Digital Commons Network^™

Nutrient Distribution Effects From Freshwater Discharge At Franklin Lock And Dam (S-79) In 2005 And 2006 On The Caloosahatchee Estuary And San Carlos Bay, Fort Myers, Florida, Kristan M. Uhlenbrock

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Nutrient distribution correlates with discharge of freshwater from Franklin Lock and Dam structure (S-79) by delivery into the Caloosahatchee Estuary (CE) and out of this area, including the surrounding San Carlos Bay (SCB) and adjacent West Florida Shelf. This study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of nutrients along the CE waterway and illustrates the effects high freshwater discharge from S-79 has on the coastal and offshore environments, providing a potential source of nutrient input. This study consisted of a 7-station transect monitored biweekly from April 2005 thru August 2006 for nutrients, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, and salinity, along …

African American Perceptions Of The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (Fcat) And High School Graduation, Maressa L. Dixon

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

While there is ample research theorizing reasons for so-called "achievement gaps" between African American and White students on standardized tests, few studies explore African Americans' perceptions of the impact these tests have on overall education. Through interviews with six current students attending Hillsborough County public high schools, one recent graduate of a Hillsborough County high school, and two parents of students in Hillsborough County public schools, this research study probes participants' perceptions of the impact of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) on their high school experiences. All participants in the study identified as African American or Black. Through archival …

Asynchronous Cellular Automata - Special Networks Local Slowdown Produces Global Speedup, Arash Khani Ardestani

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Information processing in living tissues is dramatically different from what we see in common man-made computer. The data and processing is distributed into the activity of cells which communicate only with neighboring cells. There is no clock for the global synchronization of cellular activities. There is not even one bit of central memory for globally shared data. The communication network between cells is highly irregular and may change without changing the outcome of the computation. A simple network of automata is introduced and analyzed to represent a mathematical model of special group of cells in an imaginary tissue sample. The …

Perspectives On Reclaimed Water Among Urban Residents In Tampa, Florida, Jonathan Max Bloch

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Increasing urbanization coupled with increased domestic and industrial uses of water has made water conservation an important aspect of environmental management. Reclamation of wastewater is one way in which such conservation can proceed, and the aim of this thesis is to provide a case study about the perspectives of residents and officials involved in the use of reclaimed water in an urban development in Tampa, Florida. Using semi-structured interviews, it seeks to understand the range of opinions on the safety of reclaimed water, its potential prospects as an alternative drinking water supply, and its contribution to the sustainable use of …

Two Methodologies In Pursuit Of The Elucidation Of Copper (Ii)—Centered Bioinorganic Chemistry, William John Wagner

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Copper is a widely distributed transition metal in the earth's crust and has been adopted in a variety of biological systems. In many ways the biochemical usefulness of copper stems from its positive redox potential. This positive redox potential allows copper to assist in the movement of electrons. Copper ions can be found in natural systems as either Cu^I, Cu^II or Cu^III in part due to this redox potential. While Cu^II -centered biochemistry has been studied for years, mechanistic details in certain Cu^II -centered redox reactions remain unresolved. This study presents two methodologies for …

Reducing Sediment And Bacterial Contamination In Water Using Mucilage Extracted From The Opuntia Ficus-Indica Cactus, Audrey Lynn Buttice

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Throughout the past decade an increased amount of attention has been drawn to the water contamination problems that affect the world. As a result, a variety of purification methods targeted at communities in developing countries have surfaced and, although all have contributed to the effort of improving water quality, few have been accepted and sustained for long term usage. Case studies indicate that the most beneficial methods are those which use indigenous resources, as they are both abundant and readily accepted by the communities. In an attempt to make a contribution to the search for water purification methods that can …

Characterization Of Conductive Polycarbonate Films, Selma Hokenek

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Transparency and conductivity are highly desirable qualities in materials for modern gas sensors. Polymer gas sensors have been developed in which the polymer acts as a solid electrolyte. However, these types of sensors are opaque, which limits their potential for integration with dichromatic materials. The development of a sensor integrating conductive polymer films and dichromatic materials requires the implementation of a transparent conductive polymer film. The potential of iodine-doped bisphenol-a polycarbonate films containing bis(ethylenedioxy)-tetrathiafulvalene (BEDO-TTF) dye for sensor applications will be tested through characterization of the films at various stages of their fabrication using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Transmission Electron …

Smart Grid Reliability Assessment Under Variable Weather Conditions, Arif Islam

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The needs of contemporary electric utility customers and expectations regarding energy supply require dramatic changes in the way energy is transmitted and delivered. A smart grid is a concept by which the existing and aging electrical grid infrastructure is being upgraded with integration of multiple applications and technologies; such as two way power transfer, two way communication, renewable distributed generation, automated sensors, automated & advanced controls, central control, forecasting system and microgrids. This enables the grid to be more secure, reliable, efficient, self-healing, while reducing greenhouse gases. In addition, it will provide new products & services and fully optimize asset …

