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The Transition Through Higher Education: An Exploration Of Challenges, Barriers, And Support Services For Student-Athletes, Lucas Noboa Jan 2020

The Transition Through Higher Education: An Exploration Of Challenges, Barriers, And Support Services For Student-Athletes, Lucas Noboa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

During the recent decades, the importance of intercollegiate athletics has proliferated amongst institutions of higher education. As such, the transition through higher education for student-athletes has increasingly included experiences with challenges and barriers, which influence their success. To address difficulties, institutions and athletics departments have implemented support services and resources to assist student-athletes throughout their transition. Additionally, the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) has conducted several studies, which examined the experiences and well-being of current student-athletes. Through the Growth, Opportunities, Aspirations and Learning of Students in college (GOALS) survey, detailed information has been provided to member institutions, which has influenced …


Structural Equation Modeling (Sem) Analyses Of Perceived Contextual Factors With Departmental Climate For Teaching Quality Improvement In Stem, Eman Saqr Jan 2020

Structural Equation Modeling (Sem) Analyses Of Perceived Contextual Factors With Departmental Climate For Teaching Quality Improvement In Stem, Eman Saqr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This study explored the correlation between perceived contextual factors (leadership, collegiality, resources, professional development, autonomy, and respect) and departmental climate for teaching quality improvement in STEM settings across institutional types and faculty's institutional roles. Institutional types include associate's colleges, doctoral-granting universities, master's colleges and universities, and baccalaureate colleges. Faculty's institutional roles included full professor, associate professor, assistant professor, lecturer, and instructor. Gappa et al.'s (2007) framework regarding faculty work was used to explain the explored correlation. Two hundred and seventy-eight faculty members in STEM settings across institutional types participated in the web survey. A partial least squares structural equation modeling …


Scalable Communication Frameworks For Multi-Agency Data Sharing, Shafaq Chaudhry Jan 2020

Scalable Communication Frameworks For Multi-Agency Data Sharing, Shafaq Chaudhry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

With the rise in frequency and magnitude of natural disasters, there is a need to break down monolithic organizational barriers and engage with community volunteers. This calls for ease of systems interoperability to facilitate communication, data-sharing and scalability of real-time response, essential for crisis communications. We propose two scalable frameworks that enable multi-agency interoperability and real-time data-sharing. The first framework harnesses the power of social media, artificial intelligence, and community volunteers to form an extended rescue-and-response network that alleviates call center burden and augments the finite capacity of dispatch units. Through an "online 9-1-1" service, affected people can request help …


Examining Graduate Student Perspectives And Use Of Web Resources And Tools For Academic Support, Kelly Grieneisen Tillotson Jan 2020

Examining Graduate Student Perspectives And Use Of Web Resources And Tools For Academic Support, Kelly Grieneisen Tillotson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This mixed methods study was conducted to examine University of Central Florida (UCF) graduate student use and perceptions of usefulness of Web resources and tools that may support academic work, research, and academic goals. The frameworks of Connectivism and Personal Learning Networks (PLN) were used as a foundation to support the importance of Web resources and tools in relation to student learning, academic support, and progression. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected from active UCF graduate students using an electronic survey, with 998 participants completing the survey. Data analysis was conducted using an ANOVA one-way test to compare program mode …


Exploring The Intersection Of Spiritual And Sexual Orientation Identity Development In Lgbt Undergraduate Graduates Of Faith-Based Institutions, Lavina Seawright Jan 2020

Exploring The Intersection Of Spiritual And Sexual Orientation Identity Development In Lgbt Undergraduate Graduates Of Faith-Based Institutions, Lavina Seawright

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the intersection and experiences of spiritual and sexual orientation identity development in LGBT graduates of faith-based institutions. Guided by Crenshaw's (1984), framework on intersectionality, this qualitative study was conducted through six in-depth interviews with LGBT graduates of faith-based institutions from Protestant faiths. Collected data was transcribed and analyzed using Colaizzi's (1978) process for phenomenological data. Four themes emerged from the data analysis: commitment to religious affiliation; positive campus environment; negative campus environment; and identity congruence and dissonance. Additionally, participants were asked to identify their institutions as liberal, conservative, or neither liberal …


Tenth Graders' Response To Dystopian Literature: An Exploratory Ethnography, Tevin Williams Jan 2020

Tenth Graders' Response To Dystopian Literature: An Exploratory Ethnography, Tevin Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Dystopian literature allows for there to be an avenue, or safety net as I would call it, for people to be able to discuss topics of a harsh nature. Students or young adults today are becoming increasingly more apolitical upon completion of high school. This is due in part to the lack of information or knowledge given to them prior to entering, "the real world." The gravity of situations occurring in today's world during the time of this paper such as the how similar living with COVID-19 is to a dystopian society, or the Black Lives Matter movement, it is …


