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Formal Reasoning And Spatial Ability: A Step Towards "Science For All", Bo Jiang

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This work conducts an evaluation of a non-majors science curriculum named Molecules of Life (MOL) that aims to provide effective science education to undergraduate students who are not majoring in scientific disciplines.

As part of the process of developing an assessment plan for MOL, three related studies were undertaken in order to help us choose assessment instruments for MOL. The first study examined the validity of student evaluations of teaching. The second study investigated the Test of Logical Thinking (TOLT) and Group Assessment of Logical Thinking (GALT), two widely-used instruments for measuring formal reasoning ability. GALT is very similar to …

Genetic Algorithm Based Design And Optimization Of Vlsi Asics And Reconfigurable Hardware, Pradeep Ruben Fernando

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Rapid advances in integration technology have tremendously increased the design complexity of very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits, necessitating robust optimization techniques in many stages of VLSI design. A genetic algorithm (GA) is a stochastic optimization technique that uses principles derived from the evolutionary process in nature. In this work, genetic algorithms are used to alleviate the hardware design process of VLSI application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and reconfigurable hardware.

VLSI ASIC design suffers from high design complexity and a large number of optimization objectives requiring hierarchical design approaches and multi-objective optimization techniques. The floorplanning stage of the design cycle …

The Social Context Of Cervical Cancer Knowledge And Prevention Among Haitian Immigrant Women, Janelle Marie Menard

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cervical cancer is the primary cause of cancer deaths among Haitian women; however, the social context of cervical cancer among Haitian immigrant women has not been systematically examined. The ways in which women assign meaning to this disease, understand its causality and situate it within the broader context of gynecological health are poorly understood. Further, Haitian immigrant women's perceptions of disease risk, including knowledge and understanding about Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the primary etiologic factor in cervical cancer, have not been explored. Few studies have assessed health behaviors, including culturally mediated feminine hygiene practices, among Haitian immigrant women, which may negatively …

Public Opinion And The Introduction Of Congressional Environmental Legislation, 1973-2002, Hugh Eugene Jarvis

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between public opinion about the environment and the introduction of congressional legislation on environmental issues. Using public opinion data gathered by the General Social Survey from 1977 to 2002, this work examines correlations between how the public views the environment in each and the number of bills introduced in the U.S. House and Senate addressing environmental issues. The findings indicate that there is a correlation between overall concern felt in the public and congressional action on certain aspects of environmental protection. The results also highlight the potentially disturbing finding that the race and economic class …

The Role Of Pharmacists And Emergency Contraception: An Assessment Of Pharmacy School Curricula In The U.S. And The Knowledge, Attitudes, And Dispensing Practices Of Florida Pharmacists., Alice R. Richman

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Emergency contraception is a safe and effective form of contraception that is 75%-89% effective in preventing pregnancies within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraception is a type of hormonal contraception, containing high doses of estrogen and progestin (ethinyl estradiol plus levonorgestrel) or progestin only (levonorgestrel). Wider access to emergency contraception has the potential to decrease the number of unintended pregnancies and abortions in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has previously denied any over-the-counter (OTC) access to emergency contraception and only recently approved it for OTC status for women 18 years old and over; therefore, pharmacists continue …

The Role Of Curcumin In Human Dendritic Cell Maturation And Function, Shawna A. Shirley

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Curcumin is the yellow pigment found in the Indian spice curry. It has anti-inflammatory, ant-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and wound healing properties. It is widely used in industry for its flavor as a spice and as a coloring agent because of its brilliant yellow color. It is also used as a dye for textiles and as an additive to cosmetics. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the sentinels of the immune system and functions as the bridge between the innate and adaptive immune response. The effect of curcumin on DCs is poorly understood. A study shows curcumin prevents the immuno-stimulatory function of …

A Molecular-Dynamics Study Of The Frictional Anisotropy On The 2-Fold Surface Of A D-Alnico Quasicrystalline Approximant, Heather Mcrae Harper

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In 2005, Park et al. demonstrated that the 2-fold surface of a d-AlNiCo quasicrystal exhibits an 8-fold frictional anisotropy, as measured by atomic-force microscopy, between the periodic and aperiodic directions [40, 41]. It has been well known that quasicrystals exhibit lower friction than their crystalline counterparts [38, 18, 51, 30, 12, 54]; however, the discovery of the frictional anisotropy allows for a unique opportunity to study the effect of periodicity on friction when chemical composition, oxidation, and wear are no longer variables.