Leaching Of Active Ingredients From Blueberries And Cranberries Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide And Ethanol As An Entrainer And Analyzing Using Gc/Ms, Nada H. Elsayed

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Routine consumption of blueberries and cranberries has been shown to have great health benefits. Blueberries have high amounts of anthocyanin content per serving. Anthocyanins are known to be powerful antioxidants and are linked to the reduction of heart disease and cancer. New research suggests that the berries may also play a role in slowing down age related diseases such as memory loss and tissue damage caused by Alzheimer's. In addition the berries have a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health. Cranberries have long been used to treat urinary tract infections due to the high …

Study On Crash Characteristics And Injury Severity At Roadway Work Zones, Qing Wang

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In USA, despite recent efforts to improve work zone safety, the number of crashes and fatalities at work zones has increased continuously over several past years. For addressing the existing safety problems, a clear understanding of the characteristics of work zone crashes is necessary. This thesis summarized a research study focusing on work zone traffic crash analysis to investigate the characteristics of work zone crashes and to identify the factors contributing to injury severity at work zones. These factors included roadway design, environmental conditions, traffic conditions and vehicle/driver features. Especially, special population groups, which divided into older, middle Age, and …

Advanced Transceiver Algorithms For Ofdm(A) Systems, Hisham A. Mahmoud

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

With the increasing advancements in the digital technology, future wireless systems are promising to support higher data rates, higher mobile speeds, and wider coverage areas, among other features. While further technological developments allow systems to support higher computational complexity, lower power consumption, and employ larger memory units, other resources remain limited. One such resource, which is of great importance to wireless systems, is the available spectrum for radio communications. To be able to support high data rate wireless applications, there is a need for larger bandwidths in the spectrum. Since the spectrum cannot be expanded, studies have been concerned with …

Performance Of Rapid Tooling Molds For Thermoformed Sockets, Jairo R. Chimento

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Traditional prosthetic socket fabrication is a laborious and time consuming process that involves physical measurements, plaster wrapping of the stump, plaster casting for positive mold preparation, and a thermoforming process. During the mold preparation stage, significant modifications are performed subjectively based on the prosthetist's experience to transmit an optimum load to the residual limb through the socket. Rapid Prototyping techniques have advanced rapidly during the recent decades emerging as a computer aided socket design alternative which promises a potential reduction in the fabrication time, and a more systematic design approach. In addition, 3-D scanning provides accurate and fast virtual replica …

The Quasi-Uniformity Condition And Three-Dimensional Geometry Representation As It Applies To The Reproducing Kernel Element Method, Nathaniel O. Collier

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Reproducing Kernel Element Method (RKEM) is a hybrid between finite elements and meshfree methods that provides shape functions of arbitrary order and continuity yet retains the Kronecker-delta property. To achieve these properties, the underlying mesh must meet certain regularity constraints, unique to RKEM. The aim of this dissertation is to develop a precise definition of these constraints, and a general algorithm for assessing a mesh is developed. This check is a critical step in the use of RKEM in any application.

The general checking algorithm is made more specific to apply to two-dimensional triangular meshes with circular supports and …

Politics, Journalism And Web 2.0 In The 2008 U.S. Presidential Elections, Wayne Scott Garcia

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The explosion of new political speech in digital formats in the 2008 elections, especially those involving social networking, offered new opportunities and challenges for political journalists, campaign participants and voters alike. This review of new political media in 2008 examines how these new methods of political organizing and communications work and provides insights to further understand how media can best cover and participate in them. The thesis details how 2008 was the first fully Web 2.0 election, exhibiting its characteristics of interactivity, use of databases and the "long tail" of microniche Internet websites. Three new media uses - online, database-driven …

Comparison Of Routing And Network Coding In Group Communications, Yangyang Xu

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In traditional communication networks, information is delivered as a sequence of packets from source to destination by routing through intermediate nodes which only store and forward those packets. Recent research shows that routing alone is not sufficient to achieve the maximum information transmission rate across a communication network [1]. Network coding is a currently researched topic in information theory that allows the nodes to generate output data by encoding their received data. Thus, nodes may mix the input packets together and send them out as fewer packets. Potential throughput benefit is the initial motivation of the research in network coding. …

Cooper-Hewitt Museum Of Design And Technology (C-Hmd+T): Biomimetic Architecture As Part Of Nature, Isabel Marisa Corsino Carro

