Digital Commons Network^™

A Closer Look At The Work Hours And Work/Family Relationship: The Moderating And Enhancing Effects Of Fit, Matthew D. Tuttle

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Managing the conflict between work and family role demands is a critical issue that has generated substantial interest for both individuals and organizations in recent decades. One factor thought to contribute to the occurrence of work-family conflict (WFC) is the amount of time committed to activities in either the family or to the work domain. Because time is a finite resource, it has been posited that when one dedicates a certain amount of time to one domain, this will invariably take away from the amount of time available for activities in the other domain. The result of this is conflict …

Ethnic Differences In Body Mass Index, Christine Anne Vaughan

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The greater body mass of African American females relative to Caucasian females is a well-documented finding implicated in ethnic disparities in health outcomes. The principal aim of the current study was to evaluate a theoretical account that may explain ethnic differences in body mass index. The proposed theoretical account focused on appearance-related concerns regarding the desirability of a thin body type as motivation to engage in weight control behavior. It was hypothesized that Caucasians would evidence greater internalization of the thin ideal than African Americans, which would then be associated with greater dietary restriction and physical activity, thereby predicting lower …

Satellite Analysis Of Temporal And Spatial Chlorophyll Patterns On The West Florida Shelf (1997-2003), Lisa Anne Vanderbloemen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this dissertation is to gain a better understanding of the environmental and climatic effects on the temporal and spatial variability of phytoplankton biomass along the West Florida Shelf. Chapter 1 examines temporal and spatial patterns in chlorophyll concentrations using satellite data collected between 1997 and 2003. Chlorophyll data derived from the SeaWiFS sensor are validated with in-situ data and analyzed. Wind, current, sea surface temperature, river, and rain data are used to better understand the factors responsible for the patterns observed in the satellite data. My question is whether the standard OC4 algorithm is adequate for studying …

Linkages Between Environmental Conditions And Recreational King Mackerel Catch Off West-Central Florida, Carrie C. Wall

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine if fronts sustained up to three days will result in an aggregation of kingfish due to the anticipated accumulation of forage, increasing fishing success at these locations. Automated algorithms to detect frontal features in satellite-derived sea surface temperature, chlorophyll concentration, water clarity, and fluorescence images were successfully adapted for the coastal waters off west-central Florida. The surface ocean fronts were used to study the linkages between environmental conditions and recreational catch statistics of king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) during 19 seasonal tournaments held in April to May and October to November of 2004 …

A Morphometric Analysis Of The Geomorphology Of Florida’S Springs, Andrew Curtis Walker

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

An exploratory study of the geomorphology of Florida's springs was conducted using morphometric analysis. Spatial datasets for spring locations, elevation data, physiography, geology and hydrography were acquired for incorporation and analysis with GIS technology. ArcGIS 9 was used to measure certain morphometric parameters from the spatial data for Florida's springs. Other Parameters representing physical and dimensional characteristics of the springs were acquired from FGS Bulletin 66, Springs of Florida. All measured and collected data was compiled into a usable morphometric database. The data is described statistically and summarized according to the spatial distribution of Florida's springs with respect to geology …

Arts In New Directions The Development And Application Of A Construct That Uses The Arts To Promote Transformation And Self-Actualization In Health Care And Education/Therapy, Alexxis Avalon

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Artistic methods to evoke relaxation, spark creativity, and change self-perceptions are already being used by therapists, educators, and scientists. Interdisciplinary collaborations among researchers are developing to create new paradigms that incorporate the use of arts to empower individuals. By describing various connections between the arts and participants, researchers are looking at the expressive arts (including dance, music, drama, poetry, and visual arts) for transformation and self-actualization.The problem is that no construct is available to describe the transformation, "the conscious move from one deep structure of knowledge to another" (Wilber, 2004), that occurs when using the arts in health care and …

Comparing The Effects Of The Exotic Cactus-Feeding Moth, Cactoblastis Cactorum (Berg) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) And A Native Cactus-Feeding Moth, Melitara Prodenialis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) On Two Species Of Florida Opuntia., Amanda J. Baker

