Digital Commons Network^™

Science Self-Efficacy In Tenth Grade Hispanic Female High School Students, Maria Miller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Historical data have demonstrated an underrepresentation of females and minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions. The purpose of the study considered the variables of gender and ethnicity collectively in relationship to tenth grade Hispanic females' perception of their self-efficacy in science. The correlation of science self-efficacy to science academic achievement was also studied. Possible interventions for use with female Hispanic minority populations might help increase participation in STEM field preparation during the high school career. A population of 272 students was chosen through convenience sampling methods, including 80 Hispanic females. Students were administered a 27-item questionnaire taken …

A Three-Dimensional Bay/Estuary Model To Simulate Water Quality Transport, Jing Yu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the development of a numerical water quality model using a general paradigm of reaction-based approaches. In a reaction-based approach, all conceptualized biogeochemical processes are transformed into a reaction network. Through the decomposition of species governing equations via Gauss-Jordan column reduction of the reaction network, (1) redundant fast reactions and irrelevant kinetic reactions are removed from the system, which alleviates the problem of unnecessary and erroneous formulation and parameterization of these reactions, and (2) fast reactions and slow reactions are decoupled, which enables robust numerical integrations. The system of species transport equations is transformed to reaction-extent transport equations, …

Improving Parent Involvement For Culturally And Lingustically Diverse Parents Of Middle School Students With Disabilities From Urban Settings In Suburban Schools, Michelle Urquhart

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to address the need for improved collaborative experiences for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) parents of students with disabilities. Historically, these individuals have had limited interactions with special education services and professionals, particularly at the middle school level. To improve the collaborative relationship between CLD families and schools, the study offered collaborative training sessions designed to provide opportunities for parents to build on their current knowledge base and skills for effective partnerships with school personnel. The goal of the training was to increase the types and frequency of school involvement by CLD parents. The participants for …

Predictors Of Perceiving Racism In Ambiguous Situations, Teresa Marino

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study used a mixed-experimental analog design to examine 858 undergraduate students' reactions to a scenario depicting a store clerk being mildly rude to a customer. The ethnicity of the clerk and customer were manipulated. Results indicated that participants' beliefs regarding the general prevalence of racism and the degree to which they identify with their respective ethnic group significantly predicted the extent to which they perceived the clerk's behavior as being racially motivated. It also was found that participants' beliefs regarding the general prevalence of racism, levels of cynicism, and attributional style significantly predicted the extent to which they …

The Relationship Between Self-Reported Chronic Stress And Divided Attention Performance, Diane Petrac

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While previous research has extensively examined the effect of acute stress on cognitive performance, relatively little research has explored the relationship between chronic stress and cognitive performance. The current study aimed to control for current state anxiety to better isolate more chronic stress, when examining the relationship with performance on divided attention tasks. Fifty-four university undergraduates, who self-reported a wide range of perceived chronic stress (10-item Perceived Stress Scale), completed the Trail-Making Test and a dual (auditory and visual) Continuous Performance Test (CPT). Hierarchical regressions were performed to explore cognitive predictors of chronic perceived stress. After covarying for state anxiety …

An Evaluation Of The Effects Of A Leisure Education Curriculum On Deliquents' Motivation, Knowledge, And Behavior Changes Related To Boredom, Paul Finn Jr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Adolescents today have more unsupervised and unstructured free time than ever before. Poor decisions by youth during periods of free time may lead to substance abuse, teen pregnancy and juvenile delinquency. The highest frequency of juvenile crime, a major social problem, occurs during the 2-4 hours following the end of the school day. Research has demonstrated the benefits of engaging adolecents in prosocial leisure activity. However, no research has studied the issues of free time and leisure education with a delinquent population. This paper documents the impact of a leisure education curriculum on a population of delinquent youth in a …

Student Disability Services Within The 28 Florida Community Colleges, Alice Godbey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to investigate perceptions and activities of disability support program administrators in Florida community colleges regarding program administration and evaluation. The study further sought to document if any relationships existed between selected organizational and staffing characteristics and the program's ability to follow an established set of standards for program administration and evaluation. A total of 25 disability support administrators (89.3% response rate) completed a phone survey designed for this study. The study revealed that there were many inconsistencies among the higher education disability support programs in regard to programming, staffing and data collecting activities. …

