularly with respect to the idea of tolerance, the practice of hygiene, and the important role of nature in education. The second is the development of her view of education as the foundation for the emancipation of women in Spain. Carmen de Burgos espoused the view …

Synthesis Of Multisubstituted Halo-Olefins Via Pd-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions : Applications In Nucleoside Chemistry, Daniela Andrei

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The enzyme S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (AdoHey) hydrolase effects hydrolytic cleavage of AdoHcy to adenosine (Ado) and L-homocysteine (Hcy). The cellular levels of AdoHcy and Hcy are critical because AdoHcy is a potent feedback inhibitor of crucial transmethylation enzymes. Also, elevated plasma levels of Hcy in humans have been shown to be a risk factor in coronary artery disease.

On the basis of the previous finding that AdoHcy hydrolase is able to add the enzyme-sequestered water molecule across the 5',6'-double bond of (halo or dihalohomovinyl)-adenosines causing covalent binding inhibition, we designed and synthesized AdoHcy analogues with the 5',6'-olefin motif incorporated in place of …

Patterns In Belowground Primary Productivity And Belowground Biomass In Marshes Of The Everglades' Oligohaline Ecotone, Gregory M. Juszli

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study quantified and assessed patterns in belowground primary productivity (BPP) and belowground biomass in Cladium jamaicense marshes of the oligohaline ecotone, a transition zone between the two dominant ecosystems (freshwater marsh and mangrove forest) in the Everglades. A 2x2x2 factorial design was used with transect (Shark River Slough/Taylor Slough), site (estuarine/freshwater), and season (dry/wet) as factors. BPP and belowground biomass were measured using root ingrowth and soil cores, respectively. Across all sites, BPP was significantly greater in the dry season. BPP peaked in Taylor Slough from April-July, the decrease likely due to oxygen saturation in the soil during marsh …

Artificially Induced Aggregation Of Fauna And Their Effects On Nutrient Regimes And Primary Producers In An Oligotrophic Subtropical Estuary, Bryan M. Dewsbury

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In order to investigate the role of faunal aggregations in concentrating nutrients in the oligotrophic landscape of Florida Bay, I manipulated faunal densities in Florida Bay sea grass beds by constructing artificial reefs. The effects of reefs and faunal aggregations on nutrient availability and benthic community structure were assessed.

Over a year-long sampling period, artificial reefs had an average population of 50 fishes and crustaceans of various species. Faunal aggregation resulted in significant sediment organic matter decreases and sediment phosphorus increases. Plots with high fauna populations also had shorter seagrass blades presumably due to the effects of grazing. Chlorophyll-a concentrations …

Signal Processing And Information Fusing Algorithms For The Synthesis Of An Alternative Electromyogram/Eye Gaze Tracking Computer Cursor Control System, Craig Anthony Chin

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research pursued the conceptualization and real-time verification of a system that allows a computer user to control the cursor of a computer interface without using his/her hands. The target user groups for this system are individuals who are unable to use their hands due to spinal dysfunction or other afflictions, and individuals who must use their hands for higher priority tasks while still requiring interaction with a computer.

The system receives two forms of input from the user: Electromyogram (EMG) signals from muscles in the face and point-of-gaze coordinates produced by an Eye Gaze Tracking (EGT) system. In order …

Determining The Physiological Response Of A Subtropical Seagrass, Thalassia Testudinum, To Salinity Stress Using Pulse Amplitude Modulated (Pam) Fluorometry, Dorothy A. Byron

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

I investigated how photosynthetic performance of Thalassia testudinum changed along a naturally occurring salinity gradient in Florida Bay, and to laboratory controlled hyper and hypo-osmotic stress. I found significant differences between sites in Florida Bay for yield ratios (Y and F_v/F_m); however, this difference does not seem to be based on the salinity regime, since sites with the greatest salinity range were not significantly different from the site with the lowest salinity range. Laboratory results showed declines in the minimum and maximum fluorescence values after a gradual ramping-up of salinity and after long-term exposure to a …

The Use Of Treatment Process Variables To Differentiate Between Completers And Dropouts For A Guided Self-Change Adolescent Substance Abuse Intervention, Mildred Cordaro