A Solid-Solution Approach To Multivariate Metal-Organic Frameworks And Their Interactions With Light, Wesley Newsome Jan 2020

A Solid-Solution Approach To Multivariate Metal-Organic Frameworks And Their Interactions With Light, Wesley Newsome

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This thesis studies the application of a substitutional solid solution (SSS) approach to multivariate metal organic frameworks (MTV MOFs) with a focus on preparing functional organic-inorganic materials. MOFs are a class of crystalline coordination polymers that form 3-dimensional structures with pores. The empty space in the unit cell of these materials allows for the incorporation of functionalized links and leads to a sub-class known as MTV MOFs, where multiple links of varied functionality are incorporated into the same material. MTV MOFs function similarly to the inorganic concept of SSS were a solute atom is dissolved inside a matrix, allowing for …


His Voice: The Portrayals Of Lgbtq+ Issues In Musical Theatre Seen Through Terrence Mcnally's A Man Of No Importance, Alex Mendez Jan 2020

His Voice: The Portrayals Of Lgbtq+ Issues In Musical Theatre Seen Through Terrence Mcnally's A Man Of No Importance, Alex Mendez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

As a young theatre educator and director, I have found myself to be most impacted by LGBTQ+ works that provide perspectives on controversial topics that exist in today's society. It has dawned on me that representation through theatre is impactful for audiences who are able to relate to the characters in the story that is being told, and through this, can find their own voice in a world where they may feel silenced. In an ever-changing educational world, we as educators are always pushed to innovate and create strategies that can elevate how stories are told through theatre. Through conversations …


How Artists Can Capture Us: Educating About The Works Of Stephen Sondheim Through Parody, Jarrett Poore Jan 2020

How Artists Can Capture Us: Educating About The Works Of Stephen Sondheim Through Parody, Jarrett Poore

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This thesis examined the modern renaissance man and his relationship between musical theatre history and parody; it examined how the modern artist created, produced, and facilitated an original parody in which humor can both influence and enhance an individual's interest in the art form. In the creation and production of The Complete Works of Stephen Sondheim [abridged], I showcased factual insight on one of the most prolific writers of musical theatre and infused it with comedy in order to educate and create appeal for Stephen Sondheim's works, especially those lesser known, to a wider theatrical audience. My two greatest research …


Initiating Change, Connection, And Community, Janine Papin Jan 2020

Initiating Change, Connection, And Community, Janine Papin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Augusto Boal said "Theatre is a form of knowledge; it should and can also be a means of transforming society. Theatre can help us build our future, rather than just waiting for it." I have been a teacher in a private school setting for 27 years. In my work with students, it becomes increasingly important to me that the projects in which I engage become transformative, not only for me and my students, but for my audiences as well. Finding ways that promote awareness of social justice, both locally and globally, has become paramount. My ongoing goal is to inspire …


Playing Disability, Daniel Romano Jan 2020

Playing Disability, Daniel Romano

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Disability in performance has a long history, starting with fictional characters such as Shakespeare's Gloucester/Richard, progressing through the freak shows of the early twentieth century, and finally with artists such as Neil Marcus, Mat Fraser and Deaf West Theatre in the past twenty years. Looking to the work of disabled artists, activists, and theorists such as Petra Kuppers and Carrie Sandahl, I will examine the history of both disability in performance and the performance of disability. I will discuss my performance of Garret, a man with muscular dystrophy, in my original play, The Sick Parents Club. Through analysis of what …


Quantum Biology? From Dna Point Mutations To Fibril Formation In Alzheimer Disease, Eduardo Romero Camacho Jan 2020

Quantum Biology? From Dna Point Mutations To Fibril Formation In Alzheimer Disease, Eduardo Romero Camacho

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

In the '60s, Löwdin explored the realm of Quantum Biology. Löwdin defined Quantum Biology as the use of quantum mechanics to study the activity and molecular properties of biologically active molecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. This dissertation aims to describe molecules of biological interest such as DNA base pairs and amyloid-beta peptides and treat them using a quantum mechanical approach. We used electronic structure methods to achieve the quantum biological nature of these molecules under our computational power, tools, and techniques. In chapter 2, we present the quantum mechanical description of the spontaneous mutations in DNA base pairs …


Bridging The Gap: An Exploration Of Women As The Driving Force Of Political Participation Within The Latino Population In Central Florida, Meldin Graziani-Califano Jan 2020