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Exotic species are a great concern because of the possibility of negative effects once they become established. The exotic cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum has a reputation for being detrimental to Opuntia populations throughout Florida and the southeastern United States. Multiple projects are currently underway to attempt to contain and eradicate this species before it can migrate to the Opuntia-rich desert southwest and the agricultural Opuntia fields in the Mexican highlands. These projects have been undertaken without previous studies to determine what negative effects, if any, the moth is having on the common native Opuntia species. This is understandable; since it …

Evolutionary Genetics Of The Family Placobranchidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Opisthobranchia: Sacoglossa), Anna Lee Bass

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Members of the family Placobranchidae have been the focus of numerous studies because of their interesting physiological adaptations (kleptochemistry and kleptoplasty) and ecological associations with marine algae. More than 100 species have been described since the 1800's, but no determination of phylogenetic relationships in the family has occurred. DNA sequences from two mitochondrial genes (large subunit ribosomal and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) and one nuclear gene (Histone 3) were used to reconstruct relationships among 34 nominal species within the Placobranchidae. Strong support for terminal nodes was found using Bayesian phylogenetic methods; however, a "soft" polytomy was detected at internal …

Design And Synthesis Of Core Structural Intermediates For Novel Hiv-1 Protease Inhibitors & Synthesis, Biological Activity And Molecular Modeling Of Novel 20s Proteasome Inhibitors, Kiran Kumar Venkata Raja Avancha

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

HIV-1 protease binds to its peptide/protein substrates in extended conformations. Therefore protease inhibitors that are constrained to form extended conformations are likely to produce very active protease inhibitors. This is because they are pre-organized to form favorable interactions with the enzyme environment immediately surrounding the active site. With this hypothesis in mind, we designed a family of structurally related molecules, which contain dipeptide analogs constrained to adopt the extended conformation. Core structural intermediates that are required for the total synthesis of the novel class of HIV-1 protease inhibitors are outlined in Chapter One. Chapter Two discusses the enantioselective synthesis of …

Development Of Ganglioside-Based Assays For The Identification Of Botulinum And Cholera Toxins Utilizing An Evanescent Wave Biosensor, Crystal M. Bedenbaugh

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

An evanescent wave fiber-optic biosensor was used in an effort to develop an assay for the rapid detection of two biological toxins: cholera toxin and botulinum toxin. The Analyte 2000 fiber-optic biosensor utilizes a sandwich immunoassay format. Gangliosides or liposomes are directly adsorbed to the surface of the fiber-optic waveguide through hydrophobic interactions. The waveguide is exposed to a sample containing the toxin of interest, then subsequently exposed to a polyclonal detection antibody conjugated to the fluorophore cyanine 5. Excitation light from a 635nm laser diode is propagated through the waveguide and fluorescent molecules within approximately 100nm of the waveguide …

Gene Expression Profiles And Clinical Parameters For Survival Prediction In Stage Ii And Iii Colorectal Cancer Patients, Mubeena Begum

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Prediction of outcome in colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently based on the TNM staging classification; however, histopathological classification alone is insufficient for accurately predicting survival in stage II and III patients. Studies indicate that microarray gene expression profiles can predict survival in CRC. We hypothesize that tumor gene expression in combination with clinical parameters, is a better predictor of outcome in stage II and III colorectal cancers than the TNM stage classification alone. Clinical records and follow-up data were retrospectively reviewed for 58 Stage II and Stage III patients with primary colorectal cancer, who did not receive any neoadjuvant therapy …

Teaching Philosophy And Practices Among Chemistry Faculty Attending Mid Project Workshops : Implications For Reform In Chemistry, Beverly Dee Barker

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Over the past decade over 600M in funding has been devoted to bringing about reform in science education, but little is known about who is implementing reform, the extent of reform implementation and how educational contexts differentially impact reform innovations. This dissertation explores the results of the Multi-Initiative Dissemination Project (MID Project), a national curriculum reform program that was designed to propagate reform pedagogy among undergraduate chemistry faculty in faculty development workshops. We analyzed data from surveys, in-class observations and faculty interviews to explore the relationships between the participant faculty demographic features and their pedagogy and teaching philosophy before and …