Sarp Net: A Secure, Anonymous, Reputation-Based, Peer-To-Peer Network, Sean Mondesire

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since the advent of Napster, the idea of peer-to-peer (P2P) architectures being applied to file-sharing applications has become popular, spawning other P2P networks like Gnutella, Morpheus, Kazaa, and BitTorrent. This growth in P2P development has nearly eradicated the idea of the traditional client-server structure in the file-sharing model, now placing emphasizes on faster query processing, deeper levels of decentralism, and methods to protect against copyright law violation. SARP Net is a secure, anonymous, decentralized, P2P overlay network that is designed to protect the activity of its users in its own file-sharing community. It is secure in the fact that public-key …

Pharmacological Characterization Of Brain Angiotensin Ii Receptor Function And Ligand Binding, Surinder Kaur

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Disillusionment, Kimberly Lockhart Noll

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Effectiveness And Kinetics Of Ferrate As A Disinfectant For Ballast Water, Andrea L. Jessen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The introduction of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) and bacterial pathogens from discharge of ballast water by sea-faring vessels is an ongoing problem that threatens ecosystems and human health. This study investigates the disinfecting capability of ferrate in a marine environment on several organisms listed in international standards for ballast water management. Organisms were grown in a saline solution and were treated with dosages of ferrate ranging from 0.25-5.0 mg/l. A ferrate dose of 5 mg/l resulted in almost complete kill for all organisms tested. Smaller dosages have also been very effective, particularly if all organic material from the nutrient broth …

System Identification And Fault Detection Of Complex Systems, Dapeng Luo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The proposed research is devoted to devising system identification and fault detection approaches and algorithms for a system characterized by nonlinear dynamics. Mathematical models of dynamical systems and fault models are built based on observed data from systems. In particular, we will focus on statistical subspace instrumental variable methods which allow the consideration of an appealing mathematical model in many control applications consisting of a nonlinear feedback system with nonlinearities at both inputs and outputs. Different solutions within the proposed framework are presented to solve the system identification and fault detection problems. Specifically, Augmented Subspace Instrumental Variable Identification (ASIVID) approaches …

Modeling The Influences Of Personality Preferences On The Selection Of Instructional Strategies Inintelligent Tutoring Systems, Robert Sottilare

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis hypothesizes that a method for selecting instructional strategies (specifically media) based in part on a relationship between learning style preference and personality preference provides more relevant and understandable feedback to students and thereby higher learning effectiveness. This research investigates whether personality preferences are valid predictors of learning style preferences. Since learning style preferences are a key consideration in instructional strategies and instructional strategies are a key consideration in learning effectiveness, this thesis contributes to a greater understanding of the relationship between personality preferences and effective learning in intelligent tutoring systems (ITS). This research attempts to contribute to the …

Heuristic Prioritization Of Emergency Evacuation Staging To Reduce Clearance Time, Steven Mitchell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A region's evacuation strategy encompasses a variety of areas and needs. Primary among these is the minimization of total evacuation time, represented in models as the clearance time estimate (CTE). A generic testbed simulation network model was developed. An input/output (I/O) analysis was performed to establish a theoretical baseline CTE. Results were compared with simulations; analysis showed that the I/O method underestimated simulated CTE as a function of network size, with a correction factor range of 1.09 to 1.19. A regression model was developed for the generic network. Predictors were total trips, and network size defined as a function of …

An Assessment Of Alignment Between Project Complexity And Project Management Style, Alper Camci

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The main drivers for this research are the complexities associated with the project management and an organization's project management style in dealing with these complexities. This research aims to demonstrate that alignment between project complexity and project management style increases project performance and decreases project issues, and also, with increased project issues, project performance deteriorates. In order to test these claims, this research developed measures for assessing project complexity, project management styles and project issues by employing a survey of project management professionals. The measure for project complexity is based on a taxonomy with four categories: organizational complexity, product complexity, …

Intrusion Detection In Wireless Sensor Networks, Hong Nhung Nguyen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There are several applications that use sensor motes and researchers continue to explore additional applications. For this particular application of detecting the movement of humans through the sensor field, a set of Berkley mica2 motes on TinyOS operating system is used. Different sensors such as pressure, light, and so on can be used to identify the presence of an intruder in the field. In our case, the light sensor is chosen for the detection. When an intruder crosses the monitored environment, the system detects the changes of the light values, and any significant change meaning that a change greater than …