Bridging The Gap: An Exploration Of Women As The Driving Force Of Political Participation Within The Latino Population In Central Florida, Meldin Graziani-Califano

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

With minorities expected to become the majority in the U.S. by 2050, it is important to consider the impact of diverse groups as political influencers and decision-makers. Despite an ever-growing population, levels of political participation in the form of voter turnout remain low among Latinos. As a matter of public policy, political participation is essential to groups who are under-represented in political structures. Puerto Ricans within Central Florida represent one of the largest concentrations of Latinos in the state of Florida, a population which in recent years has demonstrated a greater interest in political participation. This brings into question the …


Using Project-Based Learning As A Tool For Teaching Mathematics In Urban Elementary Schools, Bernadette Jaster Jan 2020

Using Project-Based Learning As A Tool For Teaching Mathematics In Urban Elementary Schools, Bernadette Jaster

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the lived experiences and views of fourth- and fifth-grade math teachers who implemented project-based learning (PBL) addressed the needs of their at-risk students in urban schools. The researcher examined the use of PBL in mathematics-impacted instruction, seeking to understand teacher beliefs related to the influence of exposure to PBL experiences on students' academic outcomes. When deliberately planned and embedded into teaching, the implementation of PBL helps students retain content, improve attitudes about learning, and improve their ability to collaborate with others (Cervantes et al., 2015). A literature review was conducted to …


Social Support And Mental Health Outcomes Of Lgb People Of Color, Jessica Ruiz Jan 2020

Social Support And Mental Health Outcomes Of Lgb People Of Color, Jessica Ruiz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual people of color (LGB PoC) continue to remain an understudied population. Research supports that LGB PoC may experience greater negative health consequences compared to LGB racial/ethnic majority populations. Social support, including family and peer support, is often associated with positive health outcomes for sexual minorities of all backgrounds. The present study sought to evaluate differences between types of social support, including what occurs when one is faced with significant loss of support (i.e., family support). Comparisons between groups sought to determine whether alternative systems of support (i.e., peer social support) buffers against the negative impact of …


Non-Linear Inverse Liquid-Solid Chromatography As A Methodology To Characterize Drug Concentration Losses To Polymeric Materials Used In Body-On-A-Chip Devices For Drug Discovery, Mark Schnepper Jan 2020

Non-Linear Inverse Liquid-Solid Chromatography As A Methodology To Characterize Drug Concentration Losses To Polymeric Materials Used In Body-On-A-Chip Devices For Drug Discovery, Mark Schnepper

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Body-on-a-chip and human-on-a-chip systems are currently being used to augment and could eventually replace animal models in drug discovery and basic biological research. However, hydrophobic molecules, especially therapeutic compounds, tend to adsorb to the polymer materials used to create these microfluidic platforms, which may distort the dose-response curves that feed into Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) models which translate preclinical data into predictions of clinical outcomes. Adsorption of hydrophobic molecules to these polymer materials needs better characterization. Inverse Liquid-Solid Chromatography paired with a numerical optimization based on the Langmuir model of adsorption was used to characterize the adsorption isotherm parameters of selected drugs …


Interdisciplinary Cybersecurity For Resilient Cyberdefense, Rachid Ait Maalem Lahcen Jan 2020

Interdisciplinary Cybersecurity For Resilient Cyberdefense, Rachid Ait Maalem Lahcen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Cybersecurity's role is to protect confidentiality, integrity, and availability of enterprise assets. Confidentiality secures data from theft, integrity mitigates modification of data in a malicious way, and availability assures continuation of systems' access and services. However, achieving these goals is difficult due to the mushrooming of various cyber attackers that come from individuals or state actors with motives ranging from ideological, financial, state-sponsored espionage, revenge, or simple curiosity and boredom. The difficulty also lies in the complexity of the cyber layers that are not well studied. Layers that interconnect and require effective communication and collaboration. This effectiveness is still lacking …


Total Synthesis Of Natural Products From Oxidative Dearomatization, Nameer Ezzat Jan 2020

Total Synthesis Of Natural Products From Oxidative Dearomatization, Nameer Ezzat

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The goal of our research is to prepare natural products and related core structures through oxidative dearomatization. The development of a stereoselective iron (III)-mediated intramolecular cascade dearomatization of phenol allowed access to various spirocyclohexadienones and tropons in one step using potassium ferricyanide via single electron transfer (SET). Using this oxidative dearomatization reaction, the thesis focuses on three main parts. The first part is the synthetic efforts toward total synthesis of Harringtonolide. The second part focused on the synthesis of spiro[4.5]decane, a core structure in multiple natural products. The spiro compounds were prepared from ortho hydroxyphenyl nitroalkanes using SET reaction with …