B-Raf Is An Essential Component Of The Mitotic Machinery Critical For Activation Of Mapk Signaling During Mitosis In Xenopus Egg Extracts, Sergiy I. Borysov

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Activation of the MAPK cascade during mitosis is critical for spindle assembly and normal mitotic progression. The underlying regulatory mechanisms that control activation of the MEK/MAPK cascade during mitosis are poorly understood. The goal of my dissertation research is to identify the MEK kinase responsible for activation of the MAPK cascade during mitosis and to elucidate the biochemical mechanisms that regulate its activity. In the described herein work I purified and characterized the MEK kinase activity present in M-phase arrested Xenopus egg extracts. I demonstrate that B-Raf is the critical MEK kinase required for activation of the MAPK pathway at …

Crystal Engineering Of Organic Compounds Including Pharmaceuticals, Joanna A. Bis

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Neutral or charge-assisted hydrogen bonds occurring between organic molecules represent strong and directional forces that mediate the molecular self-assembly into well defined supramolecular architectures. A proper understanding of hydrogen bonding interactions, their types, geometries, and occurrence in supramolecular motifs, is a prerequisite to crystal engineering, i.e. to the rational design of functional solid materials.Multiple-component organic crystals represent ideal systems to study the intermolecular interactions between the constituent molecules that can be pre-selected for their hydrogen bonding sites and geometrical capabilities. In particular, the systematic structural analysis of supramolecular systems that are comprised of simple molecules facilitates the development of strategies …

Rsvp: An Investigation Of The Effects Of Remote Shared Visual Presence On Team Process And Performance In Urban Search & Rescue Teams, Jennifer L. Burke

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This field study presents mobile rescue robots as a way of augmenting communication in distributed teams through a remote shared visual presence (RSVP) consisting of the robot's view. It examines the effects of RSVP on team mental models, team processes, and team performance in collocated and distributed Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) technical search teams, and tests two models of team performance.

Participants (n=50) were US&R task force personnel drawn from high-fidelity training exercises held in California (2004) and New Jersey (2005). Data were collected from the 25 dyadic teams as they performed a 2 x 2 repeated measures search …

Detection Of Pathogenic Bacteria And Fecal Enterococci In Recreational Water With An Evanescent Wave Fiber Optic Biosensor, Maria Theresa Trindade

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Development of a rapid method for the detection of fecal enterococci and pathogenic microorganisms in beach water was attempted utilizing an evanescent wave fiber optic biosensor. Various assay formats including a sandwich immunoassay were tested in the development of a rapid assay. Fluorophore labeled antibodies were used for specific detection of bacteria captured or adsorbed directly to the surface of a polystyrene fiber optic waveguide. Binding of the fluorescent labeled antibody to its specific target or binding of a fluorescent labeled anti-IgG within 100-1000 nm of the waveguide surface caused excitation of the fluorescent conjugate resulting in a quantifiable signal. …

Mothers’ Versus Fathers’ Ratings Of Child Behavior Problems, Jessica K. Curley

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to examine how mothers and fathers view children's internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. More specifically, the relationship between certain factors, such as parental psychological symptoms, levels of interparental conflict, characteristics of the behaviors, and discrepancies in mothers' and fathers' ratings of behavior problems were studied in more depth. Using a between subjects, experimental design, mothers and fathers were randomly assigned to view a videotape and rate the behavior of a male or female child acting in either an internalizing, externalizing, or non-clinical manner. Results showed that there were no differences between mothers' and fathers' …

The Effects Of Fluency Training On Performance, Maintenance, And Generalization Of Parenting Skills, Gertie Williams

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The effects of fluency training on performance, maintenance, and generalization of parent training skills were examined within the context of a classroom and home setting. Three foster parents attended a 24-hour Parenting Tools for Positive Behavior Change (PBC) course. Participants completed timed fluency drills using flash cards to increase learning and performance of PBC tools. A non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants was used to assess participant performance on flash card drills and PBC tools during in-class, pre-test, and post-test role plays, and in novel situations with children in the home before, during and after the course. Results showed that …

