American Studies Commons^™

Phenotypic And Genotypic Analysis Of In Vitro Selected Artemisinin Resistant Plasmodium Falciparum, Matthew Scott Tucker

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Artemisinin and its derivatives provide faster clearance of parasitemia than any other antimalarial drugs and these drugs are part of frontline combination therapies in areas where drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum exists. Clinical resistance to artemisinins is emerging on the Thailand-Cambodia border, making it imperative to investigate mechanisms of artemisinin resistance. Previous work in our laboratory showed ring-stage parasites enter a dormant state after exposure to artemisinin. We hypothesize that this period of dormancy is directly related to recrudescence and prolonged parasite clearance times in patients, and possibly resistance. The target of artemisinin is currently unknown, and potential resistance mechanisms are not …

Gender And Cocaine Use Influence The Expression Of Urinary Markers Of Inflammation And Oxidative Stress, Marie Meagher Bourgeois

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not gender differences may be present in the expression of a number of urinary proteins which may serve as markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Males and females have different patterns of illness and different life spans, suggesting basic biological traits exert significant control on the incidence of rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, myocardial contraction band formation, autoimmune disorders and general inflammatory diseases. Men are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease; however women, particularly elderly women, have higher fatality rates due to heart failure. Renal diseases progress far more …

Impact Of Tank Material On Water Quality In Household Water Storage Systems In Cochabamba, Bolivia, Cynthia Anne Schafer

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The importance of water as a mechanism for the spread of disease is well recognized. This study conducted household surveys and measured several physical, chemical, and microbial water quality indicators in 37 elevated storage tanks constructed of different materials (polyethylene, fiberglass, cement) located in a peri-urban community near Cochabamba, Bolivia. Results show that although there is no significant difference in physical and chemical water quality between polyethylene, fiberglass and cement water storage tanks there is a difference in microbial contamination as measured by

E. Coli counts (p = 0.082). Evidence points toward elevated water temperatures that increase along the …

Reaves, Gary R. (Sc 2389), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Manuscripts Small Collection 2389. "The Significance of Time in the Novels of Robert Penn Warren," a thesis presented "in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Arts degree," Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, 1963.

Chaney, Thomas Peyton (Sc 2395), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Manuscripts Small Collection 2395. "An Analysis of the Poetry of Robert Penn Warren for Oral Interpretation," a thesis presented "in partial fulfillment of the requirements [for the] degree of Master of Arts," Baylor University, Waco, Texas, 1966.

An Evaluation Of The Prevent-Teach-Reinforce (Ptr) Model In A Community Preschool Setting, Laura L. Kulikowski

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the use of the Prevent-Teach-Reinforce (PTR) model with two four-year-old children in a community preschool classroom. A multiple baseline design across activities was used to assess the teacher implementation of the behavior intervention strategies developed during the PTR team process and the changes in child problem behavior and engagement. Additional measures associated with the outcomes, such as researcher procedural integrity and social validity were assessed. The results suggest that the team of teachers were able to implement the PTR intervention with fidelity, which resulted in a decrease in the children’s problem behavior and an increase in their …

The Relationship Between Knowledge And Beliefs About Human Papillomavirus, Acceptance Of The Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, And Intentions To Practice Safer Sex Behaviors Among Female College Students, Theresa Scorcia-Wilson

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Introduction. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to be highly prevalent among young women, and STIs continue to be a challenging health issue on college campuses. Studies have shown that the highest prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) is among young adult women, ages 20 to 24, including female college students. While the HPV vaccine has proven to be highly effective in preventing certain high-risk types of HPV, it is not effective in preventing all types of HPV or other STIs. Practicing other safer sex behaviors, in addition to condom use, also can help individuals protect themselves and their partners from …

A Stella Model For Integrated Algal Biofuel Production And Wastewater Treatment, Ivy Cormier