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study documented differences between substance using adolescent participants who either completed or dropped out of a brief motivational intervention. Therapeutic alliance, working alliance and patient involvement were used to describe differences in treatment process ratings in a sample of majority Latino males who either (a) completed a adolescent substance abuse intervention called Alcohol Treatment Targeting Adolescents In Need (ATTAIN) or (b) dropped out after the first or second Guided Self-Change therapy session. Fifteen-minute segments were copied from the midpoint of previously recorded audio-tapes of Guided Self-Change therapy sessions. Raters were trained to a criterion level of interrater reliability for …

Y-Chromosome Polymorphisms In Southern Arabia, Alicia M. Cadenas

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In order to explore south Arabia's role in the migratory episodes leaving Africa to Eurasia and back, high-resolution Y-chromosome analyses of males from the United Arab Emirates (164), Qatar (72) and Yemen (62) were performed. The distribution of specific haplogroups (E3bl-M35 and J1-M267) and their microsatellite-based age estimates in southern Arabia offer additional insight on their dissemination. With the exception of Yemen, southern Arabia displays high diversity in its Y-haplogroup substructure and share similarities with populations along the eastern coast of the Gulf of Oman, possibly serving as a coastal corridor for migrations. Elevated rates of consanguinity may have had …

Phylogenetic Analysis Of Within-Host Serially-Sampled Viral Data, Patricia Buendia

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The primary goal of this dissertation is the study of patterns of viral evolution inferred from serially-sampled sequence data, i.e., sequence data obtained from strains isolated at consecutive time points from a single patient or host. RNA viral populations have an extremely high genetic variability, largely due to their astronomical population sizes within host systems, high replication rate, and short generation time. It is this aspect of their evolution that demands special attention and a different approach when studying the evolutionary relationships of serially-sampled sequence data. New methods that analyze serially-sampled data were developed shortly after a groundbreaking HIV-1 study …

Context-Aware Data Caching For Mobile Computing Environments, Stylianos Drakatos

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The deployment of wireless communications coupled with the popularity of portable devices has led to significant research in the area of mobile data caching. Prior research has focused on the development of solutions that allow applications to run in wireless environments using proxy based techniques. Most of these approaches are semantic based and do not provide adequate support for representing the context of a user (i.e., the interpreted human intention.). Although the context may be treated implicitly it is still crucial to data management. In order to address this challenge this dissertation focuses on two characteristics: how to predict (i) …

Wading Bird Foraging Ecology In A Disturbed Mangrove Estuary In Northwest Ecuador : Commercial Shrimp Ponds Vs. Natural Mangrove Mudflats, Michael David Cheek

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

I compared wading bird foraging ecology in commercial shrimp ponds and natural mangrove mudflats in the Muisne River Estuary in northwest Ecuador. I estimated foraging habitat suitability by observing the foraging efficiency, diet, and behavior of great (Ardea alba) and snowy (Egretta thula) egrets, censusing birds, and measuring prey availability (i.e. prey density, standing crop, water depth, and diversity). Great egrets had greater foraging efficiency in shrimp ponds, while snowy egret foraging efficiency was greater on mudflats. Over 85% of prey items in snowy egret boluses were from shrimp ponds. Mean density, standing crop, length, and …

Detection And Neutralization Of Bacterial Biohazards Via Nanoencapsulation, Rosaura De Zayas

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Bacteria biohazards, such as Anthrax, are responsible for causing mild to serious illnesses in humans and animals. The primary aim of this research study was to develop a rapid one step assay to detect and neutralize bacteria-based biohazards, using an Immunoliposome-nanoparticle complex. An Anthrax model, Bacillus cereus, was grown for 3 hours and diluted 1:25 in media (2.0 x 107 cfu/ml). The Bacillus cereus was interacted with an Immunoliposome-nanoparticle complex containing an MgO-C 2 neutralization agent. The samples were analyzed via flow cytometry with a 1:8:1 ratio Bacillus cereus, Immunoliposome-nanoparticle complex, and Ethidium homodimer-1 for two hours. The results obtained …

Vascular Reactivity Of Isolated Rat Mesenteric Arterioles In The Presence And Absence Of Ouabain, Rohit Chawla

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The microvasculature plays a significant role in the regulation of blood pressure and regional blood supply. Cardiotonic steroids like the adrenal cortical hormone (ouabain) have been proposed to play a role in some forms of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different agonists on arteriolar diameter in the presence and absence of ouabain.