Understanding Solidification Behavior Of Selected Aluminum And Magnesium Alloys Additively Manufactured By Laser Powder Bed Fusion, Holden Hyer Jan 2020

Understanding Solidification Behavior Of Selected Aluminum And Magnesium Alloys Additively Manufactured By Laser Powder Bed Fusion, Holden Hyer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, has demonstrated the ability to produce customized, complex engineering components from metallic alloys, not previously possible with traditional techniques such as subtractive machining of cast alloys. However, many desired lightweight metallic alloys such as high strength aluminum (Al) and magnesium (Mg) alloys, cannot be processed dense with AM due to the consequence of solidification cracking. Thus, a large knowledge gap remains in assessing already existing, and genesis of new alloys that can be processed dense by AM, without solidification cracking. The present work investigates the AM processing and solidification behavior of selected …


Online Education Implementation Processes And The Preparedness Of Mid-Level Enrollment Management Practitioners To Develop Quality Services For Fully Online Students, Chiquita Lane Jan 2020

Online Education Implementation Processes And The Preparedness Of Mid-Level Enrollment Management Practitioners To Develop Quality Services For Fully Online Students, Chiquita Lane

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

According to Zawacki-Richter, Backer, and Vogt (2009), literature focusing on student services falls into three general categories: learning theories and attrition research, student needs and satisfaction, and models for best practices. Research addressing the specific training needs of student affairs practitioners responsible for implementing and managing student support services for online students is not a major area of focus (Moore & Kearsley, 2012). Therefore, unlike the faculty and technology subsystems, the student affairs subsystem has not become securely anchored in delivering services to fully online students (Crawley & Howe, 2016; Moore, 2013; Moore & Kearsley, 2012). The lack of research …


The Relationship Between Familism And Social Distancing Behaviors During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Thien-An Le Jan 2020

The Relationship Between Familism And Social Distancing Behaviors During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Thien-An Le

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Transmission of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) occurs efficiently and from symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, therefore making it highly infectious. As such, social distancing is generally recommended to mitigate the speed of transmission and decrease incidence, hospitalization, and mortality rates. Consistent with other chronic medical conditions, COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting Hispanic/Latinx and black populations. One inherent cultural concept, familism, might also serve to inhibit adherence to social distancing guidelines. Thus, the current study contributes to the growing literature on COVID-19, specifically examining barriers underscoring health disparities. This study evaluated Attitudinal Familism (AFS) and Behavioral Familism (BFS) as predictors of adherence of social …


Reconstruction Of Bacterial Strain Genomes From Shotgun Metagenomic Reads, Xin Li Jan 2020

Reconstruction Of Bacterial Strain Genomes From Shotgun Metagenomic Reads, Xin Li

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

It is necessary to study bacterial strains in environmental samples. The environmental samples are mixed DNA samples collected from the ocean, soil, lake, human body sites, etc. In a natural environment, they provide us new insights into the diversity of our earth. As for bacterial strains on or inside human bodies, to select the proper treatment for diseases caused by bacterial strains, it is critical to identify the corresponding strains and reconstruct their genomes. However, it is a challenge to do so with the DNA from a large number of unknown microbial species mixed together in an environmental sample. The …


Analyzing User Behavior In Collaborative Environments, Samaneh Saadat Jan 2020

Analyzing User Behavior In Collaborative Environments, Samaneh Saadat

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Discrete sequences are the building blocks for many real-world problems in domains including genomics, e-commerce, and social sciences. While there are machine learning methods to classify and cluster sequences, they fail to explain what makes groups of sequences distinguishable. Although in some cases having a black box model is sufficient, there is a need for increased explainability in research areas focused on human behaviors. For example, psychologists are less interested in having a model that predicts human behavior with high accuracy and more concerned with identifying differences between actions that lead to divergent human behavior. This dissertation presents techniques for …


The Good Ol' Days: How Sociopolitical Climate Influences Motivations To Seek Historical Nostalgic Media Experiences Versus Non-Nostalgic Media Experiences And The Outcomes Of Those Experiences, Samantha Rosenthal Jan 2020

The Good Ol' Days: How Sociopolitical Climate Influences Motivations To Seek Historical Nostalgic Media Experiences Versus Non-Nostalgic Media Experiences And The Outcomes Of Those Experiences, Samantha Rosenthal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Nostalgia is a complex cognitive and affective experience and has been described by some as a "social emotion" (Goulding, 2002; Merchant & Rose, 2013; Wildschut et al., 2006). Through nostalgic media experiences, people can develop connections to prior eras or periods in society which are accompanied by a range of emotions and feelings. Perceptions of the past are influenced by experiences in the present. Because of this, it is possible that people's perceptions of their current political climates and society play a role in how they seek and react to media experiences, including nostalgic media experiences. Considering how the political …