Metacognitive Strategies In A Web-Enhanced Environment: The Effects On Achievement In Problem-Solving For Engineering Undergraduates, Sally A. Zabel

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on the effects of using metacognitive strategy cuing integrated into problem-solving activities in a web-based learning environment. Purposes of the study were to investigate: (a) differences in posttest achievement between students who received metacognitive strategies embedded as cues in engineering problem sets and students who did not receive the treatment; (b) differences in perceptions of problem-solving skills between students who received metacognitive strategies embedded as cues in engineering problem set and students who did not receive the treatment; (c) differences in thermodynamics knowledge; (d) problem-solving steps students reported using across problem sets; (e) characteristics of sampled students, …

Physical Studies Of Glycosaminoglycans In Relation To The Adhesion Properties Of Human Cancer Cells, Antonio Peramo

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The study of the processes relating glycobiology and cancer will have increased interest in coming years. To contribute to this trend the outcome of this work will be useful for investigations in glycobiology, using experimental methods exhibiting controlled carbohydrate composition, organization, and orientation, drawn from materials science and physics and that can be used in bioengineering and other technical areas in biology.

In this work, the focus has been on physical studies of some members of the family of glycosaminoglycans and their role in cancer metastasis. The project studies the static adhesion of cancer cells to substrates functionalized with cell …

Occupational Exposure To Ultrafine Particles And Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons From Candle Emissions, David J. Silver

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are present in the ambient atmosphere and are generated from atmospheric gases, pollution sources, and combustion. Candles emit carbonaceous soot particles similar to UFPs present in the ambient atmosphere. With the exception of lead, airborne concentrations of candle emissions have not been shown capable of causing cancer or cardiopulmonary disease during normal use. The purpose of this research is to determine the occupational risk associated with candle emissions.

Candle studies employ chambers to measure candle emission exposures and assess public health risk. Chambers used in previous studies did not match normal room conditions. They were affected by …

Reconstruction Of Late Holocene Precipitation For Central Florida As Derived From Isotopes In Speleothems, Limaris R. Soto

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Little is known about the paleo-precipitation of the Florida Peninsula. In order to better understand Floridas late Holocene climate variability (last 4,200 years), the isotopic composition was analyzed of four speleothems from two caves, in West-Central Florida. Two speleothems were collected from BRC Cave in Hernando County, and two others from Briar Cave in Marion County. This study represents the first speleothem-based paleoclimate records for Florida.

Uranium-series disequilibrium analyses were determined by using thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) to provide accurate determination of chronology of the deposition of the speleothems. Stable isotopic analyses of oxygen and carbon were performed using …

Ammonium Distribution And Dynamics In Relation To Biological Production And Physical Environment In The Marguerite Bay Region Of The West Antarctic Peninsula, Yulia Mikhailovna Serebrennikova

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this study, biogeochemical regimes of Marguerite Bay and the adjacent part of the West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) continental shelf were delineated through integration of nutrient, hydrographic, and biological measurements obtained during the LTER and SO GLOBEC studies during austral summer, autumn, and winter of 2001 and 2002.

Marguerite Bay biogeochemical regime was found to differ from those of the adjacent WAP continental shelf. In terms of Treguer and Jacques (1992), Marguerite Bay is a combination of Coastal Continental Shelf Zone (CCSZ) and Seasonal Ice Zone (SIZ) distinguished by shallow mixing regime, high primary production and export production. At the …

Comparison Of The Use Of Single And Multiple Oxidants On The Generation Of Particulate Matter In Water Distribution Systems Derived From Groundwater Sources Containing Hydrogen Sulfide And Dissolved Organics, Rochelle J. Minnis

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Due to increasingly stringent regulations, concerns about disinfection byproduct formation, and the need for improved control of distribution system water quality, there has been a shift towards the use of alternative disinfectants and oxidants in the production of drinking water. Technologies that modify water chemistry, such as hydrogen peroxide, UV irradiation, chlorine and/or chloramines may result in the generation of mineral and organic precipitates. Turbidity provides an indirect measure of the presence of particles by evaluating the light scattering properties of water. Turbidity levels are currently not monitored or regulated in treated groundwater.