In Vitro studies on isolated intact rat mesenteric arterioles were performed by administering different concentrations of the vasoconstrictor norepinephrine (NE) and the vasorelaxant acetylcholine (Ach) in the presence and absence of ouabain. NE induced constriction was not significantly enhanced in the …

Syntheses Of Aza Analogs Of Kainoids, Mingping Di

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The kainoids are a class of non-proteinogenic pyrrolidine dicarboxylates that exhibit both excitatory and excitotoxic activities. These activities are a result of the ability of the kainoids to act as glutamate receptor agonists by activating ionotropic glutamate receptors. The parent of this group of compounds is x-kainic acid. Kainic acid is isolated from the seaweed Diginea simplex and has been used in Asian countries as a treatment for intestinal worms in children. In addition it is used extensively by neuropharmacologists for the study of glutamate receptors. Several years ago, the world's sole supplier of kainic acid discontinued this product. Since …

A Framework For Transforming, Analyzing, And Realizing Software Designs In Unified Modeling Language, Zhijiang Dong

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Unified Modeling Language (UML) is the most comprehensive and widely accepted object-oriented modeling language due to its multi-paradigm modeling capabilities and easy to use graphical notations, with strong international organizational support and industrial production quality tool support. However, there is a lack of precise definition of the semantics of individual UML notations as well as the relationships among multiple UML models, which often introduces incomplete and inconsistent problems for software designs in UML, especially for complex systems. Furthermore, there is a lack of methodologies to ensure a correct implementation from a given UML design. The purpose of this investigation is …

Natural Organic Matter And Colloid-Facilitated Arsenic Transport And Transformation In Porous Soil Media, Zhangrong Chen

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Prediction of arsenic transport and transformation in soil environment requires understanding the transport mechanisms and proper estimation of arsenic partitioning among all three phases in soil/aquifer systems: mobile colloids, mobile soil solution, and immobile soil solids. The primary purpose of this research is to study natural dissolved organic matter (DOM)/colloid-facilitated transport of arsenic and understand the role of soil derived carriers in the transport and transformation of both inorganic and organoarsenicals in soils.

DOM/colloid facilitated arsenic transport and transformation in porous soil media were investigated using a set of experimental approaches including batch experiment, equilibrium membrane dialysis experiment and column …

Spatial Distribution Of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation In The Shark River Estuary And Implications For Understanding Movement And Feeding Patterns Of Manatees (Trichechus Manatus Latirostris), Virginia C. Cornett

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to 1) characterize the distribution of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in the Shark River Estuary, 2) determine water quality parameters driving distribution of SAV, 3) document the stable isotopic and elemental content of potential food sources for manatees, and 4) explore the utility of natural variability in isotope ratios of SAV in determining feeding patterns of manatees using isotopic compositions of manatee hairs as analytical tools. The marine/freshwater interface of the estuary was found to be the main factor driving SAV distribution. δ¹³C of manatee hairs showed significant differences between captive (mean …

The Central European Initiative : An Approach To Regional Stabilization And Democratic Consolidation, Astrid Bettina Boening

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines how multilateral institutions can contribute to democratization and regional stability. It is a case study of the Central European Initiative (CEI), a regional intergovernmental organization founded by Italy and Austria in 1989 to undertake a regional integration process, and of its role in stabilizing post-communist democracies. Documents were collected at the CEI offices in Trieste, Italy, and interviews conducted with CEI officers, and data obtained from the websites of related organizations and of CEI member countries.

The thesis probes the relevance of concepts derived from theories of international regimes and social constructivism. It shows that the CEI …

State Legislative Term Limits And The Law Of Unintended Consequences : An Examination Of Member Behavior, Power Structures, And Legislative Organization In Florida, Kathryn Andrews Depalo

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The implementation of term limits on state legislators has provided a wealth of data for study. Florida, the second largest state in the Union with term limits, has not been comprehensively studied. This research examines the effects of term limits on electoral competition, member composition, legislator career paths, legislative leadership, and intra- and inter-governmental influences on Florida's legislature. This study looks at the Florida legislature from 1992 when term limits were enacted through 2004, three electoral cycles in which term limits have been in effect. This study uses both quantitative and qualitative data where appropriate. Electoral data is used to …

The Development Of Molecular Markers For Use Across All Plant Species Using Expressed Sequence Tags, Stephanie Douglas

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There are over a half a million plant species on earth, and we use them in virtually every aspect of our lives. Little or no genomic information exists about the vast majority of these plants. This study investigated the use of Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) to locate highly conserved sequences from which to design a set of universal molecular markers for all plant species. Plant species for this study were chosen to representative of the plant kingdom. This was done by sampling several individuals of at least one species from all of the major terrestrial plant groups.