The work presented herein is focused on obtaining an understanding of the mechanisms of friction and the …

Three-Dimensional Microscopy By Laser Scanning And Multi-Wavelength Digital Holography, Alexander Khmaladze

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents techniques of three-dimensional microscopy. First, an economical method of microscopic image formation that employs a raster-scanning laser beam focused on a sample, while non-imaging detector receives the scattered light is presented. The images produced by this method are analogous to the scanning electron microscopy with visible effects of shadowing and reflection. Compared to a conventional wide-field imaging system, the system allows for a greater flexibility, as the variety of optical detectors, such as PMT and position-sensitive quadrant photodiode can be used to acquire images. The system demonstrates a simple, low-cost method of achieving the resolution on the …

Dynamic Assessment: Towards A Model Of Dialogic Engagement, Robert Summers

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effects of Dynamic Assessment (DA) training on the mediational strategies of experienced teachers of French as a foreign language. Moreover the strategies that mediators used for students at different levels of language experience were investigated. Last the ways in which mediators manifested mediational sensitivity, reciprocity and management was examined.

Four mediators underwent DA training that exposed them to the theoretical underpinnings of DA as well as sound DA procedures. To determine the effect of this training, the way in which the mediators conducted their mediation was compared from pre-DA training to post-DA training. Three of these …

Spray Deposition Of Biomolecular Thin Films, Mihir K. Rayan

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this paper, a parametric study of the airbrush deposition technique was investigated for the deposition biomolecular thin films. The airbrush parameters under investigation were intake valve opening, carrier gas pressure, distance between the airbrush and substrate, concentration of solution, vapor pressure of solvent, and hydrophobic/hydrophilic substrate surface. This study was assessed through the characterization of dried droplet residues of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and of complete films of BSA by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was determined that droplet size was mainly affected by carrier gas pressure and vapor pressure. The parameters …

Statistical Profile Generation Of Real-Time Uav-Based Traffic Data, Anuj Puri

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Small unmanned vehicles are used to provide the eye-in-the-sky alternative to monitoring and regulating traffic dynamically. Spatial-temporal visual data are collected in real-time and they are used to generate traffic-related statistical profiles, serving as inputs to traffic simulation models. Generated profiles, which are continuously updated, are used to calibrate traffic model parameters, to obtain more accurate and reliable simulation models, and for model modifications. This method overcomes limitations of existing traffic simulation models, which suffer from outdated data, poorly calibrated parameters, questionable accuracy and poor predictions of traffic patterns.

A Longitudinal Study: The Impact Of A Comprehensive Emergency Management System On Disaster Response In The Commonwealth Of The Bahamas, Erin P. Hughey

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Global trends show increasing losses from disasters as the number of people at risk grows by 70 to 80 million per year (United Nations, 2004). Although the frequency of natural disasters may be constant the human interaction with the given hazard has shifted through changes in development practices, environmental protection as well as the distribution of population and wealth. In an effort to combat the negative social, economic, and environmental impacts of hazards, strategies for identifying vulnerable populations and implementing mitigation measures is a high priority in hazards research. However despite our best efforts disasters have and will continue to …

Flavonoids As Modulators Of Amyloid Precursor Protein Metabolism And Alzheimer Disease Pathology, Kavon Rezai-Zadeh

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder pathologically characterized by deposition of ß-amyloid (Aß) peptides as plaques in the brain. Central to this AD pathology is mismetabolism of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Recent studies suggest that flavonoids, a class of secondary plant metabolites, may be useful for the prevention and treatment of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. The studies detailed herein, investigate the ability of two such classes of flavonoids, green tea derived catechins and 5,7-dihydroxyflavones, to modulate APP metabolism in "Swedish" mutant APP (APP_sw) models of AD. Studies showed that green tea derived (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) …

Quantitative Phase Imaging Microscopy With Multi-Wavelength Optical Phase Unwrapping, Nilanthi Warnasooriya

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a quantitative phase imaging microscopy technique that combines phase-shifting interferometry with multi-wavelength optical phase unwrapping. The technique consists of a Michelson-type interferometer illuminated with any of three types of light sources; light emitting diodes, laser diodes and a ring dye laser. Interference images are obtained by using a 4-frame phase shifting method, and are combined to calculate the phase of the object surface. The 2π ambiguities are removed by repeating the experiment combining two and three different wavelengths, which yields phase images of effective wavelength much longer than the original. The resulting image is a profile of …

Three Wittgensteins: Interpreting The Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, Thomas J. Brommage Jr.