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

If architects are to create a sustainable world, one in which we are accountable to the needs of all future generations and living creatures, we must recognize that our present form of designing buildings is deeply flawed. Being the number one cause of emission gases, building design needs to be revolutionized to be able to surpass such climatic changes and finally harmonize with nature. To create a sustainable future and solve the global warming crisis, architects need to incorporate nature within design through the process known as biomimicry. Janine Benyus, the author of Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature, stressed how …

Moment-Dependent Pseudo-Rigid-Body Models For Beam Deflection And Stiffness Kinematics And Elasticity, Diego Alejandro Espinosa

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis introduces a novel parametric beam model for describing the kinematics and elastic properties of ortho-planar compliant Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) with straight beams subject to specific buckling loads. Ortho-planar MEMS have the ability to achieve motion out the plane on which they were fabricated, characteristic that can be used to integrate optical devices such as variable optical attenuators and micro-mirrors. In addition, ortho-planar MEMS with large output forces and long strokes could be used to develop new applications such as tactile displays, active Braille, and actuation of micro-mirrors. In order to analyze the kinematics and elasticity of a curved …

Analysis Of Single Fiber Pushout Test Of Fiber Reinforced Composite With A Nonhomogeneous Interphase, Sri Harsha Garapati

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Fiber pushout test models are developed for a fiber-matrix-composite with a nonhomogeneous interphase. Using design of experiments, the effects of geometry, loading and material parameters on critical parameters of the pushout test such as the load-displacement curve and maximum interfacial shear and normal stresses are studied. The sensitivity analysis shows that initial load displacement curve is dependent only on the indenter type and not on parameters such as fiber volume fraction, interphase type, thickness of interphase, and boundary conditions. In contrast, interfacial shear stresses are not sensitive to indenter type, while the interfacial radial stresses are mainly sensitive to fiber …

Framework For Self Sustaining Eco-Village, Eric Holtgard

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Why are modern American cities fundamentally dependant on outsourced resources and dirty power? Why can't modern cities support themselves and their inhabitants without relying on resources from half way across the world? Even within the city itself, community neighborhoods are disconnected and bisected by massive expanses of life endangering highways. Why can't we wake up and open our eyes to the urban reality we are creating for future generations. Future cities must look past immediate gain and focus on long term sustainability rather than compiling L.E.E.D. points or making a selfish profit.

Sustainable Infrastructure is the first step towards freeing …

2-D Finite Element Modeling For Nanoindentation And Fracture Stress Analysis, Chi Chen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In Chapter 1, a brief introduction of nanoindentation and finite element method is presented. General procedures have been developed based on FEM modeling of nanoindentation data to obtain the mechanical properties of thin films. Selected FEM models are illustrated in detail.

In Chapter 2, nanoindentation test is simulated using finite element method based on contact mechanics approach. The relationship between load and indentation depth is obtained. The numerical results show good agreement with experimental data. It is shown that FEM is an effective tool for simulation of nanoindentation tests of metallic films. However, limitations caused by simplification of models and …

Fundamental Investigations On Open-Framework Intermetallic Materials Of Group 14, Matthew K. Beekman

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Crystalline open-framework intermetallics have long attracted the attention of chemists, physicists, and materials scientists. The intriguing structures such materials exhibit are often intimately related to the unique physical properties they possess. The present work is focused on the preparation and characterization of open-framework intermetallic materials based on group 14 elements, in particular those crystallizing in clathrate and related structures such as the clathrate-II phases. Materials possessing the clathrate-II crystal structure have received increased attention in recent years, as a result of both the unique properties they exhibit as well as potential for use in technologically important applications such as thermoelectrics, …

Techniques For Vlsi Circuit Optimization Considering Process Variations, Mahalingam Venkataraman

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Technology scaling has increased the transistor's susceptibility to process variations in nanometer very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits. The effects of such variations are having a huge impact on performance and hence the timing yield of the integrated circuits. The circuit optimization objectives namely power, area, and delay are highly correlated and conflicting in nature. The inception of variations in process parameters have made their relationship intricate and more difficult to optimize. Traditional deterministic methods ignoring variation effects negatively impacts timing yield. A pessimistic worst case consideration of variations, on the other hand, can lead to severe over design. In …

Effects Of Diluent Addition And Metal Support Interactions In Heterogeneous Catalysis: Sic/Vpo Catalysts For Maleic Anhydride Production And Co/Silica Supported Catalysts For Fts, Ala'a Hamed Kababji

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This work begins with an introduction to catalysis focusing on heterogeneous systems and surface science phenomena. A study on the partial oxidation reaction of n-butane to maleic anhydride (MA) is presented in the first part. MA supplies are barely adequate for market requirements due to continued strong demand. Only slight improvement in catalytic performance would be welcome in the industrial community. The vanadium phosphorus oxide (VPO) catalyst was used in this work. The reaction is highly exothermic and the need to properly support the catalyst, not only for good dispersion but adequate heat dissipation is of crucial importance. For this, …