A Multi-View Framework For Defining The Services Supply Chain Using Object Oriented Methodology, James Barnard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Supply-chain management is the practice combining theory from logistics, operations management, production management and inventory control. Therefore, it is often associated exclusively with manufacturing or materials management industries. Application of supply-chain management to other industries often results in implementations that do not satisfy the needs of the involved enterprises. To improve the implementation of supply-chain solutions outside of the materials management and manufacturing industries there is a need for industry specific standards. One industry sector in need of a standard is the services industry. The current problem facing the services sector is the inability to adapt current frameworks to the …

Bench Scale Analysis Of Experimental Fouling-Resistent Low Pressure Reverse Osmosis Membranes Using High Organic Surface Water And Synthetic Colloidal Water, Matthew Doan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The utilization of membrane treatment for the production of potable water has become more prevalent in today's industry. As drinking water regulations become more stringent this trend is expected to continue. Widespread use is also a result of membrane treatment being the best available treatment in many cases. While membrane treatment is a proven technology that can produce a consistently superior product to conventional treatment methods, membrane fouling and concentrate disposal are issues that drive up the cost of membrane treatment and can effectively eliminate it from consideration as a treatment alternative. This research focused on membrane fouling. A series …

Alumina-Aluminum Titanate-Titania Nanocomposite: Synthesis, Sintering Studies, Assessment Of Bioactivity And Its Mechanical And Electrical Properties, Vikas Somani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis reports the development, synthesis and characterization of a ceramic-ceramic nanocomposite system for its possible application as structural and electronic biomaterial in the biomedical industry. The study selected and synthesized alumina-aluminum titanate-titania (Al2O3-Al2TiO5-TiO2) nanoceramic composite using a simple Sol-Gel technique, which can be easily reproduced. Aluminum propoxide and titanium propoxide were used as precursor chemicals. Propanol and 2- methoxy ethanol were used as solvent and stabilizer, respectively. Thermal analyses were performed for a systematic understanding of phase evolution from the synthesized gel. X-Ray diffraction technique was used to confirm the phase evolution, phase purity, crystallite size and crystal structure(s) …

Influence Map Methodology For Evaluating Systemic Safety Issues, Timothy Barth

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Raising the bar in safety performance is a critical challenge for many organizations. Contributing factor taxonomies organize information on why accidents occur. Therefore, they are essential elements of accident investigations and safety reporting systems. Organizations must balance efforts to identify causes of specific accidents with efforts to evaluate systemic safety issues in order to become more proactive about improving safety. This research successfully addressed two problems: (1) limited methods and metrics exist to support the design of effective taxonomies, and (2) influence relationships between contributing factors are not explicitly modeled within a taxonomy. The primary result of the taxonomic relationship …

The Effectiveness Of A Specifically Designed Green Roof Stormwater Treatment System Irrigated With Recycled Stormwater Runoff To Achieve Pollutant Removal And Stormwater Volume Reduction, Michael Hardin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One of our greatest threats to surface-water quality is polluted stormwater runoff. In this research, investigated is the use of a green roof irrigated with recycled stormwater runoff to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff and reduce the volume of stormwater runoff leaving developed areas. The green roof properties of interest are the filtration and biological processes as well as the roof's ability to hold water and increase evapotranspiration, reducing the volume of stormwater runoff from the source. Because of the above mentioned reasons the experiment consists of a water quality analysis and a water budget done on several experimental chambers …

Truly Non Invasive Glucose Optical Sensor Based On Metal Nanoparticles Generation, Marisol Garcia

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diabetes is a disease that causes many complications in human normal function. This disease represents the sixth-leading cause of death in USA. Prevention of diabetes-related complications can be accomplished through tight control of glucose levels in blood. In the last decades many different glucose sensors have been developed, however, none of them are really non invasive. Herein, we present the study of the application of gold and silver nanoparticles with different shapes and aspect ratios to detect glucose traces in human fluids such as tears and sweat. This is to our knowledge the first truly non invasive glucose optical sensor, …

