Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of Time-Compressed Audio And Adjunct Images On Learner Recall, Recognition, And Satisfaction, Albert Dieter Ritzhaupt

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of time-compressed narration and representational adjunct images on undergraduate college students' 1) ability to recall and recognize information in a multimedia learning environment, and 2) overall satisfaction with this type of learning environment. The goals of this research were to shed light on time-compression technology incorporated into multimedia learning environments, help fill the existing gap in the research literature by merging two disjoint bodies of research, and aid instructors and instructional designers to better understand time-compression technology while creating rigorous multimedia materials.

This research was guided by the underlying principles …

Freeway Exit Ramp Traffic Flow Research Based On Computer Simulation, Xu Wang

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Interstate highways are one of the most important components of the transportation infrastructure in America. Freeway ramps play an important role in the whole interstate transportation system.

This paper researches the traffic flow characteristics of four typical exit ramps in USA, which are tapered one-lane exit, tapered two-lane exit, parallel one-lane exit and parallel two-lane exit. Computer simulation software, such as CORSIM and HCS are applied as the main tools in this research. ANOVA and Tukey are used for statistical purpose.

It compares the maximum capacity, average running speed and the total lane change number of those four exit ramps. …

The Effects Of A Structured Adherence Intervention To Haart On Adherence And Treatment Response Outcomes, Donald E. Kurtyka

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: Adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) medications in excess of 90-95% is necessary for optimal response to suppress HIV replication and to maintain and/or restore immune function. A number of interventions have been shown to improve ARV adherence, but no research has been conducted which evaluates proactive monitoring of pharmacy refill adherence and subsequent intervention when inadequate adherence is identified.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to compare treatment response, pharmacy refill adherence and self-reported medication adherence between two groups of patients: those participating in an AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) and those participating in a Medicaid-funded medication access program. …

Privacy In Database Designs: A Role Based Approach, Gary A. Poe

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Privacy concerns have always been present in every society. The introduction of information technology information has enabled a reduction in the cost of gathering information, management of that information and the permitted that same information to become increasingly portable. Coupled with these reductions of cost has been an increase in the demand for information as well as the concern that privacy expectations be respected and enforced through security systems that safeguard access to private-type data. Security systems enforce privacy expectations. Unfortunately there is no consensus on a definition of privacy making the specification of security often over broad and resulting …

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy For Children Diagnosed With Reactive Attachment Disorder, Demetria Soulounias-Arriaga

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is a probably efficacious, evidenced-based

treatment, which has been proven to decrease problem behaviors of children, as well as

improve parent-child interactions. The first phase is the Child-Directed Interaction (CDI),

which allows the child to lead the play session, while parents are taught to interact

without giving demands, asking questions, or providing criticism. According to the

DSM-IV-TR, Reactive Attachment Disorder is a rare diagnosis. Many attachment

therapists indicate that traditional approaches to treatment have not been demonstrated as

being effective with these children. This study will examine the CDI phase of Parent-

Child Interaction Therapy as a …

Participatory Fandom In American Culture: A Qualitative Case Study Of Dragoncon Attendees, Katherine L. Fleming

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

With the rise of the mass media over the last century, fame and celebrity seem to have evolved into ever-growing phenomena. Likewise, audience members have sought increasing involvement with people or activities related to the focus of their interest. These individuals are not content to simply watch their favorite actors or films from home. Instead, they take a more active approach, engaging in activities related to their fandom as well as seeking interaction with each other in organized groups (in person and on the Internet), attending conventions, and seeking interaction with celebrities.

This study presents a discussion of fame, celebrity, …

The Validity Of Personality Trait Interactions For The Prediction Of Managerial Job Performance, Amy M. Taylor

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Personality variables have been shown to be significant predictors of job performance (Barrick & Mount, 1991; Tett, Jackson, & Rothstein, 1991). Recent advances in methodology for analyzing personality-job performance relationships indicate that interactions among traits may yield incremental validity. Job types in which performance has been shown to relate to trait interactions include clerical jobs, jobs with high interpersonal components, and jobs in realistic and conventional contexts, (Witt, Burke, Barrick, & Mount, 2002; Burke & Witt, 2002; and Burke & Witt, 2004). This study examined the validity of trait interactions for the prediction of managerial job performance. Hypotheses included a …

Florida Red Tides: Public Perceptions Of Risk, Sara E. Allen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research integrates the theoretical implications of risk perception, the social amplification of risk, and the role of place-specific contexts, in order to explore the various perceptions surrounding Florida red tides. Florida red tides are a naturally-occurring event, yet most scientists agree that they are increasing in frequency, duration, and severity. This has profound implication for public health, the local economy, and the biological community. While many of the negative impacts are not easily controllable at this time, some of the secondary impacts can be mitigated through individuals' responses. Unfortunately, public perceptions and consequent reactions to red tides have not …

Standing Up With The King: A Critical Look At Stephen King's Epic, Jenifer Michelle D'Elia

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, it is my intention to show how Stephen King transcends genre, creates and maintains a viable Secondary Reality, and treats capably those literary techniques that critics expect of a serious writer. In addition, I will discuss the ways in which King has secured the loyalty of his Constant Reader. The primary means of my analysis will be through a close reading of the "expanded and uncut" version of The Stand, one of the classics in King's arsenal.