It's A Small World After All: Exploring Mobile Dating Application Use And Sexual Partner Networks Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men (Bmsm), Donovan Williams Jan 2020

It's A Small World After All: Exploring Mobile Dating Application Use And Sexual Partner Networks Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men (Bmsm), Donovan Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Research supports risky sexual behaviors are especially pervasive traits in high risk groups such as gay and bisexual men; and despite representing a mere 12% of the total LGBTQ population, Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) are at highest risk for transmitting and contracting HIV and other non-HIV sexually transmitted diseases. Even knowing this, the disparity of research coverage of BMSM compared to White MSM is staggering. Recent research has indicated MSM are at even greater risk than before since the advent of mobile dating apps. Online partnering via mobile apps has been linked to overlapping sexual partner …


Law Enforcement In Schools: Evolving Roles In Florida, Tricia Bridges Jan 2020

Law Enforcement In Schools: Evolving Roles In Florida, Tricia Bridges

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

In response to several pieces of state legislation aimed at increasing safety in public school settings, school districts in Florida were provided state funding and given the autonomy to partner with local law enforcement agencies on school safety issues. One such issue is providing safety for students with disabilities, namely; autism. A school district in central Florida chose to ensure either a city police officer or sheriff deputy was placed in each public school within their zone, serving as a school resource officer (SRO). The purpose of this research study was to examine the lived experiences of SROs, including exploration …


Identification Of Novel Antimalarials From Natural Product Inspired Libraries, David Perry Jan 2020

Identification Of Novel Antimalarials From Natural Product Inspired Libraries, David Perry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

To identify novel antimalarials from unexplored areas of chemical space, we have utilized two approaches: (a) using Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies (TPIMS) proprietary high-density combinatorial libraries containing a large number of small molecule compounds residing largely in the underexplored areas of chemical space; and, (b) using novel, complexity-to-diversity/ring distortion of available natural products. The first approach involved the screening of more than 30 million compounds derived from 81 small molecule libraries, built on 81 distinct scaffolds. From this, we identified the pyrrolidine bis-cyclic guanidine library (TPI-1955) to be one of the most active and selective for antiplasmodial activity. …


Emulsion Characterization Study For Improved Bilgewater Treatment And Management, Daniela Diaz Hernandez Jan 2020

Emulsion Characterization Study For Improved Bilgewater Treatment And Management, Daniela Diaz Hernandez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The need for proper management of bilgewater to meet discharge regulations (e.g., 15 ppm oil) has revealed the necessity to expand the current understanding of bilgewater emulsions. This study proposed to evaluate emulsion stability under various environmental conditions and to identify governing parameters for emulsion formation. The stabilizing properties of eight-commercial cleaners and two-neat surfactants were evaluated. In situ characterization techniques were used for monitoring emulsion stability. Additionally, a needle-type pH microsensor and fluorescence spectroscopy were used for analyzing mass transfer at the oil-water interface. Water quality of extracted bilgewater showed to highly vary between vessels (e.g., conductivity: 1.74 -- …


Green Trust Perceptions Of Eco-Labels, Rebecca Dupont Jan 2020

Green Trust Perceptions Of Eco-Labels, Rebecca Dupont

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Sustainability in the United States trends a new marketing demand for eco-labels yet brands often skip regulation to obtain these labels and break consumer trust. The country currently has over 200 eco-labels, leaving consumers overwhelmed and confused. In the present study, 3 focus groups of 6-8 participants were interviewed about their opinions, perceptions and attitudes towards eco-labels. A thematic analysis of the focus group audio was completed. The results indicated that participants desire products with eco-labels yet paradoxically distrust eco-labeled products.


Copper/N-Acetylcysteine Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesis, Characterization, And Antimicrobial Activities, Danya Belnour Jan 2020

Copper/N-Acetylcysteine Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesis, Characterization, And Antimicrobial Activities, Danya Belnour

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

In recent years, there is a growing interest in developing metal based antimicrobial nanomaterials suitable for agricultural and biomedical applications. For centuries, Copper (Cu) biocide has been used for protecting a wide variety of crops from devastating bacterial and fungal diseases. However, prolonged and aggressive use of Cu led to the development of resistance and accumulation in soil. The latter has been linked to aquatic toxicity due to soil Cu leaching. Furthermore, copper build up in soil causes phytotoxicity and reduces uptake of micronutrient Zn through the root system. In biomedical field, Cu has been historically used as an antimicrobial …