Intradermal Delivery Of Plasmids Encoding Angiogenic Growth Factors By Electroporation Promotes Wound Healing And Neovascularization, Bernadette Ferraro

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Gene therapy techniques delivering exogenous angiogenic growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), are currently being investigated as potential treatments for ischemia resulting from a variety of conditions, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) and chronic wounds. Despite these intense efforts, a viable clinical option to promote therapeutic neovascularization remains elusive. Electroporation is a simple in vivo method to deliver normally impermeable molecules, such as plasmid DNA, to a variety of tissues including skin and muscle. This study investigated intradermal injection of plasmids encoding angiogenic growth factors with electroporation as a novel …

Photoluminescence Spectroscopy Of Bioconjugated Quantum Dots And Their Application For Early Cancer Detection, Ganna Chornokur

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Most of the bio-applications of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) show and utilize their superior optical properties over organic fluorophores. An estimated 3-35% of all cancer deaths could be avoided through early detection, therefore, there is a critical need to develop sensitive probes.

The objectives of this work are:

Research the phenomena of "blue" photoluminescence (PL) spectral shift on the dried bioconjugated QDs and develop the relevant mechanism;

Develop a methodology that will allow successful confirmation of the bioconjugation reaction between biomolecules and QDs;

Propose a modification of an existent method or approach to employ the "blue" spectral shift of bioconjugated …

Long Term Corrosion Of Reinforcing Strips In Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls, Brandon Seth Berke

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls are a more advanced form of a retaining wall, often larger and able to hold back more backfill. This is achieved by reinforcing strips or meshes (most often galvanized steel) placed into the soil, which are held in place by friction. The strips mechanically stabilize the earth while undergoing tension. The wall is covered with concrete medallions that connect to the reinforcements. The medallions have only a secondary structural role in holding up the wall but provide cover that protects the soil from washing away. MSE walls are structures expected to have very long service …

Personality And Work-Family Conflict: The Mediational Role Of Coping Styles, Rebecca H. Bryant

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Although an extensive body of literature exists on the consequences of work-family conflict (WFC), comparatively little research has examined the construct's antecedents. Research on two sets of antecedent variables, personality and coping style, is particularly scarce. Thus, the present study expands the literature by examining four personality variables (conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, and locus of control) and five coping styles (problem solving, support seeking, positive cognitive restructuring, rumination, and escape) in relation to work-interference-with-family (WIF) and family-interference-with-work (FIW) conflict. Additionally, coping style, which was assessed separately for managing work stressors and for managing family stressors, was examined as a potential mediator …

Effect Of Permeate Suction On The Performance Of Spiral Wound Nanofiltration Module, Awad Abdel Monem El-Shamy

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Fouling in a nanofitration membrane module is usually a result of concentration polarization. The effect of permeate suction on the slightly negatively charged spiral wound nanofiltration membrane is investigated. According to the film theory, the mass transfer coefficient is inversely proportional to concentration polarization. The effect of permeate suction destabilizes the boundary layer. This will decrease the concentration polarization layer, and consequently will increase mass transfer through the membrane's surface.

To validate the hypothesis, experiments were carried out on a NF membrane that can be described by the solution-diffusion model. This model has coefficients that can be measured experimentally. Using …

Risk Communication: An Analysis Of Message Source And Function In Hurricane Mitigation/Preparedness Communication, Andrew M. Gallo

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In September 2008, the National Weather Service (NWS) predicted that Hurricane Ike would make landfall on Galveston Island as a strong category three storm. This led the NWS to release a statement of 'certain death' if people did not adhere to the emergency evacuation messages. Millions of people fled the Texas coast. Using Hazleton and Long's (1993) taxonomy of public relations strategies, experimental methods were conducted with various evacuation messages to test emergency communication. Grunig's (1997) situational theory of publics was used to determine strategy influence. Problem recognition, constraint recognition, and level of involvement were tested. In addition, tests were …

Transformational Processes And Learner Outcomes For Online Learning: An Activity Theory Case Study Of Spanish Students, Joseph M. Terantino

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the actions of online language learners from an activity theoretical perspective. It also attempted to explain how the students' learning outcomes evolved from their online learning experiences. This explanation placed an emphasis on the learners' previous experiences, defining their activity systems, the use of mediational tools, and the resolution of contradictions. Within this activity theoretical case study a background survey, four interviews, and three field observations were conducted with seven foreign language students of an online Spanish course. The students' on-screen actions were recorded and subsequently documented in a video episode …