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Based on a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Tampa, FL, a dynamic multiple-systems model was developed on the STELLA software platform to explore algae biomass production in wastewater by incorporating two photobioreactors into the WWTP‟s treatment train. Using a mass balance approach, the model examined the synergy through algal growth and substrate removal kinetics, as well as macroeconomic-level analyses of algal biomass conversion to biodiesel, biogas, or fertilizer. A sensitivity analysis showed that biomass production is highly dependent on Monod variables and harvesting regime, and profitability was sensitive to processing costs, market prices of products, and energy environment. The …

A Contingent Valuation Of Tampa’S Urban Forest Resource, Alec Foster

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Urban forests provide environmental, social, and economic benefits to urban residents. These benefits are often overlooked when making spatial and financial distributive decisions in urban areas. The City of Tampa has demonstrated interest in its urban forest resource and estimated its extent and some of the benefits provided. Estimating economic values for benefits that have not been quantified can help to ensure that resources are distributed more efficiently. Five methods to estimate urban forest benefits in the City of Tampa are reviewed, with contingent valuation being the method chosen out of this review process. A mailed, dichotomous choice contingent valuation …

Predictors Of Peer Referral Intentions For Individuals At Risk For Suicide Related Behavior: An Application Of The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Sarah J. Tarquini

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The role of peer gatekeepers is crucial in connecting individuals at risk for suicide

related behaviors to mental health service providers. However, limited research has

focused on the role of peers as potential helpers for those at-risk. The current study

utilized a mixed experimental and correlational design to examine predictors of female

college students’ referral intentions following hypothetical interactions with peers at-risk

for suicide related behavior. More specifically, the current project examined the utility of

an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model of peer-referral intentions. In

addition to the original TPB constructs of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived

behavioral …

Volume 3 - Issue 1: La Créole - A Journal Of Creole History & Genealogy, Lynette Dolliole Johnson, Belmont F. Haydel Ph.D, Kevin Servat, Jari Christopher Louis Honora, Lolita Villavasso Cherrie, Catherine Ladnier, Keila V. Dawson Ph.D, Ina Fandrich Ph.D, Bruce Chesse, Marvin Chachere, Anita R. Paul, Haleemon Shaik Felton, Sheila Prevost

La Créole - A Journal of Creole History & Genealogy

The Louisiana Creole Research Association, Inc., known as LA Creole, was founded on August 21, 2004 as a New Orleans-based, non-profit family research and educational organization. Its purpose is to assist Creoles of Color in researching their ancestry, to educate the general public about Creole history and culture, and to celebrate the contributions and legacy of a unique, sometimes forgotten people. La Créole, the Association’s journal is published annually.

Understanding The Uncapped Poker Florida Legislation Of 2010 And Its Affect On Florida Poker Players, The State Of Florida, And The Game Of Poker Itself., Andrew Phillips

Honors Thesis and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Molecular Mechanism Of Agc Kinases In Human Malignant, Shaokun Shu

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The maintenance of normal cell function and tissue homeostasis is dependent on the precise regulation of multiple signaling pathways that control cellular decisions to either proliferate, differentiate, arrest cell growth, or initiate programmed cell death (apoptosis). Cancer arises when clones of mutated cells escape this balance and proliferate inappropriately without compensatory apoptosis. Deregulated cell growth occurs as a result of perturbed signal transduction that modulates or alters cellular behavior or function to keep the critical balance between the rate of cell-cycle progression (cell division) and cell growth (cell mass) on one hand, and programmed cell death (apoptosis, autophagy) on the …

Molecular Detection Of The Toxic Marine Diatom Pseudo-Nitzschia Multiseries, Jennifer A. Delaney

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The marine diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia includes species that produce domoic acid, a neurotoxin responsible for illness and mortality in both humans and marine wildlife. Because of the expertise and time required for the microscopic discrimination of species, molecular methods that monitor environmental concentrations of Pseudo-nitzschia provide a rapid alternative for the early detection of blooms and prediction of toxin accumulation. We have developed a nucleic acid sequence-based amplification with internal control RNA (IC-NASBA) assay and a quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) assay for the detection of the toxic species P. multiseries targeting the ribulose- 1,5-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase small subunit (rbcS) gene. …

Kinematic And Experimental Evaluation Of Commercial Wheelchair-Mounted Robotic Arms, John William Capille Jr.