An important water quality parameter that influences …

"And So He Plays His Part:" Theatrical Prejudice And Role-Playing In As You Like It And King Lear, Erin Rutter

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Although most critics affirm the importance of interior direction and role-playing in many of Shakespeares plays, there is a considerable disagreement concerning the result of this role playing: does it lead to positive growth or to degeneration? Moreover, this debate is often associated with the sixteenth-century controversy about the role of the theater in society. Some moralists insist that the theater can be an instrument for instilling virtue while others view the theater as sinful, debasing, and a catalyst to social breakdown. In this thesis, I will explore the antitheatrical prejudice in the early modern era and show how Shakespeare …

Age-Related Differences In Cocaine Place Conditioning And Cocaine-Induced Dopamine, Kimberly A. Badanich

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In humans, adolescent exposure to illicit drugs predicts the onset of adult drug abuse and suggests that early drug use potentiates adolescent vulnerability to drug addiction. In experiment 1, it was hypothesized that adolescent rats would show a CPP for a low cocaine dose if in fact adolescents are more vulnerable to cocaine's rewarding effects. Place preferences were measured in early adolescent [postnatal day (PND) 35], late adolescent (PND 45) and young adult (PND 60) rats by injecting either 0, 5 or 20 mg/kg cocaine and conditioning them to environmental cues in a 2-chamber place conditioning apparatus. Significant cocaine preferences …

Arterial Perfusion Detection Method By Synchronous Detection, Yohan Prevot

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The pressure ulcer is a well-known clinical problem that has plagued many patients in acute-care hospitals and chronic-care facilities. The pressure ulcer has the potential to diminish the quality of a patient's life by hindering the person's physical and emotional well-being. In addition, pressure ulcers are a high-cost problem. Past studies have shown that costs related to the treatment of pressure ulcers have reached 1.335 billion dollars a year in the United States alone.

A pressure ulcer is defined as a lesion created by unrelieved pressure, which causes tissue ischemia and subsequently damages the underlying tissue. This sequence of events …

Chromosome Missegregation In Alzheimer’S Disease Caused By Presenilin 1, Debrah I. Boeras

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Mutations in the presenilin 1 gene account for most early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD). The presenilins and AD may also be related through a common involvement in the cell cycle. Here we report that one important aspect of the cell cycle---proper chromosome segregation---is dependent on presenilin function and therefore may be involved in AD pathogenesis. Specifically we find that FAD mutations in presenilin 1 (M146L and M146V) lead to chromosome missegregation and aneuploidy in vivo and in vitro: 1) Both metaphase chromosome analysis and in situ hybridization reveal significant aneuploidy in the lymphocytes and neurons of PS-1 transgenic mice. 2) …

Use Of Random Subspace Ensembles On Gene Expression Profiles In Survival Prediction For Colon Cancer Patients, Vidya Kamath

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cancer is a disease process that emerges out of a series of genetic mutations that cause seemingly uncontrolled multiplication of cells. The molecular genetics of cells indicates that different combinations of genetic events or alternative pathways in cells may lead to cancer. A study of the gene expressions of cancer cells, in combination with the external influential factors, can greatly aid in cancer management such as understanding the initiation and etiology of cancer, as well as detection, assessment and prediction of the progression of cancer.

Gene expression analysis of cells yields a very large number of features that can be …

Mosaic, Vicki L. Kennedy

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Mosaic is the story of Alicia O'Day, a woman who looks back at her life from the vantage point of middle age and attempts to arrange the shards of her past into something meaningful. As she relates her story, illustrating her errors, we realize she has changed and grown enough to see herself with added wisdom and humor. The chaos of her younger days is seen as a learning process. The broken vessel has been mended, and the scars from the seams add interest to the original piece.

As Alicia reviews her life, she glues the broken fragments back into …