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

There are historically three main trends in understanding Wittgenstein's Tractatus. The first is the interpretation offered by the Vienna Circle. They read Wittgenstein as arguing that neither metaphysical nor normative propositions have any cognitive meaning, and thus are to be considered nonsense. This interpretation understands Wittgenstein as setting the limits of sense, and prescribing that nothing of substantive philosophical importance lies beyond that line. The second way of reading the Tractatus, which has became popular since the 1950s, is the interpretation which most currently accept as the early Wittgenstein's view; for this reason I refer to it …

Minding The Gap: What It Is To Pay Attention Following The Collapse Of The Subject-Object Distinction, S West Gurley

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Contemporary studies of the phenomenon of attention uncritically suppose that the only way to go about observing attention is as a modification of consciousness. Consciousness is taken to be always intentional, i.e., distinguished by reference to an object-whether physical or not-toward which it is directed. Observers of attention therefore assume that attention is an intentional modification of consciousness. Such practices of observation, in virtue of the kinds of practices that they are, take for granted that the fundamental constituents of reality are subjects and objects. Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger (and Maurice Merleau-Ponty after them) discovered that belief in the …

Active And Passive Microwave Radiometry For Transcutaneous Measurements Of Temperature And Oxygen Saturation, Thomas A. Ricard

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this work we explore two novel uses of microwave technology in biomedical applications. Introductory material on the electrical properties of biological tissues is presented to form the groundwork for the basic theory behind both techniques.

First, we develop a technique that uses 60 GHz signals to detect changes in blood oxidation levels. Several atmospheric propagation models are adapted to predict oxygen resonance spectra near this frequency. We are able to predict and observe the changes in these levels as the blood ages up to 48 hours. Identical testing procedures performed using arterial blood gas (ABG) calibration samples with controlled …

Factors Affecting Message Intelligibility Of Cued Speech Transliterators, Katherine Pelley

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

While a majority of deaf students mainstreamed in public schools rely on interpreters, little research has investigated interpreter skills and no research to date has focused on interpreter intelligibility (Kluwin & Stewart, 2001). This thesis is the second in a series of experiments designed to quantify the contribution of various factors affecting the intelligibility of interpreters (transliterators) who use English-based communication modes. In the first experiment, 12 Cued Speech transliterators were asked to transliterate an audio lecture. Two aspects of these transliterated performances were then analyzed: 1) accuracy, as measured as the percent-correct cues produced, and 2) lag time, the …

Regards Sur L’Être Et Le Paraitre Dans Trois Portraits Du Xviie Siècle, Martine J. Landis

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Introduced in French Salons as a parlor game, the literary portrait appears in mid Seventeenth-Century. It is similar to the literary portraits inserted in Roman à clé but it does not hide the identity of the subject behind a pseudonym, it depicts the individual as is. In a self-portrait subjects look at, observe, evaluate then describe themselves. They offer themselves to the gaze of others and propose a true reading of what they are. The self-portrait attempts to harmonize the appearance and the inner being, to render visible the essence of the person. However, in the Seventeenth Century, people reinvent …

Performance And Perception: An Experimental Investigation Of The Impact Of Continuous Reporting And Continuous Assurance On Individual Investors, Anita Reed

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to examine the impact of different levels of reporting frequency (periodic versus continuous) of financial information, both with and without assurance, on individual investors in a stock price prediction task. Reporting was manipulated at two levels: periodic and continuous. Assurance was manipulated at two levels: no assurance and with assurance. In addition, a base level condition was included. The experiment was designed to collect data regarding both the investors' performance and their perceptions. Period one of the experiment consisted of the base level condition for all participants. Independent variable manipulation was implemented in period two, using …

Microarray Analysis Of Streptococcus Mutans And Actinomyces Viscosus In Homologous And Heterologous Cultures, Steven Andrew Horton

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans is a known etiological agent for dental root decay and coronal caries. It has been hypothesized, but not yet proven, that S. mutans expression of virulence genes in dental plaque may be influenced by its interaction with co-aggregating partners, notably Fusobacterium nucleatum and Actinomyces viscosus. Investigation of the suitability of mixed cultures of S. mutans with F. nucleatum versus S. mutans with A. viscosus proved that A. viscosus was a better target in the present laboratory setting. Furthermore, A. viscosus, a causative agent of mandible osteomyelitis and endocarditis, has been shown to have …

Systematic Analysis Of Structure-Function Relationships Of Conserved Sequence Motifs In The Nadh-Binding Lobe Of Cytochrome B5 Reductase, Glenn W. Roma

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

NADH:Cytochrome b₅ Reductase (cb5r) catalyzes the reduction of the ferric iron (Fe³⁺) atom of the heme cofactor found within cytochrome b₅ (cb5) by the reduction of the FAD cofactor of cb₅r from reducing equivalents of the physiological electron donor, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). Cb5r is characterized by the presence of two domains necessary for proper enzyme function: a flavin-binding domain and a pyridine nucleotide-binding domain. Within these domains are highly conserved "motifs" necessary for the correct binding and orientation of both the NADH coenzyme and the FAD cofactor.

To address the importance …

Religious Exiles And Emigrants: The Changing Face Of Zoroastrianism, Tara Angelique Migliore

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Zoroastrianism was founded by the prophet Zarathushtra ca 1400 to 1200 BCE and is generally acknowledged as the world's oldest monotheistic and revealed religion. It dominated three great Iranian empires, and influenced Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Mahayana Buddhism. At one point in time, their numbers surely seemed limitless. Today, however, roughly 150,000 Zoroastrians are scattered all over the globe in very small numbers. The faith is at a crossroads, and its very existence is threatened.