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Commercially available wheelchair-mounted robotic arms (WMRAs) are becoming more prevalent internationally but have yet to be largely developed and approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. The purpose of this study was to experimentally evaluate commercially available WMRAs in a controlled test environment. The goal was to quantitatively compare each device through a standardized testing protocol. The study produced theoretical manipulability measurements as well as efficacy ratings of each device based on Denavit-Hartenberg kinematic parameters and physical testing, respectively. Both the manipulator and control devices of WMRA systems were evaluated. The iARM WMRA system was presented …

Lair, John, 1894-1985 (Sc 2380), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid and scan (Click on "Additional Files" below) for Manuscripts Small Collection 2380. Letter, 16 January 1954, from John Lair, Renfro Valley, Kentucky, to S. M. Gowder in Powder Springs, Georgia, regarding the inability to fulfill his request for the 13 December 1953 broadcast of the Renfro Valley Sunday Morning Gathering radio program.

Queering Cognition: Extended Minds And Sociotechnologically Hybridized Gender, Michele Merritt

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In the last forty years, significant developments in neuroscience, psychology, and robotic technology have been cause for major trend changes in the philosophy of mind. One such shift has been the reallocation of focus from entirely brain-centered theories of mind to more embodied, embedded, and even extended answers to the questions,

what are cognitive processes and where do we find such phenomena? Given that hypotheses such as Clark and Chalmers‘ (1998) Extended Mind or Hutto‘s (2006) Radical Enactivism, systematically undermine the organism-bound, internal, and static pictures of minds and allow instead for the distribution of cognitive processes among brains, bodies, …

Contemporary Afro-Cuban Voices In Tampa: Reclaiming Heritage In “America’S Next Greatest City”, Linda M. Callejas

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents findings from ethnographic research conducted with members of the Sociedad La Unión Martí-Maceo, established by segregated Black Cuban cigar workers in Ybor City in 1904. For decades, Tampa officials have initiated numerous urban revitalization projects aimed at developing a world-class tourist destination and metropolitan center. Often, these efforts have centered on highlighting the ethnic history of Ybor City, from which the participation of Black Cubans and the Martí-Maceo Society have been actively excluded or ignored. The main issues related to contemporary Afro- Cuban identity in Tampa and which will be examined in my dissertation, include the changing …

The Biocomplexity Of Benthic Communities Associated With A Shallow-Water Hydrothermal System In Papua New Guinea, David J. Karlen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Shallow-water hydrothermal vents occur world-wide in regions of volcanic activity. The vents located at Tutum Bay, Ambitle Island, Papua New Guinea are unique in that the vent fluids and surrounding sediments contain some of the highest concentrations of arsenic in a natural system. This study addresses the effects of the vent system on the benthic communities, focusing on the eukaryotes, macrofauna, meiofauna and bacteria.

Samples were collected in November 2003 and May/June 2005. Analysis of the 2003 macrofaunal samples indicated that pH, rather than arsenic was influencing the benthic community, and that the hydrothermal influence occurred at a greater distance …

Exploring The Human Interactivity With A Robot To Obtain The Fundamental Properties Of Materials, William L. Christian

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research studies the way in which humans and robots interact with each other. When two humans are working together through a set of robotic devices, do they tend to work together or fight with each other more? In which Cartesian direction do they have the most difficulty? Does fighting drastically affect the performance of the team? Finally, what measures can be taken to promote better cooperation between humans and robots to ultimately allow humans to work just as comfortably with a robotic partner as with a human partner? This research answers these questions and provides an analysis of human-robot …