I will begin with an overview of the general set-up in the novel---the start in Arnette, Texas, the actions …

Mechanical Properties Of Silicon Carbide (Sic) Thin Films, Jayadeep Deva Reddy

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

There is a technological need for hard thin films with high elastic modulus. Silicon Carbide (SiC) fulfills such requirements with a variety of applications in high temperature and MEMS devices. A detailed study of SiC thin films mechanical properties was performed by means of nanoindentation. The report is on the comparative studies of the mechanical properties of epitaxially grown cubic (3C) single crystalline and polycrystalline SiC thin films on Si substrates. The thickness of both the Single and polycrystalline SiC samples were around 1-2 µm. Under indentation loads below 500 µ-Newton both films exhibit Elastic contact without plastic deformation. Based …

Mounted On A Pedestal: Bertha Honoré Palmer, Hope L. Black

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The thesis Mounted on a Pedestal, chronicles the life of Bertha Honoré Palmer. The focus of her story are the years after 1910, when she traveled to Sarasota, Florida and heralded the flight to the southernmost state, leading the pack in the purchase and development of land in the Sarasota/ Tampa Bay area. The totality of her years prior to that time serve as a prelude to her accomplishments and the vicissitudes of her life in the sleepy little fishing village she found.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1849, she was provided with a privileged, comfortable childhood and a …

Nano Scale Based Model Development For Mems To Nems Migration, Andres Lombo Carrasquilla

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A novel integrated modeling methodology for NEMS is presented. Nano scale device models include typical effects found, at this scale, in various domains. The methodology facilitates the insertion of quantum corrections to nanoscale device models when they are simulated within multi-domain environments, as is performed in the MEMS industry. This methodology includes domain-oriented approximations from ab-initio modeling. In addition, the methodology includes the selection of quantum mechanical compact models that can be integrated with basic electronic circuits or non-electronic lumped element models.

Nanoelectronic device modeling integration in mixed signal systems is reported. The modeling results are compatible with standard hardware …

Examining Physicians’ Motivations To Volunteer: An Applied Visual Anthropological Approach, Jess Paul Ambiee

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In the U.S., the number of persons who cannot afford health care continues to rise. Providing a "safety net" for such persons is becoming increasingly important. Medical professional volunteerism provides access to health care for people who have little or no access to health care otherwise.

At a not-for-profit free health clinic in Tampa, Florida, hundreds of physicians have volunteered their time in an attempt to reduce the health care gap in their community. The clinic sees thousands of persons who have very limited options in regards to their health care. This study investigates the reasons physicians volunteer and the …

Situating The Perception And Communication Of Flood Risk: Components And Strategies, Heather M. Bell

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Loss prevention and distribution must begin well before a flood event at multiple levels. However, the benchmarks and terminology we use to manage and communicate flood risk may be working against this goal. U.S. flood policy is based upon a flood with a one percent chance of occurring in any year. Commonly called the "hundred year flood," it has been upheld as a policy criterion, but many have questioned the effectiveness of hundred year flood terminology in public communication.

This research examined public perceptions of the hundred year flood and evaluated the comparative effectiveness of this term and two other …

Friendships Between Men: Masculinity As A Relational Experience, Matthew L. Brooks

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is an auto/ethnographic account of close friendships between the researcher and other men. The various narratives contain intimate dialogues about being a man, having friends, and the process of resisting and succumbing to orthodox masculinity. The purpose of the research was to investigate and artfully depict the communication and development of close friendships between the researcher and other men, in hope of gaining more knowledge of the difficulty forming and maintaining male friendships given the strictures of orthodox masculinity.