This is an examination of the decline and subsequent change of this previously influential and vital religion. Zoroastrians have been able to maintain the major …

The Effect Of Multidimensional Information Presentation On The Effectiveness And Efficiency Of A Spatial Accounting Judgment, John K. Tan

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study is the first in a series of planned studies on the application of multidimensional visualization of business information and data within the context of accounting. The study's research question is: When is multidimensional visualization of information a better problem representation, improving both the effectiveness and efficiency of a spatial accounting judgment?

To examine when multidimensional visualization can assist auditors in configural cue pattern recognition, the study employs the traditional DuPont analysis as the three pieces of key information to be represented on the X, Y, and Z axes of a single 3-D perspective display. To help determine when …

Relationships Among Language Use, Phonological Skill, And Vocabulary In English Language Learning Preschoolers, Timothy D. Hill

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The present study present study explored the relationships among language use, phonological skill, and vocabulary development for 36 Cuban and Puerto Rican ELL preschoolers. Family-level variables included mother's education level and mother's language ability. Three-way ANOVAs were used to investigate the relationships among child- and family-level variables and children's performance on articulation (completeness of phonetic inventory (CPI) and proportion of whole-word proximity (PWP)) and language measures (Picture Vocabulary (PV) and Memory for Sentences (MS) subtests of the WLPB-R) in English and Spanish. Regression and correlational analyses were conducted to describe relationships between variables.

Findings indicated that children in all language …

Structural Diversity In Metal-Organic Materials, Gregory J. Mcmanus

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The interest in metal-organic materials namely, coordination polymers and metal-organic frameworks has risen dramatically over the past few years. To a certain extent this interest is a consequence of the realization chemists have discovered how to play a form of molecular Lego® in which metal cations or metal clusters represent the bricks (or nodes) and organic ligands such as 4,4-bipyridine (bipy) or benzene-dicarboxylate represents the glue (or spacers). The "node-and-spacer" approach to self-assembly can be invoked in such a manner that a plethora of infinite architectures and discrete polyhedra can be generated from geometric principles, some of which are unprecedented …

Can Using One Trainer Solely To Deliver Prompts And Feedback During Role Plays Increase Correct Performance Of Parenting Skills In A Behavioral Parent Training Program?, Michael M. Cripe

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Behavioral Parent Training refers to a broad range of instructional programs that teach parents and other caregivers ways to build and change behavioral repertoires of children. Most, if not all, such programs employ Behavioral Skills Training (modeling, prompting, role-play practice and feedback) to teach parenting skills. However, specific ways to use prompting during role plays have not been described in the behavioral parent training literature. The present study compared two methods of conducting role plays during parent training. A between group, pretest/posttest design was used to evaluate and compare the effect of using one versus two trainers on the role-play …

Effects Of Supervisor’S Presence On Staff Response To Tactile Prompts And Self-Monitoring In A Group Home Setting, Judy M. Mowery

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Staff management research in group home settings has involved direct observation of staff performance during pre-treatment and treatment conditions. Collecting accurate research data is crucial to analyze treatment effects; however, reactivity to being observed has been cited as a limitation in several studies. The current study evaluated the use of a tactile prompt, self-monitoring, and feedback to increase positive interaction in a group home setting. Direct support professional staff were trained on the purpose and use of the MotivAider which provided tactile prompts to remind them to engage in positive client interaction. Reactivity was assessed by having a confederate observe …

Health Decision Behaviors: Appropriateness Of Dietary Choice, Daryle Hermelin Wane

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Dietary choice is a complex mechanism that is influenced by multiple internal and external factors that impact individuals across the life span. The study was designed to examine how individuals make snack food choices based on integration of food motives (cues), appropriateness (nutritional index) as functions of nutritional knowledge, food-related motives, and information processing styles. Community college students participated in a multi part on line survey that ascertained food motives (FCQ), nutrition knowledge (FNQ), information processing (NFC), food pairing task and demographic background data. The single sided Lens model was used to determine the regression weights of the nine food …

Improving Staff Performance By Enhancing Staff Training Procedures And Organizational Behavior Management Procedures, Dennis Martin Mcclelland Jr.

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The ability of direct care staff members to carry out behavior programs, specific protocols written by a behavior analyst, or recommendations made after completion of a functional behavioral assessment is an essential tool needed for such documents to actually be meaningful to patients. Since direct care staff members spend the most time directly working with patients, it is imperative that they carry out intervention procedures with reliability and fidelity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of staff training procedures as well as organizational behavior management techniques used to ensure that staff members are equipped with the tools they need and are …