Synthesis Of Manganese Oxide Coatings For Adsorption Of Trace Metals From Ground Water / Amey S. Tilak, Amey S. Tilak

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Investigation Of Psychosocial Functioning For Children And Adolescents Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorders, Maura Paczan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study provides a literature review of how the various sub-types of bipolar disorders are related to a child's daily functioning. Also, this study examined the age of onset of the disorder as it is related to psychosocial functioning. Specifically, age of onset was compared with psychosocial functioning in the areas of friends, family and school. Further, the interaction between age of onset, type of bipolar disorder (I, II, NOS), and psychosocial functioning was examined. The results confirmed, youth diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder evidence significant difficulty in overall psychosocial functioning. This finding was consistent across measures (i.e., CGAS and GSA …

An Examination Of The Changes In Depression, Anxiety And Quality Of Life Among Patients Who Undergo Gastric Bypass Surgery, Thomas Petrone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the changes in depression, anxiety and quality of life of patients who underwent gastric by-pass surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the mental health status of 30 patients by comparing the pre and post-operative mental health evaluative data that had been collected at the pre-surgery evaluation and again at the two, four and six-month follow-up appointments. The data included scores from Beck Depression Inventories (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventories (BAI) and Rand 36-Item Quality of Life Health Surveys (SF-36). Surgical intervention treatments of obesity are increasing. Evaluation of the pre-operative and post-operative psychological status of …

Engaging Vernacular Voices: Exploring Online Public Spheres Of Discourse For Everyday Citizens, Linda Schifino

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This project considers the ways in which ordinary citizens engage in public discourse. This work is guided by what Michael Schudson calls the triumph of democratic sensibilities--the expectation that everybody owns public life. A politically active citizenry is, therefore, vital to a healthy democracy. Further, this inquiry assumes a rhetorical view of civic engagement, arguing that participation in a democracy is more than merely casting one's vote. Consequently, it is essential to identify and evaluate the vehicles by which individual citizens can take part in discursive civic life.

The challenge to healthy public spheres of discourse in contemporary American society …

Normative Practices And Normative Identities: A Critical Feminist Investigation Of Pregnancy Ultrasound, Bethany Riddle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pregnancy ultrasound has gained popularity in recent decades. In the U.S. and other industrialized countries, it is an expected part of the medical monitoring that accompanies pregnancy. Most scientific, medical and popular opinions of pregnancy ultrasound consider it to be unequivocally beneficial. However, following feminist researchers who note the potential for the ultrasound to act as a form of surveillance, medicalize the body of the woman while simultaneously removing it from the picture, and sediment the reality of pregnancy, I took as my starting point the idea that it is important that we investigate technologies that are taken for granted …

An Examination Of The Bio-Philosophical Literature On The Definition And Criteria Of Death: When Is Dead Dead And Why Some Donation After Cardiac Death Donors Are Not, Leslie Whetstine

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Human fascination with transplantation has been portrayed in mythology and legend as well as in art and literature throughout history. It has both horrified and captivated our collective conscience and has progressed, in a relatively short time period, from science fiction to a modern accomplishment that can improve longevity and enhance quality of life.

The primary obstacle for transplantation is no longer scientific in nature but is predominantly one of supply and demand and carries with it attendant ethical concerns. Specific to this work is the question of whether a particular method of organ procurement known as Donation After Cardiac …

A Fractal Analysis Of Binding And Dissociation Kinetics For Analytes Related To Various Human Diseases On Biosensor Surfaces, Atul M. Doke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A New Theory And Measure Of Ethical Work Climate: The Psychological Process Model (Ppm) And The Ethical Climate Index (Eci), Anke Arnaud

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With this dissertation I developed a new theory and measure of ethical work climate (EWC). Currently, there exists one dominant theory and measure of EWC developed by Victor and Cullen (1988, 1987). Even though researchers have identified problems with this theory, such as inconsistencies with regard to its limited theoretical scope and troubling psychometric properties, it is the most widely utilized framework for conceptualizing and testing EWC. Therefore, I propose to develop an improved theory and measure of EWC, one capable of addressing some of the principle shortcomings of earlier efforts. Building on Rest's (1986, 1979) "Four-Component" model of individual-level …