The research combines methods of autoethnography and dialogic conversations with four male friends. In the first chapter I set …

Processing And Characterization Of Zinc Oxide Thin Films, Michael Depaz

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Zinc oxide is a very versatile material that can be used in many microsystems and MEMS applications. ZnO thin film has been utilized in a wide variety of MEMS devices because of its unique piezoelectric, optical, and electrical properties. In particular, piezoelectric property of ZnO can be used in numerous applications from resonators and filters to mass sensors and micro-actuators (e.g., micro-valve and micro-pump). Because of its versatility, this research was focused on analyzing some key properties of ZnO thin film achieved by two different deposition techniques, Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) and Sputtering. Multiple experiments were conducted in order to …

The Relationship Of Cognitive, Emotional, And Interpersonal Factors To Screening And Health­Promoting Behaviors Among Sisters Of Breast Cancer Patients, Sheri Jacobs Hartman

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

While sisters of breast cancer patients are at increased risk for developing breast cancer due to their family cancer history and age, little research with first-degree relatives of cancer patients has focused solely on sisters. To address this issue, the current study examined sisters screening and health behaviors and the predictors of these behaviors. In accordance with the Parallel Processing Theory, the current study assessed the relationship of cognitive and emotional factors to screening and health-promoting behaviors among sisters of breast cancer patients. In addition, this study expanded upon the Parallel Processing Theory by also examining the relationship of interpersonal …

A Gis-Based Approach To Evaluating Changes In Wetland Areal Extent And Structure Between 1926 And 1999 For Selected Hydrological Sub-Basins In Pinellas County, Florida, Pamela J. Fetterman

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A GIS-based study was undertaken comparing wetland coverages in 1926 and 1999 in selected sub-basins within Pinellas County, Florida, one of the most highly urbanized counties in south-central Florida with almost 50% of the existing land area developed into industrial, commercial or residential land uses (Pinellas County Planning Department, 2002). Wetlands were digitized from rectified 1926 aerials and classified according to the FLUCCS classification system. Wetland coverage for the 1999 data set was extracted from FLUCCS 1999 land use coverage provided by the SWFWMD, and topology for both the 1926 and 1999 wetland and surface waters were created. Statistical and …

Measuring Diversity Management Skill: Development And Validation Of A Situational Judgment Test, Andrew Biga

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As a result of both demographic and social changes in the U.S., organizations have become much more diverse. Diversity presents unique challenges for management as it is linked to both positive and negative organizational performance outcomes (Mannix & Neale, 2005). Diversity, by itself, may not be sufficient to achieve competitive advantage. Effective diversity management becomes an important issue for organizations to consider. The current research uses Situational Judgment Test (SJT) methodology to develop an assessment measuring Diversity Management Skill. The development of a SJT involves a three-step process: Creation of critical incidents, generation of response options, and use of SME …

Integrin Mediated Mechanotransduction In Renal Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells, Lavanya Balasubramanian

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Integrins are transmembrane heterodimeric proteins that link extracellular matrix (ECM) to cytoskeleton and have been shown to function as mechanotransducers in non-muscle cells. Synthetic integrin-binding peptide triggers Ca²⁺ mobilization and contraction in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from rat afferent arteriole, indicating that interactions between ECM and integrins modulate vascular tone. RGD, an integrin binding peptide, triggered contraction in cultured VSMCs as observed by Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing technique. To examine whether integrins transduce extracellular mechanical stress into intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling events in VSMCs, unidirectional mechanical force was applied to freshly isolated renal VSMCs through paramagnetic beads coated …

Reading Fluency Through Alternative Text: Rereading With An Interactive Sing-To-Read Program Embedded Within A Middle School Music Classroom, Marie Biggs

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Singing exaggerates the language of reading. The students find their voices in the rhythm and bounce of language by using music as an alternative text. A concurrent mixed methods study was conducted to investigate the use of an interactive sing-to-read program Tune Into Reading (Electronic Learning Products, 2006) as an alternative text, embedded within a heterogeneous music classroom. Measured by the Qualitative Reading Inventory-4 (QRI-4) (Leslie & Caldwell, 2006), the fluency, word recognition, comprehension, and instructional reading level of the treatment students were compared to their counterparts who sang as part of the regular music program. Concurrently, this investigation also …

Development Of Micro/Nanosensor Elements And Packaging Techniques For Oceanography, Shyam Aravamudhan

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this research, novel high resolution reinforced diaphragm MEMS piezoresistive pressure sensors were designed, fabricated and tested to measure physical phenomena (such as depth/pressure variations) in the ocean. To complement the physical sensing elements, a microfluidic electrochemical nitrate sensor, was also developed to detect chemical fluxes. The electrochemical sensor was designed and packaged to conform to a flow through system. The multisensor approach will enable better measurement quality compared to the current ocean sensors. This, in turn, will potentially improve the current understanding of physical and biogeochemical processes from coastal to deep-sea environment.

The pressure sensor element utilized a reinforced …

Cooperative Localization In Wireless Networked Systems, Mauricio Castillo-Effen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A novel solution for the localization of wireless networked systems is presented. The solution is based on cooperative estimation, inter-node ranging and strap-down inertial navigation. This approach overrides limitations that are commonly found in currently available localization/positioning solutions. Some solutions, such as GPS, make use of previously deployed infrastructure. In other methods, computations are performed in a central fusion center. In the robotics field, current localization techniques rely on a simultaneous localization and mapping, (SLAM), process, which is slow and requires sensors such as laser range finders or cameras.