Conserved sequences are …

Subdural Electroencephalogram Analysis For Extracting Discriminating Measures In Epileptogenic Data, Mercedes Cabrerizo

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation introduces an integrated algorithm for a new application dedicated at discriminating between electrodes leading to a seizure onset and those that do not, using interictal subdural EEG data. The significance of this study is in determining among all of these channels, all containing interictal spikes, why some electrodes eventually lead to seizure while others do not. A first finding in the development process of the algorithm is that these interictal spikes had to be asynchronous and should be located in different regions of the brain, before any consequential interpretations of EEG behavioral patterns are possible. A singular merit …

Paleoenvironmental Implications Of The Indidura Formation (Cenomanian/Turonian), Northeastern Mexico: A High Resolution Stratigraphic Study, Fabian Duque-Botero

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

High-resolution lithostratigraphic data from rock sequences known as the Indidura Formation near Parras de La Fuente, Coahuila, NE Mexico, led to achieve a significant improvement of our knowledge of that Formation. The results of this study indicate for the first time that the sequence at Parras de La Fuente developed from the deposition of calcareous cyanobacterial microspheroids that accumulated under perennial blooms during the Late Cenomanian through the Middle Turonian. Multi-proxy analyses included sedimentological, petrographical, scanning electron microscopy, stable isotope, trace element geochemistry, and paleontological data. The combined results allowed the correlation of δ13C and anomalies in Mo, V, and …

Computational Modeling Of Intermediate Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (Pem) Fuel Cells, Denver Faron Cheddie

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A two-phase three-dimensional computational model of an intermediate temperature (120 - 190 ˚C) proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell is presented. This represents the first attempt to model PEM fuel cells employing intermediate temperature membranes, in this case, phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole (PBI). To date, mathematical modeling of PEM fuel cells has been restricted to low temperature operation, especially to those employing Nafion^® membranes; while research on PBI as an intermediate temperature membrane has been solely at the experimental level. This work is an advancement in the state of the art of both these fields of research. With a …

Examining The Process Of Regime Change In The North Atlantic Treaty Organization : The Divide Between Rhetoric And Reality, Barak Carlson

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a product of the Cold War through which its members organized their military forces for the purpose of collective defense against the common threat of Soviet-backed aggression. Employing the terminology of regime theory, the creation of NATO can be viewed as the introduction of an international security regime. Throughout the Cold War, NATO member states preserved their commitment to mutual defense while increasingly engaging in activities aimed at overcoming the division of Europe and promoting regional stability. The end of the Cold War has served as the catalyst for a new period of …

A Computer Based Approach To Improve The Dietary And Physical Activity Patterns Of A Diverse Group Of Adolescents, Krista Casazza

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diet and physical activity patterns have been implicated as major factors in the increasing prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity. It is estimated that between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents in the United States are overweight (CDC, 2000). Moreover, the CDC estimates that less than 50% of adolescents are physically active on a regular basis (CDC, 2003). Interventions must be focused to modify these behaviors. Facilitating the understanding of proper nutrition and need for physical activity among adolescents is the first step in preventing overweight and obesity and delaying the development of chronic diseases later in life …

The Development And Creation Of A Multicultural Entertainment Company, Mileyka Burgos

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis proposed the creation of a multicultural entertainment company. The thesis comprises two components: the development of the entertainment company and the production of a concert. The mission of the private company is to bring together the best of different cultures onto the stage. It aims to craft productions that people would identify with and which would appeal to the diversity of the American landscape.

Along with the development of the entertainment company, a sample concert is suggested. The sample concert implements the concept and methods that makes the company unique in the market.

In conclusion, the thesis aims …

Supplemental Instruction, Study Habits, And The Community College Student, Eileen Garcia

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate if the academic assistance program Supplemental Instruction (SI) facilitates the acquisition of effective study behaviors through strategies that transcend simple double-exposure to the course material. Its advocates claim it increases academic achievement using learner-centered knowledge and acquisition of effective study behaviors. SI sessions are specifically related to particular courses that students are taking. Sessions are facilitated by the SI leader who has taken the subject matter course in the past. Students review the content of the previous subject matter class using collaborative learning strategies coordinated by a SI leader. In addition, the …