One of the main attributes of this research is the holistic …

Silicon Carbide Biocompatibility, Surface Control And Electronic Cellular Interaction For Biosensing Applications, Camilla Coletti

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cell-semiconductor hybrid systems are a potential centerpiece in the scenery of biotechnological applications. The selection and study of promising crystalline semiconductor materials for bio-sensing applications is at the basis of the development of such hybrid systems. In this work we introduce crystalline SiC as an extremely appealing material for bio-applications. For the first time we report biocompatibility studies of different SiC polytypes whose results document the biocompatibility of this material and its capability of directly interfacing cells without the need of surface functionalization. Since the successful implementation of biosensors requires a good understanding and versatile control of the semiconductor surface …

The Effects Of Mentoring On The Elementary Special Education Mentor, Maria Angeliadis

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Increasingly, mentor programs are being developed in teacher education programs to assist novice teachers. The focus in most of the literature on mentoring is on the new teacher being mentored. While the mentor teacher appears to be the most crucial element in mentoring programs (Feinman-Nemser, 1992; Little, 1990; White, 1995), there is not much information about how a teacher experiences being a mentor or the perceived benefits to a mentor.

The purpose of this present study was to examine the effects of mentoring on mentors in order to: (a) address the gap in the literature by exploring the effects of …

Interagency Collaboration And Communication: Funders And Service Providers Working Together To Create A Management Service Organization, Beth E. Eschenfelder

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Charitable nonprofit organizations are growing in number and scope, but the body of literature and knowledge about communication within these organizations is limited. Today, charitable organizations face a flurry of economic and environmental factors that challenge their continued survival: growing community needs, mounting funding cuts from all segments of government, increased competition for funding, a limited pool of dedicated community leaders to serve on boards, decreased charitable giving for some causes, and persistent calls for greater accountability. As nonprofits explore new ways of coping with these socioeconomic pressures---such as reorganization, consolidation, mergers, and management service organizations---there is a clear need …

Political Pedagogy And Art Education With Youth In A Street Situation In Salvador, Brazil: An Ethnographic Evaluation Of The Street Education Program Of Projeto Axé, Lance A. Arney

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Projeto Axé is a non-governmental organization that carries out political-pedagogical work and art education for children and adolescents living in a street situation in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. I conducted an exploratory ethnographic study with Projeto Axé's Street Education program in order to observe its day-to-day activities and to conduct a utilization-focused program evaluation (Patton 1997) of its pedagogical praxis. This thesis will describe how ethnographic fieldwork methods are interwoven with the political-pedagogical approaches of Projeto Axé's Street Education program and explain how street educators attempt to construct citizenship with participants in the Street Education program. Findings are based on an …

Clear Speech Effects For Vowels Produced By Monolingual And Bilingual Talkers, Teresa Demasi

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

'Clear speech' is a speaking style that talkers often employ when they know they may have trouble being understood, as when speaking in noise or to a person with a hearing loss. When 'clear speech' produced by native talkers is presented in noise to native listeners, it has been shown to be about 10-15 percentage points more intelligible, on average, than normally produced speech. Recent research has shown that bilingual listeners may experience a smaller intelligibility benefit than monolingual listeners from 'clear speech' produced by monolingual talkers. The present study compares the ability of monolingual and bilingual talkers to produce …

The Effects Of Decision-Making And Leadership Styles On Relationships And Perceived Effectiveness In The University Development Context, Rachael K. Van Loveren

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examined how employees' perceptions of leadership, decision-making, and relationships are associated with their perception of a development operations' effectiveness. Deans, development officers, central development staff, and unit development staff at the University of South Florida were surveyed via email. The results indicated that employees' perceptions of leadership, decision-making, and relationships are strongly related to their perceived job satisfaction, trust, commitment, and control mutuality and consequently their perception of the development operation's effectiveness.

An Evaluation Of Movement Patterns And Effects Of Habitat Patch Size On The Demography Of The Florida Mouse (Podomys Floridanus), Irmgard Lukanik

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Habitat degradation by humans has been the main reason for the decline in numbers of P. floridanus, the only mammal indigenous to the state of Florida, in the past century. The mouse inhabits what remains of scrub and sandhill associations, which are characterized by patches of sandy soils within a more mesic landscape. It has long been accepted that small populations are more prone to decline and extinction than are larger ones as a result of environmental fluctuations. I hypothesized that the demography of a population of P. floridanus would be affected by a restriction in numbers through habitat …